54
Ik most of you are probably wondering we're already on chapter 54 and still no remorse from Jungkook's side.
And honestly, I get it. But the truth is, a man like him doesn't feel remorse that easily.
It takes a lot to break through that kind of emotional wall.
His character is complex,, probably the most difficult one I've ever written.
How do you make someone not react when everything around him is falling apart?
That balance is tricky. Even his dialogues, I rework them three to four times just to make sure they align perfectly with his personality.
That's why I don't want this story to turn into a typical "you did wrong, now cry and beg for forgiveness" arc. Nah, that's not what I'm going for. So just trust the process... everything will fall into place when it's meant to.
Third Person Pov
The sky was bleeding into dusk by the time Taehyung left the bus stop. The air smelled faintly of rain and city dust, the kind that clung to your skin after a long day. He adjusted the strap of his worn-out bag and exhaled, his steps slow but steady on the uneven pavement.
It had been a long first day, exhausting but manageable. His manager seemed impressed, his coworkers had been polite enough. Everything would've been fine if he hadn't shown up.
Even now, as he crossed the street and turned the corner toward his building, the image of Jungkook walking through those glass doors replayed in his mind like an old wound reopening.
His voice, the way his presence had filled the air, the faint smirk that tugged on the edge of his lips.
.. it all lingered like a ghost Taehyung couldn't shake.
He tightened his jaw, forcing a shaky breath.
Why did he have to come there?
Of course, Jungkook hadn't recognized him... or so Taehyung believed. He had worn the mask, changed his voice, avoided eye contact. He'd done everything right.
Still, the idea of that man standing just inches away from him made something twist painfully inside. Not anger. Not fear. Something worse, something like longing.
He hated it.
He stopped before the entrance to his building, glancing around instinctively. The street was empty except for a couple of kids running after a ball and an old man walking his dog. No sleek black cars, no suited men lingering near the lampposts.
Only the soft quiet of evening.
He let out a slow sigh of relief and entered, the faint buzz of the elevator greeting him as he pressed the button. Inside, the hum of the old lift filled the silence. He leaned against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment, the hum of the day settling into his bones.
His first day had been good, he told himself again. Stable. Honest work.
But those last two hours... the way Jungkook's cologne lingered in the air, the way his voice had lowered when he'd said eyes up had left Taehyung's nerves raw.
The elevator dinged.
He walked down the narrow corridor to his door, pressing the bell. Silence. No shuffling inside.
He smiled faintly to himself. His little boy was obedient, just like he'd asked.
Taehyung pulled out his phone and dialed. "Binnie?" he said softly when the line clicked. "Appa's here. Open the door for me."
There was a pause.... then came the sound of hurried little footsteps on the other side. Taehyung's lips parted in a tired smile. A second later, the door swung open, and Gyubin stood there, his bright eyes lighting up before he practically threw himself into Taehyung's arms.
Taehyung stumbled back half a step, a surprised laugh escaping him as Gyubin buried his shaved head against his stomach.
"Appa, I missed you," Gyubin mumbled, his small arms clinging tightly around his waist.
Taehyung's heart melted instantly. He bent down, wrapping his arms around the boy and pressing a soft kiss to his head. "Appa missed you more, baby," he whispered.
Gyubin tilted his head up, lips pouting slightly, his eyes glistening. "I felt so lonely today," he admitted in a tiny voice that cracked halfway through.
That small confession broke something inside Taehyung. He cupped the boy's cheeks gently, brushing his thumbs over the smooth skin. "Appa's sorry," he murmured, voice low and warm.
Gyubin shook his head quickly. "Appa works hard," he whispered, his voice innocent but sincere, his small fingers tracing the veins on Taehyung's hand. "I don't want you to be sorry."
Taehyung smiled, a little helplessly. "How did you get so smart, hmm?"
The boy only giggled softly, leaning into his father's palm. Taehyung kissed his forehead and stood, setting his bag on the table. "Did you eat lunch on time?" he asked while unbuttoning his shirt cuffs.
Gyubin nodded. "I did! I even finished my math questions. Look!"
He ran to the small desk by the wall, proudly showing the notebook covered in neat pencil marks and tiny ticks. Taehyung's chest filled with warmth.
"Good boy," he said softly, smiling. "You did amazing."
He crouched again, opening his bag. "Appa will freshen up and make dinner soon. But first..." His tone dropped to a playful whisper, his lips curving. "I brought something for my Binnie."
