Gold Beneath the Black : An Obsession Burning In Darkness
Author's note
Author
I know I’m coming back after so many months—almost 3–4 months—and I’m really sorry for disappearing like that. 🥹 Honestly, I lost my motivation for MEGALIS, and even though I wanted to write, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. But now, thankfully, my motivation is finally back, and I have so many ideas again! ❤️
Author
I’ve also started this new story, and I really want to write both stories. SoI’ll be continuing MEGALIS while also updating this story. I’ll genuinely try my best to give you regular updates on both stories. At least one chapter a day, whenever possible. 🫶🏻
Author
And please, give this story the same amount of love, support, and patience that you’ve given to MEGALIS. It truly means more to me than you guys know.
Author
Thank you so, so much for waiting for me, supporting me, and still being here. I love you all. ❤️
Author
And please forgive your dumb author for her carelessness 😭🥺
Author
This story is a little more special and closer to my heart because this was actually the first story I ever wrote. 🥹❤️ The very first story I wrote when I started writing—back then, I literally wrote it in my diary for the first time.
Author
It’s a story I’ve wanted to write and share for such a long time, so finally bringing it to you guys feels really special to me.
Author
But I have to warn you… this one is going to be a little sad. 😭
Author
Not a sad ending, don’t worry! 😂❤️ But there will definitely be some emotional and heartbreaking moments along the way
Author
So please, be a little patient with me, keep an open heart, and stay with the story until the end. 🥹🫶🏻
Author
I really hope you guys love this story as much as I already do. ❤️
Chapter 1__The Man Behind The Door
Author
helloooooo guysssssss｡◕‿◕｡🌹
Author
what's upp peeps ? 𓆩♡𓆪
Author
Hey loves, quick note as a friend before you start!
I'm going to make some characters in this story a bit negative / grey, even if they are people you really love. Please don't take it to heart, it's ALL fictional. Nothing here is real or meant to hate on anyone.
It's just for the story plot. Hope you still enjoy it with an open heart! ♡
Author
that's for now let's get into the story
The conference room on the thirty-second floor of JNX Holdings overlooked the endless skyline of Seoul.
The Han River glimmered beneath the afternoon sun.
Traffic moved like streams of light far below.
But inside the boardroom, there was no trace of warmth.
A long black table occupied the center of the room.
Financial reports were arranged neatly in front of the directors.
Laptops were open.
Numbers filled the enormous screen at the front.
At the head of the table sat the CEO.
He had been listening silently for several minutes.
？？？
“If we finalize the acquisition this quarter, our position in the domestic market will strengthen considerably. However, the foreign subsidiary still has outstanding liabilities that could—”
？？？
“Then don't finalize it.”
The director stopped.
The CEO slowly lifted his eyes.
“Not until the liabilities are cleared.”
？？？
Another board member opened a file.
“And regarding the investment proposal—”
𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆!
The conference-room doors slammed open.
Every person at the table turned.
The CEO's personal assistant stood in the doorway.
His face was pale.
His breathing was slightly uneven.
The CEO's expression immediately hardened.
？？？
“You're interrupting my meeting.”
？？？
Apologize, sir.”
The PA stepped inside.
“But there's an emergency.”
？？？
The CEO's fingers stopped against the table.
“What happened?”
？？？
“There's a call from your residence.”
？？？
Something in the PA's voice made the CEO sit straighter.
“My residence?”
？？？
“Yes, sir. They said it's urgent.”
？？？
He stood immediately.
“Give me the phone.”
？？？
The CEO brought it to his ear.
“Hello?”
For a moment, there was silence.
？？？
“Hello?”
“Yes.” speak.
？？？
“I'm sorry to disturb you at work.”
？？？
His grip tightened around the phone.
“What happened?”
？？？
The woman hesitated.
“Your husband…”
？？？
The CEO went completely still.
“What?”
？？？
“He suddenly collapsed. He was feeling very weak.”
？？？
His voice became quieter.
“Is he conscious?”
？？？
“No, He is very weak. We called an ambulance .”
？？？
His shoulders tensed tightly.
“Where are you taking him?”
？？？
“I'll be there.”
He ended the call.
He looked toward his PA.
“You'll handle the meeting.”
？？？
“Finish whatever you can. Anything that requires my approval can wait.”
The CEO picked up his coat.
Then walked out.
He entered his office and closed the door.
For a moment, he simply stood there.
His phone was still in his hand.
He called home.
No answer.
He tried again.
Still nothing.
His eyes darkened.
He knew his husband had been unwell for the last few days.
Vomiting.
Weakness.
Not eating properly.
And every time he'd asked—
He remembered that smile.
That irritatingly reassuring smile.
He exhaled slowly.
？？？
“You're never fine when you say that.”
He grabbed his coat and keys.
Then left.
The private elevator doors opened.
