Strippers and CEOs - Namjin Yoonmin Taekook

Forty Five

A year after the wedding

Namjoon gets up ignoring that his wife is not next to him today and goes to work. His anniversary was last week but he completely forgot. His wife didn't say anything about it, though she didn't look happy at all. Things in the couple are going from bad to worst. The few conversations they used to have stopped occurring.

He lights up a cigarette on the way there. It's a habit he recovered the last few months. He tries to focus on his job as soon as he enters the office. What happened with Jin feels distant but it still feels weird. Who cares though? He's now married to a woman. One he doesn't talk to, or kiss, or love...

Someone enters without knocking. His father has a huge smile on his face as always. The old man seems to have more vitality than him, specially since got more rich with money he got from Jin's old company. Oh, right. And Namjoon has more money as well with that. So he should be happy...or that's what he tells himself.

- Dad? Is everything okay?

- Of course! Can't a father just wanna spend some time with his favorite son?

- I'm your only son

- And my favorite!

He rolls his eyes but decides to take a break. It's still early for having lunch together, so they just stay in the office. Namjoon opens the window so the smoke of his fourth cigarette today can go out.

- I got a new client today! I really like her. She's cold and not very expressive. But apparently her husband is even less expressive because I have to help her with her divorce

- Since when do you take divorce cases, father?

- I just felt like it was the right thing

- If she goes with you she must really be tired of her husband

- I know! And you can imagine my surprise hearing her since you are her husband!

Namjoon stays still. He looks at his father waiting for him to say it's a joke. But he doesn't. Frustrated, he starts to feel his hands shaking. It's getting hard to breathe. His perfect life is falling a part. And his father is aware of it. His only purpose in life is breaking and so is he.

He can't understand why. He did everything correctly. He followed his own plan step by step. Then why is this happening to him? He waits for his father to criticize him. But instead, he just gets a short a hug and a glass of water.

- Here, drink this and take a deep breath.

- F-Father...

- And throw away that stupid cigarette. You'll die before I do if you keep smoking so much.

His eyes get watery, his father never mistreated him but this is still a very strange reaction of him. He takes a few minutes to recompose. And he doesn't do it completely. But at least now he can speak without losing his breath.

- I'm sorry, dad...

- Why? I'm the one that's helping your future ex-wife get a divorce!

- Because I'm not even thirty and I'm already divorced with not kids

- You know...I was always shocked you were with her. I was sure you were...you know..

He makes a hand gesture making Namjoon's eyes go wide. His father used to be very homophobic when he was young. In what moment did that change?

- W-What makes you think t-that?

- Jin's father might be blind. Me on the other hand...

- We were too obvious?! You never said anything...

- I didn't think I had to. At first I thought it was a phase! But you looked so happy...And then you left and came back with her. And Jin left giving us his company. Several parts of the puzzle are missing. And I was waiting for you to tell me when you're ready about what happened. But after talking to Hyerin today...and seeing how little you smiled since the wedding...I have to ask. Son...what's going on? Are you okay?

His comprehensive tone breaks Namjoon's heart making him cry in his father's arms. He explains everything. From the very beginning. Just to let it all out. And the other starts to realize why his son's marriage is ending.

- I see...And I thought it was just a teenage love!

- I don't understand. I took all the right choices. This way he should be happy and so should I. Then...why does it hurt so much?

- You did what's best for him. With a few mistakes in the middle I must say. But you tried. I think... you're kinda like him

- What do you mean?

- He used to do everything just for you. And you do things for me, like trying to make proud marrying a girl. And you do things for him, like letting him go. Namjoon...what do you wanna do for you? What would make you happy?

He has no answer to that question. After a longer talk with his father he finally tries to have some time for himself. The day gets cloudy and by the end of his shift the rain is falling. He takes his umbrella and his suitcase and walks out. He doesn't feel like taking a car today. He needs more time to think.

It's really cold outside. But at least if he gets sick he can take the day off tomorrow. He tries to keep his mind clear of thoughts. He's too tired, exhausted. He knows he has to change the course of his life.

Without realizing, he starts to make a new plan. A guide in his head trying to have a perfect life again. Maybe fixing his broken marriage. Or maybe meet new people. Or maybe...

A car stops in a red light. From the corner of his eye something catches Namjoon's attention. He turns, and sees who's inside. Looking as beautiful as always, Jin is sitting in the back seat playing a game on his phone. His ex doesn't notice him back and the light turns green. The car and Jin leave Namjoon behind.

Like destiny trying to give him a final push, he stares at the back of the car. He feels that weight on his heart again. The same one that appears when he sees Jin on tv or in a magazine.

No, leave him alone, he tries to tell himself

He tries to keep walking the opposite way of the car. One step. Two steps.

What do you wanna do for you? What makes you happy?

Three steps, four. He forces himself to walk. He just wants him to be happy and smile...away from him

But...

Another step

What if...

People on the street turn to look at him. The most famous lawyer of Korea dropping his suitcase an umbrella to run the opposite way. Letting his impulse guide him one last time. Knowing he needs a final answer. A definitive one.

Next Chapter

Would you agree to work with someone new to the industry?

How sad that a talent like that is in a boy like you

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I KNOW. I KNOW. Listen, Jin's answer to whatever Namjoon says? I changed it like 5 times hahahaha but I think I'm convinced of my final choice.

You'll have to wait for it though! Because next chapter is Yoonmin! See you there!

- Baby Y