Chapter 17: A Familiar Stranger

The air is heavy with an unsettling silence, as if the darkness itself is a living entity that has swallowed every sound around. There seems to be no source of light there, as if he's stuck in a void.

The ground beneath him is damp and uneven, covered in a thick layer of mist that clings to his skin. The trees, bare and twisted, stand tall like skeletal figures, their branches creaking in the stillness of the darkness.

"Gosh... What is this place?" he looks around the place in terror, his eyes wide as he feels a strange familiarity and connection to this place.

A chill wind stirs, rustling the leaves and sending shivers down his spine. The darkness seems to press on all his sides, making him hard to breathe, hard to think, hard to do anything at all. Every step feels like a tough journey to him as he tries to move.

In the distance, a low, mournful howl echoes through the night, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. It is a sound that seems to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time, a sound that makes him freeze on his spot, a sound that brings a set of flashbacks in his mind.

"Is it...," he stutters, realising that place. That same place where he has made so many memories, both of pain and of joy. Those memories from which he has moved on long ago and those which he never wants to recall now.

Soon, he sees a flickering blue light in the distance, making him squint his eyes. He walks towards it, his eyes turning crimson in caution, ready to fight back in case anything happens.

As he nears the blue glow, he notices a man- tall and thin, broad shoulders. Something makes his heart pang, a hint of connection with the man.

Just then, the guy turns around, making Jungkook take a few steps back, in both shock and disbelief. Jungkook feels his eyes well up, tears spilling down his cheeks as he stares at the man. That same face as he remembers. How he flashed his bright smile, how he bravely used to protect him.

Jungkook face palms himself and sobs. He doesn't want to think about him but what can he do now? When he is right in front of him. He rubs his tears with the back of his hand and smiles, "H-Hyung...? J-Jin hyung? You remember me, right? I'm Jungkook!"

He steps closer, in an attempt to pull him in a tight hug, "Hyung... Why did you leave me, hyung-"

Just then, the man turns around and runs away, going deeper into the woods. Jungkook gasps and follows him, yelling with his cracked voice, "Hyung!! Jin hyung!! Don't leave me!!" he huffs, "I'm... I'm sorry, hyung! I'm sorry!! Please-"

His eyes flutter open and he sits up. He looks around his surrounding. He's in in his luxurious suite. He huffs and covers his face with his palms, his body momentarily shuddering with relief that it was just a nightmare.

His body is all in sweat and he can feel his heart thump hard against his chest. "It's all your fault, Jeon Jungkook. Why did you even think of him after so many years?" he punches the mattress harshly, "Just accept it that he's gone! Forget him permanently! It'll just hurt you if you keep on thinking about him!"

He picks up his phone and looks at the time. Wow, Jungkook! Great! It's already 11 a.m.!!

He groans in frustration and gets up, making his way to the washroom to freshen up.

After about 30 minutes or so, he freshens up and sits on the velvet sofa, feeling bored out of his mind as he switches to different channels on the expensive television but nothing seems to be of his interest.

"Ow! Why is it trash?" he groans, falling flat onto his bed. He sighs and mutters, "Let's just check the e-mails... What else can I do other than that...?!"

He closes his eyes shut and huffs. He's about to pick his phone up just then, the memories of the previous night come flooding his mind. His face goes blank and he stares into nothing, just the beige polished wall of his room.

The way she felt, her soft skin, her soft moans, everything drove him crazy. Those ecstatic feelings made him see stars. It felt just too great. He never imagined that he would be at such a point that he would be fucking his fake, forced girlfriend whom he hates from the very beginning.

And then the image of her, wailing in pain because of him flickers in his mind, making him feel guilty. Why not? She was a damn virgin and that phrase itself made him so disappointed in himself. It did feel amazing but he's regretting it right now. He would never go this far if he had known that she was a virgin. He shuts his eyes and heaves out a deep sigh.

He's lost in his thoughts, contemplating if he should pay her a visit. Stretching his limbs and letting out a low groan, he gets up, putting on his casuals. He takes out a small pouch from his duffle bag, which contains medicines for emergency.

"What if she's in pain again? Maybe this will help her?"

:::
:::

The TV screen glows softly, casting a warm light on Y/N's excited face. She's so excited that she's seated on the edge of the bed. Of course, it's her favourite drama, What's wrong with Secretary Kim?

On the screen, the drama's lead couple stand facing each other, their eyes locked in a tender gaze. Young-joon's hands cradle the Min-so's face, his thumbs tracing gentle circles on her cheeks.

"Oh my!! They are about to kiss!!" Y/N squeals, bouncing off the bed and clasping her hands in excitement, "Yes yes!! C'mon!"

