You could still feel the blush on your cheeks every time you peeked up at Junmyeon from your hiding spot under his arm. He’d simply laugh at you as you re-buried you face in his shoulder.

“It was perfect,” he smiled, kissing the top of your head.

You groaned, looking up and resting your chin on his chest. “I wouldn’t call accidentally knocking my head against your jaw perfect.”

That memory just caused his grin to grow. “It was cute. And I told you it didn’t hurt. Although I am still trying to figure out how you did that.”

Whimpering, you pulled the sheets over your head in a pathetic attempt to hide. You didn’t really resist when Junmyeon drew the covers back, exposing your pouting face. He pulled you up so you were lying on top of him, his hands resting on the small of your back.

“I love you,” he whispered for the twentieth time. It seemed now that he had voiced it once out loud he couldn’t stop saying it.

You put your head down against his chest, matching you ear up with where his heart was. “You’re going to wear out those words if you keep saying that.”

He smiled, trailing his fingers gingerly up and down your back. “Never. I don’t want you to ever think that I don’t care again. Besides, just seeing your face makes me want to say it.”

With your own index finger, you started drawing circles on Junmyeon’s collar bone. “I wish we could just stay here. This is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time. I don’t want to let it go.”

Sighing, Junmyeon sat up, bringing you into his lap. “If only it worked that way. (y/n), I didn’t want worry you, but Junko’s on the move. Actually, I’m surprised he hasn’t tried something more already beyond the attack earlier. I’m going to have Chanyeol move your family into a safe house for the time being. And I know it’s hard, but I can’t risk you leaving the apartment now.”

You nodded, hating the idea of being cooped up again, but there really wasn’t another choice. He just wanted to keep you safe. Your mind pushed forward a memory from months ago that you had forgotten about, the first time Junmyeon was protective of you. You’d asked him to just give you to Junko and be done with it and he said he would never hand you over to that monster. Knowing it was truer now than ever, you felt strangely calm and safe. Nowhere was better than right there in his arms.

Fitting your head under his chin, you placed your arms around his torso. “You know, my birthday is in two weeks.”

Junmyeon’s chest vibrated as he laughed. “Is this you trying to tell me what you want for a present?”

You shrugged, looking up at him. “Depends. What are my chances of actually getting it?”

Giving you a short, sweet kiss, he brushed the back of his knuckles against your cheek. “Anything you want. Just name it.”

“You,” you stated simply.

Junmyeon frowned. “You already have me. Every part is yours.”

You leaned back just a bit, moving your hands so they were laying in your lap. “Actually, I meant that I want you to just be here. No mafia members, no business to handle. Just you and me, spending time together. Like that week after you got hurt. I’ve missed that. Technically, I’d really like it if we could go out and do normal couple activities, but I know we can’t, so I just want it to be just us for the day.”

“The guys won’t really like that,” he smirked. “But I think we can work something out. On the other hand,” without warning, he picked you up, and dumped you on your back - earning a shriek out of you - while he hovered over you, “we could celebrate a little early, since it’s just us now.”

You giggled as he planted kisses along the sensitive skin on your neck. “Jun–”

Knock, knock, knock.

Letting out a growl, Junmyeon sat up. His frustration at the interruption was a little funny and you had to cover your mouth to keep the laughter in.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Chen. I came to make sure that everyone was still alive.”

A loud thump followed Chen’s announcement and then someone let out a short cry in pain.

“Actually, Kyungsoo found the location of the vehicle that attacked Chen and (y/n),” Xiumin corrected. “It’s in the same warehouse as the car you had a run-in a while back.”

“All right,” Junmyeon sighed. “Go to my office. I’ll be right there.” With great reluctance, he got out of bed, slipping on a pair of grey sweats. He kissed you once more, bending down and leaning on his palms on the bed. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

You rolled your eyes and watched him leave the room, barely making eye contact with Baekhyun on the other side, who shot you a wink. Junmyeon slapped him upside the head and shoved him into the office.

Immediately disobeying him, you hopped out of bed, grabbing your shorts and sliding them on, needing something to eat to replenish your spent energy. You found your blouse lying on the ground right next to Junmyeon’s long forgotten button-down. Feeling a little cheeky, you opted for the latter instead, buttoning it up with a smile. The hem of the shirt hit you mid-thigh, tickling your exposed skin.

In movies, you always thought it was a bit silly that the girls chose the dress shirt over their own clothes to wander around in, but now you understood. There was a giddiness there, along with a sense of possession. Junmyeon’s cologne was soaked into the fabric, filling your nose and clouding your head. Maybe you could store this away in a secret place so you could keep it around when you needed it.

