✨

"Miss Manoban! Any comments regarding Royal's performance last night?"

"Miss Manoban! Is it true that Kim Seokjin and his manger have been dating since pre-debut?"

"Miss Manoban! Any comment on the plummeting stocks due to last night's scandal?"

"Miss Manoban—"

Lisa turned on her heel and faced the dozens of reporters camping out of the JHS Building. Man these parasites work fast. But before she could say anything, Secretary Jeon had already stepped forward, blocking her from the rabid group of people.

"Like what our company's statement from last night, Royal doesn't have any dating bans or clauses regarding their personal relationships stipulated on their contracts," he said. "We are still confirming the real score between them and we will see to it to inform the media and their fans as soon as we hear from both sides—"

"But didn't Manager Kim ran after Jin's confession?" said one reporter. "Doesn't that mean Royal's visual just got dumped? Wasn't it obvious?"

If it was obvious then why are you even here asking bitch—

"Like what we said, we cannot be certain unless we hear from both sides," he calmly answered making her admire his professionalism during the situation. If it was her, she would've thrown all that professionalism crap out of the window and snapped at them. "If you'll excuse us."

Jungkook's arm wrapped around her waist before guiding her towards the building. He pulled her closer as the paid vultures came closer--shoving their recording devices towards their faces. Good thing the security guards were able to push them away just in time.

"Have you reached Manager Kim, Secretary Jeon?" she asked on gritted teeth.

"Her phone's still unreachable but we managed to get a hold of Mr. Kim. He's in the conference room waiting or us."

She was beyond furious. Pulling a stunt like that--in front of thousand adoring fans and some media, was beyond idiotic. And it was as if the staff knew about it and no other thought of asking the management's permission. They were all walking on thin ice.

"He better be ready to retire or I'll end him myself," she muttered as they head straight towards the conference room.

Imagine their surprise when they found out about the news. It was a good thing that his brother was in a 15-hour flight with his girlfriend or else he would've received an earful. Then again, there's airplane wifi. He might've found out and Tzuyu might've distracted him or something.

"Royal's our biggest group, Miss Manoban. We can't lose them--"

"You'd rather I fire you for this?" she spat.

"Being angry would't do you good at this kind of situation."

"The stocks are at its lowest, Secretary Jeon. I have the right to be bloody angry!"

He sighed in defeat as they walked off the elevator and made their way towards the conference room.

Secretary Jeon did have a point. It already happened and her being angry might make things worse. But of course, she needed to take it out on someone or else she might explode. Also, she wasn't able to take her morning tea that's why she's extra cranky.

As they walked inside the room, the three boys of Royal sat there with Kim Namjoon's head bowed down, Park Jimin sleeping on the table and the culprit of all this mess, Kim Seokjin, tapping profusely on his phone.

"Aish!" he cursed--clearly not noticing his boss has just entered. "Why isn't she replying to my texts?!"

"Have you ever considered that it's because you're a bloody idiot?"

The three guys jumped at her voice. She had her arms folded and lips pursed as her eyes narrowed at the main source of her headache.

"Explain," she said stoically. "And better give me a good explanation before I throw you out of this bloody window."

"I love her," he answered almost immediately. "And I want to give her that one grand gesture. Girls find that romantic."

Her eyebrows immediately shot up. "And just where did you get that information from? Teen magazines?"

Jin's silence confirmed her theory. She let out a sigh.

"Are you sure you're in love with her?" she asked him--more like stated. "Because if you love a person, you'd know whether or not they'd like this grand gesture or not. And seeing her reaction--which is posted all over the internet if you still have no idea, I don't think she's a fan."

Jin let out a heavy sigh before putting his phone inside his pocket.

"Now that that's dealt with, let's discuss your termination."

The two other members reacted violently at what she just said.

"What?!"

"There's not dating ban!"

"Correct," she said as she sat on the end of the ling table. "But it is stated that the company can terminate the contract if the artist is to violate the terms and conditions the company stated on the contract. One of those is the damage to the company's name brought upon your actions."

Jin did not say anything and just sighed. It was as if he already knew this would happen.

"If Jin leaves, I'll leave too," Namjoon said standing up. "Royal is three, not two. If he leaves, I'm leaving as well."

"Same here," Jimin declared—also standing up. "I'll terminate my contract as well. I don't care how much it'll cost."

