Never Not [Taekook]

NN 5

Taehyung.

We reached our house at exactly 7, but before arriving, we had to drop Jessie at her house to ensure her safety.

I hurriedly exited the van and rushed towards the door. Opening it, I ran towards my room; I still had 20 minutes before a meeting with an architect for my gallery renovations.

After a quick shower, I adorned a black turtleneck, tight sleeves, brown Gucci pants, and white shoes. A Gucci wristwatch completed the look. Grabbing my keys and phone, I rushed downstairs.

Jungkook was there, pocketing his phone. He looked at me, and I turned away, pretending to brush my hair. "Where are you going, Tae?" he softly asked.

His voice caught me off guard, and I cleared my throat before replying, "To my gallery. I need to change designs and renovate some parts. I have a meeting with Architect Choi." I left the hairbrush on the table.

Jungkook nodded and clicked his tongue. "Want me to go with you? I don't have anything to do."

Glancing at him, I met a shy bunny. I smiled and shook my head. "No, thank you. I can go on my own. Just tell Jin I won't make it to lunch."

Disappointment flashed across his face, but I shrugged it off. "Yeah, I need to go first. Tell them, yeah?" Jungkook nodded, and I smiled, giving him a quick hug before dashing to my car.

Driving towards my gallery, I arrived and found customers admiring my artworks. Meeting my secretary, Jisoo, she informed me that Architect Choi was on the balcony upstairs.

Hurrying upstairs, I approached the balcony, where a man was seated, awaiting my arrival. Though somewhat familiar, his build was different from Mr. Choi's, but I dismissed it, attributing it to a possible weight loss on Mr. Choi's part.

With a smile and a sigh, I apologized for being late, explaining that we came directly from a celebration. Mr. Choi, however, remained indifferent, not acknowledging me during my speech. Standing in front of him, the shock hit me as I realized it wasn't Mr. Choi.

"Bo—Bogum?" I stammered.

"T-Tae."

Bogum, my ex who once shattered me, stood before me. My disbelief echoed in my nervous question about his unexpected presence. Our post-ruckus interactions had been nonexistent, leading to an absence of closure.

"I ahh...ahm.. I'm..I'm Mr. Choi's right-hand man," he shyly explained. "I can't have a nice job other than being Mr. Choi's right-hand man. You probably heard the news about me."

I shook my head. "What news?"

"You didn't know?"

"If I knew, why would I bother to ask?" My indifferent response startled him, but I didn't care. I typically avoided holding grudges, but Bogum's actions justified the exception.

He chuckled nervously, scratching his nose—an old habit signaling shyness. "Two days after that night, I've been in rehabilitation for three years for using cocaine. My dad disowned me, so I had to stop attending school and find a job."

Guilt briefly panged within me, but I shrugged it off. Nodding, I sat down. "Where's Mr. Choi?" I inquired.

Seated now, Bogum replied, "He's making a phone call, Tae—"

"I believe we should start adding honorifics to our names, yeah?" I interjected, earning a nod from him.

"Mr. Choi is currently making a phone call, Mr. Kim," he reiterated.

I nodded, mouthing a low "Okay" before texting Jungkook, who held a significant grudge against Bogum.

Tae-Gum💜
Kooks! Bogum is right in front of me!

Bun-Bun🐰
Bogum? As in Park Bogum?

Tae-Gum💜
Yes kooks! As in my ex!

Bun-bun🐰
What is he doing there?
Is he bugging you?
Want me to come over?

Unconsciously giggling at Jungkook's protective response, I replied.

Tae-Gum💜
Silly. No need. He's actually here for business.

Bun-bun🐰
Business? You mean architect?

Tae-Gum💜
He's Mr. Choi's right-hand man.
I'll tell you everything once I'm home.

Bun-bun🐰
Why don't you tell me now?
I'm downstairs.
Jisoo ain't letting me.

Jungkook's quick reply prompted me to bolt downstairs, leaving Bogum looking confused. I smiled at him, bowed, and headed downstairs.

Spotting Mr. Choi, who greeted me with a smile, I requested a moment to fetch someone. He agreed, and I made my way downstairs, scanning the room for a familiar raven head engrossed in my artworks.

I tapped his shoulder, and he turned, smiling. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

He shrugged, "Got bored and got your text, so I decided to come."

"Want to come with me? My meeting with Mr. Choi is about to start," I suggested.

He smiled and nodded, and I grabbed his hand, feeling an intoxicating connection. My heart raced uncontrollably, reminiscent of teenage infatuation. I sighed, questioning how I'd ever manage to rein in my rebellious heart.

[Third Person's POV]

Little did Taehyung know that Jungkook was also grappling with the challenge of controlling his rapidly beating heart.

_____________