Sojourn ♣ JiKook|VMin

"Secret Admirer"

-Edited 2026-

Chapter Thirty-Two

"Secret Admirer"

♣

Four years ago

Namjoon adjusted his tie, a drop of sweat falling from his forehead.
"Ah, shit. I almost died."

He sounded completely exasperated as he studied his worn-out reflection in the mirror. He had just delivered his closing argument and was now waiting for the judge's decision. It was the very first case he had ever taken, and the pressure had been suffocating. His chest still felt tight. He hoped—desperately—that he had presented enough evidence for his client.

"Hi."

Namjoon glanced to the side and met the reflection of a man standing beside him. He recognized him immediately.

"You are...?" Namjoon asked cautiously.

The man smiled. "Jeon Jungkook. I saw your conviction and dedication earlier. Despite your client being guilty, there wasn't much you could do if he didn't tell you everything about his case. Still, I know you could've built a stronger argument."

Namjoon frowned slightly, confusion clear on his face. "Why are you here?"

Jungkook turned fully toward him. "I'm here to offer you a job—as a corporate lawyer for Jeon Company." He extended his hand. "I can offer a competitive salary, along with full benefits."

Namjoon sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. "This isn't a scam, right?"

Jungkook chuckled, withdrawing his hand and briefly touching the tip of his nose. "Why? Don't you know me?"

Of course Namjoon knew him.

It all started the day Jimin called—on the very morning they were supposed to leave for the US. Jimin had been crying uncontrollably, begging Namjoon to pick him up from a certain location. Panic had taken over instantly, and Namjoon rushed there without hesitation.

Jimin had bolted out from behind a massive gate. Namjoon had been utterly confused as to why his friend was standing outside a mansion, but he couldn't ask—Jimin had been a sobbing mess.

Later, Namjoon did his own investigation.

The owner of that house turned out to be a young tycoon named Jeon Jungkook. His father, a multimillionaire, had died suddenly of a heart attack. Jungkook had already been announced as the successor before the incident, which was why no one had known much about him prior.

Namjoon still wondered how Jimin had ended up in a place like that.

Hoseok often referred to Jimin's unknown suitor as the "secret admirer."
Namjoon didn't think he was unknown at all—but if his conclusions were correct, he kept them to himself. Honestly, he was grateful that someone had given Jimin the courage he needed.

Namjoon cleared his throat, humming in thought. "Do you know Jimin?" he asked suddenly.

Jungkook was clearly caught off guard, but he recovered quickly.

"I see," Jungkook said slowly. "Are you curious about how I know him?"

Namjoon met his gaze without answering.

"We had a... relationship," Jungkook admitted. "It just wasn't official."

Namjoon's mouth fell open slightly. "Does that mean he cheated on Taehyung?" he asked, almost scoffing at his own question. It sounded ridiculous—Jimin would never cheat.