Gyubin blinked curiously as Taehyung pulled out a paper bag from inside. The moment the warm, buttery scent filled the air, Gyubin's eyes widened.
"Cookies?" he gasped.
Taehyung chuckled, nodding. "Freshly baked. I bought them from the bakery near my workplace."
Gyubin's little hands reached out instantly. "Can I have one now?"
"Of course," Taehyung said, handing him the bag. "But not too many, okay? We still have dinner."
Gyubin grinned, clutching the cookies like a treasure, and pressed a quick kiss on Taehyung's cheek.
The boy ran to the couch, opening the paper bag with an excited squeal. The sound of crinkling paper and soft munching filled the small apartment, and Taehyung finally let himself breathe.
He leaned against the kitchen counter, undoing his tie, watching Gyubin from afar.
The tiredness in Taehyung's body began to melt away. His chest loosened, and for the first time all day, he smiled without forcing it.
Outside, the city buzzed faintly. Somewhere far away, under the same orange sky, another man leaned back in his car seat, his mind replaying every second of that quiet encounter in the showroom.
But inside this little apartment, all that mattered was the boy with cookie crumbs on his lips.
The next day
The faint antiseptic scent filled the white-walled room.
.. clean, clinical, too familiar. Taehyung sat on the edge of the chair, fingers loosely intertwined as he watched the nurse prepare the tray.
Beside him, Gyubin sat obediently, tiny hands folded in his lap.
The little boy looked impossibly calm for someone about to have blood drawn.
The doctor walked in with a smile that Taehyung had learned to trust. "Good morning, Taehyung. How's our little soldier doing today?"
Gyubin tilted his head. "Good," he said quietly. His voice was small but steady.
Taehyung reached out, brushing his thumb gently across the boy's shoulder. "He's been taking his meds on time."
The doctor nodded approvingly as he began checking Gyubin's vitals, pulse, temperature, reflexes. "That's good. The blood test will confirm how well his body's handling the dosage."
Taehyung nodded, lips pressed together. He already knew all of this. He'd memorized every phase, every symptom, every medication name things he'd once struggled to even pronounce.
He watched as the nurse drew the blood, and Gyubin didn't even flinch, just stared at the ceiling with those big brown eyes, quiet as always.
"It didn't hurt?" the doctor asked kindly.
Gyubin shook his head. "Not really. Appa said it's okay to be strong."
Taehyung smiled faintly, a soft ache blooming in his chest. "Appa also said it's okay to cry if it hurts."
"I'll cry next time," Gyubin said seriously, earning a chuckle from the nurse.
The doctor finished his notes and turned to Taehyung. "The results should be ready by evening. From what I can see, he's responding well to treatment. His color's better too."
Taehyung's shoulders eased just a little, though the tension never really left him anymore. "So... no transfusions?" he asked quietly.
"Not for now," the doctor assured him. "Just keep following the routine nutrition, medication, and regular checkups. He's already in the maintenance phase, Taehyung, but that doesn't mean you can relax completely. We have to make sure it stays that way."
"I understand," Taehyung murmured.
"Also," the doctor added, smiling knowingly, "don't forget to take care of yourself. A healthy parent is just as important as a healthy child."
Taehyung blinked, caught off guard, then gave a small, polite smile. "I will, doctor. Thank you."
When the doctor left, silence filled the small room again. Taehyung turned to Gyubin, who was busy fiddling with his bandage.
"Hey," he said softly. "You did so well today."
Gyubin looked up, his eyes shining with quiet pride. "It didn't even hurt, Appa. I'm brave now."
Taehyung's heart twisted at the innocence in his tone. "You've always been brave, sweetheart," he murmured,
"Can I draw on the bandage?" Gyubin asked suddenly, holding it up. "Maybe a smiley face."
Taehyung chuckled under his breath. "Only if you promise not to peel it off again."
"I won't," the boy grinned, showing all his small teeth.
For a moment, Taehyung let himself watch him, the tiny legs that barely reached the chair's edge, the way his feet swung in rhythm, the quiet hum that left his lips.
He should've been running around a playground, not sitting in sterile rooms like this. But even here, Gyubin somehow found his own light.
Taehyung reached into the bag and pulled out a small snack box. "Eat this before we leave. Then we'll go get your meds refilled, okay?"
