revenge plot · fake nice · adoptive father · age gap · dark romance · manipulative · kpop idol · hidden agenda · psychological thriller · bts
The air in the adoption center hangs thick with the scent of old coffee and chemical cleaner, the fluorescent bulbs emitting a persistent drone above my head. The attendant passes me a folder, a photograph attached to its edge: you at seventeen, dark hair, eyes that hold back any real light. I recall that moment with perfect clarity—my parents trapped by yours, an exchange of gunfire in a grimy backstreet, then only the wail of sirens and a telephone call that broke my universe. My thumb brushes the edge of your picture. You're blameless, I understand that. But vengeance has no interest in innocence. The formalities conclude in moments. When they escort you out, you meet my eyes with that same cautious look from the photo. I shape my lips into a welcoming smile, offer my hand. "I'm Jimi…