25

Love is not a trasaction

Don't forget to read the note at the end as it is important regarding the book

The morning sun filtered softly through the pale curtains of Serena's bedroom, casting a golden glow over the room. The scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafted from the kitchen, a clear sign that her mother had been up early. Her heart fluttered with warmth as she sat up in bed, only to be met with a chorus of voices from the hallway.

"Happy birthday, baby!"

The door burst open and in came her mother, father, and her elder brother, Gabriel, each carrying a small gift. Gabriel, grinning wide, tossed a plush toy at her bed.

"Still my little sister no matter how old you turn," he said teasingly.

Serena laughed, hugging them one by one, her heart brimming with gratitude. She unwrapped the gifts slowly—a beautiful silver bracelet from her mother, a leather-bound journal from her father, and a music box from Gabriel, one that played a soft, nostalgic tune they both loved as kids.

In his private lounge at the recording label, Jungkook sat alone, a single cupcake placed in front of him with an unlit candle. He stared at the flickering flame, his mind haunted not by music or fame—but by her.

"Happy Birthday, Sera," he whispered, the candlelight dancing in his dark eyes.

He had sent gifts—plush toys, custom jewelry, and a limited-edition designer bag she once casually mentioned liking in passing. He had arranged for them to arrive throughout the day, some anonymously, others with his name inscribed elegantly. When she returned them, he had them sent again. And again.

Because he couldn’t accept rejection. Not from her.

She had started a war by saying no. And tonight—tonight, he would remind her what she was walking away from.

"Let’s see what he has to offer you, Sera," he thought with a twisted smirk. "Let’s see what a man with nothing can give you tonight."

When she reached the school gate, a few of the staff who already knew about her birthday greeted her warmly. A cluster of her students from Class 7 stood near the corridor, whispering excitedly.

"Happy Birthday, Miss Serena!" they shouted in unison as she entered the classroom.

Serena blinked in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth. The board behind the students had been decorated with colorful paper cut-outs and a huge banner that read: Happy Birthday to the Best Teacher Ever! Balloons dangled from the fan, and a table had a cake with pink frosting, surrounded by paper flowers.

"You guys did all this?" she asked, touched.

One of the girls, hye-rin, nodded with pride. "We planned it yesterday with Suni ma'am's help."

Serena turned to see her close friend and fellow teacher, Suni, leaning against the doorframe with a soft smile.

"Told you these kids adore you," Suni said, walking in and placing a hand on Serena's shoulder.

"They insisted. I just supervised."

Serena couldn’t stop smiling. The students sang a sweet birthday song, and she cut the cake as they clapped and cheered. Some even gifted her hand-drawn cards and small trinkets—a paper-crafted rose, a friendship band, a diary with glitter stickers.

As the celebration wound down, Serena sat beside Suni during lunch break in the staff room.

"You look really happy," Suni observed, sipping her chai.

"No secret admirer surprises this year?"

Serena chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Nope. Just family, students, and you. That’s enough for me."

"Good. You deserve a peaceful day," Suni said with a knowing smile.

"After everything this year, you needed one."

Serena nodded, quietly agreeing. For once, she didn’t want anything extravagant. Just these small, genuine moments. The laughter of her students, the warmth of her family, and the quiet support of a friend—these were the gifts she cherished most.

The school day wrapped up with a few more surprises—an impromptu dance from her students and a box of her favorite chocolates from the principal. As she walked through the corridor towards the main gate at dismissal, she felt deeply loved, the kind of love that didn't come from diamonds or declarations but from thoughtful gestures and shared smiles.

Today, Serena wasn’t just a teacher or someone's fiancée or a daughter—she was someone who mattered to others, and that was more precious than anything else.

It was a crisp, starlit evening when Serena adjusted her hairpin in the reflection of Ethan's bike mirror. The gentle wind swept around her, and even though the day had been long, her eyes still sparkled with delight. The memory of her students crowding around her at school, showering her with handmade cards and cheerful wishes, still warmed her chest. Now, as Ethan gently helped her off the bike, she noticed the subtle smile tugging at his lips.

"You’re not going to tell me where we’re going, are you?"

she asked with a teasing smirk, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ethan chuckled.

"Nope. But I promise you, it’s nothing grand, just... special. Like you."

Serena felt a familiar flutter in her chest. She admired how Ethan, he always made her feel cherished. It was never about the extravagance with him—just the sincerity.

As they walked hand-in-hand, the soft glow of fairy lights drew her eyes to a quaint little restaurant nestled away from the city’s hustle. It wasn’t lavish, but it radiated warmth and intimacy. The sign outside read: "La Belle Nuit."

Ethan opened the door for her like a perfect gentleman. The dim lights and scent of fresh roses engulfed them the moment they stepped inside.

Serena looked around and blinked in surprise.

"It’s... empty?"

