The room fell into an awkward silence, the echo of Do-Yoon's voice slicing through the charged air. Taeyeon's heart stuttered, her cheeks still burning from the teasing that had just transpired. She turned slowly, her eyes meeting Do-Yoon's at the doorway. His brow was furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line—quite different from the easygoing demeanor she was used to.

Jimin's laughter faded instantly, his playful grin replaced by a tightness around his jaw. His eyes, which had sparkled with playfulness moments ago, now narrowed, the light in them dimming as irritation flickered across his face. He shifted his weight, a slight clenching of his fists at his sides betraying his annoyance.

Jimin clicked his tongue and turned his face to Do-Yoon, a tight-lipped smile playing on his lips. "Before you start criticizing me, perhaps you should learn how to knock on someone's door before barging in," Jimin said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Do-Yoon clenched his fists, controlling himself. Taeyeon, caught in the middle of the tension, felt her heart pounding in her chest.

"Oh sure, but that's not even the correct way to tease your colleague like that," Do-Yoon replied, matching Jimin's sarcasm.

"Wait, stop, Do-yoon-shi," Taeyeon said, finally opening her sealed lips. "It's really not what you think. He's just teasing me because I told him I was a fan of his art."

"I see," Do-Yoon replied, his tone still unconvincing. He didn't want to push the matter further, especially since he didn't see any discomfort between Jimin and Taeyeon.

"Anyway, what brings you here?" Taeyeon asked, trying to sound less nervous. 

She had a feeling Do-Yoon had come for a reason, because unlike other days, he hadn't come to her cabin like he used to, and she wanted to get to the point. It's more uncomfortable than she was with him.

Do-Yoon turned his gaze finally on her from Jimin and said, "I heard the script for chapter one is ready, so I came to help you edit the script part, but it looks like the manhwa artist has already done his work."

Taeyeon's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I didn't know you were coming," she stammered.

Do-Yoon shrugged. "I thought I'd offer my help since you're so busy with everything else."

Taeyeon smiled gratefully. "Thank you," she said. "But I think Jimin-shii has already finished making panels."

"Oh, I just made panels and outlined sketches," Jimin said, his tone still tinged with a hint of annoyance. He was clearly bothered by the way Do-Yoon had butted in.

"You can continue to edit your script," he added, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Jimin stood up from the chair, his movements abrupt and dismissive. "Thank you for the help today, Taeyeon-shii," he said, his tone cold.

Taeyeon's heart sinks. She had hoped that Jimin would apologize for his behavior, but it seemed that he was only interested in leaving as soon as possible.

After Jimin left, Do-Yoon and Taeyeon started to discuss the script and edit the dialogue. Taeyeon made some speech boxes and narrative boxes for the outline, making it easier for the letterers to do their job.

Do-Yoon spent a few moments staring at her, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and admiration. She was acting lately differently with him, being more distant and guarded. He had noticed the change and was wondering why. He even thought about asking her now, while he had the chance, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. She was too focused on the task at hand, and he didn't want to interrupt her concentration.

After they finished working, Do-Yoon stood up to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow," he said, giving Taeyeon a warm smile.

Taeyeon nodded. "Thanks for your help," she replied.

With a sigh, Taeyeon leaned back in her chair and stretched. She was exhausted but also satisfied. She had finally finished the first chapter of the Manhwa script, along with editing the outline itself. 

As Taeyeon packed up her things, she couldn't help but think about Jimin. She didn't even know why she hadn't done anything when he leaned so close to her. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts.

She texted Taehyung to pick her up, but she didn't get an instant response. As a result, she shrugged, thinking he might be at work, and walked out of her hallway. As she was about to pass by Jimin's cabin, a surge of curiosity compelled her to take a peek. She carefully peered through the glass window, which wasn't covered by curtains, her heart pounding in her chest.

To her surprise, Jimin wasn't there. A soft sigh escaped her lips. She didn't know why she felt disappointed, but she shook her head and continued walking towards the elevator.

As the elevator doors opened, she pressed the "P" button to park in the lot.

A notification popped up on her phone. 

**Ding **Oppa: I'll be there in five minutes.

A smile spread across Taeyeon's face as she read the message. As the elevator doors opened, she stepped out and began walking. She spotted Do-Yoon approaching from the opposite direction. Taeyeon offered a polite smile and tried to continue on her way, but Do-Yoon reached out, gently catching her by the arm.

"Taeyeon, wait," he said, his voice soft yet insistent.

She turned to face him, her smile fading slightly as she looked up at him. "What is it, Do-Yoon-shi?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

He hesitated for a moment, as if searching for the right words. "I was waiting all these days, but I can't wait today. I want to know what has changed you. "

"I have been observing you. Since we are back from Tokyo, you have maintained distance from me," he finally said what he wanted to, his gaze searching her face for any sign of what might be bothering her.

