Chapter Text
Taehyung loves being under the spotlight.
It’s a big statement from a big star but he’ll say it once, and he’ll say it again. Being in the spotlight makes him feel even better about himself than he already does, boosting his ego by about thirty percent each time a camera is directed at him.
“Beautiful!” he hears as the cameras before him snap, snap, snap away.
“To the left!” says another voice and Taehyung complies, switching up his pose with a hand in his pocket.
Tonight, he’s dressed relatively down. Well, for normal people this is probably still fancy but compared to his usual style it’s a lot more on the comfortable side of things. He’s in full black - something he hardly ever goes for - with a wide-shoulder blazer layered over a cardigan buttoned all the way to the top. Top, meaning mid chest so most of his neck and collarbones are still visible in an alluring yet coy sort of way. The cardigan is cropped to just the perfect length to not seem too provocative and is thin, could even be considered just a flimsy piece of material. But it’s designer, and he knows for a fact that it’ll be sold out within five minutes of the paparazzi posting their pictures.
He’s Kim Taehyung after all, and whatever he wears is automatically ‘too hot to miss out on this summer’, the magazines’ words, not his.
Taehyung sighs to himself as the camera flashes start to become more rapid and intense, the men behind the cameras undoubtedly getting both sore throats and boners as they yell out command after command. He relishes in the attention, even gives them a little something back, by stretching his arms up into a pose, revealing just the right amount of skin below his belly button.
Just as expected, the small crowd gathered around the red carpet, go wild.
“Taehyung-ssi,” calls a familiar voice which for Taehyung, easily cuts through the sounds of cameras and shouts. He turns his attention to the sidelines where his manager and bodyguard stand.
“Yes, Namjoon-ssi,” he muses back, fluttering his eyelashes, even while the cameras keep going off. That should give the tabloid something to talk about - anything to keep him under the spotlight.
His dear bodyguard keeps a straight face as usual, plump lips pulled into a tight line. Instead of him again though, his manager speaks instead, checking his expensive watch in a pressed manner. “Taehyung-ssi, we should get moving now,” Hoseok urges, eyebrows furrowed into a subtle warning.
Taehyung likes playing with his hyung sometimes so he merely says, “be there in a minute,” then continues posing for the hungry people in front of him.
It’s fun, standing on the red carpet and pulling all attention away from other famous and/or rich people strutting around. It makes him feel smug, knowing more than half the people here are here for him. With one last wink and a blown kiss, he stalks away from the spotlight, heading towards the two stark figures waiting for him. As much as he likes to pretend to be rebellious, Hoseok is fucking scary when he’s angry.
“Taehyung!” he hisses, very obviously having taken his professional hat off, now that they’re quite a ways away from the cameras. “Your father will flip if they spread anything about that shit you just pulled! Poor Nam- Namjoon-ssi!” he abruptly says (shouts), switching his attention over to the bodyguard who walks stiffly beside Taehyung. The usually stoic man looks to startle the second Hoseok’s attention is on him. Hm. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” Namjoon says simply, extending an arm in front of Taehyung as protection, as they walk through a group of people crowded around the entrance.
Hoseok nods rapidly from Taehyung’s other side before switching right back to manager mode. “Remember, Taehyung, the alcohol at this event is strictly for show.”
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “Hyung, everybody will be drinking. Why am I not allowed to take advantage of the expensive red wine?”
Hoseok hushes him as they walk through a large, polished hallway of the venue, a massive chandelier dangling above their heads. Taehyung mentally scoffs at how old-fashioned it looks. “Not only do you have a shoot with Gucci at noon tomorrow, you also have the lowest alcohol tolerance known to man! So, no, you may not take advantage of the drinks tonight, not unless you want to get into a scandal.”
Taehyung huffs, using his ring clad fingers to push his hair back rather aggressively. He has had it styled to perfection, the honey brown hair curled and fixed into place with all sorts of products. However, his knack for pushing the strands back and tucking them behind his ear have always played a part in the ‘unbothered, effortlessly pretty’ image he has built up for himself.
“Can I at least have one glass?” he pleads, as they click their way up the grand stairs, trying hard not to slip because of their dress shoes and the polished floor. “You know drinking helps me feel more comfortable with mingling.”
Hoseok sighs and that’s all Taehyung needs to know he’s won. “You can have one,” his manager emphasises, just as they reach and stand before a set of oak double doors. “But-”
“But?” Taehyung groans.
“But, Namjoon-ssi stays with you. And I mean the entire night until you go back home.” Hoseok never beats around the bush, always speaks with surety. This particular statement- no, demand, leaves no room for argument. “I need to leave because the designers in New York want to have a video meeting.”
Taehyung briefly looks over at Namjoon, who doesn’t look back, instead keeping his hands clasped in front of him with his eyes darting around for any sudden dangers. He’s a nice guy, a really nice guy, but-
“But, I don’t need a fucking babysitter, hyung,” he whines. Back to the bodyguard. “No offence, Namjoon-ssi.” Back to the manager. “But I don’t even have-”
“Well, if you’re going to act like a baby, of course you need a babysitter!” Hoseok exclaims, grunting when Taehyung takes to shaking him by the arm. “No buts, Taehyung. I don’t want any trouble tonight.”
“Bu-”
“No buts, Tae. That’s final.” Back to the bodyguard, who still remains straight-faced. “No offence, Namjoon-ssi.” Back to the model. “But you need him to stay out of trouble. I’m sick of seeing your face on the front covers when it’s about anything other than your career. I think it’s time for you to start caring a little too.”
Taehyung crosses his arms over his chest, comforting himself by rubbing at his bare tummy. He hates getting told off. “Fine, whatever,” he says, because he’d never admit how much he appreciates Hoseok and his hard work.
Hoseok seems to loosen up a little at that, a softness overtaking his - up until now - agitated features. “Text me when you've had enough and I’ll send the car.” Taehyung nods, about to hug his manager goodbye when the other speaks again, as if only just remembering. “Oh, that’s right!” he says, snapping his fingers. “Tae, Jeon Jungkook will be here tonight.”
The name immediately brings a rain cloud over Taehyung’s head. “What?” he snaps, trying not to think about the fact that the man who is supposed to be his bodyguard, startles at that.
“Exactly how I thought you’d react,” Hoseok teases. “But I mean what I said. No trouble tonight. Especially not with him.”
Taehyung groans. “But he’s so in-”
“Infuriatingly cocky that he makes your panties tight enough to give you a wedgie. I know.”
“That’s not what I was going to say.”
“It’s the truth though.”
“No it isn’t. He doesn't affect me that much.”
“Tae, the last time he accidentally brushed his arm against you, you freaked out.”
“That wasn’t because I got a wedgie!”
“You had a wedgie though, didn’t you? Admit it.”
“No, I-”
Taehyung is very taken aback when he realises the throat clearing that cuts him off comes from none other than his bodyguard. Namjoon still isn’t looking at them, but his face has slipped from impassive to uncomfortable. The poor guy has only been working with them for a few months and this is what he must deal with.
Hoseok clears his throat too, manager hat on so tight that it may as well be glued to his head like Matilda’s father. “Text me, Tae. And take care of Namjoon-ssi.”
That finally catches the bodyguard’s attention. He looks between the two of them. “Isn’t it... my job to take care of Taehyung-ssi?”
Taehyung, amused, watches the two of them now, making a mental note to tease Hoseok about his red tinged ears later.
“Right,” his manager says, drawing the word out. “Anyway, remember, Tae, no trouble.”
◖◗
Jungkook is in trouble.
Not only is he late to this ‘very important event for very important people’ as said by his agent, Yoongi, he’s somehow managed to button his shirt up wrong. And he’s only noticed now as he’s being approached by his boss, the CEO of the entertainment company, Kim Daejung.
“Jungkook-ssi!” the man calls, walking over with his latest girlfriend in one hand and a glass of expensive looking champagne in the other. “What time do you call this?” he adds, seemingly good-heartedly if going off of the way he momentarily removes his arm from around the stunning woman’s waist, to clap him on the back.
“Daejung-nim, I completely lost track of time,” he admits with his best smile, pulling his blazer tighter around his front to hide the misaligned buttons. Then as a second thought, he gestures to Jiwoo beside him. “My driver had to pick Jiwoo-ssi up too, and I didn’t think it would be appropriate to rush her.”
Only Jungkook knows about the pinch Jiwoo gives him for that. “I can assure you, Daejung-nim, I was the one rushing him,” she easily jokes, making the CEO laugh heartily. “He had trouble deciding between two very similar ties.”
“You two bickering as always?” Daejung says, shaking his head. “You would think five years of friendship would bring you closer, but no, you two are on the verge of falling out more and more every day.”
Now, as chirpy as Daejung seems to be, Jungkook knows he isn’t always like this. It’s one of the reasons why all the celebrities apart of the company respect him so much, because although he has his fun side, get on his bad side and there’s no way of getting back on track unless you work hard. He’s been building the company up since he was in his late twenties, starting from nothing and had ended up being one of the most successful businessmen in the country. It’s brought him all the deserved respect even if there are still some who undermine his hard work.
Jungkook turns to Jiwoo to send her a smile before turning right back to Daejung. He clears his throat. “Daejung-nim,” he starts, not wanting anything to seem too obvious but he feels another pinch from Jiwoo and he already knows that she knows. He continues nonetheless. “Do you know if- if Taehyung-ssi will be here tonight?”
