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Dinner was going on as usual at the Jeon mansion, calm and well-organized, but the atmosphere had slowly started changing ever since Selene entered this house.

What used to be a quiet, almost silent table was now filled with small sounds—her voice, her soft laughter, her constant little movements as she served everyone with unnecessary but warm enthusiasm.

Selene stood beside Mr. Jeon with a serving spoon in her hand, slightly leaning forward as she placed another portion on his plate without even asking.

“Dad, you didn’t eat properly in the morning,” she said in a soft but insistent tone. “You have to eat more at night. This is light, I promise.”

Mr. Jeon looked at his plate, then at her.

A few days ago, he would have stopped her immediately.

But now…

He simply adjusted his sleeve and allowed it.

“…That is enough,” he said, though his tone lacked its usual sharpness.

Selene smiled brightly. “Just a little more.”

And before he could protest again, she had already added another spoon.

Across the table, Mrs. Jeon watched this with a faint, knowing smile. She didn’t interrupt. She simply observed how naturally Selene had started blending into the house.

Jungkook, on the other hand, sat quietly, eating without reacting much—but his eyes flickered once toward his father’s plate.

And then toward Selene.

There was a brief pause in his movements, almost like he was registering the change.

Selene then turned toward him immediately.

“And you—”

Jungkook didn’t even look up. “No.”

She blinked. “I didn’t even say anything yet.”

“I know what you’re going to say.”

She frowned slightly. “Still. You should listen.”

“I won’t.”

Selene huffed softly but still placed a small portion on his plate anyway.

“Just eat,” she muttered under her breath as she placed the food on his plate anyway.

For a brief second, Jungkook’s hand stilled.

His eyes dropped to the extra portion sitting there—uninvited, unnecessary.

A faint irritation flickered across his face.

He had already said no.

Clearly.

And he was not someone people ignored.

Jungkook had always been used to control—his words followed, his decisions respected, his boundaries untouched. No one in his world casually went against him, especially not over something as small as food.

And yet—

She did.

Again.

His jaw tightened slightly, a subtle tension building in his expression. There was a sharp urge to say something—to stop her, to remind her not to overstep, to put her back in place the way he normally would.

His fingers almost moved.

His lips almost parted.

But then—

He remembered where they were.

His parents sat right there.

And more importantly…

She knew that.

His gaze lifted slowly toward Selene.

She was already looking away, pretending to be busy with something else, but there was a certain… innocence in her act. Too innocent. Almost deliberate.

Like she knew exactly what she was doing.

Like she knew he wouldn’t react here.

And that—

Somehow irritated him more.

She took advantage of it.

Of the situation.

Of his silence.

Jungkook leaned back slightly in his chair, exhaling slowly through his nose, controlling the annoyance instead of acting on it.

For now.

His eyes lingered on her for a second longer before he finally picked up his fork again, his movements calm—but the slight stiffness in them giving him away.

Across the table, Mrs. Jeon noticed everything.

And quietly hid her smile behind her glass.

For a few minutes, the table settled again into quiet eating, broken only by Selene’s occasional small comments and the soft clinking of cutlery.

Then Mrs. Jeon gently placed her spoon down.

“I wanted to talk about something,” she said calmly.

Everyone’s attention shifted toward her.

Selene straightened slightly, immediately attentive.

Mrs. Jeon looked at Jungkook first, then at Selene.

“There is someone important you both need to meet.”

Jungkook’s brows furrowed faintly. “Who?”

“My aunt,” she replied softly.

There was a subtle shift in her tone now—something warmer, more personal.

“Your Granny. She couldn’t attend the wedding because of her health.”

Selene listened carefully.

Mrs. Jeon continued, her voice carrying a quiet affection. “She raised me when I was young. More than my parents did. Everything I am today… a lot of it comes from her.”

Jungkook’s expression softened slightly.

“And she loves you,” Mrs. Jeon added, looking at him. “She has been asking about you constantly.”

Selene glanced at Jungkook, noticing the small change in his face.

“She wants to meet both of you,” Mrs. Jeon said gently. “Especially Selene.”

Selene’s eyes widened a little. “Me?”

Mrs. Jeon nodded with a soft smile. “She was very happy when I told her about you.”

Selene felt a small warmth spread in her chest. “Of course… we should go then.”

Jungkook, however, spoke calmly, “We can arrange for her to come here.”

All eyes turned to him.

“I’ll send a car,” he continued. “Or even a private arrangement if needed. It’s more comfortable for her.”

His tone was practical. Efficient.

Selene blinked slightly.Mrs. Jeon, however, shook her head slowly.

“No.”

Jungkook looked at her.

“She will not come,” Mrs. Jeon said firmly.

“That house… that place… is her world. She has lived there her entire life. She will not leave it now. She didn't leave that place for her own children then who are you “

Jungkook’s jaw tightened faintly.

“It’s unnecessary for us to go there,” he said. “We can bring her comfortably.”

Mrs. Jeon’s eyes didn’t change, but her voice did.

“Jungkook.”

That single word carried weight.

He went silent.

“She raised me,” she said again, quieter but stronger. “And when she asks to see you, you go to her. Not the other way around.”

Selene glanced between them, sensing the shift in tension.

Jungkook leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose. “I have work.”

“You always have work,” Mrs. Jeon replied calmly.

There was no anger in her tone.

But there was authority.

“And this time,” she added, “you will make time.”

A small silence settled on the table.

Selene looked down at her plate, unsure what to say.

Jungkook’s fingers tapped lightly against the table—once, twice—before going still.

He didn’t like this.

Not the travel.

Not the idea of leaving his routine.

And definitely not the idea of spending time… alone… with her.

His eyes flickered briefly toward Selene.

She was already looking at him.He looked away immediately.

“…Fine,” he said shortly.

Mrs. Jeon’s expression softened again.

“Good.”

But before the moment could settle—

Mrs. Jeon added casually, “And after that… you won’t be coming back immediately.”

Jungkook frowned. “What?”

Selene blinked.

Mrs. Jeon picked up her glass calmly. “Your honeymoon.”

Selene choked slightly on her water.

“My—what?”

Jungkook’s expression turned completely blank. “No.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Jeon said simply.

.Selene looked between them, eyes wide, completely caught off guard.

Mrs. Jeon continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “Everything has already been planned.”

Jungkook’s voice dropped slightly. “Cancel it.”

Mrs. Jeon looked at him.

And smiled.

“No.”

Selene pressed her lips together, trying not to react too much—but her heart had already started beating faster.

“Honeymoon…” she murmured under her breath.

Jungkook noticed.

And got more irritated.

“This is unnecessary,” he said. “There’s no need for—”

“It is necessary,” Mrs. Jeon interrupted calmly.

“For her.”

