Author's POV

"This is an official deal then, Mr. Kim. I hope your experience with us won't let you down." Taehyung extended his hand for a handshake with his new model.

Namjoon shook his hand with a wide smile. "I'm sure it won't, Taehyung sir." He beamed back.

"Just call me Taehyung, I'm sure you're a hyung for me." Taehyung joked, winking.

"Ah, good eyes." Namjoon chuckled.

"At your service, anytime." Taehyung said, leading him to the door. "Let me introduce you to my assistant, she'll be in charge of your schedule and any directions for photoshoots and activities." Taehyung signaled him to follow.

"Sure, you lead the way." Namjoon followed as Taehyung opened the door to his office.

They walked towards the OpenOffice where the rest of the staff was, and just as they approached, they heard:

"What?! No! What's his name?" someone shouted in a high-pitched voice.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. Who's yelling like this? he wondered, the voice getting louder as they neared the staff desks.

They stopped at a corner where the employees couldn't see them. Namjoon, seeing Saera, couldn't help but imagine her reaction when she learned about his role in the company. Just as they were about to approach, Saera muttered suddenly.

"Ah," Saera began, hesitantly. "Namjoon, K-Kim Namjoon," she mumbled, looking at the girl standing in front of her. "My boyfriend's name is Kim Namjoon, so please don't mention blind dates anymore, because I love him. O-okay?"

"Pardon?" Namjoon couldn’t believe his ears.

The words were the most significant to him, even though he never expected to hear them from her. The overwhelming emotions and butterflies made him smile naively, looking down.

Taehyung, witnessing the scene and hearing everything, appeared suddenly before them to stop any further words.

"Yeoreobun," Taehyung started, gaining the attention of all his subordinates. The chatter died down. "Taeyang, our former model, moved out of the country," he said as everyone nodded in agreement.

"So, as fortunate as it is, the new model we've been waiting for, to replace him, has arrived today." He gestured to Namjoon, still standing in place. "Please give a warm welcome to Kim Namjoon, our model for the next six months." He said, proudly.

"Wait!" Nayeon suddenly exclaimed. "Your boyfriend is a fucking model, Saera?!?"

The employees started murmuring as Saera stood there, shocked, staring at her best friend with a proud smile.

I didn't know... Saera thought, her mouth dropping open in disbelief.

"Didn't know you'd tell them today, babe." Namjoon said, walking towards her as she looked at him with wide eyes.

"Didn't know you'd be here today, babe," she replied, closing her mouth at last.

"Saera, you'll be in charge of his schedule and activities. He starts tomorrow, so please prepare the products that need to be showcased first." Taehyung added, cutting through the tension in the room.

Meanwhile, Hoseok, dressed in black sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a mask, was taking a walk near the Han River, contemplating his upcoming solo and documentary projects.

The bandmates, after their world tour, decided to give each one of them a chance to shine individually on stage by releasing solo songs.

He reached a bench and sat down, allowing himself to relax as he looked at the calming view of the river.

Amidst his worries and plans, one person remained on his mind—Saera.

"Saera," he sighed. She used to be so timid and calm, but now... she's more confident and a little... rude. He smiled a little at the memory of their silly talks when he was at her apartment. "I can't deny I prefer this version of her. She’s better now—less naive." Hoseok mumbled, fondly remembering her transformation over the years.

Just as he was lost in thought, his phone buzzed in his back pocket. Reluctantly, he answered it.

"Ya Jung Hoseok, where are you gonna fulfill that simple little feasible benefic wish of mine, huh?" someone shouted from the other end, making Hoseok pull instantly the phone away from his ear.

"Dad, that simple little feasible benefic wish of yours hasn’t all of that quality." Hoseok sighed as he knew very well what his father was talking about.

"In case you forgot, let me remind you that I'm an artist, have fans who are going to kill whoever will be involved in this affair. Furthermore, I’m 24, which means I’m still young, dad. I can’t understand why you’re rushing." Hoseok replied calmly as he closed his eyes and bent his back to rest it on the bench.

"Don’t care about all of that, I’ve already told you, I think. Anyway, I just called to inform you that my wish will be fulfilled soon, as I found the best match and reason, my son." The paternal figure said in an amused voice, waking Hoseok from his short nap.

"What do you mean, dad? Who’s that person? I’m not gonna marry that sick niece of yours." Hoseok scoffed, adjusting his position.