"Really now?" She said raising an eyebrow. "Suit yourselves. We'll make the drafts of the lawsuits to be filed against you two."

Jimin and Namjoon was taken aback. Cleary they had no idea who they're up against.

"What? Cat got your tongue? Relax. It's just a lawsuit," she mocked. "Get yourselves decent lawyers and we'll see each other in court."

She stood up and turned to Secretary Jeon who was shocked as well.

"Pleasure talking with you, boys," she said walking towards the door. Then she stopped and faced the group. "Fair warning. If you kids leak this to the public or your fans, do know it'll just worsen your case. You lot are already walking on thin ice. I just hope you three should make smart decisions next time."

Again, she turned towards the exit to leave.

"Wait."

Slowly, she turned to face Kim Seokjin. His face all serious and blank.

"I'll leave," he announced. "Let them stay."

"Hyung!" the two boys exclaimed.

"It's unfair for you two to lose all the things you worked hard for just because I messed up," he told them before turning back to Miss Manoban. "I accept the conditions, CEO Manoban. I'll leave immediately."

"Good," she answered. "That'll save us all from a troublesome lawsuit—"

"But you're wrong, though," he said and locked gazes with her. "I know I love her. I know that she's a hardworking woman who puts the three of us first in all situations. She's a professional and she values her job that's why she's good at it. It may look idiotic or stupid for you but I did what I did to show her how important she is to me—to us. It wasn't just my confession of love. It was ours."

The corner of her lip raised into a smirk.

"Is that so?" She then walked towards him and gently patted his shoulder. "Humor me then, Mr. Kim. Give me one last press conference before you leave."

Confusion was written all over his face but a sinister smirk was on hers. This is gonna be fun.

✨

"Hey Kook. Where's Miss Manoban?"

Jungkook raised his head to meet the former Secretary's gaze.

Former because Miss Manoban refused to employ him back as a secretary. She basically forced the guy to sign a contract—which surprisedly she had the legal team prepare, as a model. He has his first shoot for a brand next week with Miss Kim.

"She said she has something to take care off and left me here," he answered. "You're here for the copy of your contract?"

"Yeah. And also for the schedule," he said while scratching his nape. "I'm not really used to this uh... thing."

"Thing? You mean modeling?"

He sighed. "Yes. I was doing fine as Miss—er, Jen's secretary. And I'm good at it. This... it's all brand new to me."

"You're good at it but if I were to be honest, this suits you more," he said smiling. "You basically have all the qualities of a model. Why not put it in good use?"

Taehyung scoffed. "You're one to talk. You're tall, lean and pretty good looking. Why don't you become a model too?"

"I'm not the one Miss Manoban recruited. You."

"So if she'd recruit you, you'd go for it?"

"But she didn't," he countered before handing him a folder. "That's the copy of your contract as well as your schedule for next week. Miss Manoban has assigned you your own manager. If you don't seem to like the manager, you can tell us right away and we'll change him immediately."

"Is it possible if I decline the use of a manager? I kinda was Jen's before... before all of this so I think I can manage."

"You're an artist now, Taehyung. You can't carry your own things or coordinate with the staff when you're doing your job as a model."

Again, he sighed. This made him chuckle a bit and pat him lightly on his arm.

"You can do this, Taehyung. You can do anything as long as you set your mind to it—"

"Jagiya!"

Miss Kim's voice echoed as she skipped towards Secretary Kim—er... Model Kim Taehyung,and clung to his arm.

"The new Chanel bag will arrive today. You promised to come with me," she said pouting. Then turned towards him. "Oh, Secretary Jeon. Hello! Where's Lisa?"

"She has some important matters to attend to," he answered immediately.

"Without you?" Her brows furrowed. "That's odd. I understand she has personal appointments but you're her boyfriend. Shouldn't you be with her?"

"I uh..." He took a quick glance from one side to another before turning back at the director. "We're not really dating."

"What?!" Miss Kim threw a questioning look towards Taehyung then back at him. "Then what are you two? Friends with benefits?"

"N-No!" he spat as he felt his cheeks burn. "The dating thing just got stuck because of some uh... some matters I can't discuss. But really, we're not together."

Miss Kim and Taehyung looked at each other then back at him. Both still looking really confused.

