The woman in the portrait(1)

The storm outside grew stronger, shaking the Jeon mansion. Rain pounded against the windows, and thunder crashed loudly. The family members rushed out of their rooms, fear on their faces.

"What's happening?" shouted one of the older brothers, looking at the messy hallway where books and furniture had fallen over.

"Is everyone okay?" Kwang, the elder brother called, his voice raised above the thunder. Elora and Kavin stood together silent. They exchanged worried glances but said nothing, as if they both knew what was causing the chaos. Taeyang stood there silently, his eyes wide with fear. He looked at the door hoping to see Lali and Gguk return. "Where are they?" he thought, unease growing inside him. The storm outside felt like it matched his worry, shaking the very walls of the mansion. He didn't want to think about the possibility of something happening between them.

Gguk slowed his pace, moving his hips in slow, deep circles, each motion making her tremble beneath him. Her voice came out in soft, breathless cries, barely able to contain her pleasure.

Lali: "Ah... ahh..."

Her hands clutched at his back, fingers digging in as she felt the warmth of his skin and the tension in his muscles, every slow rhythm drawing her closer.

Lali: "Oh... that feels so good."

Gguk: "You like that?

Lali: whispering, voice unsteady "Yes Gguk... don't stop... please..."

Her hands roamed over his back, tracing down to his hips, urging him deeper. Each moan from her only drove him to move harder, matching the storm's fierce rhythm outside as they both lost themselves in the moment.

Lali: "Gguk, I can't hold on much longer!"

Gguk: "Then let's do it together"

As they both reached their peak together, their breaths came fast and heavy, bodies tangled and exhausted. Just then, the power went out, plunging everything into darkness. The thunder and rain outside stopped all at once, leaving a sudden quiet but they didn't even notice. Gguk pulled Lali, who was half-asleep, close to him. Wrapping a blanket around them both, he held her tight, and they soon drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile back in the Jeon mansion, chaos was everywhere. The family scrambled through the dark halls, worried and confused by the strange, sudden storm and the blackout, unsure of what had just happened.

Gguk woke up first, the next morning. He turned his head slightly and his eyes landed on Lali who was still sleeping beside him. He couldn't help but watch her for a moment, taking in the peaceful expression on her face. Her hair was messy and her lips were slightly parted as she breathed softly. Lali slowly began to stir, her eyelids slowly open. She blinked a few times and as her eyes focused, she saw Gguk looking at her, his gaze steady and intense. For a moment, neither of them moved or spoke just staring at each other as if trying to know what the other was thinking. The silence between them was heavy but somehow comforting. Lali finally broke the silence, her voice soft and unsure.

Lali: "Do you regret it?" Gguk's expression didn't change but his eyes softened and he shook his head gently.

Gguk: "No. Never" Lali looked at him, her heart racing a little. She wasn't sure why she asked but the question had been on her mind. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes made her feel a little lighter. Without saying anything more, Gguk leaned in slowly, his lips brushing hers in a soft kiss. It was simple yet full of meaning. When he pulled back slightly, his forehead rested against hers. There was a moment of quiet, the kind where words weren't needed. They just stayed like that, enjoying the closeness.

Lali: "Good morning" Gguk smiled, a small genuine smile that made his eyes shine.

Gguk: "Good morning" They lay beside each other in silence, Gguk's arm loosely around her.

Lali's smile grew, and she turned to rest her head on his shoulder. They lay there quietly, the morning sunlight spilling softly into the room.

Lali reached for his hand, their fingers brushing as she laced hers with his.

Lali: "It feels nice like this. Peaceful."

Gguk nodded, his thumb gently running across her knuckles.

Gguk: "It does. Just you and me. "Tell me about your childhood. What was it like?"

Lali smiled softly, thinking back. "What else than to be trained on how to be a good wife to your future husband. But my parents adore me. They gave me everything I could ask for, and also taught me to be kind and independent. What about you?"

Gguk leaned back against the pillows, his expression calm. "I've always been raised to help build the Jeon family and its legacy. There wasn't much room for fun. Everything I did, every decision I made, was about preparing for the future of the family business."

Lali looked at him, her tone light but understanding. "That sounds... intense. Did you ever wish for something different?"

He thought for a moment, his lips curving slightly. "Maybe. But I don't think I'd know what to do with 'different.' I've been doing this for so long."

They stayed quiet for a moment, both lost in their thoughts.

Lali eventually broke the silence, a small smile playing on her lips. "I doubt I'll be able to walk properly after yesterday. It might cause suspicion when we go back."

Gguk raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. "Do you want me to carry you back? That might look even more suspicious."

She laughed softly. "that will spell out everything we did yesterday night"

He smirked, leaning closer. "Really? You're blaming me for that?" Lali nudged him playfully.

Lali: "Of course. You should have been more considerate." Gguk chuckled, his laugh deep and warm. She rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm both. You'll learn that soon enough."

He chuckled and reached out to tuck a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "then let's rest a little longer before we head back"

Lali nodded and rest her head on his shoulder closing her eyes to relax for a moment. After some moments, "Alright come on. Let's go before we get too comfortable and end up staying much longer". Lali nodded and they got up to freshen up and head to the Jeon mansion.

The storm's effects were still visible all around the Jeon mansion. The windows were cracked in some places and branches from the trees were scattered across the yard. Inside, the library was a mess. Books and papers were scattered everywhere and some shelves had been knocked over. It was clear the storm had caused chaos but to Elora and Kavin, it was something more. Elora stood still in the hallway looking around at the damage with a calm but serious expression. Kavin was by her side and there was a quiet understanding between them.

Kavin: "It's happened. The storm wasn't just a storm Elora"

Elora: "I know. I feel it too. It must be her" Kavin took a deep breath, looking around the mansion.

Kavin: "We need to be prepared. The others might have sensed it too" Elora nodded but didn't speak further. In the distance, Taeyang stood near the front door looking uneasy. He hadn't said a word all morning but his mind was clearly elsewhere. He kept staring at the door waiting for them to walk through.