Fight for You | JJK

36

Jungkook stands in the hallway, back against the wall and trying desperately to listen in on what's happening inside the meeting room as you pitch your plans on the Foundation's educational sponsorship program.

There's not much he can hear though, as he's positioned towards the back of the room, only your muffled voice indicating that you're still presenting.

He wants nothing more than to be there and witness you speak with vigor and passion the way you do whenever you discuss this with him, but as he stands outside waiting for the hours to pass, he's reminded once more of all that he is.

He doesn't work for your company, he works for the agency. He doesn't have any role nor place here other than making sure that your father is safe. That's what Jungkook is - an outsider, someone who's temporary, who doesn't belong.

He's glad you both have Namjoon on your corner, who's currently inside, watching and encouraging you. He'd promised Jungkook he'll share all the details, knowing you'd be too nervous to remember everything. Jungkook is content with this, as it's the closest he can get to seeing you at your best.

Inside, you tell the stories of the children you've met, and though you want to focus on hope and and the value of love and support to the youth through learning, the bulk of your presentation is about what this means for your company's image, knowing that philanthropy adds to consumers' support for a certain brand.

But the thought is there, and you can't help but feel joy at the sight of the smallest smile that graces your father's seemingly satisfied face, especially as you answer each of the board member's questions.

"It's a worthy cause, I suppose," one says.

"Young people are impressionable and could be our target market for this kind of branding. This will be good," another reasons.

"Well," your father starts, causing you to hold your breath. "I think everyone is convinced that this will be good for the company. Perhaps we can all agree that my daughter shall oversee the establishment of this program and proceed accordingly."

Everyone expresses their agreement, the surprised yet elated look on your face evident to everyone present. This is what you want, you tell yourself; it's something you can contribute, much as you enjoy the business side of things.

Any other comments that doubt your readiness and ability to focus on this and your role in the marketing department enter one ear then out the other.

You did well, you tell yourself, imagining Jungkook's soft smile as you do.

There's pride in starting to face your fears or worries about being good enough to manage the company, but more than anything, you know how much good this will do for the children.

You thank the Board then exit the room and briefly glance at Jungkook as you near him in the hallway to go to another meeting. Your pulse quickens as he bows to greet and you feel his gaze linger, a grin painting his face.

"Could you hear what they were saying?" You ask later that night in his apartment after you'd texted you'll drop by after his shift.

The unbelieving yet excited tone of your voice causes Jungkook to giggle.

"No, but Namjoon told me everything. He looked really proud," Jungkook replies.

He cages you on his kitchen counter right as he turns off the stove for the premium ramen he made, with sausages this time.

"I wish you got to see me though," you pout.

"Uh-uh," he hums, kissing you. "But we probably would've been found out if I was there," he continues, his lips tracing the outline of yours.