RUN AWAY

Morning came quickly, as if determined to push Jiwoo out of bed and lure her into facing whatever awaited on the last day of the year. She wanted nothing more than to say, "screw you, world," and waste the morning cuddled up next to the girl sleeping soundly beside her. But her thoughts kept circling back to last night's conversation, where her world had dangerously hovered on the brink of falling apart.

It was shortly after she made love to Haneul, giving her a series of blissful orgasms—one of which she had fiercely demanded. The immaculately heated room was filled with their ragged breaths and breathless moans, so much so that by the time Haneul reached her third orgasm, her pounding heartbeat drowned out the distant voices from the long-forgotten movie playing on the television.

Jiwoo couldn't help but feel a rush of playful delight as she watched her girlfriend, Haneul, tremble in the throes of climax. But soon, the intensity of her affection softened into tenderness. She gently pulled Haneul into her arms, whispering sweet words and pressing soft kisses against her heated skin.

The delicate brush of Jiwoo's lips made Haneul hum in quiet satisfaction. She rested her head against the curve of Jiwoo's neck, a contented sigh escaping her as she murmured, "I love you."

The simple declaration filled Jiwoo's heart with overwhelming love and admiration, leaving her breathless.

Jiwoo could have sworn the serene blend of joy and tranquility she felt wasn't something found in heaven or earth, but in the very core of her devotion to Haneul. Her subconscious mind unwittingly recalled the moment she first spotted a honey-blonde Tasmanian seeking refuge behind S.M. Soto's Hate Thy Neighbor, stealing subtle glances at her in the college cafeteria.

Jiwoo knew there was a smoldering fire dormant in the striking fibers of Haneul's hazel eyes, which widened when she caught Jiwoo staring back. Haneul defiantly held her gaze, even as Jiwoo arched a brow and flashed a mischievous smirk at her stubbornness.

Though Jiwoo was intrigued from their very first encounter, she couldn't resist the irresistible pull that connected their interactions-from sharing classes to spending weekends together under the guise of finishing assignments, or simply crashing at each other's place out of "boredom."

What began as countless takeout meals after long, tiring days eventually evolved into dinners at fancy restaurants and adorable dates whenever they found the chance. Despite the intensity of Jiwoo's feelings for Haneul, and the fact that Haneul felt the same, they both agreed to let their love blossom naturally, in its own time.

At first, taking baby steps and going slow felt a bit exaggerated, but looking back at the solid foundation they had built, Jiwoo knew it was all worth it. Now, she could hardly wait for the final step that would bind them together forever, officially sealing their love.

Unable to contain the excitement bubbling up inside her, Jiwoo voiced the feeling her gut had been urging for a while. "I'm ready to put a wedding ring on your finger, baby."

Marriage was something Haneul often got excited about. Much of her enthusiasm stemmed from her parents' love story, with the rest coming from her visions of a future with Jiwoo. Every time she spoke about either (or sometimes both) her face lit up with a dreamy smile that made Jiwoo's heart swell, inspiring her to think of all the ways to make their wedding unforgettable.

Though they both knew they wanted a future together, they took their time to be sure it was truly what they desired. And now, after years of waiting, it seemed like the perfect moment to follow through on their words.

However, 'seemed' was the key word. Haneul's sudden hesitation wasn't quite the response Jiwoo expected from someone being proposed to—especially not from Haneul. Jiwoo knew her better than anyone, particularly on this topic, and could sense something was off.

When Jiwoo, with a tense expression, asked if this was something Haneul didn't want, Haneul stammered, "N-No! I mean, yes—no, wait. . ." She trailed off, exhaling before continuing, "Strewth! I do want it, but I'm worried about your parents. What if they don't accept us? What if they don't accept me?"

While the first part of Haneul's response eased Jiwoo's fear of rejection, the seriousness in the second half made her eyes dart nervously, unable to settle on Haneul. Both of them knew the weight of that concern. In a society like South Korea, parental approval carried significant importance.

In the rush of the moment, Jiwoo's eyes unintentionally drifted to the gallant figures of Maggie and Ike on the screen.

To break the awkward silence that had settled between them, she wiggled her eyebrows and teased, "You'll just have to be my runaway bride. Simple."

Her lighthearted attempt worked, earning a soft giggle from Haneul. "No! That's not how I imagined it," Haneul replied with a playful tone. Then, with a mock sternness, she added, "That would only happen if you weren't planning to tell your parents about us. But you are telling them—tomorrow. So, get that ridiculous idea out of your head, you flamin' galah." She flicked Jiwoo's forehead with a smile.

The corner of Jiwoo's lips curved up at the memory, but she couldn't shake her uncertainty. There was no doubt that Mrs. Jung, always calm and content with her children's happiness, would be supportive. But Mr. Jung? He was a different story—a hard man to please, with an imposing presence that screamed "standoffish!" and sent everyone, even his own family, into flight mode.

