Chapter Text
“Fuck!”
Jin extends his arm over the bathroom stall, handing a clean t-shirt to an extremely frazzled Jungkook in the cubicle, trying to clean himself up after Greg from Accounting bumped into him outside the elevator, thereby spilling his boss’ coffee all over his shirt.
“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What time is it, hyung?” Jungkook asks, panting.
“5 min to 9, Kook, you’re still good. All done? Come on out before our monster boss arrives.”
Jungkook gets out of the cubicle, with a distressed face, wearing a bootleg rapper Kurupt shirt with the words “You know who’s back up in this mothafuckaaaa” in bold, capital letters.
Jin’s barely controlled laugh explodes into maniacal laughter.
“Are you fucking serious right now I’m about to get fired because of your fucking taste in music!!!” Jungkook yells at Jin as he hurriedly walks out of the bathroom into his cubicle.
“Ya, be thankful I even have a clean shirt for your clumsy ass to wear!” Jin wheezes.
“It wasn’t me! It was fucking Greg from fucking Accounti-”
“He’s coming!” someone from outside the bathroom yells. All of a sudden, there's hushed voices as everyone in the office moves into position to look extremely busy, doing extremely important work.
Suddenly, the elevator dings and out comes the perpetually angry-faced man of Jungkook's nightmares. Park Jimin.
He walks purposefully, looking sharp while his long coat sways back. His silver hair is parted on the side and not a single strand is moving as he walks briskly towards his office. His outfit has zero creases, zero lints and his gorgeous face is flawless. He’s always highly-regarded looking polished and presentable at all times and everybody working at Hanseul Global Publishing knows this. It's an unspoken rule around their company to look impeccable. If Park Jimin catches you looking scruffy, well... no one wants to know what happens. It's very easy to displease the guy so everyone working in the company already knows the things to avoid, and going to work aiming for just two levels above hobo isn't the way to go. If Jungkook is being completely honest, he thinks the reason Hobart, one of their previous IT guys, finally got fired is because he never made an effort about his looks - always comes to work looking like he slept in his creasy and greasy clothes and often had dirty fingernails. Granted, the guy was also abusing his leave privileges, but Jungkook saw that look of disgust Mr. Park gave Hobart that one time he had to fix the boss’ computer and he knew right then and there Hobart just entered the dark side - Park Jimin’s bad side as Jungkook likes to call it.
The said boss just looked straight ahead and absolutely ignored everyone who greeted him a pleasant morning as he walked towards his office.
“Morning, Mr. Park. Be with you in a moment.” Jungkook says as Mr. Park enters his office without even a nod.
He absolutely doesn’t know how Mr. Park will react seeing his shirt. He’s probably not gonna get fired, of course. It's just a shirt! Plus, Mr. Park needs him. He’s been his loyal assistant for 2 years. He’s indispensable. At least, that’s what Jungkook tells himself. And, that’s only if Park even notices the shirt. Jungkook can try to hide it. Jin let him borrow his blazer too and he’s wearing it now. He’s also covering his front with the papers he’s holding.
Besides even if Mr. Park sees it, Jungkook is sure - 100% certain, that Mr. Park will understand.
---
“I don’t understand, Jungkook.”
“Y-your coffee spilled, sir I-”
“I understand that part. What I don’t understand is why you don’t have a spare shirt for situations like this.”
“I had one, sir. I used it last time and forgot to replace. I’m so sorry. This won’t happen again.”
His boss looks at him unamused, opens his mouth to say something, but then closes it again as he seemingly decides to let it go. He waves a hand after a few moments of scrutinizing Jungkook with those sharp, sexy eyes.
Sexy??? Where the fuck did that come from?
Jungkook mentally chides himself for the unwelcome commentary his brain is making on anything Park Jimin. Gross.
“Whatever. Second cupboard, Mr. Jeon. 3rd drawer.” Mr. Park points towards the described location.
“Huh? Ah, yes, yes, Mr. Park. Sure. I'll grab that for you.” Jungkook almost jumps to take whatever Mr. Park asked him to get. He’s a bit relieved his boss doesn’t seem to be Hobart-level irked about his non-uniform.
Park is yet to see the insanely tacky and insanely unprofessional design though...
Jungkook opens the drawer and is momentarily confused upon seeing 3 button down shirts neatly folded.
“Sir? I-”
“Just grab one and use it, Mr. Jeon. I don’t even wanna see what’s on the front of your shirt if you’re clinging to that folder to your chest like your life depended on it.”
Jungkook pauses, smiles bashfully, and bows. “Sure thing, Mr. Park… sir… thank you.” Jungkook bows again. “Y-your schedule for today is on your desk. Mr. Kim called this morning and asked for you to return the call today whenever you get the chance. Also, your lawyer just called and said he needed to discuss something urgent. Should I move around your schedule to set aside time for that today?”
“No, that’s okay. I will call him. And I'll call Mr. Kim too. Keep my schedule as is.”
“Noted, sir.” Jungkook bows again. He couldn't wait to get out of Mr. Park's line of vision and almost runs to exit the office when his boss' voice suddenly stops and startles him.
“So where’s my coffee?”
"Huh?" a jittery Jungkook abruptly stops and turns around and suddenly drops the folder he’s holding, putting his Kurupt shirt on full display.
To this day, Jungkook swears he saw Mr. Park's’ eyes drop down to his shirt in slow motion as Jungkook's life flashed before his own eyes. He rushed to pick up the folder and replace it on his chest. But it's too late. His boss already saw it,
Jungkook can’t even look at his boss’ eyes right now. “That one, sir.” He points to the coffee on his boss' desk while he keeps his eyes glued to the floor..
“You said my coffee spilled. Did you go all the way back to buy me a new one?”
“No, that’s my coffee. Um, we have the same coffee order, sir.”
Jungkook looks up to his boss then, a glint of amusement in Mr. Park’s eyes. “We have the same coffee order? You also order triple shot… hazelnut flat white... with oat milk... ¾ full... ½ sweetener... extra hot... extra flat... with chocolate on top?”
Well if he says the entire thing out loud and so slowly like that then of course it sounds ridiculous!!
“Uh-huh, yes sir. Tried it once cause I was curious and you’ve absolutely made several points with that one haha.” Jungkook inwardly cringes.
“Hmm.”
Jungkook gulps. He knows. Park knows now that I buy two in case shit like this happens. He can see how pathetic I am.
“I’ll go now, sir. Thank you for the shirt. I'll go get changed now.”
“Please.” Mr. Park says staring at Jungkook's shirt like he could make it disintegrate on the spot if he glared at it enough with his evil eyes.
************
Jungkook changes into his boss’ shirt and feels a new wave of panic. Of course the shirt is too small. It feels almost skin-tight.
“It’s too small!”
Jin is just sniggering again on the corner. “Jungkook, stop flexing your chest, please, not all of us has time to go to the gym.”
Jungkook hits Jin with his Kurupt shirt. “Here’s your uncultured ass shirt! Park saw it! And you’re enjoying my downfall too much!”
Jin snickers, “Cause you’re so dramatic, fool! Will you relax? First of all, what are you whining about? You get to wear designer shit for once. Also, it isn’t even small, you're just used to wearing super loose clothing all the time. You look good, even. It accentuates your muscles and all that. Maybe you wear 2 sizes too big, ever considered that? And finally, Mr. Park’s an asshole but not an unreasonable asshole, you really think he’ll fire you over my very aesthetically pleasing shirt?
Jungkook groans. “Of course not, hyung! But you know I’ve been trying to get on the man’s good graces lately because I need to ask a favor! Not to mention, I need a promotion already! I’m here to be an editor, also to someday pitch my own book to him. I don’t wanna be stuck kissing his ass forever.”
“Why not? It’s a perfect ass, not gonna lie- Ow!
“Hyung!!! Get serious for once!”
“Okay, okay, jeez. Have you asked him, yet?”
“No! How can I, I’ve been sweating my balls off all morning.”
“Well, I’m just saying. Your big bro’s never gonna forgive you if you miss his wedding.”
“How come it’s only me going through war every time I need a vacation? How come it’s so easy for you to just take your leave?”
“Because I'm not Jimin Park’s prized assistant, that’s why." Jin chuckles and pats Jungkook on the head "You really won the lottery there, Kook.”
“I told you, I only applied for the job to get in the company. I just need the opportunity to show what I’ve got.”
“And you're doing so well. Park loves you so much that he's never gonna let you leave your current position.”
Jungkook groans for the 785th time that day and it’s only 10am.
************
“Mr. Park?” Jungkook’s head peeks inside his boss’ office.
“What do you want?” Mr. Park asks, not looking up as he continues to type something on his laptop.
“Is now a good time to ask you something?”
Jimin looks up at the unusual request. Jungkook rarely asks for anything.
“Hurry, then.” Mr. Park says.
Despite his boss wanting to get this over with as fast as possible, Jungkook walks in (to his death) slowly. As he does, he sees Mr. Park's eyes scan his face, probably to get a clue as to what he's about to ask.
But then Mr. Park's eyes move down towards his chest and stay there for a second too long, then it moves further down to the rest of his body before those intense eyes go right back to his face. Jungkook is suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious.
Did Mr. Park just check me out?
Not to brag but Jungkook knows he has a good body (because he works hard for it) and he knows he's not bad at all in the looks department so if it wouldn't be out of this world to think that the super gorgeous, super sophisticated, (and also super gay, as Jungkook accidentally eavesdropped one time) Park Jimin might have checked him out.
Jungkook allowed himself the thought and was only beginning to get cocky about it until Mr. Park spoke.
"Oh, good. My shirt fits you."
Jungkook deflates. Of course it's just the fucking shirt. Mr. Park is on a different level of beautiful (except in personality) and is way out of Jungkook's league.
“I don’t have all day, Jeon, what did you wanna ask?”
“U-um. So, you know, I've mentioned before that my brother is getting married soon. That's soon soon. On September 4th exactly. And I was thinking of taking a vacation leave on August 28th to September 5th, sir... if that’s okay.”
“Why do you need to leave for a whole week? Just go on the 4th.”
“Cause I’m the best man, sir. And it's in Korea. Plus, I wanna help with the planning. A-and I haven’t seen my family last holiday season. Remember, you asked me to work on the holidays? Plus, it's my birthday too. I-”
“Who do you think is gonna do your work if you leave for that long?”
“You can ask Anna or Daryl to temporarily fill in, maybe? Or someone else. I can help them prepare everything before I-”
“No.”
“Sir?”
“You can’t leave, Mr. Jeon. You are needed here. There is no one here who knows how to do your job in such short notice. You should have told me way sooner.” Mr. Park says dismissively as he goes back to his work on his computer.
Something ugly bubbles in Jungkook at how fast he was dismissed. Mr. Park didn’t even consider it.
Jungkook’s been nothing but nice to this guy - always bending over backwards and more to stay on his good side so he can try to grow within the company (and to not lose his job, he desperately needs the money). But Jungkook has been too nice for too long, and to someone who clearly doesn’t deserve it. Too much is too much. It’s his brother’s wedding and he hasn’t forgiven Mr. Park for making him work on the holidays last year. Last 2 years actually. And it's not short notice. There's plenty of time to instruct someone else to do everything needed to be done for that week.
“I’m going.” Jungkook himself is surprised at how brave and certain he just sounded.
Mr. Park looks up at him and raises an eyebrow. “What was that, Mr. Jeon?”
“I- I said I'm going… sir. It’s my right to use my vacation leave whenever.”
Jimin takes a long look at Jungkook like he's sizing him up. He stares at Jungkook a little too long and Jungkook is starting to feel genuinely terrified for his life and future career because he can't read the expression. Jungkook thinks he's gotten good at reading all the intense looks Mr. Park has and he's just a tiny bit relieved that the look Mr. Park is giving now isn't the kind that promises vengeance and pain. But he's never seen this look.
If Jungkook wasn't too afraid for his life at this moment, he'd dare to say he thinks Mr. Park is dismayed and angry with just a touch of impressed that Jungkook has the balls to insist. He doesn't usually stand up to his boss like this before.
At the back of his head Jungkook knows he definitely can't get fired for this, but Mr. Park can definitely make his life a living hell enough for him to want to quit his job.
He's already mentally preparing himself for searching for another job and telling his family he might not be able to send money for his youngest sister's special education expenses and his father's continuous medical expenses.
After what feels like an eternity of most likely getting mentally murdered by his boss, Mr. Park simply goes back to typing again and says, “Okay.”
Jungkook is so confused he momentarily considers if he entered a different plane of existence because there's no way Mr. Park just said 'okay' just like that. “Sir?”
“I said, okay, Mr. Jeon. Didn't you hear? Clean your ears or something. Plus, like you said, it’s your right and I can’t really force you not to take your leave.”
“T-that’s it?” This feels like a trap.
“What else is there to it?”
“Um...”
“Anything else you need? You know how busy I am today, Mr. Jeon.”
“Uh, right, yes. I mean no, nothing more, sir. Thank you, Mr. Park." Jungkook knows there's a catch somewhere but just the thought that he's given the green light to go home is starting to make Jungkook excited to see his family again after so long. "I’ll be right outside if you need me, sir.”
“But not on August 28 to September 5."
Jungkook turns pink. “Ahh, yes sir. Not on those days. Heheh. Very sorry. Extremely apologetic. Really... heartbroken."
Mr. Park looks up once more to give him a proper glare and Jungkook almost runs out of the room to stop himself from babbling some more.
*******************
Jungkook had been overthinking the exchange he had with his boss the whole day that by 4 pm he was convinced Mr. Park had a plan to sabotage his life in exchange for his insubordination. Jungkook runs straight to Jin.
“Hyung! I won the war but I don't feel victorious! Now, I'm in the dark side! Help!" Jungkook exaggeratedly whines.
"You what? You're in what? What happened to you?!"
"I just signed my death sentence! Or my notice of dismissal! Whatever of those two. They’d feel the same, anyway!" Jungkook slumps and rests his head on Jin's desk. "Goodbye, hyung. Goodbye, Hanseul Global Publishing. Goodbye, editor and writer dreams. Hello, poverty.”
“How are you this extra, seriously? I take it you just asked Park for the leave?”
“Oh I didn’t just ask, hyung. I demanded.” Jungkook groans.
“Oh shit! The fuck did you say to him?”
Jungkook repeats his words of earlier in a silly voice, "'I’m going. I have the right to use my leave whenever.' Who the fuck gave me permission to speak ever.” Jungkook wails dramatically.
“Oh shit!" Jin laughs. "You said that to Park Jimin, Kook? Legends only.”
“Legends die.”
“That's why they're legendary.”
Jungkook groans yet again.
“No, but that’s good, Kook. About time you stood up to him. What did he say though? I mean, what can he say? You’re right. It is your right to go on a leave whenever.”
"He said 'Okay'.“
"That’s it?"
“Yup.”
“Nothing else? Didn't blow up on you or anything?"
"Nope."
"Like, he just agreed to it? Just like that??”
“Yup.”
“Ok, fuck, you’re right. That is scary chill coming from him."
"Right? Help me!!"
"Like, if I was you, I'd be scared cause I know it’s definitely not okay for him, but he's not firing me or so I don’t even know where his vengeance would come from. I could be chilling at work one day and the next thing I know I get a notice of dismissal from the upstairs and that I'm blacklisted from all the publishing companies in this country.”
“Thanks for that. Kill me, please.”
“Nah, I wanna see how Park does it first.”
“Thanks Seokjin hyung! Remind me again why we’re friends?”
Jin chuckles. “Jungkook, you are actually so fun to tease. You always over-panic when it comes to Park. Cheer up, will you? Listen, you’re indispensable. No one can do your job as well as you. Relax, okay? You’re okay. You’ve earned that leave. Breathe."
Jungkook takes a deep breath.
"Now, you’re coming tonight with Hobi and I, right? Cause you seem to need it more than we do.”
************
Three drinks in and finally the alcohol is doing its job. After another round of ranting to his Hobi hyung while drinking and while Hobi reassures him just like Jin did, that he is indeed indispensable to his boss, Jungkook finally feels the stress leaving his system. He goes to the bar after Jin found someone to talk to and Hobi found someone to dance with. He doesn’t feel like socializing tonight. Some girl, however, sits beside him on the bar and tries to chat.
“What sorrow are you trying to drown today?” The girl says.
He inwardly sighs at having to turn down someone.
“I’m gay.” Jungkook informs her.
“I know. Me too. Who did what to you?”
“Huh?" Jungkook hiccups.
“Did someone say something to you at work about being gay or what?”
“No, no. Oh, I see what happened there haha!" Jungkook's drunk brain is working double time to keep up with the conversation. "Oops, I thought you were hitting on me but I turned you down by saying I'm gay but you thought being gay is why I'm drinking tonight haha!" Jungkook hiccups. "Wait, you said you know I'm gay? How??? And oh my god, you too?!!! Yay!!"
The girl rolls her eyes at Jungkook's hand up in the air waiting for a high five.
“Um, what were we talking about?" Jungkook's speech slurs. "Ah, my sorrows!!! No, not gay-related. My boss, actually. I mean, myself too, to be honest, I’m just so fucking nice, you know??? But my boss??? Definitely not!" Jungkook shakes his head. "What's your name?"
"Sabrina."
"He's such a fucking jerk, Samantha!!! He thinks being handsome makes up for everything?? No, sir, fuck you! Fuck me too!!!"
The girl snorts. “So the boss is an ass.”
“An ass and a half!"
During his rant, Jungkook doesn’t notice a guy sliding into the empty spot on his right.
“Your boss is a what?”, the guy suddenly interrupts nonchalantly as he drinks from the glass he's holding.
Jungkook hears the question from his other side, turns around, and answers immediately and very passionately.
“AN ASS AND A HA--”
Jungkook’s eyes go comically wide as he stares at the man in front of him. The face of the very man he’s just been shit-talking to the girl on his left.
Jungkook freezes on the spot, mouth hanging open, unsure whether the man in front of him is actually his boss or a conjured up image somehow brought about by alcohol and thinking about it too much.
After what feels like minutes of staring, Mr. Park/ Mr. Park’s conjured image blows air at his face. (?)
Jungkook blinks, confused.
“Breathe, Mr. Jeon." That's definitely Mr. Park's low sultry voice. "You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Jungkook releases the air he didn’t realize he’s been holding. He’s just staring at Mr. Park while staying solid, afraid to move even the tiniest bit.
Mr. Park smirks. He downs the last of the drink in his hand and says, “Have a good night, Mr. Jeon. I'll see you tomorrow.” before he turns and leaves Jungkook alone with the girl.
"I take it that's your boss."
"I'm not so sure that just happened to me, Savannah, can you confirm?"
"Confirmed. Your boss just heard you call him an ass."
"Well, damn. I might be getting fired soon."
"Well, god speed tomorrow my friend."
"Thanks, Sarah."
Tomorrow, hah.
Jungkook is definitely looking forward to that.
Notes:
thoughts? :)
Chapter 2: Mr. Irreplaceable
Summary:
“Park’s already in today. He came in at 8 with this new girl. I think she’s... the new you.”
“The new me? S-so fast?”
Notes:
hi!! first of all thank you for giving this fic a chance despite me being a total newbie to writing. i really appreciate all the comments and tweets! and the kudos too even if we were just on the very first chapter. <3
if you're reading this, whether now as i just post it, or far into the future, i'm so glad you're here giving this a shot! thank you for reading!
this chapter is still more introductory, more getting to know jungkook and his story because i don't wanna go into the proposal thing without understanding where jungkook is coming from :)
hope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*******
You’re indispensable. You’re the best assistant he’s ever had. He’s not gonna fire you.
Jungkook repeats the mantra over and over again in his head as he gets ready for work the day after he just called his boss an ass (and a half) and after talking back to him while insisting he goes on a 1 week leave to Korea after his boss told him he can’t.
It’s okay, you’re indispensable. You’re the best assistant he’s ever had. He’s not gonna fire you.
The more he recalls the events of yesterday, the more he just wants to curl up in his bed and never show his face to work again. But he can’t. He absolutely cannot be out of job. Not in this COVID economy. Not when his youngest sister in Busan needs to continue her special education because of her Down Syndrome. Not when his father has a fuck ton of maintenance medicine that his parents can barely afford.
He’s here in Australia, he's made it and he’s not gonna take it for granted.
And he cannot take all his hard work for granted. Getting citizenship was no easy feat. He had to take on random jobs like cleaning, being a waiter, being a barista, cleaning windows in sky-high buildings (although, he did enjoy that one). Name it, he’s done them all.
Jungkook has been in Australia since he was 15. A distant uncle tried to help his struggling family and offered Jungkook a place to stay in Australia if he decided to come to the country to study and work at the same time. His uncle's kindness was a huge help but the cost of living in Australia is no joke. To support himself and his studies, and still have money sent home, he had to work nonstop. Quite literally.
Jungkook had to have a career that would lead to permanent residency and for that he chose to be a chef. So he studied to be one. But because he refused to give up on his own dreams to become a writer, he decided to also study Creative Writing at the same time.
Studying one course while working is hell in itself, even more so two. For years, Jungkook went through hell to stay on top of all his school bills and his school work all while working random jobs whenever they came by. There were countless times when he felt like giving up, felt hopeless, or felt like he couldn't even see the light at the end of the tunnel but thankfully he had good support around him.
For one, his family never required him to send money and his mom had side hustles with cooking and catering that got their family by, and Jungkook had been lucky enough to have met his two best friends - his two hyungs who made Jungkook's life a lot more bearable when he was struggling away from his loved ones, away from home.
Hobi has become more or less Jungkook's emotional support hyung and was there to make sure Jungkook looks after himself even while being so busy to even sleep. And Jin had so many connections from when he was also struggling for permanent residency like Jungkook was just a few years earlier. He was the one who constantly hooked Jungkook up with an assortment of jobs that paid good money. Without both of them, Jungkook doesn't know if he would have made it.
And Jungkook finally did. Well... almost. At least the hard part is over. He's now gotten his Australian citizenship. Next up, editor and writer dreams.
He's on the right track, too. He's working in the company of his dreams. Albeit not in the position of his dreams. But still, this is a win.
Jin has worked at Hanseul Publishing for a few years when their editor-in-chief, Mr. Park, expressed his anger at having no one competent enough to be his assistant. As Jungkook didn't have enough experience in the field before because he had to focus on being a chef to get his permanent residency, Jin thought it might be a good idea to pitch the position to Jungkook just so he'd have an in.
It'll be temporary, Jin and Jungkook agreed. Jungkook will eventually try to make his way up the company.
And that's how he became Park Jimin's prized assistant. Which he's been for two years now.
Frankly, Jungkook feels a bit stuck. He thought Mr. Park would see his potential and he'd be editor by now. But he must have impressed Mr. Park so much with his assistant skills, Mr. Park doesn't seem keen on releasing him from his post anytime soon.
That or there's just really no one as patient enough to deal with Mr. Park's bullshit.
Still, Jungkook can't complain much. It'll happen eventually, he just thinks. Besides, he's earning a decent amount of pay.
Actually, it’s beyond decent. Jungkook earns a lot. Way more than Jin, who is a Junior editor in the company. Jin was up in arms about it when Jungkook revealed to him how much he's getting paid but Jungkook just reminded him of all the shit Mr. Park makes him do, including working beyond office hours, delivering work stuff to Jimin's apartment even on weekends, and Jimin insisting he work on holidays and Jin held his arms up in surrender. Jungkook's paycheck makes sense.
At least there's that, Jungkook reminds himself especially when Mr. Park gets extra demanding than usual. And when his boss is being extra extra demanding? He just mentally converts that shit to Korean Won and he's okay.
Everyone in the company commends Jungkook for having held on this long. He’s been here for 2 years. Apparently all of Park’s assistants before only lasted a maximum of 2 months.
“See, Jungkook?”, he continues his self pep talk. “You’ve stuck with him through all this time. Through all his bullshit. You always work overtime. You do your job really well, really thoroughly, Mr. Park likes you.”
You’re indispensable.
Jungkook tells himself in the mirror one last time before heading out for work. He sincerely hopes Mr. Park thinks the same. The paycheck and the in to the company is way too important for Jungkook to lose.
Don't worry. You’re the best assistant he’s ever had. He’s never gonna fire you.
*******
As soon as the elevator opens to his floor, Jin was onto him.
“Shit, Kook, I think he’s gonna fire you.” Jin hastily grabs the coffees from Jungkook’s hard, safeguarding them from Jungkook’s reaction.
“Whaa-? Tell me you’re kidding right now. No jokes today, hyung, I’m this close to crying I-”
“Okay, no… don’t panic then. Keep yourself together. I could be wrong. Just stand your ground, okay? He cannot actually fire you without good reason. It’s illegal. If he bullies you, you can absolutely report him.”
“Wait, you’re serious? You're not just pranking me?" Jungkook’s anxiety level rises by the second. “Why? Hyung, tell me what’s happening! What do I do? Tell me now!!”
“Wait, chill first. Breathe.”
“You tell me I’m getting fired first thing in the morning and then ask me to chill!”
“Ok, ok. Shh. Park’s already in today. He came in at 8 with this new girl. I think she’s... she's the new you.”
“The new me? S-so fast?”
“We're not sure, okay! We could be wrong. I just wanted to give you a heads up.”
Jin places the coffee back in Jungkook’s hands and faces him towards Mr. Park’s office. Jin pushes his shoulders forward and taps Jungkook’s butt in support. “Ok, go, it's almost 9. Bring him his coffee. Go find out what’s up.”
Jungkook walks inside Mr. Park’s office and sees the spawn of satan himself in his office chair, wearing a sleek gray suit. Gray looks good on him, Jungkook thinks. But then he realizes every other color does too.
Ugh. It’s annoying. You’re annoyed. Jungkook tells himself. Mr. Park is always so put-together, so perfect, so easy on the eyes that it's... annoying.
Mr. Park is instructing something to the new girl when Jungkook walks in. She's on the opposite side of the table, doing something on her laptop. She looks like a young girl in grown-up business clothes.
Has this girl even graduated from uni yet? How old is this kid?
Jungkook scoffs while he mentally reassures himself that his position is safe. Surely, this little girl can’t do his job.
Mr. Park isn't even sparing him a glance even as he puts his coffee on the desk.
“Morning, sir. You’re early today. Here’s your coffee.”
“Thank you, Mr. Jeon.” Jimin simply says while he grabs the drink and sips on it immediately.
Mr. Park's face looks too neutral for Jungkook to feel eased. He really expected more of an angry evil face but his boss just looks… normal.
“Um… so... about last night,” Jungkook starts. “You know… when we were at the club… and I was drinking… and then you came up to me... uhm.” Jungkook is babbling, not really knowing how to bring up last night to apologize, only knowing that he has to.
The new girl looks up at Jungkook suspiciously at his words and Jungkook realizes just then how his words sounded.
Great. Now he's just implied relations with his superior in front of the new girl.
Mr. Park closes his eyes and touches his forehead as if a headache was coming on.
Yikes.
“Mr. Jeon. What you do outside office hours is really not my concern.” Mr. Park says dismissively like he doesn’t wanna discuss the topic further. To be honest, Jungkook is happy to oblige.
“Okay, just... I wanted to say sorry about what I said, sir. Uhm, here’s your schedule for today. Your lawyer called again late afternoon yesterday, he said you haven’t rung him back yet. He says it’s really urgent.”
Annoyance passes in his boss’ face. Jungkook knows his boss couldn’t be bothered to talk to his lawyer. He’s been stressing about this new project he’s gonna pitch to the higher ups in tomorrow’s meeting and Jungkook knows how important it is to the editor-in-chief. The lawyer bugging him right now is not good timing.
“Mr. Jeon, this is Mikayla Song. She is our new intern and she’s assigned to you."
Jungkook holds out his hand for Mikayla to shake and she takes it.
"Jungkook Jeon. Nice to meet you." Jungkook introduces himself then turns back to Jimin for clarification. "Assigned to me?"
"Yes, you are to train her and teach her everything you do as my assistant.”
And there it is.
“But, Mr. Park, why? I’m here. I can do everything. I have all this time, haven't I? Don’t think there’s much she can do.” Jungkook looks at Mikayla. “No offense.”
“I can do my job by myself, sir." Jungkook can hear the whine in his tone but he can't be bothered to tone it down.
Mr. Park is really trying to replace him after everything he's done for him?
"Why do you need a new me? I’m irreplaceable!” Jungkook can't help but get worked up about the whole thing.
At that, Mr. Park swivels his chair to fully face Jungkook while he raises an eyebrow at him. “Well, I got your message loud and clear yesterday, Mr. Irreplaceable. You said you're leaving for a week and I cannot go without an assistant not even for a day."
"So you're having me replaced? Just like that?"
"Who says you're being replaced?"
"I-i'm not?"
Mr. Park rolls his eyes. "I'm so disinclined to quell your fears right now, but yes, Mr. Jeon. You are not. I just thought perhaps it’s simply easier if I have two of you, no?”
**********
“I’m leaving for a week, hyung! Not forever! He’s totally doing this to slowly replace me!” Jungkook runs towards Jin's desk as soon as he comes out of Mr. Park's office.
"So I was right? She is the new you?"
"There is no new me. There is only me and there is a usurper of my position in our midst."
"Be cool, she's just a little girl."
"Well, that little girl is supposed to be Mr. Park's other assistant. Fuck, what if he splits my current salary into two. Hyung, I will riot!"
“I've never heard of any workplace reducing wages, chill. Also, maybe he’s right. I mean, you always complain about being overworked. Now there’s another person to split the work with. No more overtime. You can go on vacations easily now. Isn’t this what you wanted?”
“Yes. But nooo!! He’s not doing this for any other reason except as petty payback for yesterday. I’m getting Hobart-ed, I just know it.”
“I told you, Park fired Hobart because he got tired of his lazy ass. It was a long time coming.”
“Hobart has been lazy for years. But his firing was so sudden. I’m telling you, hyung. I saw the look. Park gave Hobart the look and one week after, Hobart’s gone.”
“What look are you talking about?”
“I don’t know how to explain! Just this really sharp look that’s not his usual sharp angry look because his brows are not furrowed as much.”
Jin stares at Jungkook, furrowing his own eyebrows in confusion at what Jungkook is describing.
"You know... when his nostrils don’t flare as much so you know he’s just mid-range annoyed. But instead of looking at the person, he looks away immediately like he cannot give the person another nanosecond of his attention so you know he’s really displeased. Plus, he didn’t roll his eyes so you know he’s not letting the issue go, his left eyebrow rose a teeny tiny bit instead, so you know he’s thinking of something to do about the person.” Jungkook snaps his finger. “That look.”
Jin is looking at Jungkook like he grew a second head. “Ok, what the fuck? How much do you stare at Park Jimin, be honest.”
“What? I don’t stare at him? I just notice these things.”
“What’s his favorite food?”
“Thai. Korean, too, of course. Because he loves spicy food. But he likes the spicy and sour Thai dishes.”
“His favorite color?”
“Seems to like white.”
“His favorite perfume?”
“Profundi Lux et Mysterium. The gold version. Not the black cause it-- ”
“For fuck’s sake! How about the time he sleeps at night? Do you know that as well?”
“Around 12, I think, if he doesn’t go out, which he rarely does.”
Jin stares at Jungkook open-mouthed.
“His birthday?” Jin tries one more time.
“October uh...shit. Wait!” Jungkook’s hands go up to cover his ears in true dramatic Jungkook fashion. “I don’t know his exact birthday! Should I know his birthday? Do you know when his birthday is? I know it's October something. How the fuck don’t I know his birthday? Should I ask Mr. Kim just in case?”
Jin closes his eyes in pain and shakes his head once. “Just in case what? You wanna throw him a surprise birthday party so you’ll be his favorite person? You think Park looks like a birthday kinda guy? He looks like he eats kids’ happiness for breakfast.”
Jungkook winces. "True. Just kidding, by the way. Of course I know his birthday. It's October 13th.
Jin throws his arms up, “Oh, well, of course you do! You don't feel like some creepy stalker? How do you even know all these?”
“I’m his assistant?”
“Yeah. His assistant. Not a walking encyclopedia of all things Jimin Park. You’re a Jiminpedia.”
“I have to know these things, hello? I sometimes have to order food for him. When he asks me to purchase something for him, he almost always chooses white. And sometimes he would send work-related emails late at night and if I ask something, he always replies, but never after 12 so I know he's already asleep by then.”
Jin is still reeling. Speechless.
“Anyway… I told you I’m the best assistant he’s ever got.” Jungkook says.
“For real. You know what, Kook. I just realized right now. If he is trying to get rid of you, maybe this is a good thing.”
“What-”
“It’s just that today made me realize how invested you are in buttering this guy’s ass.
“I have to.”
“Do you? Is it worth it? I see how stressed you are.”
“The money and the connections are worth it, hyung. And it’s not so bad, really. I kinda enjoy the job, too, or I wouldn’t still be here. And I’m good at being his assistant. I like doing a good job. I like knowing I help him run this whole thing. I also love it when he trusts me to help with his own work. I learn a lot.”
“Yeah, well, ok then. As long as you think it’s worth it then I’m here for you. If that new girl is here to threaten your position, then you gotta do your job better than you did before to make Park hold on to you. Don’t let that little girl swipe it off you. Think of your family back home. Be vigilant of her, tiny people are always the most vicious. Park is already exhibit number one. Go JK, I got your back.”
“Thanks, hyung. Sometimes you really sound like my friend, I’m really touched.”
“I mean, to be honest I’m also in it for the entertainment. Seeing you get rattled is amusing, sorry. And you should be rattled. That girl looks like she means business. If Park chose to hire her among many applicants you bet he saw something in her. Hmm, now that I think about it, she kinda reminds me a bit of Park himself. Anyway, you’re gonna get wiped so hard, I’ll enjoy seeing you work for it” Jin claps a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder while he chuckles. "Good luck."
Jungkook just stares back at him unamused.
Jin dials down the amusement and goes for a serious look. “But I love you, Kook, so I’m definitely rooting for you.”
“Thanks. You’re the worst.”
*********
Jungkook formulated a plan of action for today. He thought of overwhelming Mikayla with workload and a ton of new information. He will absolutely bombard her with things to do and push her to do them fast. She will most likely panic, and not be able to do them and then Jungkook can come in and save the day. Rendering himself the hero in Mr. Park’s eyes. The true superior assistant that Park cannot afford to set free.
The day passes relatively uneventfully, though. Today’s kind of an easy day so he can only order the new girl around so much. And around 4:00, Jungkook already knows his plan backfired. Mikayla, on her very first day of work, not only did everything Jungkook has asked her to, but also did them all perfectly. She even revamped Jungkook’s system of organizing files and Jungkook has to admit, it was a good suggestion and definitely makes his life easier. She has good memory and has remembered almost every important thing she has to remember for now. She is even more cutthroat at filtering the calls that goes through to Mr. Park, which he’s sure his boss appreciates as Jungkook has always been too nice and has never been too good at saying “no” to people who insist on talking to the boss even when the boss is extremely busy. Truthfully, it’s hard to antagonize the kid when there’s nothing to hate. She’s quiet, just does her job, easy to teach, and she’s already proving very helpful to Jungkook.
At 4:45 pm, their boss comes out of his office to check on Mikayla’s progress for the day.
Mikayla answers, “All good here, sir. I think Jungkook and I are done with everything needed for today, actually.”
“Show-off”, Jungkook mumbles under his breath as he side eyes the girl.
Their boss, however, is pleasantly surprised by that. Mr. Park smiles at Mikayla.
Mr. Park smiled? At the new girl?? Jungkook’s not gonna lie, that stings a bit. Especially cause In the 2 years that he’s worked, here, Mr. Park's smiles in the office are so hard to come by. Jungkook knows cause he can only remember at least two times Mr. Park smiled at him and he's been trying to do something to get Mr.Park to smile at him again but man are they hard to pull from his boss.
Jungkook has seen Mr. Park with his friends, though and the smiles when he's around them come easy. So why is he so stingy with it around Jungkook? And here Mr. Park is smiling at the new girl for doing the bare minimum.
Jimin turns to Jungkook. “Seems like your job will be easier from here on out, Mr. Jeon. Maybe I need to get you more work to do to justify that big paycheck of yours, huh?”
There it is, Jungkook just got a smile from Park Jimin today, too. But the evil version.
Jungkook gulps. Mr. Park seems to be enjoying his distress a little too much.
*******
“Bye, oppa, we miss you! I’m excited to see you in a few weeks!” Yerim exclaims on the screen in front of Jungkook.
Jungkook’s heart breaks. He misses his little sister. He misses his mom and dad. He misses his big brother, too. But he’ll see them soon. The leave he asked for is worth it. And now that there’s Mikayla, he can go on more vacations.
“Son, this is final now, right? Park Jimin really agreed to let you go?” Jungkook’s mom asks.
“Yes, eomma. I’m really going! I wouldn’t have told Yerim if not. She’d be heartbroken if I didn't follow through.”
“Yes, she would. You’re her favorite brother.” His mom says cheekily looking to the guy on her left.
“I’m right here?” Jungkook’s older brother, Junghyun complains
Jungkook chuckles.
“I told you, you can leave your job, son,” Jungkook’s father suddenly says. “We’ll be alright. The money we make from our apartments for rent is enough. Plus, your eomma's catering is doing well. And you’ve already saved enough for Yerim’s education. She’ll be okay.”
“Appa, the bills keep coming. Plus, hyung would have a family soon. He can’t help as much anymore. He has to save some for his own family. I just want Yerim to have a good shot in life, appa. She needs to get the best education.” Jungkook replies. “And you, too. I don’t wanna hear about you taking less than the prescribed amount for your meds again, please. I can afford it, appa. Don’t worry about it, okay? Never do that again, please.”
Jungkook’s father looks down. “I just don’t want you to kill yourself with working too much, son. And I want you to stop working for that boss of yours. For a Korean, he truly doesn’t care about family. If I see him someday, I will really give him a piece of my mind.” Jungkook’s father always gets angry whenever the topic strays to Jungkook’s boss.
“I’m not just working there for the money, appa. I also wanna be an editor. And it would be easier for me to get a manuscript published someday with the connections I have.”
“Please take care of yourself, son. Remember, when it takes more out of you than it has already taken, it’s time to consider leaving. It’s won’t be worth it, then son. You are capable of so much more.”
Jungkook tries hard not to tear up. His father has always been supportive of everything he does.
“I will, appa. I’ll remember. I love you. See you all next month, okay?”
“See you soon!” Everybody on the screen waves goodbye.
Suddenly Jungkook has a renewed stance and energy to face his whole situation at work tomorrow.
All the sacrifices he made for Park Jimin, all the late nights, the lost weekends, the cancelled dates and cancelled holidays, the insane amount of stress and effort he’s put in, won’t be for nothing. He will not get fired. He will work towards getting that promotion to editor. He will keep working on the manuscript of his book. He will get that book published one day. He needs to be right where he is.
Jin’s right, maybe having Mikayla is a good thing. Having her around means Jungkook would be less stressed with work and that he'd have more time for himself.
Mikayla is good, she can stay. And Jungkook, no matter what it takes, must.
He needs to keep his job. No matter what it takes...
Notes:
hang tight, jungkook ;)
*evil laugh*
talk to me on twitter if you like
Chapter 3: Jeon Jungkook Moving Up in the World
Summary:
Jungkook just wants things to go back to normal :)
Chapter Text
Jimin forgoes calling his lawyer again. He’ll call him tomorrow, after he pitches the Spectrum project. He’s been working on this project for months. Out of all the projects he’s pitched before, he’s the most passionate about this one. It’s very personal to him. This absolutely has to be approved.
His lawyer, Mr. Lee, just has to wait one more day. No big deal. It’s not like there’d be something that urgent. His current visa isn’t due for a renewal until four months from now anyway.
Jimin wakes up at 5 am to do his morning workout routine. He checks his phone and sees a text from Namjoon from late last night.
[ namjoon kim ]: Jimin. You need to meet Mr. Lee tomorrow, he just called me because he couldn’t reach you. It’s about your visa.
[ jimin park ]: Sorry, just saw this. Morning hyung. I’ll call him after my pitch later.
Jimin sees the three dots moving. Namjoon is awake and is typing his reply.
[ namjoon kim ]: Reschedule the pitch, Jimin. Trust me, you need to meet Mr. Lee asap.
Jimin starts to worry and dials Namjoon.
“Jimin.” Namjoon answers immediately.
“Hyung, what’s up with Mr. Lee?”
“Is that Jiminie? My darling, hello! Show your face to me this week, I miss you!” Jimin hears Taehyung yelling in the distance somewhere in his and Namjoon’s apartment.
“Well, you heard." Namjoon asks Jimin rhetorically. Taehyung's voice was probably heard by their neighbors five floors down.
Jimin gives a chuckle. "Yep, tell him we'll grab lunch sometime this week."
"He'd love that. Listen, Jimin." Namjoon's voice suddenly turns quieter. "I didn’t wanna be the one to break it to you but Mr. Lee told me you’re getting deported in 2 months if you don’t find another visa option. I haven't told Tae yet, he'll freak out.”
The information gives Jimin pause. But that doesn't sound right. “2 months? No, I have until January. I’ve got 4 months, and I can just renew it, no?”
“You sure? When did you last check? He says, it’s 2 months. And no, Jimin. Remember that trip you insisted on going to 3 weeks ago? For that book fair in Tokyo to secure Hiroto Matsuda? You breached your visa conditions, Jimin. You are forfeited to renew your current visa.”
“Fuck. Is Lee sure about this, hyung?”
“Jimin, Mr. Lee is thorough. That’s why I recommended him to you after he helped me and Taehyung. Your current visa isn’t expiring for 2 months but you might have to start doing something about it ASAP. You need to go see him today. ”
“Okay, hyung. I will.” Jimin is suddenly worried. He can't believe he neglected that issue. It'd always been easy before - his current temporary visa expires, he renews, rinse and repeat. He needs to clarify that condition breach he apparently made.
“It’ll be alright, Jimin." Namjoon says, hearing the worry in his best friend's voice. "Whatever happens, we’ll find a way.”
****************
Jimin shoots Mr. Lee an email since he can’t call so early in the morning. The man replies an hour later and tells him they can meet at 10am today. Apparently, he’s leaving for a vacation tomorrow for 2 weeks so they have to meet today.
What’s with people wanting to go on long vacations lately, Jimin thinks resentfully.
That reminds him of the other person he has to call this morning. Jimin dials Jungkook’s number. He checks his watch. 6:15 am. Oh well.
A sleepy Jungkook answers on the 7th ring. "Yes."
“Rise and shine.” Jimin says on the phone.
Jungkook groans. He puts his phone down and checks the time on it: 6:16 am. His boss is calling him 2 hours before he’s supposed to wake up. And he slept late last night. Jungkook kicks his blanket angrily several times before putting the phone back in his ear and composes himself. “Yes, boss?”
“I need you to come meet me in the office at 7 today.”
“B-but-”
“But?”
“Is this urgent, sir?”
“Would I call you at 6am if it wasn’t?”
Jungkook’s patience is thin in the early morning and Jimin is patronizing him. Jungkook tries to mentally collect all the negative energy around him and send them all towards the man on the other end of line.
“Be there at 7, then.” Jungkook tries to put as much fake cheeriness on his voice as he can muster.
“Perfect, see you soon. Oh, and Mr. Jeon?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t forget my coffee. Don't spill it this time.”
Jungkook grits his teeth at his phone and hangs up. He jumps out of his bed angrily and is about to throw his phone towards the opposite wall but thankfully stops himself because he realizes he can’t really afford to replace it. So he just yanks a pillow and throws it across his room. He grabs another pillow and does the same. He takes the same pillow off the floor and starts hitting the bed with it nonstop. He throws all his frustrations into it and imagines hitting Mr. Park with it over and over.
“WHO. DOES. HE. THINK. HE. IS.” He shouts in between every hit.
Apparently, his commotion wakes his flatmate. Hoseok knocks on his door and asks, “Jungkook? You good in there?”
“I’m about to commit murder, hyung!” Jungkook yells angrily through the door. “If my boss mysteriously dies in the next few weeks, it’s definitely me!”
Hoseok comes into his room then. “What did the little demon do again?”
“Asked me to come early today. Again! He always does this! Doesn’t even ask nicely!” Jungkook collapses on his bed angrily. “Plus, you know he just hired a new assistant yesterday? Clearly, he’s pushing me to quit since he cannot fire me himself without good reason!”
Jungkook decidedly stands up again just to grab the pillow once more and start hitting the bed again with it.
“Just quit today, Kook. It’s not worth it anymore. I hate seeing you like this. Your mental health comes first. I'm sure you’ll find another job you’ll like.”
Jungkook remembers his father telling him the same thing last night. Everybody wants him to quit already and frankly, today, he's really considering it. Again.
Jungkook can't count anymore the number of times he's considered quitting. But he always just says it and never really means it.
Should he actually really consider doing it this time?
*********
Jungkook walks in to work at 7:25 am. All throughout the commute to work he’s thought about resigning so much that he couldn’t even find the energy to care if he gets to the office on time by 7. Let Park get mad. He's not technically required to be here til hours later anyway.
Jungkook walks into his boss’ office after knocking once, ready to get scolded.
“Oh thank god.” Mr. Park simply says. No flaring nostrils so... not pissed?
“Come in, we have a lot to discuss. So, today, you know I was supposed to pitch the Spectrum project to Keegan and Hwang, right?”
“Was? We didn’t move it, sir. You are still doing it today.” Jungkook takes a seat.
“No, you’re doing it today.”
“What’s that?” Jungkook isn't sure he heard that clearly.
“I called my lawyer this morning, Jeon. I need to meet him at 10 for urgent matters. You’re gonna have to pitch my project to the big bosses. You better not mess it up.”
“Wait. Me? Huh? Why?”
Honestly, Jungkook is still processing the fact that Hades over here is not biting his head off about being late to their agreed meeting time, and now he's also being bombarded with a lot of (very surprising) info. Plus, it’s too early in the morning okay?
“Didn’t you hear me? I have to meet my lawyer. It’s urgent. Are your cogs not working yet?” Jimin pushes his coffee to Jungkook. “Here, have my coffee. You look like you need it more.”
Jungkook actually takes it and drinks it, much to Jimin's suprise, even though he offered. He knows Jungkook wouldn't actually take it.
At least, the old Jungkook wouldn't.
There's been a shift in Jungkook ever since he insisted to go on a leave after Jimin forbid it.
“Why me? Why not ask Kim Namjoon? Or any of the other editors? I’m just your assistant.” Jungkook says after having a sip of coffee. He absentmindedly pushes it back to Jimin who looks at the cup like it's poisoned.
It finally sinks in for Jungkook that he just took a drink from Jimin's daily coffee. Oh well, he offered. Jungkook takes back the coffee.
Mr. Park rolls his eyes. “Precisely. You actually assisted me on this one. So who better to pitch it other than you?”
Jungkook thinks it would have been nice to hear that his boss trusts him enough to do this but he knows Park is bullshitting him. His involvement in this is very limited. Park has an ulterior motive here. He wants Jungkook to look like a fumbling idiot in front of the big bosses, isn't he?
“Are you trying to get rid of me? Is this you setting me up to fail in front of the higher ups so you can justify firing me after? Because I called you an ass and insisted on a one week leave? That I deserve, by the way."
Jimin gives him an incredulous look before it turns into just intense staring that is starting to intimidate and scare Jungkook.
Yep, this is definitely a new Jungkook, Jimin thinks.
Mr. Park swivels his chair so he fully faces Jungkook. He leans in closer, eyes narrowed and glued to Jungkook's in a challenging way. Then he pulls Jungkook's necktie so their faces are closer.
"Say that again, Mr. Jeon?"
Jimin is way too close and is looking at Jungkook way too intensely. Jungkook squirms in his seat as he feels sweat beads start to form. And because the Lord is testing him, Jungkook also gets a whiff of that perfume of Mr. Park's that he loves smelling...
Damn it, Jungkook hates this man and hates whatever unwelcome effect he has on him.
“You’re getting brave lately, Mr. Jeon. You gonna make a habit of talking back to me?”
Jungkook gulps. Suddenly he remembers all the “mark me down as scared and horny” memes on the internet.
Why would his stupid brain go there, it’s not like Park Jimin is making him scared and-
“We’re wasting time, Mr. Jeon.” Jimin gets even closer. “This project has a lot of details that I need you to start learning before you walk into that presentation today and you’re here asking me to reassure you that what... I've got no plans to punish you and that you're not in trouble? Need me to tell you you’re a good boy?”
