a lesson in endearment | bts

009 - Taehyung

Taehyung stood quietly as he observed the girl talking to their manager. Apparently she was receiving managerial training. Bang Si Hyuk nim was currently giving her instructions. Weird that he would come when one of their managers could just as easily explain but it seemed as though special precautions had to be taken since she was young.

When the managers were occupied organising other things, she was to stay with the group and relay any messages they had for the group. That way, they wouldn't be interrupted during their free time.

"Boys, gather round. This is our manager in training. She may be younger than most of you, but her credibility is amazing. Treat her as you would your other managers." The CEO began, indicating for her to step forward. She did as she was bid and bowed.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Choi Seong. I hope we'll work well together." Taehyung tilted his head. Something was faintly off about this girl, like she was anticipating something bad.

"Welcome to the team!" Namjoon greeted.

"2, 3! Bang!"

"Tan! Hello, we are BTS! Nice to meet you!" They all bowed and glanced at her. She giggled then clamped her hand over her mouth, embarrassed. Taehyung could see that she was trying to hold herself back already. Why? What's up with her?

Hearing that they were being summoned, the members made their way back to the studio they had been rehearsing their newest album in. Fortunately it was the rappers' turn on the mic, so Taehyung allowed himself to zone out a little.

It was no surpise that he jumped a little as extra weight was added to the sofa that he sat on. Looking to the side, he blinked when he took note of Seong sitting on the couch end opposite his own, Jin having risen to practice his parts.

"Ah, sorry, did I disturb you?" She apologised. He shook his head minimally, not fully focused on the present situation. She watched him for a few more seconds, an almost invisible smile tugging at her lips. Taehyung was a little surprised that he even noticed it.

"Are you zoning out whilst working?" Taehyung looked at her, surprised by the humour in her tone. Shooting her a sheepish smile, he nodded as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'm just trying to clear my head of all thoughts so that my rehearsal will be shorter." He tried to justify but she just pursed her lips and sent him a teasing side eye as she watched Jin practice.

~*~*~

"Seong-nim?" Jungkook called softly from the corner of the studio when the managers left. Taehyung felt his head snap in her direction when she jumped a little.

"Ah, yes?" She replied, eyes flickering over to him.

"Aren't you really close to us in age? You don't feel much like a noona- erm, sunbae." Seong smiled at the question and nodded. Taehyung watched her as she moved her head from side to side, trying to formulate a good answer.

"Well, I was born in '96, so I'm twenty, but I've been working in the managerial sector for a while, helping with my family's company."

"What does your family do?" Jimin asked from his place beside Yoongi.

"It's a hiring company, so when people need to go to places, we get them coaches, or if people need food for an event, we hire them caterers."

"That sounds kind of interesting though? How come you're getting your training here?" Namjoon asked, puzzled. Seong's expression slid off her face and she looked down at the floor, before glancing back up with a set smile on her face. Taehyung frowned. Such an ingenuine smile put him off. It was much too discomforting.

"Since I've been there for a while, I just wanted a change in scenery. Besides, I practically act as manager over there anyway, so some of my colleagues might say that training is unnecessary." She explained quickly.

Taehyung butted in before Namjoon asked why exactly she had chosen to train in the entertainment industry instead of at another event planning company, because Namjoon would ask, and Seong would probably shut down completely. There was no need in destroying the atmosphere instead of improving it.

"Ah, we've been here for hours and I'm thirsty, so I'll go get drinks. Seong-ssi, would you like to come with me? There's a particular place we all like to get our drinks from." Looking surprised, Seong nodded and grabbed her bag. While she was facing away, Taehyung gestured for the other members to leave the topic for a bit. They sent him strange looks but said nothing as he directed her out of the practice room. Jimin and Jungkook rose to their feet, following after them.

"We want drinks as well, and besides, it might be troublesome if people see you hanging out with a girl by yourself. Plus, you're really awkward around women." Jimin placed a hand on Taehyung's shoulder whilst Seong bit back her laugh, from embarrassment or because she actually found it funny, Taehyung didn't know. Taehyung glared at him as he made his way out of the company building.

"At least I didn't run away from someone that I was supposed to be professional with." He jerked his head in Jungkook's direction, and the maknae held up his hands indignantly.

"I had to keep my chastity. I was so young." He blinked innocently.

"What chastity?" Both 95 liners asked incredulously, laughing with Seong as they approached the soda shop where they were buying their drinks. Jungkook pouted for a second before joining in. Though he didn't turn to face her, Taehyung could see out of his peripheral vision that Seong had relaxed. Thank goodness.

*~*

"Ah, Seong sunbae! You remind me a lot of another noona we know. Hana noona!" Jungkook suddenly burst out after taking a sip of his iced coffee when they left the drinks shop. The three stared at him until Jimin snapped his fingers.

"Ah, yes! Hana noona and Seong-ssi are similar, but they're a little different too."

"Of course." Jungkook nodded knowingly. Taehyung and Seong watched the random exchange in silence, sending each other muddled expressions. Taehyung exhaled as Seong fell into a comfortable silence with them. She might be okay. She deserves a chance.

Satisfied that she was relaxed, Taehyung tuned in to the conversation about their extreme game of blind folded hide and seek, conscious of the incredulous look of entertainment on Seong's face as he did so.