Every chapter started is bound of end one day, just like a beautiful season comes to an end 

No feeling in this world could surpass the nervousness of knowing today was the final day—the day everything was going to come to an end.

The anxiety was wreaking havoc on your body. Your hands were clamped together, your legs were trembling slightly, and you were stuck in your seat. You hadn't experienced such emotions since the very first day of college; today, you felt like a rookie in a courtroom where you had served for almost years.

"Here, drink this," Jackson said as he slid a glass of cold water towards you. You drank it almost greedily.

"Starvation gives the best appreciation of food," your father's old, often-repeated quote flashed through your mind. It seemed a bit cliché, but today you truly understood its meaning.

Today was the culmination of Eleven long months of waiting. It was the day you had endured so much for, the day you had practically begged your father to continue with the case. Today was the day an innocent soul would finally get the justice it deserved, though it came much later than it should have.

Only you knew how hard it was for you to reach this point. You couldn't let your nervousness undermine the hard work you had put in over the months. You starved for the results of this case, and today was the day you would finally be served what you deserved.

"We still have time, right?" You asked Jackson who was sitting behind you with Mark, your intern. Instead of Jackson Mark answered your question with enthusiasm, "Yes ma'am we still have an hour left" you nodded quietly and stood up to walk way for the much-needed oxygen.

Crossing all the media without being seen was the hardest task but still you steal some minutes for yourself. Walking towards the secluded area of the courtroom you took a deep breath that calmed your nerves. The slight cold breeze of coming October chilled your soul, it was much needed.

A sardonic chuckle escaped your lips at the realization of your current situation. How did you end up in this mess anyway? all this started when you decided to help to seek justice for an old man for his dead son... but why are you emotional drained today?

Why were these 11 months the hell of a ride for you? maybe you knew the answer, because of that one man. Despite all your efforts every night, you couldn't erase those Dragon eyes from your mind. Even in this high-stakes situation, you found yourself thinking about him and his words from that night. The more you pondered, the more absurd your fate seemed, and you couldn't help but laugh bitterly at the cruel twists of destiny.

The man you had tried so hard to avoid, the very day you had wished never to face him again, walked through the door of the courtroom. It was as if the play didn't stop there; this case was a game changer for your life, but not in a positive way. It tested every aspect of your existence through the guise of this case.

You could have solved this case more with your intelligence if your past had come knocking you in your guts. What else was left to put on a test for you? Your friendship with Jackson Wang was put to the test. Your relationship with your brother, your father, your mother was all scrutinized.

 This case examined your patience and resilience with people you had nearly forgotten you'd ever interacted with, including Mr. Seokjin and Soo-Hyun sir. It felt like every connection in your life was under a magnifying glass.

No relation was left alone, what was this case? your karma? 

so many questions, so much confusion, nothing cleared yet...

Life can be strange, but this case was the strangest twist of all. It would become a permanent part of your story, something you'd recount to your children someday as an epic saga of your life.

Throughout this journey, some relationships nearly shattered while others, which you had hoped to leave behind, unexpectedly resurfaced. This case was like a whirlwind that had rearranged your life in ways you never anticipated.

Your all strange 'firsts' were also related to this case first time being kidnapped, first time being tortured, first time experiencing something like confession, first time seeing your brother affectionate, so much for a first experience 

Now, as you faced this final day, every emotion, every past conflict, and every strained relationship seemed to converge in this single moment. Your nerves were frayed, but you had come too far to let it all fall apart now. Today was the day for which you had fought so hard, and despite the overwhelming feelings and tangled relationships, you were determined to see it through to the end. 

You had seen the end of this case, before you lost your sanity. 

Today was the final war.

war of emotions, A war from fear

A war that turned your life upside down... A war that revealed the true faces of the people you had spent half your life with—people like your mother.

You still remember that day, the day that changed everything in your house, which once was your home. 

"How does she always find a way to embarrass me like this..." your mother muttered in frustration, rubbing her forehead as though the situation was just another inconvenience. Your father, on the other hand, stood frozen in disbelief, his eyes wide as he tried to process her callousness.

It was the day you were discharged from the hospital, still weak, barely able to walk, and your brother and father had rushed you back to Daegu. But the moment you stepped through the door, you were met with cruelty.