Jungkook internally whines.
“I am not trying to get rid of you.” Jimin says anyway as he finally releases Jungkook's tie and backs away from him.
Jungkook lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
“Are we gonna do this, Jungkook? Or should I just call Mikayla in? Because to be honest, I think she can-”
“I’m doing this.” Jungkook suddenly blurts out, not letting Mr. Park finish that sentence because yes, Jungkook also thinks Mikayla can.
But Mikayla may not.
This task is Jungkook's. He thinks he will do this and he will do it well. Forget resigning. Life is throwing him a bone here. He knows how much this project means to Mr. Park. If he gets the green light on this project for Mr. Park, he'll be out of the Dark Side in no time and will get back on his boss' good graces.
*************
Mr. Park leaves at 9:30, with a not-so-subtle threat about returning with an approved proposal, or else .
Jungkook is going over the details of the pitch again when Jin comes up to him and smacks the back of his head.
“Oi! You’re early! You’re really trying to over-impress Park huh?”
“Nah, the devil actually called me so fucking early this morning to do his pitch to Hwang and Keegan today about his project.”
“Oh? Why not him?”
“He gotta do something urgent, he says.”
“Jeon Jungkook moving up in the world! You can do it!” Jin massages Jungkook's shoulder once.
“You know I kinda get nervous speaking in front of people. What if I look like an incompetent fool in front of the big bosses? Ugh, I don’t wanna remain as Korean Voldemort’s assistant forever.”
“I can do it, then, if you want,” Mikayla says beside him.
Jungkook puts a hand in front of Mikayla. “Swiper, no swiping.”
Mikayla rolls her eyes.
Jungkook turns back to Jin. “It’s fine. The project is kinda cool, hyung. Can’t believe Park came up with this. It’s too good.”
“You’re surprised that our editor-in-chief is good at his job?”
“No, no, not amazing good, I meant nice good - like it’s a project a nice person would create. It’s a competition encouraging LGTBQ Asian writers to write their own stories. It’s a win-win because we get stories and we get to discover more Asian writers. And in turn, more unknown writers get the exposure. Not to mention the cultural impact? You know the genre isn’t as popular in Asian Lit as it is in Western.” Jungkook himself is excited about the project.
"Hey, you're right. It is a good project. Better pitch it well, then, Kook."
“I don’t know if the big bosses are gonna green-light it, though. I mean, our target market is still mostly Asian - mostly Korean and Japanese. You know how it is for LGBTS in our culture.”
“And Park Jimin’s doing his part to try to change it? How very un-Voldemort of him.”
Jungkook ponders on that for a moment. Before deciding, “Nah. He probably got this idea from someone else. He can’t do nice.”
Jin snorts and shakes his head.
************
Jungkook's presentation went smoothly. Keegan and Hwang loved the idea. They told Jungkook they’ll let Park know his idea is splendid and that they can’t believe the one who pitched is just his assistant because then he is definitely overqualified. Jungkook is overjoyed.
Not only did he leave a good impression on the big bosses, they might also talk him up to Park. Plus, the pitch got approved. Jimin would be so happy about it that Jungkook is certain he will officially be off the Dark Side once Mr. Park finds out.
Everything will be back to normal now.
**********
Jungkook hasn’t felt this relaxed in a while. He feels good after that pitch. He is having lunch with Jin inside the break room when Kim Namjoon walks in.
“Hey guys, sorry to interrupt. Jungkook, have you heard from Jimin today yet?”
“Not yet, Mr. Kim.”
“I see. Ok, then. He's not answering my call, I just wanted to check in. Enjoy your lunch, then, both of you.”
“Thanks, sir.” Jungkook says.
As soon as Kim Namjoon is out of earshot, Jin whispers some gossip to Jungkook.
“He’s getting a divorce, I heard.”
“Wait, really? He’s splitting with Kim Taehyung?”
“Yeah, he’s so god damn attractive, why would Mr. Kim ever let go of that one?” Jin thinks on that for a bit. “Actually, Mr. Kim is also hot so he’ll be more than alright moving forward.” Jin continues slurping happily on his noodles. “Think about it, though. Park and his friends are all so good-looking. Wonder what it’s like being friends with people who are as hot as you... we just have me in our friend group.”
“Hey, fuck you, I’m hot.”
“Say, Kook. I’m just curious. Have you ever thought about making a move on Park?”
Jungkook chokes on his sandwich at the sudden question. “What? Why? No! Never. Gross.”
“Right.” Jin gives him his best I smell bullshit look. “You sure about that? Your brain never went there? I’m pretty sure even straight guys’ brains go there when they see his face.”
Jungkook tries not to think about it. “He’s my boss.”
“So?” Jin asks. “Does he stop being hot because of it?”
“Can you stop saying Mr. Park is hot! No, I’ve never thought about it.” And because he feels he’s not convincing Jin (or himself) enough, he adds, “Besides, he’s not that hot.”
Thankfully for Jungkook, Linda suddenly peeks inside the break room and halts their conversation. “JK, your Darth Vader is back.”
Jungkook stands up so fast and swallows the rest of his sandwich in one go before Jin pushes his questions further. Jungkook starts packing up his stuff and mumbles “Wwrayks wwohwer!” to Jin, with his mouth full of food.
“Manners!” Jin slaps Jungkook’s arm as he passes by.
“Break’s over!” Jungkook says again, more clearly now after having swallowed his food, and starts running out of the break room. ”See ya later! Gotta tell Park I got his project approved!” Jungkook throws a fist in the air. “I live!”
************
Jungkook knocks on Mr. Park’s office once and goes in. He sees his boss pacing, mind clearly on something but Jungkook is so excited to tell him the news.
“Sir, the project got approved! They said yes!” Jungkook says enthusiastically and waits for the reaction.
But... he doesn’t get any.
“Sir?”
“Huh?”
Jungkook is looking at his boss strangely but repeats his news nonetheless. “They said yes to the Spectrum project. They liked me too, actually” he chuckles, “You know what they said? They think I’m overqualified for this job. Haha.”
Jungkook looks at Jimin meaningfully but the boss doesn’t even spare him a glance. “Mr. Park?”
“What’s that?" Jimin asks again, clearly troubled with something.
"They said yes to the project, sir." Jungkook just says simply, excitement already watered down by Mr. Park's lack of attention.
"Oh, they said yes?" Mr. Park gives a small smile.
Jungkook won't admit it but that small smile felt nice enough to erase all Jungkook's stresses today because of Jimin.
"That’s great. Good work, Jeon. Thank you very much for that one.” Then he just goes back to pacing again.
Well, that was a little underwhelming , Jungkook thinks. At least he saw a genuine smile from Jimin and got a 'thanks'.
Suddenly Mr. Park's office phone rings. His boss answers.
“Yes, sir. Be right up.” Jimin says into the phone and hangs up. Jungkook gathers that it’s Keegan and Hwang. They wanna talk to Mr. Park upstairs. Probably gonna commend him for the project they just approved.
“Jungkook, the big bosses want to talk to me. Probably about the project. Get me out of there in 5 minutes, okay? Just 5 minutes. Come up with whatever excuse as long as you get me out of there. I have a lot of work to catch up on today.”
“Okay. You got it, boss.”
***************
“Jimin, sit down.” Mr. Hwang tells Jimin as soon as he enters the room..
“Good job on the project, by the way, we’re very excited about it.” Mr. Keegan tells Jimin as soon as he settles on a chair beside Mr. Hwang.
“I am too. Thank you for approving it.”
“It's a great idea. We're definitely on board. However, we have a problem here apparently. Jimin, the immigration called us today, asking about your recent work trip to Tokyo. Apparently it’s a breach of your visa conditions. They called us saying we are unable to renew to sponsor your visa anymore after your current one ends. Now, we were confused cause surely, something like this... you would have told us."
"Sir, of course I would have but this isn't-"
"They said you can’t apply for a new work visa unless you leave the country for at least a year and then try to re-apply then, is that true?”
“I-”
“That gives you just two months left with us, Jimin. How can we possibly find someone to replace you in that short amount of time? You run the entire show. Your position is incredibly hard to fill, the only likely candidate to replace you isn't quite right for the job. We have no one in mind to take your place. This is so disappointing to hear.”
“No, wait, Mr. Hwang, I-”
Just then, there’s a knock on the door and Jungkook peeks in. “Sorry, sirs. Very sorry to interrupt. Uh… Mr. Park? I need you.”
“Yeah I know, I know, Jungkook! Shh!” Jimin waves him off.
Jungkook thinks it's part of the act. So, Mr. Park wants to play it like he reluctantly has to go, huh? Alright, Jungkook will play along.
“I know you're in an important meeting, Mr. Park, but it’s Ms. Krishna Lestari... this is extremely urgent.“
"Yes, yes, hold on! I’m in the middle of something."
Jungkook just keeps the act going. “Sir, it absolutely cannot wait even one more minute. She insisted that-”
“Jungkook!” says angrily and Jungkook halts his talking.
Mr. Park is about to angrily tell Jungkook off but as he turns to him, he gets a good look at his assistant and his mouth suddenly closes. He studies the man who came to pretend to have something urgent just to get him out of his current conversation with the big bosses. His devoted assistant, who agrees to play along with whatever it is Jimin asks of him.
Mr. Park's brain connects the dots and his angry expression suddenly shifts into… into…
What is this look? Jungkook wonders confusedly.
Jungkook doesn’t know what Mr. Park wants him to do now. Does he still want me to fetch him out of here or?
Jimin tilts his head slightly at Jungkook and Jungkook registers it as a signal.
But a signal for what?
When Jimin tilts his head again in a way that Jungkook guesses means Mr. Park wants him to come in the room, Jungkook walks in hesitantly.
As soon as Jungkook stands beside him in the center of the room, Jimin suddenly plasters on a smile on his face and turns back towards Mr. Keegan and Mr. Hwang. “Gentlemen. I’m happy to confirm that I am not getting deported.”
Jungkook’s eyes snap towards Jimin. Deported??
Jimin claps his hands once and keeps them together in front of him. “The truth is… and you understand why we had to keep this a secret.” Jimin laughs nervously. “The truth is, uhm.. Jungkook and I… are... getting married.” Jimin nods. “We’re getting married. Yep. So yeah… I won’t be leaving anytime soon.”
Jungkook blinks at Jimin.
“Mr. Jeon, is this true?” Mr. Hwang asks Jungkook.
Jungkook turns to Mr. Hwang and opens his mouth to speak but words won’t come out. What is he supposed to say here?
Jimin then huddles closer to Jungkook and puts an arm around his waist. Jungkook flinches and looks questioningly at his boss but Jimin is just smiling that fake smile of his. It's so artificial it unnerves Jungkook.
“It’s okay, we can tell them.” Jimin tells him in a low voice that Jungkook is sure Keegan and Hwang heard anyway.
Jungkook looks at the man he's worked for the past 2 years like he's possessed.
Jimin turns to Keegan and Hwang again with an eerily calm, and reassuring smile. “Actually, Jungkook is due for a promotion.” Park’s hand on his waist tightens and it feels like a message. “We didn’t want people to know we were dating lest they think our affair is the reason I'm promoting Jungkook to Junior Editor.”
Promotion to Junior Editor?
AFFAIR??
Jimin continues talking, “In fact, we’ve already started the transition. You’ve heard about the new assistant I’ve hired just recently, right?. As soon as she’s ready to handle the job, Jungkook is ready to begin at his new position.”
Keegan and Hwang look at each other for several beats.
Jungkook doesn’t dare move a muscle. They can't possibly buy this bullshit.
“Guess congratulations are in order, then.” Hwang shrugs and then smirks.
“This is great, Jimin.” Keegan adds. “Just… make it legal.” Keegan points to his ring finger.
“Understood, sir. Thank you.” Jimin walks out.
Jungkook is left standing there, unsure what to do so he bows. "Thank you, sirs." He bows all the way out of the room.
Have a good afternoon."
As soon as Jungkook exits the office, he starts furiously marching after Mr. Park as they walk towards his own office.
Well, so much for things going back to normal.
Notes:
hehe. here we go here we gooo
talk to me on twitter if you wanna :)
edit: i also have curiouscat now if you wanna ask or tell me stuff anonymously
Chapter 4: It's a Simple Yes or No Question
Summary:
Mr. Park proposes and Jungkook decides if he can marry evil incarnate.
Notes:
to everyone who’s read, commented, tweeted, left kudos, etc about this fic: every single interaction, like even just the mere fact that you clicked on this fic in mild interest... thank you! I didn’t even think people would be interested in reading from a first time fic writer as me but here you are??? hope you enjoy this fic as much i very much enjoy writing it <3
again, let's pretend all the immigration stuff are legit ok :D
without further ado… proposal incoming!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
As soon as Jungkook enters Jimin’s office and shuts the door, Jungkook rounds on his boss, who’s sitting too casually at his chair like he didn’t just turn Jungkook’s world upside down.
“WHAT FRESH HELL WAS THAT, MR. PARK?!”
“Lower your voice, will you?” Jimin says cooly, typing something on his laptop like he's just going about his day like it's a normal Thursday. All while Jungkook is going through a crisis.
"Answer me!”
His boss is still just typing and Jungkook is about to pop a vein.
“Excuse me??? Sir ? Can I bother you with an explanation?! Please?! Cause like, WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT?!”
Jimin deeply sighs like Jungkook is the one who disturbed his peace. “Jungkook, sit down.”
Jungkook doesn’t sit. He crosses his arms waiting for Mr. Park to start.
“Fine. I have some visa concerns, Jungkook, that’s why. So... yeah, uhm, marry me.”
“What?!” That’s really just it? He says it like it should make sense.
“It’s a simple yes or no question, Mr. Jeon.”
“It’s a simple- okay then, NO!”
“Will you just consider it and get back to me in 3-4 business days?”
3-4 business days??? Jungkook swears he’s about to come unhinged. Why, Mr. Park, you could have just emailed me about our upcoming marriage! You didn’t have to tell me in person!!! This dick!
“I beg your pardon, Mr. Park?! Are you for real? Is this some sick elaborate joke?”
“Quite the contrary, Mr. Jeon.” Jimin says, all business-like. “I am out of visa options, my current one is about to expire. I’m about to get deported. I’ll lose my position and everything I have worked for. You are a citizen in this country and unmarried. You need money, I have it. You need a promotion, I can give it. Whatever you want. I just need you to marry me until I get my citizenship. That’s it. That’s my proposal.”
“Oh my god??? Well, fuck, thank you for that, Mr. Park. Gosh, you’re really sweeping me off my feet here. I’ve always wanted to be asked for marriage like this. Dream proposal. So romantic. I’m really considering it now.”
“You’re considering it?”
“No!!! Jesus what the fuck?! Who in their right mind would agree to this?! First of all, let me count. I have- ” Jungkook starts counting his fingers like he's counting one to five but then after pointing to the last finger on his one hand, he wiggles all his fingers in front of Jimin's face, “absolutely ZERO reasons to marry you!”
Jimin rolls his eyes at the dramatics. “Why? Are you saving yourself for someone special?”
Jungkook looks at him questioningly. “Of course?? I like to think I am, thank you very much!”
“I’m serious about the promotion, Jeon. You wanna be editor, right?”
Jungkook looks at his boss offended. “I cannot be bribed into marriage! Not to mention this is illegal shit that could get me imprisoned!”
“I’ll pay you for it.”
“Again... jail?! No way!” Jungkook says, like the gravity of the situation is not registering to his boss. “And, again, I cannot be br-”
“$300,000.”
“$300,000?” Jungkook’s eyebrows shoot up high. That, to him, is a whole lot of money, way WAY more than his salary for a whole year....
“Plus some extra money you get from being promoted. On top of your already high paycheck. You do know you're already getting paid more than other Junior Editors here right? Seems like someone won’t have to worry about money anymore. Yay?” Jimin tries.
“Hold up, you’re that loaded? That you’re willing to just throw away three hundred grand for a fake marriage? Who even are you?”
“Why? You want proof of funds? I’ll give it. I’ll pay you in monthly installments like an actual job. In fact, just think of it as one.” His boss shrugs. “An easy job at that - you literally just have to marry me.”
“ Just marry you? Have you met yourself?”
Mr. Park rolls his eyes. If that offends him, Jungkook doesn’t even care anymore - not when this whole thing tips the scale of their relationship. Seems like he’s the one Mr. Park needs here.
“On paper, Jeon. You’re just gonna marry me, on paper . We only have to go through the whole screening process and once that is cleared, you don’t have to do anything else - just sign papers. And once I get my citizenship, that’s it, a divorce and we’re all done.”
Jungkook starts thinking about the process. Is it really that easy? Could it work? But then he stops himself immediately. No! Don’t you even dare consider this. This is crazy! Park is crazy! He’s going down and he wants you to go down with him!
“Allow me to be blunt, Mr. Park, but... you’ve never been nice to me?! The money and the promotion are cool but this could literally put me behind bars. Why would I risk it all for you? If you leave, I’m just gonna stay right here and probably work for a kinder boss.” Jungkook says confidently as he crosses his arms, “I don’t need to do this.”
“Kinder boss? Who do you think will be editor-in-chief if I leave?”
Jungkook thinks on that. Kim Namjoon? Wait, no, he doesn’t have the experience. Fuck- It’s Mr. Pratt. Jungkook’s eyes grow wide in realization and Jimin knows Jungkook has put two and two together.
“That’s right.” His boss smiles his most evil fake smile ever. “And who do you think Mr. Pratt’s least favorite person in this office is?”
Of course, Jungkook thinks in anguished defeat. Of course.
Park winks at him when he sees in Jungkook's face the realization that he is Mr. Pratt's least favorite person in the office.
“Congratulations, Mr. Jeon.” Mr. Park says sarcastically, clearly loving how the whole situation is working for him right now.
Ugh this fucking asshole. It’s his boss’ fault Mr. Pratt even hates him. That guy is so hopelessly, so pathetically in love with Park and can’t take a hint to save his life, always bugging Jimin every chance he gets. Mr. Park always enlists Jungkook to come get him out of talking to Mr. Pratt and after years of being the ultimate cockblock of Pratt’s life, Jungkook is sure he is on the man’s hit list. He will not survive if that man becomes the new top dog around here.
“Not only will you say goodbye to your dreams of being promoted to editor, you can also say goodbye to staying an assistant to the editor-in-chief. Staying in this company, even. You think Pratt will keep you around if he can justify not having you around because there's no more me? Out of everyone here, it's only you who directly answers to me.”
Jimin stands up and walks closer to Jungkook, who is now frozen solid, picturing the dire future that is likely to happen if Mr. Park isn’t in charge here anymore.
Jimin continues, rounding on Jungkook, “And if that happens... all your hard work. All the sacrifices - all the late nights, the holidays you didn’t take, the coffee runs, the weekends that you still worked… all of that will be for nothing.”
Well shit.
Jungkook hates it - hates the fact that his boss is making several points here. But it’s still crazy. Maybe he can still take his chances? Maybe he’ll ask Kim Namjoon for help or something. Maybe he needs an assistant. He’s always been nice despite being Park’s friend. He won’t fall for Park’s bleak picture of his future. It’s not gonna be that tragic… is it?
“Boss, you’re still talking about something that could potentially put me in jail.” Jungkook says, his voice sounding a bit more defeated now that he's realizing whichever way forward is a losing situation for him.
“The government is after terrorists not book publishers, Jungkook.” His boss walks back to his desk and leans on it, facing Jungkook. “Do you know how many people do this? The government knows this already. That’s why the whole application process is so expensive. You think Keegan and Hwang up there bought our act? They know the drill. You heard them - they just asked me to make it legal. They don't care if our relationship is real or not. The government doesn't either. They make money from this. As long as we tick all their boxes, we’re getting through the screening. It’s all politics, Jungkook.”
Jungkook looks suspiciously at his boss and takes everything he hears with a grain of salt.
Mr. Park continues. “And if we don’t make it through, then, by all means,” his boss shrugs “feel free to throw me under the bus. Tell them I forced you to do it otherwise I threatened to fire you or something.”
“Wait… are you?! Are you gonna fire me if I say no?”
Jimin rolls his eyes again. “You know you can report me for that now and get me deported instantly instead of 2 months from now if I do that to you, right?”
Yeah, ok, that sounds about right.
Mr. Park goes back to his seat and looks ready to resume work. He seems like he’s said what he needed to say. “Listen, Jungkook. I gave you the whole pitch, it's still up to you to decide.”
Jungkook just stands there, still processing when Mr. Park speaks again. “I am not forcing you to do it, Mr. Jeon.” His boss sighs deeply like he's kind of expecting Jungkook to say 'no' but he has to appeal to him nonetheless. “This job is just... extremely important to me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go through these lengths to keep it. I only ask that you don't say 'no' immediately and at least consider it.
Mr. Park scans Jungkook’s face for a few moments like he's trying to look for any hint that Jungkook could actually agree to it before he sighs again and looks down at his computer and just decides to get back to business.
Jungkook takes a good look at Mr. Park. Surely, he has someone else to rely on aside from him?
His boss isn't really be choosing to ask this of him after putting him through hell the past two years, is he?
************************
Jungkook is confused. His whole weekend is ruined because of thoughts of Mr. Park's proposal. He has no one to ask advice from because this is obviously confidential. He doesn’t even risk it by confiding in Jin or Hobi. He knows he can trust his friends but this isn’t his secret to tell. Therefore, Jungkook suffers through the whole life-changing decision by himself.
And that’s the thing. He doesn’t understand why he is even deciding . Like it’s a yes or no kinda thing when he really shouldn’t even contemplate on it at all. It’s too much. And for what? For that tiny demon? Because, what... he’d been so kind-hearted this whole time that Jungkook just has to return the favor?
But Jungkook is not the type to turn away from someone in need. Not even an evil someone. His eomma always said his kind heart is both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness. He’s not one to do bad to people who have been unkind to him. He just can’t and honestly, right now it kind of sucks that he's that way.
But on the other hand, this is dangerous territory. Illegal territory, even. And it’s not as easy as Mr. Park made it sound, of course. This will take a lot out of him. The whole screening process… pretending to be together in front of people around them… god, even his parents? What would he tell his parents? He can’t tell them it’s fake. They will be against it, for sure. And he can’t break their hearts either, having them believe Jungkook is desperate enough to do something like this.
But also, the money would really help. Being worried about money all his life and being the main provider for his family and suddenly having the option to have financial stability? 300,000 dollars is worth two years of hard work, easy.
It's very tempting. This is an opportunity for a better life. Plus, he gets to be an editor? Finally? And all he has to do is fake being in love with Korean Joffrey Baratheon in public?
It’s doable, isn't it? Sansa Stark did it, no?
Jungkook’s not sure his boss is actually serious about the 3-4 business days thing to decide. Today is the 4th day and Park hasn’t asked him again about it. To be honest, Jungkook has been kind of avoiding the man. He’s been sending Mikayla to deal with the stuff that requires actual talking to their boss. But Jungkook feels like Park is also giving him the space - he’s also calling on Mikayla more unless it’s something only Jungkook knows how to do.
And when he does interact with Jungkook, he’s a bit... nicer?
Jungkook knows this is all an act by Park to get him to say yes. He can tell how much his boss is stressing out more than usual, going by the fact that Mr. Park is like a walking tornado to everyone else in the office except him. It seems like he leaves off anybody within a meter of him devastated for simply breathing. On Friday, Park snapped at Linda for taking too long walking in front of him. Yesterday, he outright removed Terence from the project the poor guy has been part of for months. And right now, he is witnessing Park bite Choi’s head off in front of the entire floor, because he neglected to include something in one of their new authors’ publicity plans.
“If you spent as much time working on this, as you do gossiping with Gwan and Sun over there, then this wouldn’t have happened, Choi! Fix this and don’t even dare showing your face to me until you have!” Mr. Park shoves the folder he’s been holding to Choi.
Jungkook stares at the scene in stunned silence and looks around the floor - everybody else is in some variation of hiding: shrinking into their seats, looking away, looking busy - anything just to avoid being Park’s next target.
As soon as Park enters his own office, everyone visibly relaxes and starts talking amongst each other in hushed tones, others simply resume their work, afraid of being caught unproductive by the boss. Even Mikayla, unbothered as she is, is looking a bit taken aback.
“Has he been like this before?” She queries.
“Not this bad before. I heard he's already mellowed out when I started working here. I think that's the version from around 3 years ago. I've heard nightmare stories. But... I think he's just really going through something right now. ” Jungkook looks down in thought.
"Damn. If we have the mellowed out version, I'm sure glad I didn't work here before."
Jungkook's eyes mischievously light up a bit. “You can quit now if you wanna.”
“You wish.” Mikayla returns to her work. "Also, stop pretending you don't like you have a co-assistant now. You're so scared of Park, you make me talk to him all the time. You'd have to talk to him again more if I ever left and we both know you're too afraid of that."
"Me? Afraid of that tiny person? Please, Mikayla. Get back to work, and don't forget to make Park sign these later."
Mikayla looks at him boredly like he just proved her point.
From the corner of Jungkook's eyes, he sees Jin cautiously tiptoeing towards him, occasionally turning towards Park’s office door like he’s scared the boss will hear his footsteps and come out to castigate him.
“Oi, Kook, it’s been hurricane level 5 around here these days, what’s up with your boss?” Jin asks, looking concerned for his life.
"Our boss." Jungkook corrects but he can't really say anything he knows so he just shrugs.
“Really such a jerk sometimes” Jin mumbles and shakes his head before going to the break room, probably to get snacks or something.
Jungkook agrees, of course. Park can be quite a jerk. Park's personal problems definitely doesn’t excuse his actions.
However, Jungkook does feel bad. The man is about to lose everything he’s got, everything he’s worked for.
Isn’t this the same fear that Jungkook has been having lately as well?
Despite the feeling being unwelcome, he can’t help but feel out of sorts over Mr. Park's dilemma.
But he shakes his head because that's precisely what it is, isn't it? It's Mr. Park's dilemma.
Not his.
**************************
At around 4pm that day, Jungkook starts getting restless. Anytime now, his boss might ask him about his decision, but the truth is, he isn’t closer to making one as he was when the idea was first proposed to him. So when the phone suddenly rings, Jungkook suddenly jumps out of his seat in his startle. He doesn’t answer it and just glares at the phone and Mikayla is regarding him weirdly. She apparently can only take so much of Jungkook’s weird antics and finally takes the call for him.
“Hello?" Mikayla says on the phone. "Okay, one second, sir.” She pushes the phone towards Jungkook.
Jungkook stares at it like he doesn't know what to do with it. Mikayla shoves it right up his ear. Jungkook can’t even bring himself to say “Hello.”
“Jungkook?” The man on the other line says after a while.
Ohhhh. Jungkook’s tension level drops from 100 to 10 real quick.
“Mr. Kim!” Jungkook’s never been so happy to hear another man’s voice before. “Hello! How can I help you today?”
The absolute 180 has Mikayla staring at Jungkook like he's crazy.
“Are you busy? I’ve got something here for Jimin, if you can please deliver to him.”
“Sure, no problem, sir! Be there in 2.”
************
Jungkook knocks once on Kim Namjoon’s office and he enters after he hears a “Come on in!” from the man.
Mr. Kim is in the middle of pouring himself a tiny glass of scotch on his side table - the one he has for when literary agents and authors are around to negotiate with.
“Want a glass?” Namjoon offers to Jungkook without turning.
“I’m good, sir.” Jungkook replies.
“Jungkook, I’m sorry.” Mr. Kim finally looks at him. “I called you in here under false pretenses. I wanna talk to you about Jimin’s proposal.”
Well, that was unexpected. Mr. Kim knows?
Here Jungkook is, suffering in silence by himself because he can’t tell anyone, but of course Park gets to tell his friends.
As if seeing the thoughts from Jungkook’s face, Mr. Kim adds, “I only know about it because actually... Jimin got that idea from me.”
“You? You told Mr. Park to rope me in on his visa concerns?”
“Not exactly. I gave him the idea of a fake marriage but I didn't give him the idea to ask you.”
Jungkook doesn't know how to react to that.
“Jungkook, where’s your mind at right now? Have you considered it at all? Talk to me.”
“... Uhm.” Jungkook flounders for an answer, not quite knowing where to begin. But keeping the whole thing to himself these past few days and having no one to talk to, and now having someone offer to discuss? Jungkook looks at Mr. Kim's expectant eyes and everything suddenly comes up to the surface and Jungkook finally bursts, “Oh my god! Mr. Kim, what the fuck? I’m so fucking stressed I have no fucking clue what to do. I mean, who even asks someone to marry them like that? He asked so casually like he's just asking me to go staple something for him or something."
"I... understand."
"But like... this is so life-altering, you know? He can't possibly expect me to do this for him! This is too much!”
Jungkook paces around the room. Mr. Kim is just quiet and lets him get it all out.
“And… and it’s him, Mr. Kim, it's HIM. I mean, sir, I think you’re a really nice guy, super kind actually, so for the life of me, I cannot figure out why you’re friends with someone like that monster.”
Jungkook’s eyes widen and a hand claps over his mouth because as soon as it came out, he realizes this man is still his Park’s friend.
“Don’t tell him I said that, though, please please.”
Mr. Kim just snickers.
Jungkook continues, “No, for real, I just... calling him names is my form of coping with his evil so please don’t tell him. You realize I’m still kinda scared of the guy, right? Even though I kinda feel like I have this... power over him now because of how his future depends on my decision.” Jungkook looks down. “I mean, I don't know, maybe he’s just gonna find someone else willing to be paid for the marriage thing-”
“I don’t know if he’s gonna find someone else, actually. Knowing Jimin, he’ll probably prefer taking the 1 year off and he'll just come back after that instead of finding someone else. I don’t know, I could be wrong.”
That gives Jungkook pause. “But why? Why is he just asking me?”
Mr. Kim shrugs "He obviously trusts you. And, again, knowing Jimin, this is a huge thing for him - he doesn’t trust easily.” Mr. Kim looks at him resolutely then. “For him to even tell you this whole predicament he’s in, especially when it’s not exactly legal…is dangerous for him. And it's not like he's not self-aware of how he treats his employees. For him to ask this of you knowing you hate his guts I think means he trusts you a lot, Jungkook."
"It sounds like he's being dumb trusting me with this."
"Is he, though? Would you rat on him?"
Of course not, Jungkook thinks. He doesn't say it out loud but something about the way Mr. Kim looks at him tells him he already knows that.
"I thought so." Namjoon smiles. "I mean, I could be wrong, Jimin could be wrong. You might report him, who knows. But I think Jimin was more desperate instead of dumb."
"I don't hate his guts, Mr. Kim. But... I don't wanna get married in a fake way. Who would want something like that?"
Mr. Kim looks down. Jungkook has a point. "I understand, Jungkook. No one would, I guess. It's just...something someone would do to someone they wanna help. I think it all boils down to that - if you wanna help Jimin."
Jungkook whines. "But why does that decision fall upon me?"
"I’m not sure Jimin would be comfortable to do this with anyone else, actually."
"Sounds fake but okay.”
Mr. Kim snorts. “Has Jimin been that mean to you that you can’t fathom the possibility that he does like you?”
“Um, yeah?” Jungkook says it like it should be obvious.
Mr. Kim looks way too amused for someone whose bestfriend is about to get deported.
“You know you’re the only one who lasted in that position for more than a month? And you’ve been with him, what, 2 years?”
Jungkook nods. He knows this. He’s always just chalked it up to his tolerance level. Jungkook has stayed so far because of his patience with Mr. Park and not because of Mr. Park liking him or whatever. Pretty sure Park likes no one.
Except maybe Mikayla, he thinks bitterly.
“I know this might be hard for you to believe, Jungkook, but outside of work, he’s actually really nice. He can just be... closed off, you know? He doesn’t warm up to people as easily. But when he does, he’s the type to do everything for that person. Someone has to just give him a chance.” Mr. Kim is giving Jungkook a meaningful look.
“Sir, with all due respect, the very fact that I haven’t quit my job, is me giving continually giving him a chance, I think.”
Namjoon ponders on that.
Jungkook continues, “I’ve held on to this job like my life depended on it because, well, my life actually does. But I made it till now and it’s no thanks to him. He made everyday of my life here difficult. Why would I help someone like him?”
Namjoon sighs defeatedly and is critically losing all hope in winning this battle. “You’re right, Jungkook. Jimin can be kind of ruthless. He’s not a pleasant person to be around with at work because he’s too intense. He’s too serious about his job. He’s too driven to the point that he overworks himself and hates it when the people around him aren’t as dedicated. To be honest, I’ve been trying to help him find the right balance for years and I see he’s making an effort.” Mr. Kim looks back at Jungkook then. “He just has really high standards for himself and he enforces it to everyone around him but he’s learning to ease up and understand that it’s not healthy for him or the people around him.”
Jungkook’s brows furrow as he tries to pinpoint an instance when Mr. Park actually tried to be better.
As if sensing his skepticism, Mr. Kim continues, “Don’t you have a reliever now? The new girl?”
“Mikayla?”
“Yeah, Mikayla. If I remember Jimin’s story correctly, you were complaining about being overworked and not having the freedom to go on leave whenever? He also mentioned you always wanted to be an editor?
“Uhm…” Is Mr. Kim saying what Jungkook thinks he’s trying to say?
“He hired Mikayla to lessen your work and allow you more time for yourself. Also to possibly transition you out of being his assistant towards a promotion in the company.”
Jungkook remembers Mr. Park saying the same thing to the big bosses. That’s real?
Jungkook thought Park just pulled it out of his ass on the spot as an excuse to why they kept their "relationship" a secret.
Could it be true? Mr. Park actually hiring to do better by him?
“See, Jungkook. He’s trying.”
Jungkook isn't sure that he believes.
“Jimin aside, the money and the promotion are a cool deal, no? And trust me, the whole faking a marriage thing is not as hard as it sounds. Taehyung and I will be here to help you two if you decide to go through with it.”
Not hard? Please. Like Mr. Kim would know what it’s like.
“You’ve given him a chance all this time, you said. How about considering giving him one more? This one is probably the one that will matter most to him. Of course, I understand that this changes your life big-time too. So if there’s anything at all that you’d need more than what Jimin offered you for the deal, I’m all ears. I'm willing to do anything within reason if it means letting my friend stay with us and keep the life he's built here."
Mr. Kim looks like he’s already given his best argument. He’s also put the offer on the table for Jungkook to ask for anything more if he agrees to marry Mr. Park.
Mr. Kim drinks the rest of his scotch before he turns to Jungkook one last time. “Jungkook, Jimin is my friend, and this whole thing changes our lives so forgive me for being intrusive like this. I apologize for forcing an answer now but I just have to know so I can be prepared for my friend.” Mr. Kim pauses, “Jungkook, please tell me. It doesn't have to be you final decision but right now... what do you feel? Is it really a 'no'?”
Jungkook is so disappointed.
At himself.
Because he’s a dumbass who is so irritatingly kind to people, apparently even to spawns of satan, who don't deserve it.
He tells Namjoon as he takes a deep breath. "No, sir... I'm still confused but right now it’s not really a ‘no’.”
************************
Mr. Park didn’t end up asking him about it that day. Jungkook thinks maybe Mr. Park is waiting for Jungkook to come to him instead.
He really has been giving Jungkook the space to think about it.
Having that talk with Mr. Kim is really throwing Jungkook for a loop. If before today, he was stressed about even considering the fake marriage, now he’s outright terrified that Mr. Kim got to him and he is THIS close to saying yes to Mr. Park's proposal.
Jungkook hates his dumb self sometimes - hates that he’s willing to do something like this even for the main villain of his life.
(Or not quite the main villain, if he believes all the things Mr. Kim said earlier).
Jungkook calls his mother that night to try to have someone put some sense into him.
“Eomma, I'm too nice, right? You always hated that about me. You said it’s my greatest weakness.”
Jungkook’s mother is not even taken aback by Jungkook just casually video-calling and asking something out of the blue like this. She replies without missing a beat, “Hey, I never said I hated it. It’s your best quality, son. How can I hate the fact that your heart is so big? I only worry about you being abused for it.”
“What if I’m willingly choosing to be abused for it?”
“Then it’s your choice, isn’t it? Sooner or later we all meet people who ask a lot of us. It’s life. But only you get to determine who you’re allowing to experience the level of kindness you're willing to give.”
He wonders whether his mom will say the exact same words when he says he's willing to extend this kindness to his evil boss via a fake marriage.
As if sensing the idiocy of what Jungkook is thinking about doing, She suddenly narrows her eyes at her son “That said, don’t be stupid! I didn’t raise a martyr... did I?”
Jungkook gives a soft laugh. “What if… I wanna do something kind to someone who doesn’t deserve it?”
“Who decides who deserves kindness in this world, anyway? Don’t we all deserve it? The only thing you get to decide is if this person is someone you’re willing to give your kindness to - if the consequences are worth it because it’s them and they mean something to you.”
Jungkook lets that sink in.
Well, he can’t really disagree with that.
But what does Mr. Park mean to him? Is he worth all the trouble?
*********************
“Mr. Park? I’ve made a decision.”
Jimin sucks in a sharp breath as he whips his head towards his assistant, who’s standing by his office door first thing in the morning.
Mr. Park's unease starts rising by the second, judging by the way he drums his fingers on his knees after Jungkook announced he'd made a choice already and paused.
Jungkook doesn't mean to build up the suspense but he wants to be nearer to Jimin before he starts talking so he walks towards his boss's table and sees Jimin search his face for a clue- for anything that would give away Jungkook's actual decision.
Jungkook thinks Mr. Park has never looked so small before, looking up at him with both worry and hope in his eyes. His future in Australia really does depend heavily on Jungkook's choice.
The more Jimin stares right into his eyes, the more Jungkook wants nothing more than to drive away the fear he sees in Jimin's eyes.
Ahh Jimin's eyes.
Jungkook around Jimin might be a man in hate but he is not blind and was never immune to those eyes. When Mr. Park’s eyes are not on their default scary and intimidating, they can actually get so… soft... and deep... and for some reason... quite sad.
But when Mr. Park is happy, his eyes are something else. They turn into little crescents that seem like they're smiling themselves as much as they sparkle. Jungkook has found himself staring at his boss several times whenever Mr. Kim and his husband, Taehyung are around. Mr. Park softens enough around them that he seems a totally different person. Jungkook had always found himself intrigued by that Jimin.
And maybe... despite Jungkook never admitting it, he also finds himself a little jealous.
Because why can't Mr. Park be that carefree around him?
Jungkook likes to think, though, that compared to when Jimin is with other people (aside from his bestfriends), his unguarded side would come out once in a while around Jungkook.
But it happens so rarely, and definitely even more infrequent lately than maybe around a year ago, that Jungkook is even wondering if it's just his wishful thinking and unreal because Mr. Park had actually always been a snobby ass since day one.
But Jungkook sees a bit of that unguarded Jimin now, and he's taken back to moments when he'd felt like Mr. Park wasn't Mr. Park to him- like he was just Jimin.
At this moment, Jungkook thinks the man in front of him has never looked more… human.
There's a vulnerability he's never seen before and it forces Jungkook to feel this unbidden urge rising inside of him to quell Jimin’s fears and say yes to his proposal.
It terrifies Jungkook.
And so before he does something stupid and changes his mind, he immediately quashes the feeling.
He stares into his boss' eyes and tells him his decision.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Park. I can’t marry you."
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Notes:
*hides*
forgive me?
you can yell at me hehe
(next chapter will be my favorite chapter i think ehehe)
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thoughts? :) :) :)
did you think jk was gonna say yes? heheh (i did too)
do u have fav lines? scenes? or anything abt the characters? etc? in this chap or the prev ones? just curious!
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Chapter 5: The B Word
Summary:
There's a glitch in the simulation, Jungkook thinks. Mr. Park is being.... nice?????
Notes:
for this chapter, tw: mention of drugs. no one is taking drugs in this fic ok, someone just mentions it and that’s it, i wasn’t sure if it even requires a trigger warning but i’m just scared to miss it so i’m mentioning it now just in case.
again, im so thankful to everyone who’s reading this right now. hope my writing so far made you smile, laugh, soft, excited, or any positive feeling <3 hope i continue to do so…
without further ado, i give u jk in crisis! as usual! *evil laughter*
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
After talking to his mother last night, Jungkook came to the conclusion that yes, of course, Mr. Park deserves to be helped. But if Mr. Park deserves his kindness, his family does as well - and while he’s willing to help his boss, Mr. Park’s proposal just puts his entire family at risk. If it was just him and no one else relied on him, it probably would have been easier to agree.
Jungkook went to work that morning feeling morose, knowing he was gonna turn down the offer. But as he stared at Mr. Park and saw the crack in the man’s tough armor - the vulnerability he never let show before, Jungkook was THIS close to saying he’ll do it.
And it scared him. So he immediately says what he came to say, before he could second-guess himself: He tells Mr. Park he couldn’t go through the fake marriage with him.
Jungkook thinks he's dodged a bullet.
But it doesn’t feel like he did.
Jungkook is now looking down, unable to face the man in front of him and see the disappointment? or maybe anger? in his eyes. Jungkook doesn’t really know what reaction he’s expecting, half-prepared for Mr. Park’s wrath to rain down on him anytime now.
It takes a few more seconds of silence before Jungkook finally musters the courage to look up at his boss and as soon as their eyes meet, Mr. Park starts to blink and move, apparently frozen before shaking himself out of his own thoughts, and immediately composing himself.
“Oh.” Jimin murmurs. “I see. That’s… understandable. I understand, Jungkook.” He nods one too many times and Jungkook thinks it’s kind of painful to witness the break in the man’s usual composure. “Now, if uhm, you can just do me the favor of not telling anyone and not telling the big bosses until I… figure out what to do? I would really appreciate it, Mr. Jeon.”
“Of course.” Jungkook says iimmediately. It went without saying. “Of course, Mr. Park.”
Mr. Park nods and stares at space for a few moments before he clears his throat and grabs a stack of papers on his desk. "Mr. Jeon, if you could put these on the table over there on your way out, that'd be great."
"Of course, sir." Jungkook grabs the folders and does what he's told.
Before he opens the door to leave, he turns back towards Jimin with regretful eyes. "I'm really sorry, Mr. Park."
"That's alright, Jungkook. Don't be. I understand."
***********************
“Hey, are you simping over Kim Namjoon’s husband?” Jungkook asks Jin incredulously after accidentally seeing a glimpse of his hyung’s phone, which is currently on Kim Taehyung’s Instagram page.
“The man’s got a lot of followers, thousands of people are simping after him, not just me. Also, it’s soon to be Kim Namjoon's ex-husband.”
“Can you pause being a creep right now and help me think of a wedding gift for my brother?”
“Fine! Rice cooker! Also, I didn’t mean to thirst over him alright, I saw him pass by just now with Mr. Kim so I got reminded of him. Say, for a couple about to divorce don't you think they look kind of... not about to divorce?”
“I don't know. Maybe it's a peaceful divorce? Mutual break ups are a thing, you know. Also... ricecooker?! Really?"
“Hey, that's a staple asian wedding gift! Hmm, how about a crib? Your brother’s girlfriend is expecting, right?"
Jungkook nods.
"Also, a mutual break up’s good, then, nobody wants to be a rebound.” Jin grins.
“Crib, might be good, hmm.” Jungkook considers the suggestion, and then after a beat, slaps Jin’s arm. “And the man’s going through a divorce! Plus, you’re that confident Kim Taehyung would go for you? They’re like the Cullens, hyung. Who you tryna be? Bella Swan?”
“Why are we talking about Twilight?” Jin makes a faux disgusted expression one second and makes a serious face the next, contemplating the analogy, “Nah, if they’re the Cullens, that makes Park Edward, so you’re Bella Swan.”
Jungkook coughs. “Hey? Why me? You're fucking Bella.”
“Oh… I know who wants to be Bella.” Jin suddenly says.
Jungkook looks at Jin questioningly and sees the other man looking outside through the break room windows. He follows his hyung’s line of sight and sees Mr. Pratt walking towards Mr. Park’s office, fixing his hair and suit before knocking and walking in.
“Ugh.”Jungkook shakes his head. “Pratt is so unbelievably dense, how can he not see how uncomfortable Mr. Park is with him.”
“Damn, Park really has special powers. Remember that writer who bought Park and himself tickets to Bali?” Jin laughs his signature windshield laugh. "The best."
“Writer? Bali? Who?”
“Oh, right, you weren’t working here yet.” Then Jin excitedly begins telling Jungkook the story, “Yeah, so Park met with this writer for a book deal, right? And apparently Park charmed him enough that he signed with our company immediately. But I guess the guy misread the signs or whatever and thought Jimin was coming on to him or flirting with him or whatever. Fell too hard too fast, you know, because next thing Park knows he’s being invited for a trip for 2 to Bali the following week.” Jin chuckles. “Then, on the day of the trip, the guy comes in here, wearing this hideous tropical shirt, dragging all his luggage, and makes a scene because he says Park stood him up at the airport, saying he thought they had "an understanding”. Jin chortles.
“That’s crazy.”
“Yep! They had to call security and everything! Embarrassing!” Jin smacks the table in sheer amusement at the memory. “Actually, it was Pratt who called security and acted like he swooped in for the rescue. Pratt was also the one who had to physically stop the guy from doing anything to Jimin. All knight-in-shining-armor-like, putting himself in the middle like some kind of hero. When the security came, the writer guy started becoming violent and Pratt was shielding Jimin, like overdramatically that he almost hit Mr. Kim, who was standing next to Jimin. Then Mr. Kim, annoyed, suddenly tells Pratt, in front of everyone, that Park doesn't need his protection because Park is a black belter." Jin laughs. "You should've seen Pratt's face! I love it when he gets humiliated cause he's so prone to it hahah. Meanwhile Park was so done that day.”
"Wait, Jimin is a black belter? Which martial art?"
"I don't know? I don't know Park trivia like you. Anyway, yeah. Park's special powers go way back. You’ve probably seen your fair share of Park dodging random people’s affections. The man’s impenetrable.”
Jungkook reflects on this. That is true.
“Why aren't you trying to save Park?” Jin says.
“Huh?”
For a split second, Jungkook thought Jin was talking about Jimin's visa problem. But his hyung was just asking if he's not gonna come in to Mr. Park's office him and salvage him from the obtuse Mr. Pratt and his unwelcome affection, like he always does.
Nevertheless, Jungkook's mind is now back to Jimin's problem. And how he just refused to help his boss.
“Nah." Jungkook says, expression suddenly somber. "Mr. Park can take care of himself."
*****************
The rest of their lunch consisted of Jin spilling more office gossip, which just go on over Jungkook's head.
As Jungkook is finishing his food, Mr. Park’s door finally opens.
Jungkook doesn’t even realize he’s been waiting impatiently for Mr. Pratt to come out since he entered.
Mr. Park ushers the annoying pest outside his office. But... is he… smiling? At Mr. fucking Pratt?
Alright, what the fuck ? This isn’t what impenetrable looks like. His boss has been very generous with his smiles lately, but only to non-Jungkooks.
Something doesn’t compute - Mr. Park is never that comfortable around Mr. Pratt. An ugly theory forms in Jungkook’s head: Park’s not targeting Mr. Pratt to be his new fiance for his visa, is he?
Jungkook suddenly stands up, startling Jin.
“I’m done with lunch, hyung, gotta go! Busy day, lots to do!”
Jungkook runs to the bathroom.
Why the fuck does it matter if Mr. Park marries Mr. Pratt, Jungkook? You said no to him. Of course, Jimin would try to find another option. Pratt is Australian and would definitely marry Park this instant if he asked. Be happy for your boss. Plus, that means you’re off the hook. No more stupid guilty feelings. And Park gets to stay...
Jungkook walks inside one stall and bangs the door, feeling very worked up for reasons he cannot dissect as of the moment. Jungkook can’t quite believe Park will resort to Mr. Pratt right now.
The main bathroom door outside suddenly opens and Jungkook hears two people enter.
“Tae, you okay?”
Jungkook recognizes it as Mr. Kim’s low voice.
And then another voice answers, sounding upset. “I-i can’t face Jimin like this, Joon.”
They’re talking about Mr. Park.
“I’m scared for him. What if he-”
“Shh.” Mr. Kim suddenly says. “Wait.” He says. And Jungkook realizes Mr. Kim is probably checking if there’s anyone else in the bathroom who could hear their conversation. Jungkook swiftly steps up on the bowl to hide his feet.