The air is thick with anticipation, the only sound is the soft rustling of leaves in the background and the couple's ragged breathing. Young-joon's face leaned in, his eyes burning with desire, and Y/N sucks in her breath, anticipating the kiss that is about to happen. And then, the most awaited moment comes to reality as the couple's lips meet in a tender, sweet kiss.

She squeals in excitement, kicking her legs in mid-air like a little kid. She falls flat onto the bed, "Oh damn! These CEO-Employee romance dramas are so good! It feels so real as if I'm the female lead there!" she giggles.

However, all of a sudden, her face goes blank and she stares onto the blank ceiling. A thought ponders in her mind and she gets lost in it. CEO-Employee... CEO... Jungkook--

She gasps when the realisation hits her hard, "I didn't even realise yet that... I'm actually having a CEO-Employee romance too?" she clasps her hand over her mouth, "My boyfriend... is a CEO too--"

*Ding dong*

Her self-conversation is interrupted by the sound of the door bell ringing. She sits up on the bed in confusion. Who's it now? I have already had my breakfast...

She puts on her soft, fluffy slippers and makes her way to the door, to check who's it. She peeks through the eyehole and finds out it's...

JUNGKOOK?!

Her eyes widen and she takes a few steps back, contemplating her thoughts. Did he read my thoughts from far away and get to know that I was thinking about him? Or did he just find out I was watching a CEO-Employee romance drama and imagining about us...?

She closes her eyes shut and takes a deep breath, "Calm down, Y/N. Stop overthinking."

She takes a deep breath and shakes off her thoughts, before opening the door.


Jungkook stands there, looking effortlessly breathtaking in his casuals. Their eyes meet for a split second, before her eyes move down to his body. Damn! As soon as she eyes his buff body, the memories of the previous night floods her mind. That buff chest, those sexy abs and oh! His right arm covered completely in tattoos... She can't stop staring at him imagining that breathtaking view.

Jungkook follows her vision and smirks when he gets it what she's staring at. He mocks her, "Still not out of your delusional world that I put into you yesterday? Because of my ethereal appearance?"

Y/N's cheeks turn flush red on getting caught red-handed by him. She scoffs, trying to hide it, "Oh what? Delusional world?"

"Yes, what else?" he raises his eyebrow, his smirk growing wider.

"Shut up," she rolls her eyes, "You're not even that hot. There are lots of other guys with whom you don't even come into comparison!"

Jungkook's eyes turn sharper and he glares at her. Did she just fuckin insult me?

Y/N glares at him with the same intensity, "Why are you here now? What do you need?"

Jungkook grits his teeth. For real. Why did I even come here?! He mentally curses himself. Fuck you, Jeon. Dug your own grave.

Y/N raises her eyebrow and looks at him, perplexed.

Jungkook sighs and runs his fingers through the skin of his neck, "Uhm... How's the pain? Did it get any better?"

Pain? She's confused what he's talking about. Oh- Her eyes widen when she gets it. Oh my... He came here to ask about... how I'm? She answers, "I'm quite better... It has reduced a bit."

"Good...," he mutters. Suddenly, he runs his right hand through the pocket of his hoodie and pulls out a pack. He hands it over to her.

"Oh..., " her voice trails away and she looks down, feeling her cheeks heat up. He came here to give me medicines...? She bites onto her lower lip and meets his eyes, staring right into her soul, "Thank you... Jungkook."

Jungkook stares into her eyes for a moment, before speaking, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you last night... "

"Ah... It's okay! It's... not your fault..., " she looks down, feeling flustered. It was her first time and though, it appeared to be really painful for her, she still enjoyed it.

He simply nods and turns around to leave but suddenly, he stops abruptly and looks at her, "Oh you remember right? The business meeting? It's at 6 p.m. Be ready by the time. "

Y/N nods at his words and closes the door. As the door clicks shut, she exhales a deep breath.

Damn... He did seem like my real boyfriend today... Caring...

:::
:::

Jungkook stands in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his suit. His reflection stares back at him- sharp jawline, intense eyes, and a look of strong determination. The silver watch on his wrist gleams under the warm lighting of his room as he smooths down his blazer. He looks so ethereal that he can make any woman fall in love with him in an instant.

Just as he reaches for his tie, his phone buzzes on the nightstand. A call.

The screen flickers, displaying the caller ID 'Jiminshii'

Jungkook's face involuntarily brightens up, upon reading the caller ID. A playful smirk decorates his lips as he picks it up, putting it on speaker.