Gyubin nodded, nibbling on the cookie. "Then Appa goes to work?"
"Mm," Taehyung hummed. "Just for a few hours."
Gyubin tilted his head. "Will you get tired?"
"I always get tired," Taehyung admitted softly, "but then I come home and see you, and I forget all about it."
Gyubin smiled shyly at that, crumbs stuck to his lips. "Can we get popsicle on the way home?"
Taehyung chuckled, wiping the crumbs with a tissue. "Only if you finish your porridge first."
Gyubin pretended to think hard, then nodded solemnly. "Deal."
Taehyung leaned back in his chair, eyes closing for a second. The steady beeping from the heart monitor next door filled the silence.
He glanced at his son again, Gyubin was now doodling little stars on his paper bag.
"Appa," the boy said suddenly without looking up. "When will I not have to come here anymore?"
Taehyung's chest tightened. He took a breath, forcing a smile. "Soon, my love. You're getting better every day."
Gyubin looked up, his eyes full of trust that kind of trust that made Taehyung's throat sting.
"Okay," Gyubin said simply, and went back to drawing.
Taehyung reached over, carressing his back with gentle fingers. "You're my brave boy," he whispered.
Once all the reports were done, Taehyung gathered the papers and stepped out, Gyubin's small hand tucked in his.
The afternoon had turned cloudy, the sky heavy with the promise of rain.
As they reached the entrance, a sudden drizzle started, fine droplets sparkling in the light. Taehyung clicked his tongue.
"Of course," he murmured, fumbling in his bag before pulling out a bright yellow umbrella.
"Appa! Our sun umbrella!" Gyubin grinned, clapping his hands.
"It's called a rain umbrella, troublemaker," Taehyung teased, bending down to open it.
"But it's yellow like the sun," Gyubin countered, slipping his tiny hand into Taehyung's palm. "So it's a sun umbrella. It keeps us happy even when it rains."
Taehyung chuckled, heart swelling at his words. "You always win, don't you?"
"Because I'm smart like you," Gyubin replied proudly, making Taehyung laugh again.
He adjusted the umbrella over both their heads, careful not to let even a drop touch Gyubin's hair. The boy walked close, his other hand clutching the hem of Taehyung's coat.
They turned past a row of parked cars ordinary vehicles, except for one. A black, tinted sedan, sleek and still, almost blending into the shadow of the building.
Neither of them noticed.
But someone inside did.
Inside, the CEO sat still, one hand resting on the window, his gaze following the two figures beneath the yellow umbrella.
For a moment, just a brief, treacherous moment... he imagined himself beside them. His one hand on the boy's head while his other hand around Taehyung's waist, guiding them.
A family.
But then the thought twisted something deep in his chest, and his jaw tightened. He exhaled slowly, his eyes turning cold again as he watched them disappear into the rain.
The driver's gaze flicked to the rearview mirror.
"Sir, should I follow them?"
Jungkook didn't respond at first. His eyes were fixed on the faint silhouettes through the drizzle, Taehyung and the small boy walking under a bright yellow umbrella. The child swung their joined hands, laughing about something only Taehyung could hear.
Jungkook's jaw tightened for half a second before he spoke. "No. Let them go."
The car slowed to a smooth stop at the curb. Jungkook pushed the door open and stepped out, his polished shoes meeting the wet pavement. The driver hurried out with an umbrella, immediately holding it over his head.
The CEO stood beside the car, immaculate even in the rain... dark slacks, crisp shirt, and that silent authority that never left him. His eyes stayed on the retreating figures, gaze steady, unreadable.
Jungkook reached into his pocket, retrieving a cigarette and lighter. A quick flick, a low flame shielded under the umbrella and the end glowed orange. He inhaled slowly, exhaling smoke into the misty air. The faint scent of tobacco mixed with rain.
His expression didn't soften. If anything, the corners of his lips twitched into something close to a smirk... sharp, restrained.
The driver glanced at him briefly but stayed silent.
The CEO then flicked the cigarette to the side a small spark dying on the wet asphalt and straightened his cuffs, unbothered.
The driver opened the door for him. Jungkook got in, closing it with the same composure he'd stepped out with. No drama, no lingering look.
The kind of man who never chases but always watches.
.
.
.
Taehyung dropped Gyubin off at home, making sure the boy had everything he needed before heading back out.
The streets were already buzzing with noise, a contrast to the calm that lingered in his chest after seeing Gyubin smile.
