"Wow you look like shit."

Yoongi's words echoed in his studio as Jungkook comes in to see him.

The latter pauses in his steps and stares at his hyung. "Wow, thanks." He retorts back rather offended.

Jungkook knows he looks like shit. He hadn't gotten enough sleep for the past days because of his stupid dreams, his eyes had shadows casting under them and he looks disoriented. "I'm pretty busy these days, conventions and stuff you know."

The young CEO slumps down on an empty chair behind Yoongi and yawns. The older glances at him for a moment, frowning, and turns back to face his computer. "Yah! Don't fall asleep there. You need to meet the kids, don't forget."

"I know hyung. That's why I came here, right?" Jungkook says while watching Yoongi work. He's going to meet the 11 trainees who have received the scholarship from his company and check on their progress. 

Suddenly, a thought came into his mind. Will Taehyung be there?

"Yeah. He's coming too." Jungkook hears Yoongi say. The raven head lifts his head to look and frown at his hyung.

"What are you saying?"

"I said Taehyung's gonna be there too. You asked, right? Or am I just hearing things?" Yoongi replies sounding amused.

Jungkook asked that? Did he just really say that out loud?

Jungkook decided it's better not to answer, and Yoongi sensed the younger's silence and apprehension. The older saves his work and turns around to face Jungkook.

Yoongi studies him for a while. "You really do look like shit."

The younger groans because Yoongi wouldn't let go of that. "Would you just stop that? I'm miserable right now, okay?"

Yoongi snickers. "And why is that?"

Jungkook sits quietly for awhile, suddenly in deep thought and hesitant.

"Why is Taehyung so.. so.." The younger gesticulates his hands in the air, not knowing what to describe the said man's actions toward him.

Yoongi just raises his brows in encouragement for Jungkook to continue what he's saying.

"He's so angry at me always. Like everytime we cross paths, he acts like I'm the bane of his existence. There are many instances I wanted to explain everything but he doesn't give me the chance. Like he's–"

"Like he's so hurt and broken he doesn't want to see the one person who caused him to be like that? Like he had been betrayed and he felt like he can't trust you anymore? Like he's always so sad and alone but he just covers it up with his stubborness?" Yoongi finishes.

Jungkook blinks up to the older, mouth agape at his words. "Hyung.."

But Yoongi still continues. "Or like, he doesn't want to hear anything from you because everytime he looks at you, his mind is covered with painful memories and broken promises."

Silence engulfs the room for a minute, then the younger heavily leans against the couch and breathes out in surrender. "Okay, I get it."

Yoongi also sighs and looks at the younger's tired face. He's also concerned for these two and all he wants is for them to have peace in their lives, not haunted of the past.

"Listen here, Kook. Taehyung never had it easy, as well as you. Whenever you feel unfair, think of yourself in his shoes too."

Jungkook opens his mouth to say something. But Yoongi still continues.

"I know. I know there's a reason behind everything. And I know you also have a reason, but please be patient with my bestfriend. You know his past and he struggled so much. You want forgiveness, right? Out of all people to understand him, it should be you.

"I remember once talking to Granny in the past. She said if anything were to happen to her, she wouldn't be that scared to leave Tae anymore."

Jungkook looks at Yoongi confused. "Why?"

The older smiles before saying. "Because Taehyung have us two. She trusted us, Jungkook, especially you. She said she never saw anyone make Taehyung happy except for you. And the fact she'd seen you both erases her worries away. She said she finally had someone to care for Taehyung."

Suddenly Jungkook can feel a lump form in his throat. He looks down in his lap as he blinks the forming tears away. "But- but she was wrong. I know she was disappointed in me for how things turned out."

Yoongi clicks his tongue and shakes his head. "Trust Granny."

Jungkook forces himself to stop crying and he barely succeeded. As he wipes a lone tear escaping, a knock on the door was heard.

Seungkwan called out. "Meeting with the trainees in 5 minutes, Mr. Jeon."

Jungkook, forgetting his emotional state for awhile, looks at the door puzzled, and amazed on how his secretary automatically knew he was in Yoongi's studio. Guess its because of years hanging around the same studio and Seungkwan having to find him there whenever he's missing.

"Okay, I'll be there." The CEO answers and Seungkwan's foot steps are heard walking away after. Jungkook then turns to Yoongi and offers a grateful smile while sniffling, he realizes its rare to have Yoongi like this. "Hyung, thank you."

Yoongi scoffs, looking like he's back to his normal self. "You know kid, I really hated you back then. And if you don't do this right this time, I would really hate you again. Now go away you sap."

Jungkook just laughs and started to move towards the door. A newly formed determination in his heart and a silent prayer to Granny as he walks out the studio.

+++

Jungkook walks through the corridors of the building heading towards the practice room where the trainees are currently waiting. He turns to a corner and he was surprised to see Taehyung walking a few distance ahead of him. Jungkook contemplates to catch up, but then he decides to do it.

The younger runs up to Taehyung, who looked taken aback as soon as he saw Jungkook. "Hi"

Taehyung stops and looks at him, then regaining his composure, he continues to walk like he didn't care about Jungkook's presence. "What are you doing here?"

"Uhm meeting the trainees?"

"Okay."

They continue to walk in silence. Taehyung not planning to start a conversation, but Jungkook planning otherwise.

"How are you doing, Mr. Kim? The weather's fine today, right?"

Taehyung snorts at that. "Cut the crap and go straight to the point."

"What? I just want to have a simple conversation with you, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung rolls his eyes in annoyance. "I'm fine alright?"

Jungkook grins. "Yeah I can see that. You're always looking fine."

They are now nearing the practice room but Taehyung stops again, and it makes Jungkook stop in his tracks too.

"What are you planning?"

"What? Mr. Kim just so you know I don't have any bad intentions everytime I breathe next to you."

"Yeah? Cause last time I checked you had a successful plan with your boyfriend that ruined my life." Taehyung says smirking, but with fire in his eyes.

Jungkook combs his hair back with his hand in frustration. He looks at Taehyung straight in the eyes.

"Listen Mr. Kim. I never intended to hurt you. I would never. And if I would be given a chance to tell you everything, I will. I've searched and waited for you all this time and I'm not going to let you go again. I will do everything Taehyung, just to prove to you that everything we had was true–"

The door of the practice room opens abruptly and Daehwi appears. He was shocked to see both CEOs staring intensely to each other, and breaks the eye contact as they sense his presence. The trainee bows immediately to both men.

"Hello Mr. Kim and Mr. Jeon. I was about to find you two but you're already here. Uhm just come in if you're ready to meet us..uhm.."

Taehyung seemed silent all the while so Jungkook speaks. "Yeah, we're about to come in. We were just chatting."

Daehwi nods and awkwardly goes back in the room, followed by Jungkook but the raven head sensed that Taehyung is still not moving from his spot. "Mr. Kim?"

Taehyung nods as a sign that he's also coming right after.

As soon as both males disappear inside the door, Taehyung breathes in then out heavily. He wasn't prepared for Jungkook's answer to him. All he wanted was to piss him awhile ago, but he was met with a serious Jungkook. A different Jungkook with burning determination in his eyes.

I will do everything, Taehyung. The brunette recalls the younger's words earlier. He unconsciously smiles at that then enters the room too.

"In a few months time before your debut, you'll be quite busy. There would be recording of songs, practicing of choreography and photoshoots. We will go over some of the songs that you've written and if you want, you can help in producing. It's good to have your own touch with your music. So practice, practice, practice! And keep yourself hydrated. No one wants to have a cold during the memorable day of your life, right?" Taehyung says, standing in front of the trainees who are sitting on the floor and listening attentively to him.

"You will have a pretty packed schedule, so you should double the effort especially with your studies. Mr. Jeon here had organized a time table with the Seoul University and it'll help you with coping up, I hope." The BigHit CEO added and the boys nodded after, despite their apprehension.

At that, Jungkook steps in. "I believe Mr. Kim has told you everything and we will be providing you all with both the company and university schedules in the future. I believe you could do it. As much as we tried to lessen the burden of it all, I know it's difficult. Trust yourselves guys and remember to keep healthy."

Taehyung adds on. "We will be here all the way to support you. Don't be discouraged because the company will help with anything." He says with a warm smile to encourage everyone.

As the two CEOs keep on talking, Jihoon is fidgeting in his place and he keeps on staring at Taehyung's face with that stupid blush, and it didn't go unnoticed by Jungkook.

"Park Jihoon, you have something to say?"

The said boy flinches at the sound of his name being called. All the trainees were silent, afraid to be also called out. "S-sir?"

Jungkook narrows his eyes at him. "You wanna say something?"

The poor boy shakes his head, "No, no sir. I-I agree with everything."

Jungkook takes a few moments to stare at the boy, hoping the latter to be intimidated by him. The room was eerily quiet and the trainees look at the two of them. Jungkook seeming satisfied after a good few minutes of  staring, or likely glaring, nods his head and turns to face the other CEO like nothing happened. "Okay. Do you have something else to add Mr. Kim?"

As Jungkook turns to look at Taehyung, the said man is already glaring at him. The latter may have noticed the small heated exchange from him and the trainee.

Taehyung turns to face the trainees who are still waiting for additional announcements. "Nothing more, we will give you the updates in the succeeding days boys, so be prepared."

After the short meeting, the staff prepared a snack for everyone. The trainees were happy to see the food served, being able to eat fast food after their agony in their diet.

It was when Jungkook was picking up some dumpling when Taehyung approached him.

"What was that about, Mr. Jeon?"

Jungkook spins around to face the brunette, who was clutching a bottle of water in his hand, and smiles at him. "Hey, the dumplings are so good. Did you try some?"

Taehyung disregards the dumplings in front of him and frowns a little more. "You can't keep on treating my trainees like that."

Jungkook frowns like he doesn't know what's Taehyung talking about. He feigns innocence and tries to drag it out.

But, unfortunately, the male infront of him is having none of it.

"What? Jihoon? Can't you see he wasn't even listening? His attention was clearly on something else and I can't tolerate that behavior." Jungkook defends.

"What even–"

"Mr. Kim, Mr. Jeon." Daehwi suddenly approached the two of them and their argument was suddenly cut off. "Uhm. Did I interrupt something? Sorry I'll just go."

"No." Both the males replied, the older barely containing his irritation at his partner, while the younger seemingly pleased he was saved from the confrontation. Taehyung was the first to ask. "What is it, buddy? Is there a problem?"

Daehwi looks hesitant and shy, oblivious of the tension from the two CEOs. "Nothing's wrong, but I..uhm.. I have this song written for a long time and.. I haven't forwarded it to you because I think its not the best.. But I really wanna try if you could atleast read through it."

Taehyung genuinely beams at him. "Of course Daehwi! You can forward it to any of the producers, I'm sure they'll consider it. I have trust in your writing skills okay?"

"Really? But uhh, that's why I didn't pass it to any of them because I.. I wanted you to know about it first and I feel more comfortable when it comes to you, Mr. Kim. I'm sorry if this bothers you." Daehwi ducks his head down, feeling shy once again.

Taehyung stares at the thin boy with affection. The kid is just so sweet and so nice that Taehyung wants to do everything for him.

"Hey, It's okay. Tomorrow at lunch, go to my office and we'll talk about that song of yours over lunch. Understood?"

Daehwi raises his head smiling and radiant, his eyes big with excitement. "Really? Thank you!"

As the two talked, forgetting about Jungkook's presence, Jungkook just watches in amazement at the exchange of the two. The two males are very much alike, shy but talented, silent but strong willed. He remembers Taehyung when they were in highschool, how even as a kid, Jungkook had already admired his hard work and patience. How Jungkook would always be amazed at Taehyung's intelligence and golden heart.

"Mr. Jeon?" It was now him that Daehwi had called out.

"Yeah? Do you need any help?" Jungkook gives his attention to the young boy and smiles.

"Actually, I have a question."

"Go ahead." Jungkook answers invitingly.

"Do you have a crush on Mr. Kim?" Daehwi asks innocently. His eyes still big with wonder.

At that same time, Taehyung was drinking his water, and after hearing the young boy's question, he spits his water to the floor and coughs, fortunately not spluttering water on himself.

