-: ✧ :-゜・．

-: ✧ :-゜・．

[ Please comment and vote. I noticed votes and comments are getting less. ]

The forensic room was sterile, bathed in cold fluorescent light that illuminated the rows of steel drawers lining the walls.

The air carried a clinical chill, and the faint hum of machinery filled the silence. Two officers stood near one of the chambers, their expressions taut as they waited.

The sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor echoed through the room as Jung Juhi, a seasoned investigator known for her sharp instincts, strode in with an aura of authority. Her tailored coat hugged her frame, and her confident posture exuded command.

The officers immediately stood upright, saluting her.

Juhi gave them a curt nod, her sharp gaze scanning the room. Her eyes settled on the two officers, their faces obscured by masks. "Where's the body?" she asked, her voice crisp and devoid of unnecessary emotion.

One of the officers stepped forward, gesturing toward a specific drawer. "Right here, ma'am," he replied, his tone professional.

Juhi pulled on her gloves with practiced ease, the latex snapping against her wrist. She motioned for the officer to proceed.

He obeyed, pulling open the metal chamber. A burst of cold air escaped, and the body of Suzy slid into view.

The room seemed to grow colder as Juhi's eyes locked onto the frozen corpse. Suzy's pale face was haunting, her lips a lifeless white.

Even in death, there was a tragic beauty to her, but the evidence of violence was undeniable. Juhi's jaw tightened as she leaned closer.

"This is Suzy, the famous lawyer, isn't it?" Juhi asked, her tone more of a statement than a question.

The officer nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Suzy was highly influential, especially with her connections to the Kim family."

Juhi's brows furrowed slightly as she inspected the body. Suzy's pristine reputation and powerful connections made this case far from ordinary. This wasn't just a murder; it was a statement.

Her gloved fingers lightly touched the area around Suzy's chest, where a gunshot wound marred her otherwise flawless skin. She traced the edges of the wound delicately, her mind racing with possibilities.

"Who's the suspect?" Juhi asked, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

The second officer hesitated before answering, "Min Jungkook."

Juhi straightened, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. She repeated the name, almost as if testing its weight. "Min Jungkook," she murmured, her tone unreadable.

"At what time did we receive the report of her death?" Juhi continued, not missing a beat.

"Approximately 1:15 a.m., ma'am," the officer replied promptly.

Juhi nodded thoughtfully, her mind piecing together the timeline. "And who reported it?"

The officers exchanged a brief glance, a flicker of uncertainty passing between them. Finally, one of them spoke. "A man called the station about it."

Juhi paused, her eyes snapping to the officer who had spoken. Her voice dropped slightly, laced with an edge of suspicion. "Who is this man?"

The officer shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "We don't know yet, ma'am. It was an anonymous call. We assumed it was a civilian who discovered the body."

Juhi's sharp gaze didn't waver. "You assumed?" she repeated, her voice cold.

The officer swallowed nervously. "Yes, ma'am."

Juhi took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing. "Find him," she ordered firmly. "I want everything on him. The phone number he used, the location of the call, his identity-everything. Leave no stone unturned."

The officers immediately straightened, their expressions resolute. "Yes, ma'am!" they said in unison, saluting her once more.

Juhi turned back to Suzy's body, her mind already racing with questions.

The Kim family, Min Jungkook, an anonymous caller-each piece of the puzzle seemed to hint at a deeper conspiracy.
Juhi knew this was no ordinary murder, and she intended to uncover the truth, no matter how deeply buried it was.

As the officers left to carry out her orders, Juhi stood alone in the cold, clinical room, her eyes fixed on Suzy's lifeless face.
This case was far from simple, and she could feel the weight of its implications pressing down on her shoulders.

But if there was one thing Jung Juhi was known for, it was her unrelenting pursuit of justice.

She slipped off her gloves and let out a measured breath, the faintest trace of determination flashing in her eyes. This was only the beginning.

________________

The living room of the Manobal household was modest, reflecting their middle-class roots. The wooden furniture, embroidered cushions, and family portraits on the walls gave the space a warm yet humble feel. But today, the atmosphere was heavy with tension.

Y/N, seated like a queen on the sofa, exuded an air of authority. Her posture was impeccable, her legs crossed, and her gaze sharp.

Dressed in an elegant yet understated outfit, she was every bit the commanding presence one expected from the wife of Min Yoongi, the ruthless elder heir to the Min family empire.

Yoongi, her husband, sat beside her, his expression cold and unreadable. His sharp black suit seemed to absorb the room's light, adding to his intimidating presence.