Selene froze slightly.

Mrs. Jeon looked at him directly. “You got married. Whether you like it or not, you will behave like it.”

Jungkook’s jaw tightened.

“And this,” she added, “is not a discussion.”

Silence.

Then—

“Where?” Selene asked softly, unable to stop herself.

Mrs. Jeon’s lips curved slightly.

“That,” she said, “is a surprise.”

Jungkook exhaled sharply, clearly done with the conversation.Selene, however, couldn’t hide the small spark in her eyes.

A trip.

With him.

Alone.

Her mind had already started running ahead, imagining things, creating moments that hadn’t even happened yet.

Jungkook noticed that look.

And it irritated him even more.

He picked up his glass, taking a slow sip, trying to ignore the situation completely.

But his thoughts didn’t cooperate.

A village trip.

Then a honeymoon.

With her.

A talking machine.

A walking disaster.

He closed his eyes briefly.

This was going to be exhausting.

Across the table, Selene smiled to herself quietly.

Completely unaware—

That for her, this trip meant something entirely different.

And for him…

It meant trouble.

Morning at the Jeon mansion did not usually carry noise.

It carried structure. Discipline. Quiet movement that followed rules no one spoke about but everyone obeyed.

But today, that order had cracks in it.

And the reason was Selene.

She moved through the house like she didn’t belong to its silence at all—her steps quick, her expressions alive, her presence loud even when she wasn’t speaking. And right now, she was speaking. Non-stop.

Mrs. Jeon sat gracefully on the sofa, a cup of coffee resting between her fingers, while Mr. Jeon beside her skimmed through his newspaper. It was their usual morning routine—calm, composed, untouched by unnecessary chaos.

Until Selene arrived.

“Mom,” Selene called, walking straight in without hesitation, her face glowing with curiosity,

“Please, I am asking nicely—just give me one hint. Just one. I won’t ask anything else after that.”

Mrs. Jeon didn’t even look surprised. She slowly lifted her gaze toward her, that same calm smile playing on her lips, as if she had already expected this exact scene. “You said the same thing yesterday,” she replied softly.

Selene paused, blinking. “Did I?”

“Yes.”

“…Okay but this time I mean it.”

Mr. Jeon lowered his newspaper slightly, watching her over the edge of the page. There was something about her—something unpredictable. In a house where every action was measured, she felt like a storm that had walked in uninvited… and somehow stayed.

“A hint about what?” he asked, his voice steady.

Selene turned to him instantly, smiling like she had found an ally.

“About where we’re going. She is not telling me anything.”

Mr. Jeon glanced at his wife, who simply took another sip of her coffee, clearly enjoying this.

“She won’t tell you,” he said.

Selene gasped softly, pointing at him. “You too? You’re also involved in this conspiracy?”

“There is no conspiracy,” he replied.

“There is,” she insisted, crossing her arms. “And I’m clearly the victim here.”

Mrs. Jeon chuckled, setting her cup aside.

“You will know when you reach.”

Selene let out a long, dramatic sigh, dragging her hand down her face.

“What if I need to prepare mentally? What if the place has a vibe? What if I need to match that vibe?”

Mr. Jeon raised an eyebrow slightly. “Match… the vibe?”

“Yes,” she said seriously. “Some places need calm energy. Some need excitement. I cannot just go unprepared.”

Mrs. Jeon shook her head, amused. “You will manage.”

Selene stared at her for a second, then leaned closer, lowering her voice like she was about to uncover a secret.

“At least tell me this… is it beautiful?”

Mrs. Jeon’s eyes softened just a little. “Very.”

That was enough.

Selene’s entire face lit up, her disappointment vanishing instantly as excitement replaced it.

“Okay, that’s enough. I trust you. I’m already excited.”

Behind her, Jungkook came near the doorway, dressed and ready, his posture straight, his expression unreadable. He had been listening the entire time without interfering, his gaze occasionally resting on Selene—not out of interest, but out of awareness.

She was… loud.

Unfiltered.

Completely opposite of everything he tolerated.

And yet, the house didn’t feel as heavy as it used to.

That thought irritated him more than her voice.

“Are we leaving?” he asked finally, his tone cutting through the air.

Selene turned immediately.

“Yes, we are leaving. Don’t rush me, I’m saying goodbye properly.”

“There is nothing to say,” he replied flatly.

“There is,” she shot back. “You just don’t understand emotional value.”

Jungkook didn’t respond.

He simply turned and walked out.

Selene rolled her eyes lightly before turning back. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and hugged Mrs. Jeon tightly, her warmth genuine and unrestrained. “I’ll miss you,” she said softly.

Mrs. Jeon smiled, patting her back. “Take care of yourself. And him.”

Selene pulled back, frowning slightly.

“Why does everyone think he needs taking care? He looks very capable.”

Mr. Jeon spoke this time, his tone calm but firm

“Drive safe and take care of each other. And don't trouble him too much he has very less patience “

Selene grinned. “I’m not driving, but I’ll make sure he doesn’t crash.”

There was a faint pause.

Then—unexpectedly—she stepped toward Mr. Jeon and hugged him too.

He stiffened for a moment, clearly unused to such gestures, his body going rigid before slowly relaxing just enough to place a hand on her shoulder. It was awkward, unfamiliar… but not unwelcome.

“Take care,” he said simply.

Selene beamed before turning and practically skipping toward the car.

Jungkook was already inside.

She got in beside him, still smiling to herself as she closed the door, waving one last time through the window.

“ Bye . Don't miss me too much"

Mrs Jeon smiled at her waving back .

“ That's impossible"

And then—

They left.

---

The road stretched ahead in calm silence.

For Jungkook, it was perfect.For Selene, it was unbearable.

She lasted barely a minute before grabbing her phone. “I’m calling Mom,” she announced casually, already dialing.

Jungkook didn’t react outwardly, but his fingers tightened slightly around the steering wheel.

The call connected.

“eommaa!” Selene’s voice instantly softened, filled with comfort. “We’re on the way.”

Her tone changed around her mother—warmer, softer, a little less chaotic.

“How is everything?” her mother asked.

Selene glanced at Jungkook briefly, then turned slightly toward the window.

“Everything is fine… but they are not telling me anything,” she whispered, though not quietly enough.

Jungkook heard every word.

“About where we’re going,” Selene said, lowering her voice slightly as she turned toward the window, though her excitement still slipped through.

“Mom… did Mother tell you anything? About the place? Like… for a honeymoon?”

She paused, listening carefully, her brows knitting together when she didn’t get the answer she wanted. A small pout formed on her lips.

“No? Not even to you?” she whispered in disbelief.

“What is this secret planning… I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t know anything.”

Her mother chuckled softly on the other end, clearly amused by her frustration. But her tone shifted gently after a moment.