Because as much as he’d hate to admit it, the model has been all he could think about while getting ready for this party. The outfit he chose after being presented a dozen by the stylists, ultimately came down to the make, and he opted for the suit from the same line Taehyung had modelled for, not too long ago. His hairstyle - parted in the middle with one side pushed back, so that his undercut and eyebrow piercing are visible - was decided by himself, after he remembered seeing a moment all over the news, caught between Taehyung and a guy with a very similar look. They had been making out in a club. Anyway. He had even chosen to put a bit of makeup on tonight, a subtle smokey eye to ‘accentuate his eye shape’ as the makeup artist had said, all because of that one time Taehyung had made a comment - not a nice comment but a comment nonetheless - about it.
“Oh, my son?” Daejung asks, effortlessly pulling Jungkook out of his thoughts. “I did see him around with his date but he seems to have disappeared.” It would probably be deemed as embarrassing, the way Jungkook immediately starts swinging his head this way and that, very much like a meerkat. So, he brought a date? “Don’t worry, Jungkook-ssi. I have asked his manager to drill some sense into him and he shouldn’t cause any trouble with you tonight. If you steer clear of him, that is.”
Kim Daejung is a powerful man. That’s a well-known fact. However, another well-known fact just so happens to be that when it comes to his son, he’s almost completely powerless.
Jungkook tries to let out a laugh, though it simply just comes out as a puff of air. He doesn’t know how to respond to that, doesn’t know how in the hell he could ever admit to Daejung that he doesn’t want to steer clear.
“We have a few other people to talk to though,” Daejung continues, gesturing between him and his girlfriend, who mind you, looks about twenty years younger. “I’ll speak to you later. Jungkook-ssi. Jiwoo-ssi.” And then with a nod, he’s gone.
Jungkook lets out a sigh of relief, looking over to Jiwoo when she pinches his side yet again. “Why would you ask that?” she asks with a scandalous expression, slit eyebrow raised so high that it almost touches the blonde highlights in her hair.
Jungkook huffs, already leading them towards the bathrooms so he can fix his damn shirt. “Ask what?”
“How many times do I have to tell you,” Jiwoo mutters, fitting a hand against the crook of his elbow, “being that obvious about being obsessed with his son, isn’t very Jungkool?”
“And how many times do I have to tell you , making an English pun with my Korean name isn’t Jungkool either?” He immediately snaps his mouth shut and Jiwoo guffaws.
“It has a ring to it.”
Jungkook shakes his head. “Anyway, I’m not obsessed with his-”
Jiwoo interrupts him before he can even begin to defend himself. “Jungkool just turned into Jungfool.”
Jungkook groans. Sometimes Jiwoo can be so Jungcruel.
◖◗
“So, what were you doing before you got this job?” Taehyung asks, one leg crossed over the other as he leans back in the admittedly comfy velvet cushioned sofa. There’s a great amount of people surrounding him, each one rich and seemingly having bathed in their designer perfumes, but he can’t be bothered to talk with any of them.
Namjoon shrugs from where he stands near the armrest, hands still clasped before him, coming away every once in a while simply to fix his in-ear piece. “Security for a club.”
Taehyung gawks, pretending to find that interesting. “Do you have any funny anecdotes?”
Another shrug, this time with no reply.
“Come on!” Taehyung prompts, leaning closer to his bodyguard with his chin resting in his palm. Being alluring usually works but apparently this Namjoon guy is far more composed than Taehyung thought he’d be. “No crazy drunk people? Fist fights?”
This time Namjoon glances at him, his sharp eyes remaining emotionless. Then he just turns away again, eyes up ahead.
Taehyung rolls his eyes. He’s getting impatient. For him, bodyguards are never a constant. They’re always changing, a new, heavily bulked up guy starting on the job every month, only to be put in his place and squashed down until he may as well be the size of an ant. To put it simply, they cannot handle Taehyung.
It’s a simple tactic that Taehyung had come up with when he was merely seventeen years old. Step one: be friendly, build up a good rapport with the poor sod and act like he has you under control. Step two: do your own thing, maybe a few things you’re not supposed to do, then apologise to him immediately after as a show of respect. Step three: lash out completely when he least expects it, go to a party, drink alcohol, fuck around with anyone and everyone, get a not-so-secret tattoo, then guilt trip him into thinking it’s his fault that you’ve woken up in the morning with a banging headache. Step four: this is around the time he’ll start noticing things are going wrong so when he tells you “you aren’t allowed to do that” or “your father will be angry” simply turn around, smile at him, then tell him to fuck off. Again, this is all very simple, works like a treat, and even brings Taehyung a bout of satisfaction because of the hilarious expression they make at finding out the nation’s angel Kim Taehyung is anything but an angel.
Namjoon on the other hand, oh dear, dear Namjoon. Taehyung wants to chop that damn tie of his in half because he can’t even get through step one!
“You don’t talk much, do you?” he finally says, moving to stand up in front of the stoic man.
Namjoon simply nods once before moving to stand behind Taehyung, looking as though he’d follow him anywhere, even if it meant diving off of a cliff.
Taehyung turns to pat the man on the chest. “Damn, your tiddies are huge. Do you work out often?” Even that, even the touch from the Kim Taehyung, doesn’t make him falter. Taehyung huffs, a part of his fringe being blown back. “You don’t need to follow me everywhere, big guy.”
“Taehyung-ssi, I’m just doing my job.” Oh, so now he can talk.
“Well, I’m going to the bathroom,” Taehyung grunts. “Don’t tell me you want to hold my dick for me.”
Taehyung can’t explain the emotions that go through his body then. Because Namjoon still doesn’t react. His blood is boiling, the hands he has stuffed into his pockets clenched into fists. Just who in the world is this guy?
He huffs one more time before spinning on his heels, strutting off through the hall in the direction of the bathrooms he’d caught sight of earlier. A few people try to chat to him on the way but he simply refuses to entertain any of them. He’s pissed.
The door to the bathroom slams open, the noise reverberating through each and every empty stall. Taehyung’s about to go inside one of them, maybe fish out a pen to scribble something onto one of the squeaky clean doors like an adolescent, when he’s stopped dead in his tracks. The sound of the door clicking shut behind him is deafening, echoing off of the mirror in which he sees Jeon Jungkook and his bare chest.
For a moment that’s all it is, a stiff silence where the two of them lock eyes through the mirror, Jungkook looking wide-eyed and like he’d been caught doing something wrong, and Taehyung on the brink of covering his own eyes with his hands.
But then just as quickly as it came, the embarrassment is gone. “Jeon Jungkook,” he muses, the name tasting like glue in his mouth. “Just the man I was hoping not to see tonight.” Then with a few quick strides he makes his way to one of the sinks, making sure to leave another in between him and where Jungkook stands.
Just as usual, Jungkook looks to be unbothered by his rude comment, and instead grips the side of the sink he stands before. “As long as you were thinking about me in some way, shape or form.” It’s infuriating, the cockiness, the suit that Taehyung thinks he himself has worn before, the fact that his state is unwavering, burning holes into Taehyung’s head even through the mirror. Jeon Jungkook is infuriating. “You look gorgeous tonight, Taehyung-ssi.”
“Don’t think I can say the same about you,” he replies, brutal. He’s just heard that phrase one too many times today and he’s bored. Taehyung rolls his eyes. “You give yourself too much credit, Jeon,” Taehyung scoffs, wetting his hands beneath the tap then moving to get a pump of soap. “I was thinking about you, sure, but it was about what it would be like if you didn’t even exist. Paradise.”
He doesn’t dare look up but he can sense the way Jungkook turns to face him, the buttons of that damn shirt still undone. “If paradise is what you want then I can show it to you. Let me show you what you're missing.”
Taehyung scoffs again, this time having lost all composure. He shakes out his hands rather harshly, then turns to face Jungkook too. Come to think of it, his new haircut looks familiar. “Look, Jeon, I’m already in a shitty mood. I don’t have time to hear your fake compliments or you quoting Justin Bieber, who mind you, doesn’t even know you exist-”
“Actually, he followed me on Instagram last week-”
“See! This is why I hate you!” Taehyung bursts out, already feeling that furious red shade begin to rise from his chest. It won’t be long before it reaches his neck and then his face too. “You act all charming and innocent in interviews, when in reality you’re just a cocky asshole who lives simply to make my life hell. Not paradise.” He lets his eyes slip down, not even surprised to find a toned chest and chiselled abs. “I get it, you’re an actor, you act. But tell me why they somehow still believe all the shit you pretend to be, even when you post shirtless pictures like a fuckboy. If you ask me, it’s stupid. You’re stupid. And fake. And cocky. And-”
“Eyes up here, Peaches.” And then all too quickly Taehyung’s turning red but for completely different reasons to the ones stated before. Stupid, cocky Jeon Jungkook.
As embarrassing as it may be to be caught mentally devouring his enemy's torso, Taehyung is shameless and above all, honest. He always speaks his mind, no matter what it is. “You should think about modelling,” he says sharply, making sure not to sound too intrigued. “Calvin Klein or something.”
And when he finally looks up at Jungkook's face again, it’s safe to say he is in fact intrigued, because the man has cheeks and ears redder than that lipstick shade he’d worn for a shoot last week. Jeon Jungkook is blushing, all because Taehyung, for once, complimented him. And it’s infuriating.
“You think so?” the actor asks, quickly moving to button up his shirt.
