Thud!
"JAEKYUNG OPPA, LET'S DATE!"
"Huh, that girl is such a handful! But— fine, let's start dating from this moment, Y/N..."
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Black Fang MMA Gym, 11 A.M.
Thwack! Thwack!
Blow after blow landed in rapid succession until the opponent finally collapsed—unable to put up much of a fight.
"Nice! Let's wrap up sparring for today, Jae. Keep that punching power steady!" shouted the coach from ringside after watching Jaekyung knock down his opponent in under ten minutes.
The tall, muscular man with a tattoo on his upper right torso gave a short nod. Barely winded, he stepped out of the ring to grab a cold drink—only to be met with a familiar high-pitched, overly sweet voice.
"Oppa~"
Tsk...
Just as Jaekyung wiped his sweat, he clicked his tongue in annoyance without turning around.
"Oppaaa~ I've been here the whole time, you know~" the voice whined again, even more clingy and sulky this time.
With no other choice, Jaekyung turned to look.
There she was—a girl around 165 cm tall, long black hair cascading down, and a round, chubby face with a tiny dimple on her cheek that popped out when she pouted cutely, clearly begging for his attention.
Jaekyung's gaze drifted to the dry towel and cold drink she held. Just a little... just a tiny bit... his heart fluttered at her small act of care.
"Oppa, you were amazing just now! I just know you're gonna beat Magma in your next match!" Y/N beamed, handing over the items.
Jaekyung let out a brief sigh before accepting the towel and drink.
Click!
Gulp... gulp...
"I'm definitely gonna win! So far, no one's been able to bring me down—the reigning champ!" he said proudly.
Y/N giggled and nodded eagerly in agreement. She then scooted closer and wrapped her arms around Jaekyung's, whispering sweetly.
"Of course you will, babe. You got this~ Hehee... Now let's eat lunch! I made you a bento! You're gonna love it~"
Gulp
Jaekyung's eyes instantly filled with dread the moment she mentioned homemade food. It's not that he didn't appreciate it, but Y/N always... experimented with her cooking. And who else but him had to suffer the consequences?
"Err... Y/N, how about we eat out today instead? Maybe some kalguksu?" he suggested with a stiff smile as he watched her eagerly open each bento box on the table.
Y/N's fingers froze mid-motion. She turned to Jaekyung, her lips forming a pout.
"So... you don't wanna eat my cooking, is that it? After I worked so hard on it..."
Jaekyung sighed deeply. In the end, he gave in and sat across from her, staring at the contents of the bento with a very unsure expression.
"So... what did you make today?" he asked—reluctantly.
Y/N's mood instantly brightened. She proudly showed off the dishes, giggling.
"Hmm... I watched a video on how to make shrimp stir-fry, but I thought adding avocado might make it taste better. And this one—fish soup with jicama! Hehe... And of course, gyeranmari!"
Jaekyung could only stare blankly at the "creative" menu in front of him. Silently, he prayed.
'At least her rolled omelette won't kill me… hopefully…'
Yup—instant noodles and fried eggs were the only things Y/N could cook without causing a food emergency.
–––––––
One week later...
"Relentless punches from our reigning champion! Whoa—looks like today's opponent isn't backing down easily, right, Ra Wan?"
"Exactly, Top Wan! Our champ is actually getting cornered this time and... ehh—WAIT!!!"
One of the commentators suddenly let out a high-pitched scream as a brutal punch from Jaekyung landed square on his opponent's jaw—knocking him down instantly!
1... 2... 3... all the way to 10...
The referee finished the count. But alas, Jung Magma could no longer lift himself off the ground. Without further delay, Joo Jaekyung was declared the absolute winner—by K.O.!
"WOOOOO!!! LONG LIVE THE CHAMP!!!"
The crowd erupted into wild cheers and roaring applause throughout Jamsil Arena! Once again, the champion proved himself as the undefeated force inside the ring.
Brutal—sadistic.
That's Joo Jaekyung.