"Looks like we got lucky,"

Ethan said with a sheepish smile, though his brow furrowed in confusion. He glanced at the waiter who approached them with a polished smile.

"Welcome. Right this way, sir and madam. Happy birthday, ma'am,"

the waiter said, gesturing to a table near the window adorned with lit candles, rose petals, and soft linen.

Serena turned to Ethan, raising a brow.

"Did you plan all this?"

He blinked. "I booked a table, but... I didn’t expect this."

Still, they shrugged it off and took their seats. As Serena sat, she laughed softly.

"Well, I’m not complaining. It feels like our private little world."

The first course arrived within minutes—an elegantly plated seafood platter.

Ethan blinked at the dish, puzzled.

"Uh, excuse me? We haven’t ordered yet."

The waiter bowed slightly. "

It’s our birthday tradition. We treat the birthday guest to our chef’s special. Please, enjoy."

Serena clapped her hands gently, smiling.

"Wow, that’s so thoughtful."

More dishes followed—each more luxurious than the last. Wine. Scented candles. Live musicians emerged from a side room, playing soft romantic melodies on violin and cello.

Serena was glowing. Her eyes sparkled as she leaned into Ethan, whispering,

"This is too perfect. Ethan, thank you. I thought you said it wasn’t anything grand?"

Ethan gave a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his neck.

"Honestly, Serena... I didn’t plan half of this."

They ate, laughed, and shared small memories. For a moment, everything was perfect. More courses followed. A cake. Live violinists entered, playing a romantic tune. A wrapped box appeared beside Serena.

She covered her mouth. "Ethan, you didn’t—"

"I didn’t," he said quietly, confused now.

She slowly unwrapped it—inside was a diamond-studded necklace. Elegant. Lavish. Ethan looked stunned.

Then came the voice.

"Happy Birthday, Serena."

Both their heads whipped toward the entrance.

Jungkook.

Dressed in a blue shirt and white pants casually powerful, he walked in like he owned the place.

Ethan tensed. Even seated, he seemed smaller than the superstar now standing in front of them.

Serena's smile faded, confusion blooming into dread.

"You... did all this?" she asked, voice tight.

Jungkook smiled faintly.

"Of course. I heard Ethan was taking you to a small restaurant. I thought—why not make it worthy of you? So I booked the whole place. Arranged the music. The cake. The necklace. You deserve more, Serena. Not this... limited version of love."

Ethan stood up, uncertain, his fists curling.

"You’ve gone too far."

Jungkook glanced at him with mild amusement.

"Relax. I’m not here to fight. Just wanted to show her the difference. I can give her a life she can’t even imagine."

"And what makes you think she wants it?"

Ethan’s voice cracked slightly, but his words stood firm.

Serena rose slowly, every movement taut with rage.

"You think this is love, Jungkook? Buying out a restaurant? Sending lavish gifts I keep sending back? You think this impresses me?"

His eyes flicked with hurt, but ego coated his tone.

"You could have all of this, and more. You’d never have to worry again. You could be mine."

"I’d rather have Ethan’s honesty than your millions,"

she snapped.

---

“You humiliated him tonight. You humiliated me. How dare you invade my peace again and again.”

Serena’s voice shook—not with fear, but with fury. Her fists were clenched by her side, nails biting into her palms, jaw trembling with unspoken rage. Her entire body radiated tension, like a bowstring drawn to its limit. Her breath was sharp, shallow. She had held herself back for so long—swallowed the insults, bore the manipulations, stood silent while Jungkook tried to tear Ethan’s life apart. But tonight had crossed the final line.

Jungkook stepped forward, eyes wide with fire, completely ignoring her words.

“Because I love you,” he said, voice almost soft, almost tender—but twisted by obsession. “And I won’t give up.”

He smiled—like he believed this declaration justified everything. That it erased the pain, the chaos, the betrayal. That it would make her fall for him again.

And that’s when it happened.

Her hand moved faster than thought.

A loud, sharp crack echoed through the room.

Her palm connected clean across his cheek with full force. Jungkook’s face jerked sideways, hair falling over his eyes, the red imprint of her fingers already blooming across his skin. The sound cut through the air like a whip.

Even Ethan, standing a few feet behind, flinched.

For a second, time froze. No one moved. Even the lights seemed to flicker in the stillness.

Serena stood there, chest heaving, her eyes burning with unshed tears.

“That,” she hissed through gritted teeth, “was for humiliating him. For trying to demean his image of him.  For invading my life again and again.”

Jungkook turned his face slowly, the arrogant smirk wiped clean from his lips. His cheek throbbed, but he barely seemed to notice. He stared at her, blinking once… twice. His jaw clenched. His breath stuttered.

She’d never looked at him like that before—like he was nothing.

That look shook him more than the slap.

But even then—beneath the shock—something darker simmered in Jungkook’s eyes. A flicker of disbelief, laced with that obsessive need. He was silent, but his stare said everything.