"But didn't Miss Han saw you two ki—"

Miss Kim immediately pressed her hand on Taehyung's mouth before turning to him.

"So you're single, right Secretary Jeon?" she asked to which he nodded in response. "Well then. I've always wanted to go on a double date and my friend Nayeon could use someone good like you for a change. We'll see you tonight at eight, then?"

His mouth flew wide open at Jennie's sudden invitation. He was about to decline when Miss Kim grabbed Taehyung's arm and pulled him towards the exit.

"I'll text you the name of the restaurant, Secretary Jeon! See ya!"

He sighed. What did he just get himself in to?

✨

"Miss Manoban!"

Shock was and understatement. Jisoo opened the door with confidence 'coz she thought it was the delivery guy. Seeing her boss standing at her doorstep made her think the worse.

"I see you're doing well, Manager Kim," the woman said smirking. "Aren't you gonna invite me in?"

"Uhm... uh... p-please come in."

As she stepped to the side to give her access to the flat, she clearly saw how Miss Manoban's eyes grew at the sight of the baby walker on the side. Then her head turned towards the crib.

"Miss Manoban—"

"Is she yours?" the woman asked as she walked closer to the one-year old sleeping peacefully.

"Y-Yes," she answered closing the door behind her. She felt anxious. CEO Jung knew all about Sooji but she wasn't sure if his sister does. And by the look on her face a while ago, she had no idea.

"Is she the reason why you ran away?" Miss Manoban asked in a soft tone—careful not to wake the baby. "Because you have a child?"

She looked away. So she's here because of what happened the other night. But how did she know where to find her? The address she gave the HR was her parents' home.

"It's far more complicated than that," she answered—more like whispered. "I... It's a long story."

Miss Manoban placed her bag on the empty couch and sat next to it.

"I have a free schedule," her boss said as she crossed her leg. "Start from 'who's the father'?"

She couldn't answer. She wanted to but... she can't. Not at a situation like this. It might just make the situation be more complicated than it already is.

"W-What does my daughter's father have to do with my job as a manager, Miss Manoban?" she asked bravely. "I... I'd like to keep my personal life private—"

"Jin's termination will be announced at two in the afternoon in his press conference," Miss Manoban said to her straight making her gasp.

"W-What? B-But there's not dating ban in their contracts—"

"But they did manage to lose the company millions in stocks," she explained. "The company can issue a termination of contract whenever we deem it necessary. And as CEO, I don't want the company to suffer. We have employees to sustain too, Manager Kim."

She fell silent. Jin... terminated? Just when he's about to enter the military? What did he say? What will he do now? What about the boys?

"So Manager Kim, I'll ask you again." She turned to the woman with gaze piercing through her. "Who is her father?"

"I-It's—"

✨

"Thank you all for coming to this press conference," Namjoon said as he sat next to Jin. Jimin sat on the other side. "We will answer your questions as best as we could."

A reported from the crowd raised his hand.

"First of all, we would like to congratulate Royal for successfully finishing their world tour this year after a solid year of hiatus."

"Thank you," Jimin answered then smiled.

"Welcome. However, due to the fiasco that happened at the end of last night's concert, how would you guys react to that?"

Jimin turned to Namjoon who graciously took the microphone from the table.

"Well, we did the tribute to our Manager because she's been with us through this journey and our success wouldn't be here if not for her. She's part of the group from the start and we wanted everyone to know how important she is to all of us," he explained.

"So the love confession Jin made in the end was just to pay tribute to your manager?"

Reporters scribbled on their notepads and raised their recorders closer.

Jin heaved a sigh before grabbing the microphone from Namjoon. He's already getting terminated so why the hell not, right?

"Oh, it was really a love confession," he said straightforwardly. "I do love Manager Kim. Not just as a manager but as a woman. I did all of those crazy **** so she'd notice me. And I still am hopelessly in love with Kim Jisoo."

"So are you two dating?" Another reporter asked earning multiple camera flashes.

"No," he answered. "We're not dating."

Murmurs erupted from the crowd.

South Korea's top visual, Kim Seokjin, was dumped?

"So she did not reciprocate your feelings?" the reported followed-up.

Jin couldn't answer. Rather, he chose not to answer. At least not yet.

