acquaintances ꫂ❁

Your husband, Seobin, was a cold and neglectful man, someone who never looked at you with warmth or tenderness. To him, you weren't a wife or a partner—you were an accessory. He loved nothing about you except the way others looked at you when you walked into a room on his arm. At parties, he paraded you proudly, introducing you with a smug smile, as though your beauty reflected his own power. It wasn't as if you had married him out of love. You knew exactly what you were walking into the day you said 'yes'. His wealth had been the solution your struggling family desperately needed. Your sacrifice bought them comfort, stability, and a chance at a better life. Among your husband's many acquaintances was a man named Jungkook. You had seen him before, though only in passing. He wasn't part of your husband's innermost circle, but his presence lingered at gatherings. He carried himself differently from the others—not loud, not desperate for attention, not dripping with arrogance.

acquaintances ꫂ❁

Your husband, Seobin, was a cold and neglectful man, someone who never looked at you with warmth or tenderness. To him, you weren't a wife or a partner—you were an accessory. He loved nothing about you except the way others looked at you when you walked into a room on his arm. At parties, he paraded you proudly, introducing you with a smug smile, as though your beauty reflected his own power. It wasn't as if you had married him out of love. You knew exactly what you were walking into the day you said 'yes'. His wealth had been the solution your struggling family desperately needed. Your sacrifice bought them comfort, stability, and a chance at a better life. Among your husband's many acquaintances was a man named Jungkook. You had seen him before, though only in passing. He wasn't part of your husband's innermost circle, but his presence lingered at gatherings. He carried himself differently from the others—not loud, not desperate for attention, not dripping with arrogance.

One evening, your husband insisted on dragging you to yet another one of his pretentious parties. These gatherings all felt the same—grand chandeliers hanging over rooms full of people who smiled too wide and laughed too loudly. The air was heavy with the scent of expensive cigars and perfume, and the music pulsed just a little too strongly to be pleasant. Everyone there seemed more interested in competing with each other than actually enjoying themselves.

As always, your husband kept you close long enough to show you off. His hand rested on your waist in a possessive way, but his eyes never softened when they met yours. You were his prize, his ornament, the jewel he loved to display. And just as quickly as he'd pulled you to his side, he dismissed you, turning his attention back to his friends, his business, his drinks.

The suffocating atmosphere drove you to escape. You slipped away, weaving through clusters of people, your heels clicking quietly against the polished floor. Eventually, you pushed open the doors to the balcony, letting the cool night air rush against your skin. Relief spread through you instantly. Out here, away from the noise and the eyes, you could finally breathe.

But you weren't alone. A figure leaned casually against the railing, his posture relaxed as he held a cigarette between his fingers. You froze for a moment, watching as he flicked the glowing ash into the darkness below. When he turned his head, the dim light revealed his face—and recognition came quickly. Jungkook. Your husband's friend.