“Leave that. Tell me first—how is he?” her mother asked.

Selene blinked, her eyes unconsciously flickering toward Jungkook for a brief second before she turned away again, lowering her voice a little more. “He’s… fine.”

“Fine?” her mother repeated, unconvinced.

“Does he eat properly? You are taking care of him, right? Don’t irritate him too much, Selene. These things matter.”

Selene made a face instantly, her expression full of mild protest. “Moma, I don’t irritate him.”

A small pause.

“…Okay, maybe a little.”

Jungkook’s fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel as her words reached him, even though she was trying to sound quiet.

Her mother sighed softly. “Be careful. Adjust a little. He is your husband now.”

Selene’s expression softened just a little at that, her voice quieter when she replied, “Hmm… I know.”

Then, almost immediately, her curiosity returned.

“But still, Mom a… honeymoon place at least you could have tried to find out,” she added, a hint of playful complaint slipping back in. “What if it’s something very romantic and I’m not mentally prepared?”

Her mother laughed again, shaking her head at her daughter’s never-ending thoughts.

“Just go and see,” she said.

Selene sighed dramatically but smiled. “Fine… I will.”

After a few more words, she ended the call.

Silence returned.

For a few seconds.

Then—

“So,” Selene said, turning toward him, “your grandmother lives in a village?”

“Yes.”

“What kind of village?”

“A normal one.”

She frowned, clearly unsatisfied. “That is not an answer.”

“It is.”

Selene leaned back, folding her arms, studying him carefully. There was something about the way he answered—short, controlled, like he was deliberately keeping distance.

Selene stared at him, then leaned back with a small huff.

“You are very unhelpful.”

Jungkook didn’t respond.

She tried again. “Do you go there often?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“I don’t have time.”

Selene tilted her head slightly, studying him.

“Or you don’t like leaving your routine?”

His grip tightened again.She noticed.And smiled faintly.

“Ah… I see.”

He glanced at her briefly. “What?”

“You’re one of those people,” she said.

“What people?”

“The ones who need everything perfect. Same routine, same schedule, same environment…” she said casually.

“Change irritates you.”

Jungkook looked back at the road, his silence enough of an answer.

Selene smiled to herself.

“The ones who need everything perfect,” she said. “Same routine. Same control. Same silence. Anything different irritates you.”

Jungkook didn’t answer.

But the slight tightening of his jaw gave him away.Selene smiled to herself.

Then, without asking—

She turned on the music.

A soft melody filled the car, gentle and warm.

Jungkook’s expression darkened almost immediately. “Turn it off.”

“No,” she replied calmly.

“It’s distracting.”

“It’s calming.”

“It’s unnecessary.”

“It’s necessary for me,” she said, leaning her head against the window, her voice softer now.

Jungkook exhaled slowly, irritation rising in steady waves. He didn’t like noise. He didn’t like unpredictability. And right now, she was both.

Beside him, Selene started humming along with the song, her voice light, unpolished, but full of life. She didn’t care if she was off-key. She didn’t care if it annoyed him.

She just… enjoyed it.

Jungkook’s fingers tapped once against the steering wheel before stilling again, his patience thinning.

“How do people tolerate you?” he muttered under his breath, not even looking at her.

Selene turned instantly, her expression shifting into mock offense.

“Tolerate? People love me.”

He let out a quiet breath, almost scoffing. “That’s hard to believe.”

“I know,” she replied with a small, proud smile, completely unbothered.

And then she went back to humming.

Jungkook glanced at her briefly.

Her head rested against the window, eyes half-closed, lips curved in a soft smile as she followed the rhythm of the song. There was no hesitation in her, no self-consciousness. She didn’t adjust herself to fit the space.

She claimed it.

And that… annoyed him.

Because people like her—

People like Selene—

Didn’t exist in his world.

Yet here she was.

Sitting beside him.

Filling his silence.

Disturbing his order.

And slowly—

Without even trying—

Getting under his skin.

By the time they reached the village, the sun had already begun to set, spreading a soft golden glow across the sky. The long drive slowly faded behind them as the car turned onto a narrower road, surrounded by endless stretches of green fields and small traditional houses.

A wooden board at the entrance read—Haneul Village.

Selene leaned slightly forward in her seat, her eyes lighting up instantly.

“Woah…” she whispered, almost to herself.

The place felt completely different from the city.

There were no tall buildings, no noise of traffic—just the soft rustling of trees, the distant sound of children laughing, and the calm rhythm of village life moving at its own peaceful pace.

As the car moved further inside, Selene couldn’t sit still anymore. She turned her head from one side to the other, trying to take in everything at once.

“Look at that… Jungkook, look,” she said, pointing toward a small house with a tiled roof and flowers blooming around the entrance. “It’s so pretty… like something from a movie.”

Jungkook glanced briefly in that direction.

She pressed her face slightly closer to the window, her excitement growing with every second.

 “And those fields… oh my God, they’re so green. How is everything so calm here? I feel like I can actually hear my own thoughts.”

Jungkook didn’t respond this time.

He continued driving his posture relaxed but his expression unreadable, eyes observing quietly instead of reacting.

The car slowed down as they entered deeper into the village.

That’s when Selene started noticing the people.

A few elderly women sitting outside their houses paused their conversation as the car passed. Some men standing near a small shop turned their heads. Even children stopped playing for a moment.

They weren’t staring rudely.

But they were definitely noticing.

Selene blinked, a little confused at first. Then, without overthinking, she smiled brightly and waved at a group of kids standing near the road.

The kids stared for a second—

And then waved back, giggling.

Selene’s smile widened immediately. “They’re so cute,” she said softly.

Jungkook noticed the interaction from the corner of his eye.

More people looked toward their car now, some nodding slightly, some whispering among themselves.

Selene leaned a little closer toward Jungkook, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. “Why is everyone looking at us like that?”

Jungkook didn’t seem bothered.

“They know us,” he said simply.

She frowned slightly. “Know us?”

“Our family,” he clarified, his tone calm.

“My mother has been doing charity work here every year. They recognize Jeons And me.”

Selene’s expression shifted from confusion to something softer.

“Oh…”

She looked outside again, this time differently.

Not as a stranger.

But as someone slowly understanding.

A few villagers nodded respectfully as the car passed by. One older man even bowed his head slightly.

Selene watched that quietly, her excitement settling into something more thoughtful now.

“They respect your family a lot,” she said softly.

Jungkook didn’t respond.

But his silence wasn’t dismissive this time.

It was just… still.

The car finally came to a stop near a modest but warm-looking traditional house at the end of the lane. The evening light fell gently over the wooden structure, making it glow in a quiet, comforting way.

Selene stepped out of the car first.

The cool breeze touched her face instantly.