Taehyung scoffs for the nth time. “Don’t act like you don’t know you have a good body. All those Instagram stories and all those headlining articles because of a shirtless scene in one of your movies, speak a lot more truth than you do, Jeon.”
Jungkook shakes his head, the redness having evaporated away. “Taehyung-ssi, I always tell you nothing but the truth. I would never lie-”
“Here he goes again with his fake little persona.” It’s easy for Taehyung to cut in, always has been. In a way, Jungkook has always let him. “I’m going. Would much more enjoy my time if it wasn’t spent with you.”
Taehyung makes to leave, fixing his hair and jacket in the mirror before twisting around and taking a few steps towards the door. It's a miracle nobody has come in here to find them arguing; Taehyung loves being in the headlines but he would very much appreciate not being there beside Jeon Jungkook’s name. Taehyung wants nothing to do with this guy.
He has almost made it, has almost reached the door handle that will lead him into a whole different world, paradise, if you will. He even momentarily thinks about how much happier he’ll be in Namjoon’s isolating company. But that voice that makes Taehyung’s blood literally boil stops him again.
“Taehyung-ssi, is it true you brought a date tonight?”
Taehyung is happy Jungkook can’t see his face right now because he knows for a fact, his unbothered mask slips off for all but a second. Instead, he feels his face scrunch up in complete and utter confusion.
Jungkook clears his throat before rushing to say, “I mean, I‘ve seen on the news. Your- you have a boyfriend?” And suddenly, as if he’s been hit by a truck, Taehyung realises that Jungkook has the same haircut as Jaesung, the guy he’s brought fame to in a matter of weeks.
Taehyung spins right back around, only just barely holding back from sticking his index finger in Jungkook’s chest. “How do you know Yang Jaesung?” he asks, voice sounding deeper than normal, even to himself.
Jungkook startles and Taehyung hates him even more. “What? I don’t.” Jungkook jumps back into the previous conversation as if he doesn’t know this is all connected. “Anyway, do you? Have a boyfriend, I mean.”
Taehyung doesn’t know what to think. For once in his life, he’s genuinely at a loss for words because Jungkook actually looks to think Taehyung had just sprung the question at him randomly. He can’t quite put his finger on why, but Taehyung realises that Jungkook isn’t acting. He really has no idea who Jaesung is.
“Then, why do you have the same haircut?” Taehyung asks, ignoring Jungkook’s repeated question. “Why have you suddenly got an undercut and since when have you had an eyebrow piercing?” Jaesung also has an eyebrow piercing and as much as Taehyung hates to admit it, he is very, very attracted to Jaesung.
There’s a moment where Jungkook is a blank canvas. Not a single emotion can be seen on his face and it sort of looks like he’s about to become one of his characters. But exactly six seconds later (yes, Taehyung counts), his eyebrows are rising up as realisation sets into his features. “Oh,” he says, the sound echoing off of the walls. “Oh,” he repeats, “so that’s Jaesung? I don’t- I’ve been wanting this haircut for a while and when I saw him with you, it just encouraged me to get it.” Taehyung feels his brows furrow again, barely understanding a word coming out of Jungkook’s mouth. “And my eyebrow piercing? I’ve had it since last year. That was all me.”
“You’ve had that piercing since last year?”
Jungkook shrugs. “Yeah? I’m surprised you didn’t know. The media went crazy over it for a good two weeks when I first got it.”
Taehyung doesn’t want to admit that when it comes to the media, he only ever pays attention to what they say about him, Kim Taehyung.
Attractive. Eyebrow piercings are attractive.
Taehyung clears his throat. “What does me having a boyfriend have to do with you?” Taehyung doesn’t have a boyfriend.
Jungkook’s face drops again, this time shifting into something unreadable. “Nothing. I just- nothing.”
Taehyung smirks. He always has enjoyed putting the asshole in his place. “Exactly. Nothing. So don’t ask.”
Jungkook shrugs again then fixes his tailored blazer, the lapels fitting perfectly over his chest. “Whatever,” he says gruffly before moving past Taehyung, closer to the door than he had been. “Jiwoo’s waiting.”
That catches Taehyung’s attention unlike anything ever has before. All too quickly, he’s got an image in his head of a nineteen year old Jungkook on his flat screen T.V. All dolled up for his first acting role in a romance drama beside the very woman he just mentioned, who had at the time been eighteen. When Taehyung had first watched the show, he was amazed at the talent the boy two years younger than him had shown, and it wasn’t just him. Jungkook had been talked about so much that even Taehyung read a few of the articles online. But then he’d actually met Jungkook and realised they couldn't be friends, not when the other was- is such a cocky asshole.
“Jeon Jiwoo?” he asks abruptly before his brain can catch up.
Jungkook halts. “Yeah. Why?”
Taehyung shakes his head, finally realising how stupid that was. “Nothing. Just- you two should be careful. After starring in a romance drama together then continuing to be friends, the media might twist your relationship and mess it all up.”
He can’t see Jungkook’s face but he hears the puff of air he lets out through his nose, a small laugh. Condescending. “And what does that have to do with you?” Asshole just used his words against him.
Taehyung returns the ‘laugh’. “Nothing,” he spits. “Nothing.”
◖◗
Jungkook only manages to breathe after Jiwoo has subtly swiped the sweat from his forehead for him.
“That bad?” she asks, not helping whatsoever, even if she does hand over her half empty glass of champagne. “I saw him go in after you but I didn’t think I had the right to stop him, you know?”
“He smelt extra good today, Jiwoo,” Jungkook announces, recalling the deliciously familiar scent of fresh peaches. Jungkook quickly downs the contents of the glass Jiwoo has donated to him, and he’s just lucky that nobody but her sees it. Everyone here is too up in their heads and their own connections to notice anyway. “He hates me even more now though,” he groans, taking a seat in one of the comfy sofas.
“Damn, I didn’t think that was possible.” Jiwoo doesn’t look to be as tense as Jungkook feels, as she primly takes a seat beside him. Her baby-pink mini dress with a trail at the back, is made mostly of an expensive looking mesh material, puffy at the sleeves and somehow working as the perfect juxtaposition against the very much rock-and-roll aesthetic of her black and blonde hair. Though personally, Jungkook sees Jiwoo as a juxtaposition in herself, and it’s evident in the way she fixes her dress to cover her knees, but then sits with her legs spread wide open anyway.
“Do you have to touch me like that with your legs?” he asks, having to sit with his thighs tightly pressed together in order to- oh, he understands.
His best friend glares at him with those darkly lined, sharp eyes of hers. “You, my man, have just been subjected to manspreading. And the funny thing is, I didn't even mean to do that.” And it makes him annoyed for all the women in the world that have to put up with it.
Jungkook sighs. “I’ll never sit like that in the presence of a woman, ever again.”
“Good boy.”
“Shut up.” However, Jungkook secretly keeps the praise in a special place in his heart, because lord knows if Jiwoo will ever do it again. “Anyway, to make things worse, guess what?”
“Taehyung has a boyfriend?”
“Jeon Jiwoo, not so loud!” Jungkook hisses, glancing around at the guests that increase in number every couple of minutes, and only just barely stopping himself from clamping a hand over Jiwoo’s mouth. He doesn’t even question how she could have possibly guessed what he was going to say. “Okay, he didn't explicitly say yes but-”
“Jungkook, you asked him if he has a boyfriend?” Jiwoo’s voice is loud enough to garner a few glances, but all in all, people are too busy with their own conversations as they teeter closer and closer to being tipsy.
Jungkook sighs for the nth time. It’s all he seems to do when he’s with her. “Yeah?”
“Child, this is not who I raised you to be.”
“Jiwoo, I’m a year older than you.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t be my child.”
“Actually, yes it doe-”
“Anyway, you fucked up, Jungfoolie,” Jiwoo announces, just as her name is called from a few chairs away. A man in his thirties who Jungkook recognises as another actor, Jiwoo’s co-star for her upcoming movie. “I’ll come find you later. Whatever you do, don’t bother him because that won’t make things better.” Then she’s gone, leaving behind the sweet smell of her signature perfume.
Jungkook stays where he is for a moment, basking in his own self pity with his second glass of champagne in hand. Luckily, he can hold his alcohol pretty well - better than any of these stumbling actors and actresses surrounding him.
When the lady he’d been speaking with - a director who wishes to work with him soon - hobbles away to her next victim, Jungkook lets his eyes scan the room with no intention but to find one model. And when he does finally catch sight of Kim Taehyung, halfway across the hall as he chatters with a rather old looking woman, he can’t help but rub his eyes. The man that stands more behind him than beside him is dressed clean and precise in his black suit and smart shoes, hair cut short and perfectly styled to not block an inch of his view. He’s tall, towering over Taehyung, and he looks to be well built from what Jungkook can see, the buttons of his shirt straining against his chest. To top it all off, he’s wearing wide framed glasses, a trait universally linked with intelligence. Jungkook frowns. He looks nothing like the guy - Jaesung? - who had been on the news with Taehyung. Forget that, he isn’t the same guy, and that’s obvious.
The man continually darts his eyes around, seemingly taking in and memorising each and every person who so much as glances Taehyung’s way. And he doesn’t stop there. Every time Taehyung steps away, he follows like a dog would an owner, despite the obvious annoyance displayed on the model’s face.
Now Jungkook isn’t easily affected by three glasses of champagne. Though, that isn’t to say it doesn’t affect him at all.
