august || Taejin ✔✔

14. Overheard

Hoseok screamed as he peek from the window of the agency building. Taehyung just glanced, shook his head, and got back to browsing on his mobile phone.

"There's is media at the driveway. I told you, whatever you do, people will make it a big deal! You're always careful when it comes to this. What happened?!" Hoseok shrieked, stood up in front of Taehyung with both of his hands on either side of his waist.

Taehyung scratched his head and dropped his phone on the table. He knew Hoseok was always overacting. Taking everything seriously, his voice was either screaming or shrieking. Lucky if his voice was sweet. It means he's in front of Jungkook or his grandfather.

"Isn't this what the producers want? Creating an issue before the movies are shown so many people would get interested to watch?"

Hoseok's mouth slowly dropped open, "KIM TAEHYUNG!!! What the hell are you talking about?! You're right but it should be with your leading lady not with someone else! Oh my God." Hoseok started to fan himself with his hand, feeling frustrated.

Taehyung chuckled. He loved it when he saw Hoseok palpitating as if he was about to pass out. Grabbing a bottle of water, he opened it and offered it to Hoseok who gladly took it. "You see how fucked this business is? You need to pretend you're dating your movie partner just to create an engagement. I thought you hate that?

My grandfather isn't like any other chaebols out there. He's not the traditional. Well, maybe because of what happened to me in the past--"

"Don't mention that here!"

"Okay, sorry! I mean maybe that's why he's lenient towards that. But if my grandfather is giving me the freedom to choose who I want to be with, then who are they to tell me to pretend that I'm dating this person? Issues are issues. No matter what those issues are, it's still an issue. People and media will make a big deal out of it. True or not. I already got the engagement the producers wanted. And no one can stop me to bring Jin to the premiere."

•••

Hoseok smiled before sitting down on the chair in front of Jin's desk. Jin bowed at Hoseok before taking a seat. "What can I do for you, Mr. Hoseok."

"Hobi or Hoseok, just call me that. Mr. Hoseok is too formal." Hoseok pulled out the phone from his bag and placed it on the desk. Pushing it near Jin so Jin could see the news. "Is this you, sweetheart?"

Jin read the headline carefully. He felt as if someone was squeezing his stomach and he thought he wanted to pee. That nervous feeling suddenly came rushing into his body. "I-i'm sorry. I don't understand."

"I understand that you didn't get it since the person they're talking about was unnamed. But, was the unnamed person you?" Hoseok tried his best not to freak Jin out as he knew Taehyung wouldn't like it. "Did he really go to the grocery with you? Please don't get me wrong, I honestly don't mind him paying for your groceries. That's his money, he can spend it however he wants. But, I just want to know if the person was you?"

Jin took a deep breath and nodded. "Mr. Hoseok, I'm sorry. I don't want to create a stir or to ruin his career but..." Jin stared at Hoseok. He was contemplating if he should speak his mind as he wanted Taehyung to stop bothering him.

Hoseok moved closer, his eyes curious and waiting.

"I have a boyfriend."

Hoseok gasped. Hands over his mouth as he heard the truth. "Are you serious?!"

"Mr. Hos--"

"Hobi, please."

"Hobi, yes that person was me. That day, he followed me to the grocery store. He realized that I was avoiding him because I already ditched him twice. I was surprised to see him there. Unfortunately, my money was missing so he paid for my groceries. The problem was, perhaps to save me from embarrassment, he lowered his mask and introduced himself as my boyfriend. I wanted to counter him but at the same time, I don't want to embarrass him. I have a boyfriend and, Taehyung knew. I told him so many times to leave me alone but he's not listening to me."

Hobi, whose chin was resting on his hand, sighed after listening to Jin's story. If there's someone who knew Taehyung well, that would be him. "Weren't you his high school classmate?"

"Uh-yes..."

Hoseok leaned back on the chair. He was hesitant to ask the next question so he's trying his best to rephrase it in his head. Taking a deep breath, he gave Jin a shy smile, "Can you tell me what happened 'that' night? I mean, you know. But, not in detail. I just want to know how you ended up with him. Because After that night, he went crazy for you."

Jin felt his ears getting warm. He could see Hoseok was also ashamed to ask the question. But since that night kept on bothering him, including the man involved, he thought maybe Hoseok could help him to make Taehyung stop. "I cannot remember the exact details. The chairman, I didn't know that he's his grandfather, asked the hospital to fire me because I chose to treat the sepsis patient instead of his grandson."

"Sunoo?"

"Yes, Sunoo. And that night, apparently, I had mistaken Taehyung's driver to be my Uber. So I ended up in his apartment. You know, I was so drunk I couldn't remember the full details. But I remembered seeing him, well, vaguely. I think I even thought he was my boyfriend. The next day, his brother, Sunoo's dad, gave me an envelope. He had mistaken me as Taehyung's bed companion. I mean, I've never felt humiliated in my life. And I was so angry because he knew I was so drunk and yet, he took advantage of that."

Hoseok cleared his throat. It was evident in his eyes that he felt embarrassed about what Taehyung had done. "So something really happened that night?"

Jin finally scoffed, "I woke up with my whole body in pain. Why would I even feel that if-- well, Hobi, I have no plans of letting the media knows just in case you're worried. Because it's not just him, my career would also get affected. My relationship with my boyfriend is already in danger because Taehyung kept on appearing. I want to protect not just my relationship, but myself and his as well. So please, Hobi, can you please tell him to stop interfering with my life? That night was a mistake. And it seems as if he's using that to blackmail me so he could get hold of me. He is too full of himself. He really thinks I like him? Just because he is wealthy, handsome, and famous, it doesn't mean he can get whatever he wants. He is annoying!"

"I'm glad to hear it." A deep voice made Hoseok and Jin looked at the door where Taehyung stood, staring at Jin. After giving a small smile, Taehyung lowered his head and walked away sending Hoseok into panic.

"Oh, shit. Why is he even there?" Hoseok grabbed his phone from Jin's desk and started fixing his bag while talking, "First, I appreciate you not talking about this on the media. Second, I apologize for the headaches Taehyung had caused you. Third, I do not agree with you about him being full of himself. Taehyung will never do that just because of his status or looks. I am sure he has his reasons. And lastly, he had been talking about you ever since I know him. That if he will get married, he wants it to be his high school crush. So I guess he's just in love with you. Taehyung is very persistent. He is determined. Don't worry, I'll talk to him about it. This isn't why I'm here but I need to speak with Tae because I'm sure he's hurt. Bye, Dr. Jin. Nice meeting you."

Hoseok rushed outside to catch up with Taehyung and without letting Jin speak more. Jin sat down on his chair, massaging his temple with his fingers.

"Are you okay?" Jimin asked, worried about his best friend.

"Did he really hear everything?"

Jimin nodded, "I was surprised when he came. He told me to keep quiet. He was there listening. So I guess he heard you. I heard you even though I'm on my desk."

Jin sighed, closing his eyes. He felt bad about causing heartaches to someone but at the same time, he was glad it happened. At least, maybe, Taehyung would stop bothering him.

•••

AN

This book is originally just 15 chapters long but I guess it would reach 20. I'm.not sure yet. Depends on my mood. Sorry for the delay. I just realized I have tons of work to do at home and as a mom.

Enjoy the weekend!

-i-