(a/n: Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas day with your families. Here's the latest update, and thank you all so much once again for your unwavering support! Lots of love.)

The substitute teacher - A person who teaches a school class when the regular teacher is unavailable.

"Trigger Warning: This chapter contains explicit language and graphic descriptions of violence."

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"I'll give you a call when I need your help."

Yuri nodded her head and opened the car door for Yoona, who stepped out and looked at Hankok University in front of them.

"Make sure to keep Jessica out of this."

"Yes, Ms. Lim."

Yoona entered the university, followed by Yuri, and they headed to the main office to meet the owner.

"Ms. Im, it's a pleasure to meet you in person."

Yoona had decided to use the surname "Im" instead of her real surname, Lim.

The school owner bowed to her, and Yoona reciprocated the gesture. "Please, have a seat."

"I heard that one of the teachers here is about to retire and took a vacation," Yoona began, taking a sip of her coffee. "I've come to be his substitute."

"He's at the age where he deserves some rest instead of dealing with unruly students. I can't blame him for taking a vacation," the owner replied.

Yoona chuckled and smiled. "I imagine students here must keep him on his toes."

"You could say that. But are you absolutely sure about this? If you are, you can start tomorrow. It's been three days since his students had a class, and we haven't found a replacement yet. But with you coming, I think the students might actually start enjoying their business class."

"It seems like the students don't particularly like the business class here," Yoona joked, and the owner laughed.

"They've been complaining about Mr. Jang not being their ideal professor," he sighed. "I just want them to focus on their studies and not dislike the class because of the instructor."

"I'll do my best to make the students enjoy the business class, sir."

He smiled in relief and nodded. "Then it's settled. Your schedule will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It's a clever way to free up your weekends. Do you have business matters on Tuesdays and Thursdays?"

"Yes, sir. That's the reason."

"You're quite dedicated. Well then, I'm pleased to have you as a teacher here starting tomorrow."

Yoona shook his hand and bowed. "Thank you, sir."

They continued discussing the school's policies, and once the conversation was over, Yoona signed the contract before leaving the main office.

Before departing, Yoona decided to explore the campus. As she wandered, she arrived at the school field and noticed soccer players practicing. Her attention was drawn to a familiar face.

"That guy over there, wearing the number 16 shirt – wasn't he the 'lack-of-manners guy' at the club that night?"

Yuri squinted in the direction Yoona was pointing and nodded. "Yes, Ms. Lim. He's the renowned soccer player here, Kim Jongin."

"What a coincidence," Yoona mused.

With a smirk, she began walking towards a group of boys who were in fits of laughter.

"Excuse me?"

The boys ceased their laughter and turned their attention to Yoona and Yuri, both curious about the reason for being called over.

"Who wants to make money faster than lightning? Right now."

Confusion danced across the boys' faces as they exchanged glances, wondering about the unusual proposition Yoona was presenting.

"Anyone willing to give it a shot, raise your hand."

Slowly, hesitantly, the boys raised their hands, intrigued by what was unfolding.

"Do you see that soccer player, the one in the 16th shirt?" They all nodded, their gaze settling on Jongin. "I want you to accidentally hit the ball to his head and act like it was unintentional."

Shock rippled through the group, even catching Yuri off guard. "B-but Ms...he's our senior," one of them protested.

"I'll pay you 100,000 won. Take it or leave it."

The boys exchanged nervous glances, their hands shifting as they deliberated. The tempting offer contrasted with the risk of going against their senior, Jongin.

"Let's do it. We can eat later with the money," one of them proposed, trying to sway his hesitant friends.

"I'm not sure about this. What if he seeks revenge?"

"We're just going to accidentally hit him. He's not the type to hold grudges. He'll forgive us if we apologize afterward. Come on! If you're not up for it, then I'll do it myself." He stood from his seat, a determined grin on his face, which caught Yoona's attention.

I like his confidence.

"I'm in, Ms. Just watch me. Pass me the ball, Mark."

Mark sighed and handed the ball over. Yoona and Yuri stepped back to maintain a safe distance, ensuring they could observe without arousing suspicion.

All eyes followed as the boy sprinted towards Jongin, his foot connecting with the ball. The ball struck Jongin's back, causing him to wince and twist around to identify the culprit.

"What the hell?"