You hadn't even had a chance to lie down and rest before the stinging taunts started.

"How heartless can you be, Sumin?!" Your father raged, his voice shaking the room. "Your daughter just crawled out of hell, and you're worried about your so-called reputation!" His eyes were fierce as he glared at your mother. He gently guided you to sit on the couch, then turned to face her, making it clear he wouldn't let this go.

But your mother was unmoved. "Yes, I am worried about my reputation," she sneered, folding her arms across her chest. "Just look at her. She has no shame, parading herself like that, getting involved in God knows what! She walked right into that situation—what did she expect? Of course, something like this was bound to happen!"

Your father's patience snapped. "ENOUGH!" he roared, his voice bouncing off the walls, but your mother just clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"Bound to happen?" he repeated, his voice trembling with anger. "You think this is her fault? You think she deserved this?"

Your mother rolled her eyes. "If she had even a shred of common sense, she wouldn't be in this mess. But no, she had to make a spectacle of herself, draw attention to us, and now I have to live with the humiliation. Do you know how many people are talking about this? My friends, my colleagues—they all pity me!" She spat the word pity as if it were poison.

"It's always about you, isn't it?" your father seethed. "Your image, your reputation, your precious social circle."

"Because that's what matters!" she snapped back. "I've worked too hard for too long to let her ruin everything I've built. Do you think I care what happens to her? She's reckless! A liability!" 

A sudden, sharp intake of breath cut through the tension. Your mother gasped audibly; eyes wide with shock as your father's hand lifted halfway into the air. But the slap never came. His hand stopped, trembling with rage, before crumbling mid-swing.

It was a cultural shock for your mother—a man she had humiliated for years had come to the brink of breaking, but even now, he held back. Instead, your father grabbed her wrist, squeezing it tightly as his eyes bore into hers.

I have tolerated you for 30 years Min Sumin, .... Not my kids," he growled, his voice thick with emotion. "They are my whole world. My pride. You can come after me all you want, Sumin, but never my children."

Your mother stood frozen in place, trying to regain her composure, but your father wasn't finished. He straightened, the fury in his voice giving way to cold disdain.

"Sumin... you know what?" He paused, his voice calm but dripping with pity. "I feel sorry for you."

Her eyes flared in shock.

"I pity your life, Min Sumin. How do you even manage to live so fake, so shallow?" he continued, his words like a knife. "You're worried about your reputation—one that's worth nothing. You're worried about impressing your so-called friends, the same ones who laugh behind your back every chance they get."

His eyes gleamed with scorn. "Your grand reputation as a snobby, arrogant, foolish Karen. That's what you're clinging to, huh?" He laughed bitterly, clapping mockingly. "Unbelievable."

Your mother's face paled, but before she could even open her mouth to protest, your father's face darkened, his next words a thunderclap in the quiet room.

"But enough is enough," he said, his voice low and lethal. "Let's end this."

You gasped in shock. "Dad!" The word tumbled from your lips, but he shot you a warning look.

"Not a word, Nini. Let me handle this," he commanded, his voice firm. The room grew even colder as he turned back to your mother, who was now trembling, her confident mask crumbling.

"The woman who hasn't cared about her family for 30 years. A simple signature on some divorce papers won't bother her, right?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he smiled bitterly at your mother.

"Look at me, laugh at me!" your father shouted through his tears, his voice cracking with both rage and sorrow. His eyes were red, filled with unshed tears, but he was laughing—a broken, bitter laugh. "This is what loving this woman has done to me. It made me a pathetic man."

His voice dropped, and the laughter died in his throat as his anger turned into a deep sadness. "I tolerated you, Sumin. I put up with you for years, for the sake of our kids... but not anymore."

"Not anymore," he whispered, turning toward you. The sudden gesture startled you as he knelt before you, where you sat on the couch, frozen and hesitant. You'd never seen him like this—so raw, so vulnerable.

He took your hands in his, his touch trembling. "I'm sorry, Y/N," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I failed you. I failed to give my kids the family they deserved. I'm so sorry."

Tears streamed down his face as he sobbed, the weight of years of silence finally crashing down.

Just then, your brother, Yoongi, entered the house, carrying his luggage. He had been there earlier, silently watching as your mother's disdain for you unfolded. He had seen everything, but his throat had been clogged with unsaid words, emotions buried deep within him for years.