"Ah my cute brother!" Jimin teases him, "How's everything going?"

"Cute? Who?" Jungkook rolls his eyes, "Call me hot and handsome."

Jimin scoffs, "Always full of himself."

"Anyways, why did you call?" Jungkook asks him, fixing his tie.

"Ah about that, mom's been asking about you. It's been long, you know...," Jimin's voice trails away, a hint of disappointment clear in it.

Jungkook's smile falters and guilt creeps up into his chest. He mentally curses at himself for completely forgetting about this matter. He had decided earlier to call his parents when he lands on Milan but it completely slipped off his mind.

"Put her on the phone," Jungkook says, his voice a little softer.

There is a pause, and then his mother speaks with her weak voice, "Guk-ah...?"

A smile creeps onto his face hearing her soft, soothing voice that he misses a lot. He says softly, "Mom... How have you been? "

"I'm getting better, my baby," Jungkook hums to his mother's words.

There is a pause, and then his mother speaks up again, her voice filled with disappointment, "Guk-ah, I know you're busy, but it's been months since you last visited us. Your dad and I miss you... a lot."

Jungkook feels a pang of regret and guilt. He knows he'd been neglecting his family, and it is unacceptable. But what could he do when he's so busy with all those work? "I'm sorry, mom. I'll try my best to visit you soon, I promise."

His mother's voice is soft, but Jungkook can sense the underlying sadness, "I will be waiting for you... both me and your dad. "

Jungkook nibbles on his lower lip, unable to utter a single word. There is a pause and then, it's Jimin speaking again, "Jungkookshii..."

"Ah Jiminshii, " Jungkook imitates Jimin's playful tone.

"Well...," Jimin's voice trails away and Jungkook can sense that he's about to talk some mischief, "Did you like my gift? My surprise?"

Jungkook is left confused for a moment, "Surprise...? Which one-" it's all until he realises what Jimin is referring to.

The joined Business Class seats.

"Ah that shit-" Jungkook groans, a hint of annoyance clear in his voice.

"Why? Didn't you like it?" Jimin teases him.

"You-" Jungkook bites on his lower lip, trying not to curse at Jimin, "Just wait and watch what I do to you when I get back in Seoul."

"What?!" Jimin lets out a dramatic gasp, "You should be happy! You could have a romantic moment with a beautiful girl! You could even ask her out for a date! You should at least have a little experience of dating!"

That last sentence makes Jungkook go blank. Dating experience... Jimin has no idea what he is talking about. Jungkook sighs. He wishes he could tell everything to Jimin. But unfortunately, he can't because if he does, Jimin will tease the shit out of him.

"Ah, alright. I'm hanging up now. I gotta go," Jungkook fakes it, trying to end the conversation.

"Okay, Mr. JeOn!" Jimin pronounces his name playfully, "Best wishes with the meeting."

:::
:::

The elevator doors slide open, revealing the breathtaking conference room designed for only the most elite gatherings.

A huge stage illumitates the centre of the room and a shimmering crystal chandelier shines at the top while floor-to-ceiling windows provide a mesmerizing view of the city lights twinkling like stars. There are leather seats arranged for the guests to be seated and to enjoy the meals and drinks.

Jungkook, with Y/N by his side, enters the gathering. The paparazzi rushes towards them, clicking pictures of them, well mostly of Jungkook, continuously, making him grow annoyed while on the other side, Y/N enjoys the feeling of being a celebrity.

The soft melody of the grand piano being played in the corner blends harmoniously with the murmurs of high-profile guests engaged in hushed conversations. Y/N's eyes gleam with fascination as she glances around her, while walking alongside Jungkook, who presents his confident aura.

Damn. She feels like a queen here when she notices people eyeing her and gossiping to their partners. She nibbles on her lower lip to fight back a smirk.

"Take a seat here," Jungkook looks at Y/N from the corner of his eyes, " I'll be attending the meeting at the premium bar with the other CEOs. Will be taking an hour or two."

Y/N stares at him, a hint of disappointment in her gaze. What...? Alone here? With all these people?

So? Just eat something and scroll your phone. Simple! He eyes her again.

Y/N sighs, "Alright. Best wishes, Mr. Jeon."

:::
:::

Y/N settles into the plush leather chair, crossing her legs elegantly as she picks up the delicate glass in between her fingers. The golden liquid inside glows under the chandelier's light as she takes a slow sip, letting the warmth spread through her. The quiet hum of conversations fills the space, but being seated alone, she feels lonely, missing company as high-profile guests exchange laughter, and business cards.

She lets out a deep shallow breath, slouching into the comfy chair. I wish I would have a friend here to chat. Why so boring?! She whines mentally.

