✨

a few years ago
seoul, south korea

"You're drunk out of your wits, Hanbin!" Lisa exclaimed as she followed her boyfriend who could barely walk straight towards the club's exit. "You promised we'd leave at ten. It's freakin' 2 am and I have an early morning flight back to New York!"

"Relax, love. I'm not that drunk," the guy answered smiling. "And I'm sorry we got carried away. But you did enjoy the dancefloor as much as I did."

"Well... yeah," she said as she started to calm down. A few shots and some dirty dancing on the dance floor did take her mind off of her show. "It really did help calm my nerves."

Hanbin always had that effect on her. She loved his company as he was a fun and happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He's also really sweet and the way his knuckles ran gently on her cheek made her feel more relaxed.

"We'll make it tomorrow for our flight."

"Yeah--wait. Our flight? You mean... You're coming with me?" her eyes grew wide as Hanbin gave her a nod and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. His hands cupping her face.

"Yes, love. I'm going to New York with you," he said as her thumb drew circles on her cheek. "I can't miss my lovely girlfriend's performance, can I?"

"But... But what about your training? Are you even allowed to leave the country?"

He smiled and pinched her nose lightly. Hanbin had been scouted a year ago in New York by a well-known agency back here in Seoul. He was skeptical at first but she urged him to try it out since he was really good at dancing, singing, and rapping. He could also compose songs and make tunes. She'd urge him to try for JHS but she didn't want him to be uncomfortable since their family practically owned it.

"The CEO gave us a week worth of break before debut," he explained. "He said it's like the 'calm before the storm'."

Lisa let out a loud squeal as she lounged at her boyfriend to give him a hug. He knew how much she missed him and him being there for her opening night would mean the world to her. It was actually the reason why she visited Seoul after years.

"I bloody love you!"

Hanbin wrapped his arms around her quaint torso and twirled her around.

"Ya!" yelled someone from behind them. "Stop spinning Lisa! You're giving my headache a headache!"

They just laughed.

✨

present time
JHS Ent. Bldg., CEO's Office

Lisa paced back and forth as she nervously bit her fingernails. She managed to look unaffected—partially, at the remainder of the meeting before she made a beeline straight to her office.

F*ck fate or whatever that is called. Why, of all the choreographers in the world, was it Kim Hanbin? Kim-effin'-Hanbin. The person responsible for the hell she'd been through for the past years.

"Miss Manoban—"

"F**king finally!" she blurted out as soon as Secretary Jeon walked inside her office. She grabbed him by his tie and pulled him towards the sofa. "Who hired him?!"

Jungkook—confused and wide-eyed, pointed towards the door.

"Uh, Mr. Kim Hanbin?" he made sure.

"Yes!" She exclaimed. "Who hired him?! I specifically approved Royal's choreographer to do Saerin's choreography. Where's that guy?!"

"They're collaborating," he answered. "And Mr. Kim had choreographed for Royal a couple of times too."

She couldn't help but scowl at the young secretary as she sat on the sofa with her elbow propped on the armrest as she massaged her aching temple.

Of all f**king people!

"Cancel the deal! I don't want him to choreograph Saerin's debut!"

"We've already signed a contract. Terminating it would mean we have to pay for the damages--"

"Then cancel the f**king debut for God's sake!"

She was breathing heavily and panic filled her entire body. The f**k she'd let that sodding git get near her again. Not after what he did to her.

Not after...

She immediately shut her eyes rather tightly as she tried to push away the incoming flashes of memories she had with him. The good and the bad ones. But the bad ones drew vividly inside her mind. Jesus f**king Christ!

She felt a sudden shift on the sofa. Her eyes fluttered open and irritatedly turn to her side.

"What?" she spat.

The secretary just smiled. She grows irritated of that particular smile as her days in the company passes by. He used to be a nervous-wreck on her first weeks in the company. What the hell happened? Why is he suddenly unaffected?

"If you don't feel comfortable with him around, I'll personally attend to the matters concerning him," he stated at a calm, reassuring manner. "You won't be needing to face him nor talk to him."

Her eyes narrowed as she locked gazes with her smiling secretary.

"Wipe that smile off your face or I'll punch you," she spat. "Now guard the door before that guy suddenly barges in here—"

"Sir you can't go in there—"

She felt her heart jump as the doors to her office suddenly flew open. So before someone went inside, she did what she thought would be best to do at that moment.

She lunged herself on top of Jungkook and kissed him fully on the lips.