He adjusted the strap of his bag and walked toward the showroom, the morning air still damp from last night's rain.
The manager was standing near the front desk, chatting with the receptionist when Taehyung entered. Both of them looked up.
"Ah, Taehyung! I was waiting for you," the manager said, smiling warmly.
Taehyung bowed politely. "Good morning, sir."
"Come with me," the manager gestured, leading him through the hallway to his cabin. Once inside, he turned and handed Taehyung a neatly folded bag. "This has your uniform. Go change first, and then I'll brief you on your work for today."
Taehyung nodded obediently. "Yes, sir."
He entered the changing room, locking the door behind him.
The uniform was simple, a black shirt and matching trousers, perfectly ironed, smelling faintly of detergent and starch.
He changed quickly, buttoning the shirt all the way up before tucking it into his trousers.
The fit was snug around his shoulders but a little too tailored at the waist, accentuating curves he wished it wouldn't.
He turned toward the mirror, examining himself critically.
The black contrasted sharply against his pale skin, his neck slender under the stiff collar.
He let out a small sigh, tugging the hem of the shirt to loosen it a little.
"Why does it make me look like this?" he muttered, his expression twisting.
Then his gaze slid down to his reflection's backside... his butt and his eyes widened slightly. "Oh, for god's sake," he groaned under his breath, burying his face in his palm. "Why is it so big?" he whispered as if he had discovered a crime.
After an exaggerated sigh, he gave his reflection one last judging look, shook his head, and tugged the shirt down to cover at least some of it. No use. It still... sat there. Loud and proud.
He groaned quietly and straightened his posture, pretending he didn't notice. "Just a normal day at work," he muttered under his breath. "why would anyone look at my butt."
Taking a deep breath, he unlocked the door and stepped out, his expression composed once more. But inside, he was already planning to beg the manager for a size up tomorrow.
Taehyung spent the next few hours tending to customers, his polite tone never faltering even as his feet began to ache.
He adjusted displays, smiled, answered the same questions over and over.
But somewhere between arranging suits and showing ties, he felt it again that prickling sensation of someone staring.
He turned his head slightly and caught sight of an elderly man at the far corner, his eyes shamelessly glued to Taehyung's figure as he bent to pick up a brochure. Taehyung's smile froze.
He straightened abruptly, tugging at his shirt hem as if that could erase the curve of his hips the uniform made worse. The man quickly looked away, pretending to admire a mannequin beside him.
Taehyung clenched his jaw and exhaled through his nose. Old creep. From then on, he stationed himself at the billing counter, where he could keep his distance.
He was half zoning out at the register when a hand tapped his shoulder. "Taehyung."
He turned to see the manager standing there, a tablet in hand and that familiar professional smile on his face. "Yes, sir?"
"I want you to do something for me."
Taehyung blinked. "Of course. What is it?"
The manager handed him a printed sheet. "You'll need to deliver some items clothing, accessories, and one custom belt to this address."
Taehyung's brows furrowed as he glanced at the paper. "A hotel?" he murmured, reading the embossed name. It was one of those luxury places where a single night cost more than his monthly rent.
The manager nodded. "Yes, Suite 901. It's for a client who called earlier. Remember the CEO Jeon from yesterday?"
The mention of that name made Taehyung still for a moment. His throat felt oddly dry. "...Yeah," he muttered, eyes still on the address.
The manager smiled faintly, unaware or pretending to be. "Apparently, there's an issue with the sizing. His assistant said a few items didn't fit as expected, and he'd like them exchanged. You can take a cab and drop them off. It shouldn't take long."
Taehyung blinked, disbelief slipping through his polite tone. "But, sir... everything fit him perfectly yesterday. I was there the whole time. He took nearly an hour trying each piece."
The manager sighed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, Taehyung. Maybe he changed his mind, or maybe his staff noticed something off."
That made Taehyung pause.
He swallowed, unsure what to feel irritated, confused, or slightly uneasy.
"Do I have to go right now?" he asked.
"Yes. He said it's urgent. I've already informed the front desk to log your trip as an external delivery, so you're covered. Just be polite, deliver the replacements, and come back."
Taehyung pressed his lips into a thin line, clearly unconvinced but too professional to argue further. "Alright," he said quietly. "I'll go."
"Good," the manager smiled. "Take the showroom cab; it's parked outside. And Taehyung?"