After a couple of seconds he hears Mr. Kim say “Okay, we’re good, there’s no one here.” Jungkook doesn’t even know why he’s suddenly hiding and eavesdropping, but he panicked and he did the first thing that came to mind.
“He could go home Joon, if you and me didn’t... then maybe you could’ve…”
“Tae, don’t blame yourself. You needed it and we didn’t know Jimin would even have a problem with his. We’ll find a way, okay?”
“But where do we find someone for him now? Less than 2 months is not enough time to fake a relationship. His assistant was his best shot. That could’ve worked - they could have said they have been together a while and had to keep the relationship a secret.”
Jungkook closes his eyes. He’s figured as much. Unless Mr. Park actually has someone special in his life, Jungkook is his best shot.
“I know. But can we really blame his assistant for saying no? I mean, I don’t know if I would have done this for you if we weren’t already friends.”
Jungkook’s eyes shoot wide open at the implication. Is he saying-?
“We’ll think of something, okay?" Namjoon tells Taehyung reassuringly. We still have at least a month. But right now, he just got the news from his assistant and he needs us to be strong for hi-.”
The bathroom door swings open again as someone else walks inside and Jungkook hears Mr. Kim say “Let’s go.” before the two Mr. Kims leave.
Jungkook stays there trying to digest the information. He knows from Jin that Namjoon and his husband are getting divorced. Mr. Kim told him yesterday that fake marriages aren’t that hard.
Jungkook puts two and two together.
So the man really does have first-hand experience? Him and Kim Taehyung married for Taehyung to get citizenship and now that he has, it's time to split?
Holy shit.
**********************
Between worrying about Mr. Park, eavesdropping on conversations, and Mikayla being absent from work because of uni, Jungkook is running a bit behind on all the work he needs done for the day. He doesn’t need any more distraction to disturb his work otherwise he won't get to go home on time.
“Well hello there, John Cook.”
Of course the most irritating disturbance in this entire office manifests itself in front of him now.
Jungkook tries to plaster on his best fake smile.
“Hello, Mr. Pratt! So so good to see you today! How you going?”
“Good, good. Say, I just wanted to ask. What’s your boss’ favorite flowers?” Then he smiles and leans down to whisper conspiratorially to Jungkook, “I think he’s finally warming up to me, so you know, maybe it's time to shoot my shot!” He laughs haughtily.
Jungkook’s reacting laugh has never sounded more fake.
“Ahh haha flowers. Let’s see, hmm...”
Now, Jungkook doesn’t quite know what flowers Mr. Park loves because he’s never seen any in his office but Jungkook knows his boss loves white. He does know for a fact, though, that the man hates sunflowers, based on that one time Mr. Park grimaced at a lady holding a bouquet at a cafe once. Pratt’s best best is to give something elegant and white.
So naturally, Jungkook says, “Sunflowers!” and proceeds to give the guy a thumbs up with the biggest smile on his face.
“Perfect. I’ll have some delivered today!”
"Good luck, sir!" Jungkook raises another hand to give the man two thumbs up.
************************
It’s 6:30 and Jungkook doesn’t even notice that everyone in the office has already gone home for the day. He’s still finishing up on the research that Mr. Park needs for his meeting with some agent tomorrow when he hears-
“Achoo!”
Jungkook’s head snaps towards his boss’ closed office door. Oh, shit he’s still here . Jungkook panics. He suddenly doesn’t know how to act if the door opens and he is face to face with-
“Mr. Park!”
The editor-in-chief halts immediately, startled by the sudden call of his name.
The sight of his boss in front of him gives Jungkook pause - eyes wet, nose red, tissue on hand... was Mr. Park crying?
“Jungkook? You’re still here.”
“Boss? Are you okay?”
“Uhm. Yeah. Yeah. It’s just uhm. I’m allergic to fl- ACHOO!”
Oh.
Well, at least he’s not crying about the marriage thing. But Jungkook gets concerned nonetheless. He basically encouraged Mr. Pratt to give Jimin sunflowers. How could he not know his boss is allergic?
“You never told me you're allergic to flowers.”
“Yeah. It’s not really that bad, it’s just… sunflowers are kind of the worst of them.”
Well, shit.
“B-but why’d you keep it in your office for that long? Why didn’t you ask me to throw it out for you? I could’ve done it without Mr. Pratt noticing.”
“Oh, that’s alright I didn’t want to uhm… it’s fine. I know with Mikayla not in, you’re most likely very busy.”
Did he not wanna ask me for help?
"But you're allergic. Look at you all red, your eyes are red and watery too. It wouldn’t have taken much of my time. I could have done that for you. It's my job."
Jungkook doesn’t know why it bothers him so much that Mr. Park would rather suffer through his allergies than ask a little help from him. Is it because he rejected him?
“Do you need me to get you meds or something?”
“It’s fine, Jungkook. You’re already here past your working hours.”
“Didn’t stop you before.”
Jungkook wanted to take it back as soon as he uttered the words. He wants to curse at himself. Why is he bringing this up now?
Jimin looks down. “I guess I deserve that.”
“No, please, I didn’t mean it.”
Mr. Park gives a wry smile, “Of course you did. You’re right. I’m sorry, Jungkook… for everything.”
Why is he apologizing now? Jungkook’s guilt can only take so much.
“No, Mr. Park, I’m sorry.” Jungkook says sincerely. He doesn’t elaborate what he’s sorry for - the jab, the sunflowers, for turning away now when Mr. Park needs him the most. He’s sorry for all of it.
Mr. Park bites his lip and doesn’t say anything. He sniffs and wipes his nose with the tissue he’s holding.
“What are you gonna do now?” Jungkook asks.
“I’m just gonna buy antihistamines and get some res- ACHOO! ” Jungkook grabs tissue from his own desk and rushes to his boss’ side.
“Thank you.”
“No, I mean.. What are you gonna do about...”
“Oh, my visa. I don’t know yet. Maybe going home isn’t so bad? I guess it was just unthinkable to me when I first found out about it, but now-”
“I don’t want you to leave.” The words come tumbling out of Jungkook’s mouth before he can stop them. He doesn’t know where they came from but he feels the truth in the words. And after he says it, he realizes he doesn’t quite regret saying them. He’s been feeling it ever since he found out the news and Jungkook has been worried enough about it that it’s silly to be still be surprised by the fact that he actually hates the idea of Mr. Park potentially leaving for good.
Mr. Park, however, is taken aback by it.
“I-I mean… you know-” Jungkook starts to explain.
“Yeah, you mean...like what we talked about, right? You’re kind of in deep shit if Pratt becomes the boss around here.”
Jungkook doesn’t try to correct the assumption cause what's he gonna say? That he actually likes Mr. Park? Preposterous.
“Don’t worry.” Mr. Park declares. “We’ll begin the transition soon, alright? I’ll make sure you’re promoted before I leave.”
Once again, Mr. Park assumes Jungkook is simply worried about his future if his boss leaves.
“Why would you do that for me?” Jungkook asks. Because this is bordering nice, and again, Mr. Park doesn't really do nice.
“Why not? You deserve it. I’m sorry for not doing it sooner. Frankly, I was being selfish. I guess I wanted you all to myself.”
Jungkook hopes his face isn’t turning pink. “Why are you suddenly being nice to me? I’m not used to it. You’re not trying to make me feel bad so I’ll change my mind, are you? Cause, that would be low of you, Mr. Park. Don’t. I’m already feeling guilty enough as it is.”
Mr. Park inhales deeply and releases. “I guess I can’t really blame you for thinking that way, can I?” Then he looks down at his feet, seemingly debating something.
“Okay, Mr. Jeon,” He looks back up at Jungkook with determination in his eyes, clearly having talked himself into saying whatever he’s about to say. “since there’s an 80% chance I’m about to leave the country anyway, I might as well say this to you now. And please don’t think it’s me making you feel guilty. I have already accepted your decision. Thank you for considering. It’s mighty kind of you to even do that given your feelings towards me.”
Mr. Park sniffs again before he continues, “Contrary to your perception of me, Mr. Jeon, I have always admired you - these past few days especially. Ever since you’ve learned to say no to me, I believe you’ve become a better version of yourself. You wanted a bigger position all this time? I couldn’t see it because you bent to my every whim, even when you thought I was in the wrong. But now that you’ve learned to stand your ground, even given your silly notions that I can just fire you whenever, I think you’re finally ready to take on a bigger role here.”
Jungkook’s mind is reeling. Demon baby being nice. Can’t compute.
Mr. Park rolls his eyes at Jungkook, who looks so disbelieving of everything he’s saying.
“I never forced you to do anything you didn’t want to do, Jungkook. Pushing you to work hard? Guilty as charged. Expecting you to put work above all else? Guilty as charged. And I’m sorry for it. That’s how I am with myself and it irritates me when people around me aren’t on the same level. I’m working on it. I apologize if that made you feel like you had to say yes to everything, but if you’d said no to me, I couldn’t have forced you to do it.”
“But that’s the reason you’ve kept me on - because I never said no to you.”
“That’s not quite true. You’ve said it yourself - you’re Mr. Irreplaceable. You think you’re still in your job because you’ve never said no to me the past 2 years? You’re still here because I believe you’re very good at what you do and there’s no one I trust more to do it.” Mr. Park moves closer to Jungkook, “It seems like I’m not the one who underestimates you here, no?”
Jungkook blinks.
“Nevertheless… I am still extremely sorry for how I made you feel. I knew you were scared of being let go if you ever disagreed with me and I never reassured you that you wouldn’t. I hope you can forgive me.”
Jungkook stands frozen - at the words, at the apology, at the other man’s proximity... at his whole world turning upside down. All this time... Mr. Park actually appreciates him?
Mr. Park bids him goodbye for the night.
There’s a glitch in the simulation, Jungkook thinks. Park Jimin? Ultimate Villain of his life? Saying all those things? Crazy.
Jungkook tries to recall the events of the past 2 years of his life. Was he really that off-mark regarding all things Park Jimin?
*****************
The next morning, Jungkook goes to work having 2 hours of sleep, max. He just has to laugh at the irony of his situation. He thought that after saying no to his boss, he could finally put everything behind him but he’d spent the entirety of the night tossing and turning in his bed, thinking about nothing but the man himself - whether he’s really leaving, if he’s really considering Mr. Pratt (and this one really unsettles Jungkook), if he meant everything he said in their conversation.
And that conversation. Jungkook kept replaying it over and over in his head.
Did the past two years happen differently in his head vs in real life because somewhere along the way, he just decided Mr. Park is the main antagonist of his life?
Before he enters their office building, Jungkook spots Mr. Kim in the lobby, talking to someone on the phone, looking worried. Mr. Kim distractedly walks towards the elevator without seeing Jungkook enter as well.
“Good morning, Mr. Kim.”
Namjoon looks up at the greeting. “Oh, hello, Jungkook.”
“How’s your morning so far, sir?”
“Not good, actually, but there’s not much I can do about it. How about you, Jungkook?”
Jungkook debates asking what’s bothering Mr. Kim but decides against it. If the guy didn’t elaborate on it maybe he didn’t want to be asked.
“Let’s just say I’m ready for the weekend, sir.”
Mr. Kim chuckles but his mind is still obviously somewhere else. They exit the elevator and before Mr. Kim could walk ahead, Jungkook feels the need to say something to the man.
“Mr. Kim, I just wanted to apologize about Mr. Park. I really want to help but-”
“Jungkook, you don’t have to apologize. And there’s no need to explain, it’s totally understandable. It’s a huge risk, and I guess, there’s really no reason for you to do something like that for Jimin.”
That felt wrong, Jungkook thinks. But he doesn't say anything because he doesn't really know himself what reason he has for wanting to do something like that for Jimin. He just knows that it's there.
Either way, there’s no point. He’s already made his decision.
“That’s okay, Jungkook. Don’t worry about that anymore." And then Mr. Kim tries to make the atmosphere lighter, “You’re not still worried he’ll fire you over this, are you?” he teases.
Jungkook smiles, “Nah, I think… I think maybe he likes me enough to let me stay.” But then his smile disappears as he remembers, "Well, for as long as he's still here, anyway."
Mr. Kim sighs and nods. But he seemed intent to not keep the conversation sad so he tells Jungkook, “Not only does he like you enough to not fire you, I think he likes you enough to fire other people because of you.” Mr. Kim pats his back as he moves to walk ahead. “See you later, Jung-”
“Wait, sir." Jungkook holds the other man’s arm to stop him from walking. He lets go and mumbles an apology. "Fire other people because of me? You're talking theoretically... right? Cause he's never fired anyone for m-”
“Clint Hobart, Jungkook? Remember?” Mr. Kim looks at Jungkook like he’s trying to jog Jungkook’s memory.
But there was no memory to jog. “Hobart? I don't-”
“You don’t know about that?”
"No?"
“Jimin overheard the guy say something about you. Something along the lines of uhm…you know what, maybe I shouldn’t be the one -maybe you can ask Jimin.”
“Mr. Kim, please!” Frankly, it irritates Jungkook. What else does he not know about Jimin the past two years he's worked for him?
“Alright.” Mr. Kim sighs. “He called you, and I quote… a pathetic loser, who’s only doing half the things you do because you’re too far gone for uh...” Jungkook makes a face when Mr. Kim doesn’t continue. “Jimin’s uhm, ass.” Mr. Kim throws up both hands in defense. “His words, alright? Not mine.”
Hobart. That little shit always teased Jungkook before, always had something to say about him and the way he did his job.
“Why didn’t Mr. Park tell me?”
“That, you’re gonna have to ask him yourself. Sorry, Jungkook, I didn’t realize- I thought everyone knew about that, you know, the way gossip travels around here fast. Don’t think too much about it, the guy had other work issues, it was just the last straw for Jimin. Anyway, I have to go. You have a good one, okay?”
Jungkook turns and heads straight towards Mr. Park’s office with determination in his eyes. Jungkook is suddenly infuriated. It feels like lately there’s so many things he’s finding out about just now about the past 2 years he’s worked here. It feels like he wasn’t given enough information before-
Before, what, deciding to help Mr. Park or not? Jungkook asks himself.
Would this and his conversation last night with the guy have changed his decision?
Jungkook knocks once and enters, heading straight for the man he feels the need to square with.
“You’re late.” Mr. Park says, not looking up. Jungkook walks to stand right beside him, unusually close. Jungkook puts the coffee down on the table a little too loudly.
Mr. Park looks up at him, startled at the proximity. Jungkook opens his mouth to say something when he sees something on the right.
“Sunflowers?! Again?”
Before Mr. Park could say anything or react to their closeness, Jungkook clicks the intercom without asking for permission, something he’s never done before.
“Mikayla, please come inside and take the sunflowers.” Jungkook says to the speaker.
Mr. Park raises an eyebrow, surprised by the act, but nevertheless stays quiet and lets Jungkook continue.
They stare at each other until Mikayla knocks a few seconds later and opens the door. Jungkook instructs her to get rid of the flowers and she gets a move on. Jungkook doesn’t shift from where he’s standing, too close to Mr. Park. If Mikayla notices anything out of the ordinary, she doesn’t show.
Jimin waits the entire time with a curious glint in his eyes at Jungkook’s sudden boldness, curious to why the sudden show of it. As soon as Mikayla leaves and closes the door, Jungkook gets on with it.
“Why did you fire Hobart?” Jungkook asks.
“Oh.” His boss was clearly not expecting this. “Well, if you’re asking now after all this time then it seems you know.”
“Yeah, no thanks to you.”
“Didn’t seem like something you had to know.” Mr. Park just shrugs.
Okay, Jungkook can’t really argue with that, but he still hates it. He hates that he apparently harbored enough negative feelings towards Mr. Park to fuel the entire city for at least 5 generations but he didn’t actually know the entire story and he didn’t actually know the real Mr. Park.
Mr. Park sneezes.
“Why don’t you just tell Pratt you’re allergic to sunflowers?”
“Let’s see, you always annoy the hell out of him, you’re always there to cut short our conversations, and now you tell him I love sunflowers when I’m allergic? Gonna get yourself in trouble with the guy, no?”
Nope. Jungkook refuses to believe Jimin is doing this for him too. Jungkook is now convinced the universe on an all-out mission to make him feel… whatever it is he’s feeling.
“I’m in trouble with him only if you leave.” Jungkook answers. And because it’s been bothering him since yesterday, he had to ask, “You’re not considering marrying Mr. Pratt, are you?”
Jimin looks repulsed by the idea, much to Jungkook’s relief. “No, no, no, I’d rather go home you know?” He laughs, “And I am, actually. Going home, I mean.”
Pause. No. “What? You've already decided?”
“Yeah. I’ve decided to just take the year off. I’ll let Keegan and Hwang know later.”
Anxiety rises in Jungkook’s gut and he can't control the words coming out of his mouth. “Already? Why? Aren’t you giving up too soon?”
“There’s no other way, Mr. Jeon. I don’t have other believable options for a fake marriage this late in the game. Also, I had to decide soon - have to arrange my affairs before going away.”
"For a year or... for good?"
"Frankly, I don't know, Jungkook. We'll just have to see."
Jungkook’s heart drops to his stomach. No. “But, sir-”
“It’s okay. I’ll be okay. Maybe I’ll just work remotely? I doubt it’s possible but I’ll suggest it anyway. I don’t really know anything at this point, I’ll have to see.”
Mr. Park whirls his chair back to face his desk, ready to get on with the day as usual, oblivious to the vortex of emotions swirling violently inside Jungkook.
“Speaking of arranging my affairs, Mr. Jeon, please grab my phone over there. I have personal appointments in my phone calendar that aren't in your calendar. I need you to note down everything I have from next week so I can, you know, start cancelling and all that.”
Fuck. It's really happening.
“Mr. Jeon?” His boss says again when Jungkook doesn’t move.
“Y-yeah. Okay, boss.” Jungkook reluctantly goes to grab the phone and walks out the room, panic-stricken and heart heavy at the thought that this is it, Mr. Park is really leaving his life soon.
*****************
Jungkook does his best to go through everything he needs done for today but he’s been restless - he’s been tapping the pen on the table repeatedly and his knees have been shaking in agitation all afternoon that Mikayla irritatingly asks him if he’s high. Jungkook just glares at her but doesn’t say anything.
I don’t do drugs Mikayla, I’m in distress about our boss leaving!
Oh god, Mr. Park is really leaving.
Jungkook is devastated.
This isn't right. There's still so much more to his time with Jimin. This can't be it.
Mr. Park’s door suddenly flies open and Jungkook jumps in his seat. Jimin emerges and starts walking towards the elevators.
Jungkook’s panic levels up to 100.
Fuck!!! This is it. He’s going upstairs. He’s gonna tell them now that he's leaving. It’s all over! Jungkook’s desperation grows with every step Mr. Park makes towards the elevators.
If you ask him later, Jungkook will describe this moment as the single craziest moment in his life. He glances at the phone on his desk, whips his head towards Mr. Park across the room who's about to turn the corner and-
“JIMIN! BABY, YOUR PHONE!” Jungkook yells loudly across their entire office floor.
And then…
Total. Utter. Silence.
The whole office froze. People stopped typing. People stopped walking. Derek on his left stopped drinking his water mid-way. Everyone dropped whatever it was they’re doing and were staring at Jungkook... at Mr. Park... at what just occurred in front of them.
Jimin has also stopped dead in his tracks.
Jungkook gulps. What has he done.
He doesn’t know how much time has passed because if you ask him he’ll say it felt like an eternity before he saw Mr. Park start moving again. His boss turned around and caught his eyes. Then, as if having pep-talked himself enough, Mr. Park starts walking back towards Jungkook, head held high, eyes never unlocking from his assistant’s.
Jungkook doesn’t dare look anywhere else but his boss’ eyes - half scared he’ll give the ruse away, half scared of seeing other people’s reaction to him calling their boss “baby.”
Jimin stops in front of him and slowly grabs his phone in Jungkook’s outstretched hand, like Jungkook is extremely fragile right now and any sudden movement will break him apart.
His eyes are searching Jungkook’s for any hint of uncertainty. When he doesn’t find any, he softly asks, only for Jungkook to hear, “Are you sure?”
Maybe it’s the glimpses he’s seen lately of a different side to Mr. Park; maybe it’s Mr. Kim telling him yet again something that Park has done for him; maybe it’s the knowledge that the whole fake marriage thing could actually work based on Mr. Kim and his husband’s experience; or maybe it’s just Park himself and the fact that Jungkook has decided somewhere along the way that he can’t quite take seeing the man gone from his life just like that.
Whatever it was, Jungkook finds himself giving a reassuring little nod.
Mr. Park’s gaze softens and there’s a tiny hint of a smile that appears on his lips. Jungkook recognizes the relief and gratitude in the expression.
And contrary to what Jungkook felt after turning his boss down yesterday, this decision, curiously, feels right.
Mr. Park turns to start walking outside again, most likely pretending he still has somewhere to go to. As soon as he’s gone, the entire office erupts in various expressions of shock at the revelation.
Jungkook swallows hard.
Well, there’s definitely no going back now.
Notes:
-------
:)
get it let it rooooolll!!!!!
hahahahaha gotta love jungkook
Chapter 6: The Aftermath
Summary:
“Good morning, Mr. Park! Time to set up the ground rules.”
Notes:
hello! Im back!
again, thank you so much for reading???? woah this has over 1k hits now? I know this isn’t much to other writers but as a first time writer this is really reallyyyy cool to me <3
in this chapter, i give you the aftermath of the phone scene from last chapter. that was the scene that i first thought of that made me wanna write this fic btw :))
Without further ado… let’s get right back into it, shall we
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
********************
As soon as the elevator door closes and Mr. Park is out of sight, their whole floor erupts at Jungkook’s “accidental ” slip-up. Everyone was in shock (or traumatized) except for Mikayla, who simply goes back to work as soon as it happened.
“Oi Jeon! You tapping that?”, someone on the far left yells.
“Congrats, Jeon!”, someone else says at the back.
“Congrats? More like good fucking luck!”, Linda, one cubicle over adds and everybody laughs.
“Hey, Park is hot! Gotta give it to Jungkook here.”
“ Hot-headed more like!” Greg from Accounting guffaws.
“Jungkook’s got a thing for pain, I think!”
More laughter all around. Everybody has something to say apparently.
Suddenly, Jin appears on his side, grabs Jungkook by his ear and pulls him towards the empty break room.
***********************
“Hyung -ow ow ow ! My ear!” Jungkook wrenches his ear free from Jin.
“Explain.” Jin looks so baffled and Jungkook can’t blame him.
“Ehmm… surprise?”
“Jungkook-ah!!”
“Okay, okay. Uhm....”
I cannot tell anyone. We’ll get into serious legal trouble.
“What was that all about? Are you and Park… what? dating? casually doing the dirty? Explain yourself to me now or I swear to god-”
“We’re dating, okay! Sorry for not telling you and Hobi hyung.” Jungkook massages his sore ear.
Jungkook thinks there is absolutely no way Jin is gonna believe him, but there’s not much he can do so he just hopes for the best.
“You’re dating? How is that possible? Not even a week ago you were so scared he was gonna fire you.”
Jungkook anticipated this to be the first point of contention. “And I still am!”
“Why would he fire you if you’re dating?”
“Why not? You’ve met the guy!”
Jin contemplates this. “Yeah, okay. That, I can buy.”
Then he goes back to chastise Jungkook, “But still! Heck, this whole time, you were indeed Bella Swan.”
“That’s the last Twilight reference we’re both allowed ever, hyung.”
“I can’t believe it.” Jin shakes his head and paces around the room, trying to process everything.
“Hyung, just the other day you couldn’t believe me when I said I never thought about Jimin like that. And last week you were going on about how I know way too much about him. You were already on to me.”
“I know I said those things! B-but I was just teasing you?! It never even occurred to me that you and Park could actually be a thing!”
“I’m hot too, damn it!”
“I didn't mean that, dickwad! I meant because I knew you’ve hated the man’s guts from day one!”
“Day two, technically.” Jungkook mutters under his breath as he remembers the very first day he met Mr. Park - his interview, when his brain short-circuited at meeting the striking man for the first time.
“What’s that?”
“Nothing, I just said yeah I did hate him.” Past tense.
The statement feels real enough, even to Jungkook himself.
“Then what changed? And when? Because I swear last week you were just about ready to hire an assassin to kill him in his sleep.”
“He’s actually nice - outside of work, you know." Jungkook ignores the when question because he still has to coordinate the details of his fake relationship with his boss.
Oh god, coordinate details of his fake relationship. Jungkook cringes.
But Jungkook presses on, “Besides, you said it yourself, Park has special powers. I’m with the guy almost everyday, how can I be immune to that? No vaccine for that shit.”
“You got it bad?”
“Life-threatening at this point, I think.”
“Well, shit.”
“Yep.”
Jin seems to be considering the story. “Well, I’m mad because I’m only finding out now when you’re already critical! What happened to my ‘favorite hyung privileges’?”
“That would be Hobi hyung’s.” Jungkook deadpans.
“Lies.” Jin replies not missing a beat. “God, I can’t wrap my mind around it, but also... I love it.”
“You love it?!” It’s Jungkook’s turn to be flabbergasted.
“Are you kidding me? You haven’t dated anyone for years. I haven’t dated anyone in years. This is the most exciting thing to happen to both of us in a long time.”
“Ouch.”
Jin then turns serious, “Hey, for real, Kook. I know you’re probably very anxious right now that you just outed your relationship with our boss right in front of the entire office." Then Jin chuckles. "That was epic, by the way. But I know you. I know you wouldn’t be in this thing with Park if there wasn’t something special there so fine, I’m gonna try to trust you and I trust your judgement. I’m just a bit hurt that I’m only finding out now but I’m guessing you had your reasons too since he's our boss. I’m here if you wanna talk. I meant what I said earlier, I’m actually happy you found someone. “
And as if Jin is trying to lighten the mood and ease Jungkook’s morose expression, he adds, “Imagine? Someone wants to date you and it had to be the Prince of the Underworld.”
Jungkook tries for a smile before he looks down guiltily. His Jin hyung is being very loyal, supportive and understanding and it cuts through Jungkook. Just like that, Jungkook has gotten himself a new set of guilt cards.
“Y-you are my favorite hyung, you know?” Jungkook manages to say, eyes still downcast, unable to convey how touched he is without pretending some more his made-up situation with Mr. Park is real.
Jin only chuckles, eyes softening on his dongsaeng. He squeezes Jungkook’s shoulder supportively, affectionately.
“Yes, you little shit. I know.”
**********************
Jungkook doesn’t dare enter Mr. Park’s office for the rest of the day. He feels like everyone is just waiting for him to go inside, or waiting to see any kind of interaction between him and the boss.
The vultures, as Jungkook has taken to call his coworkers, however, haven’t stopped nagging him the whole day. Linda came up to him and was asking questions about how long they’ve been together, Terence kept dropping hints that he was available if Park has any more single rich friends. Even the building’s cleaner, who Jungkook only sees after hours when he works overtime, suddenly walks up to him as he was heading home, and asks if it was true, if he is indeed the devil’s “paramour” that everyone is talking about.
Jungkook is exhausted - has been for the last two weeks, with today taking the most toll on him. He hasn’t even properly processed the fact that he agreed to a whole fake marriage with the boss of his nightmares, his fatigue taking over the need to digest the events of today. That, or maybe he just wants to be in denial that this is actually happening to him.
By his own choice at that.
Jungkook enters his apartment, thankful that Hobi isn’t home yet, because he cannot deal with any more people today. He knows Hobi is now aware of the situation through Jin, because he got a text from Hobi at the office, not even five minutes after talking to Jin.
[ hobi hyung ]: ???????????????
[ jungkook ]: 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
[ hobi hyung ]: we’ll talk tomorrow.
[ jungkook ]: 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩
Jungkook finishes preparing for bed, ready to sleep this entire thing off. Maybe when he wakes up, this will all just be a bad dream and he’ll go back to being the very obedient assistant to Mr. Jimin Park, who is definitely not having visa issues and will definitely be Jungkook’s boss for as long as Jungkook begrudgingly chooses to.
He settles in his bed when his phone beeps again. Can a guy get some rest around here?
[ mr. park ]: Are you okay?
Oh.
Some of Jungkook’s weariness ebbs away.
[ jungkook ]: im ok. are u?
[ mr. park ]: I’m okay. You’re helping me so much, Jungkook.
[ mr. park ]: I wanna thank you.
Somehow, texting with Mr. Park about something unrelated to work reiterates the notion that he has indeed entered some strange (but weirdly pleasant?) new territory with his apparently-not-so-evil boss.
[ jungkook ]: i wanted to help
[ jungkook ]: boss, i think we should talk about details asap
[ jungkook ]: my hyungs are asking about us
[ mr. park ]: We should. Are you free to meet on Sunday?
[ jungkook ]: yeah i can meet on sunday
[ mr. park ]: [address]
[ mr. park ]: Lunch date with me sounds good?
Date.
Jungkook knows it’s just a term, they’re not really having a date date. Jungkook wants to keyboard smash nevertheless.
Mr. Park sees the three dots appear then disappear about 3 times. Jungkook is typing but isn’t sending, hesitating on how to reply.
[ mr. park ]: Are you panicking because I said “date”? :)
Oh, now Mr. Park teases and does smileys?
[ jungkook ]: i’m not panicking 😒 😒 😒
[ mr. park ]: You can’t panic on me, we’re supposed to be engaged.
[ jungkook ]: i’m not!!!
[ mr. park ]: Ok then, see you on Sunday, Mr. Jeon... on our "date" :)
[ jungkook ]: 😒 😒 see you, Park.
Jungkook groans into his pillow. Losing about 2 more hours of sleep as he contemplates if he’s ready for this version of Mr. Park.
**********************
“Is he your sugar daddy?!” Hobi rounds in on Jungkook as soon as he opens his door on Saturday morning.
Oh god.
“Good morning to you, too, hyung.” Jungkook replies sarcastically.
Jungkook glances behind Hobi, Jin is there playing some game on the sofa.
“So?! Is he?” Hobi pushes.
“Yeah, something like that.” Jungkook shrugs.
Hobi’s eyebrows shoot up as he retreats from his previous cop-like interrogating posture, taken aback by Jungkook’s answer.
Jin suddenly pauses his game and was gaping at Jungkook from across the room, his mouth dropping open.
“Wait, what?” Hobi clarifies.
“Yeah. Anyway, what’s for breakfast?” Jungkook starts walking towards the kitchen as he grins at Jin on the sofa whose mouth is still hanging open.
Hobi follows Jungkook and suddenly looks very concerned. “Is he forcing you to do it? Are you in need of money, is that it? What’s going on? Come on, you can tell hyung.”
“Jeez, you really believe he’s my sugar da-”
Hobi flicks Jungkook’s forehead.
“Ow! Why are you and Jin hyung so violent?” Jungkook grumbles as he rubs at the spot.
“Stop kidding around, right now, you little shit. Jin called me in the middle of work yesterday telling me how you’re apparently dating your asshole boss. Now I know that can’t be right, so you tell me right this instant what he has on you.”
Jungkook sighs. He knew Hobi hyung would be more difficult to convince. “Listen, we kept it secret cause I was due for a promotion. And I didn’t tell you guys because at first it was just casual, you know? I didn’t realize... I’d fall for the guy.”
Jungkook feels like a dirty liar.
Hobi still won’t budge. “Jungkook, you can fool anyone except me. I basically raised your ass since you were seventeen. Casual isn’t your style and if it suddenly was, I’m sure it wouldn’t be with the one guy in this world you actually hate.”
“Thin line between love and hate?” Jungkook replies.
“Try again.” Hobi says, unyielding.
“There’s more to him than just his evil dictator persona, okay? I didn’t expect to see this other side of him, but I did, and now I’m in this…” Jungkook gestures everywhere with his right hand, “thing.”
“I can’t buy it. I saw the hate, you can’t fake that shit.”
Then to Jungkook’s surprise, Jin comes for the back-up. “I mean, I also saw heart eyes when Jungkook would slip, can’t fake that shit either.”
Excuse me? What heart eyes is he talking about?
Jin continues, “And I always thought Kook was way too tolerant with Park. And he stares at him extra long sometimes. Not to mention he knows even the most trivial things about the guy.” Then Jin turns to Jungkook, “And you do seem to dislike Mr. Pratt a little more than a normal amount.”
Hold up, is he all these things Jin is saying right now?
Hobi is studying Jungkook, who is currently squirming in his seat not just because Hobi is staring daggers at him but also because Jin’s observations and overall quickness to believe his fake relationship with his boss is making him question his own actions the past 2 years.
Jungkook tries to carry on with the conversation if only to end it as soon as possible. “I’m dating Jimin. I’m really sorry for not saying anything sooner to both of you. I was waiting till I was ready but, well, here we are.”
Hobi says nothing, still looks suspicious but not looking like he’s dismissing the idea altogether. “What happens at work now?”
“It will carry on as usual, albeit my coworkers watching every interaction I have with Park from now on.”
“Me included.” Jin shamelessly admits with a raised hand. "I need to see it with my own eyes."
Jungkook rolls his eyes.
“And the promotion?” Hobi probes.
“Still getting it, of course!”
“I wanna support you, Kook, I truly do. But, I don’t know, I just don’t want to see you get hurt. And the stories you told us about your boss… how can I like someone like that for you?”
Jungkook understands. To be honest, he’d be concerned if Hobi wasn’t also concerned about the situation. Jin is honestly way too happy at the turn of events.
“That’s mostly my fault, hyung. I painted that picture of him to you guys. There’s... more to him than that.”
Hobi relents a bit, but not without telling Jungkook he wants to properly meet Mr. Park soon.
Jungkook nods, carefully concealing his absolute terror at the idea.
He tries for a smile. “I would very much love that, hyung.”
And that's probably his biggest lie of the day so far.
**************************
“What?!” Jungkook whisper-yells at Jimin. “You’re telling me I lied to my friends for nothing?”
Jungkook is in a restaurant with Mr. Park that Sunday to discuss the details of their fake relationship. Jungkook spent an extraordinarily huge amount of time getting ready and went through about twenty shirts before deciding on a black and white plaid shirt he knows he looks good in. He wants to look casual and relaxed, the total opposite of what he’s feeling right now, but he did wanna pay attention to his hair a bit more than usual. Just because.
“I mean, they have to know it’s fake because they might get interviewed by an immigration officer about us and you’re living with one of them so naturally, he would have to vouch for you coming over at my place or me coming over or something.”
The idea of sleepovers with Mr. Park sparks something alive within Jungkook that he tries to ignore as he focuses on the other thing the man basically said - he lied to his goddamn best friends for nothing.
They’ve been in the restaurant for about 40 minutes now. They agreed to discuss the arrangement more later and just focus on the details of their fake relationship now because surely, people at the office would need to be fed a story (in case some of them get interviewed for the screening process as well).
Mr. Park has plans to go to some art exhibition later with his friend Taehyung but so far his boss has already given him the rundown of things they need to arrange - mostly proof of their relationship like pictures, videos, chats, knowing stuff about each other, and what Mr. Park just mentioned now - testaments from people close to them, which Park says he doesn’t have any issues with.
Of course he doesn’t. His two best friends are also in a fake marriage of their own.
Mr. Park doesn’t know that Jungkook is aware of the fact because of one eavesdropping session in the office bathroom, so he doesn’t comment on it.
Nobody says something for a while as they both finish off their meal, the silence surprisingly not uncomfortable. Jungkook was just contemplating how his hyungs will react on the turnaround of information when he suddenly glances up and sees Mr. Park staring at him, a hint of amusement on his eyes.
“You look good today, Jungkook, did you make an effort to look nice for me?”
Jungkook hopes his face doesn’t turn tomato red. Yep, this is definitely new territory with the boss.
Jungkook tries for a scoff, “W-who do you think you are? I always look good.” He grabs his drink with slightly shaking hands that he hopes his boss doesn’t catch.
Jimin smirks. “Mmm cause I definitely made the effort to look good for you.”
Jungkook downs all the liquid in his glass.
When he puts his drink back on the table, Mr. Park all of a sudden scoots closer to him and Jungkook gets a whiff of that perfume he loves so much. Mr. Park is staring right at Jungkook’s lips and Jungkook’s heart is immediately sent into overdrive.
“Think you can handle me flirting with you, Jungkook-ssi? Cause there’s gonna be a lot of that coming with this arrangement if we want other people to buy our relationship.” Then Jimin pulls back a bit to gaze into Jungkook’s eyes. He smooths back some stray hair that fell on Jungkook’s forehead.
Jungkook clenches his jaw as he tries not to nervously swallow in front of his boss. He suddenly feels hot all over and wonders if Mr. Park could actually hear how hard his heart is currently beating right out of his chest.
“Tell me now if you can’t handle it.” Park says. “This would entail a whole lot of pretending to be in love with me, I would understand if that’s not something you’re comfortable with, I just need to know now if you’re totally in this with me.
And despite even the back of his knees sweating at the moment. Jungkook replies as confidently as he can muster, “I can handle it.”
Challenge accepted. Cause how hard could it be, right? Just might take some getting used to at first.
For the rest of their meal, Jungkook idly wonders if there’s anything wrong with himself because something that should be dreadful to him
...feels almost exciting.
***********************
After lunch with his boss, Jungkook thinks he might as well come clean to Jin now at least. If there’s one hyung who will tell him the idea is phenomenally stupid but will still help him do it, it’s definitely him.
Jungkook called Jin and was about to ask if he can hang out at the hyung’s place but at the last minute, he had an idea and asked Jin if he wanted to meet somewhere else instead.
Jin replies ‘why not’ and the next thing he knows, the address Jungkook sent him has brought him to an art exhibition. Jungkook meets him at the entrance.
“Tell me this is not where we’re going because I think my appreciation of art begins and ends with porn.”
Jungkook snorts. “You’re so classy.”
Jin looks around. “Where is it, where are we really supposed to go?”
“Hyung,” Jungkook begins. He scratches the back of his head, not knowing how to even begin telling the truth to Jin. “I need to tell you something, but don’t freak out.”
Jin, sensing the seriousness of what he is about to say replies, “Perfect, cause that’s the only thing you gotta say for me to start freaking out.”
“You have to promise not to tell anyone, like, lives depend on this.”
“O...kay?”
“You have to promise for real or else I’m gonna tell your mom about that time you went with me to Busan and-”
“Okay, okay! Jeez. I promise I won’t tell a soul, okay?”
Satisfied with Jin’s answer, Jungkook launches into his confession. “So my relationship with Mr. Park is fake, I’m doing this to help him get his citizenship. Nobody knows except you and his friends. Also, we’re getting married, haha. I know, I know but he’s paying me for it big time, way more than my salary at Hanseul. 300 grand to be exact. But it’s not the only reason I said yes. I also want to help him. Let’s not ask me why right now because frankly I also don’t know why, I just know that I have decided to do it. But yeah, I think that covers everything. Oh, and right now, we’re in this exhibition because my fake fiancé is in there with his friend Kim Taehyung. So, uh, that's about it. Let’s go in?” Jungkook goes for a smile that’s all teeth.
Jin is just staring at him, blinking, with his brows furrowed.
And then all of a sudden, Jungkook gets his hyung’s signature windshield laugh.
“Holy shit, not gonna lie you almost got me there!” Jin gathers himself. “Do you just need someone to go to an art exhibition with you, is that it? Because I will go in with you. In fact, let’s go now.” He pulls Jungkook’s arm and starts walking inside. “I’m not anti-art, you don’t have to lure me in with a fake story that involves Kim Taehyung, Jesus. When did you start being into artsy stuff anyway?”
Jungkook doesn’t even get a chance to correct Jin because not even 10 seconds upon entering, they hear someone call him from the left. “Jungkook?”
Jin and Jungkook turn their heads towards the direction of the call. They see Park approaching as he excuses himself from Kim Taehyung to walk over to the two of them. Jin's eyes grow wide at the presence of the two. He whips his head at Jungkook for an explanation and vigorously tugs on the younger’s shirt. If they're here then all that shit Jungkook spewed is... true?
“I was trying to tell you!” Jungkook says under his breath.
Mr. Park tilts his head to the side to gesture that he wants to speak privately to Jungkook. They move away just a few steps from a stupefied Jin. “Why are you here with Seokjin? Everything okay?”
“Yeah, well, you mentioned you’d be here and I thought I needed to distract Jin hyung from killing me while I come clean with our arrangement.”
Jimin furrows his brows, confused. “And coming here would help?”
Jungkook replies, “I hope so.” as he nods his head towards the direction of Taehyung, who’s now slowly approaching a blushing Jin, who tries fixing himself up.
“I see.” Mr. Park gets the message.
“Now if you can please help me smooth things over with the easier hyung or your marriage is a no-go because your groom is dead.”
Jimin snorts. “Are you saying there’s a difficult hyung?”
“Yep, the hyung I share a flat with and therefore the hyung we definitely need on board.”
“I see.” Mr. Park says again.
“Yep, and given that I’m doing this for you out of the goodness of my heart, you are the one tasked with talking to my Hobi hyung for me. Thank you so much, so nice of you to offer.”
Mr. Park’s amusedly regards Jungkook, gaze lingering a few extra beats before he walks back towards Taehyung and Jin, who are both waiting for him and Jungkook to finish their little tête-à-tête.
Jungkook suddenly grabs Mr. Park’s wrist to stop him. Before his eyes even land on his wrist, Jungkook immediately releases. Jungkook’s brain traitorously and unhelpfully supplying how soft Mr. Park’s skin is.
Jimin looks up at him questioningly.
“That’s real, by the way. Hobi hyung wants to meet you. Soon.”
Jimin nods once, “We’ll manage that.” he says before walking back to the other two.
“Sorry about that. Nice to see you here, Mr. Kim.” Park greets Seokjin with a slight bow.
“Seokjin is fine, Mr. Park.” Jin answers with a bow of his own despite still being confused at the situation he’s found himself in.
Jimin gives an easy smile, “Please, it’s also just ‘Jimin’ outside the office for me. This here is my friend, Kim Taehyung.”
“Nice to meet you.” Taehyung smiles and Jin is starstruck. Taehyung extends a hand but Jin doesn’t grab it, still processing the fact that the man actually talked to him. Jungkook elbows Jin before he realizes and shakes the other man’s outstretched hand.
Taehyung suppresses a smile, used to his effect on other people, but enjoying it just the same.
“And Tae, this is of course, Jungkook. You’ve met him before.”
“Indeed.” Taehyung extends his hand to Jungkook as well and holds it. “I really can’t thank you enough for doing this for my Jimin, Jungkook-ssi. Please, if you need anything else, feel free to come to me or Namjoon. We’re here to help.”
“Wait, so you weren't pulling my leg? All that shit you said outside was real?!” Jin furiously bursts out and the other 3 face him with various surprised expressions.
Jin fully faces Jungkook to him, rightfully angry. “After that whole speech I gave you at the office last Friday? After I backed you up with Hobi yesterday? You’re giving me whiplash with the lies you’re feeding me! I will strangle you right here and now.”
Jungkook cowers. He definitely deserves that.
*********************
The four of them find themselves sitting at a bar near the art exhibition, upon the suggestion of Taehyung, saying they need to sit somewhere to have a proper conversation... or maybe just have a more private place where Seokjin can strangle Jungkook.
Jimin addresses Jin. “Seokjin-ssi, I ran into a problem with my work visa. I have no other option but to go for a fake relationship if I want to keep my life here.” Mr. Park looks down and Jungkook registers a hint of shame in his expression. “And yes, I did seek the help of Jungkook to marry me for my citizenship.”
The man must be feeling embarrassed to admit such a thing to a friend of Jungkook’s, especially when Jungkook is the one risking a lot in this scenario.
Jungkook sees Taehyung’s hand caress Mr. Park’s back in a comforting gesture and he knows they’re best friends but Jungkook suddenly has a need to find out if that’s all there is to it.
Jungkook tries to refocus on the subject at hand. “That’s right, hyung. And I agreed. We’re gonna get married on paper and stay married until he gets his citizenship. About a year and a half to two... depending on how long it takes to get his citizenship.”
The truth has had time to sink in Jin’s head since he realized it was all real but it’s still hard for him to believe Jungkook is willing to do it.
“T-this is illegal, Kook.” Jin says quietly lest any other bar patrons could hear. “I don’t know if I can just sit around and let you do this.”
“I intend to fully take the blame if it comes down to it, Seokjin-ssi. You have my word. We’ll say I forced Jungkook into agreeing. We’ll create a fake recording of me threatening him so you can present it as proof if it comes down to it. I swear to you, I won’t let anything happen to him.”
Jungkook surveys Mr. Park then. They haven’t talked about that yet and here he is, offering Jungkook the security of not having to worry about legal repercussions.
“But Jungkook is still risking a lot for you here. And why does it have to be marriage visa? Why can’t it be just the partner visa so it’s less demanding on Jungkook.”
“That is temporary, Seokjin-ssi. That only gets me another temporary visa. The marriage visa secures me a citizenship after at least a year of marriage. Besides, it’s more or less the same amount of risk for Jungkook, he will have to engage in this fake relationship with me just the same.”
“Apologies, Jimin-ssi but I don’t think it’s the same for Jungkook.” Jin faces Jungkook then. “Do you really have to do this? Marriage isn’t something you take lightly, this isn’t something you’d usually be okay with.”
Jungkook looks down. Everything Jin says is true. “But...the money would help Appa and Yerim so much, hyung. I don’t have to worry about them so much anymore and I can focus on doing what I want… finally. Plus, I do genuinely want to help Mr. Park. I swear - no forcing, no threatening happened. I really wanna help him stay.”
Jungkook misses the way Jimin and Taehyung study him, misses the way Jimin has slumped down, conscience eating at him, at how much he’s subjecting this innocent person to his personal problems. Jimin focuses instead on the part where the money would greatly benefit his assistant.
“How do you guys even know it’s gonna work?” Jin inquires the rest of the table.
Taehyung decides it’s time for him to join the conversation, “It’s gonna work.”
“Tae.” Jimin holds Taehyung’s arm, stopping him from continuing.
“It’s okay, Jimin. They have to know it’s possible.” Then Taehyung faces Jin and Jungkook. “These things are more common than you think. It has worked for me and Namjoon. We only married so I can get my citizenship. We’re now about to file the divorce.”
Jin’s eyes widen in surprise. Jungkook already knew this before but he still pretends to be shocked nonetheless. Jungkook feels like quite the actor nowadays.
Taehyung continues, “We just have to make sure these two pass the screening. As long as they tick all the boxes, no reason for their application to not go through.”
“It can’t be that easy, can it?” Jin inquires again, but evidently less dismissive to the idea now than when they first began.
“It’s definitely not easy. That’s why they need our help, Seokjin-ssi.” Taehyung addresses Jin directly and touches the other man’s hand that’s resting on the table in a silent plea.
And if Jungkook realized anything that day, it’s that Kim Taehyung has the same superpowers as his friend Park Jimin, judging by the way he can feel his Jin hyung thaw beside him.
Taehyung and Jimin say goodbye not long after they've finished their drinks, saying they need to go back to the exhibit for a friend.
After their conversation, Jungkook thinks Jin is now about 75% in. Only Hobi to go.
The idea terrifies Jungkook, half worried Hobi might do everything in his power to stop Jungkook from going through with it altogether.
Once the other two have left, Jin downs his drink and lightly slams it on the table.
“Jungkook, you crazy motherfucker.”
Jungkook stares blankly at the table and nods. “Agreed.”
“How you roped me in on this, I have no idea.” Jin shakes his head.
“I gotta give credit where credit is due and right now I think it is due, at least partly, to the presence of a certain Kim Taehyung.”
“You dirty little cheat.”
“I’m sorry, hyung.” And he genuinely means it - for lying, for subjecting Jin to this, for worrying him.
“This is phenomenally stupid.”
Jungkook sighs. He knows as much.
“But if you’re gonna do this anyway, then I can’t let you fail and I can’t let you get the short end of the stick.” Jungkook side glances at Jin questioningly. “I gotta remind you now, Kook. No more being afraid of Park. No more taking shit from him. You’re the one he needs here. Use this entire situation to your advantage, even. Make it work for you.”
Jungkook thinks Jin makes a good point and decides to take the advice to heart.
*********************
“Good morning, Mr. Park! Time to set up the ground rules!” Jungkook announces as soon as he enters Mr. Park’s office on Monday morning, with the other man’s coffee in hand.