"S-senior, I'm so sorry. I was practicing alone and lost control of the ball's direction. I apologize, please forgive me." The boy dropped to his knees, bowing deeply to Jongin, who let out a resigned sigh. "I won't let it happen again, senior."

Yoona nodded in approval, appreciating the respectful approach. If only he had aimed for that idiot's head instead.

"Get up. I'll let it slide this time, but make sure to be more careful in the future." Jongin's tone was stern yet understanding. The guy nodded, maintaining his bow before straightening up. "You can go."

With another bow, he quickly retreated back to his friends. A triumphant smile formed on his lips as he headed towards Yoona, who had been watching the scene unfold.

Opening her wallet, Yoona handed him the money. His surprise was evident, as he hadn't anticipated such a substantial payment for his service. "Thanks," he managed to say, his grin growing wider.

"Nice job, kid. Until next time." Yoona winked and turned to leave. However, the guy called out to her before she could take more than a few steps. "Wait."

Curious, she faced him again. "What is it?"

"My name's Hwang Jihoon. If you ever need someone for another task, just let me know. I'm up for it." With a bow of his head, he expressed his gratitude and willingness to help.

"Sure thing. I'll remember that."

Later, Yoona dozed off in the car, only to be awakened by the ringing of her phone. Checking the caller ID, she sighed and sat upright.

"Yuri, let's go to that traditional Korean restaurant. Chairman Jung is calling me right now."

Yuri acknowledged the command, steering the car in the specified direction.

"Chairman."

"Change of plans, Yoona. Postpone your prior arrangements and attend the gathering. I'd appreciate your presence, especially since your girlfriend is already there waiting for you."

"Alright, Chairman. I'm on the way to the restaurant now."

"Good. I'll end the call."

Yoona hung up the phone with a sigh, leaning back against the seat. "I can't wait to get out of that house and live alone, just like I've always dreamed," she muttered to herself, a determined look in her eyes. This plan had to work; it was her last chance

Arriving at the traditional Korean restaurant in Pil-Dong, Jung-Gu, Yoona and Yuri were promptly greeted by the staff who took their names and led them to a private room. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, setting the stage for what would soon unfold.

"Congratulations to President Lim for skillfully ousting those worthless people from my company," 

 Chairman Jung's voice resonated with a tone of genuine admiration. The meeting was a familiar ritual, but his pride in Yoona's accomplishments never wavered. Each encounter with her reaffirmed his trust in her leadership and acumen.

Beside him, Mrs. Jung's warm smile conveyed her appreciation for Yoona's adept handling of the challenges. She congratulated Yoona, recognizing the immense responsibility that came with her role. Meanwhile, Jessica's absence was noted, as she was momentarily away with her sisters. A noticeable void lingered at the table.

Amidst the exchange, Tyler's demeanor was starkly at odds with the familial camaraderie. Positioned at the table's end, his displeasure was palpable as he cast a scrutinizing gaze toward Yoona and Yuri. In a curious twist, their presence seemed to amplify his unease, creating an oddly symbiotic tension.

"It's no issue at all, Chairman," Yoona replied with her customary grace, her voice a harmonious blend of appreciation and humility. The modesty of her response underscored the colossal weight of her achievements.

Tyler's hushed remark cut through the ambiance. "You know, you didn't exactly excel in your handling of that situation."

A quirk of Yoona's eyebrow betrayed her intrigue. Why, she wondered, had she taken a seat beside Tyler? A choice she would momentarily regret as his sotto voce commentary reached her ears. 

A challenge rippled beneath her composed exterior, and a playful rejoinder danced on her lips. "Oh, did you want my input on that? My memory seems to be playing tricks on me."

The interlude of tension was fleeting as the Jung sisters returned, the rhythm of conversation shifting seamlessly. Observing them, Yoona couldn't deny their allure, understanding the attraction that surrounded them. Amidst her observations, an inscrutable sentiment toward the sisters brewed within her, reflecting the complex layers of family dynamics and personal prejudices.

Yoona shifted her gaze toward Jessica, she did so with a mix of discretion and curiosity, hoping to avoid drawing too much attention from the Jung siblings. Jessica's attire demanded attention, showcasing a white silk top adorned with lace details, which perfectly complemented her white jeans and favorite Bottega Veneta strappy sandals. The ensemble was punctuated with delicate gold accessories, a true embodiment of her fashionista persona.

