Fifty shades of Kim

Chapter eight

Jimin is ecstatic.

"But what was he doing at Metal Depot?" His curiosity oozes through the phone. I'm in the depths of the stockroom, trying to keep my voice casual.

"He was in the area."

"I think that is one huge coincidence, Jin. You don't think he was there to see you?" My heart lurches at the prospect, but it's a short-lived joy. The dull, disappointing reality is that he was here on business.

"He was visiting the farming division of Daegu. He's funding some research," I mutter.

"Oh yes. He's given the department a $2.5 million grant" Wow.

"How do you know this?"

"Jin, I'm a journalist, and I've written a profile on the guy. It's my job to know this."

"Okay, Mr. Park Jimin, keep your hair on. So do you want these photos?"

"Of course I do. The question is, who's going to do them and where."

"We could ask him where. He says he's staying in the area."

"You can contact him?"

"I have his cell phone number." Jimin gasps.

"The richest, most elusive, most enigmatic bachelor in South Korea just gave you his cell phone number?"

"er... yes."

"Jin! He likes you. No doubt about it." His tone is emphatic.

"l, he's just trying to be nice." But even as I know, I know they're not true- Kim Taehyung doesn't do nice. He is polite, maybe. And a small, quiet voice whispers, saying that Perhaps Chim is right. My scalp prickles at the idea that maybe, just maybe, he might like me. After all, he did say he was glad Jimin didn't do the interview. I hug myself with quiet glee, rocking from side to side, entertaining the possibility that he might like me. kate brings me back to the now.

"I don't know who we'll get to do the shoot. Sooyon, our regular photographer, can't. He's home in  Jeju Island for the weekend. He'll be pissed that he blew an opportunity to photograph one of Korea's leading entrepreneurs."

"Hmm... What about Jungkook?"

"Great idea! You ask him he'll do anything for you. Then call Taehyung and find out where he wants us." Jimin is irritatingly cavalier about Jungkook.

"I think you should call him."

"Who, Jungkook?" Jimin scoffs.

"No, Taehyung."

"Jin, you're the one with the relationship."

"Relationship?" I squeak at him, my voice rising several octaves. "I barely know the guy."

"At least you've met him," he says bitterly. "And it looks like he wants to know you better. Jin, just call him," he snaps and hangs up. He is so bossy sometimes. I frown at my cell, sticking my tongue out at it.

I'm just leaving a message for Jungkook when Woobjin enters the stockroom looking for sandpaper.

"We're kind of busy out there, Jin," he says without acrimony.

"Yeah, um, sorry," I mutter, turning to leave.

"So, how come you know Kim Taehyung?" Woojin's voice is unconvincingly nonchalant.

"I had to interview him for our student newspaper. Chim wasn't well." I shrug, trying to sound casual and doing no better than him.

"Kim Taehyung in Metal Depot. Go figure," Woojin snorts, amazed. He shakes his head as if to clear it "Anyway, want to grab a drink or something this evening?"