"Chairman, what are you doing here?" Jimin asked as he walked alongside a group of people toward the car, helping an elderly man with a walking stick. The man was dressed head to toe in luxury, his presence commanding attention. The chairman glanced at Jimin, his expression showing clear annoyance.
"Where is your boss?" he asked sharply as they made their way into the company building.
Jimin looked to his secretary, who was fumbling with his words.
"Director... is in a meeting. He'll be here in about 15 minutes," the secretary stammered, earning a nod from Jimin.
"Tell the staff to check the chairman's office again," Jimin instructed as they stepped into the elevator.
"Forget it. I'll stay in his office. Tell him to come quickly... and make sure Taehyung joins us," the chairman said curtly, walking off and leaving Jimin with his secretary.
Annoyed, Jimin pulled out his phone and dialed Taehyung's number, only to find it unreachable.
He sighed heavily.
"Where's the director? Is he on his way?" Jimin asked as his secretary began calling Jungkook's assistant. The elevator doors slid open, revealing Jungkook standing with his own secretary. Jimin immediately bowed, and Jungkook returned the gesture with a slight bow before stepping into the lift, adjusting the floor number.
Jimin couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation. He knew exactly what was coming: more of the chairman's endless scolding, as if that was all he lived for. He let out another sigh while Jungkook stood there, unfazed, hands casually tucked into his pockets.
"Director Jeon, I have a meeting about a VIP operation," Jimin said, hoping for some relief. "I don't think I can join you today, but I'll accompany you to your office."
Jungkook looked at him, his expression unreadable. "Help me this time. I can't face him alone," he admitted, his tone softer than usual.
The secretaries remained silent, aware of the tension between the two men.
"Your husband will be here soon," Jimin said, his words almost an afterthought. Jungkook's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a flicker of shock crossing his face.
"What do you mean?" he asked, slightly taken aback.
"The chairman said Taehyung needs to join the meeting," Jimin replied, showing him a text he had just received. Jungkook nodded silently, the information sinking in as they made their way toward the office.
As they entered, they found the chairman seated comfortably on a sofa, while J-Hope and Yoongi stood nearby, files in hand. The chairman signaled for Jimin and Jungkook to approach.
"Mm... Taehyung? Where is he?" the chairman asked, looking at them expectantly.
"He's coming from another meeting. He'll be here in a few minutes," Jungkook replied.
"Alright. You," the chairman said, turning his gaze to his secretary. "Arrange something for me to eat. I need something sweet; I'm feeling a bit dizzy this early."
His secretary quickly moved to fulfill the request.
"Chairman, should we check your health?" Hobi asked with concern, but his words were interrupted when Taehyung entered the room, looking disheveled, as if he hadn't slept in days. Jungkook eyed him for a moment, but his thoughts were quickly interrupted.
"This will be a family meeting," the chairman announced, dismissing the staff. "You may all go back to your duties." Hobi, Yoongi, Jimin, and Jungkook all quietly filed out, leaving only Taehyung in the room.
The chairman's secretary returned with drinks and an assortment of desserts, placing them on the table.
"Take a seat," the chairman said as he picked up a dessert and took a bite.
Jungkook sat on the chairman's left, Taehyung beside him. Yoongi and Jimin sat together, while J-Hope took a seat nearest to the chairman, on his right.
"Namjoon has always been a capable president for Jeon Corporation. No matter what decisions he makes, I want him to continue, but he's never been truly interested in it. All he wants now is to settle down and get married. He wants to run the university and the hospital." The chairman glanced at Jungkook. "I think you've done enough here. It's time for you to take the seat that's rightfully yours. Prepare yourself to take over Jeon Corporation, focusing more on real estate, hotels, and the resort chain. That's been the core of the Jeon family's legacy from the very beginning. I want you to stop juggling between this and that. Fully take on the responsibility, and leave this place behind. I'll arrange the board meeting in a few days."
Jungkook was taken aback by the chairman's words.
"Chairman, I think I'm still not ready—" Jungkook started, but the chairman cut him off.
"Forget it. That's my decision. Get out of here and go there now," the chairman snapped. Jungkook sighed in frustration.
"Grandpa, can you give me some time?" Jungkook asked, but the chairman frowned.
"I've already given you enough time. I can't let someone who doesn't love the work run an empire just because they're capable. You've wanted this and worked for it since you were a child—why are you complaining now?" The chairman's words were sharp, but Jungkook remained silent.
"Forget everything and prepare quickly to reacquaint yourself with the responsibilities. We'll have the board meeting right after Joon's wedding. Stop thinking about your husband all the time," the chairman said bluntly, looking at Taehyung.
"Taehyung, it's been six years since your marriage. I understand when you're young, but not anymore. Stop supporting that woman and focus on your family. Cancel the collaboration and support for that hospital; we don't need to help them that much. You'll need to step in for Jungkook once he takes over. You can't juggle both roles; it'll ruin both your professional and personal life," the chairman concluded, his gaze briefly shifting toward Jungkook.