How could you do this to me? After everything?

Serena’s voice trembled—not with fear, but fury.

"You’re not in love. You’re obsessed. Possessive. Selfish. You think the world is yours to control, and people are toys for you to manipulate. I’m not yours. I was never yours. And tonight, you proved how little you actually know about love."

Jungkook's jaw clenched, his breath heavy, but he didn’t move. Ethan stepped protectively beside Serena.

She finished, staring him down.

"Leave. And don’t come near us again."

He stood for a moment longer, emotions flickering across his face—anger, pain, disbelief—before turning and walking out.

The music had stopped. The restaurant was silent again.

Ethan reached for Serena’s hand.

"You okay?"

She nodded, but her eyes were glossy.

"Let’s just go home."

They left together, stepping back into the quiet night, leaving behind the chaos Jungkook had tried to mask as love.

The cold night air pressed gently against Serena’s flushed skin. Her hand still tingled from the slap, but her heart felt heavier than ever. Ethan walked beside her in silence, fingers interlaced with hers, yet his grip was firm—reassuring.

They reached his bike, the same mirror she’d adjusted her hair in now reflecting a different woman—one shaken, but fiercely resolute.

Ethan finally broke the silence, his voice calm but laced with disbelief.

"You didn’t have to do that... slap him, I mean."

Serena exhaled shakily.

"Yes, I did. Someone needed to remind him that love isn’t something you win. It’s something you give."

Ethan looked down, thoughtful.

"Part of me wanted to punch him for disrespecting you. For acting like he could just... take over your night like that. But you..." He gave a small, proud smile.

"You handled it better than I ever could."

Serena leaned her head against his shoulder.

"I didn’t want tonight to turn out this way. I just wanted a quiet birthday with the man I love." Her voice trembled. "But he made it about himself. About what he could ‘offer.’ Like I’m some prize."

Ethan cupped her cheek gently, guiding her gaze to his.

"You’re not a prize, Serena. You’re my partner. My person. He doesn’t get that. And he never will."

A tear slipped down her cheek, and Ethan kissed it away.

"Let’s go home," he whispered. "Someplace where it’s just us."

Meanwhile, back inside the restaurant

The music had stopped. The candles flickered, throwing long shadows on the velvet tablecloth. Jungkook remained exactly where they’d left him, staring at the door like it had betrayed him too.

The heat in his cheek was nothing compared to the fury simmering beneath his skin. The sting of Serena’s hand was a humiliation he hadn’t predicted—and couldn’t forget.

He poured himself a glass of untouched wine, swirling it slowly, watching the red liquid catch the light like blood.

“She slapped me,” he muttered, almost amused. Then the amusement vanished.

“For him.”

His jaw tightened, eyes darkening as he stared at the rose petals on their abandoned table. Everything he’d planned—every moment of calculated romance—had been trampled by her loyalty to a man who couldn’t compete with him in any arena.

“You want peace, Serena?” he said softly, voice curling like smoke in the empty room.

“You’ll have it. Right before I tear it from you."

Jungkook wasn’t just angry—he was wounded in a place pride could not reach. And when a man like him is wounded, he doesn’t retreat.

He caged in empty place like a wounded lion his breath heavy laboured

“Seven years of love?” he sneered, mocking her words in his head.

“What does that even mean, Sera? Years don’t define love. Obsession does. What I feel for you… it’s not love. It’s deeper. Darker. Irrevocable.”

He walked over to the large tinted window, staring down at the city lights.

“You started this war, Sera. You made me believe I had a chance… you made me fall, and then you turned your back on me like it was nothing.”

His reflection in the glass twisted, flickering between the idol adored by millions and the man consumed by one girl.

“You’ll come to me now. You won’t have Ethan. He’ll be ruined. Disgraced. And when he’s gone… when the storm tears everything from you…”

He leaned his forehead against the glass, exhaling hard, as if trying to cool the rage boiling inside.

“…you’ll have no one but me. You’ll run to me, crying, seeking comfort… seeking salvation. And I’ll give it to you. Not because you deserve it, but because I want to own you.”

The cold words dripped with poisoned sweetness.

He closed his eyes, a smile creeping onto his lips—one that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Let the game begin.”

This will be the last chapter of Idol’s Obsession published on Wattpad. Starting end of May, the story will continue on ScrollStack — where I’ll be posting all upcoming chapters, including explicit content that cannot be shared here.

Don’t worry — the book will remain completely free to read on ScrollStack!

Upda

tes on Wattpad will become very slow (only one chapter per month)

Meanwhile, updates on ScrollStack will be regular, just like you’ve been getting here!

If you genuinely love this story and want to continue the journey without delays, I invite you to follow me on ScrollStack. I’ll notify you as soon as the transfer process is complete and the updates begin — estimated by end of May.

Thank you all for your support — it means the world to me. Let’s keep this story alive and thriving together!

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