He looked up.
"Try not to look so tense. You're doing great work."
Taehyung nodded, forcing a small smile before walking to the back to gather the neatly packed items.
He shook his head. "Whatever. It's just a delivery."
Grabbing the bags, he stepped out into the lobby, the cool air brushing against his flushed face. He didn't know why, but his stomach felt oddly heavy as he glanced at the hotel address again.
Suite 901.
Jeon Jungkook.
.
.
.
Taehyung stepped out of the cab, staring up at the gleaming luxury hotel that loomed like a glass fortress above him. His fingers tightened around the handles of the bags.
Just deliver the items. Don't look, don't think, just do your job.
He crossed the lobby with careful steps, the marble floors reflecting the gold chandeliers that seemed too bright for his weary eyes. The receptionist barely glanced up as he passed; he preferred it that way. He made for the elevator, pressed the button, and the doors slid shut.
Inside the mirrored walls, his reflection stared back at him, masked, gloved, capped, and hidden behind a pair of thick glasses. He adjusted them once more. Every layer mattered. He mustn't recognize me. Not today. Not ever.
The elevator ascended slowly, each floor indicator blinking like a countdown. Taehyung's heartbeat echoed louder than the soft hum of the lift. When the doors finally opened, he stepped out and swallowed hard.
901.
He stood outside it, took one breath, then another, and pressed the doorbell with a trembling hand.
Five seconds. Ten.
The lock clicked.
The door opened, and there he was.
Jeon Jungkook.
He stood tall, perfectly composed, the subtle scent of his cologne filling the air clean, expensive, cold. He had a glass of water in one hand, his other hand tucked into his pocket, posture relaxed yet commanding. Even the simplest movement carried authority.
Taehyung instantly lowered his head, every nerve in his body tightening.
"Sir," he murmured, lowering his voice to a tone deeper than usual, "I brought the items you requested."
Jungkook's gaze flicked over the bags briefly before returning to Taehyung. "Get in."
Taehyung nodded and walked forward, setting the bags down with deliberate care. He began unpacking: first, the sleek custom belt, then two perfectly pressed blazers.
"These are tailored to your exact size," he said quietly, eyes fixed on the table.
Next came a tie, folded with precision, and finally, a pair of black heels in a glossy box.
"And these are for your-uh, companion," he said, hesitating slightly before the last word.
Jungkook leaned back against the couch, crossing one leg over the other. He studied the items, expression unreadable, fingers drumming lazily on the armrest. The silence stretched.
Then, in a voice that cut through the stillness like a blade, he said, "Wear them."
Taehyung froze, his head jerking up slightly though his eyes stayed down. "I'm sorry...?"
Jungkook's lips curved-barely, almost imperceptibly. "The heels," he said, tone smooth but sharp at the edges. "I need to see if they're comfortable enough."
Taehyung blinked, stunned. "S-sir, I don't think-"
"Was that unclear?" Jungkook interrupted, his voice soft but absolute, the kind of tone that didn't need to rise to be obeyed.
The room fell silent again, the hum of the air conditioner suddenly too loud. Taehyung's throat tightened as he glanced down at the box. The heels gleamed under the warm light, mocking him almost.
He swallowed. "...As you wish, sir."
Jungkook hummed, leaning his chin into his hand, watching. "Good."
As Taehyung bent to unbox the heels, his hands shook slightly despite his effort to stay calm. Jungkook didn't miss it, his gaze followed every movement, sharp, observant, detached.
The air between them thickened, heavy with tension that neither of them acknowledged out loud.
Taehyung crouched and lifted the heels from the box, careful not to make eye contact.
He slid his right foot in first, the leather hugging snugly around his ankle.
The straps felt awkward under his gloved fingers as he fastened them, his breath uneven.
He did the same with the other shoe, and when he finally stood, his balance faltered instantly.
His hand shot out to grip the edge of the table.
Jungkook didn't move. He sat there, lounging back against the couch, a faint smirk curving his lips.
"Walk," came the command, smooth and low.
Taehyung clenched his jaw so tightly it almost hurt. Oh, how badly he wanted to rip those stupid heels off and throw them straight at that smug face. But instead, he gave a stiff nod, ungripped the table, and forced himself upright.
He took one step, then another, the soft clink of the heels echoed against the marble floor. His arms hovered slightly for balance, looking almost graceful in his discomfort. Jungkook's eyes followed every step, a lazy, amused gaze that made Taehyung's skin prickle.