When he pushes through a crowd of conversing, slurring VIPs, he isn’t even thinking. He’s still quite a ways away but the eye contact with the man beside Taehyung is immediate. Damn, he is alert. For a moment, his gaze doesn't change but once Jungkook is within calling distance, the man’s stare seems to harden, his posture stiffening up, as he quite literally blocks Taehyung from reach and sight.
“Can I help you?” the man asks sternly. Jungkook is about to repeat the question back to him in his best condescending tone, maybe even curse at him for following Taehyung around like a creep but that just happens to be the moment he notices it. The man has a curly wire tucked behind his ear, winding all the way down to his front pocket. It’s connected to an earpiece.
Jungkook clears his throat, then fixes himself up, only now realising that he’s unconsciously puffed out his chest and squared his shoulders. “No, I was just hoping to talk to Taehyung,” he says quickly. He says to Taehyung’s fucking bodyguard.
The bodyguard - yeah, Jungkook will never get over that - looks him up and down, seemingly memorising him too. Then he simply nods and steps to the side, revealing a displeased Taehyung.
“What do you want now, Jeon?” he huffs, not even bothering to keep it down. “I thought I made myself clear when I said I didn’t want to see you tonight.”
Jungkook racks his brain to find words to say, because truth be told, he was coming over to possibly fight this bodyguard. And now he’s stuck here, looking like an absolute idiot. “I wore the suit from your Gucci collection,” is what he comes up with, something he didn’t think he’d have the guts to admit to the model’s face.
Taehyung’s brows furrow and his pretty lips lift into a snarl. “Yeah, and?” He crosses his arms over his chest and that causes some of the material of the thin cardigan beneath his blazer to bunch up. Jungkook gawks at the sliver of golden skin it reveals, around his navel area.
He swallows then looks back at the displeased face before him, ignoring the stare he feels, still coming from the bodyguard. “Just thought I’d let you know.” And that’s one thing Jungkook absolutely loves about himself. As big-headed as it sounds, he’s always had a great sense of pride in his ability to mask any nervousness, simply by acting cool and collected. And it usually comes as second nature now too.
“Jeon.” Unfortunately for him, it for some reason always seems to rub Taehyung the wrong way. “What do you want?”
Jungkook braces himself. “I thought you said you brought a date. Your boyfriend?”
Taehyung looks impossibly more annoyed. “I never said that. You did.”
“Wait,” Jungkook says, brain to mouth filter (Jeon Jiwoo) having yet to catch up. “So you don’t have a boyfriend?”
And right there and then, Jeon Jungkook has fucked of for the second time that night, even if on the inside he’s celebrating with party poppers and balloons and cake and fucking party hats. The whole lot.
“Jeon, what is it that you want?” But Taehyung is far from celebrating. “You always do this and quite frankly, I’m bored of it. Do you honestly wake up every morning and think, ‘oh, what a great day to piss Taehyung off,’ or do you not even realise you're doing it?”
Jungkook feels eyes on them now, eyes that don’t belong to the bodyguard. “Taehyung-ssi,” says the very man, voice deeper than Jungkook would have ever expected, “you’re getting a little stressed. Maybe we should-”
“Shut up, Namjoon.” It comes as a hiss- no, a growl. “I don't understand what you want from me,” Taehyung continues, eyes burning Jungkook’s soul. “Not only do I have to see your face almost everyday at my father’s agency, I also have to see it on my T.V screen. I’m sick of it. Sick of your fake, cocky attitude with me, and your sweetheart attitude with everybody else. If you hate me so much, why don’t you just leave me alone.”
“You look gorgeous tonight!” Jungkook blurts it out the second Taehyung shuts his mouth, for the second time tonight.
It feels as though the whole world stops, feels as though they have been put up on stage, just the two of them, while the rest of the world watches in amusement. That’s what it feels like to Jungkook. But in reality, most people turn away the second the words are out of his mouth. It’s a fact after all, Kim Taehyung is the nation’s beauty, nothing can be argued against that.
Just then, Jungkook feels a familiar hand slip into the crook of his elbow. The touch is accompanied by the sweet smell of a designer perfume. “Koolie, what’s wrong.” A familiar nickname too.
“Jiwoo-ssi, lovely to see you again,” Taehyung says tersely, easily cutting in. “But please can you take your friend away from me. He’s repeating things and is hella drunk.”
Jungkook can’t believe this. To Taehyung, it probably seems like whenever Jungkook compliments him, it can’t be true. Like, no way in hell would it be true. And the more he tries, the harder it gets.
“Taehyung-ssi, I’m not drunk,” he tries, because he isn’t. He’s not even tipsy yet. He’s just telling the truth. “You really do-”
“Jeon, giving me half-assed compliments, isn't going to get you anywhere,” Taehyung interrupts, this time moving to stand closer to ‘Namjoon’, seemingly forgetting about the way he’d snapped at him. He’s going to leave, he’s leaving, he’s going to- “I’m leaving. Didn’t even want to come here in the first place. Namjoon-ssi, can you please call Hoseok hyung?”
Jungkook wouldn’t admit it aloud but he doesn’t want him to go. “Taehyung-ssi.” It’s in a tone he hopes is straight to the point, something the model always is when Jungkook is around. It works wonders though, because Taehyung’s sharp gaze is on him again, paying attention, hearing him out. “You don’t have to- I’ll leave. Jiwoo and I were thinking of leaving early anyway and you obviously don’t want me-”
“Jungkook.” Jiwoo hushes him with ease. “It was so nice to see you after so long, Taehyung-ssi. You really do look charming tonight,” she says, returning her attention back to Taehyung and his bodyguard. Jungkook doesn’t even have the guts to look them in the eye right now. “I hope the rest of your evening is pleasant.”
Jungkook doesn’t look up, even as he’s being dragged away by Jiwoo’s small, yet strong body. He doesn’t look up, even as Jiwoo’s words ring in his ears. “Let’s get you home.”
◖◗
Taehyung doesn’t really know what’s going on. All he knows is that he wants to go home.
“-and I saw your campaign. Lower class children's education was it?”
Taehyung’s arms are crossed over his chest as this man speaks to him, somebody well off and from the music industry if he remembers correctly. Taehyung doesn’t want to talk to him but he’s trying. “They’re orphans actually, and they deserve just as much of a chance as we get.” As much as he doesn’t want to talk to him, the guy is bad-mouthing those innocent children that he hasn’t even met. And Taehyung can't just stay silent.
“Right, right,” the man says in a tone that resembles boredom. He even shamelessly takes a swig from his glass, making a noise of approval afterwards. “Great work you’re doing though. I, myself, invested in the construction of a country club in Ulsan. Lots of people you’ve probably heard of go there every summer.”
Taehyung hums, eyeing Namjoon who simply just looks back at him. They’re waiting for the car, and his bodyguard has promised to pull him away from this the second it arrives. “That’s amazing work you’re doing with your money,” he says offhandedly, sarcastically.
The man is too dumb to realise though. “I know. I am rather happy to have built a place where people like us can gather freely and have fun, you know?” As if they don’t have fun already. “You should come by sometime. I can get you a magnificent massage at one of our top spas.”
That cuts it. “Thanks, but I think I’ll stick with the children from the lower cl-”
“Taehyung-ssi,” Namjoon cuts in tersely, only just managing to save him from becoming the enemy to this admittedly powerful yet nameless man. “Your car is waiting outside.”
A few drunk people bid him goodbye as he’s leaving, and even his father stops him to wish him a good night.
“I have to say, Taehyung-ah,” his father adds, “I’m proud of you for not causing any trouble. Especially with Jeon Jungkook. He’s a good boy.”
But Taehyung’s mind is blank the whole time. Once he is seated inside the warm car where the heater runs, ready for his arrival, he can’t help but let his eyes slip shut, leaning back against the headrest. He’d managed to dodge the remaining paparazzi but he knows they may start following if they don’t leave soon.
“Please,” Taehyung interrupts, as the driver begins friendly chattering to a silent Namjoon in the passenger seat. “Please, can we just go home? In silence.”
Taehyung feels a little bad because Hanwool has been his driver for years now, taking him wherever he asks to go without hesitation. But he should know by now, when Taehyung just isn’t in the mood.
“I’m sorry, Taehyung-ssi,” he says curtly, and then the car starts moving.
Taehyung frowns, staring out of the tinted windows as Seoul’s office buildings and car headlights pass him by. He hates this. Hates that not only has Jeon Jungkook ruined his night, but has also apparently made it his mission to live in Taehyung’s mind. First he comes over to him without an invitation, standing there like an idiot and simply polluting Taehyung’s breathing air with that cologne of his that he always seems to drench himself in. Then he makes fun of Taehyung for not having a boyfriend, which mind you, he has no idea why he gets pissed about when he doesn’t want a boyfriend in the first place. Then, and worst saved for last, he tries to make Taehyung seem like the bad guy by leaving first and putting on that staged expression where his lips pout out and his eyes become impossibly wider and impossibly rounder.
That had pissed Taehyung off to the max. He knows he doesn't usually come across as somebody who gives a shit about others, but in actuality that is his worst weakness. He cares too much and now as he gets driven home, he’s filled with guilt. Guilt. And for Jeon Jungkook nonetheless. That asshole.
He isn’t one to regret his words or his actions, but right then, he finds himself thinking, should he really have spouted all those harsh words to the actor? Did it really get him anything in the long run? Or did he just hurt the other man and cause him to feel bad about himself? Don’t get Taehyung wrong, he can’t stand Jeon Jungkook. But he also simply cannot stand being the person in the wrong, cannot stand people who don’t own up to their actions.