He stepped inside.
Pressed the parking-floor button.
The doors closed.
His reflection stared back at him.
He looked composed.
But his fingers were gripping his phone tightly.
He called again.
No answer.
He lowered the 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞.
The elevator descended.
The numbers changed.
31.
30.
29.
He stared at them.
He wasn't afraid of the hospital.
He was afraid of what he might hear once he got there.
The elevator opened.
He walked quickly toward his car.
Unlocked it.
Got inside.
Started the engine.
And drove.
The streets were crowded.
Seoul moved around him as usual.
People were going about their day.
Cars filled the roads.
Everything looked normal.
And somehow, that made him feel worse.
His phone rang.
He answered immediately.
？？？
His mother's voice was softer this time.
“We're at Seoul Hospital.”
？？？
“How is he?”
“Is he awake?”
？？？
He breathed out.
“Okay.”
？？？
“He's conscious, but he's still very weak.”
The call ended.
For the first time since leaving the office, he allowed himself one full breath.
At least he was awake.
He shook his head.
He wouldn't assume anything until he saw him himself.
He entered through the emergency entrance.
The smell of antiseptic immediately reached him.
He looked around.
Then spotted his family.
His father was standing near the waiting area.
His mother was beside him.
His younger brother stood a few steps away.
And beside him was his husband, Enwoo.
The CEO walked toward them quickly.
𝐇𝐢𝐬 Mother saw him first.
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
Namjoon “You're here.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“What happened?”
Jeon Jung Hyun ( MC's Grandfather)
His father placed a hand on his shoulder.
“It's okay.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Where is he?”
Jeon Jung Hyun ( MC's Grandfather)
“Inside with the doctor.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Is he conscious?”
Jeon Jung Hyun ( MC's Grandfather)
“Yes.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
The answer relieved him slightly.
“What happened?”
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
His mother sighed.
“He was weak. He got dizzy and fainted.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
The CEO's brows tightened.
“He's been weak for days.”
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
His mother nodded.
“I know.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“He's been vomiting too.”
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
“I know.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“And he didn't tell me.”
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
His mother gave him a tired look.
“He didn't want you to worry.”
Jeon Jung Hyun ( MC's Grandfather)
His father tried to reassure him.
“Maybe it's just exhaustion. The doctor is checking everything.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“I hope so.”
？？？
Then his younger brother stepped forward.
“Brother.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Hoseok.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok gave him a worried smile.
“I came as soon as Mom called.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok looked toward the emergency-room doors.
“Don't worry too much. If the doctors are just running tests, that's a good sign.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“I know.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
“You look like you're about to blame yourself.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
"He sighed at him."
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok sighed.
“You always do that.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Because I should've noticed.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok shook his head.
“You noticed. He just didn't tell you everything.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Beside him, Enwoo finally spoke.
“He really didn't.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo's expression was gentle but worried.
“He kept saying he was fine. Even this morning, he told me not to make a big deal out of his weakness.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok looked at his husband.
“You didn't tell me that.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo shrugged slightly.
“He asked me not to.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok sighed.
“Of course he did
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo gave a small, nervous smile.
“I was worried too.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
The Namjoon nodded.
“Thank you for staying with him.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo immediately shook his head.
“Don't thank me. He's the heart of family.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok looked at his brother.
“And he's my family too.”
The CEO looked down for a moment.
Then his mother suddenly reached for his hand.
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
“Don't worry.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon swallowed.
“I'm trying.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
“You drove here like the hospital was on fire,” Hoseok muttered.
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon looked at him.
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok gave a tiny smile.
“I know you.”
For the first time, Namjoon's expression softened.
Barely.
Then his eyes returned to the emergency-room doors.
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
A few moments later, Namjoon looked at his mother .
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
"what about children. "
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
“They're at home.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“With the nanny?”
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
“Yes."
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon nodded.
“Good. Let them stay there.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo continued,
“There's no reason to frighten them until we know what's actually wrong.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon nodded.
“Exactly.”
Namjoon looked toward the doors once more.
He could still remember his husband from that morning.
The tired eyes.
The pale face.
The way he'd pushed away his breakfast.
And that same familiar sentence.
I'm fine.
Namjoon closed his eyes briefly.
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“You're going to make me lose my mind one day.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok heard him.
“He'll probably apologize and then do it again.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo quietly laughed.
“He definitely will.”
Namjoon looked at both of them.
Despite everything, a faint smile touched his lips.
Then the emergency-room doors opened.
A doctor stepped out.
Everyone immediately stood straighter.
Namjoon's heart began beating faster.
Author
that's all guys..... 😌
Author
I hope you like it....
Author
This story contains an age-gap and is a dark romance / angst. It is not a healthy love story overall.