"Closer," Jungkook murmured, tilting his head. He gestured lightly with his hand, as if summoning him.
Taehyung's lips pressed into a thin line, but he obeyed, walking toward him, each step measured and tense. Jungkook's smirk deepened. His gaze traveled from Taehyung's face down to his chest, his waist, and finally to those long legs framed by the fitted trousers.
"Turn around," Jungkook said.
Taehyung froze for half a second, his pulse jumping, before he complied, slow, hesitant, every movement deliberate.
And then Jungkook's amusement faltered. Just a second... his eyes stilled, focus dropping lower, to the dip of Taehyung's back where the shirt had ridden up slightly as he turned. His breath caught, not loud enough to be noticed, but it was there.
Taehyung didn't see it. He just wanted to take the damn shoes off and leave before the heat rising in his neck gave him away.
Jungkook rose from his chair, the movement deliberate, lazy, like he had all the time in the world. His eyes, sharp and calculating, didn't leave Taehyung's waist as he picked up the custom belt.
Taehyung shifted slightly, instinctively lowering his gaze, and felt a shiver run down his spine as Jungkook's presence pressed closer behind him.
Jungkook's hand twitched, hovering as if to test the air, before finally picking up the belt again. "Let's see if the quality of this belt holds up now," he said, stepping closer.
Taehyung could feel the nearness, the faint warmth radiating off him.
"I... I think I should leave," Taehyung muttered, instinctively trying to shift away, the heels making every movement precarious.
"Not until I'm done," Jungkook said smoothly, eyes gleaming with amusement. He extended the belt toward Taehyung, and with a deft motion, wrapped it around Taehyung's waist, drawing him subtly closer.
Taehyung's hands instinctively pressed against Jungkook's chest. "This isn't professional," he said, wriggling slightly, but his voice betrayed.
"Neither are you. Sending wrong size to a CEO." Jungkook replied, locking eyes with him as he tightened the buckle.
Tight. Too tight. Every adjustment pulled a shaky breath from Taehyung, who had to remind himself to stay upright in the heels.
"Now I can really feel the quality."
Jungkook murmured, taking another step forward, studying the effect.
Taehyung stepped back, his back hitting the edge of the table. One hand pressed lightly against Jungkook's chest, a small barrier. But Jungkook didn't budge. He reached for Taehyung's gloved hand, lifting it with an effortless grip, teasingly pressing it on the younger's neck.
"What are you doing?" Taehyung asked, panicking.
Jungkook's hand slid slowly to Taehyung's waist, and the smaller man flinched. "You... you have a girlfriend, and I have a wife," Taehyung said, trying to sound firm.
Jungkook's lips curved, just faintly, almost a smirk. "I don't mind cheating on her... for now," he said playfully, tone teasing, eyes glinting with mischief.
Taehyung's heels clicked sharply against the floor as he adjusted his stance, trying to regain balance while keeping his breath steady. He wriggled slightly, feeling the strain.
"Stay still," Jungkook murmured, stepping closer again, inspecting how the belt hugged his frame.
Taehyung's teeth ground together so hard it hurt.
The words "I don't mind cheating on her" still echoed in the room, and he felt a surge of heat rush to his face, not from embarrassment, but from pure, unfiltered anger.
He shoved Jungkook with all the strength he had, adjusting his mask in a sharp, almost defensive motion.
"I'm not like you," he snapped, voice tight. "I can't do it."
The heels clicked loudly as he ripped them off hastily, tossing them aside, his fingers trembling slightly from frustration and the sting of humiliation. Anger bubbled in his chest, a mix of embarrassment and disbelief at how effortlessly Jungkook could toy with him.
Jungkook, as always, remained unruffled.
He was pouring himself a drink, calm, composed, the faintest curve of amusement tugging at his lips as he watched Taehyung struggle with his balance and pride.
Taehyung felt a spark of offense... here he was, standing humiliated in heels, while the CEO flirted with.
.. what, exactly? A random man? Taehyung was random to him and this is how he flirts with random people?
He shook his head, exhaling sharply to regain some control. He grabbed his bag, straightening his uniform and forcing himself to focus. "Please tell my manager I delivered the items," he said, walking toward the door, each step heavy with irritation.
"Where are you taking the belt?" Jungkook's voice cut through the air, smooth, deliberate, teasing.