On Y/N's left, Jungkook, Yoongi's younger brother, fidgeted nervously, his hands clasped together as he stole glances at Lisa, who stood by her father.

Lisa, a young woman with delicate features, wore a simple floral dress that spoke of her middle-class upbringing. Her hands were clasped in front of her, and she looked both nervous and excited.

Her father, Mr. Manobal, a man in his late forties with graying hair and a weary expression, sat across from the Min family, visibly uneasy about the conversation.

Y/N broke the silence, her voice calm but firm. "So, what's your decision, Mr. Manobal?"

Her question hung in the air like a sword waiting to drop. Mr. Manobal sighed deeply, glancing at his daughter before returning his gaze to Y/N. "It's not my decision to make," he said slowly. "It's Lisa's. Her happiness matters the most to me."

Y/N's piercing eyes shifted to Lisa, who swallowed hard under the weight of the gaze. "What about you, Lisa?" Y/N asked, her tone measured but carrying a weight that couldn't be ignored. "Are you ready for this proposal?"

Lisa's cheeks flushed as she felt all eyes on her. She glanced at Jungkook, who looked at her with silent encouragement. His nervousness mirrored her own, but there was also a glimmer of hope in his dark eyes.

Lisa knew this wasn't just any marriage proposal. It was a proposal from the prestigious Min family, a name synonymous with power, wealth, and influence.

But for her, it wasn't about the family's status. It was about Jungkook, the man she had quietly admired and grown to care for.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Lisa nodded. "I am ready," she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet determination. "I accept the proposal."

A faint smile appeared on Jungkook's face, relief and joy washing over him. He couldn't help but glance at Lisa again, his heart racing with happiness.

But his smile was not mirrored by Yoongi or Y/N. Their expressions remained impassive, their cold demeanor unshaken by the emotional moment.

Yoongi finally broke the silence, his deep voice echoing through the room. "Congratulations, Mr. Manobal," he said, his words devoid of warmth. "Your daughter will soon become the younger daughter-in-law of the Min family."

Yoongi stood, signaling the end of the discussion. Y/N followed suit, her movements graceful and deliberate. Jungkook, noticing his elder brother and sister-in-law rise, quickly got to his feet as well.

"The wedding will be held next week," Yoongi declared, leaving no room for argument. His tone was final, and his gaze flicked briefly to Mr. Manobal before he turned to leave.

Y/N paused, her sharp eyes lingering on Lisa for a moment. There was something inscrutable in her gaze, as though she were assessing the younger woman's resolve.

Without a word, Y/N turned and followed her husband out of the room.

Jungkook lingered for a brief moment, his nerves giving way to a playful grin. Catching Lisa's eye, he winked at her, a small gesture of reassurance.

Lisa's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink, and she looked away, flustered yet smiling.

As the sound of their footsteps faded, Lisa let out a sigh of relief. She clutched her hands together, her heart racing with excitement and nervousness. She was finally going to marry the love of her life, but the Min family's presence left a lingering weight on her chest.

Mr. Manobal, watching his daughter closely, placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure about this, Lisa?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Lisa looked up at her father, her smile timid but genuine. "Yes, Papa," she said softly. "I know Jungkook cares for me. I want to be with him."

Her father nodded, though his worry didn't fade. The Min family was a force to be reckoned with, and he couldn't shake the feeling that his daughter was stepping into a world far more dangerous than she realized.

As they sat in the quiet living room, Lisa's heart was full of hope and anticipation, while her father's was heavy with doubt.

On the other hand, The three of them-Y/N, Yoongi, and Jungkook-stepped out of the modest Manobal household.

The warm evening air wrapped around them as they approached their sleek black cars parked outside.

Just as Yoongi reached for the door, Jungkook's hesitant voice broke the silence.

"Noona," he called softly, his tone laced with nervousness.

Y/N paused mid-step and turned around, her sharp eyes landing on the youngest Min. Her brow arched in question. "What is it, Jungkook?"

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, shuffling his feet before striding forward with sudden determination. Without warning, he threw his arms around Y/N in a tight hug.

Caught off guard, Y/N stiffened, her hands frozen mid-air. She cast a bewildered glance at Yoongi, who stood by the car with his usual calm demeanor, though his sharp eyes lingered on the scene with interest.

"Thank you, Noona," Jungkook mumbled, his voice trembling slightly. "Thank you for understanding me. For standing up for me and Lisa."