Taeyeon's smile faltered as she processed Do-Yoon's words. She hadn't expected him to be so direct, especially not in the office. Her heart raced as she tried to find the right response.

"Do-Yoon-shi, it's not like that," she began, her voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "I've just had a lot on my plate recently. Work has been overwhelming, and I've been trying to stay focused."

But as she spoke, the weight of the discomfort she had been trying to bury for so long began to surface, making it harder to keep up the façade. Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the inner turmoil she could no longer suppress.

Do-Yoon shook his head slightly, his expression softening but still serious. "It's more than just work, Taeyeon. We were close, and now it feels like you're keeping me at arm's length. I just want to understand why."

She looked away, guilt creeping into her chest. She hadn't meant to hurt him, but the truth was, after Tokyo, something had shifted in her, something she wasn't ready to confront or explain. Doubts have clouded her mind.

"Just talk to me if there's any discomfort; we have a really good relationship, like friends," he said, his voice gentle but earnest.

Taeyeon's heart twisted at his words. The sincerity in his tone made it even harder for her to keep up her defenses. She knew he was right. Do-Yoon had helped her from day one, guiding her like Minji had, and they'd grown close through their time working together.

But something felt wrong. That night in Tokyo—the drink he handed her—it didn't sit right with her. She knew she had much better alcohol tolerance than her brother, yet something about that night was off. The drink tasted different than the one she had just moments before, even though it was supposedly the same cocktail. How could that be?

Then there was the matter of the calls and texts. Do-Yoon, who rarely reached out unless it was work-related, had bombarded her phone the day after that night. When she had returned to her room from Jimin's, she had seen missed calls and messages from Do-Yoon, far more than usual.

She remembered his reaction when he saw her the next day—relaxed, but there was a tension in his posture. It was almost like he was relieved to see her, yet on edge at the same time.

Something wasn't adding up.

"Taeyeon," Do-Yoon's voice pulled her from her thoughts, making her realize just how tightly his hand still gripped hers.

She wanted to pull her hand back from his grip to create some distance that might ease the tension between them. Her fingers twitched slightly as if she were about to pull away, but she hesitated. The questions in her mind were louder now, making it harder to ignore the nagging feeling in her gut.

Just then, a sharp clapping sound echoed through the parking lot, causing both Taeyeon and Do-Yoon to turn their heads in unison.

"So, is this how you talk with your colleague, Do-Yoon-shii?" Jimin's voice dripped with sarcasm, with each word deliberately slow and biting.

His gaze shifted from Do-Yoon's hand, still lingering near Taeyeon's, to Taeyeon herself. Jimin's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable. Yet, somehow, he could sense the discomfort in Taeyeon's eyes—the nervousness and awkwardness that always seemed to surface when he was around her. And now that discomfort had deepened into something more, something that made Jimin's chest tighten.

Do-Yoon, noticing the tension in the air, quickly let go of Taeyeon's hand. Taeyeon's gaze fell to the ground, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, and she could feel the intensity of Jimin's stare, even without looking directly at him.

Jimin cleared his throat and tried to regain his composure. "Taeyeon-shii, I have some work left. Can you help me with that?" He avoided looking at Do-Yoon; his focus was solely on Taeyeon.

Taeyeon's mind was racing. She could feel Jimin's gaze on her. There was something in his stare—protectiveness, maybe—but also a quiet anger simmering beneath the surface. It was unsettling, but she knew she couldn't let her fear show. 

She was unsure of what to say to Jimin's request because she had already worked so much. Jimin stared at her, waiting for her response. He knew Taeyeon had already worked a lot, but he had no idea why he had asked. Maybe it just slipped out because of the discomfort in her beautiful brown eyes.

Do-Yoon was about to protest that she had already worked more than enough and that she needed a break, but Jimin's glare made him pause. 

 A voice came behind "Jimin." The tone of the voice is filled with surprise and excitement, making three of them turn back to see the person. 

"Oppa," said Taeyeon as Taehyung walked to them.

Jimin is surprised to see Taehyung. He was also perplexed because he did not understand why Taeyeon referred to Taehyung as "oppa."

"Oppa?" he muttered under his breath.

"When did you get back from Tokyo?" Taehyung asked Jimin, his tone casual.

"Just a few days ago," Jimin replied, returning the question. "When did you get back from Paris?"

"Yesterday," Taehyung answered, his eyes widening in realization. "Wait, so you're a guest artist here?"

"Yeah," Jimin chuckled.

Taeyeon and Do-Yoon exchanged confused glances, their expressions mirroring their bewilderment. "Oppa, do you know him?" Taeyeon asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Taehyung nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "Know him? Taeyeon, you don't know he's been my best friend since high school? We've always been close; even now you don't believe it?" He paused,

Taehyung's smile turned into a sheepish, boxy grin. "I'm sorry for not telling you that he is JM or introducing him before." 