She took a slow breath, looking around with wide, shining eyes.

“This place…” she murmured, turning in a small circle as if she didn’t want to miss anything. “It feels… peaceful.”

Jungkook stepped out after her, closing the car door behind him.

He didn’t say anything.

He just stood there for a moment, looking at the house ahead.

—

Selene, already walking a few steps ahead, touching the wooden gate lightly, peeking around like an excited child who had just discovered a new world.

“Jungkook,” she called softly, turning back to him with a bright smile, “it’s really beautiful.”

He looked at her for a second.

Then at the house.

“…It is,” he said quietly.

The moment Selene and Jungkook stepped inside the house, the soft creak of the wooden floor echoed under their feet. The space was simple—neatly arranged, lived-in, carrying a quiet warmth that didn’t need decoration to feel welcoming.

An old woman was already sitting on the floor near a low table, sorting some vegetables into a basket. She didn’t look surprised. Almost like she had been waiting.

She lifted her head slowly.

Her eyes landed on Jungkook first.

For a second, she just stared.

Then her expression changed instantly.

“Aigoo… look who finally decided to come,” she muttered, pushing herself up with effort but without any weakness in her voice.

Selene straightened a little beside Jungkook, instinctively nervous.

Jungkook stepped forward. “Grannyi.”

That was all he managed to say before she reached him.

And without warning—

She grabbed his cheek.

Hard.

Selene’s eyes widened.

“You’ve grown taller but your brain is still the same,” 

she scolded, pulling his face closer to hers as if inspecting him.

 “Do you even remember you have a grandmother or did your big company eat your memory?”

Jungkook let out a slow breath, his hands slipping casually into here “I came, didn’t I?”

“That is because I called,” she snapped immediately, now tugging his ear. 

“If I didn’t, you would still be sitting in your glass office like a statue.”

Selene bit her lip, trying very hard not to laugh.

Jungkook closed his eyes briefly. “… it hurts.”

“Good,” she said, not letting go. “Let it hurt. Maybe your brain will start working.”

Then she suddenly leaned back slightly, squinting at him.

“Still cold?” she asked bluntly.

Jungkook didn’t reply.

She clicked her tongue. “Useless boy.”

Selene couldn’t hold it anymore—a small laugh slipped out.

Both of them looked at her.

She froze immediately.

“S-sorry…” she murmured.

But instead of scolding her, the grandmother turned fully toward her.

Her sharp gaze softened within seconds.

“Oh…” she said slowly, her eyes scanning Selene from head to toe, but not in judgment—more like curiosity mixed with quiet approval. “So this is the girl.”

Selene swallowed and bowed slightly. “Hello…Granny.”

The old woman stepped closer, her steps slow but steady, and stopped right in front of her.

“What is your name?” she asked.

“Selene,” she replied softly.

The grandmother repeated it under her breath. “Se-le-ne…” then smiled faintly. “Pretty name. Doesn’t match your face.”

Selene blinked in confusion. “Huh?”

“It’s too calm,” she said, reaching out to lightly tap Selene’s cheek. “Your face is not calm. It’s noisy.”

Selene’s mouth fell open. It was sight to look. Jungkook turned his face slightly away.

Because he knew—

If he looked any longer, he might actually react.

Selene let out a small, awkward laugh. “I… talk a little.”

“A little?” the grandmother scoffed. “I can already see you talk a lot.”

Selene scratched her head, embarrassed. “Yes… that too.”

The grandmother chuckled, clearly amused now. She gently held Selene’s hand and made her sit beside her on the floor.

“What do you do?” she asked.

Selene’s eyes lit up slightly. “I cook.”

“Hmm?” the grandmother raised a brow. “Just cook?”

“I have a small YouTube channel,” Selene added, a little shy but also proud. “I make cooking videos. Different dishes… sometimes traditional, sometimes new styles.”

The grandmother’s expression changed again—this time impressed.

“Oh?” she leaned closer. “You cook and you show others also? That’s good.”

Selene smiled, nodding quickly. “Yes! I really like it.”

The grandmother patted her hand approvingly. “Good girl. At least one useful person is here.”

Jungkook looked at her.

“Did you hear that?” she said, pointing at him. “Learn something.”

Jungkook sighed quietly, already used to this.

Selene covered her mouth, trying to hide her smile.

Then suddenly, the grandmother frowned slightly and looked back at Selene.

“Did this boy give you anything to eat on the way?” she asked.

Selene blinked.

Jungkook didn’t react.

Selene, without hesitation, answered honestly, “No…”

That was it.

The grandmother turned sharply toward Jungkook.

“Aigoo!” she exclaimed, hitting his arm lightly. “What is wrong with you? You brought your wife all the way here and didn’t even feed her?”

Jungkook looked completely unbothered. “She didn’t say she was hungry.”

Selene immediately spoke, “I was—”

Then stopped again.

The grandmother shook her head dramatically. “Look at him. Useless. Completely useless.”

Selene laughed this time, unable to stop herself.

Jungkook gave her a look.

She immediately straightened. “Sorry.”

The grandmother wasn’t done.

“When you were small,” she continued, glaring at him, 

“You used to cry if I didn’t feed you on time. Now you don’t even remember to feed your own wife.”

Jungkook muttered under his breath, “That was different.”

“Nothing is different,” she snapped. “You are still the same bunny. A big fat rabbit”

Selene’s head snapped toward him again.

“Bunny?” she repeated, eyes wide.

Jungkook closed his eyes briefly. “Don’t.”

The grandmother ignored him completely.

“He used to follow me everywhere,” she told Selene proudly. “Holding my clothes like this—” she mimicked a tiny grip “—and wouldn’t leave even for a second.”

Selene stared at Jungkook like she had just discovered a secret treasure.

“You were like that?” she asked, trying very hard not to laugh.

Jungkook didn’t respond.

Which only made it worse.

The grandmother laughed softly, clearly enjoying this.

Then she looked at Selene again, her tone gentler now.

“You eat well, okay?” she said. “Don’t depend on him for anything.”

Selene nodded obediently. “Okay.”

“And if he troubles you,” she added, lowering her voice slightly, “tell me. I will fix him.”

Selene smiled brightly. “Okay.”

Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, clearly done with this entire conversation.

The grandmother noticed.

“After a moment, she stood up slowly. “Come, I’ll show you your room. You must be tired.”

Selene immediately got up to help her, holding her arm gently.

“I’m fine,” the grandmother said, though she didn’t pull away.

Selene followed the grandmother toward the inner part of the house, glancing back once at Jungkook.

He stood there, watching them quietly.

Calm as always.

But something about the space around him had changed.

And for the first time—

Selene didn’t feel nervous around him here.

She felt… strangely at ease.