Jisoo's reaction that night was a hundred percent clear. She did not want to go public. She did not want their private lives exposed to public scrutiny. And of course, she didn't want people finding about their daughter, Kim Sooji.

That night... that stunt they pulled wasn't just a love confession. It wasn't entirely a grand gesture per se. It was his way of telling the world that he loved this amazing woman and it's time to come clean. To tell the world that he's actually married to the most wonderful and hardworking person he knew.

All his dumb ideas really were to get her attention. Jisoo's so good at her job being their manager that she oftentimes forget to tend for herself. That time he broke his ankle on purpose, he merely just wanted her to take a break. Him being injured meant no activities for Royal 'til he heals. That means the manager can take a quick vacation as well.

Maybe his idea of coming out to the public wasn't a good idea. As much as he loved his majesties and wanted to be honest with them, he should've thought this through and considered the implications it'll ensue.

"The confession was wrong and I feel sorry for Manager Kim for dragging her and her family into this," he answered stirring away from the question. "Manager Kim had been very professional and she took care of us from the very beginning. This is all on me. I ask—beg all majesties to please not put this on her as it was all my doing. Me, being my usual reckless self and I will take responsibility."

He stood up and took quick glances towards his brothers—Namjoon and Jimin. He took a deep breath. It's time for three to become two.

"As of today, I'm announcing that I—"

"—will continue to be part of Royal 'til enlistment."

Jin immediately turned towards the familiar voice.

"Soo..."

Manager Kim walked bravely through the crowd towards the stage with cameras following her. She did not give them a single glance as she had her eyes glued on the idol standing.

"W-What are you doing here?" he asked—the microphone back on the table.

"I'm not letting you do this, Jin," she stated. "I'm not letting you throw everything you worked hard for. I've told you before and I'm telling you right now, we'll be fine. You don't have to do this. We're alright—"

It seemed like something in Jin snapped and he jumped over the table to face Jisoo up front. He held both her arms.

"No," he declared. "You're not fine. And I'm tired of hiding the two of you like you're a big secret. I am not ashamed of you two. And I don't care about all of these. Yes, it was my dream. But that was before I met you."

Flashes of cameras almost blinded them. the security team—who seemed to have tripled in number, had a fairly tough time handling the press trying to get the latest development to Kim Seokjin's love life.

"Jin... don't do this..."

Jin just smiled and gently trailed his knuckles on his wife's cheek.

"It's okay, Soo. We'll be okay."

"It's okay, noona!" Namjoon exclaimed as he too jumped over the tables followed by Jimin. "We already reached our dream. A successful world tour. Record breaking sales. It's time for us to have a new one."

"I really wanted to go solo so I'm taking this opportunity," Jimin joked making her laugh—even when she's on the verge of tearing up. "Be happy with hyung, noona. Stop thinking about us. Think about you and Sooji."

"Jisoo," Jin said making her turn towards him. "You've already sacrificed so much for me. It's about time I do the same for our family."

"You boys are really idiots," she said while chuckling and wiping her tears off.

"But we're your idiots," Jin said confidently and kissed the top of her head.

Namjoon and Jimin wrapped their arms around the couple and this earned a few more blinding flashes from the press.

"Eherm. Excuse me."

Everyone's attention turned back towards the stage as the company's new CEO, Miss Lalisa Manoban, had the microphone at hand.

"So to end this press conference, I would like to announce that Royal will still be having their comeback as scheduled," she said shocking the three boys. "And the company will be suing every derogatory slurs thrown at Manager Kim. She is every bit part of Royal and I will not have some lonely delusional twelve-year olds throwing malicious comments at our artists and staff."

She threw a quick glance at the group before resuming her announcement.

"Also, lawsuits would not be limited to internet trolls. We will sue media outlets giving out fake news. So all of reporters who harassed Manager Kim's home, I'll have you all behind bars—"

Miss Manoban's announcement was cut short when her microphone stopped working. On the technical booth side stood Secretary Jeon who had his hand on his forehead while giving out instructions.

The room was in total chaos. Jin, Namjoon and Jimin eyed each other before giving a subtle nod.

"I think I'm missing Sooji," Namjoon said smiling widely.

"Me too," Jimin agreed while having this sinister smirk.

Jin grinned before grabbing Jisoo's hand. She knew what's going on.

"What do you say, Soo? I'm sure our girl misses her uncles too."