Taehyung froze, hands clutching the tightly wrapped belt around his waist. He looked down, cheeks burning as he realized the buckle still clung to him. With a deep exhale, he fumbled awkwardly, fingers trembling as they worked the clasps, finally freeing himself and setting the belt aside.
Jungkook's gaze followed him the entire time, sharp and unreadable, but the faint smirk playing on his lips was enough to drive Taehyung insane. Every movement, every careful step, felt like walking a tightrope over Jungkook's amusement.
"I delivered everything," Taehyung muttered, trying to infuse his voice with authority, though it faltered slightly. "You can check if you want."
Jungkook raised a brow, eyes darkening with subtle curiosity, leaning back casually as he sipped from his glass. "Good," he said finally, voice low, almost indulgent.
Taehyung gritted his teeth, stepping back toward the door, heels now safely removed, and exhaled shakily. Frustrated.
Taehyung's steps echoed in the hotel corridor, his heart already pounding from the encounter earlier.
His eyes froze when he spotted the same sly, creepy old man from the store, the one who had stared at him so brazenly.
Taehyung forced his gaze away, trying to focus on walking, pretending the man wasn't there.
"Hey, young man," the old man called out from behind, voice oily, predatory. Taehyung didn't answer. He quickened his pace, ignoring the sly footsteps echoing his own.
The man grinned, closing the distance, extending a hand like a snake ready to strike.... aimed at Taehyung's waist.
Before he could touch him, a firm grip yanked the man backward by the collar. The world seemed to tilt as Taehyung froze, spinning around.
Jungkook stood there, effortlessly composed, hands casually in his pockets, eyes glinting with dangerous amusement. "Move," he said softly, a growl hidden in the calmness of his tone.
Taehyung's glasses slid down slightly as his eyes widened. "What... what did you-" His words caught in his throat as he saw foam trickle from the older man's mouth, the man convulsing slightly on the floor.
Jungkook stepped forward, close enough that the faint scent of his cologne brushed against Taehyung's senses, making his chest tighten. One hand grabbed Taehyung's, steadying him, while the other pressed a small, sleek pen into his hand.
"Use it if you need to," Jungkook said, voice low, measured, almost teasing. His eyes bore into Taehyung's, dark and unreadable.
Taehyung frowned, confused and a little alarmed. "What... is this?"
Jungkook's lips curved slightly. "It contains toxins. Just a touch to the target... and it's done. Quick. Clean." His tone was so calm, so commanding, it made Taehyung's pulse jump.
"Why... why are you helping me? I'm... a stranger," Taehyung whispered, the words tasting bitter.
Jungkook tilted his head, letting a faint smirk tease his expression. "Told you," he said softly, stepping closer so their bodies almost brushed. "You remind me of someone. My... wild person."
He let the words linger in the air, low and heavy, before turning on his heel, walking away with that lazy, deliberate grace. Each step echoed in the corridor, leaving Taehyung's chest tight, fingers clenching the pen as his mind raced.
The air seemed to shimmer where Jungkook had been, a faint heat lingering. Taehyung's lips parted slightly, eyes still following the man who had just walked away, leaving him shaken in more ways than one.
Two men in black appeared wordlessly, their steps synchronized, faces unreadable. They lifted the convulsing body as if it weighed nothing, dragging it down the corridor until the sound of scraping shoes faded into silence.
Taehyung stood frozen for a moment, unable to process the stillness that followed. The air felt heavier, dense with the remnants of Jungkook's presence.
He exhaled shakily, his breath catching halfway, and brought a trembling hand to his chest. His heart was pounding violently... too loud, too fast, as if trying to escape. His fingers pressed harder against his shirt, feeling the desperate rhythm beneath.
Taehyung shook his head sharply, as if the gesture could erase the memory. "What the hell is wrong with him?" he whispered under his breath, his tone a low growl. "What is he even trying to prove?"
Taehyung sighed as the elevator doors slid open. "I think I need to change my job," he muttered under his breath, half to himself, half to the suffocating silence around him.
His voice was tired, laced with a bitterness that came from too many days of pretending things didn't affect him.
The hotel lights painted soft gold on his face as he stepped out, clutching his bag a little tighter.
The faint click of his shoes echoed down the empty corridor, each sound fading into the hum of the air conditioner.
He didn't look back. He didn't notice the subtle shift of a camera lens above him.