-----
10 P.M. – Jaekyung's Private Room
Click! The door swung open and—
Grab!
"Oppa, congratulations! Huhuhu, that was so close, but you did it Aaaa—"
A tight hug came out of nowhere as Y/N threw herself into Jaekyung's arms the moment she stepped into his private room. The man flinched slightly, instinctively pushing her away just a bit—but kept his arm around her to make sure she didn't fall.
"Ihh, Oppa… what's that for?! It was just a hug. You don't like it? Hmph!?"
And there it began... the high-pitched, clingy voice of Y/N, her lips pouting several centimeters forward.
"I'm still sweaty. I just got back here. And besides, you came in so suddenly—I didn't even know it was you. Next time... knock first and—"
"Why should I knock? I'm your girlfriend, am I not? Ugh, whatever!"
Refusing to back down, Y/N hugged Jaekyung's waist even tighter, now with more determination.
"Hey... hey... I haven't even showered yet, y'know. Tsk, let go already!"
"Noooope~"
Jaekyung let out a long, exasperated sigh.
His body was still hot and sticky with sweat... and now he was being clung to. Honestly? He didn't really mind. But this timing? Yeah, not ideal...
Click!
"Jae, you in here? Huh?"
One of Jaekyung's coaches stepped in—and froze at the sight of the affectionate scene. He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem... Yeah, um, can we talk real quick? It's about your upcoming match in the U.S."
Jaekyung gave a small nod. He looked Y/N in the eyes, gently placed his hands on her shoulders, and eased her back—soft but firm.
"I need to talk for a bit. Can you grab me a warm drink? Coffee or hot chocolate, either's fine," he said, gently pressing her shoulders.
Y/N widened her eyes—shocked, clearly wanting to protest—but in the end, she only gave a small nod.
Jaekyung slowly let go of her, and she turned around to leave. As she stepped out, she gave the coach a faint smile before exiting the room.
A few moments later...
Y/N's POV
I stepped into a convenience store not far from tonight's MMA match venue. Holding a small basket, I started browsing through the shelves filled with all sorts of snacks.
"Hmm… which one should I get? Something sweet like cookies or something savory and salty?" I mumbled to myself while weighing my options. I headed toward the hot drink machine—but then stopped in my tracks.
Voices from the next aisle caught my attention. Some women were gossiping—and the name they mentioned made my heart pound wildly.
"Joo Jaekyung, ugh... he's not just handsome, he's also rich, and his body is insanely ripped—makes you drool, especially after that win tonight. Damn."
"Heii... shh! Lower your voice! If his girlfriend hears, she might confrontyou."
"His girlfriend? Pfft, you mean that plain-looking girl? She's so clingy, seriously! I thought Jaekyung would end up withKim Dan, you know, that model he was rumored with. But instead, he's dating a scholarship student? Hah! Not on the same level!"
"Shh, I told you to keep it down—"
"Why should I? It's not like she's here, right? Even if we did meet, I'd say it to her face: she's not good enough for Jaekyung! Is he blind or something to fall for a girl like that? Hahaha…"
Their conversation came to an abrupt halt—because I was already standing right in front of them.
I was so furious I couldn't even hide the annoyed expression on my face. I wanted so badly to rip those nasty mouths apart one by one. But I held back.
Calmly, I grabbed a cup of hot chocolate from the machine—right in front of them—and turned to walk away. But before going too far, I deliberately bumped hard into the shoulder of the loudest one.
No reaction. Good. Even if there was, I was ready.
"Come to think of it... have I ever confronted someone like that before? Hmm… probably not," I muttered to myself, thinking for a second. Then shrugged, too lazy to dwell on it.
I made my way to the cashier. And of course, I paid with Jaekyung's black card. I mean, it'd be a waste not to use it—at the very least, my fridge at the dorm will be fully stocked! Hahaha…
----
After paying for the groceries,
I walked lightly back toward Jamsil Arena, following the long hallway leading to Jaekyung's private room.
The slightly ajar doorknob instantly made me narrow my eyes.