It's until she feels a presence near her, "Hello, Miss!"

She looks up and flinches when she sees a man, staring at her with a dimple smile decorating his lips.

"Oh... Hi!" she says, a tinge of hesitation lingers in her voice. What does he want from me...?

He takes a seat beside her and starts sipping his own glass of whiskey, "You are from Korea, right?"

"Uh... Yeah," she gives a confused smile, feeling a bit of uncomfortable.

"Wooh great!" he bites on his lower lip, fighting back a happy grin, "Finally... Got someone from my homeland after a long time!"

Y/N's eyebrows shoot up and she stares at him, "Ooh, you're Korean too?"

"Yeah," he rubs the back of his neck nervously, "I haven't visited Korea for years though..."

"Oh... So, you're settled here? Mr..., " her voice trails away, confused as to what she should call him.

"Yes, you can say that. And I'm Kim Namjoon," he extends his hand for a handshake, "You can simply call me Namjoon."

"Oh, nice to meet you, Namjoon!" she gladly shakes his hand, "Myself Choi Y/N."

:::
:::

Jungkook cracks his knuckles as he makes his way out of the premium bar, right after the meeting ended. He looks around the crowd in the conference hall, his eyes searching Y/N. He finds her seconds later, seated beside a... man?!

He furrows his eyebrows, feeling a fit of rage bubbling inside him. Oh wow. Just an hour I was gone and she's already busy with another man. Great!

He pokes his inner cheek and walks defensively towards her. He stares at her intensely and mutters out her name, "Choi..."

But she is too busy in her funfilled conversation that she pays no attention to him.

"You're such an interesting person, Namjoon!" she giggles, "Why not give me your number? We can still keep in touch."

"Sure, Y/N! Why not?" he flashes his bright smile to her as he shares his number.

Wow! Nice. Why not make him your boyfriend instead of me?!

Jungkook's gaze falls onto that man and he starts observing his features. He frowns, feeling a sense of familiarity to him. Those sharp eyes, that manly face, prominent dimples... He knows him. He surely does...

It's all until a flashback hits him hard.

~

"Hey... D-Don't... Please dont d-do anything to me...," young Jungkook, who stood fearful and helpless by the tree, begged his attacker to spare him, "P-Please... I-I won't do anything..."

"You- a fucking intruder! How dare you invade our territory!" the attacker snarles, about to pounce at him.

Suddenly, a stick hit him, making him groan in pain.

"Namjoon, don't!" A voice resonated through the woods, a voice familiar to Jungkook, making his doe eyes widen with hope.

"Leave him Namjoon."

"Sunbae!" the attacker bowed to the other, "I was just- he's an intruder!"

"No, Namjoon," the other person sighed, "He's not," he walked towards Jungkook, who's shuddering with fear, and pulled him in his arms, "He's my brother. He's my family. Don't dare hurt him from now."

~

N-NAMJOON?!

Jungkook's eyes widen as he stares being baffled at the man seated beside Y/N, who seems to have no idea about who Jungkook is.

He... survived? But how? Everyone in the mountains were killed! Only I survived! How did he... He zones out staring at him.

And... Y/N? Why is she talking with him, as if she knows him well from before? Is she supposed to know him- Wait! If she does... then... He stops breathing at the realisation. Is she a wolf too? Like Namjoon?

Namjoon looks confused at the way Jungkook is staring at him. He looks at Y/N and she stands up abruptly, acknowledging his presence and bowing to him, "You're back, Mr. Jeon?"

But in return, she's met by Jungkook's glare. He asks, a hint of dominance lingering in his voice, "Who's he?"

"Ah-"

"Greetings, Mr. Jeon," Namjoon stands up and bows to him, "I'm Kim Namjoon, working as a Secretary for Mr. Montague, CEO of Elan Couture. "

Jungkook merely nods. He suddenly grasps Y/N's wrist, making her flinch and drags her outside with him. His grasp is so hard that it'll probably leave a bruise on her wrist.

"Hey- Jungkook...," Y/N whispers his name, feeling a tinge of fear, "What's wrong?"

~~~~~~

What do you think? Will Jungkook find out about Y/N? And what about the mysterious past of Jungkook and Namjoon?

Huff... Finally came up with this 3.5k update. Updating after exactly a month.

Sorry for the long update. But I couldn't stop writing as it helped me cope up with the pain I had to face today. I lost a really special person of mine to the stars... A person who really loved me like his own daughter... He was my dad's best friend.

Nvm, how's the chapter? Was it worth the wait?

Stay tuned! ❤

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