“The ground rules?” Jimin raises his eyebrow.
“The. Ground rules. ” Jungkook enunciates.
Jungkook puts the coffees down on the desk and stands beside his sitting boss.
“Rule number one: outside this office, you are not my boss, you and I are equals. You might be paying me for this whole fake marriage thing but my amount of sacrifice bumps up my powers to make executive decisions. I’m gonna do what I wanna do within the limits of our agreement and not do what I don’t wanna and you cannot make me. You cannot boss me around outside of work.” Jungkook takes a sip of his own coffee.
“Not even in bed?” Jimin swivels his chair to face him.
Jungkook chokes.
Jimin chuckles. “I’m joking.”
“You’re hilarious.” Jungkook glares.
Jimin’s smirk stays in place.
“Hey, take this seriously, will you? You need me here so you better respect my ground rules.” Jungkook pouts.
“I’m taking you seriously baby, go on.” Mr. Park leans back in his chair, eyes glistening.
I will not survive, Jungkook realizes. He’s just playfully flirting with me and calls me one term of endearment and I’m already about to pass out. What more when I have to do other stuff - fuck, would I have to kiss him? I probably have to kiss him at some point, Lord save me.
Weak in the knees, Jungkook clears his throat and powers through his whole prepared speech amidst his inner monologue telling him how fucked he is.
“N-number two, you will be nice to my family, you will make an effort to actually be liked by them, like an actual fiancé of mine. It won’t be easy given that I may or may not have painted you to them as a cold and heartless villain. Nevertheless, you must get that family approval, otherwise I don’t know if I have the energy to fight for our undying true love.”
Jimin scoffs.
“In other words, and as much as it pains me to say this, you will have to come with me to Busan next week for my brother’s wedding. I am not about to "elope" with someone before introducing them to my family at least.” Jimin was about to protest but Jungkook puts a finger up. “Ah-ah, this is non-negotiable, boss. We need them on board because I’m not willing to break my family’s heart by having them know of my desperate attempts to earn money. So if my parents are in, then it will be because they are convinced you are the son-in-law of their dreams who is irrevocably in love with their favorite son. Nothing less.”
Mr. Park rolls his eyes but there’s an amused smile playing on his lips anyway
“Plus,” Jungkook continues, “You said we need proof of our relationship, what better way to do it than to take holidays together and meet the family.”
Mr. Park groans. “Fine. You have a point.”
“Believe me, this is more painful for me than it is for you.”
Jungkook takes another sip of his coffee. “Number 3, You promised to promote me. We do the transition as soon as possible. You have Mikayla as your assistant now. I’m ready to be an editor. We tell everyone we kept the dating secret because of my upcoming promotion and we don’t want people to think I’m getting promoted because we’re banging. Also, I’m gonna need you to consider publishing in the future a manuscript that I’m currently in the process of writing.”
“Alright. Anything else, your Majesty ?”
“Yes, in fact there's just one more, thanks for asking. Rule number 4, “I have the power to add more rules later as the need arises. Rules that you are expected to adhere to, otherwise, no matter how long into this fake relationship we are, I can break up with you and you have to say “Sayonara, Australia.’”
Mr. Park stands up slowly to be face-to-face with Jungkook, and the younger smells that damn perfume again. Mr. Park grabs his tie and makes a show of fixing it for him.
“You’re expecting me to just say yes to everything, aren’t you, Mr. Jeon?” Jungkook swallows as Mr. Park tightens his tie. Mr. Park’s gaze draws upward to Jungkook’s eyes. He is too close and that look-
Damn it, Jungkook was trying so hard to be the one in control here.
Jungkook forces to keep his chin up and answers as defiantly as he can, “Yes I am.”
“I have to say, I like this side of you, Jungkook.”
“S-so, you agree?” Jungkook asks for Mr. Park’s acquiescence.
Mr. Park considers. He keeps their gazes locked as he fixes Jungkook’s collar next, as his hands slowly smooth across Jungkook’s shoulders, down Jungkook’s arms. Jungkook is about to faint.
“I accept.”
Jungkook could have pulled away then but both of them stay right where they are.
“That’s it?” Jungkook’s voice is softer now because of their proximity. “No written contracts? No rules of your own?”
“Permission to add my own rules later as I see fit?” Mr. Park’s voice is equally as quiet and low.
“Of course.”
The moment starts to feel a little too intimate but neither backs away.
“Then I’m good to go. No written contracts, wouldn’t be doing this with you if I didn’t trust you. Plus, they won’t be binding anyway, this is basically illegal.” Jimin grins as he holds Jungkook's chin between two fingers.
Jungkook shuts his eyes in faux pain, “Thank you for reminding me.”
Jimin giggles and the sound makes Jungkook smile. Maybe he could get used to seeing Mr. Park like this.
There's a quiet moment where they just stare at each other before all too soon, Mr. Park pulls away and breaks the moment. He walks away from Jungkook and starts to pace slowly around his office.
“I just realized I do have two rules for now.” Jimin announces.
“Shoot.”
“Rule number one: You cannot date other people. If it gets serious with them, you’re gonna have to tell them the truth, which doesn't make me comfortable given the gravity of the situation. Plus, I can’t imagine they’ll be too happy if you have a fake husband on the side. Also, if others see you with another person, it’ll just be messy.”
Jungkook thinks this shouldn’t be a problem seeing that he never has time to go out anyway. He agrees with Mr. Park but not without a show of fake agony over not being able to date anyone.
“And rule number two: You cannot fall in love with me.”
Jungkook waits for the punchline. It doesn’t come. Jungkook laughs.
“Boss, this isn’t A Walk to Remember . Please, I don’t do high school drama.”
Jimin puffs out a tiny laugh. “Good then, cause that would also be messy. Feelings and all that drama just puts all of our hard work at risk. I need that citizenship, Jungkook-ssi.”
He then extends a hand for the younger to shake.
“No problemo, boss.” Jungkook grins confidently.
He grabs his boss’ outstretched hand.
They shake.
The deal is officially on.
****************************
Just as Jungkook exits the room, Jimin informs him that Mr. Kim has advised for Jimin to join the company’s team-building seminars on Thursday and Friday. Park never joins activities like these before but Mr. Kim insists it’s the perfect opportunity to show their coworkers that his relationship with Jungkook is real.
Jungkook sarcastically replies that he absolutely cannot wait.
As soon as Jungkook closes the door of Mr. Park’s office to head to his cubicle, he gets startled by someone immediately coming up to his side.
“John Cook.”
“Mr. Pratt, you scared me!” Has the guy been outside Mr. Park’s door all this time? “Good morning, sir. What can I do to help you today?”
Mr. Pratt doesn’t bother with niceties, “You and Jimin. Is that true?”
“U-uhm, depends on what you’ve heard, sir.” Jungkook laughs nervously.
Mr. Pratt is unamused.
If Jungkook was afraid to tell his hyungs about his current situation, it was nothing to the terrifying feeling that washed over him at Mr. Pratt’s next question.
“Are you faking a relationship with Jimin so he can get a citizenship?”
Jungkook’s stomach drops.
Mr. Park and him could be over before they can even begin.
Notes:
------------
oh no hhehhe
see you next update!!!
Chapter 7: A Crack in the Armor
Summary:
Jimin meets Hobi.
Pratt vs Jeon.
Jeon Jungkook, fake boyfriend extraordinaire.
Notes:
hi everyone, i meant to post this during the weekend so sorry if it's a bit late
but this chapter is twice as long as the other chapters, so i hope that makes up for it? :)
this is 11k words and i wish you can read it when you have enough time to appreciate the moments
so don't rush into it, read it when you have a lot of time
and most importantly, enjoy :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
***
“Are you faking a relationship with Jimin so he can get a citizenship?”
Jungkook blinks at Mr. Pratt, willing his brain to quickly come up with something.
Jungkook realizes there’s only two ways this could go - either Mr. Pratt heard the conversation he just had inside with Mr. Park and their ruse is all over, or the man is just assuming, trying to pin the relationship on anything except Jimin being in a relationship with someone that’s not him.
Either way, Jungkook has only one way to find out and only one way to move forward.
“Excuse me?!” Jungkook feigns offense with a matching hand on chest for added shocked effect. “Are you accusing us - nay, are you accusing Mr. Park, your precious friend, the man who has nothing but nice things to say about you, such horrible, not to mention illegal things?”
A flicker of doubt passes through Mr. Pratt’s face.
There it is! This motherfucker is just assuming.
Jungkook is back in the game.
“The same Mr. Park, who suggested you give your mother sanghwang - that traditional Korean medicinal herb, when she was recovering from her illness?” Jungkook crowds Mr. Pratt’s space. “Because you were so affected by her getting sick and Jimin was so concerned? How could you think this of someone so kind as him, sir ?” Jungkook enunciates the last word for added accusatory effect.
And it works, Mr. Pratt’s eyes shift downwards.
Jungkook decides to unleash his biggest arsenal against Pratt yet.
“Do you know that I’ve been in love with Jimin these past 2 years but I didn’t have the guts to make a move because I thought, how could someone like me measure up to someone like you ?”
Mr. Pratt tilts his head sympathetically at Jungkook then, like yes, he understands why the assistant would be insecure next to him.
It takes a lot of effort for Jungkook not to roll his eyes and grimace.
“Honestly, when Jimin finds out that you asked me that, he’s gonna be so disappointed. All this time, he’s put you on a pedestal and yet here you are-”
“John Cook, no! Please!” Mr. Pratt is immediately up in arms. “Please, don’t tell him! I apologize to you as well, but please keep this between us. I don’t want to lose the special bond Jimin and I share.”
Jungkook tries to look pained by the decision but he acquiesces, “Fine.”
“Oh, you’re a good man, John. Thank you.”
Jungkook starts walking back to his cubicle.
“However, John,” Mr. Pratt speaks again, this time audible to some of their colleagues nearby, who apparently have been silently watching the exchange from afar earlier. “the minute Jimin dumps you, well, I can’t say I’d let him slip from my fingers once more. Jimin needs a real man in his life, I’m sure you agree.” He snaps his head away like he can’t stand looking at Jungkook anymore and he walks back to his office.
The fuck does he mean ‘real man’ ??
Jungkook hears someone scoff on the left. It’s Anna, Jungkook’s colleague one cubicle over.
Jungkook points to the direction Pratt just took and gives an incredulous look to Anna. Can you believe that guy? Anna gives a head shake and a disgusted expression in reply.
Pratt is an absolute creep. No wonder Mr. Park always tries to get out of talking to that guy.
The minute he reaches his cubicle, Anna rolls her chair to Jungkook and whispers conspiratorially, “Don’t worry about that delusional prick, JK.”
Jungkook gives her an amused questioning look. For all the swearing around in this office, he’s never heard one from Anna before.
Anna shrugs. “What? I hate Pratt. And I’m all for Mr. Park being soft and in love, so I’m on your side.”
Jungkook grins, “I’m all for Park being soft and in love too if that means he’s more chill at work.”
“You know that Mr. Park is already way nicer now than he was before you started working for him, right?”
He’s heard this from several people now but Jungkook never really considered himself to be the cause of it. Because why would he? It's probably just coincidence or Namjoon finally getting through to Jimin to be more chill at work. He plays along with Anna regardless,
“You’re telling me that’s the nice version?!”
Anna giggles as she swivels her chair back to her own desk. “Believe it or not!”
That was kinda nice, Jungkook thinks. At least one person in the office likes the idea of him and Park.
[ jungkook ]: boss, pratt suspects us
[ mr. park ]: What did he say?
[ jungkook ]: he’s just assuming, don’t worry
[ jungkook ]: i handled it but idk if he’s really letting it go that easy
[ mr. park ]: I know him. He’s definitely not letting it go that easy
[ jungkook ]: you gave that one a love potion or...? 🤣
[ mr. park ]: 😑
[ jungkook ]: no for real, arent u scared of that guy? even i get a bit concerned he'll just kidnap you or something
[ mr. park ]: 😑
[ jungkook ]: i forgot to tell u, hobi hyung is asking when u can meet him 😬
[ mr. park ]: How about dinner tomorrow?
[ jungkook ]: great. cant wait. plan my funeral for me boss 😭
[ mr. park ]: I have to say, Jungkook, I've realized you are quite dramatic.
[ mr. park ]: The way you said yes to my proposal tops everything :)
[ jungkook ]: 😑
***********************
Much to Jungkook’s dismay, the end of Tuesday arrives and it is time to have the dinner with Hobi. Mr. Park informs Jungkook earlier that they can leave together after work, so Jungkook can help him buy a small gift for his hyung.
Just a little after the clock strikes 5:30, Mr. Park walks out of his office, ready to go. He walks straight towards Jungkook’s cubicle
“You’re not yet ready? Let’s go.”
Jungkook, still not yet used to his new dynamic with Mr. Park, blinks at his boss for a few moments before he remembers himself and starts moving. He scrambles to gather his belongings.
Mr. Park taps his foot and averts his gaze from Jungkook. The moment he does, everyone else in the office move from observing his interaction with Jungkook.
Right , he thinks. This is his first interaction with Jungkook in front of them after the whole “baby” incident. Jimin gets flustered at the memory. Maybe he can use this moment-
“Baby?”
Jungkook freezes. Everyone else too, most likely.
“I’ll go ahead, I just need to grab something in my car first. I’ll meet you in yours.” Mr. Park starts walking out.
“Y-yep.” Jungkook manages to reply.
Jungkook turns around to grab his bag and notices his colleagues staring at him with annoying ass smiles on their faces. He makes the same realization as Jimin earlier - this is the first time they’re seeing them interact after his crazy stunt last Friday.
“Baaaaby, hurry up or Daddy won’t be happy!” then an obnoxious laugh. Fucking Greg.
Their coworkers start laughing.
“Fuck you, Greg! See if I help look after your dogs again next time you go on vacation.”
Greg’s smile morphs into a frown. “Just teasing.”
“Y’all better leave JK’s relationship with Park alone! You want Park to go back to evil level 100 like it was before?” Anna says and Jungkook fistbumps her.
“You hear that? You want level 100? No! Better be nice to me!” Jungkook looks around smugly.
“If you say so, Jungkook.” It was Jin.
Jin who is now making a huge sign of the cross towards Jungkook like priests do when they’re blessing something. “Bless you for doing the Lord’s work.”
The rest of the office chuckle.
Jungkook gives Jin the middle finger and waves it at everyone else laughing.
“We love you, Jeon, we’re just kidding!”
“Yeah, we’re definitely praying for you, JK!”
Jungkook loves his officemates, actually. Everyone in the office gets along really well and they’ve all become really close. Apparently, looking out for each other and saving each other’s asses from Mr. Park creates a bond in mutual fear and collective hatred. So he understands the teasing. He’s not even really offended. In fact, if it was someone else in his situation he can’t say he won’t join the teasing as well. It’s just making his new job of being Mr. Park’s fake boyfriend a bit hard to accomplish when they obviously don’t take it seriously. Even Pratt thinks so, he mentioned earlier that he thinks Jimin will eventually dump Jungkook.
When Jungkook reaches the parking, Mr. Park is leaning against his own car.
“Don’t know which one’s your car.”
“Of course you don’t.” Jungkook drawls.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Park asks coolly while they’re both walking towards wherever Jungkook’s car is parked.
“It means you never paid attention to anything about me or your other employees. You’ve been in my car before when I had to pick you up from that meeting in Barangaroo when your car was at the cleaners'.”
Mr. Park scoffs.
Jungkook continues, “Whereas, I know everything about you.”
“Really now.”
“We need to learn stuff about each other, right? Well, I got that down. Easy. I will ace the test of all things Park Jimin if I take it right this instant.” Jungkook says over-confidently “You, on the other hand...” Jungkook tsks.
Mr. Park just rolls his eyes.
Jungkook stops at his black Hyundai and unlocks. “This is me, sorry it’s no Mercedes.”
When they’re both settling and wearing their seatbelts, Mr. Park speaks. “Took you a while to get down here.”
“Uh…yeah, I just had to talk to someone first.”
“They were teasing you about me, weren’t they? Was it bad?”
Jungkook looks at the man on his passenger seat. Mr. Park’s face reveals no emotion whatsoever.
“I know they said things, Jeon, I am aware of the office I run. It wasn’t really a question. Anyway, it doesn't matter. Let’s go and get this thing over with.”
Jungkook tries not to dwell on Mr. Park being aware, and of what it feels like to know everyone you work with dislike you.
*******************
Mr. Park has settled on a bottle of wine for Hobi. The three of them, including Jin, are now seated at the restaurant that their boss booked, waiting for Hobi to arrive.
Jungkook’s knee hasn’t stopped bouncing since arriving.
Jin slaps Jungkook’s leg. “Will you quit that? Just accept that Hobi will kill you, or at the very least lash out at you until the whole restaurant kicks us out and you end up with a viral video online of three Korean men kicked out of a fancy restaurant for excessive swearing and shouting as one scolds the other for entering a fake marriage with the third one.” Jin says all in one breath.
Mr. Park is doing a very good job of selectively ignoring Jin.
Jungkook glares at his hyung. “Thanks, Jin hyung. By the way, there'll be 4 of us here, doofus.”
“Nah, you think I’ll stick around until it turns to pure chaos?”
“Fuck, this is a bad idea. We didn’t think this through. He’s definitely gonna put a stop on this whole thing.” Jungkook says worriedly.
“Of course he will.” Jin interjects.
“Then why didn’t you stop me-”
“Hi!” Hobi suddenly arrives panting like he was running to get to the restaurant on time before Jungkook can even finish his sentence. “Sorry I’m late!”
Mr. Park stands up to bow and smiles saccharine sweet to Hobi. “Nice to meet you, Hoseok-ssi. Jungkook has told me a lot about you. Come, sit. And don’t worry about being late, he also tells me how hard you work in your dance studio.”
When Jungkook and Mr. Park were buying a gift earlier, Mr. Park kept asking about Hobi. Jungkook thought he was just making small talk but the man apparently took note of Jungkook’s answers so he can use them to converse with his hyung.
“This is for you, by the way.” Jimin hands him the bottle of wine.
The pleasant greeting, the gift, and the overall nice vibes Jimin is radiating is not what Hobi expected. But to be fair to him, the way Jungkook painted his boss almost made Hobi expect to meet someone with horns coming out of his forehead.
“Thank you, Jimin-ssi. Uh, it’s nice to finally meet you, too.”
“Let’s order first, shall we? Here’s the menu. Pick anything you’d like, dinner’s on me.”
Jin’s eyes widens and he hastily, shamelessly, grabs the menu. Jungkook kicks him under the table. Jin kicks him right back.
Hobi gives Jimin a smile, still guarded, but already starting to get a bit disarmed by Mr. Park.
“You don’t have to, Jimin-ssi. I was the one who invited you.” Hobi refuses politely.
Jin suddenly stops looking at the menu and pouts at Hobi like he’s so offended and disappointed at the man for turning down the free dinner.
Jimin replies, “Please, Hoseok-ssi, I insist. Besides, there’s always next time. I got you this time around, alright?”
Hobi smiles reluctantly and nods gratefully.
Jin happily goes back to perusing the menu.
Jungkook makes a mental note to unfriend Jin for at least 6-7 business days for his bullshit this entire day.
As soon as they’ve ordered, Jungkook’s knee starts bouncing again. The inevitable is coming no matter how much Mr. Park tries to soften his hyung.
“So, Hoseok-ssi, how long have you been dancing and teaching?” Jimin asks.
“Since I was a kid. My parents allowed me to have dance classes in Korea, then when I got here, I joined an underground hip-hop crew as a teenager. I opened my own studio around 2 years ago, around the same time Jungkook started working for you.”
Oh no, here it comes. The conversation segued to Jungkook’s work now.
“Must be rewarding to teach dance.” Jimin casually replies. “Or at least that’s what my previous trainers always mentioned.”
Hobi’s eyes widen. So do Jungkook’s and Jin’s.
“Trainers? You dance?”
Jimin nods and smiles modestly. “Contemporary.”
Alright, so maybe Jungkook does not know everything about Mr. Park.
“Oh my god! For how long?” Hobi gets excited at being able to talk about his passion with someone who has similar interests.
“Since I was a kid, too.”
And just like that, they were off to talking about dance for most of the dinner. Hobi shares videos of him dancing and Mr. Park also shares videos of his. Hobi looked so amazed and kept praising Jimin for his skill and the discipline to study such a difficult field of dance.
Jungkook is itching to ask to see the videos himself too but he stops himself, a bit salty that Hobi gets to watch and not him.
The end of dinner arrives and they are still yet to talk about the elephant in the room. Jimin had expertly steered the whole dinner to repel at least 90% of Hobi’s antagonistic feelings towards him. He’d tell stories, joke, listen, and laugh in all the right places. Even Jin seems to be enjoying the company.
Park’s superpowers in action, Jungkook thinks, if only a bit bitterly because for real, how come Mr. Park is never that relaxed, carefree, and charming when it comes to him?
Alas, the waiters come to collect their used plates and the atmosphere shifts to serious. Jungkook’s knee starts bouncing again.
Jimin notices and rests a hand on Jungkook’s thigh. That effectively freezes Jungkook.
Hobi notices the gesture.
“Hoseok-ssi, I know you must have heard awful things about me from Jungkook. I’m not even gonna defend myself from any of those, he is most likely justified in saying those things about me. I already apologized to him but I wanna apologize to you as well.” He pauses.
Jungkook starts sweating.
“I wouldn’t be here right now if this thing isn’t extremely important to me. And you are important to Jungkook so I would like to seek your approval in-
Suddenly Jungkook smacks the glass he's drinking from to the table so loud and everybody gets startled.
“Oops, sorry! He wants your approval in being in love with me Hobi hyung! Haha!"
The rest of the table all turn to throw weird looks at Jungkook. Jin puts his fingers between his eyes like Jungkook is currently causing him a major migraine.
Jimin tries to keep his expression neutral so Hobi wouldn’t catch on to something unusual.
Thankfully, Hobi is used to Jungkook and Jin’s weird antics all the time to smell anything fishy.
Jungkook puts his own hand on top of Jimin’s that's still resting on his thigh. He gives it a slight squeeze to send a message: Trust me on this.
“I’m really sorry we didn’t tell you sooner, hyung. It really wasn’t serious until… it was.”
Jin is intentionally looking everywhere except anyone on the table.
Jungkook continues, “We’re here because I want you to get to know the real Jimin. I’ve told you before how Jimin was at work but as you can see, he’s so much different outside and I… well... you've seen how charming he can be when he chooses to.” Jungkook smiles softly as he lets his eyes meet Jimin's.
Hobi softens at seeing Jungkook like that. He's not used to seeing Jungkook like this as Jungkook has never dated anyone for long enough that he wanted to introduce them to Hobi or Jin.
Jimin searches Jungkook’s eyes, gauging for any telltale sign of doubt. It reminds Jungkook of the moment he decided to help the man. Are you sure? The look says.
Jungkook gives Jimin a tiny nod as he continues to smile and stare at him. Yes I am.
Hobi thinks he's seeing the heart eyes Jin was talking about it. He buys it. But he needs to have a word with Jimin nevertheless.
“Jimin-ssi, Jungkook is like my little brother. I feel responsible for him so forgive me if I kind of demanded to meet you. You know why I had my reservations. I’m just looking out for him, you know?”
“I understand, Hoseok-ssi.”
“That said, I’ve never met any person Jungkook has dated before. So you must be special to him if he’s willing to introduce you to me.”
Jungkook feels shy all of a sudden and becomes very aware of the hand he still has on top of Jimin’s but he makes no move to retrieve it.
“Don’t hurt him, Jimin-ssi. I am extremely protective of Jungkookie.” Then he playfully threatens, “I know where your workplace is, I can easily find you.”
Mr. Park chuckles in reply.
After dinner, Jungkook tells Hobi to go home first as he has to drive Jimin home. Hobi leaves first and leaves the three outside the restaurant.
Jimin and Jin turn to Jungkook at the same time.
“I know, I know!” Jungkook puts both hands up in surrender as walks backwards away from the other two.
Jungkook turns to Jin. “You know he would make me quit my job and tell my parents if that would stop this from happening.”
Then Jungkook turns to Jimin, “Just let me wait a few more weeks otherwise, this is all over, I swear it. I know Hobi hyung.”
Jimin looks a bit forlorn but says he agrees to it if that’s what Jungkook really believes. He bids them goodbye for the night and hails a cab.
Jin lashes out at Jungkook. “You little shit! Now you’re making me lie to Hobi? I can’t do it, not to him!”
“Wonder what Kim Taehyung’s gonna feel about you ruining the one chance his best friend has to stay here.”
“Fuck you, that’s not gonna work. I met the guy once. Taehyung and I are nothing.”
“And that's all you’re gonna be if you tell Hobi.”
“I hate you right now, I really do.”
“Please, hyung. It’s not like I will keep this from him forever. I will tell him eventually. I just need to wait a bit more until there’s no going back or at least until after I introduce Jimin to my parents. If I say it now, he’ll definitely nip it in the bud.”
“Fine. But when he finds out, I’m definitely throwing you under the bus and pinning all the blame on you.”
“Yeah, yeah, do that.”
“I’m only tolerating your bullshit because I know that the money would turn your life around and you can finally start living for yourself without worrying about your family. And while I do not approve of your methods, I do think Park is harmless enough. But for your sake, Jungkook, I just hope it’s worth it.”
Jungkook seriously prays it is too.
*********************
All the lying is weighing down on Jungkook. But he reminds himself he’s doing this for a reason. They’ll eventually understand.
He’s on his way home when he gets a text from Mr. Park.
[ mr. park ]: Are you okay?
[ jungkook ]: gotta do what i gotta do
[ mr. park ]: I’m really sorry, Jungkook.
[ jungkook ]: don’t be sorry, i chose to do this
[ mr. park ]: Granted, but
Three dots appearing and disappearing. Jungkook registers the hesitation and braces for more apologies.
He gets something else instead.
[ mr. park ]: You can still back out.
[ mr. park ]: Better now, than later. I would understand.
And it rubs Jungkook the wrong way.
Here he is, trying everything to make it work, putting a damp on his relationship with his friends and Mr. Park is the one getting cold feet? Not to mention the guilt Jungkook will feel if he does back out when he’s the only person who can help Jimin.
Jungkook types furiously without thinking
[ jungkook ]: u do know that the nicer you are to me
[ jungkook ]: the harder it is for me to say no to you
He stares at the texts he’s sent. He doesn’t really know what he was trying to accomplish.
As fast as the anger came, regret soon took over. He can’t take back the words now.
Jungkook realizes it’s unfair to say that to Mr. Park, who’s genuinely offering him an out. But Jungkook doesn’t want out, and it frustrates him because he’s been given several chances to opt out and save himself but he refuses to take them.
He receives no more text from Mr Park, who’s probably thinking that if he apologizes some more, Jungkook will stupidly get mad at him again for making Jungkook feel guilty with his kindness.
Jungkook tells himself that his head will be clearer in the morning. He leaves their conversation at that.
***********************
For the entire Wednesday, Jungkook tries to find a good opportunity to apologize to Mr. Park, but the man has been in and out the whole day with meetings, and when he would stay in the office for a bit, he would call on Mikayla instead of him. Jungkook lets it be.
Thursday comes and their entire office is now at a retreat property in the Blue Mountains. The company has rented the entire area for their annual two-day team-building seminar. It is smack in the middle of the mountains and they’re surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Jungkook is kind of glad for the reprieve from his currently very stressful life.
The place they’ve rented is a whole compound that has a lot of cozy cottages littered all throughout the grounds. There is an outdoor staged area where they are now gathered, seated at the different picnic tables set up. There is also a little observation area on their left where there are benches to sit on while having a whole scenic view of the mountains. There is also a court, and an outdoor playing field downstairs where Jungkook believes their games and activities will be held.
The higher ups never really joined before so this is the first time Mr. Park and Mr. Kim are coming with.
And because Park is here, Pratt has unfortunately invited himself to join as well.
They arrived at the retreat around 10:30, and were sent to settle in on their assigned cottages before lunch. Jungkook hastily checks the list if Pratt is on the same cottage as Mr. Park because that crazy man absolutely cannot be trusted anywhere near Jimin. He exhales in relief when he sees that it’s just Park and Kim on a two-bedroom cottage and Pratt is sleeping somewhere else.
At noon, they all gather again to have their lunch at the picnic tables. Jungkook is sharing a table with Jin, Anna, and four more close colleagues.
Everyone seems to be in good spirits, excited to spend two days just playing games and enjoying each other’s company, and most especially, not working while being paid for it. That’s another thing Jungkook really likes about his company - they never scrimp out on their budget for these kinds of things.
Jungkook grabs a bite of his food when Anna speaks to him from the other side of their table.
“Hey JK, why aren’t you and Mr. Park talking at all? It’s not like your relationship is still a secret“ she titters.
“Yeah, Jungkook. It’s alright, mate. We’re past the point of shock now, you can hang out with your baby.” Daryl jokes.
“No, uh, we just agreed to keep our personal and work life separate so...”
“But, we’re not at the office right now. You’re free to be yourselves.” insists Anna. “Also, we have a running bet so we kinda need you to love it up with Mr. Park.”
“A what now?” Jungkook stops eating.
“Yeah, we all bet on how long it will take for Pratt to completely lose his cool this entire seminar. We based it on the itinerary and we’re not allowed to tell you so you don’t pick your moment to enrage the guy.” Sarah sniggers. “So you gotta tell us if Jin here tells you which activity he bet on. We know you’re best friends so no cheating.”
Jin grunts.
“You guys are insane.” Jungkook chides. "Jimin and I are trying to keep it lowkey.”
“Why though?” Anna questions.
“Because! He’s our boss?”
“So?”
“What do you mean so ?” Jungkook insists “Everyone will think of us differently.”
Mikayla interjects, “That’s just them. I knew there was something from my very first day.”
Jungkook looks at his co-assistant questioningly. She just shrugs.
“We already think of you differently, hello .” Sarah points out. “What, you think we can un-know your relationship with the boss? But that’s okay, Anna and I think you two are cute.”
“Cute?” Jungkook draws himself backwards “I thought we all hated him?”
“Shouldn’t we ask you that question? Anyway, we get it. He’s really hot and you had your chance so you took it.” Daryl says.
“It’s not like that!” Jungkook barks.
“Okay, okay! Defensive! We’re just kidding.”
“Yeah, obviously, there’s something there or you wouldn’t be dating him. Don’t mind us, Jeon.” Sarah smiles reassuringly.
“Yeah, better than seeing Park with Pratt.” Anna grimaces.
“You guys are really comparing me to Pratt? Gross.”
The rest of their lunch goes on. They drop the subject of Jungkook’s love life in lieu of the activities they’re about to do and who they want and don’t want to be in the same teams with.
After everyone’s done eating, they’re all just taking a bit of a rest before they officially start their activities. Jungkook looks over at Jimin from two tables over. He’s sitting with Mr. Kim, Mr. Pratt and a few others. Mr. Kim had always been easygoing and easy to talk to so Jungkook isn’t surprised to see him at the center of the conversation at their table.
Mr. Park, on the other hand, is just quietly listening in on the conversation, takes a sip from his drink, smiles here and there but doesn’t really join. Others might think he’s alright but Jungkook knows him enough to know that his boss isn’t comfortable. Sad, even.
Jungkook realizes then how out of place Jimin must be feeling. It would be hard for his boss to assimilate as he’s always distanced himself to everyone at the office. He probably thought it would be easier like that because of all the tough decisions he has to make in his position, but it has resulted in him alienating himself from everyone in the process. Jungkook realizes it must be the reason Jimin never joins these seminars in the first place.
Before he knows what he’s doing, Jungkook excuses himself and walks over to Jimin’s table and stands behind his supposed boyfriend.
“I’m sorry, everyone, I just need to steal Jimin away from you for a second.” Jungkook requests as puts both his hands on Jimin’s shoulders. Jimin stills for a second before he relaxes.
Mr. Kim smiles. “Of course. Take him away, Jungkook.”
Jimin excuses himself from the table and avoids Jungkook’s eyes as they start walking.
Jungkook feels everyone’s eyes on them but he wills himself to get used to it. In fact, let them watch, he thinks.
Jungkook catches up to Jimin to walk beside him and grabs his hand. He leads his boss to the benches on the side overlooking the mountains.
He takes a seat on one bench and pulls Jimin down to sit beside him on his left. Jungkook lets go of the hand.
“Jimin-
“Jungkook-
They both start at the same time.
“You can go ahead.” Jungkook gives way.
Jimin is looking at the view in front of them while Jungkook looks at Jimin, expectant.
“I-I’ve been thinking… I don’t know if I can continue to let you do this, Jungkook.”
Jungkook’s brows furrow.
“I saw you lying to Hoseok-ssi and I realized it’s not you and I feel so guilty. It’s affecting your relationship with your friends so much, I can’t even begin to imagine how it’ll be when it comes to your family-”
“Jimin, stop.” Jungkook puts a hand on Jimin’s arm to halt whatever he is saying. “Don’t do that. I’m here. I already agreed to do this with you.”
Jungkook repositions himself and transfers his left leg to the other side of the bench so he’s sitting sideways on the bench, body fully facing Jimin.
“Look at me.” Jungkook begins. Jimin continues to look straight ahead.
Jungkook’s right hand moves to cup Jimin’s left cheek as he turns the other man’s face towards him. “Look at me.”
Jimin looks dejected and confused and Jungkook hates seeing it.
Jungkook softly nudges the cheek he’s holding. “If you feel guilty, please remember that I’m doing this for myself too. The money will liberate me, Jimin. And when you meet my family, remember that I’m doing this for them as well. Promise me you’ll think about these when you feel guilty again.”
Jimin says nothing but Jungkook knows he’s considering his words.
“I wanna apologize to you too, Jimin.” Jungkook drops his hand on Jimin’s cheek in lieu of both his hands pulling on both of Jimin’s to convey his sincerity.
“For the other night.” Jungkook clarifies. “It was wrong and unfair of me to say those things. I realize I’ve kinda been a jerk to you lately. You’ve shown me concern and I kinda threw it back at your face, didn’t I? I’m so sorry. I think I got so used to painting you as the asshole that I became one. You’ve been showing me a different side of you. Sorry if I refused to acknowledge it. But not anymore.”
“It’s hard to blame you, Jungkook. I wasn’t very nice to you or to anyone at the office.”
“Okay, let’s make another deal. How about you and I start over on a clean slate? You’ve apologized to me already and now I’m apologizing to you about my own faults. I forgive you. Do you forgive me too?”
Jimin sighs. “I forgive you.” Jimin looks down again.
“Great. Now, I’m adding rule number 5. Now, we go all in - no more backing out, we do everything we can to make this work. We are in this together. It’s not just about saving you, because this is saving me too. So whatever it is that would help us to do this together, we do it. We prioritize this shit. If there’s any concern or problem, or even if you feel guilty again, we communicate. This is equally important to both of us. All or nothing, Jimin-ssi... agreed?”
Jimin is looking down, not saying anything.
Jungkook whines while tugging at the other man’s hands, “Jimin.”
Finally, Jimin looks up at him. With a sad pout. Like he’s agreeing with everything Jungkook is saying but his guilty feelings still need time to go away, and that Jungkook is right, this isn’t just about him - Jungkook’s future is just as much in it as his.
Jimin looks so much like a kicked puppy and Jungkook can’t help it - a giggle slips out.
Mr. Park’s current expression is such a far cry from his usual sharp and stoic one and it’s cracking Jungkook up. While the man has the most intimidating glare out of anyone he’s met in his entire life, Mr. Park’s facial features are ironically the opposite - he has round cheeks that make him look way younger, he has small eyes that look like crescents when he smiles, and when those eyes are not busy shooting daggers at someone, they would look round and innocent and
... well, now they’re back to glaring at Jungkook.
“Sorry!” Jungkook sniggers. “It’s just that your face - I didn’t know it could do that kicked puppy thing. It’s cute.”
Jimin pushes Jungkook’s hands away. “Who the hell is cute.”
But he pouts again and it is in fact very cute so Jungkook cracks up even more.
Jimin’s face finally brightens as he reluctantly laughs at his assistant being so fucking amused.
“Alright, Mr. Scary and Intimidating, you didn’t answer me yet. Do you agree?” Jungkook asks again.
“If you’re sure-”
“I’m sure, Jimin.” Jungkook half-whines. He’s very sure.
Jimin smiles. “Okay then, I agree.”
“Mr. Park! JK! Enough flirting! Time for murder!” Sarah calls on them. “I’m ready to win those gift certificates, let’s go!”
And they're off.
************************
The first game they’re playing is capture the flag. All of them have been divided into 2 teams.
Jimin and Mr. Kim are sitting the game out while they take videos. Mr. Pratt wasn’t supposed to join as well but someone had a hurt ankle. And upon seeing that Jungkook is the one leading the blue team, Mr. Pratt of course volunteers himself to fill up the red team’s empty spot.
Jungkook and Jimin share a knowing smile. Jungkook smirks.
Jungkook happily notes that the air between him and Jimin feels lighter and friendlier after the talk they’ve just had.
The teams were given twenty minutes to strategize before starting. Jimin is taking a video of the blue team and is kind of impressed at Jungkook’s suggested strategy. He’s marked all the good hiding places where some of his teammates could position themselves while him and Jin try to make a go for the red flag. As soon as either of them manages to grab the flag, the rest of the hiding team would come out and help clear the way so the flag could be taken back to their base.
Part of their strategy also anticipates Mr. Pratt going after Jungkook when he gets the chance. So Jungkook suggested swapping shirts and caps with Jin. Pratt would be on the lookout for him in his black shirt and black cap but he’ll be wearing Jin’s white ones.
The game begins and Jimin is at the tree house in the middle of the compound, which has a bird’s eye view of the entire grounds so he can take good footage. Namjoon is somewhere in the middle of the action down there.
After a while of running around, people chasing each other, and a failed attempt by the red team to grab the blue team’s flag, Jimin notices Jin and Jungkook getting ready to snatch the red team’s flag. Jimin decides to go down there to get better footage.
Pratt is the one assigned to guard the red flag but because no one is allowed to be near their own flag at all times, he can only guard it from a certain distance. Pratt is going around the area when he gets distracted by two people chasing each other on his left and tries to help his teammate. That’s when Jin and Jungkook decide to run towards the red flag at the same time. Pratt registers the movements from both his sides and just as they predicted, he goes after the guy wearing black. As soon as Pratt turns towards Jin’s direction, Jungkook shifts directions and runs towards where he has a clear path towards his own base. Jin manages to grab the flag before Pratt gets to him.
“Hyung!” Jungkook calls out, waving his arms up to Jin so the older knows where he is on the field.
Jin quickly takes off the tape he has on his shirt (they all had tapes, as Jungkook also suggested) and tapes the small rock he’s holding to the flag and throws it as far as he can in Jungkook’s direction before Pratt reaches him and realizes what he’s doing.
Mr. Pratt is confused to see Jin’s face and his eyes follow the direction of the thrown flag. He sees Jungkook retrieve it.
Jungkook winks at him and Pratt growls in frustration as he charges after Jungkook.
When Jungkook starts running, all the other hiding blue team members come out to either help clear the way for Jungkook or grab the flag from him in case he gets attacked.
Jimin is capturing the whole thing, cheering with everyone else, amazed at how well Jungkook’s plan is actually working.
Jungkook reaches the top of the hill where Greg from the red team is waiting for him. But Anna, tiny Anna, arrives and uses her entire body to tackle Greg to the ground. Pratt is still on Jungkook’s toes but Jungkook is apparently a really fast runner. He’s almost at their base and doesn’t register Terence coming at him from the side. Thankfully they also planned this and Jungkook yells for Sarah, as he tosses the flag near their base before he gets taken down by Terence. Sarah comes out of her hiding spot. Her path is clear.
She runs towards the flag, grabs it, and brings it to their base easily.
The blue team wins.
They all raise their hands in victory, screaming and jumping as they all gather to hug and celebrate their win.
Pratt comes up to Jungkook, shakes his hand and accepts his defeat.
Jeon: 1, Pratt: 0.
******************
The second game they’re playing is tug of war. It’s a best of five series and they’ve installed an area in the middle with paint, so whoever loses will fall on it as punishment. It would also subsequently make the game harder the next round because the paint would make the rope slippery.
Jimin is starting to realize just how competitive Jungkook is, and how smart (he’s always known this actually but today has been a fun reminder). Jungkook always has a plan of action. This time, Jungkook suggested who to put in front and at the back based on their weights and he told them what to do in case they’re about to fail - just let the rope go so they wouldn’t get paint on themselves and ruin their chances for winning the later rounds.
As fate would have it, Mr. Pratt is again on the other team. Except fate this time meant Jungkook’s colleagues actively conspired to put Pratt on the team opposite Jungkook to fuel Pratt’s feelings of rivalry. Jungkook shakes his head at his coworkers knowing they’re all pushing Mr. Pratt to his limit because they have a secret bet to win.
Jimin sits this game out again in lieu of taking videos and Anna is with him with the other camera this time. Mr. Kim was persuaded to join the game and is currently in Pratt’s team. They said they needed him for a better balance of weight amongst the two teams.
The game begins.
Jungkook’s team loses the first round but due to their strategy, they’re still clear from paint as they all shouted “Let go!” before they were about to fall.
Jimin and Anna are having so much fun watching and documenting their colleagues pull their “war faces” all throughout the game. There are howls of laughter as team members fall into the paint, people slipping and sliding all over the place.
The teams reach a fifth deciding game as both teams are now at two wins each. Jungkook is now at the front of his team. And after he positions himself there, the other team all push Mr. Pratt to the front too, saying that he’s the strongest out of theirs.
Mr. Pratt sneers at Jungkook. He’s confident because he’s taller and has a bigger build than Jungkook.
The game begins and Jungkook and his team pull as hard as they can. It goes on for around half a minute until someone’s hand from Jungkook’s team slips from the rope and the other team manages to successfully pull the rope and win the game.
Jungkook falls face first into the paint and Jimin bursts out laughing on the sidelines. Pratt celebrates but no one is really minding the win or the loss as the court erupts in pure chaos as people start chucking paint at one another and having fun. Mr. Pratt lends a hand to Jungkook to help him up and Jungkook accepts.
Then Jungkook gets an idea.
He suddenly charges towards an unprepared Mr. Park on the side and screams “Jimin!”
Mr. Park reacts too late and before he could even attempt to run away, Jungkook gets to him, and grabs his wrist so he can’t run away.
“Jungkook!” Jimin laughs. “The camera, stop!”
Anna then grabs the camera from Jimin’s outstretched hand while she proceeds to take a video of them without them noticing.
As soon as Jimin’s hands are empty, Jungkook’s hands are suddenly all over him. Jungkook hugs him so he covers more ground in putting paint all over Jimin. And Jimin, seeing that he’s already covered in paint anyway, stops trying to get away from Jungkook and just roams his hands all over Jungkook’s face to cover the remaining unpainted areas.
The rest of their office watch the whole exchange engrossed, cheering at Jungkook’s antics with their usually scary boss - the boss who now has paint all over his face with his hair all standing up after Jungkook molded them with paint.
Jungkook laughs in pure glee at the image he’s just created.
And with a laughing Mr. Park in his arms, having fun and letting go (with the added satisfaction of a seething Mr. Pratt on the side), Jungkook feels like he’s winning far more than what he’s intentionally playing.
Jeon: 1, Pratt: 1
Jeon: 100 , Pratt: 1
******************
“I won! We won this round!” Pratt yells victory at the finish line.
Their last activity of the day was a mini Olympic obstacle course. There were different games set up all throughout the grounds where each team member was assigned to a different game. A member can only start doing their task after the member before them successfully accomplishes theirs.
There was discus throw area, a hula hoop stop, a backwards running area, one egg drop game station, a three-legged race course, and the last one, a track for sprint hurdles, where Jungkook and Mr. Pratt have been assigned, again, thanks to the office conspiring to pit them against each other.
It was a best of three series and Jungkook’s team already won the first round. The two teams were neck-to-neck in this round. If Jungkook’s team wins this one as well, the game is over.
“No! We gotta see proof first!” Jungkook’s team member yells back.
“What do you mean? John Cook knocked over one of the hurdles!” Pratt insists.
“It’s not against the rules to knock any over!”
“That’s crap! Of course it is!” He throws his hands up in frustration.
“It’s not, sir, just like the actual Olympics. It’s not grounds for disqualification!”
“Let’s just watch the tape, everyone!” Mr. Kim announces.
A few of them gather around Mr. Kim as they watch the clip from the camera they set up near the finish line.
They see that Jungkook stumbled at the end so it looked like Pratt got there first. But it was clear as day - Jungkook’s foot touched the finish line first. His team wins.
“Jeon, you did it! We won!”
Jungkook’s teammates start cheering and shouting.
The losing team sportively whines and requests to see the video again but none of them mean it, they’re all just jokingly playing into the competition. Except Pratt, who actually loses it. He grabs one of the hurdles and throws it away in frustration.
“This is bullshit!” And walks away.
The employees who saw the incident stop to stare at Mr. Pratt but some of them are already celebrating another win or lamenting another loss - their secret bet now has its results. Pratt finally gave in.
Taehyung, who arrived sometime in the afternoon to join (because he never gets to go on vacation with his two best friends so he’s taking advantage of the situation) snorts deridingly as he watches Mr. Pratt’s ungentlemanly behavior with Jimin on the benches.
“Jungkook must be doing a good job if Pratt is already coming unhinged.” Taehyung jeeringly laughs.
Through the crowd, Jungkook looks over at Jimin with a huge smug grin on his face. Jimin can’t help but smile back.
Pratt: -100, Jeon: 200
+ 1000 bonus points for angering Pratt and making Jimin smile all throughout the day just because.
Jungkook feels like he’s having the best day he’s had in years.
**********************
For dinner, Jungkook successfully convinces Jimin to join him at his friends’ table. Jimin was hesitant at first but Taehyung and Namjoon successfully convince him that they could use this as an opportunity to sell their relationship.
“I’ve got you, don’t worry.” Jungkook simply tells him as he grabs Jimin’s hand and pulls him towards the direction of his friends.
Jungkook realizes that he kinda likes holding Jimin’s hand.
The table visibly tenses when Jungkook arrives with Jimin in tow but Jungkook ignores it, determined to integrate his fake boyfriend into his circle.
“So who won?” Jungkook asks the rest of the table, knowing they’ll understand he’s referring to their secret bet.
“Me, Mikayla and Terence!” Anna, the only non-tense member of the table exclaims excitedly.
Sarah taps her shoulder to admonish her. Mr. Park is right here, she tries to communicate with her eyes.
Jungkook sees the exchange. “Don’t worry about Jimin, guys.”
Jungkook turns to Jimin to explain as he tugs the hand he’s holding. “Babe, these little shits made a bet on how long until Pratt loses it today, that's why they keep pitting me and Pratt against each other the entire day.”
Jimin laughs - both in amusement over his employees’ antics today and to hide the blush that’s creeping on his face at Jungkook talking to him as his boyfriend in front of his employees, employees that he’s never had a casual and friendly relationship with before.
At Mr. Park’s laugh, the rest of the table collectively relax.
“If you told me, I would have bet as well.” Jimin tries to join the fun.
The rest of the table show various expressions of delight and shock. They’ve never had Mr. Park take part in their jokes before. Jungkook smiles proudly at them like, see, Park is cool, he could be fun.
“Hey Mr. Park, just curious, what did you even see in Jungkook over here?” Daryl playfully asks.
“I love the vote of confidence, guys.” Jungkook sarcastically comments, while he takes a mouthful of his dinner using his left hand, his right refusing to let go of Jimin’s under the table.
“Honestly, I don’t know, I feel like I just got tired of his lame jokes and the pathetic excuses to spend more time with me.” Jimin replies.
Jungkook’s coworkers snicker, even Jin, all clearly enjoying this side of Mr. Park.
“I see how it is.” Jungkook dramatically lifts his and Jimin’s entwined hands so everyone can see him exaggeratedly drop it and let it go.
More laughter, this time including Jimin.
“I believe Mr. Park.” Sarah declares.
“Not you, Sarah.” Jungkook pretends to look pained.
“Okay, tell us how it started then!” Anna prompts.
“See, it started when I gave Jimin a gift on his birthday.” Jungkook peers at Jimin mischievously and Jimin narrows his eyes suspiciously. “It was totally just a friendly gesture on my part, but I guess he took it the wrong way. He thought I was making a move on him.”