After making it to the kitchen, you opened the fridge and leaned back against the counter, scanning over the items that were occupying the shelves.

“You seem happy.”

You jumped just a bit at the sound of Yixing’s soft voice.

“Oh,” you blushed, realizing what a sight you must have been. “Um, yeah. Drastically different from this morning.”

He nodded. “I’m glad. Both of you deserve a little happiness.” Sighing, he rounded the island and came to lean against the counter with you. Apparently your current state didn’t bother him in the slightest. “You have to understand, this doesn’t mean happily ever after. He’s still deep into this life. Being with him won’t be easy.”

You turned him, the space between your eyebrows pinched with confusion. “I know. Do you think I shouldn’t be doing this?”

“No, I think you’re more than capable of handling anything that comes your way,” he chuckled. “You just have that fairy tale look in your eye. The danger is still very near and you need to be on your toes.”

“I understand, Yixing. And I get you’re just watching out for me. But… I like to think I’ve grown a bit from that girl who was dragged in here a few months ago.”

Yixing shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t dare say you are the same.”

The two of you exchanged a smile before he left the kitchen. You turned back to the fridge, taking out different ingredients while your stomach rumbled in anticipation.

For about half an hour, you slaved over the stove, all alone while the boys did their business in Junmyeon’s office. You wished they would hurry up and leave. It was understandable that they wanted to catch Junko and end this feud that had you stuck in the middle, but you were telling the truth earlier. When you were with Junmyeon, you were at your absolute happiest. When it was just the two of you, things were simpler, more normal.

You thought back to the time that Junmyeon had sat with you on the couch, promising to take you to all the places you wanted to go. A small, flickering hope wondered if you could convince him to run away, leave all this behind once the threat of Junko was no more and just have a life with you that didn’t involve all this violence and hatred.

A small laugh almost escaped your lips. As if you could ever convince Junmyeon to leave this all behind. He may love you, but he was in too deep. This was the life he knew, the life he was born into, and nothing - not even insignificant little you - could alter that reality.

Instead of a laugh, you let out a heavy sigh as you absentmindedly stirred the pot of soup you’d thrown together.

A pair of arms s around your waist as matching lips whispered in your ear, “Such a deep sigh. What could be the cause of it, I wonder?”

Leaning back into Junmyeon’s chest, you chuckled, “I’m just a little hungry and this soup is taking forever.”

“I didn’t know soup could make you so sorrowful.” With his hands on your hips, Junmyeon slowly turned you around to face him. “What is it really? What’s bothering you?”

There was no point in lying to him, you concluded as you your lips. “I just… I was just coming to terms with the fact that it will always be like this.”

“Like what?” Junmyeon frowned.

“Having most of our moments interrupted by your work.” You looked at him a somewhat forceful smile. “But don’t worry. I’ve decided that having you part of the time is better than none at all.”

“No, (y/n), you have all of me,” he insisted. With his index finger and thumb, he lightly took hold of your chin. “Things will calm down eventually. And I promise you this: whenever you ask for me, I’ll be there.”

**

The smell of something sweet, like baked goods, is what woke you up. Still wanting to cling to sleep just a little bit longer, you shoved half of your face into the pillow, trying to absorb Junmyeon’s scent instead.

For the past two weeks, you’d slept by his side, ate three meals a day with him, and lived out the genuine kind of relationship you’d always wanted. You still had your usual babysitters during the day when Junmyeon had to attend to business and meetingss, but now it was you who kept your distance, out of respect. Everyone’s mood was visibly lighter now that the tension had released from the home.

The other difference over the last two weeks was how you spent your time. Real wedding planning had been happening within these walls and you were surprised by just how excited you were. While Junmyeon already had a majority of the details worked out – like the venue for security reasons – you were left to figure out things like the cake and flowers. You were sure Junmyeon’s check book was the only reason you were able to book these high-end vendors so last minute.

In truth, the whole occasion becoming real didn’t hit you until a boutique brought up a rack of dresses for you to try on. While the first two were pretty, it was the third one that really took your breath away, making you break out into the most face-aching smile you’d ever had in your life. Sehun and Jongin, who were the lucky ones watching you that day, were also beaming at the sight of you. The light fabric felt so soft against your skin and you knew that it was the one. The seamstress took your measurements to fit the dress more appropriate to your shape and you swore everyone in that room secrecy. You didn’t want Junmyeon to know anything about the dress until he finally saw you in it on your wedding day.