"Not her, you’ll be informed about her identity soon, my dear son. As your father, I know who’s able to make you happy for the rest of your days and help handle our kingdom." Mr. Jung's voice became softer when he was saying the last part, however, he got back to his normal voice and said, "I’ll leave you now. Good night."

"But dad—" But the call got off instantly, not leaving a chance for Hoseok to ask further questions about his father’s plan.

Hoseok had no idea what his father was planning. He wasn’t interested in running some "kingdom" his father spoke of.

On the other hand, Mr. Jung handed the phone to his employee and signaled him to make a call.

"Sir, you called me?" the employee bowed.

"Yes, execute the plan I mentioned earlier. I want that girl, Saera, at all costs." Mr. Jung smiled smugly. "You know what to do."

The employee nodded, bowing again before leaving.

"I know my choice won’t disappoint me. That girl has had a big impact on my son, and I believe she’ll help him heal from the past few years. I have faith in you, Saera. Don’t let me down," Mr. Jung mumbled to himself.

That night, the two friends walked together down a deserted street. Namjoon was overjoyed, already making plans for how he would care for his love.

Saera, on the other hand, was still in shock. While she was relieved and happy that she wouldn’t be bored anymore, she felt conflicted about what Namjoon had heard.

She cared for him deeply, but not in a romantic way. He was her best friend, someone she cherished, but she didn’t want to lead him on.

"Are you smiling because of me, babe?" Namjoon smirked. "I know I can make you happy for the rest of your life."

"If you think I’ll be happy hearing these cheesy lines all day, you’re wrong, babe." She rolled her eyes.

"I can make you roll your eyes in better situations, babe." He leaned in, his voice low, near her left ear. "And what's wrong with hearing that? You can brag about it."

"Not the right people, nor the right place, babe." She slipped her hand around his slim waist. "But Nam, do you think I'm the right person for you?" She stopped walking and looked up at him.

"All I know is you’re using lyrics from my upcoming album. Are you reading my mind?" Namjoon joked, messing with her hair.

"Ah, geurae? Let me listen to it when it’s released." She smiled, her fake lie making him laugh.

"But seriously, Nam, I’m rea—"

"Enough. What am I to you, huh?" Namjoon interrupted in a breathy voice.

She looked guilty, not wanting to hurt her best friend.

"I've known you for so many years, Saera, and I can tell you didn’t mean what you said. I'm okay with acting as your boyfriend, and—"

"But Nam, I should’ve told you sooner. I’m really sorry for dragging you into this mess." She squeezed her shirt nervously.

Namjoon smiled softly, seeing her anxiety. "It’s okay, Ra," he said, cupping her face and making her look at him. "Friends are here to help each other. And don’t call me oppa, I’m only a few months older than you." He pinched her cheeks, then hugged her.

She wrapped her arms around him, feeling safe. "You're the most important person to me, I can’t show much affection, but I can’t imagine my life without you and Jungkook. You’re my family, you know?"

"Of course, now let’s go. It’s getting late, and stop with the ‘oppa’." He smiled.

"Oppa!" She ran ahead, chuckling.

"Hajima!" He chased her, tickling her when he caught up.

"Ah, aniya... stop... please!" she laughed, gasping for air.

As she struggled to breathe, her phone rang, ending the tickling.

"Let me answer this call, please," she said, holding the phone in front of him.

He stopped, letting her take the call while he lit a cigarette.

"Yeobeoseyo, is this Jeon Saera?" A rough voice asked.

"Yes, who is this?" Saera replied, looking at the unknown number.

"Just to inform you, your brother is a guest of ours now. Don’t say a word or consider him dead. Just listen to what I say. Do you understand?"

Saera froze, her heart racing. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

"Okay," she said, her voice trembling.

Namjoon watched her carefully, noticing something was off, but she quickly masked it with a forced smile.

"You're going to get news from me soon. Don’t even think about telling anyone or the police if you want your brother’s head to stay on his body," the voice added before abruptly hanging up.

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How was it, guys? 🤩 Things are finally heating up, slowly but surely. I hope you're still patient and excited to see what happens next! ❤️‍🔥💜

That's all for today! Apologies for any mistakes, and I hope you take care of yourselves! See you soon with the next part. Bye! 💖💚

Love ya! 😚

Please Comment and Vote, everyone! 💜🤎

Borahae 💜