On top of that, Jiwoo had a jittery premonition that kept her on edge. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but standing just a foot away from her father, who was glaring daggers at the fifty-two-inch TV in the living room, was enough warning not to approach him. But her curiosity about what had dampened his mood on New Year's made her eyes instinctively turn toward the screen.

A woman in a voluminous blazer and trousers stood center stage, occupying half the screen. Her chapped lips moved as she reported on the video playing in the corner beside her, but Jiwoo couldn't catch the journalist's words, nor grasp the reason for the commotion in the small box. Frustrated, she decided to focus on the scrolling captions at the bottom of the screen. It was a bad choice.

The captions flashed by lightning speed, vanishing almost as soon as they appeared. Jiwoo managed to catch a few words here and there, but it wasn't until a moment later that the news fully registered, making her eyes widen in shock.

J-HOPE IS GAY?

IDOL SPOTTED KISSING HIS MALE FRIEND.

SECRET RELATIONSHIP OR JUST A FLING?

It was then that the journalist's voice became clear in Jiwoo's ears.

"K-pop sensation J-Hope was captured sharing an intimate moment with a longtime male friend. The footage you're watching is from December 30th, the night of J-Hope's new album listening party. Various idols from the industry attended the event. As seen in the video, J-Hope appeared to be the life of the party, carrying drinks and vibing to hip-hop beats on the dance floor with his famous guests," the woman reported, her smile widening absurdly.

"At one point, he seemed to lose control, clearly inebriated, stumbling around and laughing uncontrollably. But things took a turn when the mood shifted from lively to provocative as a sensuous tune filled the air.

"J-Hope, pulled by the collar, was drawn into an intimate moment with a mysterious dance partner. Not wanting to stop his advances, he leaned in for a passionate kiss, showcasing his impressive kissing skills. Unfortunately, the encounter was cut short as the pair moved somewhere more private. Due to the low lighting, we couldn't identify the individual, but their short hair and firm build indicated it was a man. This isn't the first time J-Hope has been seen flirting with someone of the same sex—"

Jiwoo blinked, staring at the lifeless TV that Mr. Jung had just turned off.

"This field has no filter!" Mr. Jung grumbled. "I warned him that this industry was no good. Now he's facing public sexualization and harassment just for viewership. His private life has become a disgraceful joke, and it's tarnishing our reputation as well. So much for giving up the name Jung Hoseok for J-Hope."

The clear hostility in his voice was unmistakable. It had always been barely contained whenever the subjects of the K-pop world or his celebrated son were mentioned. Mr. Jung had never been one to entertain ideas that didn't align with his interests or what he considered best for others. When his son announced his desire to pursue a career in entertainment, it shattered Mr. Jung's vision of his heir succeeding the Jung Organization, leaving his plans in disarray.

Hallyu or not, Mr. Jung viewed the entire industry as corrupt and scandalous, where people thrived by exploiting themselves for a titillating audience. However, his son's response, calling it "low-minded" and "coarse," only fueled Mr. Jung's frustration. Hoseok's determination not to follow his father's path drove him to the edge. He even urged Jiwoo to avoid the conflict like a plague, but she couldn't prevent the inevitable.

The heated argument led Mr. Jung to make a statement he knew he would have to uphold with a heavy heart.

"You are going to lose everything you have—not just your money, clothes, or fancy cars, but even your name and your place in our lives. Think it over thoroughly one last time, Hoseok," Mr. Jung asserted, stern as ever. Though it was an empty threat, one parents use to coerce their stubborn children, it wasn't guaranteed that Hoseok would comply quietly. He might rebel, throw a tantrum, or even follow through on the threat to prove his resolve. After all, they were not mere replicas of their parents.

If Mr. Jung was a man of his word, his son was equally steadfast. Defying expectations and shocking his father and everyone else, Hoseok abandoned his given name and chose the alias J-Hope.

To say Mr. Jung was merely disgruntled would be an understatement. He was deeply aggrieved by the passage of time. From his first child being far away in a foreign land to his second child being out of reach even on the same continent, the fear of losing his children had taken root in him. That's why he had asked Jiwoo to return to Korea the other night. When Hoseok had rejected his hope, he turned to his daughter.

"Don't let me down like your brother did, Jiwoo. You are all that I have now," he said and Jiwoo flinched slightly, startled by the hint of melancholy in her father's usually monotone voice. It was as if a long-buried emotion had surfaced unexpectedly.

The depth of his sentiment left her momentarily speechless, struggling to process his words.

"Let's leave for the party in an hour. There's not much to do today anyway." Mr. Jung's words echoed through the room, but they might as well have fallen on deaf ears as he retreated to his room.