Since that day, he’d been bugging you for just the slightest hint about what you’d chosen to wear, but you remained tight tip, finally snapping at him last night to just be patient for a few more days.

You smiled sleepily at the memory, still not fully aware of your surroundings or what day it was.

“(y/n), baby,” a hushed whisper floated above you while a hand patted your head. “It’s time to wake up.”

Groaning, you shoved your full face into the pillow to escape the inevitable event of getting out of the very comfortable bed.

“Is this really what you’re going to do all day after I spent a good hour making you breakfast?”

Your stomach growled at the mention of food, coupled with the smell bombarding your olfactory, you relented and sat up, stretching your limbs as Junmyeon chuckled.

“Good morning,” he greeted.

“Good mor’ing,” you yawned back.

Junmyeon gave you a soft kiss on your lips. “Happy birthday.”

Immediately, your eyes went from opening just a crack to being bright and wide.

That’s right. It was your birthday. Finally twenty-three. The seal (both metaphorical and literal) would be removed from your parents’ will and its contents released to you. But that was the furthest thing from your mind.

No, the only thing you cared about was the fact that you were going to have complete, uninterrupted access to Junmyeon for the next twenty-four hours. There was to be no talk of mafia business, none of the boys stopping by unexpectedly, and absolutely no thoughts of Junko and his possible plans to snatch the files for himself. Just the two of you, enjoying each other’s company in peace and solitude.

“Now you’re awake,” Junmyeon teased. Grabbing your hand, he pulled you off the bed and guided you into the kitchen where your eyes grew even wider.

Covering the dining room table were stacks and stacks of perfectly wrapped gifts topped off with a bouquet of balloons in your favorite color. The island was dressed for a feast; pancakes, bacon, muffins, and many other early morning treats creating the ensemble. Your stomach gurgled in earnest.

“Did you do all this?” you asked in awe.

The faintest of pink dusts peppered Junmyeon’s face as he cleared his throat. “Not… all of it. Kyungsoo helped with breakfast. The presents are from the others. My present will arrive later.”

You frowned, your eyebrows knitting together. “Your present? I thought that was to spend all day putting up with me?”

He laughed at your attempt of a joke, pulling you in close with his arms around your waist. “You’ll see. Now, let’s not have the food go to waste.”

Not resisting for a second, you let him sit you down and make you a plate of food, eating until your stomach could no longer hold anything else. Opening the presence became an event within itself, each surprise more shocking than the last.

Apparently, Chanyeol and Sehun had had the same mindset when it came to gift ideas, the former buying an entire head-to-toe athletic outfit to be worn during self-defense lessons according to the card and the latter giving you a small handgun. Junmyeon was not amused by that in the slightest, immediately swiping the weapon away and grumbling about having “a talk” with some of his underlings. Thankfully, the others were a bit more logical in their thought process, with items ranging in simple jewelry from Yixing to a brand new passport holder and digital camera. You smiled at Chen’s gift, appreciating how well he knew you.

The rest of the day was spent in a very laid-back atmosphere. Junmyeon put on a movie at some point, but neither of you watched it, too engrossed in conversation to care. Lunch was delivered since Junmyeon wouldn’t let you cook, but you were happy to have a mess to clean up. By the afternoon, he’d almost lulled you to sleep as he ran his fingers up and down your arm, your head resting on his chest, listening to his heart beat. It was becoming your favorite sound, the thing you needed each night now in order to rest peacefully.

A little before five, the doorbell rang. Rather than being cautious about the unexpected visitor, Junmyeon jumped up from the couch, leaving you behind as he ran to the entrance parlor.

“(y/n)! Come in here!”

Pushing yourself up off your seat, you slowly made your way to the door. What did he have planned for you now?

As soon as you reached the parlor, you broke in a run, tears streaming down your face.

Standing in front of you was Chanyeol… and your parents. You made it into their arms and didn’t leave for at least ten minutes, just taking in the fact that they really were here with you, hugging you and rocking you back and fortj. This was the most amazing present you could have ever received.

It never occurred to you to ask Junmyeon to see your parents today. You thought it would be too dangerous for them to leave the safe house and their safety was your number one priority.

“Happy birthday,” Taegun whispered in your ear.

When you finally pulled away, Chanyeol was gone and Junmyeon was watching you with glossy eyes.