Jessica's perceptive nature caught on to Yoona's gaze, prompting her to swiftly take a seat beside her lover, enveloping her in a warm, affectionate embrace. "I missed you!" Jessica exclaimed, her kisses showering Yoona's face, eliciting smiles from Chairman Jung, Mrs. Jung, and Yuri. In contrast, Tyler and the younger Jung siblings responded with less enthusiasm, their disapproval thinly veiled.

Yoona's cheeks flushed with a mixture of bashfulness and amusement. "That's enough," she whispered in Jessica's ear, attempting to rein in the overt displays of affection. Yoona valued their intimacy, but public exhibitions were a different matter.

Jessica giggled playfully, understanding Yoona's reluctance to be in the spotlight. She ceased her kisses, acknowledging Yoona's unspoken boundaries. "Alright, I'll behave," Jessica replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement at Yoona's reaction. She recognized and respected Yoona's preferences, knowing that subtlety suited her better in public settings.

"Why didn't you put any blazer or jacket with you? You're wearing thin clothes right now." Yoona whispered once they started eating. 

Jessica paused, an intrigued expression in her eyes as she looked at Yoona. "Since when did you start critiquing my fashion choices? Should I be flattered by your sudden interest?" Jessica teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Yoona had never voiced any dissatisfaction with Jessica's choice of attire. Even if the outfits leaned toward the revealing side, Yoona had always maintained her stance, often quoting, "You're a fashion icon; wear what makes you comfortable. Why would I stop you?" This unspoken understanding of Jessica's autonomy when it came to her wardrobe choices had deepened their connection. 

Yoona nonchalantly shrugged in response to Jessica's teasing, she engaged in savoring the flavors of their meal. However, the mischievous glint in her eyes could not be concealed. "Actually, those clothes would look just as great crumpled on our bedroom floor," she whispered, her words laden with a playful, intimate undertone. The suggestive comment elicited a shy yet delighted smile from Jessica, who momentarily looked away, her cheeks tinted with a rosy hue.

Breaking the intimate moment, Jessica playfully rolled her eyes before expressing her congratulatory words to Yoona. "Congratulations, love! I actually heard it from Dad before I heard it from you. Why are you so perfect? I can't help but fall even more in love with you." The sincerity in her voice resonated deeply with Yoona, and her heart skipped a beat as Jessica cupped her face.

The unexpected tenderness of the gesture caught Yoona off guard, causing her to blink in surprise before a tender smile graced her lips.

"Could you two possibly stop the lovey-dovey act? We're literally surrounded by food," Minyoung remarked with a frosty tone, rolling her eyes to emphasize her annoyance.

Jessica pulled her hands back from Yoona's face, her expression shifting to a faux smile as she faced her older sister. "Oh, you're right. My bad, Minyoung. Next time, I'll make sure to invite your boyfriend for a public display of affection instead of indulging in my own happiness," she retorted, her words laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Minyoung's eyes widened in shock at the audacity of Jessica's response, and her irritation was palpable. "What did you just say?!" Her anger was about to escalate into a full-blown argument, but Chairman Jung intervened, reminding them not to cause a scene in front of the meal.

Determined to steer the conversation away from any potential confrontation, Mrs. Jung quickly changed the subject. "How did the photoshoot go, Jessica? Were you treated well?"

"Yeah, did it go well?" Chairman Jung followed up on his wife's question, his attention focused on the story Jessica had to share

Jessica's gaze softened as she looked at Yoona, then turned back to her parents. "The photoshoot went smoothly, and I was treated exceptionally well. The shoot itself ended on a positive note. Even the company's President came to visit, just to ensure everything was going well," she replied, a genuine smile spreading across her face. She subtly intertwined her fingers with Yoona's under the table.

Yoona caught Tyler scowling and decided to give him a side glance, accompanied by a pointed look.

"Since when did you become such a great help?" he muttered, ensuring that his words were audible enough for Yoona to hear.

With a hint of amusement, Yoona shot back, "Remember that time I said I thought you were cool? I lied." Her retort effectively silenced Tyler's further remarks.

Yoona and her friends were busy stretching their bodies in preparation for their practice. Once she finished her stretches, she noticed the college jocks spreading out across the field, including Tyler who was leading the baseball players.

She observed Tyler as he guided his