She chuckled then gave a quick nod. Before she knew it, they were running out of the chaos.

✨

"Stocks are still low but we managed to gain at least 10 percent back," Secretary Jeon reported as Lisa walked into her office.

It took them a couple hours to settle the media and extract Royal—with Jisoo and Sooji, from the building back to their safe house. The group had to stay in one of the practice rooms where some staff almost lost their minds at how cute Jin and Jisoo's daughter—who they had Rosé take care of during the whole press conference fiasco, was.

She had no idea about the child's existence 'til she saw her. She almost lost it when she remembered she threatened Jin with a contract termination. She was strict, yes, but she wasn't heartless. Even though Jin had enough savings in his account, putting him out of job would also mean the child's future wouldn't be as secure as is could be.

And no, there will be no disbandment. Only a temporary hiatus since they will enlist.

But that doesn't justify how idiotic that Seokjin was for pulling that stunt off. But whatever. What's important is that they're slowly gaining back what they lost.

"Book a variety show for Saerin," she instructed. "And tell IU she can do those dramas she always wanted. Don't forget to put her profile on the actors/actresses page of our website."

"Yes, Miss Manoban," Secretary Jeon answered.

"Do I have any more schedules today?" she asked.

"You evening is clear—"

Secretary Jeon was suddenly cut off by his phone. He immediately fished it out.

"Why is Jennie calling you?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Uh... I'm not sure—"

She grabbed the device and answered it.

"Thank God you picked picked up!" Jennie Kim' shrilly voice greeted her. "Nayeon eonnie is already at the restaurant for your date. Are you still at the office? We're on our way there. We're boarding the elevator as we speak."

Her brows furrowed and she threw daggers at the poor secretary.

"Secretary Jeon? Hello—"

She ended the phone call—not breaking eye contact.

"Um... you see Miss Manoban... I uh—"

Lisa smiled and gave him his phone back.

"Enjoy your dinner date, Secretary Jeon," she said on clenched teeth as she started to walk backwards.

"Are you... are you sure, Miss Manoban?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" She said folding her arms. "You're a free man. Do whatever you bloody want—"

"Secretary Jeon! Secretary Jeon!" Jennie's voice echoed from the outside. Her eyes grew in size. "He's here, isn't he?"

"I'm not sure. He might already be gone—"

Before the doors to her office flew open, she grabbed Secretary Jeon and hid behind the doors. His back on the wall and her standing in front of him close—really close. The door hid them well.

"Secretary Jeo—oh he's not here."

"I told you, he might've gone home already," Mr. Kim—Taehyung, said. "You should just call someone else to date your eonnie. I don't think Jungkook's comfortable dating strangers."

"Fine. I'll just ask Yoongi oppa to fill in," she announced as their voices faded together with their footsteps.

The doors close revealing Secretary Jeon sandwiched between her and the wall. Her arms around his neck as his were around her waist. She blinked twice before stepping back.

"I uh... Well... You should get going."

"Do you want me to go, Miss Manoban?" He asked catching her off guard. It took her a few more seconds to reply.

"O-Of course. Why not, right? You're allowed to date whoever you want to," she answered nonchalantly. "You obligation to the company already ended after that press conference—"

"Do you want me to go, Miss Manoban?" he repeated—now with more emphasis. She wasn't able to answer right away.

She heard him sigh before straightening his coat. With a curt bow, he turned towards the door and started to walk away.

She felt her chest tighten. Why? What's wrong with her? Why is she acting like this.

"Don't go..." she managed to whisper as soon as the doors to her office closed once again.

Too late. He was already gone.

Why would she stop him, right? It's not like they were in a real relationship to begin with. He's her secretary and he's just there because it was his job. He's been helping her out because he had no choice but to do so—

She ran out of the office and headed straight towards the elevator. She kept pressing the button going down. She needs to follow him. Ruin the dinner so they won't get a chance or something. She'll just wing it—

With a single tug, she found herself in Secretary Jeon's former position—pressed against the wall with him standing on top of her.

Her gaze locked with his and his forefinger slowly lifted her chin up. Their faces were just a few inches apart.

"Do you want me to go, Miss Manoban?" Jungkook asked one final time.

"No," she answered.

And with that, she felt his hands cup her face as their faces traverse what little space they had left between them.

"Stay with me."

✨