'Hmm? Who's still inside? Coach Jang, maybe?' I wondered suspiciously.
I was about to push the door open, but—
A voice from inside the room froze me in place.
"I'm honestly surprised at you, Jaekyung… I thought you'd end up dating Kim Dan. She's totally your type, right? Soft, obedient…"
''Hmm? Yeah, we did go out a few times. But I figured our relationship was nothing more than friends and work partners."
"Are you stupid or what?! You passed up a woman as gorgeous as Kim Dan? As your best friend and doctor, I'm disappointed! Come here, I need to check your head—maybe you hit it during training!"
I heard Jaekyung's annoyed scoff.
I could already imagine his expression... he must've been glaring and—
"Are you insane, Heesung?! Want me to tie you up in the ring?!"
"Woaah, chill! I'm joking, seriously! But no, really... what do you even see in Y/N? I mean, sure, she's crazy smart—no surprise she's Seoul University's top student—but beyond that?"
Thud!
That line—straight from Dr. Heesung, Jaekyung's personal doctor—made my blood boil.
I almost stormed in and tore into him right there!
But—I held back.
'Hah! Just wait, Jaekyung Oppa is totally going to defend me. As if... what, I'm not pretty? Come on, Oppa, stand up for me, please…'
I told myself with determination. After all, we've been dating for two years now—Jaekyung must be completely softened by now. Chasing after him wasn't for nothing and—
"There really isn't much appealing about her. She's loud, clingy, overly affectionate, and her cooking is... weird. Honestly, I've often thought maybe I regret dating her and I want to break up…"
ENOUGH.
I couldn't believe those words actually came out of Jaekyung Oppa's mouth.
It was like a spear straight through my chest.
My heart felt like it had been stabbed clean through. My breath caught in my throat, pain spreading quickly through my body, all of it pooling into one place: my heart.
Unable to bear another word, I rushed off, wiping away the tears that were already falling.
'Tch... I hate crying…'
I walked quickly away from the room. My steps were unsteady, but I eventually reached the elevator and slammed the button with force.
As the door opened, I kept my head down, still wiping tears—
and bumped right into someone stepping out of the lift.
"Heii—" they exclaimed, surprised.
I looked up—and was even more shocked when I saw who it was.
Kim Dan.
The beautiful, shoulder-length blond-brunette model stared at me, puzzled.
"You're… Y/N, right? Jaekyung's girlfriend? Why are—"
Not wanting to explain anything, I simply shoved the bag of hot chocolate and snacks into her hands.
"Give this to Jaekyung. Tell him I went home early because I have a proposal exam tomorrow. Thanks."
I said flatly, then hit the elevator button again.
Just before the doors closed completely, I caught a glimpse of Kim Dan's confused expression, as if she wanted to stop me. But my heart was already too tired after hearing Jaekyung's words.
I turned my head, hugging my arms… trying to calm myself.
I knew I shouldn't cry over love.
But this is Jaekyung… and—ah, forget it… hikss…
At last, the tears broke free.
Silently, I cried alone. Trying to be strong, even though Jaekyung's words kept echoing in my head.
"Hahh… maybe our relationship really is meant to end…"
I whispered softly, to no one in particular.
Y/N POV END
–––––––
Two weeks later...
Hannam-dong, 1:38 A.M.
Jaekyung's POV
I tossed the towel carelessly onto the couch after drying my hair, then dropped myself onto the chair and reached for my phone.
My eyes narrowed sharply.
The message I sent this morning had been read by Y/N—but left on read. Just that cold little "Seen."
Tch...
Without thinking, I threw my phone onto the table. Hard.
I didn't care if it cracked or shattered—I was seriously pissed.
"What the hell, Y/N?! You ignore my texts, don't pick up my calls, and now you're impossible to find?!"
Both my hands went up to my head, messing up the hair I just dried.
It had been more than two weeks since Y/N started giving me the silent treatment with zero explanation.
She never came to the gym when I trained anymore, didn't show up at lunch, and even when I tried to find her on campus or at her dorm—nothing.
