Chapter : 7

                                    

                                          
                            Jiah 
It had been a month since we returned to Busan, but each day stretched out like a year with the never-ending chaos at school, adding layers of tension and frustration - especially because of Jungkook and Taehyung. 
Now, Taehyung stood directly in front of me, the weight of the upcoming ceremony heavy in the air. As the heir to the kim group, he was about to slip a ring into my finger, marking me, the heiress of the hanjin group, officially engaged. The irony of all? This event was supposedly in honor of my birthday, organized by Taehyung's father as a welcome-back gesture after two decades away from Busan. He, a stately figure in his fifties, stood by my side, flanked by my father. My mother was next to him, her smile strained and as insincere as the rest. I had a knack for spotting fake smiles - perhaps because I despised them so much. 
Taehyung fumbled with the ring, his gaze flitting across my face. The past month had been torturous for him ; he'd pleaded and argued with me to maintain a distance of at least five feet to quell any rumors about our engagement. Now, with the eyes of every guest at the party - including all  our classmates - fixed on us, he seemed utterly vulnerable. His discomfort was palpable, every strained emotion clear as day on his face. His father, perhaps in a misguided attempt at inclusivity or simply to flaunt his wealth, had invited every student from our class to the party. Their presence was their privilege, or so it was touted. Perhaps he wanted to show off or he wanted everyone to recognize me. Now, what was happening wasn't my fault still I felt sorry for Taehyung how he had insulted or argued to stay away from him. Today it was his father. Who had triggered his introvertness and made him feel like exposed. 
After the ring ceremony concluded, I gazed at the ring adorning my finger, feeling the weight of commitment it symbolized setting heavy on my heart. Just then, Taehyung's father took the mic. 
" alright, ladies and gentlemen," he announced,   " as the ring ceremony had concluded, we adults will move to our event on the lawn to celebrate our party. Let's leave young ones to enjoy their evening here." 
With that, the older guests began to dissipate, leaving a youthful crowd behind. Soon, friends and classmates approached to congratulate and present their gifts. Jaehyun was next in line, stepping forward with a warm smile. 
" congratulations, my princess," he said, enveloping me in a hug before returning to Taehyung with a stern look. " and you, Taehyung - congrats. Just know, if I ever see my sister shed a tear because of you, I'm coming for you." 
"sure, sure. I'll remember that." Taehyung replied, managing a smile that teetered between genuine and forced. His expression quickly slipping back to stoic. 
Jaehyun's mood lightened as he faced me again, his eyes twinkling with mischief. 
" now, guess what I have in my hand? " he teased, clearly excited. 
Curious, I peered at his clenched hand, then back at his face, a realization dawning on me. He opened his Palm to reveal a set of keys. 
"I bought this just for you," he explained, his voice filled with enthusiasm. " and don't worry about anything - you can move in whenever you're ready." 
Overwhelmed with joy, I jumped, momentarily forgetting the precariousness of my high heels. The thought of potentially ending up in the hospital couldn't dampen my spirits. This gift was a thrilling new freedom, a beautiful escape. 
" but grandpa... " I trailed off, the worry about his reaction weighing on my mind. 
" don't worry about him. I told him I'll visit you every weekend, and besides, your school is nearby. Plus this apartment has top - notch security." Jaehyun reassured me, his words bringing a wave of relief.