Jiwoo stood there, blankly trying to process what had just happened and everything that had led up to it.

Since the day of Hoseok's renunciation, it had been an unspoken rule not to mention his name or anything related to him. His albums, controversies, or anything about him, were effectively banned within the Jung household. A single scowl from Mr. Jung was enough to deter anyone from even hinting at Hoseok. So seeing those same stern eyes fixed on the scandal earlier was hard for Jiwoo to reconcile. And then there were her father's expectations for her.

What exactly did he want her to do to avoid disappointing him? Or had he already set something in motion, hinted at through his veiled remarks? Jiwoo was very confused.

Jiwoo wished she had known better, but right now, her mind felt completely empty. She didn't bother trying to fill it either, though the persistent thoughts from the day kept clouding her focus. She avoided thinking too much as she got ready, not even offering Haneul a compliment on the stunning sequin dress she wore. Haneul sensed something was wrong, but held back when Jiwoo chose not to talk about it. She figured it was best to give her space, knowing Jiwoo would open up when she was ready.

As night fell, the city shimmered under the moonlight. Guests in elegant attire made their way through the foyer toward the banquet hall, greeting the host along the way. The party wasn't just a New Year's celebration; it also honored the new CEO of Park Corporations. The Jungs joined in congratulating their longtime ally, whose son now led the company that had been a pillar of the industry for decades. Jiwoo could swear she sensed a familiar tension from Mr. Jung, but at that moment, she couldn't care less. For once, she wanted to be done with the drama.

That was why she retreated to a corner, nursing a few drinks by herself while everyone else mingled with forced politeness and shallow decorum. However, her brief moment of solitude didn't last long as across the room, she spotted a man making unwanted advances toward Haneul. She set down her champagne flute and strode over, intent on making her presence known.

"Hands off, Park. She's with me," Jiwoo almost growled, her gaze burning into the blond man.

Contrary to her fierce warning, Jiwoo's tipsy state only drew an amused chuckle from him.

"Relax, Tiger. I was just getting to know this beautiful lady. If I'd known she was with you, I would've kept my distance," Jimin said with a smirk.

"As you should, Jimin," Jiwoo shot back, her inebriation giving her the boldness to wrap an arm around Haneul, making it unmistakably clear who she belonged to. The three of them stood there in silence, eyes widening, staring, and narrowing at each other. But the background chatter faded as Jimin's hearty laugh broke the tension.

"Oh, come on, Jiwoo, stop bossing around. I'm a grown-ass man."

"An ass, nonetheless." Jiwoo shrugged, a mock smile tugging at her lips.

Haneul managed an awkward smile, watching the banter unfold. She had only shared a brief introduction with Jimin before Jiwoo swooped in, but it was clear from their playful exchange that the two had known each other for years. As much as she would've liked to stick around and listen to their back-and-forth, the uncomfortable tug of her underwear had other plans. Quietly, she excused herself to the restroom to fix the issue.

"Watch your mouth, pretty. You're talking to the CEO of Park Corporations," Jimin sneered, earning an eye roll from Jiwoo. He knew exactly how to push her buttons after all these years, but Jiwoo was always a step ahead of him and a little older, too.

"Yeah, the same CEO who pole-danced with Hoseok to kill time. I remember."

"That's called pole sliding. We used to do it after school at the playground."

"Whatever. The way you two 'slid' looked obscene. It was like you were getting off on the steel bar. God, it was awful to watch when I came to pick you two up that day."

"We had a blast, Jiwoo. What are you talking about?" Jimin frowned. "You even kissed me on the cheek and said I was hotter than the Sun."

"That was a bet my idiot brother made me do! Honestly, why I hung out with you two morons, I'll never understand," Jiwoo practically screeched.

Hoseok and Jimin were the definition of a chaotic duo. Friends since they were in diapers, it seemed like a universal sign that they were destined to cause trouble—or, in their infant days, make messes—and frustrate anyone within a 10-meter radius. They went to the same daycares, shared the same interests, and together probably had the brainpower of two peanuts.

It was a miracle they even graduated high school, let alone made it this far in life, considering they spent most of their time making ridiculous bets and getting into questionable antics. Maybe their success was thanks to one's talent and the other's father sending him off for a better education. Even after a few years apart, anyone who had been a victim of their mischief could instantly tell that neither of them had changed.

"Because you loved us back then. And you still do," Jimin grinned, showing off his crooked tooth.

Jimin's smile reminded Jiwoo painfully of his teenage self, and while it made her want to crack that grin with a punch, the venue wasn't the place. She mentally filed it away for another time and settled for a sharp retort.

"I would—"

"Mr. Park!" a voice interrupted her.

