He got carried away working in his dark room the night before and went to sleep almost at dawn. He spent hours selecting, editing and revealing several works that had their due date in the next few days so he can have his little vacation in peace.
The deadline for Taehyung's shoot was still far away but he was eager to show the his photos to his coworkers, so he also revealed the farmer's pictures, without making any edits at the moment. The photos were not for publication, just for evaluation, anyways.
With his backpack heavy with work material, he enters the BE building not looking around to avoid having to talk with anyone, heading straight to the elevator.
Not long ago Jungkook would enter that same building smiling, greeting known people and strangers, stopping for a brief talk and going to the cafes and restaurants there, but after what happened he limited his interaction with his only four friends in the company.
Obviously no one has the courage to say anything to his face, but he can feel the stares and hear the buzz wherever he goes. Sometimes a braver person throws a shade, but Jungkook ignores it because it's not worth it.
Almost six months had passed and people wouldn't let him go on with his life in peace. He still receives anonymous texts on his phone or by email reminding him of the biggest mistake of his life. The topic is forbidden in the company but obviously people didn't care and continue to comment and spread it.
He thinks about resigning every day, but that would be giving the win to Jackson and Mr. Bang, so he works on his mind strength to bear this shame until another scandal happens and people forget him.
Jungkook arrives on the floor where his team is located and enters their meeting room to find Namjoon and Hoseok bringing their materials to the table in the center. Each boy greets each other with a hug and they start to work.
"This girl did a rehearsal last week with Yoongi and she did really well, I put her up for a job at a local store to see how she goes," Namjoon began.
"I'm transferring Hyun to team Park, they will deal with this boy's temperament. He doesn't work with me anymore", said an irritated Hoseok, and so they walked through different works and models, evaluating, fitting or transferring roles.
Jungkook then drop Taehyung's photos on the table and watches as the duo in front of him smile from ear to ear, enchanted by the boy.
Namjoon, already with work lined up to offer the brunette, says he will contact Taehyung to make some proposals.
"Namjoon, it's important that we make a very specific well-written contract for him, we need to take care of this boy or team Park will eat him alive, I know those snakes."
"Did I hear team Park?", the room's door opens and a cocky Jackson enters it. Without asking for permission, he approaches the table and takes some photos of Taehyung. "Who is he? I've never seen this guy here."
Hoseok tries to take the photos from the asshole's hands but the other is faster, "not your business, Jackson. He is not hired by the company. Now fuck off, please".
"Oh no? But the photoshoot seems to me like it was done in our studios. Are you using BE resources for private work, Jung? Mr. Bang won't be happy about it", making a mocking face he continues to analyze the photos in his hands.
"I don't give a fuck if you go running your mouth to your sugar daddy and talk shit to him, just give back the photos and leave the room."
"Wow, you should watch what you say, Hoseok. We don't want you getting fired, right? Daddy is dying to give me a team."
"Wang, this is an evaluation rehearsal only, there is no contract and it does not violate any company rules and you know it. Now please give back our material as it is confidential", a much more civilized and calm than everyone in the room Namjoon said.
"I'm interested in this guy. I want his name and a copy of his file in my office today. And I will keep these photos."
Upon hearing this Jungkook loses his cool and stands up abruptly, approaching Jackson and snatching the photos from his hands, "Are you fucking deaf? He doesn't have a contract and the photos are confidential, motherfucker."
Pretending to be surprised and flattered, Jackson raises his hand to his chest and says ironically: "Jeon Jungkook... I believe I haven't heard your voice in months! I'm glad that I exist for you again, my dear."
But Jungkook already got what he wanted, which was to recover Taehyung's photos, so he ignores the short man, collecting all the material from the table so that he doesn't spy anymore.
Seeing that Jackson is trying to provoke Jungkook, Namjoon gets up from his chair and takes the intruder by the arm, gently guiding him to the door, "Jackson, I won't allow you to disturb us, Jungkook especially. Keep your distance and respect", and waved him away.
With a smile on his face and giving each man one last glare, the latter finally leaves and heads to his own office.
"Thanks, Nam. I was about to punch this fucker in the face when I saw him approaching JK", said Hobi, still irritated.
Jungkook handed Taehyung's folder of photos to Namjoon for the silver haired guy to store it carefully and after a while they resumed discussing other works.
It was early evening when Jungkook returned home and after preparing a quick meal he listened again to Taehyung's audio about the notes he needed.
He was confused at first, but when he took the farmer's backpack and saw the content, he finally understood what Taehyung's classes were about.
It was a material similar to the ones we get when in school , Taehyung asked him to take photos of the subjects of mathematics, geography, history, Korean, English, chemistry... well, everything that is matter of study in high school. And in the backpack there was a pamphlet with the name of the course: Adult Education Program. Where adults who did not complete their studies attended fortnightly classes to obtain their high school certificate.
His heart sank.
He understood why Taehyung always changed the subject when talking about his classes and the brunette's excitement upon hearing that Jungkook had a higher degree.
Taehyung felt ashamed. But why? There was nothing to be ashamed of, he certainly had a reason to interrupt his studies. But he can understand the boy's perspective. And if he doesn't feel comfortable talking about it with him, he would respect it.
So Jungkook took pictures of the last notes of each subject, written in Taehyung's impeccable handwriting, and sent it to the boy by text message.
Written at the bottom of the last page of one of his notebooks was a date underlined several times and with arrows saying "last day! Graduation", with a small mortarboard cap drawn on the side.
Taehyung will graduate at the end of the month, and he felt happy for his friend.
✨
Author's note: Hi! I'm just so happy seeing that my story reached 2k views! 🥺. I know it's not big deal for some people but as someone with zero followers I thought I would have none readers at all. Every comment and every interaction I get fills my heart with joy, so thank you so much for supporting Fading Away. Hope you guys are enjoying it. 💜
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