"What is he doing here?!" - Joong-Ki

Author's P.O.V

The wedding festivities had drawn to a close, leaving a trail of exhaustion in their wake. The guests, eager for rest, retreated to their rooms, all too aware of the celebratory echoes that might emanate from Mr. and Mrs. Kim's quarters on their first night as a married couple.

In the quiet of her own room, Ri-El lay motionless, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. Sleep eluded her, chased away by the realization that she and In-Yeop would now be sharing a home. The thought was an anchor, heavy and unyielding.

A solitary tear, unnoticed by Ri-El herself, traced a path down her cheek. Memories of In-Yeop, both sweet and poignant, played like a silent film in her mind, their shared laughter and tender moments still vivid and haunting.

The soft knock at the door startled her, prompting a swift erasure of her tears. She approached the door and opened it to find Jin standing there with a gentle reminder. "Riel, tomorrow wake a little early, as the university is a bit far from here." She acknowledged his words with a silent nod, her mind still adrift.

-The Next Day-

As the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Ri-El awoke to a day replete with scholarly challenges and the intricate reality of sharing a roof with In-Yeop. The soft glow of the morning sun seemed to whisper of new beginnings, suggesting that the wounds of the past might heal and make way for what was yet to come.

"Morning!" Ri-El's voice chimed through the dining area as she made her entrance.

She took her seat, the familiar comfort of the chair grounding her as she awaited the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Kim. The couple soon made their appearance, their presence altering the room's dynamic.

Mr. Kim's eyes narrowed upon noticing In-Yeop, his brow furrowing in disapproval. "What is he doing here?!" he questioned, his tone laced with surprise and a hint of irritation.

"What do you mean? He's my nephew, and he's been part of our household from the beginning," Mrs. Jeon responded, her words a blend of explanation and defense.

Mr. Kim's internal struggle was evident at the breakfast table, his glances towards Ri-El laden with a father's worry. He longed for the days when warmth filled her eyes instead of the frost that had settled there. His affection for In-Yeop, once as deep as for a son, had been tarnished by betrayal, yet a part of him yearned to extend forgiveness and a chance for redemption.

The meal concluded, and the group, a blend of family and friends, moved towards the waiting car. Ri-El, intent on her independence, headed for her bike, only to be halted by Jin's call.

"Riel!" Jin's voice was firm, brooking no argument.

"What?" Ri-El's response was a mix of surprise and defiance.

"You're coming with us," Jin stated, the calm in his voice belying the authority of his decision.

"What?! No!" Ri-El's protest was swift, her desire for autonomy clear.

"The discussion is over. You're coming with us," Jin declared, his words final. With a gentle but insistent tug, he guided her away from her solitary path and towards the companionship awaiting in the car.

Ri-El had been living a quiet life, but fate had other plans. As she was dragged along by Jin, her heart raced. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, like a kitten being swept away by a gust of wind.

Unaware of the pout forming on her lips, Ri-El's eyes darted around. In-Yeop, the observant one, noticed her cuteness and couldn't help but chuckle. His laughter was a warm melody that played in the background of this chaotic moment.

Stella, on the other hand, was less amused. Her irritation was palpable as she questioned the situation. "Why does she have to come with us?" she whined, her voice grating on everyone's nerves. But Ri-El's presence was non-negotiable; there were secrets to unravel, and she held the key.

The limo's plush seats cradled Ri-El as she sighed for what felt like the hundredth time. The engine roared to life, and the driver steered toward the University. Ri-El's heart raced, wondering what awaited her beyond those ivy-covered walls.

Riel's gaze bore into In-Yeop's back as if she could pierce through his very soul. The tension between them was palpable, a fragile thread stretched taut, threatening to snap at any moment. In-Yeop, ever the master of self-control, kept his eyes resolutely forward, avoiding her gaze. He knew that one glance into those fiery eyes would unravel him completely.

BTS sat nearby, their camaraderie evident in the way they exchanged knowing glances. Except for one member, whose identity remained a closely guarded secret, they felt like third wheels in this complex web of relationships. Hyunjin and Yeji, accustomed to the emotional rollercoaster that was Riel and In-Yeop's history, watched with a mix of amusement and concern.

Stella had always been the peacemaker. She sat there, caught between loyalty to her brothers and curiosity about the enigmatic Riel. Stella's presence added another layer of complexity to the situation—one that Riel hadn't anticipated when she returned from Japan after thirteen years.

The sleek black limousine glided to a stop in front of the university gates, its tinted windows shielding the occupants from prying eyes. Riel stepped out, her designer sunglasses shielding her gaze as she surveyed the campus. The whispers began—a new girl, arriving in style, flanked by the famous Hwang siblings and the enigmatic BTS. Riel paid them no mind; she had faced worse scrutiny during her years in Italy with her mother. She swept past the gossiping crowd, her heels clicking against the pavement, and headed straight for her locker.

And there they were—Blackpink, the reigning queens of the university. Their perfectly coordinated outfits and flawless makeup made them seem like ethereal beings. Riel's heart skipped a beat as she approached them. She had admired them from afar during her time abroad, and now, here they were, standing right in front of her.

"Hey guys!" Riel greeted them, her smile genuine and warm. "Hey Ariel!" they chorused, their voices harmonizing like a well-rehearsed song. Riel felt a sense of belonging, a flicker of hope that maybe this new chapter in her life would be different.

But just as she was about to open her locker, two hands covered her eyes. Riel's breath caught. "Guess, who am I?" a familiar voice teased. She recognized it instantly—Eunwoo, the mischievous troublemaker who had a knack for catching her off guard.

Riel sighed, her lips curving into a smirk. "Woo, this isn't going to work on me," she said, her eyes twinkling. She turned around to face him, and there he was—Eunwoo, with his pouty expression and puppy-dog eyes. His attempt at surprise had failed, but Riel couldn't help but find it endearing.

"You should've just played along," Eunwoo whined, pretending to be wounded. Riel reached out and ruffled his hair affectionately. "Okay," she conceded, "I'll play along next time."

As they made their way to class, Riel felt a strange sensation—a mix of excitement and trepidation. She was finally back in South Korea, reunited with old friends and surrounded by new ones. But lurking in the shadows was a figure she hadn't noticed—the one who had listened to their banter, his eyes burning with jealousy. He, too, had a history with Riel, and the unresolved emotions weighed heavily on his heart.

-...-...-...-...-...-...-...-...-...-...-...-...-

To Be Continued
Published Date - 03.06.2024.
Word Count - 1.2k

- Author Eun
- Love Ya!