So that’s why he does the unthinkable.
He pulls out his phone, barely acknowledging Hanwool’s gentle voice as he asks Namjoon how he’s finding the new job, then scrolls down. Down and down until he reaches ‘Jeon Jungkook’ - don’t ask him how he has the guy’s number, he isn’t sure how he has three quarters of these numbers in his phone.
His finger hovers over the call button, never having been one to text, and he contemplates pressing it, just to see if it’ll even go through. His thumb twitches, and the tip of it grazes the glass of the screen, but that’s when something else is popping up in front of him, scaring the life out of him.
Incoming call from unknown number.
Taehyung groans, but answers nonetheless. “I told you not to call me any-”
“Baby, wanna meet up?” Jaesung sounds nonchalant, as if the last time they talked didn’t end in a massive argument. “I’ve seen you all over the news tonight and you look so fucking sexy.”
Taehyung pinches the bridge of his nose, thumbing over the dent his glasses have left behind over the years. “Jaesung. Do not call me anymore. How many times do I have to say it?”
“Come on, baby. I miss you and you know you miss me too. Don’t you want to spend time with your boyfriend?” the guy continues, genuinely sounding like he’s going to start whining. Though Taehyung wouldn’t put it past him, considering the fact that he is merely twenty-one years old compared to Taehyung’s twenty-six.
Jaesung is fresh out of university with a business studies degree, something that would otherwise be considered fancy and professional. But he still seems to be stuck at that rowdy stage in life, where he doesn’t want to fully settle down and just wants to have fun. Obviously, this isn’t Taehyung bad-mouthing him, because if he’s being completely honest, they’re very similar. They both enjoy parties, they both like to have fun, they both can be rather big-headed, and they both really enjoy sex. Taehyung actually met him at a club a few weeks ago, had been immediately recognised by the young man who seemed smart, charming, and very, very good looking. One night was all Taehyung wanted, it’s all he thought would happen. He thought that they could both get something out of it, pleasure and pictures all over the news so that their names would be in everybody’s mouths. Jaesung voiced many times that he absolutely loved being the centre of attention and Taehyung agreed.
So, naturally, that one night led to a couple more nights, and soon enough, Jaesung had gained hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, and Taehyung managed to stay on the front covers just how he liked it. Throughout this all, he had been very open and honest, saying that he wanted nothing more with Jaesung apart from sex and recognition. But the other man clearly didn’t get it because the word ‘boyfriend’ started getting thrown around like it was nothing and everything. The last time they saw each other, Taehyung broke things off and that had led to them screaming in each other’s faces, Jaesung saying he felt as though he was led on, and Taehyung saying he was nothing but clear with him about not wanting a relationship.
Now the guy won’t stop calling him.
“Jaesung,” Taehyung sighs, really not in the mood to raise his voice, especially not when Namjoon and Hanwool are right there. “You’re not my boyfriend and I’m not yours. Nor have we ever been boyfriends. This isn’t how it works. This isn’t what we agreed to.”
“Baby, come on.” This time he sounds less heartbroken and much more scheming. Just as Taehyung suspected, it was all an act. What is it with him, and always choosing the fake people to busy himself with? “Just a few more weeks? I’m almost at a million followers and all I need is-”
“Look, I really don’t want to fight with you tonight. I’m already in a shitty mood and you are definitely not helping.” He hears Jaesung scoff but he continues anyway, quite literally done with this bullshit. “We’re over. Get that into your thick skull. We were never even together in the first place to be over, shit. And because now it’s obvious that you aren’t sad or anything and just wanted the clout, I hope it’s easier for you to just fuck off and leave me alone.”
“Taehyung, are you sure you want to do this?”
“I’m so fucking sure!” Taehyung bangs his head against the window, wishing it would just give him a concussion so he’d have an excuse to hang up early. “It feels like you don’t even remember, but just a few days ago you were shouting at me like I’m a piece of shit on the bottom of your shoe. I’m sick of hearing your whining and quite frankly, you don’t even turn me on anymore. You clearly don’t like me either. So, what is there left between us?”
He hears an exhale of air, a humourless laugh. “Baby, you’re going to regret this.”
“Really? I’d like to see whatever you think you’re capable of, Yang Jaesung.” He’s Kim Taehyung and no matter how hard any asshole tries, they’d not only end up losing, but they’d also never be able to play the game ever again. “I hope I never see or hear of you again. Have a good life, asshole.”
And then he’s throwing his phone onto the empty seat beside him, turning to look back out of the window. Everything is blurry now, coloured over in a faint red colour that he may just be imagining, but he can’t bear to look forward and have two inquisitive pairs of eyes on him. He’s embarrassed for having to react in such a way about personal affairs in front of other people, but he said what needed to be said.
For a while it is silent, lasting until they are very much nearly at the housing complex. He’s grateful for it because if there’s one thing he’s sure about, it’s that his bodyguard and driver have heard every single word. And when they finally do get there, Hanwool hopping out of the car to open the door for Taehyung, all that the older man does is give him a small yet reassuring smile. It’s a smile which, despite himself, Taehyung can’t help but return.
Taehyung leads the way, pretty much used to the extra footsteps that follow behind him. Namjoon is quieter than any other bodyguard has ever been so at least there’s that good thing. With that thought in mind, Taehyung is pretty much startled the second he hears him speak up, just as they are about to disperse into their own rooms. Hoseok is very particular with these sorts of things and insists Taehyung’s bodyguard stays with him, just for safety and efficiency.
“Taehyung-ssi.” It’s quiet but it’s still very audible in the otherwise empty and silent house. Taehyung stops in his tracks. “Are you okay?”
There’s so many horrible things he could say to the man, curse at him for acting like he cares. But truth be told, no bodyguard has even been so subtly caring before, to ask him such a simple question. “I’m okay,” he replies curtly, nodding once.
He hears Namjoon hum. “Have a good night.” Then he’s stalking away to his own room, house slippers creating a shuffling noise over the hardwood floor.
Surprisingly, that’s enough to clear Taehyung's mind and he falls into deep sleep the second his head hits the pillow.
But as deep as it is, it feels as though it doesn’t last very long when he’s forced awake again that very next morning, the sound of the specific ringtone set for a specific person blaring through his room.
He answers half asleep and groggy. “Hel-”
Hoseok doesn’t beat around the bush. Ever. But this morning, he sounds unlike any way Taehyung has ever heard him. “Taehyung, get your ass to the company building. Right now.”
◖◗
“This is bad.” Jungkook knows this is bad. “This is really bad.” Jungkook knows this is really bad. “This is really really-”
“Jiwoo, I know. Just-” He cuts himself off to take a long swig of his coffee, hoping it’ll be enough to cure this headache he’d woken up with. His best friend sits before him at the counter, dressed in oversized joggers (which look eerily similar to the ones that Jungkook bought just a week ago) and a pale blue fleece jumper, nursing her own cup. He would never be able to understand how she can look so put together at ass o’clock in the morning the day after that event that went to absolute shit, after having seen what’s all over the news nonetheless.
Jungkook groans. In front of him is his laptop, displaying article after article, all headlining with the same topic.
KIM TAEHYUNG, THE NATION’S SWEETHEART IS NOT SO SWEET?
KIM TAEHYUNG CAUGHT SMOKING WEED? READ TO FIND OUT MORE…
DOES KIM TAEHYUNG SMOKE WEED? WATCH VIDEO HERE.
IS THIS THE END OF MODEL KIM TAEHYUNG’S CAREER?
Jungkook’s seen the mere fourteen seconds clip. Of course he has. It’s barely even eight am but the entire country has seen it by now. It’s blurry, badly angled and the lighting is so bad that the viewer can only just about make out the face of Kim Taehyung. To Jungkook, it’s obvious he’s drunk out of his mind in the video, and isn’t even aware that he is being recorded with all the hollering of other drunkards going on around him. It’s a club, that much is obvious in the way the flashing lights manage to make Jungkook’s headache even worse.
“Koolie, maybe you should stop watching it.” But Jiwoo’s carefully spoken suggestion isn’t even heard.
The sound of laughter is evident over the blaring music but to Jungkook, Taehyung’s stands out the most. He looks ecstatic, dancing with those that surround him, head tilted back in pure bliss, eyes shut and showcasing the makeup he’s applied onto his lids. Everything about him and his posture looks relaxed and care-free and that’s one of the things that pisses Jungkook off the most. Nobody should ever be filmed like this without gaining their consent first.
There’s a moment in the clip where the lights dim down enough that nothing can be seen with the quality of the video, but as soon as the lights start flashing again in time with the music, it’s visible. A puff of charcoal smoke, streaming out through Taehyung’s mouth and nose. And then, just like that, the video cuts off.
The rumours are spreading and they are spreading fast.
In the entertainment industry of their country, whether you’re a model, an actor, a musician, anything, you’re constantly on surveillance, under a spotlight where billions and billions of people watch and wait for you to do something wrong. The scrutiny is ruthless and a person who’s done virtually nothing wrong, could end up getting treated as if they’ve murdered an entire family. It’s crazy but it’s just how things are. Jungkook knows this, and has grown to learn it. Has been under the watchful lenses multiple times.