Lisa felt a pair of eyes watching them but she ignored it. She was sure that it was Hanbin who entered her office without permission and Miss Bong who tried to stop him.

Jungkook's eyes were wide open in shock but wasn't able to move as she was laying on top of him. She gasped as she felt his hand travel to her waist and kissed her back.

Miss Bong felt uncomfortable and diverted her attention elsewhere. The employee debated whether she should just leave or stop the two from eating each other's faces out. She decided on the first and subtly started to cough.

What now, Lisa?

✨

Like most of the time, Jungkook was caught off-guard. One minute he was just sitting there talking to his boss and the next he's the other half of a make-out session and the door coughing out two figures.

His eyes grew wide as he saw Mr. Kim Hanbin and Team Leader Bong—who was clearly having a silent mental breakdown seeing him and their boss on top of each other. Then she cleared her throat.

With a pissed look on her face, Miss Manoban pushed herself off him and faced the two—while still sitting on his lap and half leaning in.

"What?!" she spat startling him and Miss Bong in the process.

"Lis, can we talk?" The choreographer said breaking the awkward silence.

His boss' forehead creased. He could clearly feel the tension building up so he decided to straighten up and leave. But it seems thag she didn't want to talk to him. With a single—strong, tug, he fell back on the couch next to her.

"Can't you see I'm busy?" Miss Manoban spat. Miss Bong—yet again, flinched. But not Mr. Kim. "If you want to talk to me, schedule an appointment like the rest. You can't just barge into my office like you own the damn place. So if you can, please bugger off before I call security."

Hanbin clearly took her threat lightly as he did not move an inch. He just stared at her and stood there.

"Can't you bloody see that I'm enjoying my boyfriend's company? And please, we don't have anything to talk about. Whatever it is that you want to say, I don't want to hear. I didn't before, I wouldn't now. So if it's not much of a big deal, please lock the doors when you leave."

The pokerfaced girl turned her attention back to him and again, kissed him senselessly. Not that he's complaining but, he too was in the verge of a breakdown.

What the actual hell is happening?

As soon as they heard the doors close and not one trace of the intruders near the vicinity, Miss Manoban pushed him back and stood up. He blinked before turning towards his uh... boss.

"Miss Manoba—"

"I don't want that bastard near me ever again, do you hear me?!" she blurted out—red in anger. If he could see himself right know, he's certain he turned white as sheet in a quick minute. Unsure what to answer, he nodded. "Good. And I want you to continue to pretend as my boyfriend. That bloody arsehole wouldn't stop even if I tell him to leave me alone."

Taken aback, he just stared at her in shock. Miss Manoban raised an eyebrow and folded her arms.

"Now don't get cocky, Jungkook. I'm requiring your services just so that guy would stop bugging me," she explained.

He felt his throat dry up. Boyfriend? Again?

But what exactly is Miss Manoban's relationship with Mr. Kim? Given by her reaction, it seems like the two were close before. Either that or the guy's her ex or something.

That would explain the random British slangs she uses.

"If you don't mind me asking, Miss Manoban. What relationship do you have with choreographer Kim?" he boldly asks. Where he got the courage to, he had no clue.

"Actually, I mind. You don't need to know."

With that, she stood up and made her way to her desk.

"Don't let her push you."

He sighed. He might get fired for this but it won't be the first time.

"I'm sorry but, I can't do it," he said making her turn to face him. "If I have no idea what I'm doing this for, then I can't do it."

She raised an eyebrow. Oh boy. He might need to send out resumé's after this.

"I mean, shouldn't I know at least why we're doing this?"

"Because I said so," she said gritting her teeth. "Choose your next words carefully, Secretary Jeon. I'm not someone you should piss."

"Don't let her scare you..."

"You have a clear schedule this afternoon," he stated. "Should I call Mr. Kim to meet you instead?"

Miss Manoban's eyes narrowed. Even though he's a bit scared, he still stood there and folded his arms over his chest.

They were stuck in a staring down game before Miss Manoban rolled her eyes—clearly annoyed.

"Fine!" she blurted out. "He's my ex and he did something that I can never forgive. So I need you to keep being my fake boyfriend until he leaves me alone or at least when he leaves the country, understood?"

"Why? What did he do?"

"Don't push your luck on this one," she warned. "I told you more than enough."

But curiosity got the best of him.

"Was he... was he the reason for your accident?"

Miss Manoban froze for a quick second before turning to him. The corner of her lip raised in with a scoff.

"So you did your homework on me," she stated—her eyes looking blank. "I should've guessed it since you asked me about my dancing. I didn't know you dug that deep."