I let out a long sigh, biting down on my lower lip.
Thinking back…
It all started that night.
Flashback
"Hahaha! Why so serious about her? Tch, Jaekyung... your face is red like some love-struck bird! You're actually in love, aren't you?"
Heesung—that annoying creature—laughed loudly beside me.
I could only scoff in irritation, but I couldn't deny... my cheeks really did heat up every time I thought about Y/N's smile.
"Tch, shut up, idiot!"
I muttered, lowering my head to hide how wildly my heart was suddenly racing.
Suddenly, the door from outside pushed open.
I instinctively turned—convinced it was Y/N.
"Hello? Am I interrupting?"
Nope.
My expression instantly turned cold.
Standing at the door wasn't Y/N.
Where was she?
Hadn't she just gone to get a drink?
In front of us stood Kim Dan—my former ad partner from a commercial shoot.
Before I could say anything, she stepped forward and held out a bag.
"I ran into Y/N in the elevator. She was in a real hurry and asked me to give you this. She said if you were looking for her, she already went home. She has a proposal presentation tomorrow."
I nodded slowly.
Her explanation made sense.
A few days ago, Y/N did tell me about her jam-packed exam and thesis schedule.
But still...
I couldn't shake this uneasy feeling.
She went home… without me?
Didn't I pick her up earlier?
Weren't we supposed to go home together?
After that night,
the days that followed felt even stranger.
Y/N seemed to be deliberately avoiding me.
I'd tried everything I could to make things right...
but it was all in vain.
Bughh!
A hard punch landed on the punching bag in front of me.
The more I thought about Y/N constantly ignoring me,
the more this anger exploded.
"Tch... just wait. Once I find you—"
"Jaekyung!"
I turned when I heard my name being called.
Coach Jang was standing outside the ring, holding a large package.
I stepped out of the ring, exhaling sharply as I pulled off my gloves.
Confusion hit me when Coach Jang handed over the big bag.
The scent of banana muffins instantly filled the air.
I gave a faint smile...
I knew exactly who made them.
"That's from Y/N," the coach said.
"She stopped by briefly and droppedit off... and, oh—this too."
I immediately squinted in suspicion as he handed me something else:
My black card.
I'd deliberately given that card to Y/N.
Why was she returning it now?
"She said… yeah, shewanted to give this back too,"
Coach Jang added awkwardly.
Then, without waiting for my reaction,
he turned around and left—
just like that.
Leaving me in a mix of confusion and anger.
Without hesitation, I grabbed my phone and dialed the number that had always sat at the very top of my contact list.
Tut! Tut!
"Hello—"
"Jaekyung? Ah, sorry. I'm currently in Jeju for something.
Don't bother me for now, I'll contact you later. See you."
Click.
The call disconnected.
I stared at the now-dark screen.
Jeju?
And... 'don't bother me'?
Tch! Damn it! Whatthe hell does that mean?!
Without thinking, I called one of my most trusted people.
"Track her. Now.
I want to know everything she's doing there."
My grip tightened.
"You're not getting away from me, Y/N.
Once you're mine, you stay mine. Always."
Now, after untangling all this mess,
everything finally made sense.
Tring!
The ring of my phone broke my thoughts.
Without checking the caller ID, I picked up.
"Mm... alright. Good. No, that's enough.
I'll take care of the rest. Your job's done."
Click! The call ended.
I immediately moved, grabbing my hoodie and motorcycle keys hanging by the wall.
"Just wait, Y/N..."
"Tonight, I'll make sure you can't run away again."
Click! Slam!
Jaekyung's POV END
––––––––
Hongdae, 3:00 AM…
Jaekyung parked his motorcycle not far from a small two-story boarding house standing before him. He removed his helmet, placed it in the bike's compartment, and walked with purpose toward the building.
The place was quiet. With firm steps, Jaekyung walked down the narrow corridors until he stopped in front of a door.
According to his subordinate's report, Y/N had just returned from Jeju—accompanied by a "friend."