But for some reason, this situation is discombobulating to him. Not once in the video did it show Taehyung taking a hit of cannabis. In fact, in the video, there’s no proof that he’s done anything illegal. So it’s infuriating to see news platforms who have previously been kissing Kim Taehyung’s ass, turning the tables and throwing him under the bus just for a few seconds of fame. They’re falsely accusing a human being, for something that they haven’t even proven yet, spreading bullshit to people who will believe just about anything. And they’re getting away with it.
“Jungkook, come on.” This time Jungkook hears Jiwoo, snaps out of whatever daze he’d just been in. “You might break your mug if you keep holding it as tight as you are.”
He looks up from the screen and finds Jiwoo to be looking at him with a small smile. It’s rare for him to see her like this, friendly and sweet, because more often than not she’s making fun of him. So that’s how he knows she’s genuinely worried.
“Sorry,” he says, letting go of his mug to quickly shut off his laptop. “Sorry, I just think it’s fucked up. He’s probably losing his mind with panic.”
“I’m sure he’s okay, Koolie,” Jiwoo reassures. “He’s got a massive team of people who-”
Jungkook’s phone going off interrupts her before she can finish, to which Jiwoo cocks her head towards it, urging him to answer. When he sees who’s calling, he isn’t surprised because only his manager would ever call so early in the morning.
“Hello, hyung,” he says, the second his phone is pressed up against his ear. “I’m feeling a little shitty right now so I’m not sure if-”
“Kook, I have a proposition.” As always, Yoongi is blunt and not fucking about.
And as always, Jungkook is intrigued. “What is it?”
There’s a moment of quiet between them, even though Jungkook can hear the telltale sound of distant voices. Yoongi is at the agency building and he’s probably just come out of an early morning meeting. When he finally does speak, for once, he sounds a little hesitant.
“It involves Kim Taehyung.”
◖◗
Jimin’s eyes are swollen and red-rimmed. He doesn’t look very well but Taehyung is smart enough to know that this is no common cold or temperature.
“Jiminie,” he says, the second he steps into the room, watching the way his best friend jolts up from his seat. They’re in one of the many meeting rooms the agency building holds, a spacious room with a large table in the middle and an interactive board at one end. It’s a room that is awfully too big for Jimin who looks so small right now.
Taehyung hasn’t cried at all. He’s seen the articles, - of course he has because who hasn’t? - he’s had a short briefing from Hoseok, and he’d even been caught up in a mob of paparazzi for a few minutes, until Namjoon had managed to pull him out of it. But Taehyung hasn’t cried once.
Everything is thrown out of the window though, the very second Jimin’s smaller body engulfs him in a hug with a wet sounding, “babe, what have you done?”
People are slowly beginning to file into the room, ready for an emergency meeting that had to be called in an instant, yet not a single one of them pay much mind to Taehyung and Jimin. For that, he is grateful.
Jimin doesn’t hold back his sobs and nor does Taehyung because truth be told, it’s in his right to cry right now. He’s sick of acting strong as he has been this entire morning, and being in his best friend’s arms only seems to break down the walls quicker and easier. They cry into one another’s shoulders, a heavy sense of dread drowning the entire room and just emphasising how bad of a situation this is. Taehyung can’t even hold it back anymore, doesn’t think he will be able to until this is all solved.
For once in his life, he hates being under the spotlight.
Jimin pulls away first but he doesn’t go very far. Taehyung clutches onto him, wraps his arms tighter around Jimin’s middle and in return, his best friend holds his face in his tiny hands, wiping away oncoming tears with his thumbs. It’s no use though because now that the tears have started, they’re not stopping.
Jimin looks at him with flooded eyes, looking as though he hasn’t gotten sleep in days. “We’re going to fix this,” he says but his voice hitches in the middle and that’s enough to set the both of them off again.
Taehyung stuffs his face into Jimin’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” he croaks out because he genuinely is. He is getting snot all over Jimin’s designer t-shirt, he is the reason Jimin has had to wake up early even though he had a photoshoot run until late last night, he is what has caused Jimin to worry, he is who has made Jimin cry. He has disappointed Jimin.
“No,” is what Jimin says in reply, “no.”
Once everyone has entered the meeting room, Taehyung feels even more suffocated than he had been feeling previously. But Jimin sits right by him, holding his hand tightly as reassurance. Despite this, Taehyung feels so ashamed that he can’t even look his father in the eye, Kim Daejung sitting opposite him with a blank expression.
The head of the public relations team, stands up front, his face solemn yet sincere. Seokjin has been working with them for years and he has always managed to keep things professional, but nothing has ever gone this wrong. So it’s a given, the way he starts the meeting.
“I want to start by saying to you, Taehyung-ssi,” Seokjin says, staring right at him, “we are all here for you. No matter how much it seems like the world is against you, we are the ones you can count on to stick by you through thick and thin.”
Taehyung wipes his nose, thankful to Hoseok for bringing in a box of tissues. “T-thank you,” he says, voice coming out embarrassingly croaky. “I also want to start by apologising.” He then takes a big breath, turns to the dozens of people sitting around the table. “I’m sorry to all of you, for causing such a problem. I just- I want it all to be f-fixed but I also understand that there wouldn’t be anything to fix if I hadn’t fucked up in the first place and I-”
“Everything will be fine, Taehyung-ssi.” He’s grateful Seokjin stops him when he does, otherwise he would have become a slobbering mess in front of all of these people. He harshly wipes away the tears and snot with fresh tissue. “Now, I hate to start off the meeting like this, but Taehyung’s shoot that was scheduled to happen this afternoon with Gucci Korea has been cancelled. They assure us that the contract still stands as of now, however, the shoot for the new perfume ad will be postponed until further notice. This is solely due to the public’s attention and the rumours, so for now, we can hope that they still trust Taehyung-ssi.”
Taehyung nods along with the others having expected that.
“In terms of the leaked video,” Seokjin continues (Taehyung holds his breath), “we have worked to take down as many of those as possible. It’s been relatively easy as it is a video taken without Taehyung’s consent, so media outlets have been quite… understanding about the whole ordeal.”
“Understanding in what sense?” Daejung cuts in tersely, his voice much more stern than Taehyung has ever heard it. The entire room, all the sounds of pens scribbling against paper, goes silent. “In what way is any of this ‘understanding’ if they’ve been at it for hours now, spreading absolute garbage about my son?” Hearing his father so frustrated only makes him even more upset. He has disappointed everybody.
“Daejung-nim, I can assure you, we have been working hard to fix it.” Seokjin is as calm as ever. It’s rare to see him stressed out and right now, he seems to be very in his element as he continues speaking with surety. “We’ve devised a plan that could very well change everything.”
There are few hums around the room and even Daejung cocks his head in intrigue. Taehyung merely stares at Seokjin, genuinely feeling like he could agree to anything as long as it fixes this.
“We start off by releasing a statement, nothing too in depth but enough to show that we care,” Seokjin begins, flipping through the booklet he holds firmly in hand. “All it will include is that Taehyung doesn’t and has never taken part in anything illegal. Vague but still refers to cannabis rumour.” He turns to face Taehyung directly, then, “because I presume…”
“No!” Taehyung fills in, quicker than he thinks he ever has. Although he is still a little lightheaded from crying so much, he feels the need to prove himself. For these people that are working so hard to save him. “No, never. Not in the past and definitely not in that video. I don’t remember much, but I do remember having my Juul with me at the time. There was no weed at that club at all.”
“Just like I thought.” Then Seokjin turns back to everybody else. “I don’t want to sound too extreme, but a rumour like this could potentially end Taehyung’s career. I hate to put it like that but there’s no other way to soften the blow. We’ve already had emails from multiple partnering brands from overseas that have voiced their concerns, but of course, we have assured them there is nothing to worry about.” It’s like a bomb has been dropped. If Taehyung was worried before, now he is absolutely terrified. This is real. “Instead of releasing a detailed statement as we normally would, we have decided that we must divert the attention.”
That prompts some chatter around the room, a few voicing their thoughts on it when they haven’t even heard the full idea. Seokjin stands silently at the front, waiting for it all to come down but in the end, it just doesn’t. The rest of the members in the meeting are worried, others completely against it.
This is about Taehyung and although he is upset right now, he needs to use the small amount of power he has. “Seokjin-ssi,” he says, pleased to find that the wobble from his voice is gone. Luckily, it works, and the room quietens down. “Please, continue.” Jimin squeezes his hand tighter.
Seokjin addresses the rest of the room. “Thank you. I, along with the rest of the PR team, suggest a fake relationship with another name, just as massive as Taehyung-ssi’s.” There are a few gasps and the chatter begins to start up again, but Seokjin doesn’t let it get to that. “Allow me to explain, please. Think about it, Kim Taehyung, who hasn’t been in a long lasting relationship in years. The most recent escapade was with Yang Jaesung and now that that has officially become old news, I think it would be perfect to bring in somebody new, this time with a false sense of love and endearment. It can have the public going absolutely crazy, and although we’ll get both positive and negative feedback, it’ll be nothing compared to a drug use scandal. Now, we all know Taehyung-ssi hasn’t done marijuana, however this is something members of the public will never believe. And so in my opinion, the only option here is to create something bigger, something much more… juicy if you will. Nowadays, it’s all about ‘so and so getting married’ or ‘so and so having a baby’ or ‘so and so out on a lavish date night’. I can tell you right now, if we do the right things at the right times with Taehyung and the right person, this entire thing can be brushed under the carpet as if it never even happened.”