Y/N's lips parted in surprise, her first instinct to push him away.

But the slight dampness soaking into her shoulder made her pause. Her eyes widened subtly-he was crying.

Her voice softened, though her expression remained stoic. "Jungkook, stop this nonsense. There's no need for all this drama."

Jungkook sniffled, his hold on her tightening. "I'm serious. If it wasn't for you, I don't think... I don't think this would've been possible. I really love her, Noona. I owe you so much."

Y/N sighed heavily, her hands awkwardly hovering before she finally patted his back, unsure of what to say. Comforting others wasn't her forte.
"Stop crying, Jungkook. You're acting like a child. You're a grown man about to get married."

Jungkook chuckled weakly, pulling back slightly to look at her. His tear-streaked face resembled that of a repentant child. "Sorry, Noona. I just... I didn't know how else to express it."

Y/N shook her head, her fingers reaching up to wipe the lingering tears off his cheeks. Her movements were firm but carried an unexpected gentleness.

"Listen to me carefully, Jungkook. If I ever see you crying like this again, no one will be worse off than me . Got it?"

Jungkook nodded quickly, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Got it, Noona."

Yoongi, who had been silently observing, finally stepped forward. His gaze lingered on Y/N, a faint flicker of emotion passing through his eyes.

He gently placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her a step closer to him.

Y/N turned toward him, her expression softening slightly. "I'm heading to the firm. You two can go back home."

Yoongi's lips quirked upward into a small smile, and he leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. His touch was uncharacteristically tender, his lips staying there just a moment too long, as if reluctant to part from her.

"Drive safely," he murmured against her skin.

Y/N nodded, her face remaining impassive as she pulled away. She turned and climbed into her sleek car, sparing one last glance at Jungkook, who gave her a small, grateful smile.

With a curt nod, she closed the door and drove off into the evening.

Yoongi and Jungkook watched as the car disappeared into the distance. Jungkook sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Hyung... I don't know how she does it. Noona is... incredible."

Yoongi smirked faintly, his hands slipping into his pockets. "She's more than you know, Jungkook." His gaze lingered in the direction Y/N had gone, his expression turning thoughtful, almost melancholic, as he added softly, "More than anyone knows."

________________

Y/N parked her car smoothly in front of the towering building of her law firm, 'Kautilya', its name etched in bold gold letters above the glass entrance.

Exuding authority, she stepped out, slamming the car door shut behind her. Adjusting her coat, she strode toward the entrance, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

The security guards immediately stood upright and bowed respectfully, murmuring, "Good morning, ma'am."

Y/N gave them a fleeting nod, her sharp gaze fixed ahead as she entered.

The employees bustling in the lobby quickly stopped in their tracks, bowing and murmuring greetings. Y/N paid them no mind, her demeanor cold and focused.

She headed straight to her personal elevator, the epitome of exclusivity and power.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Y/N stepped in, her presence filling the confined space. As the doors closed, she took out her phone, her manicured nails tapping the screen as she checked for updates.

The blank screen greeted her-no missed calls, no messages.

Her jaw tightened in frustration as she pinched the bridge of her nose, her controlled demeanor slipping momentarily.

The elevator dinged again, and the doors opened to her private office floor. Y/N stepped out, her sharp eyes scanning the area briefly.

Pushing the large wooden doors to her office open, she was greeted by a voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Welcome, Mrs. Min," Hoseok drawled, leaning casually against her desk, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

Y/N shot him a glare sharp enough to cut through steel. "Where the hell have you been, Mr. Jung ?" she demanded, her voice cold and precise.

Hoseok scratched the back of his head, offering a sheepish smile. "I was, uh... under the weather," he said, his tone light but unconvincing.

Y/N's eyes narrowed, her irritation barely contained. "Under the weather?" she repeated mockingly. "And your phone? Was it broken? Or were you paralyzed and incapable of typing a single message to inform me?"

Hoseok raised his hands in surrender, trying to placate her. "Alright, alright, I get it. I should've informed you. But I'm here now, aren't I?"

"That's not the point, oppa," Y/N snapped, walking around her desk to sit in her chair. "This is my firm, not a playground. I don't tolerate incompetence or absence without notice. If you want to stay here, I expect you to act like a professional."

Hoseok sighed, defeated. "Fine, boss. I get it. Won't happen again," he muttered, avoiding her piercing gaze.

Y/N opened her laptop, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she spoke. "Hire the best hacker you can find," she ordered curtly, not looking up from the screen.