Author
Mentions of past trauma • Violence / explicit mentions of violence • Toxic relationships / gaslighting / manipulation [not between main leads] • Anxiety / emotional distress / heartbreak • Heavy angst
Author
(not between main leads)
Author
I do not condone toxic or abusive behavior in real life.
Author
A Note to Readers:
Please do not come into the comment section just because your favourite is getting a negative role in the story. I am not trying to portray anybody from real life. This is purely fiction and made with affection for storytelling. Please respect that and read with an open mind.
Author
And please support your author — don't forget to comment and like! It really motivates me to keep writing.
Author
that's it guyssss✨🤍
Chapter 2__The Weight Between Two Breaths
The emergency-room doors finally opened.
Everyone in the waiting area immediately looked up.
A doctor stepped out, removing his gloves as he scanned the people waiting anxiously outside.
？？？
“Who is the family of the patient?”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon immediately stepped forward.
“I’m his husband.”
The doctor nodded and approached him.
？？？
“Alright. I’ve just completed the initial examination, and we’ve also run some preliminary tests. At the moment, there is nothing that suggests an immediate medical emergency.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon's shoulders relaxed slightly, but his expression remained tense.
“Then what happened to him? He has been weak for the past few days. He’s been vomiting, barely eating, and today he suddenly fainted. Is this really just exhaustion?”
？？？
The doctor looked at him calmly.
“From what we can see so far, he is extremely weak and exhausted. The vomiting over the last few days may have caused dehydration, and that can make someone feel dizzy or even faint, especially if they haven't been eating properly.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon listened carefully.
“So he's stable
？？？
“Yes.”
The doctor gave him a reassuring nod.
“We've already started an IV to help with his hydration and weakness. We're also monitoring his condition while we wait for the rest of the test results.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon glanced toward the emergency-room doors.
“And the results?”
？？？
“Some of them will take a little more time. We don't want to give you an incomplete answer before everything comes back. Once we receive the results, we'll explain everything to you properly.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon's brows remained furrowed.
“But there's no reason for us to worry right now, right?”
？？？
The doctor immediately shook his head.
“No, no. Please don't worry. Right now, he is stable. His condition doesn't appear to be life-threatening. He simply needs rest, fluids, and observation while we determine why he's been feeling this way.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon finally released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
“So… he's going to be okay?”
？？？
“Yes. For now, there's no reason to panic.”
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
Namjoon's mother closed her eyes briefly.
“Thank God
Jeon Jung Hyun ( MC's Grandfather)
His father placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“I told you it might just be weakness
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok finally let out the breath he'd been holding.
“See? He's alright.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo gave him a small smile.
“He just scared everyone half to death.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok glanced at his husband.
“Don't say that in front of Namjoon. He's already been worrying enough.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon looked at them.
“I don't care if I was worried. I just want to know that he's alright.”
？？？
The doctor smiled faintly.
“And you can see him now. He's awake and resting.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon's expression softened immediately.
“Can I go inside?”
？？？
“Of course. All of you can go in, but please keep the room calm. He's weak and needs rest. Don't overwhelm him.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon nodded.
“Thank you, doctor.”
For several seconds, nobody moved.
The tension that had filled the corridor seemed to loosen all at once.
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok stepped closer to his brother.
“Come on. You've been standing here looking like you're about to tear the entire hospital apart. Go see him.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon gave him a tired look.
“I wasn't going to tear the hospital apart.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Hoseok raised an eyebrow.
“You were definitely thinking about it.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo quietly laughed.
“He was.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon shook his head.
“Both of you are unbelievable.”
But the corner of his lips lifted slightly.
It was the first real sign of relief he'd shown since arriving.
Then he turned toward the room.
His hand reached for the door.
And he opened it.
The room was quieter than the emergency department.
The harsh sounds of the corridor faded behind the closed door.
A monitor beside the bed displayed steady vital signs.
An IV bag hung beside the bed, clear fluid slowly traveling through the tube attached to his hand.
And there he was.
His husband.
Lying against the white hospital pillow.
His face looked pale.
Not dangerously so.
But enough to make Namjoon's chest ache.
His lips were slightly dry.
His hair was messy from lying down.
His eyes were closed.
He looked exhausted.
So exhausted that for a moment, Namjoon simply stood there.
The man who had been commanding an entire boardroom less than an hour ago suddenly didn't know what to say.
He slowly approached the bed.
His eyes moved over every detail.
The IV.
The hospital bracelet around his wrist.
The faint crease between his brows.
The slow rise and fall of his chest.
Namjoon reached out carefully and touched his hand.
Warm.
Alive.
His fingers curled around it.
The man on the bed moved slightly.
His eyelids fluttered.
Namjoon immediately leaned closer
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Hey…”
His husband slowly opened his eyes.
For a moment, his gaze was
unfocused.
Then he saw Namjoon
？？？
His lips moved.
“...Joonie.”