The late afternoon sun stretched softly across the fields, turning everything golden and warm. The air smelled of soil and fresh leaves, and the quiet rustling of crops swaying in the breeze created a peaceful rhythm.

Selene walked carefully beside the old woman, lifting the edge of her dress slightly so it wouldn’t drag in the dirt. Her eyes were bright with curiosity, constantly moving from one thing to another—touching leaves, bending slightly to observe plants, smiling at everything like a child seeing the world for the first time.

Grandmother walked beside her slowly but steadily, her hands clasped behind her back, watching Selene more than the field.

“You like it here?” she asked.

Selene nodded immediately, almost too quickly. 

“I love it! It’s so peaceful… and everything feels so real. Not like the city at all. I feel like I can breathe properly here.”

Grandmother smiled faintly. “Good. A woman should learn to love the place her husband comes from.”

Selene blinked at that but nodded again, a little awkwardly this time.

They walked a little further before the older woman suddenly stopped and turned toward her, eyes sharp despite her age.

“So,” she said casually, “how is your married life?”

Selene froze.

It was such a simple question.

And yet… something about the way it was asked made her nervous.

“I-it’s good,” she replied quickly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Everything is… fine.”

Grandmother hummed, clearly unconvinced.

“Fine?” she repeated slowly. “Only fine?”

Selene laughed nervously. “No, I mean—good. Very good. He’s… nice.”

“Nice?” Grandmother’s eyebrow lifted. “You married a man like him, and all you can say is ‘nice’?”

Selene didn’t know what to say to that.

She looked down, suddenly very interested in the dirt under her feet.

There was a small pause.

Then the old woman leaned slightly closer.

“And your nights?” she asked bluntly.

Selene’s head snapped up so fast she almost lost balance.

“My—what?”

“Your nights,” Grandmother repeated calmly, as if asking about the weather. 

“After marriage. Between husband and wife.”

Selene’s face turned red instantly.

“I—uh—I mean—” she stammered, words completely failing her.

Grandmother stared at her for a long second.

Then her eyes widened slightly.

“Don’t tell me…” she said slowly.

Selene immediately waved her hands. “No! I mean—yes—I mean—it’s not like that—”

“Ah,” the old woman sighed deeply, shaking her head. “These modern children.”

Selene looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

Grandmother clicked her tongue. “You got married, and you’re acting like strangers? What is this nonsense?”

Selene covered her face with her hands for a second. “It’s not nonsense! It’s just… we’re taking time…”

“Time?” Grandmother repeated. “For what? To write letters to each other?”

Selene almost choked.

The old woman stepped closer, lowering her voice but not her boldness.

“Listen to me carefully,” she said, her tone suddenly firm. “A husband is not someone you keep at a distance like a guest.”

Selene peeked at her through her fingers, still red.

“You are his wife,” Grandmother continued. “That means closeness. Understanding. And yes—boldness too.”

Selene blinked.

“B-boldness?”

Grandmother nodded like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

“Men like him… strong, silent, always in control… they don’t show what they want.”

Selene swallowed.

“But that doesn’t mean they don’t want,” the old woman added knowingly.

Selene’s heart started beating faster.

“Then… what should I do?” she asked hesitantly, instantly regretting asking.

Grandmother smiled—a very knowing, slightly mischievous smile.

“Don’t be shy around your own husband,” she said. “If you act scared, he will stay distant. If you act confident… he will notice.”

Selene stared at her.

Confident?

Her?

Grandmother continued, clearly enjoying this.

“Talk to him. Tease him a little. Don’t always wait for him to make the first move in everything.”

Selene’s brain was slowly overheating.

“T-tease?” she repeated weakly.

“Yes,” Grandmother said simply. “Men may look strong, but they are very easy to disturb if you know how.”

Selene blinked again.

“Look at him properly,” the old woman added. “Not like a frightened kitten. Like a woman who knows he belongs to her.”

Selene’s face somehow got even redder.

“You are his wife,” Grandmother said firmly. “That gives you the right.”

Selene looked like she might faint.

The old woman softened slightly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t overthink it,” she said. “Just be yourself… but a little braver.”

Selene slowly lowered her hands, still embarrassed but now also… thinking.

Her mind flashed with images of Jungkook—his calm face, his sharp eyes, the way he carried himself.

.

Her heart skipped.

Grandmother watched her expression carefully and smiled to herself.

“See?” she said quietly. “You’re already thinking.”

Selene quickly shook her head. “No! I mean—yes—I mean—this is so embarrassing—”

Grandmother laughed softly.

“Good,” she said. “Marriage should have a little embarrassment. Otherwise, it becomes boring.”

Selene groaned softly, covering her face again.

“I can’t believe we’re talking about this…”

“Better you hear it from me than learn it the hard way,” the old woman replied calmly.

Selene peeked at her again.

“And remember one thing,” Grandmother added, her tone softer now. “Don’t be afraid of closeness. It is not something to run from. It is something to grow into.”

Selene slowly nodded, her expression thoughtful now despite the lingering embarrassment.

They stood there for a moment in the quiet field—the young bride, flustered and overwhelmed… and the old woman, wise and completely unbothered.

Then suddenly—

“Also,” Grandmother added casually, turning to walk again, “don’t let him think he is the only one in control.”

Selene choked.

“W-what?!”

The old woman didn’t look back.

“Men like a little challenge,” she said simply.

Selene stood frozen for a second… before rushing after her, completely flustered.

“Grandma!” she whispered loudly. “You can’t just say things like that and walk away!”

But the old woman only laughed.

And somewhere far away, completely unaware of this conversation—

Jungkook had no idea what kind of “confidence” was about to walk back into his life.

The conversation with the grandmother lingered in Selene’s mind far longer than she wanted it to.

Her face was still slightly red as she walked away from her, trying very hard to act normal—though inside, her thoughts were anything but normal. Every single word the old woman had said echoed in her head, making her feel both embarrassed and strangely restless.

“Nope. No. Absolutely not thinking about that,” she muttered under her breath, shaking her head quickly as if that would throw the thoughts away.

She needed a distraction.

A big one.

Her eyes scanned the wide open fields, and suddenly her face lit up.

Farming.

Yes. That looked safe. Peaceful. Normal.

“Okay, Selene, focus,” she whispered to herself, marching toward a patch of field where a few villagers had been working earlier. Now it was mostly quiet, just the soft rustle of plants and the golden sunlight spreading across the land.

She carefully stepped into the field, lifting her dress slightly again. The soil felt soft under her feet, a little uneven but not too bad.

“I can do this,” she said confidently, picking up a small farming tool lying nearby. “How hard can it be?”

Her confidence lasted exactly ten seconds.

She bent slightly, trying to imitate what she had seen others do—poking the soil, moving it around, attempting to look like she knew what she was doing. Her brows furrowed in deep concentration, lips pressed together as she focused with all her might.