It’s a lot to take in for Taehyung. He completely understands where Seokjin is coming from. This generation goes crazy about celebrities who make the perfect power couples, ‘shipping’ as it is called, being a massive part of many fandoms. He’ll admit, it’s a smartly devised plan but it’s also a little scary. Taehyung, who is used to being under the spotlight, understands how analysing the fans and the media can be, and one little slip up would be enough to bring the entire plan crashing down into rubble around them.
“So, how do you suggest we go about this then?” Jimin speaks up, clearly having read Taehyung’s mind. “I mean, the main problem with a fake relationship is the truth being found out. The public aren’t stupid.”
Seokjin nods, as if to say he’d been getting to that. “There will be a number of staged appearances. Taehyung and the other person will do as planned and that will allow the paparazzi to do whatever they please. If we do this right, it may not just headline in South Korea. This fake relationship has the potential to go global and not only diffuse the smoking scandal, but also make millions of won for the agency. This could easily be the ultimate power couple of our generation.”
Taehyung is very much taken aback, and the hope that builds up in his stomach is overwhelming in a sense. They really will be able to fix this. “May I ask who will be my fake partner?”
That seems to catch Seokjin off guard. When he speaks next, it’s slowly, eyes hooked onto Taehyung’s. “Now, I want you to bear with me when I say this but to put it plain and simply, Jeon Jungkook.”
Taehyung feels his mouth drop open. His hand, which had previously been clutching Jimin’s, goes slack and it’s not long before he’s pulling the hand away entirely. He sits up straight, genuinely left at a loss for words by what he’s just heard.
“Before you try to argue,” Seokjin continues quickly, waving his hands out in front of him as some sort of defence, “believe me when I say, this is the best possible solution. Even with yours and Jungkook’s… rivalry should I say?”
“W-what? This just- it doesn’t make sense. Jungkook and I hate each other. This wouldn’t work!” Taehyung babbles, speaking fast enough that his brain hasn’t caught up yet. “Why can’t Jimin do it? Please. Jiminie and I can pretend to be boyfriends and then we can-”
“I’m sorry,” Seokjin swiftly cuts in. Just going off of the tone of his voice, it’s obvious that his and the rest of the PR team’s minds are made up. “But as Jimin-ssi said before, the members of the public aren’t completely oblivious. They know you two are best friends and that just wouldn’t work.”
“So, then, why? Why Jeon Jungkook?” Surprisingly, it’s Taehyung’s father who steals the words right out of his mouth. “He and my son, they just don’t get along. Sure, Jungkook is a nice boy,” - despite the situation, Taehyung mentally scoffs - “but I don’t see how they’d be able to pull it off when they can’t even be in the same room for five seconds without arguing.”
“Ah, see, but that’s what the public doesn’t know,” Seokjin replies with his infamous scheming smirk on his lips. “We’ve done an extensive amount of research, or as much as we could have in the span of a few hours. We’ve made the revelation that the majority of Taehyung’s fanbase is enthralled by his ‘relationship’ with Jungkook. Every little moment that for you and I would just be, for example, a split second of eye contact. Every single award that Taehyung has ever presented to Jungkook during award ceremonies. Every single time Taehyung and Jungkook have so much as been in the same place at the same time. It has all been cherished by this massive group of people, ‘Taekookers’ as they like to call themselves. My people have even calculated there to be millions and millions of stories - fanfictions, in their terms - all over the internet, of all sorts of different lengths and languages. Some with hundreds and thousands of reads. We don’t even need to try to pull off this ‘power couple’ dynamic because it is already what the fans refer to you as.”
Taehyung is in awe. He cannot, for the life of him, believe what he is hearing. “But, we barely ever interact when there’s cameras around. Simply because we don’t want people to see us fighting.”
Seokjin merely smiles at him. “You’d be surprised, Taehyung-ssi. Everybody loves you two together.”
Taehyung swallows. Jimin’s hand is on his knee now, and if he’s being completely honest, the touch is the only thing keeping him sane right now. “Okay, if we were to go ahead with this,” he says slowly, eyes briefly darting over to his father who looks to be just as shocked as he feels, “how do we know Jungkook will do it? I just know that there’s no way in hell he’ll say yes. He hates the living daylights out of me and really, what would he be getting out of this? He’s already a big name, has dozens of awards, and he’s not even halfway through his career. He would never-”
“Taehyung.” Seokjin’s stern voice, the drop in formalities, it’s all enough to have Taehyung zipping his mouth shut. “Jungkook has already accepted.”
◖◗
Jungkook inhales.
Jungkook exhales.
This morning he’s dressed quite smartly. Usually when he visits the agency building he doesn’t care about what he wears, has even turned up in his pyjamas before. But today is important and so he’s made the effort to arrive in a fitted pair of black trousers paired with a grey turtleneck, layered over with a black trench coat and equally as black long winter scarf. He’s just decided that he wants to come across as professional as ever. But here’s the thing. Professionalism makes Jungkook nervous.
Jungkook inhales.
Jungkook exhales.
In front of him is the door to the meeting room he’s been sent to. Behind it is undoubtedly a bunch of people discussing the whole scandal, discussing how it could affect Taehyung’s career, discussing how Jungkook is going to be a part of fixing it. Behind that door is Kim Taehyung. And quite frankly, Jungkook is not looking forward to this.
Jungkook inhales.
Jungkook exhales.
All he needs to do right now is build up the courage to knock. Make himself known. And after that, it’ll all probably be a lot easier in terms of getting involved. He shouldn’t even be this nervous because he’s done this and worse, hundreds of times before when shooting for movies or shows. Okay, he decides. He’s going to do it.
Jungkook inhales.
Jungkook exhales.
He’s going to knock.
Jungkook inhales.
Jungkook exhales.
He’s going to-
A pale hand appears right before him, closed into a fist and- and it knocks. Three times.
“Hyung!” Jungkook whisper-yells, giving Yoongi a scandalised look.
“What?” his manager merely says with a shrug. “You were taking too long.”
Jungkook doesn’t even have time to argue because the door is swinging open and just as he thought, dozens of pairs of eyes are on him and Yoongi, some of them confused, others welcoming, very few - newer employees - starstruck.
Jungkook clears his throat and as nervous as he was before, all too quickly, he’s in his element. “Good morning, everybody,” he says briskly, then walks in to take one of the spare seats. His coffee cup is almost empty and he merely uses it as a prop when he places it on the table before him. “Although, I am aware it isn’t a very good morning.”
Yoongi hasn’t even taken a seat yet but he smacks Jungkook on the arm the second the words are out. And that’s when Jungkook catches sight of him.
Kim Taehyung looks horrible. In the nicest possible way (about somebody he finds very, very attractive) he genuinely looks horrible. He sits at the far end of the table, right beside where Seokjin stands in the midst of presenting. Even from all the way here, Jungkook can see his eyes, both lined red and puffy where very prominent eye bags reside. He looks almost like he hasn’t slept in days yet at the same time he looks extremely alert. It’s obvious to Jungkook that he’s been crying and he momentarily feels bad about blurting out something so inconsiderate only a few seconds after he arrived. It’s clear that Taehyung doesn’t appreciate it either, if going off the way his sharp eyes are pointed at him, glaring daggers at him. He looks horrible.
He looks horrible, but he still looks fucking beautiful.
“What he means is,” Yoongi emphasises, his voice suddenly lowered as if to seem more professional, “we are truly sorry to hear about what’s happened. We will do our very best to help out as much as possible because we believe it is not only Taehyung-ssi’s career on the line, but also the company’s image; both of which are upsetting to think about.”
As Yoongi speaks, Jungkook stares silently at Taehyung and the other man stares back, albeit with hostility clear in his expression. For that reason, Jungkook isn’t surprised when he starts talking. “Thank you, Yoongi-ssi.” Fuck, even his voice sounds horrible, croaky and on the verge of getting lost. “But what does Jeon have to say about this?”
Jungkook clears his throat again. “Everything hyung has just said, reflects my own views too.”
“Really now?” Taehyung asks, dragging out the former word, sarcastic, condescending.
Jungkook scoffs. “Yes, really.” Then because he really does feel bad about what Taehyung is having to go through, he adds, “Taehyung-ssi, I want to help. That’s all.”
But Taehyung rolls his eyes dramatically, ignorant of the fact that the rest of the room watches on as they continue… talking. “You want to help? And why in the hell would you want to do that? It will literally get you nothing but more exposure in the media to hype up your films, and to top it off you’ll be seen constantly associating with South Korea’s sweetheart- oh wait, that’s exactly it. You just want clout and attention because you’re a cocky ass-”
“As if that’s what I’d get,” Jungkook says with a rather unattractive snort. As much as he’s enamoured by this man, he still riles Jungkook up unlike any other. It’s at times like this that Jungkook just can’t not argue back. “You have to remember, Taehyung-ssi, after what you pulled, you’re not so much a sweetheart as before. You’re all over the news for all the wrong reasons.” The way Taehyung’s face drops in realisation is satisfying. “And anyway,” Jungkook continues with a shrug, “I don’t need any more clout. I’m just as famous as you, Peaches.”
Jungkook almost regrets saying everything he has when he notices Taehyung’s cheeks have suddenly turned a deep shade of red. Fuck, he must be really angry. But before he can even try to apologise, Seokjin is speaking up, bringing all attention back to him.