The voice was barely audible.
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
The voice was barely audible.
Namjoon's heart clenched.
“I'm here.” Darling
？？？
His husband blinked slowly.
“You came…”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon stared at him.
“Of course I came.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
He sat down beside the bed, still holding his hand.
“Why are you like this?”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
His husband looked at him quietly.
Namjoon's voice became heavier.
“You scared me so badly.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“You've been sick for days.”
His husband looked away.
Namjoon gently turned his attention back toward him.
“No. Look at me.”
His husband slowly met his eyes.
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Tell me why you didn't tell me how bad you were feeling.”
？？？
“I didn't think it was that serious.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon exhaled.
“You were vomiting.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“You could barely eat.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“You were weak enough to collapse.”
？？？
His husband's expression softened.
“I didn't know I would faint
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“That's exactly the problem.”
His voice trembled.
“You didn't know. I didn't know. Nobody knew because you kept pretending everything was fine.”
？？？
His husband swallowed.
“I didn't want you to worry.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon's eyes became glassy.
“Do you really think hiding it makes me worry less?”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
You're my husband.”
His voice softened.
“If something is happening to you, I need to know.”
He paused.
“If you're feeling sick, tell me.”
Another pause.
“If you're in pain, tell me.”
His thumb slowly moved over the back of his hand.
“If you're scared, tell me.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
His voice cracked slightly.
“Don't make me find out that something is wrong with you because someone calls me while I'm sitting in a board meeting.”
？？？
“I'm sorry, Junie.”
Namjoon looked down.
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“When I heard that you had fainted…”
He stopped.
He couldn't finish the sentence.
？？？
His husband gently moved his fingers.
“Joonie.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon looked back at him.
“I was scared.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“You don't know.”
His husband went quiet.
“I thought something had happened to you.”
His voice dropped.
“For a few minutes, I couldn't think properly. I couldn't breathe properly. I just kept thinking about getting here.”
？？？
His husband looked at him with guilt.
“I didn't mean to scare you.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon brought his hand closer.
“Just promise me something.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon continued quietly.
“I don't care if you think it's something small. I don't care if you think I'll get worried. Let me worry. Let me be there.”
？？？
“You really were scared.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Of course I was scared.”
？？？
A faint smile appeared on his husband's face.
“I'm here now.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
He gently brushed his thumb against his cheek.
“You are.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok stepped inside first.
“Can we come in?”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon looked back.
“Yeah.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok walked toward the bed.
His expression immediately softened when he saw his brother-in-law awake.
"Jin Hyung "
Jeon Kim Seokjin
His husband looked toward him.
“Hoseok…”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok shook his head.
“Don't ever scare us like that again. Mom called me and said you had fainted, and I swear I nearly forgot how to breathe.”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
Jin gave him a weak smile.
“I'm sorry.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok pulled a chair closer.
“You don't have to apologize. Just promise you'll actually take care of yourself this time.”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
“I will.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo entered behind him.
He walked toward the bed and smiled gently.
“Hyung You look much better than when they brought you in.”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
Jin husband looked at him.
“I feel tired.” Woo
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
“That makes sense.”
Enwoo glanced at the IV.
“You've barely been eating, you've been vomiting, and now your body is forcing you to rest.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
Hoseok nodded.
“Exactly. So no more pretending you're fine.”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
“Everyone is angry with me.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon immediately answered,
“Not angry.”
He squeezed his hand.
“Worried.”
Jeon Hoseok (MC 's Uncle)
“Very worried.”
Hoseok added,
“Extremely worried.”
Jeon cha Enwoo(MC's maa)
Enwoo smiled.
“Terrified, actually
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
Their mother entered the room then, followed by their father.
She approached the bed slowly.
Her eyes immediately softened when she saw him awake.
“Oh, sweetheart.”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
He looked toward her.
“I'm sorry.”
Jeon Taehi ( MC's Grandmother)
She shook her head.
“Don't apologize. Just rest.”
Jeon Jung Hyun ( MC's Grandfather)
Junghyun stood beside her.
“You frightened everyone today.”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
“I didn't mean to.”
Jeon Jung Hyun ( MC's Grandfather)
He nodded.
“I know.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
For the first time since that phone call, his chest didn't feel quite as tight.
His husband slowly closed his eyes again.
Namjoon immediately leaned closer.
“Are you okay?”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
A weak smile appeared.
“I'm just tired.”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
“Then sleep.”
Jeon Kim Seokjin
Jin squeezed his hand once.
“Stay?”
Jeon Namjoon (MC's Father)
Namjoon's expression softened completely.
“I'm not going anywhere."
He pulled the chair closer to the bed.
And this time, when his husband closed his eyes—
Namjoon didn't let go of his hand.
Author
that's it guyssssss😌♥
Author
I hope you like it 💕
Author
please like and comment guyssss
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