Hoseok blinked, caught off guard. "A hacker? What for?"

Y/N's eyes snapped up, her glare silencing any further questions. "Don't ask me questions. Just do as I say."

Hoseok raised a brow, crossing his arms. "Come on, Y/N. I'm not just your errand boy. At least tell me why we need a hacker."

Y/N's mind wandered back to that fateful day when Yoongi returned after the shocking murder of Suzy. Jungkook had been the primary suspect, and it was Yoongi who stepped forward, fiercely protecting him despite the odds.

Amidst the chaos, Y/N recalled waking up to the peculiar sting of a hickey on her neck, a mark she couldn't explain. She hadn't been asleep when Yoongi spoke to her that night, yet she couldn't remember letting her guard down or anyone daring to come close.

The thought infuriated her, the violation of her boundaries gnawed at her pride, and a burning determination consumed her-to find the bastard who had dared to touch her without her consent.

She clenched her jaw, snapping back to the present. "There's a mole in my circle," she said finally, her voice low but dangerous. "I want to know who it is. And when I find them, they'll wish they'd never crossed me."

Hoseok studied her for a moment, sensing the storm brewing beneath her calm exterior. "Fine," he said, exhaling heavily. "I'll get it done."

"And one more thing," Y/N added, her tone icy. "Bring my snakes back."

Hoseok froze, his eyes widening in horror. "You're kidding, right?"

Y/N's gaze was unyielding. "Does it look like I'm joking, Hoseok?"

"But-those things are... terrifying," Hoseok stammered, running a hand through his hair.

"Exactly," Y/N said, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "I need them. Get it done."

Hoseok groaned, muttering under his breath as he turned to leave. "You're insane, Y/N. Completely insane."

Y/N leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable as she watched him go. She tapped her fingers against the desk, her mind racing.

Whoever dared to infiltrate her world and leave her feeling vulnerable would pay. And she wasn't one to wait.

___________

The dim light of Taehyung's room barely illuminated the photo on his bedside table, casting long shadows over his face. His brows were furrowed, and his jaw clenched as his gaze remained fixed on the family picture.

The once proud image of the Kims now felt like a curse-his father's untimely death, Suzy's brutal murder, Yumi's kidnapping, and now, the devastating loss of his older brother, Namjoon.

Taehyung's hands tightened around the photo frame as if the frame itself was the only thing holding him together.

His heart, though stone-cold in the face of adversity, was shattered, pieces of it scattered across the years of loss.

The tragedy had numbed him, but in the silence of the room, a burning rage began to ignite in his chest. He was helpless, feeling the weight of his family's suffering bearing down on him.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the haunting memories of Aera.

A woman who had loved him fiercely, only to be abandoned and mistreated. He could still remember her face, silently begging for his affection, but all he had done was push her away.

"I couldn't help it," he whispered under his breath, his voice trembling with guilt. He had been manipulated by the dark forces in his life, and now karma had come back to torment him.

But in the solitude of his despair, one thing was clear-he needed justice for Namjoon. There was no question in his mind.

He clenched his fists as the name burned in his mind, like a fire that could never be extinguished.

"Cha Y/N," he muttered, seething with anger. "Min Y/N, you're the one responsible for this... for everything." His voice was low, yet thick with venom.

He knows that it was her.

After everything, it had to be her. She was the one who had torched his brother's life, her cunning and ruthless ways causing Namjoon's downfall.

A sudden burst of frustration shot through him, and without thinking, Taehyung hurled the photo frame across the room, the glass shattering against the wall.

The impact echoed in the room, amplifying the chaos in his chest. His heart was racing now, the anger taking over every part of his being.

His fists slammed against the wall, the rough surface biting into his knuckles as he let out a roar of fury.

"How dare she..." he hissed between clenched teeth, his eyes wild. The pain, the loss, and the injustice of it all fueled his every action. "She thinks she can get away with this? She will pay."

His temper was short, a simmering volcano ready to erupt at the slightest provocation. And now, he had a target.

Y/N had caused all of this. And Taehyung was going to make her pay.

But what he didn't know, what he couldn't have known, was that in his obsession for vengeance, he was walking right into a storm that would shatter everything he believed in.

The truth of what had happened, of who was truly behind everything, would soon crush him-his trust in the one person he had always loved and relied upon, would be broken beyond repair.

Taehyung didn't see it coming. But soon, the pain of betrayal would hit him like a lightning bolt, leaving him shattered in ways he couldn't even imagine.

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

𝚃𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎...