"Take care of yourself and dad, okay?" Jungkook speaks facing his laptop. Apparently, he's sitting on his balcony on a bright sunny day and talking to his mom through Skype.

"Sure, son. You too." The woman blew kisses through the screen, and after a while of exchanging words of goodbye, Jungkook is just looking through the blank expanse of his open laptop. He sighs as he closes the device, heart worrying for the condition of his father.

Jungkook, as a kid, never wanted to become a businessman. He wanted to do music, and fulfill his and Taehyung's dream. He had no interest in running his father's line of establishments, but instead, became interested about making songs. He was so confident that his hardworking older brother would be there when he proceeds to be a producer or singer.

But then, the dreadful day came when Jungkook's older brother decided to run away, leaving all of his loved ones behind. It happened after his high school graduation (he already decided to take up a major in Music) and all his dreams broke like a mirror being smashed.

His very obedient brother, turns out, to be a rebel after all. The older, too, never wanted to take part in their business, just like Jungkook. He ran away with his girlfriend and disappeared like nothing. No communication and all, until now.

Mr. Jeon became devastated. His eldest son betraying him led him into rage and pure disappointment. The old man was left hanging and never did he expect to be ditched by his own son.

Jungkook's dad became thrice as workaholic as ever. The elder became quiet and focused on his work that Mrs. Jeon started to worry. The old man never mentioned about Jungkook's brother again.

Of course, after the news about Jungkook's brother was known, the raven head already anticipated what's to come. His father told him to take up business and that "forget about music, Jungkook. It'll lead you nowhere." For once in his life, Jungkook wanted to punch his own father, wanted to run away like his brother did. But Jungkook still had a little sympathy and concern for his family and he had seen how his father reacted about the disappointment from his brother and he didn't want to go over that again. Even though he despised his father, even though he wanted to cry and vomit about the unfairness of the world, he nodded in agreement with the man.

He studied a Business course. Thankfully, and without a tutor this time, he graduated, though not with flying colors. Its not that Jungkook is dumb, but who has the passion for studying when you don't like the course you're taking in the first place? His father shook his head disapprovingly while looking at his grades. But did he have a choice?

As years went by, Jungkook started working at the company with the guidance of his father. He officially replaced the position of his brother and surely, they argue a lot. When Jungkook was young, he really wanted to spend time with his father, but not in this kind of situation. Mr. Jeon is not that ruthless. He was strict but quiet, and a little bit of persistent and perfectionist. All Jungkook's life, he barely knew what kind of a person Mr. Jeon was. The time spent by the father and son made them know each other's personality. They were quite decent and a little rocky.

Time passed and the raven head became accustomed to a businessman's daily life. It was hella hard. From studying to training, until he's officially working at the business, there was no stopping it. Sometimes, he would blame his brother for leaving him alone. Sometimes, he would understand. Most of the times, he would wish a certain brunette would come to save him.

As Jungkook became drowned in his business work, he also completely drifted apart from music. He dreaded the day he became a CEO of Golden Corporation. Too many fake people and fake smiles just to latch themselves into him, for his goddamn money. His father taught him not to trust anyone easily, and that business world is cruel, at least Jungkook was thankful for Mr. Jeon with that.

And just last year, maybe because the old Jeon still held the pain of his other son's departure, he was diagnosed with a heart problem. He began feeling chest pains and slow breathing, he became weak. Jungkook's father was already aging and can no longer guide Jungkook in the company. Though the father and son had a rough history, Jungkook still felt worry and protective for his own father.

In his world now, Jungkook has no one to trust to. His family flew to the States to receive treatment for his father and they stayed there for good. Jungkook was left alone in Seoul. He has no one.

Actually, he had one a long time ago. The only person he trusted the most, the only person who understood him the most, and the only person who believed in him the most, is now so close but so far away. He promised to fulfill his music dream for himself and for this special person, but he was nowhere there.

At least, he found him again.

He startles as his phone- which he kept ignoring since his mother skyped him an hour ago- vibrates once again. He finally picks it up and sees the caller is Seungkwan. He furrows his brows and answers it immediately.

"Seungkwan?"

"Sir, good day. Today is the audition at BigHit Entertainment.."

"Ah yes. I know Seungkwan. Actually I'm getting ready."

"Umm, sir. The audition started awhile ago and your presence is needed. Please come asap."

"What? Why did it start early?" Jungkook automatically turns his head towards the direction of his clock hanging against his bedroom wall and, as he notices the time, his eyes widen.

"Oh shit Seungkwan! I'm late!" Jungkook stands up from his seat, and, grabbing his laptop, walks inside the room to change quickly. He can't believe he forgot the audition and actually talked to his family for an hour.

"Yes sir. That's what I was trying to say.."

"Why didn't you call me??"

"Sir I was calling you for an hour, and you just answered your phone now. I was about to go there and fetch you if you didn't answer this call."

"Alright, alright." The raven head says while slipping on his shirt while the phone is tucked between his ear and shoulder. Good thing he had already showered and brushed his teeth.

Jungkook was too preoccupied by his talk with his parents, that he didn't notice the time. He mumbles a curse as he quickly slips on a shoe, but stumbling after.

In no less than 10 minutes, he is ready. He grabs the things he needed and speedwalks out of his unit, passing by Taehyung's door and lingers a bit, and proceeds until he's entering the elevator. He has this heavy feeling in his chest all the while in his journey. Maybe because of being late? Or the talk with his parents? Or maybe because of what Taehyung will think about him?

The entertainment building came into view and Jungkook sighs in slight relief. He enters the place and walks straight to the room where the audition is taking place.

"Thank god, Mr. Jeon!" Seungkwan was the first who greeted him. "We've finished a few numbers of contestants already. Too bad you didn't see them."

Jungkook just nods at his secretary while scanning the place. There's a small stage located at the center and not quite far is the judges' table with three people. He spots the familiar brunette hair on one of the three judges. Taehyung sitting and talking from time to time to interview the kids.

"What time did you start?"

"At exactly 8 am, sir. Taehyungssi wanted to start on time. I asked if we could wait for you for a moment since you're a part of this program too, but he told us to search for a new company if we would start late. Said that he's a busy man and probably you too, Mr. Jeon. And said that this only shows who cares more about this project.." The last sentence is a murmur as Seungkwan speaks. He peeks at the reaction of his boss but was just amazed by how unfazed Jungkook was.

"It's okay. I'll go talk to him."

The raven head strides toward the judges' table to greet them. The stage is empty once again, waiting for another contestant to show up, take it and impress the people around. Jungkook sees Taehyung tapping his pencil on the table surface and with brows furrowed.

Jungkook shows himself to everyone before a contestant shows up the stage. He needs to greet everyone and acknowledge their presence. After all, this is his project.

He faces the people and meets Taehyung's piercing eyes. He can't seem to stand the intensity, so he tentatively looks away.

"I'm really sorry for being late and arriving halfway through the auditions. Something came up and I needed to tend to it soon." Jungkook takes a deep breath and does his best not to stutter in front of everyone, because how can he not when Kim Taehyung is boring holes into him?

"I was afraid that this project will not be starting its gears. But as I see you all today, I'm deeply thankful for each and everyone's presence. Thankyou everyone, and I'm sorry again. Let's continue to the next contestant?"

The raven head looks at Taehyung. Now this time, the brunette seems uninterested about him and goes into reading his comments on each contestant's paper. Jungkook signaled to the crew to continue the audition and soon, each boy comes unto the stage. The raven head joins the judges and now there are four people situated on the judges' table, with Jungkook sitting beside Taehyung.

"How unprofessional."

Jungkook stopped writing midway, and he faced the person who said it. Though quiet, he definitely heard it. He was met with a nonchalant Taehyung while writing down on his paper.

"So incompetent and inefficient." Taehyung's voice is so deep, that if his words aren't just an insult to Jungkook, the latter would be swooned by it.

"What are you saying?" Jungkook managed to speak.

"You never change, do you? You're still the ignorant kid back then." Taehyung says quietly, enough to be heard by the two of them. He turned to look at the astonished male beside him. "Tell me Mr. Jeon, do you really, truly care for this project? Because as what I can see, you don't."

Jungkook is speechless. Now Taehyung is accusing him of being ignorant toward his own project?

"Mr. Kim, I know I made a mistake and I already apologized for it. It doesn't mean that I am that ignorant."

"What's your plan this time? Is this another act for the world to see that you're a very kind hearted businessman? Well in fairness, you were a really good actor back then." Taehyung snickers.

"Stop it." was Jungkook can only say. He was gritting his teeth. No one should question his own project. Especially that this very project was dedicated for the person who's questioning him right now.

"Okay." Taehyung replies as if nothing.

Jungkook tries calming himself down and acts like nothing happened. The two proceed to interrogate the kids again and watch them as they showcase a talent.

The audition came to an end, but Taehyung started to look a bit agitated. He kept glancing towards the entrance from the backstage and checking his watch.

"Excuse me, but I think there's still one left." Taehyung announced as he stood up. Jungkook and the other judges look up to him in confusion.

One of the staff signaled that there are no more contestants. That made Taehyung furrow his brows. He started to scan the area and as he met Daniel's sad eyes, who's also at the place, the younger walked towards him.

Taehyung questions the trainee. "Where's Daehwi?"

"M-mr. Kim, he can't audition."

"What? Why?" Taehyung asks with a frown.

"One of the staff didn't allow him since he's still a kid and is not yet 15. They said that Daehwi doesn't need the scholarship yet."

Taehyung raises an eyebrow, then took a deep breath to calm himself. "Okay. Where is he?"

"He's still at the backstage, Mr. Kim. He was actually crying."

The brunette nodded and signaled Daniel to go back to his seat. Then he walks over to one of the staff, Jungkook and the other judges just watch his movements.

"Call Mr. Lee Daehwi backstage. Tell him to sing or dance for us." He half demanded to the staff. The said person obeys him and in no time, Daehwi is standing on the stage, with a slightly red nose and puffy eyes.

Taehyung smiles at the poor boy encouragingly. The brunette has this feeling in his chest that Daehwi can make it. He didn't notice the raised eyebrows of the two other judges from Seoul University.

Then the young boy started to sing.

And boy, Taehyung never regretted calling for him.

The kid has a really beautiful voice, and in a young age, he is talented. Daehwi sang a ballad song, a song called "Lonely" by SHINee's Jonghyun.

As soon as he finishes, Taehyung and Jungkook clapped their hands, appreciating Daehwi's talent.

Now, its the judges' time for deliberation.

One of the Seoul University judges, Mr. Yoo, speaks up. "You're very talented and persevere, young man. You have a really nice voice. Though you're still very young, you know how to control your voice and can sing a ballad song like that one." Daehwi smiles widely at the compliment and thanks the judge. He smiles at Taehyung too, and the latter smiles back.

Mr. Park, the other judge, butts in. "But as my colleague said, you're very young. We can't accept you. We're sorry."

Taehyung's smile faltered at that and turns to look at Mr. Park. "Excuse me, Sir. Haven't you heard his voice a while ago?"

"I have, Mr. Kim, but we are sticking to the rules." Mr. Park replies, unfazed by Taehyung's glare. "And besides, we have already chosen the ten members to complete the boy group. Park Woojin is agreed to be the tenth and last member to join."

Taehyung, not accepting what he's hearing, speaks again. "Yes, rules are rules Mr. Park. But are you gonna throw away this kind of talent like that? And last time I checked, I haven't agreed to you yet about the tenth member who'll join."

"Why can't we just vote now? Let's see if majority of us want him in." Mr. Park says irritatedly. "I'm saying no."

"Yes." Taehyung says aloud, then he looks up to Daehwi, who looks scared at the moment, eyes glistening. "This is my company, and this group would be under my agency. I have the right to choose who will be the members."

"Mr. Yoo what can you say?" Mr. Park asked, not even considering what Taehyung said.

The man, who seems pressured by his colleague, sighs sadly and looks at the boy on the stage. "You're very talented, Mr. Lee. But for all the right reasons, I would say no."

Now Taehyung's heart fell in disappointment. How can they throw away a talent like that? He doesn't want to depend on Jungkook but at this moment, he needs the raven head's side. The guy, who was silent all this time, cleared his throat as he sees everyone is now looking and waiting for his answer.

"Well, I was one of the persons who made the rules. And we all know how rules are essential." Jungkook pauses and glances at Daehwi, then looks at Taehyung. "But Mr. Kim is right. Its his company who will take the boys in after all. And of all people, he knows who will join best."

Mr. Park speaks again, voice slightly agitated. "What's your point now, Mr. Jeon?"

"I mean, its really a waste if we let go of this boy. I'll say yes."

Its unanimous. For the first time, Taehyung breaks out into a grin in front of Jungkook. He released a sigh of relief and was about to thank the CEO, but stops. He's not supposed to be all good with Jungkook yet. I mean, ever.

Jungkook, on the other hand, was amazed at how Taehyung's features changed from frowning, to smiling, to frowning once again. At least, he got a glimpse of that beautiful smile again, even just for a slight second. If this is the reason behind Taehyung's smile, why didn't he think of it before? He would probably make Daehwi a member of the group immediately.

But of course, if ever Daehwi will make it, surely its because of his talent. He deserves this after all.

"But Mr. Jeon, we have all the ten members already. The group's complete. There's no other way that Daehwi will make into it." Mr. Park insisted again.

"Who's the kid that you picked again?" Jungkook asked.

"Park Woojin. A good dancer and rapper. He's an important addition to the group."

Jungkook picks and scans the papers again, and reads his comments about the said boy.

He's pretty good too, actually.

"Well?" Mr. Park asked impatiently.

Taehyung closes his eyes and inhales a deep breath, calming himself once again. He wanted to smack someone right now.

"Park Woojin is pretty talented too, I remember." Taehyung frowns at him, but Jungkook looks back with his gentle eyes and reassuring ones. The brunette looks away.

All the people inside the room, including the terrified Daehwi looks at the CEO in anticipation.

"I made a decision, I'll include both boys, Woojin and Daehwi. I'll make this into an eleven membered group." Small gasps can be heard inside the quiet room. "Mr. Lee Daehwi, you're in."

Daehwi bursts into tears and Daniel came running to hug him. Mr. Yoo just nodded in acceptance while Mr. Park shrugs his shoulders while shaking his head, looking like he doesn't trust the newly accepted boy.

Taehyung...well Taehyung just stands there. Not knowing what to do. He's conflicted about how he should thank Jungkook for leading into a decision like this. The CEO is the chairperson of this project, so the last word should come from him.

He watches as the raven head goes to congratulate Daehwi. He comes into an agreement with himself to at least thank the CEO for agreeing with him. Taehyung starts walking towards their direction.

After Daehwi shook hands with Jungkook, the kid spotted Taehyung. Without thinking, he runs into the brunette and throws himself to him while crying. Taehyung's attention turns to the sobbing boy in his arms, and he chuckled.

"Hey its all okay now. Congratulations."

"M-mr. Kim. Thank y-you. You don't know h-how thankful I am to h-have you." Daehwi sniffs.

"I told you, you can make it right? See? I'm proud of you."

"T-thankyou.."

Taehyung chuckles at the adorable boy and ruffles his hair in amusement after letting him go. Then he remembers he still needed to thank Jungkook.

Taehyung is not that completely cruel to not appreciate the raven head's efforts. He'll just thank him, then its over. Its not like anything will change.

He scans his eyes around, only to spot the guy in search talking with Krystal. Oh, Krystal's here? He thought, and he wondered how they knew each other. He remembers Jungkook frequently hanging out at his company, so that must've been the reason. He probably knows everyone inside Taehyung's company than the CEO himself.

Taehyung looks away after he caught a glimpse of Krystal smiling at Jungkook. Suddenly, there's a bitter taste at the back of his throat. He fixes his things mindlessly on the table and shoves everything into his bag.

As he started to walk away, he heard his name being called by a very familiar voice.

"Tae!"

Taehyung spins around, frowning. "How many times do I have to remind you it's Mr. Kim."

Jungkook stops in front of Taehyung and scratches his nape sheepishly. "Sorry. Uhm.. So, are you okay with the results, Mr. Kim?"

"Yeah." Taehyung replies in monotone.

"How was it? I know you're happy Daehwi got in. I'm happy too." Jungkook continues excitingly.

"Yeah."

"Uhm.. Do you want to join us for lunch? Seungkwan arranged a buffet at this restaurant.."

"No thanks, Mr. Jeon. I have work waiting for me upstairs."

Jungkook's face didn't hold back to show his disappointment. But he quickly covered it with a smile. "Oh okay. I understand."

Taehyung wordlessly turns toward the direction of the elevator. But then Jungkook calls for him again.

"Mr. Kim."

The said male sighs in annoyance and turns to face him. "What?"

"Park Woojin is actually Mr. Park's nephew. Thought you should know." Jungkook informs, and as Taehyung registers what he had said and his mouth turns into an 'o', he smiles again and bid his farewell.

👉 I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry for updating very late. You deserve my explanation: December is so cruel to me! I had to organize events here and there and so many papers in my work to finish to. Everyday I would come home late and very tired that I end up sleeping while typing a chapter. I know this is not enough but I'm really sorry. You just can't concentrate when you're tired, really. And now that I got a rest day, I'm really updating! Pls be patient with me.

👉 thankyou for the views, comments and votes for 'The Beauty and the Geek' and this book. I didn't expect it'll get that much views. Thankyou soo much.

👉 lastly, I probably sound okay, but deep inside I am not. Jonghyun was one of the factors why I just updated now. I was (and still) so affected by what happened. I don't want to take this any further, but always remember that you're not alone okay? If you feel down or anything, you can talk to me. I love you. 🌹