“This staged relationship actually has the potential to make the both of you even more famous.” He speaks with clarity, as if nobody could ever think or say anything to counteract him. Jungkook chooses to stay silent. “Starting with Taehyung-ssi, you obviously know this will in fact cover up the rumour of that clip. Although some people will never forget it, they’ll be less inclined to focus on it if we put their attention elsewhere. But there’s more to it. Being in a relationship built solely on love and affection,” - Jungkook ignores Taehyung’s melodramatic gagging noises - “can create an even better image for you. After being in on and off things with all sorts of different men for years, this might bring about the perception that you’ve changed. That you’ve grown. That you’re ready to settle with your one true love. All of which will help to shift the image you have created for yourself, especially after this scandal.” Seokjin’s eyes shift over to Jungkook now, so abruptly that Jungkook can’t help but fix his posture, sit straight. “Being in a relationship with Jungkook, as I said before, could take you both global. It could bring forth a brand new power couple to rival many of those that are already popular in our target market right now, The States; Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Michelle and Barack Obama, just to name a few.”
Jungkook splutters, only getting ahold of himself when Yoongi places a subtle hand on his knee. “What?” he gawks, eyes blown so wide that it almost hurts. “That’s a bit over exaggerated, we don’t even get on. We-”
“Ah but, Jungkook-ssi, the public think you do. Many of them believe the two of you have been in a secret relationship since you met.” Seokjin crosses his arms over his chest and briefly glances around the rest of the room, filled with people that Jungkook honestly forgot existed. When he continues speaking, it’s to them all, not just Jungkook and Taehyung. “As we all know, Jungkook-ssi has a brand new drama series coming out in a fortnight.” Jungkook nods. The filming for it had only just ended. “This publicity stunt can be a massive plus for him, and could bump up viewership by approximately fifty seven percent. Possibly even more. If we think about how big of a name he already is, the numbers this new series could reach is unfathomable, something that has never been reached before in South Korea. It also helps that the drama involves no romance or love interest, strictly just action, so we don’t have to worry about fans getting upset about any lack of chemistry.”
After Seokjin ends it there, there’s a few long moments where nobody says anything. Jungkook can hear the ever present sound of pens scratching against paper as people rush to get it all down. When he glances around, he’s surprised to find everybody looking so determined, agreeing with the plan wholeheartedly. When he catches a glance of Kim Daejung, he notices the man only stares at his son, waiting patiently because Kim Taehyung looks completely disengaged right now. He’s got his best friend’s hand held tightly in both of his own, and his eyes are directed downwards as if his own knees are the most interesting things he’s ever seen.
When Jungkook’s gaze finds Yoongi’s, only to be directed with a small nod, he decides to take matters into his own hands. “I’m happy to take part in this.” And then, just because he doesn’t want the motives behind his actions to be misinterpreted, he adds, “I agreed as soon as Yoongi hyung told me about it.”
Then, unlike Jungkook would have ever expected, Daejung speaks up next. “Taehyung-ah, it seems it’s all down to you now.”
Jungkook is already looking at Taehyung so he doesn’t miss the way the model startles into full alertness. His eyes are wide and slightly glossy but he looks anything but upset. Instead, he looks disbelieving, possibly even betrayed by his father. “Abeoji, what do you mean?”
“Look, I don’t want it to seem like I’m not on your side because your side will always be the first side I take,” the CEO says, all eyes on him. “But everyone, including myself, believe this may be the best thing to do going forward.” Taehyung’s face drops then, leaving behind an empty mask that Jungkook cannot read for the life of him. Daejung speaks his final words much softer, and makes Jungkook feel like this isn’t for him to be hearing. “This will end it all, Taehyung-ah.”
Anybody else would probably miss it but Jungkook sees Taehyung’s bottom lip wobble for a split second. It’s so small and subtle yet it holds so much pain that Jungkook doesn’t want to begin to think about how much pain this has caused him. All because of a clip posted by some unknown coward.
When he speaks, he seems to have collected himself, eyes shining but this time with determination. “When is the first appearance?”
Seokjin smiles and Jungkook is certain he hears a few sighs of relief. “Whenever you two are ready.”
That catches Jungkook’s attention and he finally looks away from the model that is the star of this mess. “What?” he asks, louder than intended. “So soon?”
Seokjin merely nods in reply, then outstretches one of his arms in the direction of somebody who sits close to the front too. A puny looking guy with glasses way too big for his face and a nervous habit of rubbing the tip of his nose. Seokjin’s intern, fresh from Japan and eager to start a career here in the heart of South Korea’s entertainment industry. Yamato, if he remembers correctly.
He stands up, almost knocking his chair over in the process. “Both of you will wear your masks and Taehyung-ssi sunglasses,” Yamato says, the very second Seokjin prompts him to. He speaks fast and very obviously afraid to mess up but Jungkook is impressed by how good his Korean is. “This is to make it seem like you’re trying to hide when in reality, we know it’ll make you more noticeable. You’ll walk to a car we have ready up front where all the paparazzi have lined up, waiting to hear news.”
“Thank you, Yamato,” Seokjin says, the boy immediately sighing in relief then taking a seat again. Seokjin sends him a rather fond smile and despite the situation they are in, he's happy for the boy and he’s glad to have been able to allow him some experience in some form. Other than that, Jungkook tries to take all that the boy has said in. It sounds easy enough but he should have guessed it wouldn’t be so simple, when Seokjin speaks again. “We want Jungkook-ssi to console Taehyung-ssi. An arm around the shoulder, some whispering, maybe even pushing his hair back for him. Whatever you think fits, do. Just starting off simple and subtle but not subtle enough for them to regard it as a friendship. Something to get them a little suspicious.”
For the first time since Jungkook got here, Taehyung properly looks at him then. They share a short moment of eye contact, nothing hostile, nothing hateful. Just two people looking at each other for the sake of it.
Taehyung speaks up before Jungkook can and it’s safe to say it’s a little surprising to hear, “when are we leaving?”
Most people have left now, each ending the meeting with optimistic smiles and half-hearted ‘good luck’s as if they have no idea about the not-so-relationship between Jungkook and Taehyung, as if they are oblivious to the fact that this will be hell.
Remaining behind are a mere few people. Jungkook and Taehyung obviously - the stars of the show, - Seokjin and his intern - one looking, the other not, - Yoongi and Hoseok - the two managers who have signed their lives away to be part of messes like these, - and Park Jimin. Jungkook doesn’t know the model personally but he does know that he is Kim Taehyung’s best friend and also the man of his own manager’s dreams.
“Hyung,” Jungkook whispers with an elbow to Yoongi’s arm. Daejung looks to be saying goodbye to his son so they have a few seconds to talk privately.
“What?” Yoongi grumbles, rubbing at the area Jungkook hadn’t even hit him that hard in.
“This is finally the excuse you’ve been looking for,” he muses, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. When Yoongi’s own brows furrow, Jungkook adds, “to talk to Park Jimin!”
“Shut up!” Yoongi hisses, clamping one of his inhumanly large, veiny hands over Jungkook’s mouth. “He’s right there, you idiot. He’ll-”
“Should we get going?” Seokjin is brisk, doesn’t wait around, and begins walking to the door, Yamato scurrying after him.
Naturally, Taehyung and Jimin end up following first, both walking with long strides and their usual massive presences. Hoseok is right behind them, walking just as quickly, but while the other two walk with their confident heads held high, he seems to be preoccupied with what’s written in the booklet he’s holding. Jungkook doesn’t mind though as he and Yoongi stay near the back of the group, preferring to have a good view of all the people who walk past them in the company building.
It isn’t too busy this morning, and they only pass a couple of people. Nobody stops to stare at Taehyung but Jungkook definitely notices the way they hurry past, as if not to seem like they know what’s going on. Because let's be honest, everybody knows what’s going on. It’s what Jungkook likes about this company. Everyone sticks to what they’ve been assigned, keep out of the business of others and that’s what allows such a friendly, professional work environment.
Once they’re at the floor of the lobby, just mere steps away from being seen through the massive glass windows at the entrance, it’s game faces on. Jungkook gets handed a new mask and he watches as a woman comes over to fix Taehyung’s hair while he puts on his own. He says ‘fix’ when in reality she actually makes his hair messier, flicking up a few stray locks to make him look even more dishevelled than he already is. All part of the plan.
“Namjoon-ssi will escort you to the car,” Seokjin says, and lo and behold, the bodyguard - Jungkook remembers almost picking a fight with - appears, moving to stand behind Taehyung. “Are you two ready?” Seokjin asks, the ever-present smile on his face growing wider. He’s enjoying this way too much.
Jungkook nods once, then watches as Taehyung turns to envelope his best friend in a tight hug, Jimin looking seconds away from picking him up and off the floor as he whispers something in his ear. It’s something that Jungkook thinks is too personal, something that he shouldn’t be watching. So he looks away.
But it isn’t long before Taehyung has sidled up next to him, looking ahead rather than at him. “Think you can do this, Jeon?” Taehyung sneers, his undoubtedly fiery eyes hidden behind the dark sunglasses he’s put on.
Jungkook scoffs. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that? I act for a living.”
Taehyung shakes his head. “This isn’t just acting, Jeon. If you make a mistake, nobody can edit it out for you.”
“Like the mistake you made that got you into this mess in the first place?” Jungkook doesn’t know why he’s said it. Taehyung just riles him up, so much so that he can’t even think before speaking.
Luckily though, Taehyung doesn’t seem upset by his comment. “Whatever. Let’s go.”