Mr. Park’s eyebrow raises.
“How can I not? I walk into my office that day and there’s this huge heart-shaped box and when I opened it, there was a chick plushie and a note that says ‘I think you’re eggs-traordinary’ Love, Jungkook.” Jimin tries not to laugh.
The rest of the table all crack up.
Jungkook looks at his fake boyfriend affronted. Jimin is making him sound so lame, he would do better than that for a gift to someone he likes.
“Jeon, you’re so corny!”
“Yeah, where’d you get that idea from, Seokjin?” Sarah guffaws.
“I’m right here?” Jin plays along and tries to look insulted.
“I only sent it as a joke to make him laugh, okay!” Jungkook tries to salvage his reputation. “Cause I know he hates those kinds of things. But I do know the things he likes. And he likes Franz Kafka. So underneath that is a beautiful, expensive, bracelet and a handwritten card with a Kafka quote.”
“Ooh, Jeon is the romantic handwritten-note-giving type.” Sarah teases. “So what’s the quote?”
“I’m not telling you guys, that’s private!”
“Knowing you, it’s probably cheesy, that's why you’re embarrassed!”
Jimin smirks.
Anna suddenly gasps like she just solved a puzzle. Everybody turns to her.
“Is it - ‘ You are at once both the quiet and the confusion of my heart ’?
Jungkook blushes. Well, that’s what he was thinking but he wasn’t planning on saying it. He thinks it’s romantic but having it said out loud makes it embarrassing. Suddenly, he wants the ground to swallow him.
“Ah, it is!” Anna claps in delight as she takes in Jungkook’s expression.
Damn it. Working at a publishing company, there’s bound to be some nerd around who actually knows about literature and shit.
“Oh my god, JK! That’s definitely one way to confess to someone!”
“I told y’all it was cheesy!”
“It’s not cheesy, it’s romantic! Aww Jeon, didn’t know you were such a softie!”
Jungkook’s face is full-on red by now. This is ridiculous, he’s being roasted for something he didn’t actually do.
“What are you talking about, Jungkook’s always been a softie, remember when we all watched Avengers Endgame and he cried?”
“Alright, enough!” Jungkook stops his friends. “First of all, Iron Man died you cold-hearted jerk. And second, you all got your story, happy? We shall never speak of this again.”
Jimin laughs softly beside him, enjoying Jungkook being ripped apart by his friends and maybe also a bit endeared - new things have been unraveling about Jungkook in front of him lately and Jimin can’t say he dislikes what he’s seeing.
“What is it, gang-up-on-Jungkook day?” Jungkook frowns.
“Cause it’s your birthday next week and you’ll go on leave, we can't bully you then, so we’re doing it now.”
“Just say you’re all gonna miss me.”
“We won’t, we’re literally planning two parties that week because finally there’s no you.”
“Lies. I’m the life of the party.”
The rest of the table continue their friendly bantering and Mr. Park is glad Jungkook convinced him to join them. He’s always known that everybody in the office got along well but for the first time, he gets to be a part of it. Jungkook would occasionally glance to check on Jimin and relax when he sees that Jimin is comfortable.
And Jimin is. He’s happy to listen to them bicker, relieved that they’re letting him in. He should have done this a long time ago, he thinks. But then he glances at Jungkook on his side, whose arm is securely wrapped around his waist, and he realizes that maybe it could not have gone better any other way.
Towards the end of dinner, Jungkook tells his colleagues that they all need to work double time next week as the office will be two most important men down because Jimin is going with him to Busan. They’re all surprised.
Anna shrieks, “Oh my god! That means it’s already serious.”
“You guys, I’m so proud because Jungkook is finally spending a birthday not single!”
Jungkook groans.
Anna clears her throat, “I wanna propose a toast! To winning, and to Jeon finally landing one!”
“TO WINNING, AND TO JEON FINALLY LANDING ONE!”
The neighboring tables laugh as they hear the toast and join as well.
Jimin finds Taehyung smiling at him from across the room, glint in his eyes, and a cup in the air in toast as well.
******************
By the second day, Jungkook notices that Jimin is already more relaxed and more willing to be part of the fun.
Bad news for Jungkook is this means flirty Jimin fully bounced back as well.
Mr. Park plays one game and manages to fluster Jungkook during it.
They were playing basketball and Taehyung pushed Jimin to join, saying Jimin is a good shot and plays the sport really well.
If ‘really well’ means suddenly kissing Jungkook on the cheek while Jungkook tries to block him from making the final winning shot then yeah, he’s great.
“That’s cheating!” Jungkook exclaims after Jimin makes the shot and his team cheers on their win.
“Show us where the rule is against kissing.”
“What the hell, they don’t kiss each other on the NBA, do they?!” Jungkook whines “Yesterday you were on my side with the hurdles and now you’re jumping ships to Park’s?”
Greg, who’s holding the camera, answers, “Well, you could have stolen the ball then but you froze. Caught you on camera, by the way!”
Jungkook’s teammates jokingly admonish him “Jeon, you lovesick fool, you are benched!”
“The game is literally over!” Jungkook protests.
“Well, then you are benched in the next game!”
Jungkook finds Jimin in the crowd and sees him sitting on the benches smiling smugly. He winks at Jungkook.
Jungkook sees how it is.
Fine. Park: 1, Jeon: 0.
*******************
Jungkook has found that it’s kind of easy to fake a sort of intimacy with Mr. Park. It’s not even so much that it’s them pretending (at least on his part), it’s that once they’ve had that talk, there was a sense of comfort and trust that settled between them that the intimacy kind of just… fell into place.
Like now. They’re sitting at the benches with Mr. Kim while watching the rest of the office play tennis. Jungkook is nestled between Jimin’s legs, who is sitting a step above him. Jungkook was tired from playing tennis earlier and as soon as he came towards the two men on the benches. Jimin tossed him a bottle of water and Jungkook sat in front of Jimin, exhausted, and launched into a chat with Mr. Kim. Jimin apparently had a towel and helped wipe Jungkook’s sweat from behind. Somewhere along the conversation, Jungkook had unknowingly leaned back to rest his back on one of Jimin’s legs, too tired. It was some time before he even noticed he’s done it but he realizes Jimin just let him.
Maybe everything is just in the name of their pretend relationship, but Jungkook finds that none of what’s happened the past two days actually felt forced. At least to him.
And Jungkook feels hopeful at the notion. He tries not to dwell too much on where the hope springs from - if it’s just hope that this arrangement with Jimin might be easy after all and might actually work or hope for something else… something to blossom between them.
Friendship, he reminds himself, It’s friendship you want with Jimin .
And why not? Jungkook thinks. They could be friends. Mr. Kim’s pretend marriage worked because he’s good friends with Kim Taehyung, right? He sees them now that they’re about to divorce and they still seem very close and happy to spend time together. What’s wrong about wanting something like that with Jimin as well?
Jimin’s phone rings after a while and he says he has to take it. It was an agent.
Namjoon shakes his head at Jungkook. “I told him to forget about work for now, but you know how he is. He says he’s leaving for Busan so he can’t let the work pile up. Expect a lot of phone calls when he’s in Korea with you.”
Jungkook chuckles, “I’m already used to it.
“How’s everything so far, Jungkook? I have to say, I totally didn’t expect you turning around like that and helping Jimin in the end. I only wish to have seen the moment myself.” Namjoon chuckles. “Jimin came running to my office all flustered, telling me you called him baby in front of everyone and I was so confused. Jimin tells me you’re quite the actor. I've seen enough these past two days to agree with him.”
Jungkook feels the need to defend himself, at least about not really "acting" the past two days but stops himself, he is acting whether he feels like it or not... right?
“I just panicked." Jungkook refers to the moment at the office instead. "I didn’t know what else to do.”
“Well thank you for that, Jungkook - from me and Taehyung. This means a lot to us, I don’t know what we’d do if we suddenly lost Jimin. Taehyung, especially. Those two are thick as thieves - have been since they were kids. Some twin behavior, going on over there. Drives me crazy sometimes.” Namjoon laughs to himself.
Jungkook smiles at the fondness on Mr. Kim’s face. It makes him wanna know more about their friendship, about what Jimin is like with his closest friends for them to cherish him like this.
“Don’t mention it, Mr. Kim. I’m doing this for myself too.”
“Jungkook, don’t be silly, call me Namjoon outside the office, or hyung if you don’t feel comfortable. I know it’s hard for us to drop honorifics and stuff even when we’re not in Korea.”
“Okay, Namjoon hyung.”
“So? How are things going so far?”
“Not so bad, I think. Jimin and I had a talk and somehow I feel like... we could actually do this.”
“That’s great to hear, Jungkook. Yeah, Jimin’s a totally different person outside of work, isn’t he?”
“Yep, I don’t think I’ve fully processed it yet, I’m just going with the flow.”
Namjoon chuckles. “Yeah, do that. He’s a tough nut to crack. Again, a lot like Taehyung. Twins, I’m telling you.”
“How did you do it, then?”
Namjoon turns pensive then, “I don’t think I did, actually. Not totally. Maybe in some places, but not in the way it matters. And that’s okay. Maybe that’s my tip for you, Jungkook.”
Jungkook doesn’t quite understand but he lets Namjoon continue.
“You will get closer, it’s inevitable. And you will see glimpses of them - the real them beneath their armors. You might think it’s beautiful, you might like what you see, and you’ll think it’s wonderful that you helped create a crack. But don’t let that distract you. As long as you’re there for them the way they ask you to be, you don’t have to do anything else.”
Just then, a group of people, including Taehyung and Jin arrive from upstairs bringing more water bottles. Jin says something and Taehyung laughs.
Namjoon looks over at them, sad regretful look on his face, “Just remember that maybe... it’s not our place to break down their entire walls.”
Jungkook realizes then what Namjoon is telling him exactly: Don’t fall in love with Jimin like I did with Taehyung.
*******************
That night, everyone gathers around the bonfire for a casual dinner-slash-awarding ceremony.
Jungkook has been waiting for Jimin to return from the bathroom for twenty minutes now. He looks around and sees the man standing by himself in front of the railings on the other side, looking at the beautiful view of the night sky. Jimin is stargazing.
Jungkook would have let him be, but he sees Mr. Pratt all the way on the other side of the grounds, having been to the kitchen probably. Jungkook sees Mr. Pratt register a solitary Jimin near the railings. Pratt starts walking towards him.
No way.
Jungkook never stood up so fast before in his life. He brisk-walks towards Jimin even when he knows he’d reach there way before Mr. Pratt could, being that the other guy is all the way on the other side of the grounds.
Jungkook gently cages a surprised Jimin on the railings, hugging the smaller man from behind.
“Pratt was about to come to you.” He informs him.
Jimin starts to relax in Jungkook’s hold. “Yikes.”
“He’s burning holes behind my skull right now, I can feel it.”
Jimin giggles. And ah- Jungkook truly does love the sound.
“What are you doing here? I’ve been waiting for you to come back.” Jungkook asks in a low voice.
Jimin leans back into Jungkook’s chest a little. “Look, it’s pretty.” he says, pointing at a clear view of the night sky in front of them.
Jungkook sees other pretty things as well.
“Didn’t know you were into stargazing.”
Jungkook thinks this is kinda nice. It’s cold and windy, he’s hugging a beautiful man who fits right in his arms, their voices soft, the starry night sky looking pretty above them…
“Guess you’re not the only one who’s into cheesy romantic shit.” Jimin says coyly. “By the way, how did you know I like Kafka?”
“You had special editions in your mini library at your office.”
“Hmm… and you would hypothetically use that knowledge to write me a cheesy romantic note with a bracelet to confess to me.”
“Technically, I hypothetically already did.”
“I liked the gift then… hypothetically .” He laughs softly.
A spark in Jungkook’s chest.
“Wait.” Jimin says suddenly. “Speaking of cheesy romantic shit, this is a really good spot for a couple-y photo.”
“You’re right.”
“Oh no, I left my phone with Taehyung when I went to the bathroom.”
“It’s alright, I’ve got mine.” Jungkook fishes his phone from his pocket. “Here. I’ll send it to you later.”
They take several photos in different angles, laughing at how silly they are, Jungkook not once relinquishing his position holding Jimin from behind.
Jimin checks the photos they took and Jungkook looks as well, resting his chin on Jimin’s shoulder.
The other side of his brain starts to blink red in warning. You’re too comfortable, it says . Don’t take it too far. Listen to Namjoon.
Jungkook ignores it. Just this one time, he tells himself.
Jimin lingers on one particular photo of them - one where Jimin is looking at the camera and Jungkook is looking fondly at Jimin. They look like a legitimate couple.
“What are you thinking about?” Jungkook whispers in Jimin’s ear. Jimin shivers, maybe from the cold, maybe from something else entirely.
“I’m thinking… I’m very lucky.” Jimin says.
“How so?”
“You’re really making me say it?”
Jungkook chuckles behind him and it reverberates on Jimin’s body.
“Is it because of me?” Jungkook says smugly.
“Ugh.”
“Come on, I wanna hear you say it.”
“No!”
“Say it, Jimin! Feed my praise kink.”
Then their laughs get interrupted.
“Hello, you two! What a lovely view out here isn’t it?” Pratt has materialized on their right.
You’ve got to be kidding, Jungkook thinks. The audacity of this man? Jungkook doesn’t even have the energy to reply politely.
“Did you know that constellation is called the Alpha Centauri? The Southern Cross should also be around here somewhere- Ah! There it is!”
Jungkook groans in frustration and buries his face in the crook of Jimin’s neck.
Jimin raises his right hand back to cup Jungkook’s head and keep it in place “Ben, I don’t mean to be rude, but Jungkook and I were kind of in the middle of something here.”
“Stargazing, right? I know quite a lot about stars.”
Unbelievable. Jungkook turns to the other man angrily.
“We weren’t just stargazing!” Jungkook huffs. “But you know what, feel free to stay, we’re gonna start ignoring you now.”
Jungkook suddenly attaches his lips to Jimin’s neck and starts kissing. He tries to be as loud as he can. Jimin was momentarily surprised but he recovers immediately and tilts his head to the other side to give Jungkook better access. Jimin’s hand reaches further back to tangle in Jungkook’s hair and Jungkook takes it as a signal to continue. He noses along Jimin’s skin as he pulls Jimin’s jacket down slightly. He peppers kisses all over Jimin’s exposed skin, his neck, his collarbone...
Jungkook gets lost in it and barely registers the man on their right excuse himself.
Jungkook inhales deeply and gets a faint whiff of Jimin’s perfume and it makes his hands tighten around Jimin’s middle as he pulls the other man’s body closer to him, He hears a soft moan from Jimin and it makes Jungkook’s kisses grow in intent. His lips drag back upwards along Jimin’s neck, then below his ear. His right hand comes up to angle Jimin’s face closer to him. His teeth slightly graze along Jimin’s jawline as he moves his lips across it. When he reaches the corner of Jimin’s lips, he hears Jimin whimper.
It snaps him back to reality.
All at once, he stops kissing Jimin and steps back. Jungkook tries to catch his breath.
Mr. Parks chest is slightly heaving as well as he turns his body to fully face Jungkook.
Jungkook is glad for the dark, because his face would absolutely be flushed right now. Not that it matters, they’re both trying not to look at each other.
Jimin forces a laugh to try to dispel the tense atmosphere.
“I think Pratt wouldn’t bother me as much anymore.”
Jungkook grabs onto the safety net Jimin is casting.
“Yeah, I hope so. You think he believes our relationship now?”
“Well... I think you were very convincing.”
*******************
Jimin has retreated to his cottage for the night and Jungkook is back at the bonfire with Jin while they have a drink together.
Jungkook decides to ask his hyung about his new friend “So, you and Kim Taehyung, huh?”
“We’re just talking.”
“Sure. Did you make a move yet?”
“Nah, I don’t know if he’ll be interested in someone like me.”
“What are you talking about, hyung? You’re handsome. By worldwide standards, if you ask me.”
Jin snorts. “I don’t know. He’s kind of cool, though. Really artsy, all cultured and stuff so I feel kind of intimidated.”
“I saw you making him laugh, though.”
“I make everyone laugh, so is everyone in love with me?”.
“Aish!” Jungkook grabs a little stone on the floor and throws it at Jin.
“How about you and Jimin?” Jin asks.
“What about us? You know all about us.”
“Careful, Jungkook.”
“About what?” He knows exactly what Jin is trying to say.
“You’re starting to convince even me, and I know it’s fake.”
Jungkook swallows.
“I’m just doing my job.”
Jin looks at Jungkook gravely then. “If it’s your downstairs heart then it’s fine, get it over with then it’s done. But if it’s your heart up here?” Jin taps Jungkook’s left chest with the back of his hand. “Then, you’re fucked. Try not to get fucked, Jungkook. Because if Jimin won’t get equally as fucked as you then Hobi and I won’t know how to help you.”
Maybe it’s a fair warning, Jungkook thinks.
Because holding Jimin’s hand, making him smile, making him laugh, introducing him to his friends, making sure he always feels comfortable, recognizing his efforts to change, rescuing him from a crazy obsessed admirer, saving him from deportation, kissing him…
It’s getting harder and harder for Jungkook to just chalk it all up to him "only doing his job."
********************
Notes:
they !!!!!! :)
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Chapter 8: The Unmasking of Park Jimin
Summary:
Jimin meets Jungkook's family for the first time and it's... a lot.
Notes:
helloooo! i hope this chapter finds you well!
i'm splitting the busan trip into 2 otherwise it'll be too long
this chapter is 12.5k already waaa
just wanna note
tw: homophobia for this chapter
----
before i send you off i just wanna say thank you for reading! this has 4k hits now and again, i know others have way more but like... woah? last time i checked it was at 1k something. and i have people subscribed to this fic, and to me as a writer? crazy. THANK YOUUUUand that's enough babbling from me
we going BUSAN!!!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
********
“No way! Boss, they really just give these out for free to first class passengers?”
“Jimin, the food, oh my god, I’ve never tasted airplane food that didn’t taste like airplane food before!”
“The chairs are so comfy, are you kidding me? These seats are more comfortable than the bed I had growing up.”
Watching Jungkook experience flying first-class for the first time is a whole different kind of entertaining for Jimin. He would have allowed himself more time to dwell on it if he wasn’t so anxious, and if he wasn’t so intent on not thinking about Jungkook beyond the parameters of their “business deal”.
That moment they had while they were stargazing at the Blue Mountains, well…
Jimin shakes himself.
That was just a part of the ruse anyway. He has other stuff to worry about right now - specifically, meeting Jungkook’s family.
Meeting Hobi was no issue. Jimin can be very charming to anyone when he wants to be. And as soon as Jungkook mentioned Hobi was a dancer, Jimin knew it was gonna be easy. But parents… Jimin doesn’t have much experience with parents. More like at all - he’s never dated anyone long enough for it to come to the meeting the family stage. And introducing someone to your parents is a big deal in Korea. You don’t introduce someone you're simply dating. You get to that stage only if you have plans on marrying that person someday.
To Jungkook’s family, their relationship would be very real .
This sham marriage is already taking its toll on Jungkook and it’s already eating Jimin’s conscience enough. Jimin has to impress his assistant’s family. The least Jimin could do is not force Jungkook to go against his family’s wishes, should they disapprove of him.
Sure, Jimin’s had to be charming in his career - meeting potential authors and agents, rubbing elbows with important people, but it’s all PR. He can converse well enough with his peers and colleagues, but his charms were never… warm. He’s good at adjusting himself to whoever he interacts with so he can mingle with just about anyone, and he also has a playful side that, coupled with his good looks, has always been a magnet for attention. But that’s just it - all of his different charms combined don’t make him the warm, domestic, bring-home-to-your-parents type. He fears that even if he leaves a good enough impression, it might not necessarily mean they’ll think he’s good enough for Jungkook to marry.
Jungkook’s been fulfilling his end of the bargain perfectly. Now it’s his turn. Jungkook is very close to his family and has specifically asked for Jimin to try to win his family’s affections. This seems to be quite important to Jungkook so Jimin intends to make good on his end of the bargain.
Jimin looks back at the document he has open on his phone. He and Jungkook made each other a list of all the details they have to learn about each other, including details of their loved ones.
Jungkook’s list for him is way longer than the list he gave his assistant. He doesn’t really have anyone in his life apart from his two best friends.
Apparently, Jungkook has two siblings - an older brother called Junghyun, the one about to marry, and a little sister called Yerim that’s way younger than the two brothers. Junghyun’s soon-to-be wife is called Euna. Jimin was in the middle of going over Jungkook’s parents interests when it sunk in that he’s actually, legitimately on his way to get a whole Korean family’s approval for gay marriage. A wave of panic comes over him.
“Jungkook?”
Jungkook has his headphones on, currently in the middle of watching some Marvel movie.
Jimin reaches over to tap on Jungkook’s arm.
Jungkook turns around and notices that Jimin’s face have become too pale.
“Hey, you good?” Jungkook removes his headphones. “Are you bad at flying? You look like you’re gonna be sick.” He starts to remove his seatbelt, wanting to stand up.
Jimin waves him off.
“I’m good, I just, uh, didn’t get enough sleep last night. Listen, I’m wondering... how okay are your parents with you being gay?”
The question surprises Jungkook but he supposes it makes sense for Jimin to ask now.
Jimin continues. “Say, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being they don’t mind at all, how are they with your sexuality? I just have to prepare myself, you know? Are they okay with it but secretly still want you to marry a woman and have kids? Are they still struggling to accept-”
“10.”
Jimin blinks at the younger.
“Actually, make that 12.”
“Really? They don’t care at all? Not even when you were a kid?”
The incredulity on Jimin’s face tells Jungkook that Jimin might not have had the same experience with his own parents.
“Well, when they first found out, I can’t say they were totally happy about it but I think they were more afraid of how people would treat me, rather than them having an issue about me being gay.”
Jimin looks like he’s expecting the other to elaborate so Jungkook does.
“I think I was 11? One day, my brother and I got into a huge fight and he called me gay as an insult. Our dad heard and got so mad at my brother saying it isn’t something to insult me with. He scolded him and said that as my brother, he’s the one supposed to protect me from people who are gonna use that term against me. My brother took a while to warm up to the idea of a gay little brother but it didn’t take long. He’s a good hyung. And my father… I love my father very much. I knew he didn’t understand what having a gay son entailed, but he never made me feel like I couldn’t be my true self around him. Always made an effort to know more about me.”
“That’s really great, Jungkook.” Jimin means it. “And your mom?”
“She’s cool with it, too. That night of the fight with my brother, she came to my room and asked me if I had any boy crushes and why I didn’t tell her sooner. And as a young boy who hasn’t really fully come to terms with it, I was kind of embarrassed.” Jungkook laughs. “My mom can be a bit unsubtle like that but I get what she was trying to do, you know? Just trying to check if I was okay with it or if I was maybe hiding it to not get bullied or whatever. My mom can be very overprotective of me, actually. Anyway, long story short my family is a gay kid’s dream.”
Jimin is happy to know that Jungkook has open-minded parents that love him. But he can never help how his heart grew a bit heavy with envy everytime he hears such stories.
“That’s amazing, Jungkook. I’m happy for you.”
Jungkook tries to give Jimin his best reassuring smile. “You’ve got nothing to worry about with my family, Jimin.”
***************
Upon arrival, Jungkook convinced Jimin to roam around the airport for a quick lunch, despite just having had their breakfast in the plane before they landed. For all of Jungkook’s praise with the food in their first-class flight, he says it’s not enough.
“I can’t function without enough food, Jimin. Also, I didn’t get enough sleep, I need coffee.”
Jimin relents and waits on the table of a decent-looking cafe in the arrivals area while Jungkook orders his food. Jimin says he’s still full.
When Jungkook sits down, Jimin sees the receipt on the order and smirks knowingly at Jungkook.
“What?” Jungkook questions.
“I thought we had the same coffee order?” Jimin smirks. “You ordered yours with extra sugar and full-cream milk.”
Right, Jungkook thinks. He told Jimin before that they had the same coffee order to make himself look less pathetic for ordering the same one in case something happens to his boss’ drink, like it did that day when that dumbass Greg bumped into him.
“I like changing it up.” Jungkook half-heartedly defends himself. “Unlike you.”
“Mmhmm.”
Jungkook knows Jimin sees right through but whatever. He doesn’t even do it anymore. He’s not scared of Park anymore. Psh.
“Jungkook, did you forget to make me sign the Shibata documents before leaving?!” Jimin looks at Jungkook angrily after squinting at something on his phone. Mikayla has probably emailed Mr. Park about Jungkook forgetting it.
Uh-oh.
“They were due today! If Mikayla wasn’t there to check it, Keegan and Hwang would’ve thrown a fit. You know how important those are!” Jimin glares at him.
Jungkook starts rambling in explanation. “I-i’m sorry! Last week was crazy, you know I never miss details like these! It’s just Hobi, and the seminar, and you, and this trip. I had a lot on my plate! Apologies, Jimin… boss… future husband of my life. You look especially nice today, have I told you that yet?”
Jimin narrows his eyes at Jungkook then proceeds to type something on his phone.
After Jimin signs the papers electronically and emails them back to Mikayla, he suddenly excuses himself to go look around the airport. He says he wants to look for something to buy for Jungkook’s family.
“Are you trying to buy my family’s approval?”
“Maybe.” Jimin shrugs nonchalantly as he leaves Jungkook.
Truthfully, Jimin already has presents for Jungkook’s parents. He is just avoiding any downtime with Jungkook, which he knows is impossible within the next few days seeing that they’re gonna spend a whole week together. But he’s not ready for the conversation to flow to the team-building seminar, specifically that second night when Pratt decided to interrupt their… whatever that was
Jimin knows he’s being ridiculous cause it’s nothing . Jungkook is just really committed to his role. Jimin doesn’t wanna make a deal out of it so he’s counting on the possibility that if they don’t talk about it for long enough, it’ll just get swept under the rug.
****************
After Jungkook had his lunch, they stop by the hotel Jimin has booked for himself to drop his belongings.
They’re at the lobby waiting for the concierge to confirm Jimin’s booking. Jungkook looks around, gaping at the lavish interior of the hotel Jimin chose.
“I always knew you were loaded but it still surprises me just how much. Bet you can buy Hanseul Publishing if you wanted to.” Jungkook jokes.
The concierge gives Jimin the keys and he turns to Jungkook.
“You can come up with me, Jungkook, if you want to freshen up a bit as well before meeting your family.”
“Uh.” Hotel room? Alone? With Mr. Park?
“Why? Are you scared to be alone in a hotel room with me?” Jimin smiles mischievously like he just read Jungkook’s thought process.
Which he did.
Jungkook huffs and stands up, pulling his luggage to the elevators annoyed. He’s not scared of being alone with Jimin, sheesh. His brain just short-circuits with anything Jimin-related sometimes and he doesn’t think it'll be something he can get past. Like ever.
Jungkook hates the fact that Jimin is the exact opposite and can just casually tease him, going on with life like nothing out of the ordinary happened between them, while he, on the other hand, had been thinking about nothing but how good it felt holding Jimin in his arms… how Jimin’s skin felt on his lips when he kissed his neck… hearing Jimin’s soft whimper when he reached the corner of his lips…
Jungkook groans and wills his mind from going there again, as if Mr. Park would hear his thoughts in the enclosed space, just because his thoughts are currently that loud.
No one says a word in the elevator, in what is probably the most uncomfortable 2 minutes of Jungkook’s life.
Jungkook tells himself that if Jimin is cool about that night then he’s not gonna act like it affected him at all.
As soon as they enter Jimin’s room, Jungkook realizes it’s not just a room. Jimin’s rented an entire suite complete with a living room with plush sofas, a swanky-looking mini kitchen and a small dining table. The suite was decorated tastefully and every decor and furniture looked expensive as heck.
“Woah.” Jungkook gapes at all the room’s pretty details.
“Make yourself comfortable, Jungkook. They ran out of the one-room suites so this has two rooms. There’s another bathroom in that room if you’d like to use it.”
Jimin clicked something on a small remote that he retrieved from the coffee table and an entire side of the wall opened up to reveal huge floor-length windows that had a beautiful view of the ocean.
Jungkook’s jaw drops. “Oh my god, this is amazing! I would love to wake up to a view like this!”
Then he pauses, wide-eyed when he realizes the implication.
“I didn’t mean I wanted to sleep here! I mean, of course I would but- wait, no! I don’t! I mean I was just - the view was, you know-” His hand scratches the back of his head in embarrassment. “I’m only appreciating the view.”
Talk about keeping it cool.
“I didn’t assume anything, Jungkook.” Jimin says coolly. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it.”
Jungkook thinks how inconvenient it is that he can’t physically zip up his own mouth sometimes.
Jungkook goes to the spare room and takes the opportunity to shower and change clothes as well. He walks back out to the living room and waits for Jimin to finish.
Jimin comes out around 20 minutes later looking like he’s about to go on a fancy dinner date or a photoshoot. He’s wearing a pale blue button-down shirt, his hair is styled back, and there’s a bit of makeup that accentuates his pretty eyes and plump lips. Jungkook couldn’t help the starstruck expression on his face.
Jimin reads it differently.
“I knew it! I’m overdressed. Okay, I’ll be right back.” he says and hastily goes back into his room before Jungkook could even say a word.
Jungkook blinks.
Jimin looks fine. More than fine . Granted, he did look a bit too posh, especially since this was just a casual get-together but he supposes it’s just Jimin. No matter what the guy wore, it's always gonna look polished and expensive. He carried everything well so it’s not like there’s much he can change with his outfit to alter the vibe he gave off.
And true enough, Jimin comes out again with a new white outfit that is not much of a downgrade, if at all.
“This is the most casual I can do, Jungkook. I should have brought more clothes.”
“You look great, Jimin.” Jungkook means it more than he’s letting on.
“I feel like your parents would think I’m too stiff or uptight, maybe we can buy-”
“No, this is fine. My family would smell filthy rich snob on you even if you wear my clothes so-.
Jimin’s eyes widen. “Your clothes!”
The image of a tiny Jimin swimming in his baggy clothes does something to Jungkook and he wants to scream. He wants to see it.
“I don’t mind letting you borrow my clothes, Jimin, but there’s nothing wrong with yours. Plus, I’d rather you be yourself when you meet my family.”
*************
Jungkook drives the car Jimin has rented and his home is not that far from the hotel so they arrive at their destination not long after.
They both get out of the car and Jimin starts getting nervous. He takes a deep breath and tells himself he’ll be fine, this is just like going into another business deal.
“Well, it’s go time.” Jungkook announces.
Jimin gives a reassuring smile. He’s got this. He will make this easy for Jungkook, he owes him that much. Jungkook hasn’t seen his family in a long time, he shouldn’t have to worry about anything else but enjoying his reunion with his family.
Jungkook rings the doorbell and a woman excitedly shrieks from inside the house.
“Jungkook-ah! Is that you?!”
Jungkook’s mom sounds like she’s been waiting the whole day for them.
Jungkook gets excited beside Jimin, “Eomma! I’m home!”
Another shriek.
“I’m coming, son! Jihoon, your son is here!”
The gate opens soon after and Jungkook immediately bearhugs an ecstatic woman much shorter than Jungkook.
“Eomma! I missed you!”
“You’re really here! Let me look at you!” Chaeyoung loosens the hug to take a good look at her son. She holds Jungkook’s chin and wiggles underneath. “Oh, still so handsome! We’re so excited you’re back! Come in, come in! Your brother is picking up Yerim later, they’ll be here for dinner.”
“Eomma, wait. This is Jimin.” Jungkook side steps to introduce them. “Jimin, this is my mother.”
“Hello, eomonim” Jimin bows. “I’m Park Jimin. Nice to meet you.”
The shift in Jungkook’s mom’s face is almost funny if Jimin wasn’t on the receiving end of it. Her face went from utmost happiness to looking like she’s a customer service lady who has to deal with an annoying Karen on an early Monday morning.
“Ah, yes. Nice to meet you too, Jimin-ah. Come in.”
Jungkook gives Jimin a quick apologetic face while being dragged by his mom inside.
Jimin just nods casually, conveying that everything’s good, even when most of the confidence he’s managed to muster got shot just like that.
“Appa! Where are you, your favorite son is here!” Chaeyoung announces to somewhere in the house.
Jungkook laughs.
“Jungoo?!” a sound comes from the back.
“Appa!”
A man with grey hair about Jungkook’s height, enters the living room.
“Jungkook-ah!”
Jungkook rushes to hug the old man’s thin body extremely tight that Jihoon has to cough.
“Ow! Son! Your muscles have gotten too big, they’re hurting appa! I’ve become fragile, ease up!”
“Sorry, appa I just missed you so much!”
“I missed you too, son, I’m glad you’re here.” Jimin can hear the emotion in the old man’s voice.
They really missed Jungkook. Jimin tries not to think of the times he pushed Jungkook to work on the holidays. He realizes now - it was very different for him and Jungkook.
Unlike him, Jungkook had a family wanting to celebrate the holidays with him.
“Appa, this is Jimin.” Jungkook shows Jimin to his father.
Jimin bows again. ”Hello, nice to meet you, abeonim, I’m Park Jimin.”
Jihoon turns to Jungkook suspiciously.
Jungkook looks at his father expectantly.
Jihoon sighs.
“Welcome to our humble abode, Jimin-ah.” Jihoon manages to say with as much excitement as he can muster.
Which was none at all.
Jimin knew then that this will be much harder than he thought it would be.
Jimin decides to hand out his beautifully-wrapped presents next.
“Abeonim, I brought you famous wines from Hunter Valley in Australia and eomonim, I got you chocolates, they’re quite famous there as well. Tourists always buy them in bulk after visiting. I hope you like them.” Jimin gives his most charming smile.
Jungkook winces. He should have asked what Jimin planned to buy for his parents but it felt awkward to ask.
Jungkook’s mother laughs sardonically, “Jimin-ah. I am diabetic and Jungkook’s father here has stopped drinking a few years ago because of his heart condition. Did Jungkook not tell you that?”
Well, fuck.
Jungkook goes in for the rescue.
“Of course, I did, eomma. He just got confused.”
Jungkook then switches the two outstretched hands of Jimin’s.
“See, he just got confused. Eomma, the wine is for you and the chocolates are for appa. Here, Jimin also bought these fruits earlier at the airport for all of you to share.”
“Ahh. Thank you, Jimin-ah. You didn’t have to. The best gift you could give us is not to treat our son like a slave, but we’ll take these.”
“Eomma!”
“I’m just kidding, son! I’m kidding, Jimin-ah. Come, sit down, both of you.” She ushers them to all sit in the living room.
Jimin is off to a great start.
******************
The rest of the afternoon consisted of the Jeons catching up with each other. Jungkook always tries to include Jimin in the conversation but his parents are intent on asking questions about Jungkook alone. Until they finally asked about their relationship.
“So, how long have you two been together?” Jungkook’s father asks. “We were quite shocked when you told us you’re bringing home someone for us to meet, given that you’ve never told us any stories. Even more so when we found out it was your boss.”
“You’re not in it for the promotion are you, Ggukie?” Jungkook’s mother bluntly presumes.
“Eomma, no! Jimin and I have been on and off for about a year now.” Jungkook gives them the explanation he and Jimin agreed on. “Our relationship was... unstable so I never told anyone. It wasn’t until recently since we decided to commit.”
“I see.” Jungkook’s father replies. “But your stories of him are always negative, forgive us, we’re just very confused.”
“I know, appa. We both admit we didn’t have a very good relationship for a very long time. I remember the stories I told you but it’s not just him in the wrong, it was me too. But something happened recently and I thought I’d lose him. I realized I didn’t want that so, yeah. Now, we’re both trying to do better.”
The story they came up with doesn’t really earn Jimin approval points in any way but they decided to keep it vague and simple enough. It’s the most believable they could come up with without backing themselves into a corner of false details they can’t prove or keep up with.
“He is important to me, appa, eomma. I hope you give him a chance.”
Jungkook’s parents look at each other and both look like their reservations aren’t going away anytime soon.
Jungkook’s mother suddenly stands up and claps her hands once. “It’s getting late, I better start cooking.” She announces. “Jungkookie, I am cooking your favorite food of all time!”
“Your Galbi Tang?!” Jungkook’s eyes widen.
“Of course!”
“Ahh, eomma, the Galbi Tang I have in Sydney are never as good as yours! I’ve waited two years for this moment!”
“Then I’m gonna make it extra special for you, son.” She pets Jungkook’s head and kisses the top of it. “I’m so happy my baby boy is finally home.”
Chaeyoung goes to the kitchen and Jimin signals to Jungkook that he wants to follow his mom to help out.
Jungkook rewards him with a surprised and appreciative smile.
“Eomonim? Can I help you cook?” Jimin asks gingerly once he gets to the kitchen.
Jungkook’s mom gives him a judgy once-over. “Jimin-ah, do you even know your way around the kitchen?”
Jimin shrinks. “Well, not really, but I can just do what you tell me to.” He offers.
Chaeyoung considers. It’s not like she can turn down Jimin’s offer outright. She reluctantly beckons Jimin to come closer.
“Wash your hands first. I’m cooking Galbi Tang and Budae Jjigae, I’m preparing some banchan too. You can help me cut these for the Galbi Tang.”
Jimin washes his hands and starts cutting the radish.
“No, no, you cut the radish like this, Jimin-ah. Not diced.”
“Right. Sorry, eomonim.” Jimin proceeds to cut the radish as corrected.
Jimin feels like Jungkook’s mother would rather not have Jimin here at all so she doesn’t have to pretend to tolerate his presence. She keeps their conversation related to the food they’re cooking.
Jimin tries not to be hurt by the fact that neither she nor Jungkook’s father really ask him any personal questions. They also didn’t ask him to call them eomoni or abeoji so he sticks to the formal terms to address them. Granted, it’s only their very first meeting but Jimin can’t help but think they’ve already written him off before they even got to know him.
************************
“I think it’s ready, Jimin-ah. You can just put all these here on this pot for the Galbi tang. I’ll start preparing the table.”
“Sure thing, eomonim.” Jimin does as he’s told.
Chaeyoung prepares the dining table and comes back to the kitchen. She checks on the Galbi Tang and her eyes widen in surprise.
“What did you do?!” She’s suddenly agitated.
“I- I put all the ingredients on the table like you asked, eomonim.”
“Why is it red? Did you put the ssamjang?” She yells.
“Uhm, yes it was on the table.”
“Galbi Tang doesn’t have ssamjang, Jimin-ah. How come you don’t know?!” She’s full-on angry by now.
Apparently her shouting has reached the living room because Jungkook has suddenly padded into the kitchen.
“What’s wrong?” Jungkook asks, worriedly between his mom and Jimin.
“He put ssamjang on the Galbi Tang! Now it’s ruined!”
“I didn’t know, I thought it was part of your recipe, I’m so sorry-”
Jungkook gets between his mom and Jimin.
“Hey, it’s okay.” Jungkook caresses Jimin’s back.
“Eomma, let me taste it, ssamjang might not be so bad with it.” Jungkook tries to de-escalate.
“But it’s not gonna be the same as the one I always cook for you, and I know it’s your favorite! I’ve been wanting to cook it for you now that you’re here and-”
“It’s still good!” Jungkook declares after giving it a taste. “Taste it, see it’s still fine, just a little bit salty but we can easily fix that, right?”
“It’s different now!” She persists.
“Eomma, it’s just a little twist to the usual, yeah? Thank you for cooking it! I’m excited to eat it!” Jungkook wraps an arm around his mom for a half hug.
Her anger simmers down a bit after Jungkook’s coaxing but her face clearly shows how disappointed she is. Jimin feels terrible.
“I’ll help you two set up the table.” Jungkook continues. “Jimin, the chopsticks and spoons are inside the cupboard over there, can you take some and bring them to the table, please?”
Jimin does what he’s told.
“Hmm smells so good, eomma. I missed seeing you cook in our kitchen.” Jungkook is really trying to keep his mom’s spirits up. “I’m hungry already, when are Junghyun and Yerim arriving?”
As they were finishing the table set-up, Jungkook’s older brother Junghyun arrives with his soon-to-be wife and their youngest sibling Yerim.
Jimin notices that Yerim has Down Syndrome. He tries to remember if this was in Jungkook’s notes for him but he’s sure he would have noted it if it was. He only remembers reading that Yerim is way younger than the two brothers. Their mother probably had an unplanned pregnancy late in life cause the probability of Down Syndrome babies are higher in late pregnancies.
From what Jimin knows about Down Syndrome, just like any condition, the symptoms vary from one person to another. It’s a spectrum, and judging by the way Yerim talks and communicates, she seems to be on the side that can function just as well as anyone and doesn’t have much limitations.
Jungkook hugs his siblings and Euna as well.
“Brother, I missed you!” Junghyun says as he puts Jungkook on a chokehold.
“Oppa! You came home!” Yerim exclaims.
“Sure did! Did you miss me?”
“Sometimes!” Yerim replies and they all laugh.
“Only sometimes?!” Jungkook holds a hand to his chest.
“Settle down, everyone, let’s have dinner before the food gets cold.” Jihoon declares.
Jungkook turns to look for Jimin and realizes he didn’t have a chance to introduce him to his siblings yet. He directs Jimin to the seat next to him and unconsciously massages the back of Jimin’s neck before taking a seat himself.
As soon as Jihoon takes the first bite, the rest of them start digging as well.
“Eomma! Where’s the Galbi Tang?” Junghyun suddenly inquires.
Jimin halts his movements.
Jungkook immediately answers. “It’s this one, hyung, we added ssamjang to it for a twist.” Jungkook replies and Jimin notices him saying it as jovially as he can to not make the situation awkward.
“Ssamjang?” Euna questions.
“Yeah, Jimin-ah accidentally put ssamjang in it.” Their mother says bitterly.
Junghyun turns to Jungkook. Jungkook gives him a look.
“Ah, I see!” Junghyun quickly catches on and follows Jungkook’s lead. “Galbi Tang with a twist, then! Let’s try it!”
Junghyun takes a bite. “Oh? Not bad!” He says a little too happily.
Jimin shrinks in his seat.
“Jungkook, you haven’t introduced your friend to us yet, where are your manners!” Junghyun teases.
“I was waiting for a chance to. Everyone, this is Jimin. We, uh, he’s my boyfriend. Jimin, this is my brother Junghyun, that’s his soon-to-be wife, Euna, and that’s our prettiest sister Yerim.”
“I’m your only sister!” Yerim protests, smiling at her big brother.
“Yeah so? You’re still the prettiest.”
“You’re silly!” She laughs heartily. “Jimin is pretty.” Yerim adds.
Something finally brings a smile to Jimin’s face.
“He is, isn’t he?” Jungkook smiles to his sister as well.
“Exactly why I’m wondering.” Junghyun interjects. “Jimin, are you sure you like my brother? Are you really sure? Cause you can do better, I think.”
Jungkook rolls a piece of napkin and throws it at Junghyun’s forehead.
Euna laughs.
“Oppa, I thought Sunghoon was your boyfriend?” Yerim asks, confused.
Jungkook coughs.
“Oh my god! Sunghoon!” Junghyun suddenly laughs.
Jimin wants to ask but somehow, Jungkook’s parents’ cold welcome got to him and he doesn’t feel like he’s welcome to participate in any conversation so he stays quiet.
“You had the biggest crush on him all your life, oh my god.” Junghyun guffaws, which earns him a glare from Jungkook.
“Speaking of Sunghoon,” Jungkook’s mother says, “You know I’m friends with Iseul and she knows you’re here, Jungkook. She told her son you’ll be back and Sunghoon says he’s excited to see you again.”
“Ah, really?” Jungkook blushes. He doesn’t really know how to react. It’d be nice to meet up with Sunghoon since they’ve been really close friends growing up but he’s here with Jimin and he knows Jimin and him are not really a thing but, somehow it feels weird.
Jimin stays quiet beside him.
“Meet up with him, alright?” Jungkook’s mom insists.
“So, you have two boyfriends?” Yerim asks.
“No! Jimin is my one and only boyfriend. Sunghoon is just my friend!” Jungkook tells her.
“But you've never told us about Jimin before.” She questions.
“Yes I did. I told you about him countless times. Remember my boss? That’s him. Jimin is my boss, and my boyfriend.”
“Jungkook oppa’s boss? The mean one?”
“No, no.” Jungkook tries to put out yet another fire. “Jimin is nice, Yerim.”
“You said your boss was mean.” Yerim says.
Junghyun and Euna look at Jimin and Jimin’s face burns up.
Jungkook looks to his father for help. He takes a deep breath and reluctantly helps.
“That’s a different boss, Yerim.” He lies. “Your Jungkook oppa has a lot of different bosses in Australia. Jimin here is the nice boss.” Jihoon purses his lips like it was against his principles to lie and defend Jimin like that.
“Oh, okay. I like Jimin oppa then.” She smiles brightly at Jimin.
Great, Jimin thinks. One person in this whole household likes him and it’s based on a lie.
Jimin tries to keep his composure but any remaining conviction he had about winning over Jungkook’s family is being extinguished fast. Jungkook’s parents apparently want nothing to do with him, the mom hates him for ruining the dish she was excited to cook for Jungkook and she apparently likes this Sunghoon guy for her son, and the one vote Jimin has is from Yerim, and it’s totally undeserved.
Jungkook tries to change the subject.
“Ah, hyung, last time we saw each other you couldn’t even confess to noona.”
“You’ve been gone a long time!” Junghyun agrees. “You missed so much! Did you know Auntie Dambi had plastic surgery? You won’t recognize her anymore!”
“Oh really? What did she do?”
“Her eyes are so big now! Last Chuseok, she would greet people and everyone was so confused at first on who she was, it was so hilarious!” Junghyun snickers.
“Ah, I missed two Chuseoks with you now.” Jungkook laments.
“Well, why didn’t you just go home?” Euna asks.
Suddenly it’s all quiet and Junghyun and their parents all turn to Jimin.
Jimin thinks there’s never a better time to suddenly disappear. He truly thinks things couldn’t get any worse.
“Oh, you know, I was so incredibly busy at work, noona. It was impossible to leave.” Jungkook replies. “Anyway, hyung, I still can’t believe you fooled someone into marrying you.”
“And now I’m pregnant so I can’t escape.” Euna jokes.
“I had to hurry, you know, I’m the only one our parents are counting on to give them grandkids.”
Euna elbows Junghyun.
Jimin was wrong, things could still get so much worse.
“Shit, I’m sorry.”
To his credit, Jughyun does really look ashamed. He looks at Jimin and Jungkook “I wasn’t thinking, truly I’m sorry.”
Jimin feels Jungkook’s body go rigid beside him despite there being space between them. He feels bad for Jungkook. Jimin can tell Junghyun didn’t really mean to hurt his brother. Maybe the lack of brain to mouth filter just runs in Jungkook's family.
Jimin puts on his best unbothered face, and waves off Junghyun’s blunder. “Oh, don’t worry hyung.” He smiles. “How far along are you now, noona?” Jimin tries to keep the conversation going this time.
“2 months, Jimin-ah. We’re having twins!”
The rest of the dinner thankfully goes on without any more direct stabs to Jimin’s dignity while the Jeons catch up with Jungkook.
*********************
Jungkook’s family is actually endearing in how much they truly love each other. Jimin feels out of place, not only because Jungkook’s parents seem to have no interest in him at all, but because he realizes he doesn’t know how to be in this kind of setting. He has no experience of what it’s like to be part of a loving family.
After dinner, Jimin offers to help wash the dishes but there was a collective ‘no’ from everyone. The rest of them most likely saying no because Jimin is a guest, while Jungkook’s mom probably wants Jimin off-limits from the kitchen from now on.
Jungkook chats with his appa and Euna, while Junghyun and Chaeyoung wash the dishes. Jimin decides to just sit with Yerim at the living room so he won’t have to witness Jungkook’s appa treat Euna like family while Jimin gets the ice-cold treatment. He can only take so much in one day and frankly, Jungkook’s parents’ dismissal kind of really stings.
He should have known, he thinks. His own father doesn’t even love him so what could someone else’s possibly find to like?
Nevertheless, he keeps up the brave face for Jungkook. The day has already been a disaster, the least he could do is to not show his hurt feelings to Jungkook. Knowing his kind heart, he’d worry for Jimin. Or worse, it could create tension between him and his parents. Jimin can’t let that happen.
Especially not over a sham marriage that mostly just benefits himself.