Taehyung nodded, but Jungkook couldn't help but notice the blank expression on his face. It stung more than he wanted to admit.
"Is that woman still calling you whenever she wants?" the chairman asked, his tone sharp.
"Grandpa!" Jungkook whined loudly, his frustration growing.
"Cut her off immediately and come home from now on. Stop going there. Even if you no longer love Jungkook, you have a child, and you have a family now. It's not like the old days," the chairman continued, his voice cold and demanding. Taehyung remained silent, which only made Jungkook's anger flare up.
Jungkook clenched his fists tightly, the anger bubbling up inside him.
"That's enough for now. Let's meet at home in the evening," the chairman said, turning to leave the room.
"Oh, and Taehyung," Yoongi spoke up, "Today is Mrs. Jeon's birthday. Don't repeat last time."
Taehyung's phone rang just as Yoongi spoke, and Jungkook glanced at him, his patience running thin. Taehyung, however, was completely absorbed in his phone, making Jungkook boil with anger.
"I'll see you guys in the evening then," Taehyung said, standing up and grabbing his coat. "I have to take this call." Without another word, he left the room.
"I have to go too," Yoongi said, standing up. "I have surgery in an hour." He kissed Jimin on the forehead and walked out, leaving a blushing Jimin behind. Jungkook smiled at them warmly before his gaze turned back to Taehyung's retreating figure.
J-Hope dramatically sat down beside Jungkook, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft.
Jungkook nodded, though his mind was elsewhere.
"Is Taehyung really staying outside?" Jimin asked, breaking the silence. "I thought at least you two were staying in separate rooms."
Jungkook glanced at him. "He hasn't been home for the last six months. He stays here until Jiwon goes to sleep. I only noticed last month, but Jiwon confirmed that he hasn't been home for six months," Jungkook explained, his voice tinged with sadness.
Jimin shook his head in disbelief. "Are you still going to stay married?"
Jungkook nodded, though it was clear that the weight of his words was taking its toll.
The two men sighed in unison, their expressions full of concern as they watched Jungkook.
But all Jungkook could think about was that phone call—the call he despised more than anything in the world. The call that haunted him every single time it rang.
FLASHBACK
Jeon Corporation is one of the largest and most influential conglomerates in Korea, spanning industries like real estate, healthcare, education, malls, hotels, resorts, charities, and non-profits. Essentially, they do it all, making them the most powerful family in the country. Despite their vast reach, they have always stayed low-key, keeping a distance from the media and public eye. They only emerge when necessary for business. Though there were some controversies surrounding the family in the past, things changed when Mr. Jeon, the current chairman, took over the company. His cool-headed and calm demeanor swept away the negative attention, and the Jeon family became more respected.
The Jeon family consists of one son and three daughters. The eldest daughter has a son—Kim Namjoon. The second daughter gave birth to Jung Hoseok. The third child, the only son, had Jeon Jungkook, and the youngest daughter gave birth to Jimin. Even though Jungkook is the youngest, he is the last born because his father married later in life. The family has always been close-knit, living in the same house that Mr. Jeon designed himself. He built a sprawling mansion in the center, surrounded by buildings where his children live. Mr. Jeon's goal was always to stay with his loved ones, making their family bond stronger. Growing up together, they all attended the same school and passed the entrance exams, even though they owned the school.
One day, Jungkook found a man named Kim Taehyung standing at his usual spot.
He noticed Taehyung was crying, so Jungkook quietly leaned against the wall Taehyung had been resting on. He sat down, not sure why, but the place, which always felt familiar to him, seemed different today—more colorful, somehow. He could hear Taehyung sniffing, so he held his breath, listening. From that day on, whenever Taehyung needed to cry, he would come back to that spot, unaware that Jungkook was always there, silently waiting for him.
One day, after a particularly devastating failure in an exam, Jungkook felt all his insecurities rush to the surface. He knew how talented his family members were—J-Hope, Jimin, and Namjoon—but he wasn't jealous of them. What made him envious was the courage they had in facing their problems head-on. Jungkook had always been the quiet one, taking a step back and staying silent. Though he was a multi-talented person, he never felt at peace, always thinking he lacked something. That day, after such a significant failure, he couldn't control his tears.
As he sat there, music blaring in his ears, Taehyung appeared. He sat down silently, mirroring Jungkook's posture.
Taehyung spoke softly, his voice carrying an understanding that Jungkook had never expected.
"Do you know? I've always found this place fascinating because it's quiet when I'm calm, but I can always hear a beat in the background when I cry. It's like there's someone out there, silently comforting me. At first, I was embarrassed, but then I realized that person wasn't judging me. So, whenever I needed to let it out, I came here. I'd just let it out to him without saying anything. But today, when he needed a shoulder, maybe I was late. But I promise I won't be in the future. So, I won't say 'don't cry,' but just remember, you can cry when you're with me because I'll never judge you. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to—I'll always be there for you, no matter how big or small your burden is."