“Dinner is waiting in the dining room,” he said softly. Your parents nodded and all of you followed him through the penthouse and back to the table that was now housing a beautiful array of foods. You looked to Junmyeon, wondering when this had happened. He’d mouth “Kyungsoo” to you and you nodded in understanding.

The four of you sat down to a relatively quiet meal, no one speaking as the forks and chopsticks clinked against the plates and bowls.

“You two seem to be getting along fairly well,” Hyunmin finally commented.

You couldn’t help the smile that grew on your lips. “Yes, you could say that.”

Taegun frowned at your reply, but didn’t voice whatever thought was churning in his head.

With a heavy sigh, Junmyeon put down his utensils. He looked each of your parents in the eye before saying, “If you are willing to listening, I have an extremely important request to ask of you.”

Your heart started to pound in your chest, taken off guard by Junmyeon’s sudden turn of the conversation.

“You haven’t asked enough of us?” Taegun grunted.

“Papa!” you snapped. “Just listen to… whatever it is he has to say.” You weren’t sure what subject Junmyeon was about to bring up, but you knew Taegun needed to keep an open mind. Maybe he was going to move them in here. You would have been more than okay with that.

It obvious that he didn’t like the idea was being open, but Taegun nodded and let Junmyeon have his attention.

“I know that we entered this arrangement due to a contract,” Junmyeon started, “but- but I would like you to forget that for a moment, because I want to sincerely ask you… if I could marry your daughter.”

Your hand flew up to your mouth, unable to stifle the gasp in time. Little pools of water began to blur your vision. This was how you knew that it was real – that what you felt for each other was real. He was really doing this and you didn’t think that you could contain all these emotions bubbling up in your chest.

“You already have the contract to get the files, why do you need my verbal permission?” Taegun argued.

As if he expected that answer, Junmyeon reached under his seat and pulled out that familiar contract along with a matchbox. Without a word, he lit a match and dropped it on the contract that was now laying on the table in front of him, only putting out the fire once the paper was completely destroyed.

“Now there is no contract,” Junmyeon said. “There is no debt, no obligation, and no strings. I want to marry your daughter because I love her. I promise I will protect her with all that is in my power. I will make sure that she never wants for nothing and will keep her safe and happy. But only if you allow me to.”

Taegun and Hyunmin looked at each other, shocked at this sudden turn of events. They had the choice to say no, to tell him to go to hell and walk out of here with you in tow.

“(y/n)?” Hyunmin called out to you.

“Yes?” You tried to hold back the sniffle that was tickling your nose.

“Do you love him?”

You nodded. “Yes, I do. I truly do.”

Turning back to her husband, Hyunmin nodded.

Taegun let out all the air in his lungs. “If that is what (y/n) wants… then, yes. You have our blessing to marry our (y/n).”

Unable to contain the joy that burst inside, you jumped to your feet, throwing yourself into Taegun’s arms and crying hysterically.

“Thank you,” was all you could choke out.

“Just be happy,” he whispered back.

Stepping away, you let Junmyeon make his way to Taegun, who shook his hand with less antagonism than he’d harbored before. Hyunmin fretted over, disappointed when you told her that all the wedding preparations were already taken care of. They would be there when you accepted Junmyeon as your husband and that was all that mattered.

It was hard to let your parents go when Chanyeol showed up to them back to the safe house. Once again, Junmyeon promised to keep you safe and to end the threat of Junko so you could have a full life.

Junmyeon was grinning at you so brightly when it was just the two of you again. He pulled you close and dived in for a kiss. Before your lips could connect, a frantic knock came from the door.

Did they change their minds?

But when Junmyeon opened the door, it was Chen on the other side, Baekhyun and Sehun behind him, the latter holding a large vase of yellow roses. All three stepped inside, Junmyeon obviously upset at the intrusion.

“I thought I said no one was allowed to come over today?”

“I know,” Chen sighed. “But these were delivered to the front desk just half an hour ago.”

You reached out to Sehun, taking the flowers with a confused smile on your face. You couldn’t think of anyone besides your family who would send such a gift.

Chen stepped closer to your fiancé and whispered in a low tone that you could still hear. “We checked them out there’s nothing wrong with them. Just plain flowers. But the card….”

“What did it say?” Junmyeon asked urgently.

“It said-” Chen eyes flickered over at you for a split second. “It said ‘Happy Birthday. See you soon. Love, Junko’.”

You gasped. The vase fell from your fingers, landing on the hardwood floor with an ominous crash, the glass spraying out in all directions, water soaking your feet and the roses just lying there in the aftermath.

He was coming for you. He knew the files were yours now and he was coming for you.