The mere thought of who that person might be made Jaekyung's chest burn again.
Anger. Jealousy. A storm of emotions.
He took a deep breath, trying to neutralize it. His hand slipped into his hoodie pocket for a moment before pressing the doorbell.
Ding-dong!
He could hear hurried footsteps from inside.
Click!
"Dowon-ssi, I told you, no need—I can handle it my—"
Y/N's annoyed expression instantly turned to shock when she saw who was at the door.
"Y-You?!"
Her face went blank. She looked away, still clutching the doorknob tightly.
"What do you want?"
"Is that how you treat a guest, huh?" Jaekyung murmured, sarcasm in his tone.
"W-What?"
Without waiting for permission, Jaekyung pushed past her into the room.
Despite Y/N's protests, he casually took off his shoes, placed them on the rack, and walked straight into the living room like he owned the place, plopping down on the sofa.
"Hey! I didn't let you in! Get out now!"
Y/N stood with hands on her hips, her cheeks flushed red in anger.
Jaekyung looked amused. If she had horns, she'd probably already charge him like an angry bull.
"I'm sleeping here tonight."
"What?! Stay over?! No—Aahhh!"
Y/N lost her balance and fell straight into Jaekyung's arms.
He immediately wrapped her in a tight embrace, inhaling the familiar scent from the crown of her head.
"Let go! Tsk… Jae…"
Y/N tried to stay composed. She didn't want her heart to crumble again just from a hug.
"You've been ignoring me, Y/N…" Jaekyung whispered, his voice low and full of pain.
Y/N fell silent. That wasn't the usual tone Jaekyung used.
She looked down, lost for words.
Seeing her stop resisting, Jaekyung slowly pulled back… and gazed into her eyes.
Smooch!
Unable to hold back anymore, Jaekyung cupped her face and kissed her deeply.
A heated kiss. Tongues intertwined. Time seemed to freeze.
Several minutes passed before Y/N finally pulled away. She turned her head, frustrated with her own weakness.
"Hey!" she shouted, pushing him away.
"How dare you kiss me just like that?! You never loved me, remember?! Yeah, I'm clingy, I nag, I'm needy! I'm not Kim Dan, I'm not perfect like other women!"
Her words were sharp. Emotional.
But to Jaekyung, it only made him want to pull her closer.
He let out a deep breath and reached into his hoodie pocket.
He pulled out a small maroon-colored box. When opened—a glittering ring shone under the lamp light.
Y/N's eyes widened. In disbelief.
Jaekyung didn't say much. He wasn't a man of poetry—he believed in action.
"Marry me? Yes? Okay, I'll show you all of my love tonight. Be ready…"
Scoop!
Jaekyung lifted Y/N effortlessly into a bridal carry.
Her face went blank—only realizing the situation when her back hit the mattress, and Jaekyung hovered above her.
"W-What?! Hey! Stop fooling around, Jaekyung!"
Y/N panicked, her hands pushing against his firm chest.
"Beautiful…"
One word. And Y/N's world stopped spinning.
She looked into Jaekyung's eyes.
Deeply. There was no lie in them.
"I nag, I cling, I'm spoiled, my cooking's weird—"
"That's exactly why we need to marry.
Live with me.Just love me. That's all."
"But… you said you regretted dating me, that's why—"
Akkh!
Jaekyung buried his face into her neck, kissing and leaving his mark. Silencing her in the only way they both understood.
"I love you so much... So, just listen to me."
Y/N didn't reply. But her embrace tightened.
In the end, she melted once more into the arms of the man she could never forget.
Outside, dawn began to peek over the horizon—the sun preparing to rise.
But the two chose to remain hidden from the world, holding each other close in a warm silence.
...
"There's nothing interesting about her. She's noisy, clingy, spoiled, and her cooking is weird.
Sometimes I think I regret dating her… and maybe that's why I've decided—"
"—to just marryher instead."
"Sounds strange, I know. But with her…
I don't have to be perfect.
I just have to be myself."
THE END....