As Yoongi stood in the doorway, his eyes darkened with realization. The respect he once held for your mother—it shattered in that moment, disappearing like smoke in the wind.

Your mother, seeing her carefully constructed world crumble, was now filled with panic. Her breath hitched as she looked between you, your father, and Yoongi, her voice shaking with desperation.

"Y-Yoongi!" she called out, her voice trembling. "See what he's saying? Say something!" She pleaded, her eyes now filled with tears, trying to appeal to her son. She needed someone to take her side.

But Yoongi didn't move. He stood there, the weight of everything hanging in the air. The woman he once called "mother" was now nothing more than a stranger in his eyes, a person who had just been unmasked for who she truly was.

"THEY ARE DISRESPECTING YOUR MOTHER YOONGI!" she screeched and held his collar urgently, shaking him to his senses but Yoongi gently freed himself from her hold and clutched her hands whispering, "That mother should've have thought of the consequences before calling my sister a liability all her life...." 

Her face drained of color, and she staggered back in disbelief, the cold realization of her words sinking in as contempt and shock twisted her expression.

"My son won't melt at the sight of your tears, Sumin," your father whispered menacingly, his voice steady but laced with anger. "He's come to realize the truth, just like I have."

Your mother's eyes widened in shock, her composure slipping as she struggled to grasp the reality of the situation. "An ugly truth doesn't stay hidden for long, Sumin," your father continued, his voice cold. "It always comes to the surface, and when it does... there's no going back."

She was trembling now, her eyes darting between the three of you. Desperation crept into her voice as she tried to find an escape. "People will laugh at you, Suk-Ja, if you divorce me at this age. They'll call you names, ridicule you—"

"Let them," he cut her off, his voice firm and unwavering. "I don't care. I'll take their laughter, their judgment—none of it matters anymore. But what will happen is this: tomorrow, you will sign the divorce papers."

The finality in his words hit her like a blow. There was no more pleading, no more manipulation that could sway him. His mind was made up.

Your eyes filled with tears as you sniffled, realizing that in just a few minutes, your happy family had shattered. Your mother may not have been part of the joy, but no child wants to see their parents part ways. She had never truly treated you like a mother should, yet deep down, she was still your mother.

Toxic?

Perhaps. All those years spent longing for her love, and now the situation was so broken that you could no longer expect it. You had wanted to end the mental trauma, to finally feel her affection, but nothing had worked out in your favor.

As you contemplated your newly shattered life, you heard footsteps behind you. You quickly composed yourself, taking a deep breath to clear your face of tears.

A figure stood beside you at a respectful distance. No words were exchanged, but from the corner of your eye, you recognized him—Kim Namjoon.

Minutes passed, and neither of you made a move to speak first, as if that was never the intention. Perhaps he was simply there to offer silent comfort.

You sniffed and glanced to your right, finding Namjoon already gazing at you, his unspoken emotions laid bare in his eyes. There was something familiar yet startling in his expression, as if his eyes were trying to tell you what words never could—that you weren't alone. He was here, standing beside you.

You gulped down the painful realization. He was comforting you without even saying a word. His gaze held a quiet warmth and an unspoken assurance, offering solace when you least expected it. And that hurt you even more.

Unexpected?

Were you sure? Hadn't he been trying to prove something to you all these past eleven months?

Your breath hitched as a realization struck deep. You suddenly understood the depth of his feelings. But you couldn't let it sink in—you quickly shut your eyes, trying to push the thought away, trying to delete it from your mind.

You couldn't allow yourself to hope again.

After dreaming of those eyes for an entire month, you were now standing face to face with them, and the weight of it felt surreal.

He swallowed hard and inched a little closer, still searching your eyes. His were filled with everything he couldn't say out loud, while yours brimmed with tears you refused to shed.

Without a word, you turned and walked away, leaving him behind with his unanswered questions. The silent message was clear, even if it went unsaid.

Namjoon stood there, his heart heavy with the unmistakable truth.

Shuffling with his cuffs, he adjusted his tie with a quick, subtle jerk, pulling it snug against his neck. A quick spray of his go-to cologne followed as he ran a hand through his already styled hair, making sure everything was perfect. A smirk played on his lips, and his sinister eyes gleamed with anticipation for the events about to unfold.