“See? Not bad,” she mumbled proudly. “I’m basically a natural.”

And then—

Something moved.

Right in front of her.

Selene froze.

Her eyes slowly shifted downward.

There, sitting boldly on the damp soil, was a big, very real, very alive frog.

For one second, there was complete silence.

Then—

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”

Her scream echoed across the field so loudly that even birds flew off from nearby trees.

She jumped back in pure panic, completely losing her balance.

Her foot slipped.

And the next thing she knew—

THUD.

She landed straight into the mud.

For a moment, she just sat there, stunned, her brain trying to process what had just happened. Mud covered her dress, her hands, even a little on her cheek.

“I—” she looked down at herself, completely horrified. “No. No no no no—”

Determined to recover some dignity, she quickly tried to get up.

Bad idea.

The ground was slippery.

Her foot slipped again.

THUD.

She fell back.

A little harder this time.

Selene stared at the sky, blinking rapidly as the shock turned into pure embarrassment.

“This is not happening…” she whispered weakly.

She tried again.

Carefully this time.

Slowly pushing herself up—

Slip.

THUD.

“OH COME ON!” she cried out, frustration now mixing with her embarrassment.

Her hands were muddy, her dress ruined, her hair slightly messy, and to make everything worse—she could feel eyes on her.

Slowly, painfully, she turned her head.

A few villagers stood at a distance, staring at her.

Not helping.

Just… staring.

Like she was some strange creature that had fallen from the sky.

Selene’s face burned.

Her eyes started to sting.

“Oh my god…” she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. “They’re all watching…”

She tried one more time to stand, her movements slower now, but her foot slipped again, and she dropped back down, this time letting out a small, defeated sound.

Her eyes turned slightly teary—not from pain, but from sheer embarrassment.

“I just wanted to help…” she muttered, biting her lip.

And that was when—

Jungkook heard the scream.

From inside the house, the sharp, panicked sound had caught his attention immediately. His brows had furrowed in irritation at first, already guessing who it could be.

“Of course,” he muttered under his breath, putting aside what he was doing and stepping out.

He followed the direction of the noise, his steps quick but controlled.

And then he saw her.

Covered in mud.

Sitting in the middle of the field.

Looking completely… ridiculous.

For a split second, irritation rose in him instantly.

What is she even doing?

But then—

He noticed her face.

Her eyes.

Slightly teary. Embarrassed. Struggling.

And something in his chest shifted.

It wasn’t strong.

It wasn’t clear.

Just… a small, unfamiliar tug.

His irritation didn’t disappear—but it softened.

Slightly.

He exhaled quietly, running a hand through his hair before walking toward her.

Selene looked up when she heard footsteps.

And froze.

Oh no.

No no no no no.

Out of all people—

Him.

Her eyes widened in horror as she tried to sit straighter, which only made her slip again slightly.

“Don’t move,” Jungkook said, his tone calm but edged with annoyance as he reached her.

She froze instantly.

“I saw a frog…” she blurted out quickly, as if that explained everything.

“I can see that something attacked you,” he replied dryly, glancing at her state.

Selene pouted slightly despite the situation. “It was big.”

“It’s a frog,” he said flatly.

She opened her mouth to argue—

But then he suddenly stepped closer and extended his hand toward her.

“Give me your hand,” he said.

Selene blinked.

For a second, she just stared at him.

Then slowly, hesitantly, she placed her muddy hand in his.

The moment his grip tightened, he pulled her up in one smooth motion.

But as expected—

Her foot slipped again.

Without thinking, his other hand moved to steady her, gripping her arm firmly.

“Can’t you stand properly?” he asked, his tone slightly sharper now.

“I’m trying!” she said defensively, her voice small.

He sighed under his breath, clearly losing patience.

“This is why you don’t do things you don’t know.”

“I just wanted to try” she muttered again, avoiding his eyes.

For a brief second, he looked at her.

Really looked.

Mud-stained. Messy. Embarrassed.

And quiet.

Too quiet.

That same strange uneasiness flickered in him again.

He didn’t like it.

Before he could think further, she tried to take a step—

And almost slipped again.

That was it.

Without another word, Jungkook suddenly bent slightly, one arm moving behind her back, the other under her knees—

And lifted her.

Selene gasped.

Her eyes widened in pure shock as she instinctively held onto him.

“What—what are you doing?!” she stammered.

“Saving you from falling again,” he replied bluntly, already walking toward the house.

“You could have just—” she started, then stopped.

Because suddenly—

She became very aware.

Of how close she was.

Of his steady hold.

Of the way he didn’t even seem to care that his clothes were getting dirty because of her.

Her heart skipped.

Something fluttered in her stomach.

And just like that—

Her embarrassment melted into something else.

She slowly looked up at him, her eyes softening.

He, on the other hand, looked completely unimpressed.

“You’re unbelievable,” he muttered. “Who goes to a field dressed like that and expects not to fall?”

She didn’t even argue.

Didn’t pout.

Didn’t complain.

She just… smiled a little.

To herself.

When they reached the house, he walked straight inside, ignoring the curious looks of the staff, and stopped near the bathroom.

He set her down carefully, though his movements were still firm.

“Go wash yourself,” he said, stepping back. “You look like you fought the entire field and lost.”

Selene looked down at herself… and then back at him.

“You carried me,” she said suddenly.

He paused.

“…because you couldn’t walk,” he replied shortly.

She nodded slowly.But her smile didn’t fade.

“Still,” she murmured softly.

He didn’t respond.

Just turned slightly, already walking away.

But Selene stood there for a moment longer, watching his back.

Her heart still beating a little faster.

Her cheeks still slightly warm.

And despite the mud, the embarrassment, the fall—

She felt… strangely happy.

Very, very happy.

The night had settled deeper now, the village wrapped in a soft silence that felt almost alive. Crickets chirped somewhere in the distance, and the faint rustle of leaves moved gently with the cool breeze. The sky above stretched wide and endless, but Selene wasn’t looking at it anymore.

They walked side by side, but it didn’t feel like they were together.

It was the old woman's idea of throwing them out of the house at night so they can spend some time together alone. 

Selene’s steps were light at first, almost bouncing with leftover excitement from the day. She kept glancing around, absorbing everything—the quiet houses, the dim lanterns, the peaceful emptiness that felt so different from the noisy city she had grown up in.

But more than that…

She kept glancing at him.

At Jungkook.

Walking beside her like always—calm, composed, distant.

She pressed her lips together, gathering courage.

“So…” she started softly, her voice trying to sound casual, “it’s really pretty at night here, right?”

Jungkook didn’t even look at her properly. “hmmm”

The answer was simple.

Flat.

Selene’s smile faltered just a little, but she didn’t give up.