***************
“Jimin oppa. Do you want to play?” Yerim asks as soon as he sits beside her.
“Sure, Yerim. What are we playing?”
“I have a Nintendo, let’s play Dragon Rush. Do you know that game?”
“No, but you can teach me.”
“Okay! It’s easy.” She starts up the game and gives Jimin his own controller.
Yerim is actually sweet and nice. She teaches Jimin how to play the game. Jimin is grateful that at least this day won’t end on a sour note.
He spoke too soon.
They were playing the game for a little over half an hour when they reach level 17.
“I hate this level!” Yerim exclaims.
“Why?”
“It’s hard! You have to catch the eggs and jump at the same time. I cannot bring them all to safety without breaking them!”
They continue playing and Jimin passes the level easily.
“I did it!” Jimin exclaims.
Jimin turns to Yerim all victorious.
The reaction he sees wasn’t what he expected at all. She’s frozen solid, just staring at the screen which flashes that Jimin has passed the level.
“Yerim?”
“You passed level 17?” She blinks as her grip tightens on the controller she’s holding.
“Y-yeah. Are you okay?” Jimin asks.
She suddenly throws the controllers and screams. It startles Jimin.
Everyone bounds fast into the living room.
Jungkook’s mom rushes to Yerim and yells at Jimin. “What did you do? What did you say to her?”
“Nothing, we were just playing.”
Jungkook’s mom consoles a crying, frustrated Yerim.
Jungkook’s father checks the screen and declares sadly, “They were playing that game she loves.”
“Oh no, Jimin passed level 17.” Junghyun murmurs on the side.
Then, Jungkook understood. Having down syndrome, his sister always got frustrated with herself when there are things she can’t do that other people can. She probably got upset with Jimin clearing the level she couldn’t get past.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” Jimin’s voice is small.
Jungkook goes to stand beside him and rubs a hand up and down Jimin’s back in comfort.
“Of course. You couldn’t have.”
*****************
Jimin leaves Jungkook’s home that night pretending he’s alright. He apologizes to Jungkook again. He can tell Jungkook is a bit upset with his family too so Jimin reassures him that it’s all understandable - they’re rightfully protective of Jungkook over someone like him who’s had a history of taking advantage of Jungkook’s kindness. He promises Jungkook he’ll try harder next time.
Jimin drives away and as soon as Jungkook was out of sight, he cries.
He debated on calling Taehyung but he’s just gonna feel bad for Jimin and Jimin thinks he feels sorry enough for himself.
You will stop your foolish notions, Jimin. I do not have a gay son and you better drill that into that thick skull of yours. I’m the only one you’ve got so you better get that bullshit out of your system or I will not hesitate to cut you off!
Jimin checks the bar inside his suite when he gets there and grabs the first bottle he could find.
Days like these are the hardest. It reminds him of how unwanted his father made him feel.
Jimin’s phone buzzes.
[ jungkook ]: jimin
[ jungkook ]: are u ok?
He cries again.
It reminds him of the nights he’d worry about Jungkook. He wonders if this means Jungkook worries about him too.
Then the ugly voice in his head says of course Jungkook would, not for any other reason except that this is the kind of person Jungkook is. Not because Jungkook cares about him or something stupid like that.
He wipes at the tears on his face and forces himself to reply.
[ jimin ]: I’m okay :)
[ jimin ]: Is Yerim okay?
[ jungkook ]: yeah she’s good.
Jimin keeps up the facade.
[ jungkook ]: are u sure you’re ok?
[ jungkook ]: it’s ok not to be, just saying
[ jungkook ]: today was a lot
[ jimin ]: I’m okay
...
[ jimin ]: Don’t give up on me just yet
[ jungkook ]: i would never
Jimin lets the conversation drops there as he cries himself to sleep.
*****************
Jimin spends the following day working nonstop, which he’s glad for so he doesn’t have to think about anything else.
At about 5pm, he gets a text from Jungkook
[ jungkook ]: what have u been up to today?
[ jimin ]: Work
[ jungkook ]: of course :/
[ jungkook ]: come by tomorrow?
...
[ jungkook ]: i mean, only if you want
Jimin doesn’t wanna go through that again but a deal is a deal.
[ jimin ]: What do your parents like to do in their spare time?
[ jungkook ]: well my dad likes to play chess
[ jungkook ]: and my mom likes watching k-dramas
[ jimin ]: What k-drama
[ jungkook ]: hmm i know the k-drama
[ jungkook ]: but i don’t know the k-drama name
[ jungkook ]: wait let me find out
Jungkook comes back 5 minutes later.
[ jungkook ]: vincenzo
[ jungkook ]: my mom likes song joongki 🤣
[ jimin ]: Noted
[ jungkook ]: you’re not watching it for my mom are you?
[ jimin ]: No, I’ll just Google it.
[ jimin ]: I mean Naver cause we’re in Korea.
[ jungkook ]: right haha
[ jungkook ]: see you tomorrow, then?
[ jimin ]: See you tomorrow
********************
Jimin takes a deep breath and rings the doorbell.
After a few moments, the gate opens to Jungkook, whose face brightens when he sees Jimin.
“Hi.”
“Jungkook.” Jimin says by way of greeting back.
Jungkook scratches the back of his head. “I have to warn you, Sunghoon is in there. My mom invited him.”
“Okay.” Jimin replies, not really knowing how to approach the situation so he clarifies. “So is Sunghoon special to you like that or?”
“No!” Jungkook scrambles to reject the notion. “Sunghoon is just my friend.”
“Okay. Anything else I should know before I head into the warzone?”
Jungkook chuckles. “Nah, come in. I’ll introduce you.”
Jungkook’s mom, and who Jimin assumes to be Sunghoon and his own mother are all in the living room. The smile on Chaeyoung’s face disappears upon seeing Jimin.
Jimin thinks he’s really gonna need a miracle to make Jungkook’s mom like him.
“Everyone, this is my... Jimin.” Jungkook announces.
“Hello everyone, nice to meet you. I’m Park Jimin.” Jimin bows.
Sunghoon greets him nicely but his mom has the same expression as Chaeyoung as she studies Jimin. He doesn’t think he can survive being here so Jimin looks for an escape.
“Jungkook, where is your father?” Jimin inquires.
Surely, it will be a less horrible fate than being subjected to Chaeyoung and her bestfriend.
“He’s out back.”
********************
“Hello, abeonim. What are you doing?”
“Gardening.”
“Can I help you?”
Jungkook’s father eyes him.
This young man wearing expensive clothes and gardening? Jihoon would like to see what the kid’s got.
“Take those shears.”
Jimin jumps to the instruction, perking up at Jungkook’s father letting him join him.
You can help me trim that area right there. Just try to make it even with this side.”
“Sure, abeonim.”
As Jimin’s luck would have it, it doesn’t even take five minutes into trimming the bushes before Jimin accidentally cuts himself while trying to dislodge something in the sharp end of the shears.
“Ow!”
Jungkook’s father is not even surprised.
“There’s some bandage in the bathroom near the stairs. Go clean your wound up before it gets infected.”
Jimin heads back into the house to go into the bathroom. He keeps messing up here. His inability to get anywhere with Jungkook’s parents is really frustrating him.
To add insult to injury, he overhears the discussion in the living room.
“Sunghoon wants to go to Australia too, Jungkook!” Sunghoon’s mother speaks.
“Oh, you should, Sunghoon! So my Jungkookie won’t feel so homesick all the time.” Chaeyoung adds.
Jimin rushes to the bathroom. Hearing Jungkook’s mom be so nice to Sunghoon while she looks at Jimin like an annoying stain on her favorite carpet is triggering ugly memories of rejection once again.
Jimin puts two hands on the sides of the sink to lean on but he forgets the cut on his left hand. Now the cut got bigger and he flinches at the pain.
One stupid move after another. What the fuck is wrong with him?
He takes deep calming breaths and wills himself not to break down.
Not here.
He can't do that to Jungkook.
He distracts himself by washing his wound as he collects himself. He searches for the bandages, covers the cut and checks his appearance before heading back outside to Jungkook’s father.
Jimin thought he’s erased all remnants of distress on his face but Jungkook’s father must be more perceptive than he thought. One look at Jimin’s face and his eyes soften in a way that reminds him of Jungkook. They have the same kind eyes.
Jihoon is suddenly removing his gloves and starts putting away his tools.
He looks at Jimin’s defeated form.
“Do you play chess?”
******************
Jungkook’s father seems to hang out in their backyard a lot. He has a lounge chair under the shade of one tree and a table beside it. He grabs another chair to bring it near the table and beckons Jimin to sit. He goes inside the house, most likely to retrieve his chessboard.
There’s a certain calm to Jungkook’s father that helps quiet Jimin’s upset feelings. Jihoon seems to be a man of few words and Jimin thinks it should be awkward but it isn’t. They both concentrate on the game and Jimin is glad for the silence that’s become quite comfortable.
Jungkook’s father is good at chess, Jimin could tell. He’s thankful for the distraction.
After a while, Jihoon speaks.
“If my son is serious about you, Jimin-ah, I’m gonna have to get to know you.” Jihoon says while moving his knight and taking out Jimin’s pawn.
“Yes, abeonim.”
“Tell me about your family, where did you grow up?”
Here it comes.
“Here in Busan as well.” Jimin answers as he moves his own knight on the board.
Jihoon is surprised, surely this information would have come up first thing. Nevertheless, he lets Jimin continue uninterrupted.
“There’s not much to tell. I am an only child. My mother passed away when I was little and my father is... estranged to me. I grew up here, but Busan doesn’t feel like home.”
Jihoon considers. “Would you care to tell me more about your relationship with your father?”
Jimin doesn’t like talking about his family but Jungkook’s father is asking and frankly, Jimin is tired. He’s been bottling too many emotions lately and he’s tired of his defenses. It doesn’t protect him from getting hurt anyway. He confides in Jungkook’s father.
“H-he doesn’t approve of me.”
“As in?”
“As in he can’t accept that… I am gay.” Jimin takes a deep shaky breath. He really needs to get a grip, he doesn’t wanna fall apart here.
“I see.”
Jungkook’s father doesn’t say anything for a while, digesting what that could possibly mean for Jimin, how it could have shaped the man he came to be.
“My wife and I don’t like you for Jungkook, Jimin-ah.”
Jimin’s heart breaks. He bites his lip to keep from trembling. It’s not like it’s news to him. But it hurts to hear anyway, especially coming from Jungkook’s father himself.
“The stories Jungkook told about you…” Jihoon shakes his head.
“I understand, abeonim. I apologize for everything I have caused Jungkook and your family.”
Jimin doesn’t know if there’s anything else he can do at this point.
Jihoon takes another pawn of Jimin’s. “So, does this mean you are alone in life?”
“I have two best friends in Australia. They are family to me.” Jimin answers as he makes his move.
There’s a long pause as Jihoon is visibly thinking about how to proceed.
After a couple of minutes, Jungkook’s father finally makes his move and looks up at Jimin. “Then, I’d like to meet them one day.” he declares.
Jimin looks up at Jungkook’s father, glassy-eyed and surprised, unsure if he heard Jihoon right.
“If Jungkook has given you a chance, then I would like to as well.” Jihoon simply says.
Jimin exhales the breath he didn’t know he was holding.
“Of course, abeonim.” Jimin smiles genuinely for the first time since coming to Busan. “Thank you so much.”
Jimin finally catches a break.
Jungkook checks on Jimin from the backdoor and sees his father and Jimin playing chess.
“Checkmate.” Jungkook hears Jihoon say.
Jungkook smiles contentedly at the image in front of him.
Jimin and his father are okay.
********************
When Jihoon and Jimin walk inside to join the rest having rice cakes, Jungkook immediately notices the huge bandage on Jimin’s hand.
“Hey. What's this? What happened?” Jungkook asks, grabbing Jimin’s hand, forehead wrinkling in concern.
“Oh, uhm, I cut myself. It’s fine.” He tries to retrieve his hand but Jungkook’s hold tightens a little, not letting it go.
“Can I see?”
“It’s just a small wound, Jungkook.” Jimin flushes at everyone’s attention suddenly being on them.
“Can I see? Did you put ointment on it?”
“I can put some later.”
“Come with me.” Jungkook pulls him towards the bathroom. Jimin sees Chaeyoung purse her lips.
As soon as they’re in the bathroom, Jungkook looks for the ointment and takes out the roll of bandage and tape. He removes Jimin’s bandage and inspects.
“It’s a huge cut but it’s not that deep, you should still put ointment on it to avoid infection.”
Jungkook washes his hands and tells Jimin to wash his too. When Jimin finishes, Jungkook is ready with a clean towel and pats Jimin’s hands dry. The concentration on Jungkook’s face draws Jimin’s eyes to him.
He holds Jimin’s left hand, inspects the wound again and grabs the tube of antiseptic. He takes some and dabs on Jimin’s cut. Jimin flinches and Jungkook blows on the wound to soothe the sting. Then he tells Jimin to keep holding out his hand so he can bandage the area.
This whole thing is new to Jimin, not really used to someone taking care of him like this.
Jungkook delicately holds Jimin’s hand while he carefully covers up the wound. A pleasant feeling swirls in Jimin’s chest.
This isn’t about you , Jimin chastises himself immediately. This is just the kind of guy Jungkook is. He’s really just nice. You’re not special.
“There, it’s done.”
Jungkook looks up and catches Jimin’s eyes on him, both suddenly aware of how close they are in the small space.
Jimin gets startled and starts moving. “Thank you, Jungkook.” He starts putting away the bandage and tape they used.
Jungkook clears his throat, “I take it my father is warming up to you?”
“A little, I think.”
“I’m glad.”
“Your mother won’t be as easy to convince.” Jimin frowns. “Practically about to give you away to Sunghoon’s mom anytime soon. She really likes Sunghoon for you.”
“Well, I like you so...”
Jungkook clutches at Jimin’s unbandaged hand and pulls him outside before Jimin could even react.
Jimin decides not to put any weight on Jungkook’s words.
When they get to the dining area, Jungkook notices there are no two seats available next to each other. There's one next to Sunghoon and another next to Jihoon. Jungkook directs Jimin towards the seat next to his father.
“Sit here.” Jungkook instructs. “Would the two of us fit?”
Jungkook inspects the seat as Jimin adjusts himself a little forward.
“I think we would.” Jungkook says as he sits on Jimin’s left, a little bit behind him. He gets comfortable and decides to put an arm around Jimin’s waist for an easier fit and Jimin leans on Jungkook to get comfortable as well.
“Iseul, Sunghoon, we’d like to invite you on Wednesday. It’s Jungkook’s birthday, we’re going to have a little celebration.” Chaeyoung tells her guests.
“Oh, is that so? That’s perfect! We’ll be there.” Iseul replies.
“Just like old times, isn’t it, Sunghoon?” Jungkook’s mother comments. “Remember when you and Jungkook used to stay up late together to wait for each other’s birthdays?”
“Yes, eomoni, I remember. We were so young!” Sunghoon replies.
Eomoni , Jimin notes. Jungkook’s mother lets Sunghoon call her the less formal way.
“And all the matching outfits you both used to have? Jungkookie has kept all of them, you know? They’re all still upstairs in his room.”
“Eomma, of course I’d keep those, Sunghoon and I were best friends.” Jungkook says.
Jimin knows Jungkook is clarifying for his sake since matching outfits is usually a thing for couples in Korea.
“Sunghoon, you should ask Jungkookie to cook for you.” Iseul speaks. “I heard he learned how to cook different types of cuisines in Australia.”
Sunghoon, to his credit, seems uncomfortable at the way his mom and Jungkook’s mom keep pushing their agenda.
“Ah, really? You, me and Jimin should hang out so you can cook for us, Ggukie.” Sunghoon says, throwing an almost apologetic smile to Jimin.
“Just keep Jimin out of the kitchen.” Chaeyoung laughs sardonically.
“Eomma.” Jungkook says tensely.
Jimin reaches over and puts a hand above one of Jungkook’s, which is resting on his own thigh. He caresses the back of Jungkook’s hand with his thumb to reassure him that he’s okay.
“I’m just kidding, son!” Chaeyoung says, but she relays the story to her friend anyway. “Jimin here tried to help me cook Galbi Tang the other day.”
Jimin’s thumb stops caressing Jungkook’s hand.
“I leave the kitchen and when I come back it’s red! He put ssamjang in it!” Chaeyoung shakes her head and laughs and Iseul joins her.
“Jimin doesn’t seem the domestic type, Chaeyoung, leave him be.” Iseul backhandedly defends.
Jungkook’s other hand on Jimin's waist suddenly move to rest on Jimin’s stomach, which of course makes the arm around Jimin tighten around the smaller man. Jungkook moves his hand caressingly up and down, his turn to try to soothe Jimin this time.
Jimin stills at first but he accepts the comfort offered to him. He focuses on the foreign but pleasant feeling.
Jihoon silently observes them beside him.
The rest of the day goes by in a similar fashion, to Jungkook’s increasing dismay at his own mother.
*************
As soon as Iseul and Sunghoon leave, Jungkook furiously glares at his mother and walks past her.
“If you’ve got something to say to me, say it now.” She says to him.
“What was that? Why would you keep pushing me and Sunghoon? Didn’t you see it made all of us uncomfortable?”
“I was just trying to rekindle your friendship.”
“It’s not friendship you’re trying to rekindle and I’m here with Jimin!”
“Well, I don’t like Jimin!”
“Well, you’re gonna have to because he’s the one I wanna marry!”
Jimin and Jihoon are both sitting inside the living room near the door so they can hear the argument going on outside. Jihoon spares a glance at Jimin whose eyes are downcast.
“You’re gonna marry him?”
“I am! What’s gotten into you, mother?” Jungkook continues. “I don’t even recognize you anymore.”
“Me? Well, I don’t recognize you! For 2 years you tell us this man abused you and now you bring him home and tell us you wanna marry him? You think I’ll just stand by and let it happen? You don’t see that he’s not good for you, I’m just trying to save you! I don’t wanna see you get hurt!”
“The only one hurting me here is you.”
It halts Chaeyoung.
“I can’t believe this. I really didn’t expect this from you. It’s probably my fault for not warning you that I’m suddenly in love with the boss I used to hate, but the least you could do is to try to get to know him. You haven’t even made the effort. You know what, I’m gonna drive Jimin to his hotel. Don’t wait up for me.”
Jungkook goes into the house and grabs his and Jimin’s jackets.
“Jimin, let’s go.”
Jimin hastily bows to Jungkook’s father and follows Jungkook out of their house.
**************
Jungkook doesn’t say a word throughout the entire drive.
Jimin gets the idea as they near his hotel. He suggests they go instead to the beach nearby. He figures Jungkook won’t wanna go home anytime soon anyway. Plus, he feels responsible for all the mess he’s caused, so the least he could do is offer to be the sounding board to Jungkook’s frustrations.
Last time, Jungkook made him agree on communication and fixing their problems as they arise. Jimin’s trying to do just that.
They settle on a quiet part of the beach away from the small crowd. The sun is almost completely set above them.
“Do you wanna talk about it?” Jimin starts.
Jungkook is lying down with his arm covering his closed eyes.
Jimin is sitting a little ways on Jungkook’s right, absentmindedly playing with the sand in front of him, staring at the sea ahead.
“You? Wanting to talk about feelings?” Jungkook replies, voice still tense.
Jimin sighs.
He’s never really opened up to Jungkook about anything before, so why would the other wanna open up to him.
Jimin moves to lay down on his own jacket as well, contemplating on what he should say, if he should even say anything, if whatever he says would even make Jungkook feel better somehow.
Jimin decides to break the silence after a while.
“I hate my father.” Jimin suddenly says.
Jungkook's eyes shoot open.
He looks to his side and sees Jimin on his back, staring at the sky above them.
“He can’t even look me in the eye, you know? Probably afraid I’d transfer my gayness to him if he looked at me too much.”
Jungkook zones in on Jimin currently unmasking for the first time.
“Sometimes I wish my mom was alive instead of him. He sent me to Australia to study and I never came back. Cut my ties with him altogether and told myself I’d be successful someday, out of my own hard work, doing something that celebrates human sexuality just so I could shove it all to his face. That’s why my job is so important to me. Somewhere out there is a gay kid who needs to hear stories saying they’re valid and not alone.” Jimin laughs dryly, “Didn’t really have that growing up.”
It unsettles something in Jungkook.
He looks at Jimin and feels like the little pieces he’s seen so far are starting to form... like Jimin, the way he is, is beginning to make more sense as a human being and not just a two-dimensional sometimes nice sometimes not boss.
Jimin takes a deep breath while in reverie and continues.
“I have never been in love. I thought I was once, but I think I was just young and stupid and lonely and I latched on to the first person who showed a tiny bit of appreciation. I caught him cheating on me and when I confronted him about it, he told me wasn’t really in it with me for love. So, fuck love , maybe the real thing only happens to some people if they’re lucky. I’m just gonna opt out of that, I think. Don’t wanna go through that shit again. I’m quite good on my own actually.”
Jungkook has so many questions... so many confusing emotions...
“I cried the other day after meeting your family for the first time. I don’t blame your parents, to be honest. It just reminded me of how unwanted my father made me feel. But also because I felt quite... envious of you. Your parents are wary of me because they care so much about you. I’ve never felt that from my own father.”
Jungkook feels devastated at all the revelations. Jimin just dropped one bomb after another and Jungkook's feelings are a mess. He doesn’t even get to dissect them before Jimin starts talking again.
“There, Jungkook.” Jimin says casually like he didn’t just drop the biggest revelations of his life. “I have just delivered my offerings of feelings with some tragic backstory on the side. Care to talk about your feelings now?”
“Jimin, I’m sorry to hear about all those. You don’t deserve any of that.”
It doesn’t feel enough. There’s so much Jungkook wants to say. So much love and appreciation he wants to infuse into Jimin, but he doesn’t know if it’s welcome coming from him.
Jimin waves a hand. “Now, talk to me.”
Jungkook doesn’t feel right not comforting Jimin. But he can sense that Jimin has closed the gates again - he’s done sharing about himself tonight. Jungkook doesn't push Jimin to say more.
He tucks all the revelations away somewhere in a little corner of his heart and promises to keep them until he knows how to help Jimin make peace with them someday.
“I’m just frustrated with my mom, with how she treated you. This isn’t like her at all. I know she’s always liked Sunghoon for me but that’s- I was very young, you know? It’s all just because we're close friends, and our parents are very close, and it’s rare to find someone openly gay here at a young age with supportive parents, I guess. Everyone thought I’d marry him someday but-”
“But then you left for Australia.”
“But then I left for Australia.”
“I didn’t mean to hear your conversation earlier - Sunghoon wants to go to Australia too, is it?”
“Yeah.”
“And they would like you to marry him someday and bring him there, I suppose?”
“I suppose.”
“Is that something you want to do?”
“No.”
“Are you sure? You have more reasons to marry him for a visa than me.”
“That’s for me to decide.”
“And you’ve decided on me?”
“Apparently.”
Jimin doesn’t know what to say but he knows how he feels - undeserving. But Jungkook is right, it is his choice.
Jungkook shifts to his side to look at Jimin. “Tell me more about you, Jimin. I’d like to think I’m not about to marry a stranger.”
“You’ve literally known me for two years.”
“Still.”
“And I’ve just offered you the deepest darkest secrets of my life.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Fine.” Jimin sighs deeply. He ponders on what to say.
“I… love animals. I wanna have a dog, but I wanna have cats and bunnies, too. I want a whole zoo someday, basically. I can’t start now cause I’m too busy but I like to think that one day, I won’t have to work as much, and I can finally manage a mini zoo at home.”
Jungkook smiles.
“I know how to speak Italian. I always thought it sounded really beautiful so I learned it in uni just for the hell of it. Now, it’s totally worthless cause I never get a chance to actually use it but I think it’s pretty cool.” Jimin laughs softly at himself.
“I knew it, you’re a nerd.”
“I like pineapple on pizza.”
“Gross.”
“I also like putting bananas on bacon and egg sandwiches.”
“What.”
“I have a small number 13 tattoo on my chest because my mother has the same day of birth as me. I know the number has unlucky connotations but it reminds me of the things I’m lucky of, including having her as my mother. She was great...and she loved me exactly the way I was.”
Jungkook wants to say he likes Jimin exactly the way he is too.
“Nice to meet you, Jimin.”
Jimin rolls his eyes at Jungkook’s dopey smile but his own lips form into a smile of its own.
“Your turn, other stranger.”
Jungkook chuckles as he looks up at the sky and thinks of what to share.
“Hmm… I cry easily. I cry when I watch sad movies, happy movies, cartoons, even commercials, everything. As soon as the feelings get to me, the waterworks begin.”
Jimin giggles.
“I grew up reading books and I wanna have my own published work one day. I’m working on one now actually, I just haven’t finished yet. I feel like it’s missing a little something something.”
"Okay, Hemingway."
“Hmm… what else. I love animals too. So much, that when I was a kid, I accidentally stepped on a spider and I cried the whole day feeling so bad and so scared that the spider’s soul will haunt me. My father had to step in. We held a mini funeral in our backyard. We put the dead spider in a little box and buried it. There was a whole speech and everything.”
Jimin laughs.
“The tattoos on my arm are all meaningful stuff that I think shaped me to be honest. Are you ready, cause this is a lot.” Jungkook chuckles to himself. “Let’s see. This is from my favorite poem. When I read this in high school I remember being so taken with the written word. It solidified me wanting to be a writer. I don’t know if I can be a poet, though, but I’m dramatic enough, so we’ll see.”
Jimin’s got a permanent smile on his face by now. Something wonderful about the spark in Jungkook’s eyes as he talks about the things he likes.
“This one here is based on my favorite character. It reminds me of how he always said to “bring the light” in any situation. I don’t know, it always reminded me of hope, I guess. And these two are about my grandfather. Kindest, wisest, most generous person I know. This one reminds me of how he always taught me to have an open heart - that the best things in this world would come to me only if I am open to give my best to the world as well. And this other one reminds me of letting go, of everything I don’t need to move forward, of things that have already served their purpose in my life.”
Jungkook tries to catch Jimin’s eyes, and when he does, he pours all the comfort he couldn’t convey earlier to the other. “I wish that for you someday, Jimin.”
Jimin’s heart gets lodged in his throat.
His defenses are shot. He’s struggling to get them back up but before he manages to, Jimin lets one more truth slip out.
One that has been at the forefront of his mind lately.
“Jungkook, I just want you to know... I think you are really, really beautiful.”
***************************
Jimin goes to Jungkook’s home that Wednesday with a new sense of serenity. Jungkook’s father is willing to take a chance on him, and having that talk with Jungkook on the beach made Jimin feel like whatever this thing he has going with the younger is growing foundations. That no matter what bullshit Jungkook’s mom deals him today, he’ll be able to withstand it.
Jimin texts Jungkook that he’s outside, instead of ringing the doorbell. Jungkook comes bounding out not long after.
“Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook greets.
“Happy birthday, Jungkook-ssi.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here.”
Before they walk in the door, Jimin stops him.
“Wait, I wanted to give you this.” Jimin holds out a thin envelope with a ribbon on the outside.
“What’s this? Did you buy me a present?”
Jimin explains as Jungkook opens it. “I remember that shirt you wore on the day you spilled my coffee. I researched the rapper for you and can you believe it? He’s going to Sydney in a few months. Hope you like it.”
Jungkook sees two concert tickets to a Kurupt concert and he bursts out laughing.
“Oh my god! You researched the lyrics on the shirt to find out who the artist is?” More laughing.
Jimin is a little bewildered at the reaction. “Yeah, I mean, I don’t exactly agree with your taste in music but… whatever makes you happy.”
Jungkook laughs even more. “Jimin, that’s Jin hyung’s shirt!”
“What?”
“That’s his shirt. He’s the one who likes Kurupt.”
“Oh my god, give that back to me.”
“What. Why?” Jungkook raises the tickets above their heads.
“I made a mistake, give it back!”
“No, you researched it for me. I love it.”
“No, you don’t even like Kurupt.” Jimin reaches for it but Jungkook’s arms are longer. “Jungkook! Give it back.”
“Stop! I love it! You researched, so this is precious to me. This is mine now.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, you won’t even like the concert.” Jimin almost climbs Jungkook to reach it.
Jungkook sniggers at Jimin’s struggle. “Maybe I will, knowing that my boyfriend gave me the tickets thinking I love the guy rapping on stage.” He bursts out laughing again.
“Jungkook!”
“Jimin!” Jungkook cracks up even more at Jimin’s frustrated face. “Thank you, baby, I love it.”
“Ugh! Let me replace it!”
“You don’t have to.”
“But I want to!” Jimin stops reaching. “Please! I’m already failing with your family, not this too!” Jimin crosses his arms, seriously frustrated with himself.
The sight unexpectedly warms Jungkook’s heart. Jimin cares.
Jungkook places both hands on Jimin’s arms. “Okay listen to me. You didn’t fail. I had a talk with my parents already. I told them I have every intention to marry you and they’re both giving us a chance, even my mom. And this?” He holds out the tickets in front of Jimin. “This isn’t a failure, Jimin. This was extremely thoughtful of you and that’s why I love it so much. Thank you.”
Jungkook suddenly has the urge to kiss Jimin’s nose and Jungkook isn’t even annoyed at himself for it anymore. He just lets the feeling be, fully accepting that wanting to do things with Jimin and for Jimin will most likely be his new normal.
“Okay, but I will still replace it.” Jimin pouts.
Jungkook pockets the tickets. “Only if you want to. But I’m keeping these tickets so I can bribe Jin hyung for stuff. You won't need a refund you’re loaded anyway.” He grins and pulls Jimin inside.
Jungkook’s parents heard their entire conversation, heard their son laughing with the guy they refused to acknowledge at first. They share a look. Maybe Jimin isn’t so bad if he makes Jungkook happy.
**********************
Jungkook’s birthday was so far the most incident-free visit Jimin’s had to the Jeons so far. Maybe it was also due to the fact that he didn’t have to interact with Jungkook’s mother at all. Jungkook’s entire family was there, including aunts, cousins, grandparents, second-cousins, grand aunts and uncles, everyone. The ones who are not from town are here for Junghyun’s wedding in a few days so some of them came a little earlier for Jungkook’s birthday. This entire weekend was a reunion of sorts for the Jeon clan.
And Jungkook’s extended relatives, unlike Jungkook’s parents, have no background of Jimin. So no prejudice, only full acceptance and welcome.
“Jungkookie, your boyfriend is a catch!”
“Jimin-ah, please take care of our Jungkookie, he’s a very sensitive, special boy!”
“Oppa! Jiminie oppa says you’re only the second-most handsome boyfriend he’s ever had!”
“He’s lying!”
“Jungkook-ah! How did you trick someone like Jiminie here to date you, huh?! Teach uncle your ways.”
“Jiminie, you are so beautiful, welcome to our family!”
Jungkook checked on Jimin the whole night. Whoever they were talking to, their gazes would meet across the room and Jungkook would smile at seeing Jimin interact well with his family.
He thinks this might be his happiest birthday so far.
After the party and after most guests have left, Jimin tells Jungkook he should probably get going as well. Jungkook asks him to wait a bit so he can prepare some food to send home with him.
Yerim suddenly comes to sit next to Jimin in the living room while he waited.
“Sorry about the other night, oppa.”
“No need to be sorry, Yerim.”
“I played Dragon Rush again and I passed level 17!” She shares proudly.
“You did?! Oh, I’m so happy for you! See, I knew you could do it.”
Yerim beams.
“Yerim, what gift would you like from oppa? I wanna give you something before I go back to Australia.” Jimin says.
“Hmm… violin! No, keyboard! No, violin, final answer!”
“Oh, you like music?”
“Yes! My old teacher taught me piano a little before she left but she’s gone now. She moved to Seoul. I wanna learn to play violin next.”
“And your school doesn’t have music lessons?”
“Nah.”
“But you want to?”
“Yep!”
“I see.”
“Jimin, it’s ready.” Jungkook arrives from the kitchen carrying a bag of food.
“Jungkook, Yerim is into music.”
“Uh… yeah. She is. We wanna enrol her in music school actually, but the money kind of all goes into her special ed classes now. We didn’t wanna scrimp out on her education so we send her to this expensive school so she-”
“I can help!” Jimin excitedly interjects. “I know someone who could help get a music teacher for Yerim, I’m sure he can give a huge discount.”
“Really? Jimin, that would be amazing.”
“Thank you, Jimin-ah. That is very kind of you.” Jungkook’s father suddenly says. They didn’t know he was right behind Jungkook.
“Oh, It’s no problem at all abeonim. I’m glad I could help.”
“I’ll walk you out?” Jungkook says.
As they were walking Jimin asks. “What wedding gift should I give to your brother and Euna?”
“Why are you spoiling my entire family?”
“I just want to. Now, tell me!”
They reach the car and Jungkook secures all the food inside while Jimin leans on the car door.
“Should I get them something for their house?”
“They won’t need appliances I think, cause they’ve been living together for a while now anyway.” Jungkook walks over in front of Jimin. “I was gonna buy them a crib for their twins.”
“Hmm.. alright I’ll think about it. Maybe I’ll buy- OH.”
“What?” Jungkook looks around. “What is it?”
“I think your Yerim and some of your relatives are snooping on us.”
“Snooping on us?”
“Yep, right there, on the corner of your window. I think they don’t know I can see them.” Jimin snickers.
“Oh god. They probably just wanna see us do something cute or whatever."
"Something cute?"
"Hmm… permission to hug, Jimin-ssi?”
“You ask that now? After you ki-”
No, no. Not the kissing on the neck. Do not go there.
Jimin clears his throat. “Permission granted.”
Jungkook envelops him in a hug and Jimin melts into it. Jungkook hugs Jimin tight enough to communicate every single thing he couldn’t say last night at the beach. How Jimin deserves every bit of love in this world. How thankful he is that Jimin is here and is making an effort for his family despite the fact that this is way out of his comfort zone.
He lets the hug linger and mentally transfers all the happiness he’s felt today having Jimin around.
He nuzzles his face in Jimin’s neck as he pours all the feelings surfacing within him, everything good and beautiful and warm that stir in his chest everytime Jimin looks at him, holds his hand, stands next to him, breathes in front of him.
Jungkook finds that he doesn’t wanna let go anytime soon. He wants this. With Jimin.
Maybe even for real.
Jungkook doesn’t know where that leaves him.
The surge of emotions finds Jungkook leaving a kiss on Jimin’s temple before pulling away, hands falling to Jimin’s waist while his lips linger on Jimin’s skin.
“Thank you, Jimin. For everything. For really trying with my family. It means so much to me.”
Jimin’s heart starts working overtime.
Jungkook looks at the man in his arms, whose face is illuminated by the moon in a way that makes him more beautiful, like that was even possible. Jimin is looking back at him with softness in his eyes and suddenly it clicks for Jungkook, Namjoon’s words coming to mind - He’s cracked the armor, now he likes what he sees.
Rule number two: You cannot fall in love with me.
Jungkook lets Jimin go before he does something stupid.
Jimin takes a moment to collect himself before he enters the car..
“Goodnight, Jungkook.”
“Drive safe, Jimin.”
********************
On the way home, Jimin’s finger hovers on a contact he hasn’t been in touch with for years.
It’ll be okay. You can trust him.
He makes himself push the green button.
“Hello?” The man on the other end of the line answers.
“Yoongi hyung, it’s me. I’m back home for a while. No, my father doesn’t know. Please don’t tell him. Listen, I need to ask you a favor. Can we meet tomorrow?”
*********************
After settling in for the night, Jungkook replies to all the birthday greetings he hasn’t replied to yet. He opens his chat with Seokjin last.
[ jin ]: jungkook-ah!!!
[ jin ]: happy birthday!!!!!
[ jungkook ]: thank you jin hyung!
Jin is still awake and replies immediately.
[ jin ]: how is everything there?
[ jin ]: is jimin still alive?
[ jin ]: are YOU still alive??
[ jungkook ]: we’re all still alive
[ jin ]: lol good
[ jungkook ]: jin hyung
[ jin ]: yeah
[ jungkook ]: remember what we talked about?
[ jungkook ]: that night at the bonfire?
[ jin ]: which one?
[ jungkook ]: jimin
[ jin ]: uh oh
[ jungkook ]: hyung
...
[ jungkook ]: i think im fucked
Notes:
:)
----
Chapter 9: Inevitable
Summary:
in this chapter:
- jikook aladdin plot twist
- jin needs to start collecting payment being jk's bestie
- what yoongi wants yoongi doesn't get here im very sorry ily yoongi
- a mini flashback
- author went crazy after being MIA for a while, please enjoy
Notes:
hellooooo i am aliiiiveeeee!!!! hehehe
prepare for a long beginning note!
first of all, t's been a while since I first wrote the draft for this so the story kinda changed, so tags have been updated if you need to check :)
anyway, yesss work and school have been kicking my butt lately but i’m ignoring everything else in my life right now just so i could write BB Jikook again
if you’re following me on twitter i tweeted once like 2-3 weeks ago that I REALLY REALLY MISS JIKOOK IN THIS FIC and some of you told me you did too and wow that was so interesting to me huhu also bc before, as a reader i could just reread a fic whenever i miss jikook in it but this time, i was like ugh fuck me?? i’m the one who’s supposed to write them and i aint done that yet in full
:(((( anyway let this be my promise to finish this fic, no matter how long it takes for me
sorry for the long rant.
anyway, here’s chapter 9 after so long!!! busan part 2 letsgetit!
oh, remember that run episode where jikook were teammates and jk called his mom for help? remember the striped sweater jimin wore there? there's literally one scene here where i pictured BB!jimin wearing the same outfit hehe
without further ado 20.5k words as my way of saying sorry for being away too long!!! enjoy!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lying down on his old bed in his old room, Jungkook stares at the message he just sent Jin.
There it is now. It’s out there. He’s told another person the confusing feelings he’s been having about Jimin. He just needed someone to… what exactly did he want out of this? Put some sense into him? Stop him? Or did he want Jin to encourage him?
Whatever it is he’s looking for, he had to tell someone now or he’ll definitely do something dumb. Because Jungkook won’t lie, he’s THIS close to making a move on Jimin.
He videocalls Jin.
“Hyung, I’m this close to making a move on Jimin. Thoughts?”
“You’re asking me like you’re just asking me to help you choose which shoes to wear. Ruining your life is up to you. Also, who the fuck are you kidding?”
“Eh?”
“You wanna make a move on Jimin, you said? Shut up, you’ve made several moves the past 2 years you’ve worked for him and only you and Park weren’t aware of it.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Cut the crap. Agreeing with this fake relationship is simply the biggest move you’ve done yet.”
“Neither gonna confirm nor deny the past 2 years but I wanna talk about now and yes, I wanna make an official move now.”
“Official.” Jin snorts. “Sure, let’s call it that. So what’s stopping you, then?”
“You see… uh, there’s this little agreement we had…”
“About?”
“Cause, uh, you know, we’ll be in this fake relationship for a while, and it’s really important for Jimin to get the visa that he doesn’t wanna risk-”
“Just spill it.”
“Okay, yeah so, uh, he told me not to fall in love with him. Ha ha, so fucking dumb right?”
“What.”
“Yep.”
“Explain.”
“He doesn’t want feelings involved because it risks the entire deal.”
“Okay, and you said what?”
“Well… I laughed at his face, said ‘No problemo’, then shook his hand smugly to complete the deal. Might have thrown a little ‘Please, this isn’t A Walk to Remember, Jimin.’ thing in there too while I sniggered at him for insinuating I will eventually fall in love with him.”
Jin facepalms on the screen in front of him. “Jungkook, you’re a walking punchline.”
“You are correct. Now help me proceed.”
“Brave of you to agree to something like that when you’ve been whipped for the guy since day one.”
“Excuse me.”
“You know what, you’re both dumbasses, him too for laying out a rule like that, thinking people can just turn off feelings. Maybe you two belong together. Go pursue.”
“Really? Should I?”
Jin ponders for a while then huffs. “Honestly, I don’t know cause Princess Jasmine wasn’t supposed to fall in love with Jafar so I don’t know what to do with you and your shit.”
“Aish, hyung.” Jungkook whines.
“Do you think he feels the same as you?”
“I don’t know, sometimes I think he does, and I mean, he’s right here and he’s trying with my family, right? That should count for something. But then again, I did ask him that as a condition of my cooperation so I don’t know. Whatever he does, I always wonder if it’s only so that I continue being a good fake boyfriend to him so honestly what the fuck do I know.”
“Fair point.”
“And I don’t think I can look at his actions objectively. What if I’m just projecting my feelings onto him? But sometimes I think he might also feel the same - wait no, I don’t know. Ugh, this is so frustrating. I just… wanna like, hug him, you know?”
“O...kay.”
Jungkook sighs frustratedly.
“What if - and don’t get mad at me. What if the fake relationship just gave you an outlet to channel all that attraction you’ve always had? So you’re not in love exactly, you’re just confused because of the proximity and all the couple-y stuff you have to do.”
“Well… you have a point. Maybe.”
“Yes, see. So maybe chill first? Just try to keep things strictly business between you and Park and avoid going overboard and see how you go.”
“You think I’m going overboard?”
“Really? You really want me to answer that?”
“Okay, nevermind. Continue.”
“You also probably see too much of him so just- I don’t know, stop seeing him beyond what’s necessary and go get yourself some fresh air, touch grass, all that.”
“Okay, okay, I hear what you’re saying. It’s way too soon, I should make sure first.”
“Correct.”
“Alright. I’ll try to only do stuff when there are other people in front of us that need to know we’re together. Other than that, Jimin who?”
“Correct.”
“Easy. Keeping it strictly business for now. Will definitely do that.”
*********************
Jungkook most definitely did not do that.
His new resolve didn’t even last for 24 hours.
“This view is perfect.” Jungkook says as he happily takes one photo of Jimin after another as they wait for Jimin’s friend to arrive. They’re currently at a quaint little cafe with a view of the ocean and the clear blue sky and they’re seated at a perfect spot for a couple photo opportunity to add to their "proof of relationship" album.
But they’ve already accomplished that minutes ago. Jungkook just won’t stop clicking away.
How can he, when Jimin looks so soft and pretty against the picturesque background of his hometown, wearing a cozy striped sweater that makes him look so cuddly? Mr. Park never did soft and cuddly before. This is a momentous occasion. Jungkook is doing this purely for documentation purposes.
“Alright, that’s way too many pictures.” Jimin says as he moves the camera away from his face.
“Wait, I just need to try different settings out with the camera, can you bear being my model for just a few more shots? I mean, I know it’s hard to sit there and look pretty but please try.”
Jimin rolls his eyes but stops protesting.
“New sweater?” Jungkook mentions the one item of clothing that’s causing his internal crisis of the day.
“Ah, yeah.” Jimin tugs at the seams of his sweater. “Saw it the other day and thought it looked nice so I bought it.”
“Yep, looks great.” Jungkook agrees. He can compliment Jimin, right? Business partners can compliment each other.
Jungkook raises his camera again and much to his surprise, Jimin plays along and does whatever pose Jungkook asks him to.
“Jimin-ssi, look to your right, please?”
“Now put your head on your chin. Yes, just like that. Now look far away like you’re thinking of something… or someone. You can think of me if you want.”
Jimin’s face suddenly drops and gives a grimace straight to the camera.
“Aaand, perfect!” Jungkook clicks.
Jimin’s eyes widen. “You took that?!” Jimin reaches for the camera.
Jungkook grins, “Why not? It’s accurate! Almost like a candid shot of yo-”
Jimin lunges and grabs the camera. “You little-- delete that!”
Jungkook giggles as he holds the camera away. “Why?! I’m about to make it my wallpaper, in fact--”
“Jeon Jungkook!” Jimin stands up and lunges again as Jungkook tries to keep the camera away from Jimin’s reach. Jimin moves to stand in between Jungkook’s legs. “It’s ugly, delete it!”
Jungkook remembers yesterday, when Jimin was trying to grab the concert tickets from him. Jimin really has no hesitation to climb all over him just to get his hands on whatever he’s trying to get. Jungkook brought his left arm holding the camera downwards behind him so Jimin, who is still reaching for it, is now draped over Jungkook’s entire body.
“Oh my god, Jimin don’t pounce on me in public? People are staring?” Jungkook teases. “Baby, control yourse- Ow!”
Jimin pinches his arm. “You’re so-”
Suddenly, someone on their right clears his throat and breaks their little moment.
“Jimin?”
The two turn to look.
“Yoongi hyung?” Jimin moves away from Jungkook and rushes to give the disturbance a hug.
Quite a long hug, if Jungkook is to be the judge of that.
Jimin’s friend runs his hand up and down Jimin’s back as their hug lingers. Jungkook starts to eye the newcomer suspiciously.
“I thought I’d have to come find you in Australia just to see you again.” Yoongi tells Jimin.
“Well, why didn’t you?” Jimin smiles coyly.
“I still could.” Yoongi smirks.
Jimin smiles and shakes his head.
Jungkook clears his throat.
“Uh, yes, Min Yoongi, this is Jeon Jungkook. Jungkook, this is my friend Yoongi. His family owns a Music Academy here in Busan. He’s the one I mentioned that could help with Yerim.”
“Owns?” Jungkook repeats.
Yoongi extends a hand and Jungkook shakes it.
“It’s no big deal. My parents own it technically, not me. But yeah, I work there. Nice to meet you, Jungkook-ssi.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
Yoongi then looks back at Jimin and grabs his hand. “Jimin-ah, we have so much catching up to do.”
“We do.” Jimin smiles. “Let’s sit.”
Jungkook narrows his eyes at Jimin as they all take their seats. He notes that Jimin didn’t introduce him as his boyfriend. Who is this Yoongi fellow and why is he still holding Jimin’s hand?
“How have you been, Jimin? Can I just say, you’re even more beautiful than when I last saw you, how is that possible?”
Jimin smiles shyly.
Right in front of my salad? Jungkook puts an arm on the backrest of Jimin’s chair and decides to stare at the hand holding Jimin’s.
Yoongi gets the unsubtle message and finally lets go of Jimin’s hand.
“I’m doing well, hyung. How’s life in Busan?”
“Pretty boring since you left, to be honest. Guess my life really did revolve around you back then. ” Yoongi replies and Jungkook’s had enough of the flirting.
“So!!!! Yoongi-ssi, are you and Jimin close friends? Former schoolmates? Cousins, maybe? You know what, there are some physical similarities, are you two related somehow or-?”
Yoongi smiles in amusement. “Our families are close friends, Jungkook-ssi. Jimin and I grew up together. Although, I must admit, I’m a little hurt that he hasn't told you about me.”
Jimin glances down awkwardly just as Jungkook’s phone suddenly rings.
Damn it. Not now. Jungkoook doesn’t wanna leave this Yoongi guy alone with Jimin. He needs to know who this rich guy is and why he’s giving Jimin heart eyes.
Jimin side-eyes Jungkook when he declines the call.
Stop barricading Jimin, you’re not his actual boyfriend, Jungkook’s brain supplies.
I am right now and until he gets that damn visa. Jungkook mentally huffs to himself.
“What brings you back home?” Yoongi asks Jimin.
Before Jimin can answer, Jungkook’s phone rings again and Jungkook glares at it annoyed.
“Sorry, I just need to take this. Excuse me, Yoongi-ssi.”
Then as he stands up, he pauses mid-way and decides to kiss the top of Jimin’s head. “Be right back.”
Jimin flushes.
As Jungkook walks away, Yoongi smirks.
“Your boyfriend just marked his territory right then.”
“No, he- he’s just-”
“Don’t worry, I understand. I’d do the same in his position.” Before Jimin can get a chance to reply, Yoongi continues, “Anyway, what’s going on? Your father--”
“Let’s not talk about my father, hyung. I’m doing really well in Australia. Me and Taehyungie both. I’m now editor-in-chief at a global publishing company focused on Asian authors.” Jimin shares proudly.
“Editor-in-chief?! No way! You really did that! I’m so proud of you, I’m sure they’re lucky to have you. If your father knew- oh. Right, no dad talk, sorry.”
“All good, hyung. How about you? Where are you working? Are you seeing someone or already settled? Tell me everything that happened to you these past few years.”
“Well, I have tried dating but I don’t know... none really worked out. The longest relationship I’ve had is 8 months. He was a songwriter for some kpop soloists but it didn’t really work out in the end. I’m looking to settle down and he just wants to have fun. Anyway, I’m done with dating for now and just focusing on music. I really enjoy producing, writing songs, creating melodies and all that. Hey, I’m supposed to be really mad at you for losing touch. I could have told you these throughout the years… but, I understand.”