"I... I just saw the article—"

"Yes," she cut him off. "Kim Hanbin is responsible for the accident. What he did... is unforgivable. And I refuse to give him the satisfaction of getting forgiven."

Jungkook just watched his boss as she clenched her fists. Although fury was an obvious emotion etched on her flustered face, there was something else reflecting on her brown orbs.

Betrayal.

He chose not to ask any further as he respects her decision not to tell him the details. Maybe in time, when the walls around her start to break, he'll get his chance.

His hand must've had a mind of its own as he unknowingly reached for her cheek and wiped off the lone tear that had cascaded from her glossy eyes. She was in pain. For some reason, he didn't like it. Not one bit.

"Your whole afternoon is free. Would you like me to accompany you to the mall?"

✨

"Ahh! Nothing beats a bad day but shopping!" Miss Manoban exclaimed as she walked out of yet another shop she almost wiped clean. Now he's starting to regret suggesting this. "Oh! I didn't know they had a Chanel store here. Come on Secretary Jeon. Chop chop!"

He muttered a few inaudible curses as he tried to carry all the paper bags. If she decides to clean out another store, he will need to say goodbye to his arms.

"Omo! CEO Manoban?"

He clearly saw how Miss Manoban's face turned from and excited expression to a grimace. It was Miss Jennie Kim.

"Depyonim!"

Her shrilly voice echoed making some bystanders take at quick look at them.

The young model-heiress walked towards us with her trusty secretary Taehyung. He had this expressionless face as he held what seems to be Miss Kim's bag.

"Miss Kim." Miss Manoban acknowledged the model's presence with a monotonous tone. "Shopping, I presume?"

"Just looking for the right outfit for the auditions," she replies enthusiastically—oblivious to his boss' bored tone. "We do have to look aWesOme before facing the future trainees of the company..."

Miss Kim went on and on about the upcoming auditions. She'll be one of the panels together with PD Min and Royal's leader, Namjoon.

He couldn't help but stare as Miss Kim smiled with her gummy teeth showing. She had something on her teeth. He contemplated whether he should tell her or not 'coz it might embarrass her or something.

"So you two are dating?" she asked while pointing at him and Miss Manoban. He immediately answered.

"N-No!"

It would be very uncomfortable if Mr. Jung finds out that he's been employed by his sister to be her fake boyfriend yet again.

"No? I heard—"

"It was just a statement to divert the attention," Miss Manoban plainly explained. "But I don't think that's any of your concern, Miss Kim. If you don't mind, we'll take our leave."

Miss Manoban walked pass a shocked Miss Kim. He didn't have much of a choice and just bowed at the executive before following his boss.

"God she's so annoying."

✨

"Oh my God did you see that?!" Jennie Kim blurted out as soon as she stepped inside the car. "Who does she think she is?!"

"She's the new CEO, Miss Kim," Secretary Kim answered in a monotonous tone. "She might just be in a hurry."

"Ugh! She just ruined my mood," she said pouting—totally ignoring what her secretary just said. Taehyung heaved a sigh. "I'm telling Hobi oppa about her attitude. She can't do that to me. I'm both a director and an artist at JHS. I deserve respect."

Taehyung just focused himself on driving and let his boss rant on and on about CEO Manoban. To be honest, the CEO didn't necessarily look pissed or anything. She looked annoyed. And he knew why.

"And did you see how Secretary Jeon was looking at me?" she continued. "I know I'm pretty but he can't just stare at me like that. I'm somewhat like his boss. I'm up here and he's well... he's a secretary."

Again, he sighed. Miss Jennie Kim isn't necessarily prejudice. She just... well, she has a different way of expressing her thoughts. She sometimes say things she didn't necessarily mean.

"Now that I think of it, he does go through extra lengths for me," she stated crossing her leg. "One time she gave me that bouquet of flowers on my birthday and said it was from Hobi oppa. But oppa looked like he didn't know about it 'coz he didn't even reply when I texted him a thank you. He even sent macarons during my Chanel ambassador shoot. And he always seem flustered whenever he bumps into me at the company—oh my God! I know he's nice and all but he's not actually my type. What would Hobi oppa say when he finds out?"

Jennie's hands flew straight to her mouth when she suddenly realizes something.

"Oh no! Hobi oppa might fire him out of spite!" she exclaimed then leaned towards the front seat—closer to him. "I can't let that happen! I mean, we all know how Hobi oppa is in love with me but I can't make someone jobless just because I'm irresistible. I have to talk to Secretary Jeon about this. I can't let him lose his job because of me. It's really hard to find work these days, you know..."