“No, I mean…” she tried again, tucking her hair behind her ear nervously, “it feels different. Like… more peaceful? And the air is nicer. And—”

She looked up at the sky for a second, her eyes lighting up faintly.

“The sky looks clearer too.”

This time, he followed her gaze for a brief second.

Then he looked ahead again.

“Hmm.”

That was it.

Selene’s fingers curled slightly behind her back.

She let out a tiny breath.

Why is it so hard to talk to him…

Still, she smiled again, forcing brightness into her tone.

“Did you come here a lot when you were young?” she asked, stepping a little closer, trying to close the distance between them.

“Sometimes.”

“What did you do here?”

“Nothing.”

Selene blinked.

“Nothing?” she repeated, a soft laugh escaping her. “You just came here and… existed?”

He shrugged slightly. “Yes.”

She shook her head, half amused, half frustrated.

“You are really bad at conversations,” she muttered.

“You talk enough for both,” he replied calmly.

Her lips parted in disbelief. “That’s not nice!”

“It’s not wrong.”

She looked away, pouting slightly.

“I’m trying to make this less awkward,” she said under her breath.

“It’s not awkward,” he said.

Selene’s chest tightened slightly.

It is for me…

But she didn’t say it.

Instead, she stayed quiet for a moment, walking slowly beside him.

And then—

She remembered.

Her eyes lit up again, a spark of excitement returning.

“Oh! Grandma told me something earlier,” she said quickly, turning toward him.

Jungkook glanced at her. “What?”

“She said there’s a place nearby where you can see the stars really clearly,” Selene said, her voice soft but filled with hope now. “Like… properly. Not like in the city.”

He didn’t react much.

“I think we should go there . I really want to see it .” she said excited 

“ It's too late  beside we have to go home . You can see it some other day " 

 Jungkook reply flatly….

" But we don't know when we come here next time ans also we are leaving in two  days. I don't think we can get time for this “

Selene's voice came as a pleading. Desparately 

" No selene. I told you not now “ he dismissed her in cold tone .

Her excitement paused.

“But she said it’s beautiful,” Selene added, almost defensively now, like she needed him to agree.

He looked ahead, his voice calm but dismissive.

“It’s nothing special.”

Something inside her dropped.

Not loudly.

Not dramatically.

Just… quietly.

“Oh, Okk. Vv,” she said.

It came out softer than she intended.

But she tried again, holding onto that small hope.

“Can we go?” she asked, her voice gentler now, less bright, more careful. “Just for a little while?”

Jungkook didn’t even slow down.

“It’s late,Selene,” he said. “There’s no need.”

That was it.

No anger.

No harsh tone.

But still—

It felt like rejection.

Selene stopped walking for a second because something in her chest suddenly felt… heavy.Her fingers tightened slightly at her sides.

He didn’t even think about it.She had been so excited.

So eager.

For something so small.

And he had dismissed it like it didn’t matter at all.

“Oh… okay,” she said quietly.This time, she didn’t try again.

Didn’t insist.

.

She just turned around and started walking again.

But slower.

Her steps lost their bounce.Her shoulders dropped slightly.Her gaze stayed fixed on the ground ahead.

And her silence—

It was different now.Not the comfortable kind.Not the thoughtful kind.

It was the kind that came after disappointment.Jungkook noticed it within seconds.

Of course he did.

Because the sudden absence of her voice was… noticeable.

Too noticeable.

A few moments ago, she had been talking non-stop—filling every space, every silence, every breath.

And now—

Nothing.

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.Her face looked the same.

But not really.The light in it was gone.

And for some reason—.That bothered him.

He frowned slightly, looking ahead again.

He exhaled slowly, running his tongue across his cheek in slight irritation.

It’s just a place…

Why does it matter so much to her?

His steps slowed unconsciously.

Selene didn’t notice.She just kept walking, her mind now somewhere else entirely.

Maybe I talk too much…

Maybe I annoyed him…

Maybe I shouldn’t have asked…

Her throat felt tight.And she hated it.

Hated how something so small affected her this much.

Hated how his one simple refusal could make her feel… unwanted.

Jungkook stopped walking.This time, she noticed.She turned around slightly, confused.

“What happened?” she asked softly.

He looked at her.

Really looked.

And for a moment—

He saw it clearly.The excitement that had been there before…

Gone.

Replaced by something quieter.

Smaller.

And that same strange feeling tugged at him again.

Unfamiliar.

Uncomfortable.

He exhaled.

Then said simply—

“Let’s go.”

Selene blinked. “huuu?”

He held her gaze for a second.

“To the place you wanted to see.”

Silence.

For one heartbeat—

She didn’t react.

Like she didn’t trust what she heard.

Then—

It hit her.

And just like that—

Her entire face changed.

“Really?” she asked, her voice suddenly alive again, disbelief and excitement mixing together.

He gave a small nod, already turning.

“Yes.”

And before he could even take a proper step—

She rushed toward him.

Fast.

Without thinking.

And threw her arms around him.

Tightly.

The impact made him freeze instantly.

Her arms wrapped around his torso, her body pressing against his as she hugged him without hesitation.

“Thank you!” she said, her voice soft but full of happiness. “I really wanted to go…”

Jungkook’s body went completely still.

His mind blanked for a second.

Because this—

This was not something he expected.

At all.

His hands stayed at his sides.Not pushing her away.Not holding her either.

Just… frozen.

Selene, however, didn’t realize immediately.She just held onto him for a second longer—Until awareness suddenly hit her.

Her eyes widened.

She pulled back instantly, stepping away like she had been burned.

“I—I’m sorry!” she stammered, her words rushing out in panic. “I didn’t mean to—I just got excited—I didn’t think—”

She stopped, completely flustered.

Jungkook looked at her.There was no anger on his face.

No visible irritation.

But something had changed.

Something subtle.

He studied her for a moment.Her flushed cheeks.Her nervous eyes.The way she couldn’t even look at him properly now.

And then—

Quietly—

“You’re impulsive,” he said.

Selene looked down, embarrassed. “I know…”There was a small pause.

The air between them felt different now.

Closer.

Warmer.

Jungkook turned slightly, starting to walk again.

“Come,” he said.

Selene nodded quickly, falling into step beside him.

But this time—

She didn’t walk at a distance.

She stayed close.Her hands still slightly trembling.Her heart still beating faster.

And Jungkook—

Though his face remained calm—He couldn’t ignore it anymore.The warmth of that hug.The way she had held him without hesitation.

Without calculation.

Without fear.

It stayed with him.

Longer than it should have.

And as they walked under the quiet night sky toward a place that suddenly mattered more than before—

Neither of them said it.

But something between them had shifted.

Softly.

Silently.

And undeniably.