Jungkook on the other hand nearly drops his plate of dumpling and he can feel his face burn from the sudden inquiry.

All the people in the room turned to the trio talking near the food table and looked at Taehyung with concerned faces, but after Taehyung recovered from his coughing fit, he reassured everyone that he's okay.

Taehyung is red on the face and couldn't open his mouth to speak after turning to the two people infront of him, he ignores the sudden loud thumping of his heart.. What's with this kid?

Jungkook seems to recover from his shocked state and he clears his throat, then smiles. "Well, who wouldn't Daehwi? You can see how beautiful and amazing your CEO here."

"I agree, and he has a good heart too. So, does that mean you really like him?" Daehwi insists on asking.

Taehyung, not bearing to hear the conversation anymore and also because the redness on his face are now reaching his ears, butted in. "Daehwi, I think it's time for practice now."

Daehwi, realizing that his members are already preparing themselves, gives a quick apology and moves to retreat back. But before he left, he adds a, "I think Mr. Kim likes you too." then the boy sends a cute smile towards Taehyung and walked away before the older can glare at him.

Silence engulfs the two of them as they watch the young boy jog towards his members.

"I like Daehwi." Jungkook interrupts the silence and Taehyung turns to face him. The raven haired devil was smirking. "An intellectual."

"Did you really believe him?" Taehyung asks, frowning.

"Well, kinda." Jungkook shrugs, seemingly thrilled.

Taehyung wants to laugh, this guy doesn't learn, does he? Forcing his heart to return its thumping to normal, he heaves a deep breath. He'll give this man a piece of his mind.

"How many times do I have to tell you that I would never want you, Mr. Jeon? Even if we're the last persons here on earth." He pointedly states again.

Jungkook, who seems crestfallen once again, seems to cover his emotions with a smirk. He tried. "I can change that, you kno–"

"Will you stop?! It's not worth it."

Taehyung, as soon as he sees Jungkook's upturned lips in a smile downturns a little, hurriedly walks out the door with heavy steps but not that noticeable by other people on the room. He just can't handle this right now.

+++

Jungkook sighs again for probably the tenth time since he went back to his own office. Taehyung seems to tell him again and again that he hates him, that he would never even look at him. Jungkook's heart can barely handle the words Taehyung throws at him everytime, but he promised he would handle it. He would handle and bear with it all.

He slowly massages his forehead and decides to think of it all after he's finished with this upcoming meeting this afternoon with a Thai client.

Another sigh comes out of his mouth.

A knock was heard on his door and he acknowledged it. Seungkwan, his secretary, peeks inside, adjusting his glasses as he looks at Jungkook.

"Sir, excuse me for a bit, but you have a visitor here who wants to see you."

"Who?"

"Uhm, he said he's Mr. Kim." Seungkwan looks uncertain.

"Mr. Kim?" Jungkook puts up a frown. He doesn't know any Mr. Kim at all, except maybe, well, Taehyung since the male insists to be called Mr. Kim. But after their encounter at the studio earlier, Jungkook is sure the brunette doesn't want to see him. And he calls his friends, who's last names were also Kim, their first names.

"Seungkwan, is he a client from the neighboring company?"

Before the secretary can respond, the 'Mr. Kim' walks inside Jungkook's office in his tailored suit.

"Oh my god Jungkook! How long would it take for you to decide to make me come in here!"

Jungkook abruptly stands in his seat at the sudden visit. He hasn't seen this male for a long time. His eyes go wide as he feels his skin prick and his jaw clench at the others sudden appearance.

Yugyeom stands there, hands tucked in his pockets and gave a lopsided grin. "Long time no see babe."

👉 reminders:
- pls no spoilers, esp in the first book. Let the new readers enjoy and be thrilled with the story as they read along. Thanks.
- i already said to understand taehyung because of his past, but pls pls be gentle also to jungkook. I know he was an asshole but people make mistakes and everything has a reason okay?
- taekook in this book needs your love and support. Pls undertand. 😙
- THANKYOU FOR 1K FOLLOWERS AND GENEROUS AMOUNTS OF VIEWS AND VOTES. ILOVEYOU ALL!! Borahae 💜💜💜