Taehyung couldn't help but chuckle silently. Some people think she's this spoiled brat but in reality, she's this cute innocent girl that just... how would you put it? A bit... peculiar. And a bit full of herself. Who wouldn't if one had a face and body like her? Plus she's born not just with a silver spoon but a gold one. An only child at that.

"What do you think, Secretary Kim? You think I should tell him before Hobi oppa finds out and fire him? Secretary Jeon is a nice guy so I don't want to get him in trouble."

Should he? It would be fun to watch if ever. Knowing Jungkook, he wouldn't embarrass Miss Kim if ever she tells him. And knowning Jennie, she wouldn't give him a chance to speak.

"It would be nice for Jungkook to be able to keep his job, Miss Kim," he answered. It was vague but, he knew that she'd still do what she think she should do.

Miss Kim sighed. Then she smiled. Her cute gummy smile.

"It'll be hard but, being beautiful does come with a price."

He can't help but smile as well.

✨

"Do I have to? Isn't Jennie Kim already there? And Yoongi? Why do I have to go?" Lisa whined as Secretary Jeon informed her that she needed to be part of the panel for auditions.

"Well, CEO Jung usually joins the panel as the executive producer so the staff wondered maybe you'd do the same," he explained. "And we all agree that you have a good eye with talent since Saerin's practically a star now even if she hasn't officially debuted yet."

Her eyes narrowed at him.

"I know what you're doing," she warned him. Secretary Jeon on the other hand feigned innocence as he just stood there and shrugged.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Lisa folded her arms as she leaned back. Her eyes remained narrow and directed towards her secretary.

"I already know I'm good so either you're a kiss-ass or you're tricking me into coming."

"I wouldn't dare," he defended. "It was the staff who said those things."

A few seconds passed and the formal smile plastered on Secretary Jeon did not fade. She rolled her eyes then stood up.

"Fine!" she blurted out. "But if that Jennie Kim annoys me again, I'm gonna take it out on you."

"By all mean, Miss Manoban."

"Ugh!"

Lisa marched out of her office as Secretary Jeon followed her. She's clearly not in the mood to face off teenagers or kids that would eventually cry in front of her if she tells them they failed. And she knows very well that she can't lie to save her life. She'd tell them straight up they're talentless or horrible—whichever comes first and they'll cry.

The doors to the audition room opened and she was greeted by their staff, some camera equipment and a long table with Yoongi, Jennie Kim and a guy with dimples. Of her memory serves her correct, he's from that group Royalty or something.

"Depyonim!" Jennie Kim's shrilly voice echoed. "You're joining us in the panel?"

"Yes," she mumbled.

"AwEsOme!" Miss Kim exclaimed while clapping. Sh momentarily threw a quick glance towards him but immediately turned back to Miss Manoban as she walled towards the vacant chair beside PD Min.

"So are we going to starting or not?" she ask a bit irritatedly. "I want this to be over as quickly as possible."

The working staff group immediately complied and auditionees start to enter and line up in front of the judges. Jungkook chose to stand close behind Miss Manoban just in case she'd need anything.

"Even my cat can dance better than him..." he heard Miss Manoban mumble that made both PD Min and Namjoon chuckle. "Are you guys sure they passed the first line of auditions? Or is this the first line?"

"They are the ones who passed the global auditions, Li."

"I see," she said flipping through the profiles on the clipboard. "I guess we need to hire new staff members."

A couple potential trainees passed and Lisa hasn't approved a single one. A lot looked a bit devastated as Miss Manoban was really straightforward with her comments. It did not help that Miss Kim was also harsh when it came to her opinions as well.

In short, the two girls seem to agree with each other's critiques. Both really does have an eye for talent—it was actually Miss Kim who fought for Saerin back in the days.

"I'm sorry, kid. You just can't dance—"

"But I can sing really well!" the girl claimed. "Dancing is easy as long as we have a good choreographer. I can learn to dance when I train."

"You think it's that easy?" Miss Manoban questioned with a smirk.

"Yes," the kid said with conviction. "If I practice well enough, I can dance. But singing is harder. Even if you practice for twenty hours you wouldn't be able to sing as good as me."

Jennie scoffed at the audacity of the young girl. Everyone inside the room were also perplexed at her audacity. It's not every day you get to encounter a rude auditionee.

"So dance isn't important?" Miss Kim asked.