His dark heart was already brimming with the certainty of victory. He only needed to secure the final screw in place today.

But they say, "Never celebrate too early." Who was going to tell him that? His dad?

That man was even more immature than his own son, and it was because of him that they were in this situation to begin with. But he couldn't care less—he was about to pull himself out of this mess today.

This situation had dragged on far too long for his liking. 

His sinister smirk was as much a part of his outfit today as his tailored suit. He strolled through the expansive hallway of his mansion, making his way to the garage where his luxurious beasts on wheels were parked. To reach it, he had to pass through the main gate, a journey he completed within minutes.

But as he neared the entrance, something unusual caught his attention. There was a commotion—voices and movements that weren't part of the normal routine. His smirk faltered slightly as his eyes locked onto a scene that was anything but typical.

Instead of his usual guards, there stood a sizeable group of Korean police officers, their uniforms sharp and presence undeniable.

Though he prided himself on never fearing the uniform, though he was a mob leader in disguise who could dismantle them in the blink of an eye, his heart momentarily skipped a beat. The sudden appearance of law enforcement at his doorstep was unexpected, unsettling. Even for someone like him, accustomed to living in the shadows, this was a confrontation he hadn't anticipated.

"Gentlemen," Kim Taehyung's voice was cold, laced with a sharp edge, though beneath it, a faint trace of nervousness lingered. "What could be the reason for this rude visit?" His tone was icy, an attempt to mask the unease creeping up his spine.

The head officer, however, wasn't fazed. He stepped forward with an unwavering stare, matching Taehyung's intensity without a flinch. His voice was firm, unyielding.

"Mr. Kim Taehyung," the officer declared, holding Taehyung's gaze without blinking, "we have an arrest warrant against you. You are required to cooperate with us."

Never celebrate too early, because a turtle is consistent enough to win the race. 

"Y/N, the hearing is about to start," Jackson said, rubbing your shoulder in an attempt to ease your fraying emotions. His soothing touch felt comforting, just like the charm he carried with him

with flashes from K-Media cameras blinding you. The constant shouting of your names made your anxiety worse. As every second passed, you felt like you were about to lose control because of the media. For a moment, you thought about just letting it all out and showing them your frustration.

But then, Jackson smiled brightly, trying to comfort you with his presence. It worked like magic. Suddenly, maybe because of your unstable emotions, your mood turned sad as you looked at him, still smiling. In all this chaos, you both managed to stay close to each other. Jackson Wang would never let anyone see him cry; only the very closest people have that privilege.

The day you had recovered was a turning point for both of you. It was the day he finally broke down, tears streaming down his face as he cried in your lap. "I was so scared," he confessed, his voice trembling. "But I stayed strong because your brother and father had taken on that responsibility." In that moment, you understood just how much he had carried on his shoulders, hidden behind his charming facade.

"Take a deep breath" his only adivse in his hectice courtroom which was your repeated ritual since the moment you stepped in the courtroom. 

Just when you had finally calmed down, the bustling courtroom suddenly seemed too quiet, or at least it felt that way as soon as you saw him enter. He looked confident, composed, and every bit in control. His perfectly tailored, expensive suit clung to him with precision, and his glasses accentuated the sharpness of his gaze. His lips were set in a determined line, a picture of focus.

It was startling—just moments ago, you had seen him vulnerable, raw. But now, it was as if an entirely new person had emerged. He strode smoothly to his spot, his long legs moving with practiced ease while his assistant struggled to keep up. For a brief second, everything around you faded as his eyes met yours. It only lasted a millisecond, but the impact hit you like a tidal wave when he gave you a bright smile.

It wasn't just a smile; it was unnerving, almost terrifying, how effortlessly he masked his emotions. One moment, fragile—now, untouchable.

You do that too, a small voice inside you whispered, echoing unsettling truths you didn't want to face.

His smile jarred you out of your useless observations, snapping you back to reality. The cold, harsh truth cut through your thoughts like a blade. You weren't here to decipher his emotions or let your own overwhelm you.

You were here to end things today.

And you were determined to see it through.

__________________________

TBC 

Long time no see baby? 

Next update is ready ....

I STILL LOB YOU ❤️