Boundaries and Decisions

Yuri sat in the large meeting room of the Novelle mansion, her mind racing as she thought about the upcoming confrontation with the Russian company. It was one thing to have plans on paper, but executing them in the real world required precision, courage, and trust in her closest allies. And now, with Kai's pregnancy, the stakes were even higher.

She took a deep breath and dialed her stepfather, Yoon Dae. Moments later, his familiar voice resonated through the room. "Yuri, what's on your mind? I heard you've been making good progress against the Russians."

"Yes, stepfather. Things are moving forward, but there's something important I need to discuss with you," Yuri began, her tone serious. "It's about Kai and Sebastian."

She could almost hear the gears turning in Yoon Dae's mind on the other end of the line. "Go on."

"Kai is pregnant. Sebastian is the father." Yuri paused, allowing the information to settle. "I've decided that I'll be going to Russia with them to handle the situation personally. I want to make sure everything goes smoothly, especially with Kai's condition."

There was a brief silence before Yoon Dae spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Yuri, this is unexpected news. But if you think taking Kai and Sebastian is the best course of action, then I trust your judgment. However, this mission is going to be dangerous. Are you sure you're prepared for that, especially given Kai's pregnancy?"

"I am," Yuri replied confidently. "But I have one more request. I want to bring Jung and Tae with us. They're young, but they're capable, and I believe having them by my side will be beneficial."

A heavy silence filled the room, and Yuri could sense the disapproval even before her stepfather responded. "No, Yuri. Jung and Tae will stay here. They're too young to be involved in something this dangerous, and as much as they're capable, their safety comes first."

Yuri clenched her jaw, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Stepfather, I can protect them. They're already part of this world, whether we like it or not. They should be with family, and that means being with me."

Yoon Dae's tone hardened. "Yuri, I understand your desire to keep them close, but you need to think practically. If something were to happen, it would be on your shoulders. They're still children, and their place is here, where they can be safe."

Yuri's mother, Hana, joined the conversation, her voice gentle but resolute. "Yuri, darling, we know how much you care for your brothers. But they're not ready for this level of danger. They need time to grow and learn, without the constant threat of our enemies. They will stay here with us, where they belong."

Yuri felt the sting of disappointment but knew better than to argue further. Her parents' decision was final, and despite her frustration, she couldn't deny their concerns. Jung and Tae were precious to her—two bright lights in her often chaotic world—and the thought of them being in harm's way was unbearable. But so was the thought of being separated from them during such a critical mission.

She sighed, forcing herself to accept the decision. "I understand. They'll stay with you."

"Good," Yoon Dae replied, his voice softening. "And Yuri, you're doing the right thing by going to Russia with Kai and Sebastian. I trust you'll handle this well. Just remember that you're not alone. We're here, ready to support you in any way we can."

After the call ended, Yuri sat back in her chair, her mind heavy with the weight of responsibility. She had wanted to keep her family together, to face the challenges ahead as a united front. But she also knew her parents were right. Jung and Tae were still young, still learning the ropes of their complicated family business. She had to protect them, even if that meant leaving them behind.

Later that evening, Yuri found Jung and Tae in the garden, playing a game of chess under the setting sun. They looked up as she approached, their faces lighting up with smiles. Jung, the more outspoken of the twins, grinned. "Hey, Yuri! Want to play the winner?"

Yuri smiled softly, ruffling his hair. "Maybe next time, Jung. I just wanted to see you both before I leave."

Tae, the quieter of the two, looked up with concern. "You're going away?"

Yuri nodded, her heart aching at the thought of being apart from them. "Yes, for a little while. But I promise, I'll be back soon. You two just focus on your studies and take care of each other, okay?"

Jung's smile faltered, replaced by a look of determination. "We will. But you have to promise to be careful too, Yuri. You always say we're family, and that means you have to come back."

"I promise," Yuri said, pulling them both into a tight hug. "No matter what, I'll come back."

As she left the garden, Yuri felt a renewed sense of resolve. She couldn't take Jung and Tae with her, but she could ensure that the world she was fighting for was one where they could eventually take their place. For now, she would focus on the mission in Russia, protecting Kai and the future they were building.

And with every step forward, she would carry the promise of her return—to her brothers, to her family, and to the life they were all working so hard to protect.