"Dancing isn't necessarily a talent but a skill that can be improved in time," the girl answered. "You wouldn't understand since you're just a model, Ahjumma."

"A-Ahjumma?!" she repeated loudly. "Di you just call me ahjumma?!"

"Well, you're old so what else can I call you?"

"You brat—"

Miss Jennie Kim fumed. In one quick move she was able to get off her seat and charge towards the kid. Good thing Taehyung had fast reflexes so he was able to stop her from potentially murdering a thirteen-year old. The kid took a few steps back.

"Just a model?! Do you even know me you brat—"

Jennie was cut off by the loud sound of Miss Manoban slamming the clipboard on to the table. Everyone flinched except for PD Min who just smirked. Like he knew what was just about to happen.

"So you think that dancing isn't a talent but a mere skill, did I catch that right?"

The kid wasn't able to talk back.

Miss Manoban looked calm and collected as she stepped forward. Then she folded her arms.

"Okay. You're in."

Everyone in the room were shocked. Even the girl herself.

"Since you think you're special with that voice, let's see if you stay true to what you've said. If you can learn a choreography I personally choreographed, I'll even put you in the debut group. How's that for a deal?"

The girl's eyes grew wide.

What's she up to? Jungkook can't help but think. The girl did have a beautiful voice. Her dancing was okay but not at par with the other girls. Some more practice meant she'd be able to meet their level. But her attitude isn't something an idol should have.

"I accept," the girl boldly answers with a smirk plastered on her face.

"Good."

Miss Manoban then takes her coat off, hands it to him and signals the staff member.

"Play any music you have there," she says and the staff immediately complies. "I'll show you the dance and you have to get it right. You have three chances."

"What? Now? That's not fair—"

"But you already agreed," their boss reminded with a wide grin on her face. "What? I thought you said it's a skill? Then learn the dance now. It shouldn't be that hard."

"B-But it's not easy to learn a dance by just seeing it once!"

"Really?" Her expression changed into a shocked one. Then it instantly returned to a smirk. "Why don't I change the deal then. You pick a choreography and I'll learn it here, in front of everyone. If I get it right, you're out and you'll say sorry to Miss Kim. If I make one mistake, I'll put you in the debut team. Sounds good?"

"You mean, any choreography?"

Miss Manoban nodded.

"Okay," she agreed. "Dance Kingdom's Judge Me Not."

Crap. It's Royal's hardest choreography. It was marked by the industry as one of the 'killer' choreographies of the decade!

"Secretary Jeon, please play the dance video in the projector."

He nodded and immediately tapped on the company tablet. As soon as he found the video, he connected it to the projector.

Everyone in the room were silent as Miss Manoban carefully wat hed the dance practice video of Kingdom. They're a group from one of their subsidiary companies and currently slaying the local market.

Jungkook was looking at Miss Manoban. He felt a bit nervous as he knew about her condition. But it won't be a problem, right? It wouldn't stress her leg so much, right?

The dance was a mixture of hiphop and popping. Clearly a man's choreography. Will she be able to pull it off?

The video finishes off and he closes the device. The auditionee was smirking.

"I can't wait to debut," she said confidently.

Clearly this kid might think his boss is just a simple executive. She's in for a treat.

Miss Manoban signals the staff to play the song and she starts off smoothly—shocking everyone except him and PD Min. Not a single beat amiss.

She mirrored every move perfectly. Even the feel of the dance, she's got it. If she wasn't wearing red slacks, he'd think she was actually an idol dancing.

The kid's eyes were wide as she stared at Miss Manoban. Even the other auditionees inside the room, they can't keep their eyes off her.

Wow. She's on fire.

"She's sick!" Namjoon commented making PD Min chuckle. "Do you know Depyonim can do that?"

"There's only one thing I know about Lalisa Manoban and that is she's not one to mess with," he answered. "She didn't attend the most prestigious art school in America for not reason."

The song ended and not a single mistake. The girl—stunned and red from embarrassment, just stood there gawking at Miss Manoban.

"So, do you still think dancing is just a skill?"

The girl started to cry and ran out of the room. But before she did, she bowed at Miss Kim.

"Well that wasn't nice," she muttered as she walked towards him. "So what do you think, Secretary Jeon?"

She had a playful smirk on as she took her coat back. Even after that hard choreography, she didn't even break a sweat. He blinked. He was still in a Miss Manoban induced trance.

"Secretary Jeon?" she repeated. "What did you think?"

"I love you."

What did he just say?!

✨