Hearing those words, Jungkook finally let the tears he had been holding in flow. It was like he was bare, exposing his emotions, but for the first time, he didn't regret it. From then on, they would always come to that spot at the same time, silently waiting for each other.
PRESENT DAY
"Jungkook, why are you wearing this shirt?" J-Hope asked, wrapping an arm around Jungkook's shoulders.
"I couldn't find it. I wasted two hours looking for my favorite designer shirt," Suga grumbled, yawning.
"As if you had anything better to do! You were just going to sleep anyway," J-Hope teased, making Jungkook laugh.
"Where's Jimin?" Suga asked, his voice serious.
"How should I know? You're the one who's always looking for your crush," Jungkook joked half-heartedly.
"Do you want to die?" Suga said, giving Jungkook a mock glare.
"Why do I always find you guys fighting whenever you're awake?" J-Hope asked with a dramatic sigh, looking at Suga, who remained calm, not responding
"Why is Namjoon messaging so much in our group chat all of a sudden?" Suga asked, glancing at his phone.
"Let's hurry to Joon's classroom. There seems to be a problem," Suga said, already walking quickly.
They reached Namjoon's classroom in no time, but the crowd outside was enormous. Jungkook peered inside and saw Jimin, Taehyung, and a woman with several adults, all standing with the school dean and vice principal.
"What happened?" Suga asked, looking at Namjoon, concerned.
"Do you know Taehyung?" Namjoon asked, to which Suga nodded.
"Yeah, he's Jimin's friend from his old school. Didn't he transfer here two weeks ago? What about it?" Suga asked, his expression confused.
"That's him." Namjoon pointed toward the classroom, and Jungkook noticed a tall, thin man standing with his head lowered. His face was emotionless, his smile obviously fake.
"Taehyung has a female best friend—the one standing there. She's completely obsessed with him. She'll do anything to get him. Now that Taehyung transferred here, she did too. I thought it was just the girl being crazy, but her mom is even worse. She doesn't like Taehyung being friends with Jimin. She wants Jimin transferred to another class because she's jealous of him. But the principal can't do that… after all, Jimin's family is wealthier than hers," Namjoon explained.
"What do you think will happen then?" J-Hope asked, his voice tinged with worry.
"Of course, Jimin will be the one to transfer. He's always been the angel," Namjoon said, sighing.
"I'll speak to the principal," Suga said, determined.
But Jungkook stopped him, a serious look on his face. "Have you ever seen Jimin stay this calm when dealing with people like them?"
"Of course he has to stay low. Do you think he'd speak up in front of these people?" J-Hope replied, motioning toward the group of students gathering outside the classroom.
"Look at the bandage on her hand," Jungkook said, drawing attention to the woman in question.
Everyone turned to look.
"She's Mr. Choi's only daughter, the president of Choi Corporation," Jungkook continued. "A president coming down here like this can only mean one thing—her daughter isn't just in love with Taehyung. She's obsessed with him. She'll go to any lengths, even harm herself, just to get his attention. Jimin is always there to defend his friend." Jungkook's voice was heavy with concern.
Namjoon nodded. "Should we just let her bully Jimin then?"
"Who will? I'll deal with this today. Don't tell Jimin," Suga said, his tone firm as he walked away from the group. Namjoon shook his head, but said nothing.
Jimin emerged from the classroom a little later, walking toward them.
"Are you going to change classes?" Namjoon asked, his voice laced with concern.
"Yeah, for a while. Otherwise, I'm afraid she might harm herself again," Jimin replied quietly. Jungkook's eyes stayed on Taehyung, watching his every move. Taehyung, looking exhausted and fed up with everything, walked away, and the whispers began to swirl around him.
"Taehyung can't do much right now. His parents are successful doctors who used to work at Choi Medical University. They're both renowned surgeons, but they suddenly stopped working there and moved back to the countryside. Taehyung and Hae Ri have been friends since childhood, but things started to fall apart when he transferred to a different high school last year. She followed him there and started causing trouble. He'd try to avoid her, but eventually, he had to explain that he couldn't be what she wanted. One day, he got a call saying she wasn't feeling well—she hadn't been eating or drinking and hadn't gone to school for a month. Her parents were concerned, but her mom—well, she's even crazier. She talked to Taehyung's parents and convinced them to transfer him to Choi's high school. Taehyung hated being used like that, being pushed around to meet their demands. So, he asked to come here. He worked hard to pass the entrance exams, but now she's here again. This time, she even harmed herself. Taehyung can't ask his parents for help because they left to move on from their past and focus on healing," Jimin said looking at jungkook making jungkook frown. They started walking towards their classes while jimin wrapped his arm around jungkook.
" Don't you think someone needs you now?" Jimin said while jungkook looked at him confused, Jimin shows his watch.
" How did you know?" Jungkook asked.
" Go now he needs you" Jimin said making jungkook nod.