Jimin looks apologetic. “I know, hyung. I was just extremely scared before when I decided not to go back home anymore. I thought my father could find a way to force me to come home so I cut all my connections from here until I was sure he couldn’t actually do anything to me.”
Yoongi puts a palm over Jimin’s hand on the table. “It’s fine, Jimin-ah. I really understand and I also know your father. Seeing you today and happy almost makes up for it. You really do look great. I’m glad things are working out in Australia.”
“Thanks, hyung.”
Yoongi was just about to ask Jimin about Jungkook, but Jungkook’s phone conversation was apparently just a short one as the younger is already on his way back to the table, just in time to see Yoongi’s hand on Jimin. Again. Yoongi removes it immediately but Jungkook’s already seen it and he looks ready to slit Yoongi’s throat for it.
I wasn’t even gone for 5 minutes. Jungkook thinks. He drags his chair closer to Jimin’s and re-places his hand on Jimin’s backrest as he postures and glares at Yoongi.
“Right.” Yoongi clears his throat and continues telling Jimin about his past few years to ignore the tension rolling off of Jungkook. “So my Kihyun hyung is now running the Music Academy but I help him sometimes. I also teach one class there. But mostly I’m busy with this little production company I started just a few months ago.”
“That sounds amazing, hyung, you’ve always wanted to do it and now you are.”
“Well, same as you and being editor-in-chief.”
“I guess it’s CEO Min now, huh?” Jimin teases.
Yoongi shakes his head, smiling. “Sounds weird when all I do is create melodies and write lyrics.”
Jungkook’s ego takes a shot. This is a young CEO who clearly has a lot of history with Jimin, someone so rich and successful in life by doing what he loves... just like Jimin.
“It’s not a big deal.” Yoongi downplays. “We’re still just getting started, truly. So, tell me about Yerim.”
Jimin looks at Jungkook, who seems lost in his own thoughts. Jimin nudges him.
“Huh? Sorry, I was just thinking of something.” Jungkook replies.
“Is everything okay?” Jimin looks at him concerned. “That phone call?”
“No, no. Nothing’s wrong.” He reassures and begins to answer but he realizes he really didn’t hear where the conversation was at anymore. “Uh…”
“Yoongi hyung was asking about Yerim.”
“Ah yes, my sister has been wanting to get music lessons for years, wants to learn piano and violin.”
“Easy. Consider her enrolled.”
“Oh wow, but...uh, actually, Yoongi-ssi.... you see, Yerim has down syndrome, so we were kind of here to ask if you have a qualified special education teacher in your academy? Or if you knew someone maybe?” Jungkook asks.
“Ohh, okay, I see.” Yoongi looks away like he’s trying to remember something. “You know what, there might be this one teacher but I’m not so sure about her qualifications. I will have to confirm first.”
“Much appreciated, hyung.” Jimin says.
“Of course. And you know what, if we don’t have one qualified teacher now, this is a brilliant idea. Our music school should offer such a service. I know music therapy does help people with learning disabilities. There needs to be more places that offer classes to them as well. Tell me more about Yerim, Jungkook.”
Jungkook tells Yoongi all the necessary info on Yerim. He tells him how Yerim shouldn’t be that difficult to teach because compared to other kids with down syndrome, Yerim is more developed and that music runs in his family actually.
With that, Yoongi got a bit excited to find something in common with Jungkook. “Same. Did you get the gene, too?”
Jungkook smiles politely and nods. “I can play guitar and drums.”
“He sings too.” Jimin casually adds as he sips on his drink.
Jungkook turns to Jimin surprised. He didn’t put singing in their getting-to-know-each-other Google doc so he’s wondering how Jimin would know.
“A little, I guess.” Jungkook admits to Yoongi.
“Please,” Jimin turns to Yoongi. “He has a great singing voice.”
“Gotta let me hear it sometime, Jungkook.” Yoongi says. “Can’t wait to meet your sister. Worry not, you two. If we don’t actually have a special ed teacher in our midst, we’d have to look for one or look for volunteers within who are willing to get the qualification.”
So this Yoongi fella isn’t so bad. Jungkook feels grateful for how far Yoongi is willing to go to help. He does, however, deflate as well because how is he supposed to hate the guy now?
“Yoongi-ssi, thank you. This is so kind of you.”
“No bother at all. If anything, I should thank you. You’re leading us towards a really great direction our music school could take. I’m glad you and Jimin have brought this to me. You know what, let me make a few calls now, to see what I can do. I gather Jimin won’t be staying here for long so let’s get this settled as soon as possible, yeah? I’ll be right back.”
Yoongi stands up and goes outside to make some phone calls.
Jungkook notices Jimin’s eyes follow Yoongi.
“He seems like a really great guy.” Jungkook says and it pulls Jimin out of his thoughts.
“Huh? Uh, yeah. He really is.”
Jungkook thinks he sees a somber expression on Jimin’s face and it makes him want to pry.
“I’d ask if he was your ex but you already told me your one ex was a jerk and he doesn’t seem like one so...”
“Yeah, no, Yoongi hyung and I are just friends.”
“He seems keen to be more than that.” Jungkook says as nonchalantly as he could. “Has he ever tried?’
Jimin turns to Jungkook with furrowed brows.
“Sorry,” Jungkook says after a while when Jimin still hasn’t said anything. “Not my business. You don’t have to answer.”
Jungkook wants Jimin to answer anyway and reassure him that there’s nothing between him and Yoongi but several seconds have passed and Jimin still doesn’t say anything.
He supposes that’s just about the right reaction anyway - Jimin doesn’t owe him any explanation. Being the hired fake boyfriend doesn’t mean he’s privy to Jimin’s love life.
Nevertheless he takes it as a confirmation that there’s something there and he feels dejected. Even without their possible history, Yoongi is someone who’s on Jimin’s league. They run on the same circles, grew up together, understand each others’ lifestyles. Yoongi is quite handsome too. Meanwhile, Jungkook is just Jimin’s hired help. Quite a world between them when he thinks about it like that.
It’s definitely Jungkook’s insecurities taking over because he finds himself suddenly saying, “Well, for the record, I think you’d do really well if you ended up with someone like Yoongi hyung someday.”
Jimin looks at Jungkook with an unreadable expression on his face.
Whether his feelings for Jimin turn out to be real or not, he can be happy for Jimin, right? He feels the need to put it out there that it’s okay. He’s okay if Jimin has or will have someone in his life.
Jimin doesn’t answer.
Jungkook decides to fill the awkward silence with something that’s been bothering him for a while now. “Boss, I’m kinda worried.”
“Of what?”
“Of our chances with the immigration. I mean, we’re good on the pictures and testimonies from friends and families but we lack physical proof of our relationship.”
“You’re right. I was gonna tell you. When I transfer my monthly payments to you, I was gonna add some money for my bills at home. So you can pay for it using your account and we can use those payments as proof of us living together.”
“Uh, yeah, that works.” Talking about money and getting paid really does it for Jungkook. This really is just a business deal.
Sensing that Jungkook’s worries aren’t quite quelled, Jimin asks, “Any other concerns?”
“Nah. That’s it. You think it’s enough? You think we’re good on all fronts?”
“Hmmm… I think we covered all bases...”
“Wait, how about our chat history? Will they check it?”
“They might.” Jimin replies. “But we can say we were trying to hide our relationship, right? So any texts pertaining to our secret affair were deleted just in case. We do have enough call history to say we communicated via calls instead.”
“Wouldn’t it sound like an awfully convenient excuse though?” Jungkook questions as he takes a sip of his water.
“Kinda, but what can we do, start sexting each other or something?”
Jungkook chokes on his drink.
He supposes that sometimes the most ridiculous ideas are actually the best ones. That would definitely prove their relationship but also… sexting… with Park Jimin… Jungkook won’t survive.
“Don’t worry.” Jimin chuckles. “I was just kidding, Jungkook.” Jimin pats his shoulder as he coughs.
But Jimin says it so placatingly, like he knows Jungkook wouldn’t be able to handle something like that if it came down to it and while it’s true, it rubs Jungkook the wrong way. Cause Jimin knows only him will be affected is that it?
Is he that transparent? Can Jimin tell Jungkook likes him? Or worse, did Jimin make the stupid rule against feelings because he knew Jungkook is easy prey and Jimin knows that everyone around him falls in love with him anyway?
Jungkook decides to put on his best unbothered act yet. “Why not, though?” He shrugs.
“What?”
“It’s solid proof of our relationship, don’t you think?”
“You’d be okay to do something like that?” Jimin asks incredulously.
“Why not?”
“But-”
“Look, Jimin, none of this is real anyway, right? I’ve already faked a lot of stuff for you, might as well just throw and add this one into the mix.”
Jungkook is busy looking elsewhere but at Jimin, so he doesn't see the flash of hurt in Jimin’s eyes.
Jimin steels himself. “Fine. I can just grab your phone and text myself some scripted thing back and forth so it’s not uncomfortable for you.”
“See, why would it be uncomfortable just to me?” Jungkook asks while the voice inside his head screams at him to shut the fuck up and accept Jimin’s suggestion. It makes sense and is way more practical but he can be stubborn when he wants to be. And today, he wants to show Jimin just how unbothered he is. Strictly business.
“Jungkook, I didn’t mean- I was just saying I already put you through so much, I-.”
“It’s part of my job, right? Later tonight then or whatever. Let’s get it over with as quickly as possible.”
Yoongi comes back and Jimin doesn’t get a chance to say anything more about the subject.
Yoongi tells them one of their teachers at the Academy does have the qualifications and she wants to meet Yerim first to see where Yerim is currently at in terms of her skills and her capabilities to learn.
The teacher says she’s free tomorrow and Jungkook says he’d be happy to receive Yoongi and the teacher at his home to meet Yerim then.
Before they’re about to leave, Jimin insisted on paying so he stood up and left Yoongi and Jungkook to pay at the counter.
“So… Jungkook-ah.” Yoongi starts. “If Jimin is here to meet your family then it must be serious between you two.”
“Ah, yeah. It is.” Jungkook replies, trying not to elaborate so he doesn’t have to give too many details.
“How did you two meet?” Yoongi asks.
“I’m his assistant. We spend a lot of time together. Things just started happening, I guess.”
“And now he’s here to meet the fam.”
“Indeed.” Jungkook nods.
Yoongi stands up to get ready to leave. He puts a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder. “Well then, I’m really glad things are going so well between you two.”
“Ahhh haha, yes. Exactly, things are indeed going extremely well right now, thank you.”
************************
Jungkook is sweating. Why the everloving fuck did he not just agree to Jimin sending a message back and forth using both their phones with some scripted sexting? This is ridiculous.
But he was the one who put himself in this position and Jimin didn’t exactly disagree with it so now he definitely can’t chicken out.
The fuck would I suggest something like this?!
He tells himself to just do it as clinically as possible. Maybe do something else while texting Jimin so he’s distracted. Maybe he can play a video game at the same time.
He paces around his room and pep talks himself.
It’s cool, you’re cool, Jungkook. It’s just fake sexy dirty texts. Emphasis on FAKE, you got this. Can’t back down now.
He launches right into it, typing so fast and sending before he thinks about it too much. The sooner they start the sooner they can be done with it.
[ jungkook ]: jimin
[ jungkook ]: baby
[ jungkook ]: i couldnt take my eyes off you whole day
[ jungkook ]: that sweater looked amazing on you
Jungkook reads his texts back and facepalms. So much for being fake. His texts to Jimin ring true.
How the fuck is he supposed to make this strictly business. He’s gonna be sick. He panic dials Jin and puts him on speaker.
“Hyung!?!! Hello? Hyung, quickly!! Help me! How do I get out of sexting Jimin?! Please!!”
Jungkook screams and hurries Jin as he sees the three dots appear on his phone screen - Jimin is already replying. Ahh shit.
[ jimin ]: bet it’s better off of me
Oh god!!! Jungkook gulps.
“Hyung!!!!” He screams into his phone.
“Hold on and stop screaming! The reception must be bad.” Jin says. “Because I thought I heard you say ‘get out of sexting Jimin.’” Jin windshield laughs.
Jungkook stays silent for way too many beats.
“Ohhhhh. Oh, you dumb motherfucker! I don’t know how you got into this mess but I just know it’s your fault somehow. I’m nope-ing out of this, this one is beyond me, goodbye.” Jin hangs up.
Did Jin just- “Hyung? No!”
Jungkook types a quick reply to Jimin and dials Jin again.
[ jungkook ]: definitely ;)
“I’m this close to blocking you.” Jin answers.
“Stop hanging up on me!”
“Then stop being a numbskull! I feel like I need to start getting paid to talk to you lately. How the hell did you even end up in this situation?”
“Well, I said we needed more proof of our relationship in our chat history and long story short here we are.”
“Eh? I feel like you’re cutting out key details in that story.”
“Fine! He joked about sexting and I panicked and he was like “Don’t worry I was just kidding yadda yadda yadda ” all patronizing and shit and I hate that he thought I’d be so affected while he’s so chill like, fuck that, no I’m cool with this.”
“But he’s right and you are definitely not cool with this??? I told you to keep things strictly business Jungkook, why are you challenging yourself to level 900 of that shit, how do you keep things strictly business when you’re sexting, you dumbass!”
“I know, alright! Just help me!! Hurry!”
“Just tell him you’re uncomfortable with it, hello? This is the most idiotic shit I’ve ever heard, by the way. I can’t believe Park agreed to do something like this.”
“Funny you say that, ha ha, he actually suggested he’ll just get my phone for a sec and text back and forth some random scripted thing.”
“THEN WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU DISAGREE TO THAT?! See, I knew it! I knew it was your fault somehow. There is really no saving you.”
“I know better now okay! It was a mistake! But please, hyung, help me get out of it!”
Jungkook’s heart races when his phone beeps and there are 2 new messages from Jimin
[ jimin ]: I’m still wearing it btw
[ jimin ]: Wish you were here to take it off for me
“FUCK!!!!!!” Jungkook screams.
“STOP SCREAMING, YOU’RE NOT ON SPEAKER AND YOU’RE HURTING MY EARS!!!” Jin screams back. “Why did you scream? Don’t tell me you’re doing it right now?! Right this instant?!”
“Uhm…”
“I hate you so much you don’t even know!”
“I can’t chicken out anymore, hyung, it’s happening! What do I do?!”
“I’m so tempted to just hang up on you again. Just do it then dumbass, you did this to yourself. You wanted this.”
Jungkook suddenly stays quiet for a few seconds because he was busy panic-typing a reply to Jimin.
[ jungkook ]: keep it on baby
[ jungkook ]: but your pants
[ jungkook ]: take them off now
He looks back at the texts he sent. Oh, Jesus. He's starting to sweat.
“Jungkook!” Jin suddenly startles him. “You went quiet! You’re still doing it right now aren’t you?! Nope, no no no this is too much, I’m out.” Jin says. “ And for the love of god don’t call me again while you’re sexting our fucking boss!”
Jin hangs up on him again.
[ jimin ]: Pants are off
[ jimin ]: What should I do next, Jungkook?
“Oh my fucking-!” Jungkook says out loud. “Okay, calm down. Do I really wanna do this?”
This is it, the point of no return. Any text after this is progressively gonna go further into sexting territory. Part of Jungkook wants to let go and just do it, maybe enjoy it too. Fuck the repercussions. Jimin is consciously making the decision to do it too, right? But the rational part of his mind is stopping him.
He starts typing a reply but he keeps deleting. Should he call instead? Should he just tell Jimin he’s uncomfortable? Wait, did he even really confirm if Jimin himself was comfortable with it? Jimin only suggested the scripted texting and Jungkook just-
Jungkook calls Jin again.
“I swear to god, Jungkook. My limit with you is 100 and right now you’re at 99.9.”
“Hyung...” The sadness in Jungkook’s voice stops Jin from hanging up again. “I didn’t even ask him if he was comfortable to do it, I just assumed- agh. I’m so stupid.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’ve been saying for the past 10 minutes.”
“I fucked up.”
Jin groans. “Talk to me, why would you do this, Kook?”
“I don’t know, he joked about the sexting thing and I choked on my drink and he was laughing saying don’t worry and I don’t know, maybe it triggered my insecurities. Cause why the fuck is it always me affected? It’s never Jimin. It’s always me, Pratt, this Yoongi guy, or whoever else in love with him. I’m just one of them, you see. Jimin doesn’t feel anything.”
“Hold up, hold up. That’s a lot. First, who’s this Yoongi guy?”
“It’s an old friend or an old flame or whatever. Met him yesterday. Clearly in love with Jimin. And I can’t even hate the guy like I hate Pratt, you know? He seems like a great guy. Genuinely kind. Handsome. Not to mention rich and successful. And Jimin he-I don’t know, it seems they have history.”
“Oh, okay. I see now where this is coming from. Don’t compare yourself to rich and successful people. You are successful in your own way and on the road to be even more so. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re one of the best people I’ve ever met. I know Jimin, or anyone else for that matter, would be extremely fortunate to have you.”
Jungkook takes a deep breath. “Yes, okay, you’re right. But still, I’m here with Jimin because I’m his best option. If Yoongi was there in Australia, I'm sure it’d be him and not me and not gonna lie, it hurt when I realized that. What if Jimin wanting to stay in Australia is the only thing stopping him and Yoongi from having a relationship too? I feel so out of the equation in his life. Like, my feelings, whether they’re real or not, don’t matter to Jimin. I hate this. And I hate this stupid sexting thing, ugh! I’m a mess, hyung. I shouldn’t have said I’d do it. I don’t wanna do something like this if it’s fake, you know me. And I’m sick of the fake. I don’t wanna do this if it’s not real.”
“Okay, hold on. There’s a lot going on there, let’s dissect a bit. First of all, you don’t know what Jimin would do if Yoongi was in Australia. It could still be you he chooses.”
“For a fake marriage.”
“Still, it’s significant that he chose you, right? And that he doesn’t wanna do it with anyone else if you didn’t say yes to it.”
“Yeah but that’s maybe a matter of safety? He trusts me.”
“Sure but you weren’t that close, Jungkook. And despite that, he chose you.”
“He chose me cause he didn’t have anyone else.”
“Or that there was no other choice but you.”
“That sounds the same.”
“Yes, but they’re not. I’m saying he’d only do something like this if it was with you.”
“We don’t know that.”
“Well we don’t know that it’s not that either.”
“Why do I feel like you’re suddenly supporting this, just yesterday you were telling me to keep it strictly business.”
“Because, dumbface, I'm hearing you now and you're saying you don’t want to do this with him if it’s not real and I don’t know, that’s a pretty big statement, Kook. It’d be stupid to underestimate what you feel for him at this point. I mean, you're lying to your entire family and Hobi for him.”
“I don’t know, I don’t know what I’m feeling anymore, hyung.”
“You’re confused right now where you stand and that’s okay. You have time to figure it out. You can just go with the flow, see where it goes. See clearer where Park stands as well. You don’t have to have an answer for any of those right now. But right now the man is literally waiting for you to reply to the horrendous sexting thing you brought upon yourselves. So go be honest with him about that now at least. Don’t do this to yourself if it’s not something you’re willing to do. I’m sure he’ll understand. He probably doesn’t wanna do it either."
“Yeah, okay, what do I say, though? He’s waiting for my reply right now, I’ve been trying to come up with what to say to him for the past--”
Just then, Jungkook's phone vibrates.
[ jimin ]: Be here in 10min baby or I’ll start without you
[ jimin ]: Drive safe pls. I love you
“Oh.” Jungkook stares at his phone.
“What? What is it? Did he text again?”
Jungkook blinks at his phone, trying to make sense of all the confusing emotions that came all at once at seeing Jimin’s latest texts.
“Jungkook?”
“Yeah, he- uh, he ended it.”
“He ended it?”
Jungkook tells Jin what Jimin wrote.
“Oh.”
“Yeah...”
Jungkook doesn’t know what he’s feeling but he knows he wants to talk to Jimin and apologize. “Listen, hyung, I gotta go talk to him.”
“Alright, don’t do any more stupid shit, please. I am actually begging you.”
“Can’t promise.”
***********
Jungkook calls Jimin after getting a better grip on his emotions.
“Jimin, I’m sorry-”
“Jungkook, I wanna say sorry-”
They both talk at the same time.
“I’m sorry for putting you through that.” Jungkook rushes to talk first. He needs to get this off his chest. “It was dumb of me to insist that and your suggestion would have been better actually. And I’m sorry for not even asking if you were okay to do it.”
Jimin was surprised at Jungkook’s apology. He was actually gonna apologize because he saw Jungkook’s reluctance to reply and felt bad for subjecting Jungkook through so much shit.
“Thanks, Jungkook. I really appreciate that. Sorry for-”
“Don’t be silly, you have nothing to be sorry for.”
“Technically, we wouldn’t be in this whole mess if it weren’t for me. I keep forcing you from one uncomfortable situation to another, aren’t I? I'm so sorry, Jungkook. I really am.”
“You’re not forcing me.”
“Still. But I have to say... I’m really grateful that you’re still here with me.”
“I’ll… I’ll never leave you.” Jungkook hesitantly says. But he means it and wants Jimin to know that. “I mean that, by the way. I really want you to know that I’ll stick with you til the end. No matter what. I promise.”
Jimin feels like an impostor. Who is he to deserve such dedication from Jungkook? “You can’t really promise that.”
“I just did.”
Jimin doesn’t reply to that and Jungkook understands. Jungkook thinks Jimin is being cautious with his trust. Jungkook thinks he's just gonna have to prove it.
Jungkook may want to do this for Jimin til the end but so many things could happen. Unlike Namjoon to Taehyung, Jimin thinks there’s nothing really tethering Jungkook to him. Jungkook doesn’t love him like Namjoon loves Taehyung. And realistically speaking, even Namjoon can’t really promise something like that to Taehyung. Nevertheless, he appreciates the intent behind Jungkook’s words anyway.
“Uhm, are you about to sleep now?” Jungkook asks.
“Oh, god no. I have so much work to catch up on. I have to do the report for the past month and I have to review the marketing for a couple of the books being released next month.”
“Such a workaholic.”
“I gotta be.”
“Are you sure you didn’t ditch sexting me for work since you love working so much?”
“Maybe I did.”
Jungkook laughs. “Alright, I’ll help you.”
“Oh? No no, I’m fine, Jungkook. Besides, you’re on leave.”
“So are you.”
“It’s late.”
“So it is for you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“But I want to.”
Jimin takes a deep breath. It’s so easy for Jungkook to cause that fluttery feeling that passes through his chest. He's been feeling it a lot especially since their seminar.
“I just genuinely wanna help you so you don’t have to sleep at 6am or something.” Jungkook adds.
Jimin starts hesitantly, “Well, it’s just the normal load, actually, except you know Mikayla isn’t as used to her job yet like you are. You always sort everything out for me. And some documents I don’t have to read through anymore cause you already do them for me and summarize the key points. You really help me a lot, you know?”
Jungkook smiles to himself.
Jimin sighs, “I’m really gonna miss you when you leave your post, you know? You’ve made things way more manageable for me. Couldn’t have had time to focus on Spectrum or any other projects if it weren’t for you. I was only able to do so much because of you.”
Warmth fills Jungkook's chest. Validation is nice.
“Well, I’m glad I helped. Now, tell me what you need to get done tonight.”
“You’re really up for it?”
“Okay, new rule. I think we need this after today. We don’t say or agree to things we don’t really wanna do or to things we’re not comfortable with. Deal?”
“Okay, yeah, we need that rule. Deal.”
“So when I tell you I wanna help you with work tonight, I really intend to. Now, talk to me.”
Jimin tells him everything he needs to get done by tonight.
“Okay, easy. I’ll help you so we can both be done by 3 at the latest.”
“I’m logging these as your work hours.”
“You don’t have to.”
“When I tell you I wanna log these in as your work hours, I really intend to.” Jimin cheekily throws back Jungkook’s words back to him. “And I’m gonna do it, so shush!”
Jungkook chuckles. “Okay then. Email me right this instant. I need the docs on my inbox ASAP, Jimin-ssi!”
“So demanding.” Jimin plays along. “And sent!”
*********************
True to Jungkook’s words, they did finish at 3 am and Jimin would have stayed up all night if it wasn’t for Jungkook’s help.
Before retiring to bed, he replies to Taehyung’s message from a few hours ago asking him for updates. They haven’t talked to each other since he arrived in Korea.
[ jimin ]: Sorry for the late reply
[ jimin ]: You’re most likely asleep
[ jimin ]: So will just call you later
To Jimin’s surprise, three dots appeared. Taehyung is replying.
[ taehyung ]: I’m awake!!!!
[ taehyung ]: Calling you in a minute!
“Why are you still awake? It’s 5 am there.” Jimin asks by way of greeting.
“I slept the entire day yesterday so now I’m still fully awake. Why are you still awake?”
“Finished some work. Thankfully, Jungkook helped me, otherwise I’d still be doing it right now.”
“Oh. Jungkook helped you. So nice of him.”
“Yeah, he is nice.”
“Hmm... way too nice.”
“True, he is way too nice.”
“No, no. You didn’t get my point. I’m saying he is way too nice to you. Always has been. I know you know what I mean!”
“Not this again.”
“I haven’t touched this subject with a ten-foot pole for months, Jimin. But now-”
“For the nth time, it’s just because he’s my assistant.”
“Sure, I mean, all other great assistants in this planet would also agree to fake marry their boss so the boss can stay in the country.”
“Taehyung.”
“Let’s have this conversation, Jimin. I’ve been wanting to have this talk for so long.”
“There is no conversation to be had. The man is getting paid handsomely for it.”
“Even before he agreed to the fake relationship with you he’s been-”
“Taehyung, don’t. Please.”
The ‘please’ gives Taehyung pause. He knew Jimin would reject the notion. But the ‘please’ sounded like there's desperation to avoid going there at all.
“Please? Uh oh. Jimin, is there something you wanna tell your best friend?”
“None! He’s just... not what you think he is, okay?”
“Jimin, why are you so hell bent on denying that your assistant may in fact like y-”
“Taehyung. I said there’s nothing. Jungkook is just doing his job. Don’t put notions in my head. He told me just yesterday, and I quote, ‘None of this is real anyway.’ so no, he doesn’t like me like that. Don’t push the agenda cause it’s gonna make me think of his actions that way. We’ve had this discussion last year and you remember what happened so stop it. I can’t be thinking of him like that everytime he does nice things to me, we’ve already established just how fucking nice the guy is. But at the end of the day, that is just him doing his job. That’s it.”
Taehyung remembers exactly what happened a year ago. “Alright, okay, calm down. If you say so, then fine. I’m sorry. It’s just-- nevermind.”
Jimin feels bad for raising his voice at his best friend. “Sorry, I’m just tired I guess.”
“It’s fine, I get it. It’s also already late. Just answer me this, how are you doing so far in Busan?”
“It’s been… a lot. I’ll tell you everything when I get home. But I’m okay now.”
“Oh? You never called before today so I thought you’re doing just fine but now I’m worried.”
“Don’t be. I’m really okay now, it’s just- the past few days have been kind of a struggle with Jungkook’s family.”
“Oh no.”
“I’ll tell you next time? I’m tired. I miss you, Taehyungie.”
“I miss you too, Jiminie. Call me anytime you feel like it okay? Doesn’t matter what time, I’ll pick up. Whatever it is, don’t bottle it all up, I’m here for you.”
“Do love you even when you’re kinda annoying.”
“Do love you too even when you’re kinda mean.”
**********************
Jimin and Yoongi picked up this teacher called Sana at the Academy. She just finished her last class for today and is excited to meet Yerim. On the way to Jungkook’s place, she says she got her qualification before because she also has a sibling with down syndrome. She seems kind and warm and Jimin can already tell the Jeons will like her.
And Jimin was right. Yerim instantly felt comfortable with Sana. Sana says she also taught her sibling with down syndrome to play the piano. Sana showed videos of her sister and Yerim got excited. Chaeyoung says she can’t wait to take videos of Yerim like she has taken videos of Jungkook singing in school competitions before when he was younger.
Jungkook groans.
“Let’s see them!” Yoongi exclaims and Jimin is glad for it because he also wants to see the videos.
“Eomma, not all the videos, please! Some of those are really embarrassing!”
“Don’t be silly, I’m showing everything.”
Amidst the conversation, and maybe because Jungkook’s mom has been including Jimin in the conversations and sharing stories about young Jungkook throughout their visit, Jimin felt comfortable enough to share a Jungkook tidbit at work as well.
“Sometimes when it’s late at night and me and Jungkook are working overtime, Jungkook would be singing outside my door while working. That’s how I found out he had a great voice. I never mentioned it to him because he seemed to do it unconsciously and if I pointed it out to him he might consciously stop himself.” Jimin smiles.
Jungkook was standing behind Jimin’s chair and he looks down to his boss surprised. It wasn’t unconscious singing, he knew Jimin could hear him but Jimin never said anything before and he’s usually so blasé about things like that that Jungkook thought if Jimin heard him sing, he’d probably just ignore or put on earphones or something.
But Jungkook doesn’t react because he can’t show his surprise to his family, who would obviously assume Jungkook knows about this already.
“Bet Jungkook here just works overtime to spend more time with you.” Sana winks at Jimin.
“Stop exposing me, Sana-ssi.” Jungkook answers. “Jimin is still my boss and he thinks I’m doing it because I’m super hardworking. Don’t ruin my image.”
Sana laughs. “You two really do look good together. How long have you been together?”
Jungkook answers, “Officially only just 6 months but technically I was already secretly in love with him since the first moment I saw him 2 years ago.”
“Of course you are.” Junghyun says in between having bites of the kimbap he’s eating.
“That’s really sweet, actually” Sana coos.
“My Jungkookie has always been sweet.” Chaeyoung suddenly says as she pats Jungkook’s cheeks. Then she turns to Jimin, so much friendlier than she was when she first met him but also a bit hesitant, like she’s not sure if she can jump right in to being nice to Jimin after everything that happened the past week. “Jiminie, can you tell us more stories of how Ggukie here won you over? I’d love to hear more stories about your relationship... if you’d like to share...”
“Eomma, you’re asking Jimin here to tell you cheesy stuff, aren’t your k-dramas enough? Junghyun teases their mom.
“Shut up and just keep eating, you think we don’t see how grossly in love you are with Euna?” Chaeyoung teases her son back. “Be quiet or I’ll tell them about the time you came home here crying when Euna had to travel for work for 3 days.”
“What, I didn’t know this story.” Jungkook laughs.
“Now you do, that’s all there is to it. Now carry on, Jimin-ah.” Junghyun prompts Jimin to save him.
Everyone laughs.
Jimin’s fondness for the Jeons grows. He sees a lot of Jungkook’s personality in each of his family members and despite Chaeyoung’s understandable hostility towards him at first, Jimin realizes they’re the reason Jungkook is so wonderful the way he is now.
They suddenly all turn quiet to look at Jimin, waiting for him to tell a story and he panics at first, but then he sees Jungkook’s father’s eyes very subtly go round like the way Jungkook’s do when he’s anticipating something and he sees the curious faces of Junghyun, Euna and Chaeyoung, and Jimin suddenly feels like he wants to share.
Jungkook hopes Jimin can weave stories on the spot. He rests both his hands on Jimin’s shoulders in silent support, like he will help Jimin make up stories if he can’t.
“Uhm, let’s see.” Jimin tries to recall moments. “Well, one time, this was more than a year ago so Jungkook was technically just my assistant then, I sprained my ankle and called a day off. I didn’t tell anyone anything but at 11am someone knocks on my door. It’s Jungkook, all concerned because I wasn’t answering my phone. I said I was okay but he saw that I couldn’t walk properly and he took the day off as well, brought me to the doctor, bought me food and meds, carried me all over the house for 2 days til I had to convince him I’ll be fine hobbling around the house on my own.”
“Ya?!” Junghyun turns to Jungkook impressed. “Bro, smooth.” and fistbumps Jungkook. Jungkook fistbumps back and shakes his head, smiling.
That’s not the fake story Jungkook expected. That actually happened.
“Hmm, whenever I have a meeting or I have to go somewhere and Jungkook knows I didn’t bring my car and it suddenly rains, Jungkook without fail, will be there to pick me up, even without me asking for it.”
“Ooh, nice.” Junghyun fistbumps Jungkook again.
Jimin smiles.
That too, is a true story. Jimin actually appreciates when he does that? But Jimin never mentions it.
“Oh, and one time, It was only Jungkook’s 2nd month at work, if I’m not mistaken. He came back to the office at 9pm, said he had dinner with his friends but forgot something at work. He saw me still working on a project which was due for a presentation the next day, and he worked with me all night to finish it. In fact, everytime he sees me working overtime, he always offers to help so I can finish sooner.”
This is also real.
Jimin holds onto one of Jungkook’s hands that’s on his shoulders. “In fact, he helped me with my work again just last night. I wouldn’t do so well in my position if it weren’t for him, truly. I had to lobby with the big bosses to increase his salary. He does so much. My partner, more than my assistant, to be honest.”
Jungkook stills. Nah, Jimin is just saying that.
“Aww, sounds like you two make a good team.” Euna says.
“I think so too.” Jimin grins. “And he does so much more than just these. There’s a lot more of the little things. I notice all of them. That’s why it’s a little bittersweet that he won’t be my assistant for very long. But he does deserve the promotion.”
“Promotion?!” Chaeyoung asks excitedly.
Jungkook’s mom is already onto the promotion but Jungkook is still processing Jimin’s earlier statements.
“Jungkook didn’t tell you yet? Oops, sorry, did I ruin the surprise?” Jimin looks at Jungkook above him.”
“Nah, I was gonna tell them when I’m already in my new position.” Jungkook slightly massages Jimin’s shoulders. “I’m gonna be an editor soon, everybody. And I’ve recently just started writing my manuscript again.” Jungkook tells his family.
Everyone is excited for him and congratulates him. Jungkook feels bad that his family is so happy about him achieving something when he knows he only got the position because of his deal with Jimin.
And as if sensing Jungkook’s thoughts, Jimin adds, “It was long overdue. To be honest, I told our bosses some months ago that Jungkook should be given a different title than Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief and suggested Assistant Editor-in-Chief instead but they said it would be too big of a jump and others might question it, so they said it’s better if Jungkook goes through the entire ladder first and told me to begin transition anytime it felt right.”
“Jungkookie, we always knew you’d do so well!”
Jungkook’s head reels. He wants to confirm to Jimin later if the things he said tonight are true. But should he? Suppose Jimin is just saying these things as part of their act? He’d look pathetic confirming to Jimin later if they’re true. Cause how come Jimin never said any of these things to him before?
*******************
The rest of the little gathering at the Jeons consisted of conversations of everyone’s shared love for music, Sana sharing stories about her sister, Yerim getting excited about the stuff she’s about to learn, and Yoongi sharing his new vision for his family’s music school, brought about by meeting Yerim and knowing about Sana’s sister.
It went so well that Yoongi and Teacher Sana got themselves invited to Junghyun and Euna’s wedding the next day. They said they’d be happy to make room for two new special friends.
When they were about to leave, Jungkook gets ready as well. He grabs a jacket and ushers Jimin, Yoongi, and Sana outside. “Let’s go.”
“You’re coming?” Jimin questions him.
“I’m driving you home since you didn’t bring your car.” Jungkook replies like it should be obvious to Jimin.
“Oh, Yoongi hyung offered to drive Sana and me home. It’s okay, you can rest. Big day tomorrow.” Jimin tells him.
Jungkook wants to insist on bringing Jimin home but decides to just let it go. It’s no big deal.
“Thank you so much for having us.” Yoongi bows to the Jeons. “Yerim, we’re very excited to see you at the Academy.”
“Thank you so much.” Sana bows as well. “I look forward to teaching you, Yerim.” She pats Yerim’s head.
Yerim is brimming with excitement.
“No, no, you two. Thank you.” Jihoon says right back. “You too, Jimin-ah. Thank you.”
“Our Yerim has always wanted this, and we never got around to it before. And you’re giving us such a huge discount. We’ll never forget this, Yoongi-ssi.” Chaeyoung tells Yoongi.
Then she turns to Jimin next. “Thank you, too, Jimin-ah. Despite my cruelty the past week, you continued to be kind to us. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be able to afford such an education for our Yerim. Thank you for bringing Yoongi-ssi and Sana-ssi to us.”
Jimin wasn’t quite used to receiving such warmth from Jungkook’s mom that he falters a bit. He glances at Jungkook, also looking quite surprised.
“N-no problem at all eomonim.”
“Eomoni, Jimin-ah. You’re about to be part of our family, aren’t you?” She pats Jimin’s cheek affectionately and Jimin is too stunned that all he can do is nod back as Chaeyoung envelops him in a hug.
Chaeyoung whispers in his ear, “I’m so, so sorry for everything, Jimin-ah. I am very ashamed of my actions the past few days.” She keeps him in a tight hug. “I’m sorry for making you feel unwanted. That was horrible of me. I’m so thankful for you, you know? I’ve realized you make my Jungkookie happy and that is all that matters to me. So thank you for loving my son and thank you for coming into our lives. Jihoon told me about your father. It’s unfortunate that your appa is like that but worry not, Jiminie. You will never be alone again, I promise. We are your new family.”
Jimin glances again at Jungkook with teary eyes, feeling undeserving of the words and the promises but choking up all the same. He sees Jungkook smiling back at him, half fond, half curious at Jimin’s genuine emotions.
Chaeyoung releases Jimin and wipes at Jimin’s tears as she cups his face. “You forgive me, right?”
Jimin nods through his tears.
Chaeyoung lets out a small relieved chuckle and hugs Jimin quickly again.
Once she finally releases Jimin, Jungkook was right there with his sweater paws to wipe at the remaining tears on Jimin’s face. “There we go.” He lowers himself to level his eyes with Jimin’s. “You good? Alright, let’s go.” Jungkook rests his hand on the back of Jimin’s waist and rubs up and down in comfort. “I’ll walk you guys out.”
When they reach Yoongi’s car, Jungkook lets go of his tight hold on Jimin and tells him he’ll pick Jimin up tomorrow for the wedding. Again, Jimin says Yoongi already offered the ride and he doesn’t have to worry.
Jungkook sighs deeply but tries not to let it bother him. If Jimin wants to spend time with Yoongi, well, he doesn’t really have a say in it. Also, he wanted to pick up Jimin cause he knows that’s the only time they might get to spend together tomorrow. He knows he’ll be busy entertaining guests and doing his best man duties. But Jungkook realizes he’s the only one wanting to spend more time with Jimin. Jimin, on the other hand, seems to want to spend more of his with Yoongi.
“Fine.” Jungkook says. “Good night, then.” Jungkook was about to walk away but then he remembered he has to at least hug or kiss Jimin goodbye in front of Yoongi and Sana. He ends up coming back for a tentative and awkward hug.
Yoongi notices.
“See you tomorrow, Yoongi-ssi.” Jungkook bows to Yoongi. And then to Sana “Have a good evening, Sana-ssi.”
*************
On the car on the way home, after Yoongi and Jimin drop Sana off, Yoongi finally speaks to Jimin about his observations of the day.
“So… Jungkook.”
“So…”
“About to get married, huh?”
Jimin tenses but he reminds himself, it’s okay. This is Yoongi. Yoongi is safe.
“Guess so.”
“Really interesting...”
“Didn’t peg me for the marrying type?” Jimin is almost afraid to prompt him to elaborate but it’d be more suspicious if he didn’t.
“Nah, it’s just that,” Yoongi pauses, unsure whether to continue his train of thought, “you don’t really act like you’re a couple about to be married. I mean, to others I guess you would be, but, I don’t know, maybe it’s because I know you too well.”
“Maybe you know the old me.”
“You’re right. Maybe.”
“What is it? I don’t look in love with him or something?”
“No, no. It just feels like, for someone about to be married to you, he still seems a bit cautious around you. Like he’s trying not to cross boundaries. And you seem a bit… evasive, like you always have been. Just think there should be a huge change in you if you’re actually about to marry someone for good.”
“Maybe we’re just trying not to be all over each other in front of his family or other people.”
“You’re right, sorry. Anyway, how are Namjoon and Taehyungie’s fake marriage going?” Yoongi turns to him.
And just like that, Jimin knows that Yoongi is suspicious of the nature of his relationship with Jungkook.
“Still going, but about to divorce soon.”
“Time to divorce? Yikes. How’s Namjoon hyung taking it?”
“Like a champ.”
Yoongi chuckles. Then it’s quiet for a while, like Yoongi is thinking what to say next.
“I really hope everything works out for you. Just be careful, okay, Jimin?“
"Of what?”
“You know what.”
Honestly, Jimin doesn’t have to hide the truth from Yoongi. If Yoongi knows about the fake marriage, Jimin knows Yoongi will take it to the grave. But somehow Jimin feels the need to defend his “relationship” with Jungkook.
“Be careful, Yoongi hyung.”
“Of what?”
“Of what my reaction will be when I find out you’re assuming things about me or my relationship with my boyfriend.”
*******************
As Jungkook had predicted, he couldn’t spend a lot of time with Jimin during the wedding. He’s busy running around doing stuff for Junghyun, or busy going around tables, saying hello to friends and relatives he hasn’t seen in a while.
He only got to say a quick hello to Jimin, Yoongi and Sana and he was off.
Not that Jimin wants to talk to anyone right now but he is still glad Yoongi and Sana are here to keep him company.
“Stop pouting, he’s busy helping entertain their guests. Plus, he says he hasn’t been home for a while so he hasn’t seen his family in a long time.” Then he looks pointedly at Jimin. “I wonder why.”
Jimin glares at Yoongi. “I’m not pouting and I didn’t chain him to his office desk the past two years.”
“Not literally, of course.”
“The things you say to me that I let slide because we’re friends, Yoongi hyung.”
Yoongi sniggers.
It’s a little bit chilly because Jimin is seated right in front of the air conditioner and he shivers. He’s wearing his suit jacket but it’s still cold.
A few minutes later, Jungkook comes to their table and suddenly drapes his own suit jacket over Jimin’s shoulders as he runs his hands up and down Jimin’s arms to warm them.
“Cold?” Jungkook moves to Jimin’s side and drags the empty chair on the side closer to Jimin and sits, resting his left hand on the backrest of Jimin’s chair and his right hand atop Jimin’s thigh. “You okay? I’ve asked them to shut this aircon off for now.”
“I’m okay.” Jimin replies, irritation suddenly forgotten by Jungkook noticing his discomfort despite being busy.
“You good, Yoongi hyung? Sana-ssi?” Jungkook inquires on the other two guests.
Sana happily nods from Yoongi’s other side. She’s busy swapping stories with her seatmate about their kids.
“I’m also good, Jungkook.” Yoongi answers. “Jimin is the one who easily gets cold.”
“Yeah, I know. He never turns on the airconditioner in his office in Australia even when it’s sweltering.” Jungkook says while his left hand moves to caress Jimin’s back. “Jimin, you feel better now? Sorry I haven’t been around much. I just have to go around and talk to our relatives. They haven’t seen me in so long.”
“Of course. Don’t worry about me. Go.”
Jungkook turns to Yoongi. “Wow, I just got here and he’s sending me away already.”
Yoongi chuckles.
Jungkook puts his right hand over Jimin’s. “Your hands are so cold.” Jungkook grabs both of Jimin’s hands and sandwiches them in between his and starts rubbing for warmth.
There it is again. The things Jungkook do that make it hard for Jimin to snap his defenses back up. Why must Jungkook be so dedicated to his boyfriend act?
Jungkook glances at Jimin’s face and catches the other staring at him.
“Save me a dance?” Jungkook gives Jimin a lopsided smile as he continues to stare all over Jimin’s face.
Jimin flushes and is unable to form words. He can’t even say Jungkook is being silly - Korean weddings aren’t like Western ones where there’s a dance floor and people can dance. All he can do is stare back at Jungkook while his heart is beating like a drum at the way Jungkook is looking at him.
“I’ll come find you again later.“ Jungkook whispers as he gives Jimin a kiss on the cheek.
Jungkook reluctantly gets up and nods at Yoongi once before walking away.
Jimin isn’t sure the dim lights in the hall can conceal his flushed face.
“Must be nice.” Yoongi smirks on the side.
Jimin doesn’t say anything. Jungkook really is sweet and thoughtful and Jimin feels like he’s fighting for his life.
These are the moments when Jimin needs to remind himself to keep a closer guard on his heart around Jungkook. It’s easy to fall into the trap. Jungkook is so easy to love. And he is an incredibly good actor that Jimin himself questions the supposed insincerity of Jungkook’s actions. But he’s had the mistake of reading too much into things before. Jimin vowed never to be so foolish again.
As if to prove Jimin’s fears, About 30 minutes later, Jungkook passes close by again and stops at the table opposite them. He notices Sunghoon’s face and asks him what’s wrong. Sunghoon says he’s having a mild headache. Jungkook leaves and comes back a few minutes later with what Jimin assumes to be some medicine for his headache.
Jimin and Yoongi overhear the whole thing. Jungkook searched all over to find someone who had some meds on hand.
Okay, fuck him and his niceness then. Jimin’s face morphs into annoyance. He’s not annoyed at Jungkook, really. He’s annoyed at himself. He never learns. Just last night he was getting angry at Taehyung for putting meaning into things that Jungkook has done and now he himself did it again only for it to blow all over his face. Again.
“Interesting.” Yoongi says upon seeing Jimin’s face.
And Jimin just can’t deal with Yoongi’s side comments and ability to see through everything. He stands up angrily and goes to the bathroom, leaving Jungkook’s jacket behind to drop on his shoulders and fall on the chair.
Across the room, Jungkook sees Jimin walk away angrily and wonders if Yoongi and Jimin are having some sort of misunderstanding. He wants to ask Jimin about it but knows it’s not his place. And frankly, he’s afraid of what he’s about to find out - unsure whether he can handle confirmation that there is still something between Yoongi and Jimin.
Jimin emerges from the bathroom but doesn’t return to his seat and goes to the balcony instead. Yoongi joins him a few moments later. Jungkook’s eyes follow them.
****************
“Okay, enough pretending.” Yoongi’s voice cuts through Jimin’s thoughts.. “You clearly need to talk your feelings out with someone. I can tell Jungkook is not really your boyfriend, much less your fiancé. Just talk to me. I’m here to listen.”
Jimin doesn’t reply. It’s not like he can continue denying it, he knows Yoongi won’t buy it. And It doesn’t even matter anyway. Yoongi knowing won’t make a difference, he won’t risk their little charade.
“Never thought I’d live to see the day, to be honest.” Yoongi continues.
“To see the day I bring home a fake boyfriend?”
“To see the day you fall in love with someone, actually.” Yoongi stares at Jimin like he dares him to disagree. “And while it’s not with me, I must admit I’m glad to see you finding someone equally hopelessly in love with you too, from what I observe.”
Jimin scoffs. “Except he’s really not.”
“Bullshit. The man looks at you like you hung the moon.”
“He’s a really good actor, seriously, fools me too.”
“He looks like he’s constantly walking on eggshells trying not to overwhelm you with his feelings.”
“He’s cautious around me, because we’re not actually dating.”
“Sure. What about the heart eyes even when you’re not looking?”
“Those are literally just his eyes, he looks at everyone the same.”
“Not at me. Why would he be jealous of me, then?”
“Seriously, google the definition of acting.”
“Jimin, no one is that good and that consistent.”
“I’m trying not to make the mistake of thinking that, because apparently someone is truly that good and consistent. Jungkook is the best in the market. So believable, it hurts.”
“You’re telling me you think Jungkook deserves 10 Oscars for being the most believable fake boyfriend versus his actions actually come from his heart because he actually likes you?”
Jimin huffs. “I’m sure you saw how fucking nice the guy is just then? That’s honestly him all the time. Hard to think you’re special when he’s literally the same to everyone. You don’t know but that’s really just his personality, I’ve seen it. Would be foolish of me to think there’s some special treatment with me there when I see him go out of his way to be kind to other people too. Deserves 10 Nobel Peace Prize awards, too, I think.”
“Oh Jimin, come on. I’m a nice guy too, wouldn’t you say?”
“What’s your point?”
