a collection of #PROMPTS & mini stories

89 - Fiance for Hire #KookV

"All you have to do Taehyungie is fake an engagement for some quick cash. How hard can that possibly be?"

Jeon Jungkook's eyes bore onto his side profile and seductively purr into his reddened ears.

Kim Taehyung, a struggling housekeeper suddenly hurled into the life of a chaebol handsome bad boy, was offered an assignment he can't say no to because it's such easy money.

But sometimes, things aren't as they seem.

~~~~

"I can see you've read today's headline?"

"Hyung, I swear. Jennie wa-"

Jungkook threw the paper on his desk and started to pace.

Shit.

"Your 'questionable' behaviour reflects Jeon Industries poorly," Min Yoongi, director of PR for JI began, "I'm afraid I must interrupt your fun, my young friend. I'm certain that the board of directors won't take this lightly."

"Don't. I am not a celebrity, Yoongi hyung. Nor did I invite the public into my bedroom-".

"You may think you're not, but the public says otherwise. Hmmm... Then why not try to fix your image."

"How?!"

"Pay someone to be with you... I mean, pick and stick with that person for a certain amount of time. We need the public to love you, be the prince charming that they think you are. The PR team can focus on the sweet n' innocent romance. It will endear the public while elevating JI's brand positively. Pick someone with a good rep not like those skinny, near death, junkie model fuckbuddies you tend to pick up from the bar, okay?"

"Wha-"

"How about... Tae? He's def a sweetheart. Or maybe one of your loyal secretaries. It would be greatly appreciated by my team-"

"Allow me to clarify. Are you suggesting that my recognition based on public opinion directly impacts the corporation? Because you think the public approve of who I date?"

"Public confidence in our 'leader' must be increased not tainted by sleazy gossip tabloid mags. I won't say it again - Fix your image. You have two months to do so."

"Is that a threat hyung?"

"Kid, let's just say that it's part of your business plan with a definite deadline," Yoongi eyes his boss, "You need to boost your tarnished image. There was a 6% dip in the company's worth this morning. Get a wholesome person and show them off to the world. Get photographed together, smile and gazed into your eyes as you've never been happier. Show them what a wonderful guy you are - Which you aren't by the way. But, ultimately, let the world fall in love with you. That's how you get back into grace with the public. The public is surprisingly very forgiving for reformed bad boys like you. Sell the fantasy, kid."

Reeling, Jungkook nodded quietly and stalked out of his office without another word.

He needed time to think.. to breathe.

He had no choice.

His career, his reputation as a rising star in the world of finance whose genius-level business decisions were virtually untouchable, was under siege from Jeon Industries conservative board of directors.

He'd spent more than a decade building his career, had achieved notoriety through award based success, but he didn't like the idea of a bitter resignation nor the ultimate thought of being fired.

His latest 'scandalous' blunder with an alleged junkie at the bar poses a threat to his brand and professional track record.

Until now, the public and old heads of the board and finally the financial world were challenging his character and ability.