Taeyeon's mind was really about to burst at this point. At first, Jimin was some stranger who he had slept with being drunk and couldn't remember exactly what happened. Next year, which means now, she has a huge project in her hands that involves working with her favorite inspiring Manhwa artist, JM, who turned out to be Jimin, and now he is her brother's best friend. 

Taehyung had never introduced any of his friends to her before, a habit born out of protectiveness. Now, Taeyeon was feeling more guilty for not mentioning what had happened in Tokyo

Jimin, too, was experiencing a mix of emotions. He'd slept with his best friend's sister without realizing who she was and had developed feelings for her. The revelation was both exciting and overwhelming.

Taehyung turned his gaze to Do-Yoon and said, "Oh, I haven't noticed you, editor. How are you?" He said it with a laugh.

Taehyung almost knows who works for the company through his connections as a famous photographer.

Do-Yoon, whose initial discomfort was evident, quickly masked it with a warm smile. "I'm good, photographer. It's great to see you." His tone was polite, but there was a hint of underlying tension.

Do-Yoon nodded, a forced smile playing on his lips. "Fine, see you tomorrow, Taeyeon-shii," he said, his voice slightly strained. Turning to Taehyung, he added, "See you again." As he glanced at Jimin, a fleeting, almost imperceptible glare passed between them.

Taehyung, not noticing, turned to Taeyeon, his voice gentle. "Let's go, Taeyeon-ah." He then glanced at Jimin. "Would you like to join us?"

Taeyeon avoided Jimin's gaze, looking down at her feet. She felt a mix of guilt, confusion, and a growing sense of attraction, which she didn't even know was eating her up. 

Jimin shook his head, a forced smile on his face, and said, "I have a car." He replied, his voice slightly subdued.

Taehyung noticed Taeyeon's discomfort and concern. "Taeyeon-ah, are you okay?" he asked, reaching out to gently touch her arm, his eyes filled with worry

"Oh, she might be worried about the work. Don't worry, Taeyeon-shii, let's finish the rest of the chapter tomorrow," he said, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. Taehyung didn't notice the smirk; his attention focused on Taeyeon. She nodded, looking here and there but not at Jimin.

As Taeyeon and Taehyung went, the smirk on Jimin grew, and the situation became more interesting for him.

A part of him is feeling excited rather than worrying, but on the other hand, guilt is eating him too.  But he shrugged it off for now because he doesn't want Taehyung to know something that Taehyung should and shouldn't know.

Jimin Pov:

Namjoon's eyes widened in disbelief as Jimin spoke. His reaction was so dramatic, it was as if he'd just seen a ghost. "What the hell are you saying, Jimin?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with shock.

Jimin, drying his wet hair with a towel, couldn't help but smirk. "Isn't it interesting?" he replied.

Namjoon's expression turned from shock to anger. "Interesting? You kissed my employee, and worse, your best friend's sister!" he shouted.

Jimin tossed the towel onto a chair, his nonchalance infuriating Namjoon. "Hyung, see, I didn't even know if she was your employee or Taehyung's sister. I only know her as Taeyeon, that's all," he said, shrugging.

Namjoon's face was palmed, and he shook his head in disbelief. "I shouldn't have asked you to be my company's guest artist," he admitted.

Jimin handed him a bowl of cooked ramen, a smirk playing on his lips. "It's too late," he replied.

"You know it's against company rules," Namjoon began.

"I do, but do you think I care?" Jimin interrupted, his tone challenging.

Namjoon stared at Jimin, his eyes filled with a mix of disbelief and anger. He knew Jimin was right; once the damage was done, there was no going back.

"You're unbelievable," Namjoon muttered, taking a hesitant sip of the ramen. 

Jimin chuckled "Maybe," he said.

"So that's the reason why Taeyeon got late," Namjoon said suddenly, out of nowhere.

Jimin's eyebrows drew closer at what Namjoon said now. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"That day, when the team that was sent to Tokyo had to return, they said Taeyeon took a lot of time to come from the hotel," Namjoon explained.

Jimin nodded, but his brow furrowed as he realized something. "Hyung, do you know about her alcohol tolerance?"

"What? Hey, do you think I'm a CEO or your personal spy asking me everything about her?" Namjoon asked, his voice rising.

Jimin clicked his tongue. "Don't give me that face, and just tell me if you know or not."

Namjoon sighed, his frustration evident. "No, I don't know about her alcohol tolerance. Why? Is there something you want to tell me?"

Jimin hesitated, his eyes darting away from Namjoon's. "Nothing," he replied, his voice barely a whisper, shaking his head.

Namjoon could sense he was hiding something, but he didn't push further. He knew Jimin was stubborn and would only reveal information when he was ready.