Secret Lover | Kim Taehyung

Handshake

Elevator escalating, filled with people on their phones. A certain brunette was going through the schedule of the day, remembering the work that needs to be done. An important meeting as her boss mentioned yesterday, an arrival of a guest at high position is all she knows.

The elevator came to halt on the 37th floor. She walked to her office by corner of the vast room, greeting the employees on the way. Closing the door on her way in, as she sat on the chair and logged into the system she started typing.

In evening 5, a knock was heard, a head peeped in and came in view 'Kim Jiwon', a girl she knows too well, who gave her the office tour on her first day, someone she can call as a friend.

"Aren't you coming? We don't want to be late, let's go."
"Wait, I'm about to finish this up." Clicking on the save button she stood up and started walking by her side to reach the conference hall.

The room was filled with a lot of people. People from every department were present, asking each other the same thing if they knew what the meeting is about.

"Looks like no one knows why are we gathered here."
Another company friend Park Jimin said now standing with them.

"It must be the same deal, how they are going to held an audit and everyone should be prepared for it." The brunette had no idea on how wrong she was.

The CEO stood at the middle gesturing for everyone to gather around. His age visible on his face, the wrinkles were the sign of how long he handled the company and build it from the core. But today the expression on his face were different as in, the man was relieved but almost sad, but that was just her own opinion. Soon he started speaking as the door opened again and someone came in to stand at the back.

"As you already know we've gathered here today to welcome a guest. You all might know him too well, let's all welcome Mr.Kim Taehyung, the CEO of 'Alley Interactive'. I feel honoured to announce that from today onwards he is also the CEO of this company."

The crowd clapped for the man as the person standing at back walked in front and stood next to the CEO. The shock on the brunettes face was too obvious, she was not at all ready for this. She managed to get over it by changing her facial expression trying to listen to whatever the new supposed CEO was speaking. But all she was able to grasp were words like 'takeover' and 'employees from the other company will be shifted to this branch'.

The man, tall, black hair tossed back, body lean and fit, eyes like a predator, sharp jawline, lips thin in line, sign of professionalism and black suit fitted perfectly. The mentioned man reached her along with her old boss,
"Taehyung, meet her, one of the best people I've worked with so far. Miss Lee Aerum, the head of the marketing department."

The honey skinned guy extended his hand towards her, "Ms. Lee, I've heard so much about you, I look forward to work with you." While saying all this with voice so deep and a teasing glint was present in his eyes which were staring at her with such intensity.

Blank. That's how she was right now but at the same time she had numerous questions running up her mind. As if broken from a trance she took his hand in her own and with a firm handshake, finally gaining the courage to speak she replied, "Likewise, Mr.Kim."

And with a slight bow she decided to break the staring contest and move out of the room. Her heart was raging, heartbeats so fast despite her trying to calm it down.

Finally, after breathing in and out couple of times she was able to think about what just happened. Today when she left for office she was ready to just have a normal day but now in just one day she expressed so many emotions she ever showed in office before. She was confused, angry, scared, happy and excited all at once.

While thinking about how she'll handle everything, her friends exited the room.
"Ari, what are you doing here?" Jimin asked.
"Just wanted some fresh air, Chim."

"Can you believe it? We'll be working with the CEO of one of the biggest empires of Korea" Jiwon said excitedly.

"I'm thinking about what if after the merger someone have to leave and who will they be."

"Let's not worry about it, Chim. We have a good record. I'm sure our head will see to it, won't you Ari?"

"Yeah" she muttered even she though she was not sure what the future holds.

She went to her apartment which she shares with her roommate instead of going back to his boyfriend's. She knew well how busy he would be and won't be returning home till late. Before going to bed she texted a goodnight and informed him about her spending night at her place. She just wanted to rest and let sleep consume her, after all tomorrow will be a long day.