The night had deepened by the time they settled under the open sky. The village had gone quiet in that slow, natural way—no sudden silence, just the gradual fading of voices, footsteps, and movement until only the soft chorus of crickets and the whisper of wind through the fields remained.

Above them, the sky stretched endlessly—dark, vast, and scattered with stars so clear and bright that it almost didn’t feel real.

Selene sat with her legs folded to one side, her hands resting on the ground behind her as she leaned back slightly, completely lost in the view. Her eyes reflected the sky itself—wide, shining, almost childlike in their wonder.

“It feels… bigger here,” she said softly, her voice quieter than usual, as if she didn’t want to disturb the moment. “Not just the sky… everything. Even silence feels bigger.”

Jungkook, sitting beside her with one leg bent and his arm resting over his knee, turned his gaze upward as well. His expression remained calm, composed—but his eyes were focused, thoughtful.

“That’s because there’s nothing competing with it,” he replied after a moment. 

“In the city, your senses are constantly occupied—lights, noise, movement. Here, there’s nothing to interrupt your perception. So your mind registers everything more clearly.”

Selene turned her head slightly, watching him instead of the sky now. There was something about the way he spoke—measured, precise, like he had already thought through everything before saying it.

“You explain things like you’re giving a lecture,” she said, tilting her head with a small smile.

“It’s not a lecture,” he replied calmly. “It’s just an observation.”

“Hm,” she hummed thoughtfully. “Still sounds like a lecture.”

A faint breath left him—almost like the beginning of a smile, but not quite.

He lifted his hand slightly, pointing toward a section of the sky.

 “That’s Cassiopeia,” he said. “You can recognize it by its ‘W’ shape. It’s one of the easiest constellations to identify in the northern sky.”

Selene followed his gesture, narrowing her eyes in concentration. This time, she didn’t rush to respond. She studied it properly, tracing the pattern slowly with her gaze.

“…Okay, I see it,” she said after a few seconds, a small hint of pride in her voice. 

“That actually does look like a ‘W’.”

“It rotates depending on the season,” he added. “Sometimes it looks inverted. But the pattern stays consistent.”

She glanced at him again, impressed. “You really like this, don’t you?”

He didn’t answer immediately.

Then, quietly, “It’s predictable.”

Selene blinked. “Stars are predictable?”

“Their movement is,” he clarified. “They follow patterns. Calculable ones. There’s a certainty in it.”

She watched him for a moment, her expression softening slightly.

“Of course you’d like something predictable,” she murmured under her breath.

His eyes flickered toward her. “What does that mean?”

She smiled faintly, shaking her head. 

“Nothing. Just… you seem like the type who likes things in control.”

“That’s not a preference,” he said evenly. “It’s efficiency.”

Selene couldn’t help it—she laughed softly.

“See? That,” she pointed at him lightly, “that is exactly what I mean. Who calls it efficiency?”

“It is efficiency.”

“It’s control,” she corrected playfully.

He didn’t argue.

For a moment, they both fell quiet again, the conversation dissolving into the soft stillness around them.

Selene pulled her knees closer this time, wrapping her arms loosely around them as she looked back at the sky.

“Do you ever just… look at it and not think?” she asked after a while. “Not analyze it. Not explain it. Just… feel it?”

Jungkook’s gaze remained upward.

“I don’t see the point in separating the two,” he replied. “Understanding something doesn’t remove the feeling. If anything, it deepens it.”

Selene went still for a second.

Then she turned her head slowly toward him, her expression shifting—something quieter, more thoughtful.

“That was… unexpectedly poetic,” she said softly.

“It wasn’t.”

“It was,” she insisted gently.

He didn’t respond, but there was a slight pause in his breathing—as if he was aware of the way she was looking at him.

Selene’s gaze lingered.

On his profile.

The sharp line of his jaw, the calm focus in his eyes, the way even in silence he carried a certain weight—something steady, something difficult to ignore.

Her heart softened again.

And this time… it stayed that way.

“You know,” she said quietly, her voice almost thoughtful now,

 “You're very different from what I imagined.”

His eyes shifted toward her. “What did you imagine?”

She hesitated.

Then, honestly, “Someone colder.”

He held her gaze for a second longer than usual.

“Am I not?” he asked.

Selene studied him carefully.

Then shook her head, just slightly.

“No,” she said softly. “Not really.”

Something in his expression changed—subtle, almost unnoticeable. But it was there.

She looked away first.

Her fingers fidgeted slightly against the fabric of her dress, her thoughts drifting back to everything—the grandmother’s words, the way he carried her earlier, the way he had come for her without hesitation.

Her heartbeat picked up.

“Okay…confidence” she whispered to herself, almost inaudible.

Then, slowly, she shifted closer.

Not abruptly.

Not obviously.

Just enough.

He noticed.

Of course he did.

His body tensed slightly, just for a second—but he didn’t move away.

Selene’s eyes flickered toward his shoulder.

Then back to his face.

Then again to his shoulder.

Her breath came out slower this time.

“Don’t overthink,” she murmured to herself.

And before she could lose the courage—

She leaned in.

Gently.

Carefully.

Resting her head against his shoulder.

The moment her weight settled against him, Jungkook stilled.

Completely.

His body went rigid for a fraction of a second, caught off guard by the sudden closeness. His eyes dropped to her, a faint crease forming between his brows.

Selene froze too.

For that one second, everything held its breath.

Waiting.

But he didn’t pull away.

Didn’t say anything.

Didn’t even shift.

Slowly, very slowly, Selene let herself relax.

Her cheek rested fully against his shoulder now, her eyes lowering as a small, almost shy smile touched her lips.

Her heart was beating fast.

Too fast.

But she didn’t move.

Because for the first time—

She felt close to him.

Not just physically.

Something softer.

Something warmer.

Jungkook remained still, but inside… there was a quiet shift.

He could feel her.

The light pressure of her head, the warmth of her presence, the way her usual energy had softened into something quieter.

And strangely—

It didn’t irritate him.

It didn’t feel like an intrusion.

It felt… unfamiliar.

But not unwelcome.

His gaze lifted back to the sky, though his awareness stayed anchored to her.

“This is how people usually watch stars,” Selene murmured softly after a while, her voice slightly muffled against his shoulder.

He glanced down at her briefly. “With poor posture?”

She let out a small laugh. “With company.”

A pause.

Then, almost unconsciously, his posture adjusted just slightly—subtle, but enough to make her more comfortable.

Selene noticed.

Her smile deepened.

Neither of them said anything after that.

The silence returned.

But this time, it wasn’t empty.

It wasn’t distant.

It was shared.

And under the endless sky, with stars quietly burning above them—

Something between them shifted.

Not loudly.

Not dramatically.

Just enough to be felt.

And remembered.