Both Jiwoo and Jimin turned to see a man approaching them, arms full of gifts and sporting a bashful grin. From his demeanor, Jiwoo could tell he knew Jimin, but the way Jimin furrowed his brow, struggling to place him, left her confused.

"I'm here on behalf of Kim Enterprises. Our CEO sends his apologies for not being able to attend, but he extends his best wishes. Congratulations on becoming the CEO of Park Corporations," the man said, handing Jimin an elegant bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and a bouquet of carnations, which Jiwoo recognized as symbols of good luck.

Although Kim Enterprises' gesture appeared sincere, Jimin sensed an underlying message in response to his father's earlier declaration. After all, it was Seo Joon's idea to invite Kim Seokjin, intending to put him in his place and humiliate him and show that his success was merely the result of luck.

Normally, Jimin would have dismissed such malice without a second thought, but this time, his reputation, along with the company's, was on the line. He had planned to savor the satisfaction of putting Seokjin in his place, especially after the sting of that article. But, as karma often has a way of turning the tables, Seokjin had outplayed them. His absence, paired with a smug "good luck" and a bottle of wine, only served to highlight their own bitterness.

Jimin clicked his tongue, struggling to accept the gifts without giving in to the urge to smash them against the wall.

"Thank you. Please, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the evening," he said, forcing a polite smile.

The man bowed and quickly disappeared into the crowd of guests.

Jimin handed the bouquet and wine to a nearby butler, then grabbed a drink from a passing waiter. He offered Jiwoo a glass, but she politely declined, having sobered up after their conversation and wanting to stay alert for the rest of the evening. She watched with interest as Jimin downed his drink in one swift motion. Jiwoo raised an eyebrow, amused as she watched Jimin take a deep breath, clench and unclench his jaw, and stare off into the distance.

It had been a while since she'd seen him this worked up, certainly not since the time he fell for a girl who already had someone else firmly etched on her heart. Back then, he had become the classic heartbroken, lovesick Romeo, refusing to let anyone heal him except Juliet herself.

Jiwoo had almost pitied him then. Almost. Though this current mood wasn't as bad as his past heartbreak, she still felt compelled to offer a few words of reassurance. After all, the best friend of your little brother was like a little brother to you. Right?

"Everything okay, little mouse?" she asked softly.

The concern in her voice drew an automatic "Yeah" from Jimin, accompanied by a sigh. But then he caught the pet name and his expression shifted.

"Little, huh? I'm afraid the little mouse isn't so little anymore, Jiwoo." At the teasing tone in his voice, Jiwoo rolled her eyes again. Seriously, could this guy ever have a normal conversation without adding a suggestive twist?

"Oh, you're such a dork, Park. I hate your guts."

"I love you too, Jiwoo," Jimin chuckled, throwing his head back.

"Looks like we won't have much work to do, Seo Joon. They're already in the confession stage." The cheerful voice left both Jimin and Jiwoo speechless, wondering what was so funny and, of course, who it was. They turned their heads in unison, only to find their fathers approaching, radiating an unusual sense of joy.

"I think they've had a great time drinking. I've never seen my dad this happy before," Jimin whispered to Jiwoo, uneasy about what might come next. "I wonder what it's about." Knowing Park Seo Joon's good mood, Jimin had a feeling something ominous was on the horizon.

As for Jiwoo, she could say the same. She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen Mr. Jung this cheerful. While she wasn't sure about the "ominous" feeling Jimin assumed, part of her hoped it was just the alcohol talking. She had no energy for any impending chaos.

"Whatever it is, I don't care," Jiwoo muttered under her breath, before quickly hushing Jimin as their fathers came within arm's reach.

"Kids, there's something we both want to tell you," Seo Joon said, his tone confirming their growing suspicions.

Before they could inquire though, Mr. Jung stepped in to take the lead.

"A few days ago, we were discussing business, as usual," Mr. Jung began, "and somehow, the conversation shifted to your upbringing, your education abroad, and your return home. You're both aware of our long-standing business relationship, right? Our families have been close for two generations. I don't remember exactly how it came up, but we thought, 'Why not strengthen that bond even further by turning it into a family relationship?'"

No. They can't be serious. Are they out of their fucking minds? This can't be happening, Jiwoo thought, her breath caught in her throat, and her heart racing.

She hated whatever this "thought" of theirs was leading to. She wasn't naive, she knew exactly what they were implying, and she despised it.

"Are you suggesting marriage?" Jimin wasn't clueless either, his voice sharp with disbelief. "You can't be serious," he added, scowling.

"No, son, we're not suggesting—we're certain," Seo Joon confirmed, his attempt at nonchalance barely concealing the seriousness of his words.

Jiwoo nearly scoffed. There was one thing she was now certain of, too: running away.