“My point is I would also enter a fake marriage with you just to get you a citizenship but it wouldn’t be because of my niceness. Can’t say I would do that even to Taehyungie no matter how much I love and adore him. But to you, I would in a heartbeat. And you know what Jungkook and I have in common.”
“Hyung.” Jimin starts but he doesn’t know how he should address Yoongi talking about his old feelings for him. Jimin knows that Yoongi’s long since accepted that it’s not going anywhere so Jimin acknowledges it. They’ve both accepted they’re just friends.
“It’s different, hyung. I can’t keep arguing with you about this, I’m telling you I know for sure Jungkook doesn’t feel that way about me.”
“How do you know? Did he tell you?”
“Actually, yes. Just the other day.”
“The other day? What did he say?”
“Some comment about how none of this is real.”
“But he really looks like-”
“I’m telling you, hyung! Listen to me. He really looks like he’s in love with me, yes. But time and time again, I get proven that he’s not. And I can’t take this from you or Taehyungie anymore. You two keep putting thoughts in my head. I can’t-”
“Taehyungie? Time and time again?”
“This happened before. Last year. Also, isn’t this the same as Mark? Maybe I fall into that same pattern. Maybe I never received this kind of love and affection so the minute someone shows it to me, I start having feelings.”
“Well, I showed you love and affection but you never had feelings for me.”
“Hyung.” Jimin whines, exasperated.
“Alright, I know what you mean. You don’t want a repeat of what happened with your ex. But Jungkook is not Mark. Every guy you meet won’t turn out to be like your ex.”
Jimin huffs, tired of the discussion. Why can’t Yoongi or Taehyung just help him fortify his defenses against Jungkook, knowing he’s about to embark on a fake marriage with the incredibly amazing guy he’s having confusing feelings for?
Jimin stays silent, signaling he’s done with this conversation.
“I see. Okay, well I think I’ve said what I needed to say and done what I’ve needed to do, so I’m leaving. Have a safe flight but stay in touch this time, will you? Tell Taehyung not to be a stranger too.”
“Wait, hyung, you’re really leaving?”
“Yeah. Early work tomorrow. Also, I’m currently working on a new mission to maybe murder your father for making you feel like you don’t deserve love and happiness. I’ll let you know what happens.” Yoongi turns to leave.
“Wait, you were supposed to drive me to my hotel.”
“Maybe let your fake fiancé actually drive you home like he’s been wanting to do. Or not, and go home by yourself, like how you will be at 60 - all sad and alone and living with 12 cats because you won’t let the man you love actually love you back.”
“Fine. I like cats.”
Yoongi is exasperated and raises and drops his arms, defeated by Jimin’s stubbornness. “Jimin, I can’t tell you what to do but I hope someday, with Jungkook, or someone else, you realize that losing someone you care about without trying is more devastating than possibly getting your heart broken. Broken hearts can mend, Jimin. But time can never be brought back. Good luck with everything..”
*******************
Jungkook sees Yoongi leaving Jimin at the balcony after another argument.
Jungkook runs after Yoongi and catches him just before he enters the elevators.
“Hyung, wait! You’re leaving? What about Jimin?”
“You’re here. I’m sure you’ve got him.” Yoongi says.
“Is everything okay between you two? I saw you arguing, I’m-”
“Jungkook, be patient with Jimin.”
“Huh?” Jungkook is taken aback at the sudden-ness of the statement.
Yoongi visibly debates something and after a while seems to have made the decision to elaborate to Jungkook whatever it is he means. He drags Jungkook to the side so they won’t block the elevator doors.
“Do you have any feelings at all for Jimin?”
“Uhm.”
“Answer me as Jeon Jungkook not as Jimin’s fake fiancé Jungkook.”
Jungkook’s eyes widen and Yoongi is quick to explain.
“Jimin didn’t tell me. I guessed. I know about Namjoon and Taehyung and, well, I know Jimin. But watching how you were with him… I don’t know, the feelings didn’t feel fake to me. So tell me, am I wrong?”
Jungkook looks right back at Yoongi, debating whether to trust Yoongi. He sighs after some deliberation, “You’re not wrong.”
“Wait.” Yoongi says, “Just so we’re clear, I’m not wrong about the marriage being fake or about you having genuine feelings for Jimin?”
“Both.”
Yoongi huffs. “I thought so.”
“Takes one to know one?” Jungkook prompts.
“Yeah, well…”
“If you love Jimin why are you telling me to be patient with him? Why not you?” Jungkook asks.
“Cause he’s never once looked at me the way he looks at you.” Yoongi gives an ironic laugh.
Jungkook won’t lie. He feels relieved hearing that from Yoongi. But that’s the thing, he’s hearing it from Yoongi, not Jimin.
“But we’re in a fake relationship, what makes you think Jimin isn’t just acting.”
Yoongi laughs at hearing a similar statement like he did from Jimin. He wants to bump Jungkook and Jimin's head together at this point. “Well, I figured out you weren’t acting and we weren’t even friends for very long. Imagine how much easier I can tell with Jimin, who I’ve known for literal decades.”
Jungkook doesn’t say anything. It doesn’t really mean much coming from someone else other than Jimin, isn’t it? It would still be an assumption.
“Listen to me, Jungkook. Don’t try anything with Jimin if you’re not 100% in it. But if you are then I’m telling you, you gotta be patient with him. If it comes down to it, try harder. Try again and again if you have to.”
At Jungkook’s furrowed brows and confused expression, Yoongi expounds. “I don’t know if you know about Jimin’s father or Jimin’s ex but they’re both shit and did nothing to make Jimin feel like he’s worthy of love.”
“I heard a little.”
“Yeah, okay, well it’s ruining his life. I’m afraid even if you tell him you have feelings for him, it would be difficult for him to accept. So I’m telling you, don’t do anything if you’re not ready to commit to reminding him everyday of his life that you’re in love with him.”
“Wait… so there’s nothing going on between you two?”
“Really? After everything I just said?”
“Just making sure there are no residual feelings or whatever.”
“Jungkook. It sucks for me to admit this but don’t worry, there won’t be residual feelings on Jimin’s side because he never reciprocated mine. I’m friend-zoned for life.” Yoongi chuckles self-deprecatingly. “We’re very close, Jungkook and we’ll be friends forever. But not once did we cross that line and I know we never will. I’ve long since accepted that.”
“I see.” Jungkook offers his hand for Yoongi to shake. “Thank you for all your help, hyung. With Yerim and with… uhm, yeah.”
“I like you, Jungkook, and I’m thankful for your existence in Jimin’s life, whatever it may be.” He leaves with a squeeze on Jungkook’s shoulder. “Best of luck.”
*******************
March 2020, more than a year ago, a few months into Jungkook’s new assistant position:
Jimin was working out late at night on a Monday night, taking a run around the park near his place. He didn’t see a rock in his path and he accidentally slips. His ankle twists and he walks home with a limp.
He doesn’t go to work the next day but doesn’t tell anyone what happened. It’ll be fine, he can work from home. Jungkook, his assistant has proven to be more than capable to handle the work despite only working for him for 7 months and is showing great potential to rise in the ranks. He had talked to Keegan and Hwang about Jeon Jungkook but they couldn’t make him jump several positions up from being a mere assistant that fast. Jimin made a silent vow to groom Jungkook to grow into bigger roles later on, maybe being Assistant Editor-in-Chief someday.
Said assistant knows all the work they need to get done today and Jimin is not needed to physically come to work today. So he takes a rare day off.
At around 11am, someone rings his doorbell.
Jimin wasn’t expecting anyone. As far as he knows, Namjoon and Taehyung knows he’ll be at work. He walks towards the intercom with difficulty and sees his assistant on the tiny screen, standing outside his apartment complex.
“Jeon?”
“Boss, open up.”
Jimin doesn’t know why Jungkook would come all the way over here. Jungkook knows where he lives because sometimes he has to drive over to send physical copies of book cover drafts. Also, there was a time when Jimin’s car was in the repair shop and it was raining and Jungkook offered to drive him home. Other than those instances, Jeon Jungkook has no business being here. Anything he’d need from Jimin can be asked via a phone call.
Nevertheless, Jimin tells Jungkook he can come up, thinking there might be some urgent business that Jungkook needs him to look after.
A few minutes later, Jungkook arrives at the front door of his flat. Jimin opens the door.
Jungkook looks startled to see him.
Then Jimin remembers Jungkook has never seen him in lounge clothes and no makeup. He hates that he feels a bit self-conscious. But, whatever. He really wasn’t expecting anyone.
“Boss? What happened? Are you okay?”
“Uh, yeah, just a little sprain.” He gestures towards his right foot. Jimin belatedly realizes that they’re still standing in the doorway. He hops to turn around and motions for Jungkook to come in.
“That doesn’t look good. You gonna get that checked?”
“Uh.” Jimin didn’t really consider it. These things usually go away with rest, right? It’ll be fine. Jimin shuffles slowly to find somewhere to sit.
“You really should if you can’t even walk properly.” Jungkook is suddenly at his side, hand on his waist as he guides Jimin to the sofa.
As soon as Jimin gets to sit, he motions to stand up again. “Wait, did you want anything to drink? Water? Are you hungry?”
“No, no. Stay.” Then Jungkook seems to look around and think about something. “Um, actually, I can get it myself.”
“Sure, just over there.” Jimin points towards the kitchen.
Jungkook comes back a few minutes later with water and a towel wrapped in something. He suddenly stands in front of Jimin.
“May I?” Jungkook gestures towards his ankle and the towel in his hand. It’s a makeshift ice pack.
Jimin can only stare back. Why is Jungkook doing all these? It’s not in his job description.
“Uh, I don’t know if you have an ice pack somewhere so I just put the ice in this towel.” He says, like he should be apologetic for doing something as kind as this to Jimin but he doesn’t have the proper the equipment.
“Yeah, no, I don’t really have one.”
“Okay, I have this other towel here too to absorb the water when it melts. I’ll help you wring it out later.”
“Uhm, okay. Thank you.”
Jungkook looks at Jimin properly for the first time and there’s an awkward moment when they both didn’t know what to say.
“Why are you here, Jungkook? Is there a problem at work?”
“No, no, I was just- I was worried cause you didn’t say what’s wrong and you never take days off even when you’re really sick and yesterday you were fine and as far as I know there weren’t urgent matters you needed attending cause you had meetings set up for today but I also know you don’t really ask for help much even when you need it so I… was just checking up on you.” Jungkook cringes internally at his rambling. He doesn’t know what Mr. Park’s reaction will be. For all he knows, he might get chastised for crossing boundaries. But he couldn’t make up a good excuse that his boss won’t see right through. He has no reason to come here except for the truth he just spilled.
“Oh.” Jimin is surprised, and his heart starts beating a little faster, because why the hell would his really hot assistant go all the way here, be worried, and do all this shit for him that’s not part of his job. He really needs to go out more often if he’s this affected by his employee potentially just kissing his ass.
Ever since he hired Jungkook for the job, the man has shown time and time again that he is willing to go above and beyond to be helpful to Jimin as a boss and as a person. Way beyond. And Jimin appreciates it. But sometimes, Jungkook would do things that simply make Jimin’s heart do triple toe loops - like now. And it makes Jimin wary. Because no one is that nice, right? Suppose Jungkook just wants to get in his good side to get privileges at work? It’s happened with other employees before and Jimin has learned to be vigilant when it comes to it. But Jungkook is hardworking and doesn’t seem like the type who would use anything other than his hard work to get ahead in life. But still, Jimin stays on guard. It would be a mistake to soften around anyone being nice. They all have ulterior motives. Jungkook’s beautiful doe eyes, goofy smile, and charming personality shouldn’t blind him.
“I’ll help you to go see a doctor.” Jungkook fills in the awkward silence.
“I’m fine, it just needs rest.”
“Just have it checked, Mr. Park, maybe they can do something to speed up the healing or maybe they can tell you how to exercise it. You don’t wanna be stuck here longer than necessary, right?”
Jimin groans. Jungkook knows what to say to get him moving, it seems. And that little comment about not asking for help. Since when did his assistant know so much about him?
“Fine.” Jimin relents. “I’ll go take an Uber later.”
“Let’s go now while I’m here. I’ll help you.”
“I am perfectly able to go alone, Jungkook, you have work to do.”
“You can’t even walk properly.”
“I can hobble, it’ll be fine.”
“What if you hurt your ankle even more, and get stuck here for even longer?”
Ugh. Once again, he makes a fair point. “Fine. But we need to get back to work soon, so much to do today.”
“Roger that, boss. In that case, let me carry you around, then.”
“What.” Jimin flushes
“You wanna get this done quicker or I’ll wait for you to hop to wherever you have to walk? Just let me carry you, it’s easier. Where’s your room? Go get dressed. I’ve booked for an appointment already. It’s in 30 minutes so chop chop.”
“30 minutes? How can I get ready and be there in 30 minutes in this condition? Also, when did you book it? Pretty sure I’d agree to it, were you?”
“That’s why I’m gonna carry you around. Booked it just now when I went to the kitchen. Pretty easy, they have an app and everything and an opening at 12noon. And yes, I was gonna force you to go, was gonna call Mr. Kim as back up if you insisted on not seeing a doctor, but I’m glad I’m enough to convince you.” Jungkook grins, satisfied that things are going his way.
Uh oh, Jimin thinks. It’s way too easy for his assistant to claim a soft spot. This is ridiculous.
Jungkook makes a move to stand up and carry Jimin. He lifts Jimin in one easy go.
“You make this look so easy.”
Jungkook smiles, feeling complimented.
Jimin has of course noticed the man’s good physique. He must work out a lot.
“Now, where’s your bedroom?”
------
After the hospital visit, Jungkook drives Jimin back to his apartment.
Upon Jimin’s insistence, Jungkook allowed him to do his hobbling outside in public. It’d be too embarrassing to be seen carried around. He feels Jungkook wouldn’t have minded at all but still.
However as soon as they’re back in Jimin’s apartment, Jungkook scoops him up again.
“Sorry, boss, you take way too much time walking, my hair greys as I wait for you get from one spot to another, please. Also, doctor said rest. Don’t come to work the next few days, I’ll help you work from here.”
“I absolutely can’t! 2 days maximum only. And what do you mean you'll help? You’ll also work from here?”
“What? No, I was just saying I’ll help arrange everything so you can easily work from here. But now that you mentioned that, I'm thinking that’s a good suggestion, actually. I’ll work here, too, then. That way, it’s easier to discuss stuff and I can also help you around your house.”
“Jungkook, don’t be silly, I don’t need a babysitter.”
“No two un-sprained ankles, no opinion.” Jungkook tuts. “Good thing, I brought my laptop with me.”
Jimin’s past assistants wouldn’t dare do or say half the things Jungkook does. He’s way too comfortable with Jimin and Jimin is way too lenient with him.
“You brought your laptop? But sure, you didn’t consider working here with me, huh?”
“I swear I didn’t! I just bring that laptop everywhere in case I need to do something urgently. Plus, I wasn’t sure how long the visit will last and as you know, I also got tons of work.”
“Jungkook, you don’t need to do this.”
“Well, no one’s gonna do it, so, I’m here.”
Instead of the intended effect, Jimin kind of feels unintentionally attacked. Does Jungkook think he has no one in his life to do these for him? It is somewhat true - he doesn’t have anyone special at the moment but he has Taehyung and Namjoon and-
“I’m not saying you don’t have friends, okay? Your face just dropped. I just meant, they’re working today too and right now, I’m here. So just take my help, please? It’ll be easier to get things done too that we’re both here. Okay? I’m getting my laptop from my car now.”
Jimin nods.
Jungkook walks over to the front door and as he was about to exit, Jimin says, “I, uh, I really appreciate all this, Jungkook. Thank you.”
Jungkook’s face lights up, genuinely happy to help. "No worries, boss. My pleasure."
-----
“Your assistant did what? Also, why the fuck didn’t you tell us?” Taehyung asks Jimin that night as he visits his friend. Namjoon just found out that Jimin didn’t come in to work today and yesterday. If he didn’t, they wouldn’t even have heard he news from Jimin yet.
“I don’t know, it’s not a big deal. Plus, you’re both busy.”
“I will strangle you. Don’t ever keep something like this away from me ever again.”
“You had your event yesterday, I knew you were busy preparing for it.”
“It doesn’t matter! You come first.”
“No, you would have come and I would have disrupted your thing.”
“NO!!! YOU NEED TO LET ME KNOW EVERYTHING!!”
“Okay, okay, calm down, it’s just a sprain, I’m sorry for not saying anything.”
Taehyung narrows his eyes at Jimin. “And the assistant?”
“Um yeah, you know him. Jungkook.”
“Yes, yes, honey, I do know him. The hot assistant that makes you blush when you talk about him, the very same that picks you up when it’s raining and buys you lunch when you forget to eat because of work. You’re saying he took the day off as well to bring you to the doctor and carry you around the house?”
“Uhm… sort of.”
“The same one who supplied you with hot packs last winter cause he found out your hands get cold easily?”
“Mmm… yeah.”
“The very one who occasionally cooks you Korean food because you mentioned one time that you don’t miss home-cooked meals because you didn’t really have them growing up?”
“Tae, stop enumerating. Your point. Get to it.”
“Jimin, marry the guy.”
“What the fuck.”
“He likes you, you realize that, right?”
“No. I did tell you before that he has people-pleasing tendencies, right? Also, he’s just that nice. I’m compensating him heavily for all these so he goes crazy with the dedication.”
“To these lengths? No, honey, this has whipped energy written all over it. He was like this before the raise, no?”
“Tae, stop.”
Taehyung squeals. “Don’t fight the feeling! Go for it.”
“No, stop.”
“Why not? Don’t tell me you don’t like the guy because we both know that’s not true.”
“I don’t think he likes me like that. Plus, he works for me, it’ll be weird if it doesn’t go well.”
“And if it does?”
“And if he doesn’t actually like me and I lose the best assistant I could ever find in my life?”
“And if you don’t take a chance and you lose the best guy you could ever meet in your life?”
“An exaggeration.”
“Maybe not? Jimin, I’m not forcing you to date. I know the scars Mark left are stopping you from trying anything with anyone but you eventually have to get over them because you might miss out on someone amazing because of your fears. Doesn’t have to be your assistant if you truly don’t feel anything for the guy.”
“I know.”
“But… you do like the guy, no? He’s pretty cute. Very fit, too. Brainy, based on your stories. Incredibly sweet on top of everything. Pretty miraculous he isn’t snatched up.”
“Oh, god.” Jimin’s eyes widen. “What if he is. We didn’t even find out. We don’t know, Tae. He could be. Damn it.”
“Oh? Worried? Just ask, jeez. Also, it’d be impossible to date with the amount of work you subject your employees to. Why don’t you just invite him to a casual lunch? Not dinner so it doesn’t seem date-y. Use it to get to know more about him and see if there’s a little something something there. Lunch should be casual enough to be just friendly should it not go well. Just say you’re really thankful for his help the past two days.
“I don’t know… what if he thinks it’s weird. I’m still his boss.”
“If he says no, then don’t do it again. Plus, it’s not NOT allowed, right?”
“What if he feels like he has to say yes because I’m his boss?”
“Be honest, tell him. Tell him you don’t want him to feel uncomfy so he can feel free to say no if it’s weird for him. You just wanted to say thanks but you can say thanks another way, it doesn't have to be lunch. Then maybe just give him a gift card or something.” Tae chuckles.
“Ugh.”
“Good luck!”
“I didn’t say I’d do it yet!”
“Sure, sure. But we both know if it’s a ‘no’, the idea wouldn’t even be entertained. So there is hope. Which is enough for me! Go Jiminie, go!”
“Ugh!”
-----
The past 2 days with Jungkook had been… interesting. True to his word, Jungkook really did help him a lot. The man stayed for as long as all the work had to be done and helped Jimin with things around the house.
Jimin thought it’d be awkward but it wasn’t. He himself didn’t talk much but Jungkook would drop little bits of information about himself here and there. Most of the time, they just focused on work but when they were eating (Jimin had food delivered, much to Jungkook’s delight.) or when they took short breaks, Jungkook would fill in the silence naturally, not in the way where you could tell he’s just saying something just to say something. He seemed genuinely comfortable around Jimin.
“Boss, we should try this Thai restaurant later when we get food delivered. I’ll pay this time.”
“No, no. Choose anything you want, I’m paying.”
“Boss, what do we think of this cover? I think overall it looks good but instead of this image of the main character, maybe it should be an image of the dog that he kept seeing in his dreams.”
“Boss, when your ankle feels better you should do this exercise. I’m sending you the link. My hyung sprained his ankle a few years ago too and this really helped him.”
“Boss, get better soon, I think Pratt misses you haha.”
On the third day of his injury, they’re both back at the office. Jungkook comes to his office first thing in the morning to give him a run-down of his schedule of the day.
“Morning, boss. Glad to have you back.”
“Not like you, in particular, lost me.”
Jungkook snorts. “You look great today.” Then his eyes widen, thinking he might have implied something bad so he rambles “I mean, you also looked great the past 2 days without makeup on and just house clothes but it’s differen-- I mean, not bad different, at home you looked cute.” Jungkook puts his fingers between his nose bridge. “You look great either way, Jimin-ssi.”
The Jimin-ssi is new on Jungkook’s tongue and it just slipped. J imin finds that he likes hearing it and hopes a blush didn'r manifest on his cheeks because how embarrassing would that be. He's being ridiculous around his assistant, this is insane. “Uhm... thanks?”
“Haha, yeah. Uhm, yes, well, I’m pretty sure Pratt is gonna come in here later so just holler when you need me to kick him out.” He smiles at Jimin and gestures awkwardly that he’s leaving. “I’ll, uh, see you.”
Jungkook almost runs out the door with how awkward and weird he's being. Why is he suddenly acting like a teenager with a crush?
Jimin is not faring any better. Jungkook just called him cute. It shouldn’t matter to him as much as it does but he’s all giddy about it. Also, it means he’s not being crazy, right? His assistant really is showing signs that he might like Jimin too?
Just then, his intercom beeps.
“Yes, Jungkook?”
“As predicted, Pratt incoming.”
Jimin groans. “Already?”
Jungkook chuckles.
“Come save me in 2, please.”
“Damn, not even 3 minutes? 2 it is then.” Jungkook sniggers as he stands up to grab some food from the break room fridge.
He comes back just in time to usher out Pratt.
“Knock, knock.”
“Come in.”
“Boss, these need reviewing ASAP.” Jungkook gestures at a thick folder he’s holding. They’re just plain paper, hopefully Pratt won’t hover.
Jimin gestures for Jungkook to give it to him.
Jungkook lingers next to Jimin for quite a while, showing that whatever he’s asking Jimin to review would take Jungkook sticking around and would take a while. Thankfully, Pratt gets the message.
“Oh, well, I see you have much to do, Jimin, I won’t keep you anymore. “ Pratt says.
“Ah, yeah, sorry Ben, the work piled up because of my 2 days off.”
“Of course, of course. Just glad to see you back. Jimin, let me drive you home tonight, your injury must-”
“Oh, it’s fine, don’t trouble yourself, Ben. Jungkook right here is driving me home.”
Jungkook grins winningly at Mr. Pratt.
----
As soon as Jungkook leaves Jimin’s office smiling like an idiot, Jin was onto him. He speaks in Korean.
“Why are you acting like Park’s boyfriend lately?”
“What?”
“You left work the other day to go to him. Yesterday too. Then you bring him to the hospital. Not to mention all the driving around since before. He requires you to do these?”
“No, no, I offered.”
“Then answer. Why are you acting like his boyfriend?”
“I’m not?”
“Okay but I’ve never seen you do these for anyone unless you wanted to get into their pants.”
“I literally would do this to you and Hobi hyung are you saying I wanna get into yours?”
“Gross, and you know this excludes me and Hobi.”
Suddenly, Hyun, another Korean coworker passes by and overhears their conversation. Hyun and Jin are good friends and drinking and fishing buddies. Jungkook doesn’t really like him but, whatever, he tries to get along with him for Jin’s sake.
“Who wants to get into Park’s pants?” Hyun interjects.
“This one here.” Jin says pointing at Jungkook.
Jungkook glares at Jin. “I didn’t even say-”
“Bro, he’s like, a bad person.” Hyun says.
“No, he’s not he’s just-”
“You called him a ‘cold-hearted bitch’ before when he didn’t allow you to go on a day off on Hobi’s birthday.” Jin reminds Jungkook.
“Yeah, but-”
“It’s okay, Jin, just let him tap that. Park is still a 10/10.” Hyun sniggers. “Do that, kid. But make no mistake, our boss isn’t really boyfriend material.”
“What would you even know-”
“Park seems toxic. But he does seem like he might be good in bed.” Hyun guffaws, oblivious to Jungkook getting rightfully angry over the things he’s saying about Mr. Park. They don’t even know him. Jungkook sees more than they do and even Jungkook knows he doesn’t see it all. Mr. Park in the office is different from the Park Jimin outside. Jungkook’s seen it.
“Just tap and go, bro. Reap benefits if he’s willing to give you some. Fully support you.” Hyun says again.
“Hey, enough, don’t corrupt my Jungkookie.” Jin tells Hyun.
“I’m just saying. Park seems to take a liking to Jungkookie here. He could make it work for him is all I’m trying to make him see.”
Jungkook doesn’t say anything. He knows he should but he’s too stunned at the audacity of Hyun. How dare he assume all these things about Jimin? About him, too. They’re not even close. Hyun doesn’t know shit.
“Unless… you like him like him?” Hyun says with a sneer. He looks so much like a hyena in that moment and Jungkook wants to punch that ugly smile away from his face.
But it’s not even worth it. Jungkook makes a mental note to never hang out with Jin if he’s hanging out with Hyun.
“Nah, nah Kook doesn’t.” Jin answers for Jungkook. “Park seems easy to fall in love with but hard to love, you know what I mean? It’d be a miracle if this infatuation even turns into something else.” Jin says as he turns to Jungkook. “Pretty soon, you’ll see Park’s true colors if you haven’t already. And by then, I’m sure whatever infatuation you’re feeling will disappear like it never even existed.”
Jungkook is so disappointed in Jin at that moment. Jungkook just shakes his head in disbelief of his hyung.
“Ya! Back to work!” Jin pushes Hyun away.
Jin lingers to clear one last thing with Jungkook. “You don’t actually like him, do you? You’d be really stupid to.”
Jungkook doesn’t know what to say. He thinks Jimin is interesting, sure. But right now, Jin and Hyun are being jackasses and Jungkook doesn’t dare say anything else to them lest they make a big deal out of it. So he lies to get them off his back. “No, I don’t like him and you’re right, I won’t ever like him like that. I’m just being nice and doing my job.”
“Well, don’t be too nice. Are you sure you don’t wanna just get into his pants?”
“And if I do?” Jungkook asks defiantly, not because that’s his ulterior motive with Jimin, no. He’s just really annoyed at Jin and Hyun’s assumptions and meddling.
“Just be careful, then.”
Jungkook just tenses his jaw as Jin walks away.
Their non-Korean coworkers around Jungkook’s cubicle are none the wiser about their little discussion.
One other Korean still heard, however. Jungkook never noticed that the intercom was still on that day. Jimin had heard everything from inside his office.
After work that night, Jungkook lingers around, waiting for Jimin to come out of his office. He wanted to offer the ride Mr. Park told Mr. Pratt he’d give. He was going to offer anyway, even before Jimin mentioned it.
Jungkook tries knocking on Mr. Park’s office door at 7pm, thinking it’s way past work hours and hopes Jimin is not working overtime again. But even if he was, Jungkook can’t say he won’t wait for him all the same.
He finds he likes spending time with his boss and doesn't mind staying back at work for it.
He opens the door after several moments of no reply from inside. "Mr. Park, I'm coming in, I'm gonna bring you ho--"
But Mr. Park was already gone. Jungkook didn’t even notice him leaving.
For the following two weeks after that, Mr. Kim would bring him to his apartment. Jungkook never got the chance to offer to drive Jimin home anymore.
Everything changed after that day.
Jimin vowed never to let Jungkook get that close to him ever again.
***************
Jungkook stays standing near the elevators, trying to make sense of everything Yoongi said to him. So there’s nothing going on between Yoongi and Jimin. Jungkook’s hope soars despite him telling himself not to put too much weight on Yoongi’s words. He needs to hear these from Jimin himself.
Except, Jin still had a point when they last talked on the phone the other night. He needs to feel the situation first. If Jimin doesn’t seem like he’s into Jungkook like that, then, he’ll just risk the friendship they’ve built. Jimin might revert back to hiding behind his walls again.
And the thing is, he likes being friends with Jimin, too. He is actually fun to talk to when he’s being uptight, even more so when he lets himself go. But aside from being nice to joke around with and tease, Jungkook simply finds it easy to be around him, in and out of work they just know how to fall into place with each other. They just click.
He finally gathers himself enough to walk back inside the hall. He finds Jimin still outside, leaning on the balcony. The sight of Jimin alone against the stars above brings back memories.
Once again, it’s him, Jimin and the night sky.
It’s an image he could definitely get used to. He wants this 10, 20, 50 years from now. They could have a balcony and he’d go home and he’d find Jimin staring at the stars. Jungkook lets the feeling set in.
So he sees Jimin in his future like that, it seems.
The realization doesn’t even surprise Jungkook. He knows there’s a long way to go, not to mention Jimin has to reciprocate his feelings first. But despite all the uncertainty, it is there - the feeling that with Jimin, he’s about to embark on a long journey and there’s nowhere else he’d rather be. They’ve made so much progress, he doesn’t know if he can go back to the way they were before.
Jimin doesn’t need to know his feelings for now. He can wait. He can wait until Jimin meets him half way. Right now, he can just continue being here for him, with him, however Jimin wants.
“Jimin?”
Jimin tilts his head to the side slightly. He knows whose voice that belongs to.
“What are you doing here?” Jungkook asks. “It’s cold out here and you left my jacket inside.”
“I just wanted some fresh air.”
Jungkook walks over to him and tugs on his hands. “See, so cold.” Jungkook says about his hands. Jungkook pulls him closer to his body, doing it slowly so Jimin has a chance to refuse and pull back if he doesn’t want it.
But Jimin doesn’t.
Jungkook envelops Jimin in a hug and puts his arms around the back of Jimin’s waist as he rests his chin near the smaller man’s temple. Then he starts slightly swaying their bodies together.
“Uh, what are we doing?”
“You owe me a dance.”
Jimin releases a huff of breath as he lightly shakes his head. “Right. You came to collect.”
“I came to collect.”
It took a few seconds for Jimin to fully relax and lean on Jungkook. And once he does, he realizes he is so tired. Tired of fighting his feelings, tired of arguing with Yoongi and Taehyung regarding whatever this is with Jungkook, tired of hiding behind his walls. He wants to stop thinking about all of it and just be here and breathe. He leans and rests his head on Jungkook’s shoulder. “Can I not hug you back and keep my hands inside here between us? It’s cold.”
Jungkook wraps his arms tighter around Jimin’s arms to keep him warm. “Just say you like touching my chest.”
Jimin very lightly slaps said chest, careful not to ruin the quiet moment. “Shut up and let me enjoy the silence.”
They stay like that for a while, the stillness temporarily comforting their turbulent thoughts and emotions. Being here and holding each other feels like borrowed time and they both don’t want it to end anytime soon.
Jungkook sighs deeply and looks at the sky above him, overwhelmed with emotions he wants to express but cannot.
Jimin silently listens to Jungkook’s heartbeat, overwhelmed with the heartbreak he constantly feels around Jungkook. If only all of Jungkook’s words and actions were real.
After a few minutes, Jungkook murmurs with his lips just above Jimin’s head. “Is everything good with you and Yoongi hyung?”
“Yeah, he’s just- yeah... we’re fine.”
“Sounds complicated.”
“Not really, actually… something else is.”
“What is?”
Jimin shakes his head slightly, “Don’t worry about me and Yoongi hyung. Just a little argument. But we’re fine. Are you done with your best man duties?”
“Nah, but to hell with my best man duties for now, I missed doing my boyfriend duties. I feel like I barely talked to you today, I-I missed you.”
Jimin’s body tenses. They were having a nice, quiet moment, why does Jungkook always have to take it too far?
Jungkook feels the reaction in his arms so he leans back to look at Jimin’s face. Jimin also gets to take a good look at the man in front of him.
Jimin has always thought Jungkook was handsome but after the conversation he overheard on the intercom over a year ago, he tried not to think too much of it. Ignored it, even. Ignored Jungkook so much that he started to neglect even Jungkook as his assistant, who might have needed words of gratitude and validation here and there sometimes. Frankly, it’s a miracle Jungkook stayed on. He’d been horrible to the younger. He was hurt by what he’d heard and he’d hated himself for being so foolish after supposedly learning the lesson from his ex. Being cold and indifferent towards Jungkook and mostly ignoringhim beyond the requirements of their work was the only way he could continue being around the younger.
But Jimin could only ignore him so much. Ever since, Jungkook has always been too much. Too bright. Too beautiful. Jimin really didn’t stand a chance.
But Jimin never dared to even think about trying to get close to Jungkook or crossing the line ever again. The Jungkook he’s seen is wonderful and whole while he is nothing but a bunch of broken pieces haphazardly patched together. Jungkook wouldn’t even look at him twice once he saw beneath the exterior.
“You look so beautiful, Jimin. But what’s new, right? You’re probably tired of hearing that. I just wanted to say it again anyway.”
And there it is. It doesn’t matter how many times Jungkook compliments his looks. Jungkook is only ever talking about him on the outside. He purses his lips.
Jungkook reads Jimin’s reaction differently, he thinks Jimin doesn’t believe his compliments. “What? It’s true. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but sometimes I space out when I look at you.”
Jimin glances down, determined to stay quiet but he suddenly finds that he can’t help but point it out to Jungkook now. “I haven’t noticed. I try not to notice. Besides, it’s only my appearance, lots of people are pretty.”
“Oh.” Jungkook realizes now what he’s said wrong. “Well, for what it’s worth, you’re beautiful on the inside too.”
Jimin scoffs at the attempt. “Please.”
Upon sensing the sudden hostility rolling off of Jimin, Jungkook turns serious. “I’m not saying it just because you pointed it out to me, I really-”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Let’s stop talking about it.”
But Jungkook is suddenly on a mission. Jimin thinks he doesn’t mean his words. “No. Okay, answer me. All the stuff you told my family yesterday? I just need to know, was that all for show or…?”
Jimin furrows his brows at the sudden question. “They’re all true.” He answers
“The part where you appreciate everything I did for you.”
“Of course, true.”
“The part where you asked for Keegan and Hwang to promote me from the get go and increase my salary.”
“True as well. Why are you-”
“The part where you think of me as a partner more than an assistant?”
“True. All of it true, Jungkook. What’s your point?”
Jungkook stares at Jimin. “What about you being nice to my family? Is it just for show?”
“No! You have a wonderful family I genuinely feel-”
“So you did all that for me, you try hard with my family, and aside from all these, I know the kinds of projects you start and the types of books you try to get published in our company. I know the vision you have for the publishing house and how you want to support small Asian authors and how you want to bring forth more representation for the LGBT youth. You have a bigger heart than you let others on.”
“What are you-”
“You think I would have stayed in my job if I didn’t believe in you and what you were trying to do? You think I wouldn’t be here right now if I didn’t think it was important for someone like you to stay in your position and continue the good work you’ve done?”
“Jungkook-”
“So how can you not believe it when I say I think you’re beautiful on the inside too?”
“Jungkook, enough.”
“But it’s true! I really--”
Jimin pushes his chest then, anguish written all over his face. “I said enough! You will not do this to me again.”
Jungkook is surprised at the reaction. “Again?”
“What are you trying to do here, huh?” Jimin suddenly says, angry. “Look around you. It’s just you and me here, no need for you to play loving boyfriend.”
Jungkook feels affronted despite the fact that ‘playing loving boyfriend’ is his exact job description. “I am not playing.”
Jimin just turns away. “Oh please. You wanna charm your way into my pants, is that it? Your paycheck and promotion not enough? What else do you want from me?”
Jungkook is getting heated. Why is Jimin suddenly throwing these accusations at him? “You think I do all these just to get into your pants?”
“Who knows? Who knows what’s the truth with you?”
“I’m trying to understand right now if this reaction is because of your ex or your father because honestly, I don't remember doing anything wrong so I’m starting to get really offended.”
“This has nothing to do with anyone else but you and me. Why are you saying all these things to me? And don’t tell me you have feelings for me because--”
“Because what?” Jungkook cuts him off.
The challenge gives Jimin pause.
“Because what, Jimin? I can’t? Because of your stupid rule? If you’re worried about your visa so much then draft me a contract right here and now that I will see this fake marriage through with you til the end, regardless of my feelings for you and I will sign it, because yes, Jimin, I do have stupid fucking feelings for you. Always have. Sorry to break that rule of yours but honestly fuck that rule, what am I supposed to do?”
“No, no, you don’t.”
“Oh you know me better than I know myself, is that it?”
“I’m a cold-hearted bitch, right? Toxic and difficult to love. And you will never like me like that. You just wanna get me in your bed, is that it? Stop saying one thing to my face and another thing to your friends.”
Jungkook is confused. It takes him a while to recall the words.
But when he does, his eyes widen in agitation and understanding. Jimin heard that? Suddenly a lot of things start to make sense - how Jimin suddenly gave him the cold shoulder when he thought things were going well between them, how Jimin put more distance between them than ever, how Jimin never seems to believe any of his words or actions now.
“Wait. No. If you heard that then you know all those weren’t my words.”
“You didn’t disagree with them, did you?”
“Is that-- is that why you pulled away from me then?"
Jimin’s silence is confirmation enough.
And the realization feels heavy on his chest. It makes Jungkook wants to punch a wall. Something so stupid as that was the reason Jimin never let him in again.
"So I wasn't crazy, right? It wasn't just all in my head? Because before that, you and I... we were starting to get close.”
“It doesn’t matter, Jungkook.”
“Of course it does! It matters because I--”
“You made it clear then that I wouldn’t be someone you’d be interested in for real. And you told me, just the other day too that none of this is genuine. So I just need you to stop saying shit like this when we’re alone, because no one is here to hear your words but me, and you’re starting to fool me! Again!”
“I’m not trying to fool you, Jimin, I’m trying to tell you I’m in love with you.”
Jimin desperately wants to believe it. “Stop it, Jungkook. I can’t... I can’t-”
“Jimin, come here.” Jungkook's voice significantly softer as he takes back Jimin’s hand with his left and cups Jimin’s face with his right. Jimin struggles to pull away. “Please, please just listen to me. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for saying things I don’t mean. I didn’t mean it the other day when I said all this was fake to me, and I didn’t mean what you heard on the intercom that day.”
“Jungkook, please. Please, don’t do this to me, I think I have stupid feelings for you and I can’t take anymore of--”
“You think you feel something for me?” Jungkook releases a relieved laugh in the middle of his distress. “Then good. Because all this time I’ve been in love with you, Jimin. I thought things were going so well between us back then, I thought our relationship finally progressed and you finally let me in as a friend at least. But fuck, now you’re telling me the past year was all my fault. I’m so angry at myself. All this time we could have begun. All this time wasted when I could have been with you. But I am especially sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry you had to hear those words. I’m sorry for not defending you. I’m sorry if you thought I was in it for reasons other than my genuine feelings for you. Can you forgive me? Will you let us try again?”
Jimin’s tears roll down on his face as he continues to look everywhere but Jungkook.
“Jimin, did you hear me? I said I’m in love with you.”
Jimin doesn’t know what to say, what to believe.
“Okay, okay, you need time. You won’t start believing me overnight. But I mean it. I’m in love with you. I don’t care how long until you start to believe me but I will be right here until then.”
Jimin sniffles and Jungkook makes a move to wipe at Jimin’s tears but Jimin pulls back and away from Jungkook and panic rises in Jungkook’s throat. What if Jimin doesn’t want the same things he does?
“Unless you don’t want me to?” Jungkook has to make sure of that at least.
Jimin looks up at him then.
Jimin looks so small, so vulnerable, and there is just no other way to say it, but Jimin is so so beautiful. In every sense of the word. In ways Jungkook doesn’t even know how to express. Beautiful in how he’s allowing this vulnerability in front of Jungkook, beautiful in how strong he’s been for himself all his life, beautiful in how dedicated he is to give the kind of love he never received growing up, beautiful in all the ways he turned out to be. Jungkook is looking at the most beautiful man in front of him, thinking he could be his.
If only Jimin would let him in again.
“Ask me what I’m thinking right now, Jimin.”
Jimin looks away, reluctant and voice small. “Jungkook, please.”
“Ask me.” Jungkook takes back Jimin’s hand and grips it tight so Jimin has to look back at his eyes.
Jimin takes a deep breath and relents. “What are you thinking, Jungkook?”
“I’m thinking… I’m very lucky, Jimin.”
It’s a throwback to Jimin’s own words to him several days ago and once Jimin recognizes his own words, tears start brimming his eyes.
“Extremely lucky to have you here with me. I wouldn’t be anywhere else right now except right here, right now, with you. I regret those dumb words you heard on the intercom because it took time for us to get here, but I can’t hate it so much because it still got us here. You’re here and I get another chance to tell you I love you and I’m sorry if I made you feel like you have to doubt all of my words and actions the past year but I’m telling you now that I really, truly love you, and I’m sorry but I intend to keep saying it over and over cause now that I started, I can’t keep it in any longer. I love you. You say you have feelings for me and I don’t know if you even feel remotely the same as me but I’ll be right here waiting for you like I always have because I do love you, Park Jimin. I’m so lucky I am so fucking in love with y--”
Jimin pulls Jungkook down and crashes their lips together.
It catches Jungkook off guard. He was in the middle of confessing all the pent up emotions he’s felt for Jimin but was dumbstruck by the feel of Jimin’s lips on his that he couldn’t move. Before he can even recover and reciprocate, Jimin is already pulling away.
“I’m sorry, Jungkook, I--”
Jungkook can’t let that be the end of it.
“Why are you sorry?” He cups the back of Jimin’s head and pulls him back for another kiss.
He dives hard for the kiss that Jimin almost staggers back but Jungkook's left arm was immediately right behind Jimin’s waist to pull the smaller man closer back to him.
Jimin responds with the same intensity and they're off.
It is him, Jimin, and the night sky.
And everything is perfect. Everything feels right.
Finally.
Jimin has his arms wrapped tightly around Jungkook's neck and the feel of his plump lips in between Jungkook's is electric.
They kiss with an urgency, with a desperation like the moment will snap anytime soon and they won’t get a chance to ever do this again so they have to make the most out of it. Jimin kisses him back with caution and abandon at the same time. Jungkook pours into the kiss all the apologies Jimin needs to forgive and the rollercoaster of emotions Jimin has made him feel the past two years. He kisses Jimin like a promise - that he’s here now, his feelings are real and he doesn't intend to go anywhere.
Jungkook swipes his tongue at Jimin’s lower lip and Jimin parts his mouth to let Jungkook in.
Jungkook can’t help the whimper that escapes his lips as soon as he finally tastes Jimin on his tongue. His grip on Jimin tightens. “Jimin...” He manages to say in between kisses. “...if you don’t… stop… me now... I won’t… stop.” He catches Jimin’s lower lip between his teeth and lightly nips and pulls before diving in for another deep kiss that has Jimin releasing a tiny moan in between their lips.
Jimin runs his fingers through Jungkook’s hair as they continue to hungrily move their lips together.
Their hips are impossibly close and Jungkook knows Jimin feels his hardening length between them just as much as he can feel Jimin’s.
“Don’t stop.” Jimin says as his fingers tighten on Jungkook's hair.
Jungkook is kiss drunk but he’s sober enough to clarify what Jimin means. All too reluctantly, he pulls back from Jimin’s lips to run his mouth along Jimin’s jawline, panting. “Are you-- what are you saying, Jimin?” Jungkook leans back to study Jimin’s face.
Jimin took a few moments for him to register that Jungkook had stopped kissing him. He opens his eyes slowly and Jungkook’s breath hitches at the sight in front of him. Jimin’s lips are pink from their kiss and his chest is also heaving from being out of breath. Jungkook runs his right thumb along Jimin’s lower lip as Jimin stares back at his for a few moments, before moving them back up to look at Jungkook’s eyes.
Jungkook gives him a little smile. That happened. Jimin is in his arms. They kissed.
“Take me home, Jungkook."
*************!!!!!!*************
Jungkook doesn’t know how he got through the entire drive to Jimin’s hotel but here they are.
Thankfully, there’s no one with them in the elevators because as soon as the doors closed, he’s all over Jimin again, pinning him against the wall.
“I never told you this before but you smell so good, your perfume drives me crazy. Whenever I get a whiff of it, I just-” Jungkook growls and nips at Jimin’s skin on his neck as he ruts his hips on Jimin’s.
Jimin whimpers and brings Jungkook’s mouth back to his. He pushes his tongue past Jungkook’s lips while his hand starts coming up Jungkook’s chest from underneath his shirt. His fingers catch on Jungkook’s right nipple and he rubs it between two fingers. Jungkook gives out a strangled sound and pins Jimin’s body harder against the wall.
The feel of Jungkook all over him...
The elevator doors couldn’t have flown open sooner.
Jimin unlocks the door to his hotel room and as soon as the doors close, Jungkook is on him again, Jungkook lodges his thigh in between Jimin’s legs, and occasionally angles it higher to create friction as Jungkook kisses the life out of him.
Jimin grinds against Jungkook’s thigh for a while and pushes himself upwards and wraps his legs around Jungkook’s middle.
“Bedroom, please.” Jimin says.
Jungkook keeps his hand underneath Jimin’s ass as he lifts Jimin up. “Finally carrying you to your bedroom for the right reasons.”
As soon as they’re inside, Jimin drops to his feet and starts undressing. “We’re wearing too much clothes, Jungkook-ssi.”
Jungkook starts undressing as well, as they both keep an eye on each other. Jimin's eyes roam all over Jungkook’s body, all over his toned chest, arms, and legs, the tattoos all over his left arm.
Jungkook comes closer to Jimin slowly while they look into each other’s eyes - searching, making sure they’re both fully aware of what’s about to happen.
Jungkook tucks a hair behind Jimin’s ear, the moment soft despite the thick tension in the air. “Jimin, you're sure about this?”
“I am if you are.”
Jungkook angles Jimin's face upwards and connects their lips in answer.
Despite Jungkook's tightening grip on Jimin’s waist and despite how painfully hard they both are, Jungkook takes charge and slows it down. He kisses Jimin languidly. He doesn’t want this to be over fast. He wants to fully appreciate being with Jimin like this.
He slowly pushes Jimin towards the bed. Jimin lies down and pulls Jungkook down with him. Jungkook crawls and lies on top of Jimin, occasionally rutting his hips to him as he leaves kisses all over Jimin’s jaw, down to his chest, to his nipple, then back up to his neck where he occasionally nips.
Jungkook winds back up to Jimin’s lips and he buries his tongue inside.
Jimin’s hand finds its way to Jungkook’s cock and Jungkook parts his mouth to let out a moan.
Jungkook touches his forehead to Jimin’s and he just has to say one last thing before they continue. He opens his eyes and looks into Jimin’s eyes underneath him. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen to us after tonight, I don’t know where your feelings will be tomorrow. But I know mine will be right here and the same. You can be scared, I will understand. I can stay and wait. But don’t run away from me come morning… okay?” Jungkook kisses him once before resuming searching Jimin’s eyes.
Jimin would lie if he said he never thought about falling into bed with Jungkook. He thought the tension would eventually snap and they’d have a one-night stand or have a casual relationship at the most.
But this doesn’t feel like that. Not even close.
This feels more than that, like they're on the verge of making love. Jungkook is confessing all these things to him while also understanding that Jimin would need time to fully accept everything that he’s offering.
Jimin runs a finger on Jungkook’s tiny scar on his cheek and stares right back at the man he's felt strongly for for a while now.
This was inevitable. Him and Jungkook coming together was inevitable.
Jimin's answer comes directly from his heart.
“I won’t.”
Notes:
:)
they've always had feelings for each other, your honor :(((
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pls forgive me as i'm not sure when the next chapter will be, i have to focus on my secret santa prompt. it's gonna be a bit different from this, but hopefully if you give it a chance you will love jikook in there too
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anyway, thoughts??? hheheehheeheheheheheheh hope it was worth the wait
edit: i just wanna add that... uhm you see how there's at least 4 more chapters to go??? you see how happy they are right now??? yea... be scared that's all bye
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