chapter 7

The Next DayThe morning sun streamed through the large windows of the living room, casting a golden glow over the space. The air was light, filled with laughter and conversation as everyone settled in after breakfast. Zaid, as usual, had spent most of the meal showering Y/N with compliments over the delicious food she had prepared, his dramatic praise making her cheeks warm with a shy flush. He had even gone as far as kissing the back of her hand in appreciation, causing a round of amused chuckles from Bora while Jungkook remained notably silent, his expression unreadable.Bora had offered to help with the dishes, but Y/N, ever the gentle soul, had politely refused, insisting that she relax and enjoy her time with the others. It was her way-always putting everyone else first.Jungkook descended the stairs, his usual routine unchanged as he carried his tie loosely in his hands, his dark eyes scanning the room instinctively. The moment they landed on his wife, he found himself pausing mid-step.Even after a morning of endless tasks, she looked radiant-her face fresh and glowing, as if fatigue had no place in her world. It was an unspoken thing, this quiet admiration he held for her. No matter how much time passed, he always noticed.But before he could take more than a few steps toward her, someone blocked his path.Leena.Her sudden presence made him halt in irritation, his brows knitting together as he gave her a questioning look."You really haven't changed, Jungkook," she mused, her voice light, almost teasing. "It's surprising that you still haven't learned how to do your own tie."There was something off about her tone, a hint of amusement laced with something else-something he didn't care for."Unfortunately, no," he admitted flatly, already sidestepping to move past her. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need Y/N's help. I'm already running late for my meeting."But before he could get away, Leena's hand shot out, snatching the tie from his grasp."Come on, Jungkook. How much work are you going to make that poor girl do?" she said with a small smile, her voice carrying just the right amount of concern to sound convincing. "Let her rest for a bit. I'm free, so let me help you."Before he could protest, she was already reaching up, expertly folding his collar and looping the tie around his neck.Jungkook stiffened instantly.His discomfort was immediate, and his first instinct was to pull away, but the situation escalated before he could.His gaze flickered past Leena, finding Y/N standing frozen just a few steps away, watching them. Her eyes, which had been warm and lively just moments ago, had dimmed. There was a sadness there now-uncertainty, even.It made his stomach twist uncomfortably.Unaware of-or rather, indifferent to-the effect she was causing, Leena continued speaking, her voice carrying just enough volume to ensure Y/N could hear every word."Well, it's not even your fault, Jungkook," she mused, her tone laced with false sympathy. "You've been spoiled, always having someone to take care of you. First, it was Mia helping you with your ties, and now you have a wife who does the same. Luck really is on your side."At the mention of that name-Mia-Jungkook's hands clenched into fists at his sides.And then, just as she had intended, Leena turned her gaze towards Y/N."Oh, Y/N," she said, feigning surprise, her voice dipped in honeyed deceit. "Don't tell me you didn't know about Mia? Jungkook's first love?"Y/N visibly tensed, her fingers curling into the fabric of her dress.Leena's lips curved slightly, satisfied with the reaction she was provoking. "Oh dear... you really didn't know? I assumed Jungkook would've told you by now. After all, you shared your past with him, didn't you?"Y/N swallowed thickly, her face growing paler by the second.Jungkook could see it-the way her breathing had turned uneven, the way her eyes shimmered with unspoken emotions. The weight of Leena's words was pressing down on her, crushing her under something she hadn't even been prepared for.He wanted to say something-to break this moment apart before it got worse-but for some reason, his voice wouldn't come out. A lump had formed in his throat, and suddenly, the air in the room felt suffocating.He couldn't stand it. He needed to leave."I... I have to go," he mumbled hastily, grabbing his suitcase and making a quick exit before anyone could stop him.And just like that, he was gone.A deafening silence followed in his absence.Y/N stood rooted in place, her mind spiraling with thoughts she couldn't control. Her hands trembled, and no matter how hard she tried to fight them back, tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.Leena, still standing with her arms crossed, tilted her head slightly, observing the girl with mild amusement. There was no sympathy in her expression. No remorse.Only satisfaction.It was Zaid's sudden arrival that finally broke the heavy silence. He had just finished a call with his mother when he stepped into the living room, his carefree expression vanishing the second he saw Y/N.Her red-rimmed eyes, the way her small frame trembled-his heart clenched at the sight.Immediately, he rushed to her side, kneeling down in front of her. "Y/N? What happened? Why are you crying?"But Y/N didn't answer. She merely shook her head, her lips pressing together as if trying to contain the sob threatening to escape. And then, before anyone could stop her, she turned on her heels and ran.Bora and Zaid watched her retreat with worry etched across their faces."What the hell just happened?" Zaid demanded, his voice laced with frustration.Bora sighed, sinking onto the couch. "I think... Y/N still didn't know about Mia. And now she does."Zaid stiffened. His eyes snapped towards Leena, who still stood in the middle of the room, utterly unbothered. Realization dawned on him, followed quickly by a wave of anger."You," he hissed, his tone sharp as a blade. "You just had to bring Mia up again, didn't you?"Leena arched a brow, feigning innocence. "Oh, don't blame me. If I had known she was clueless, I wouldn't have said anything." She shrugged, completely unapologetic. "It's not my fault she didn't know. I was simply reminiscing about the past."Zaid's jaw tightened. "You weren't reminiscing, Leena. You were deliberately throwing Mia in her face. And you knew exactly what you were doing."Leena's expression faltered slightly, but she quickly masked it with a roll of her eyes. "Oh, please. You guys are being dramatic. Why should I even explain myself? It's not my fault if the truth hurts."With that, she turned on her heels, her departure marked by the sharp clicking of her heels against the floor.Zaid exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples in frustration. He turned to Bora, who was still looking towards the direction Y/N had run, her face full of worry."This isn't good," Bora murmured. "Not at all."And for once, Zaid wholeheartedly agreed.Because now, the damage was done.And they had no idea how deep the wound truly was.Here is the Chapter 💚Hope you all had enjoyedTell me ok 🥺Your Coconut 🥥