The Escort S2

Part 38: The sharpest cut

Jungkook's POV:

It's the end of a busy day and my only thought is getting home to Tae. He's all I need, but that will have to wait. I have two tasks left before I head home. Just as I send off my final email of the day, there are two taps on my door. Ah, task number one. "Come in!"

"Hey boss, you wanted me to stop in and see you before I left for the day. Is everything alright?" Tae Juan says apprehensively.

"Yes, please come in and take a seat. I just wanted to chat with you."

"Chat? About what?" There's a lift in his voice and he pauses before slowly sitting. His response surprisingly might have something to do with the fact that we've never chatted. I don't think it's a good idea to be chatty with employees. It blurs the lines.

"Did you have a nice weekend, uhm, you and Mr. Tae?"

"Oh, uh, sure. How about you?" I make small talk with him that feels awkward.

"It was the same. Not much to say there." I try to engage him just a bit more to make him more at ease.

"Do you have a hobby?" I have no idea why I asked that question, but it brings a bit of light to his eyes and a ghost of a smile.

"Uh, yeah. I enjoy working on trains and collecting memorabilia."

"Trains?"

"Yeah, you know, assembling models. It's intricate and quiet work and I enjoy it." My eyes widen a bit and I think that's enough chatting.

"Oh, uh, okay." I say, wanting to move on. "Tae Juan, before you started here, you worked for Triton, correct?" He pulls back a bit and studies me for about 3 seconds before speaking.

"You have my records, why are you asking me." He snaps with annoyance. Apparently, I unknowingly hit a sore spot.

"Why are you getting defensive?" I ask calmly.

"Look boss, I know people talk behind my back and think I'm weird." Evidently, he has good awareness. He's quiet and appears to not be a part of the regular bunch of idiots.

"What? Weird? No, I don't—"

"Boss, I appreciate directness. You're usually very direct and I like that. I don't do well with that beat around the bush stuff. Please say what you mean."

"That's very fair," I say, coming from behind my desk and leaning against the front of it. "As you know, we are going up against Triton and I wanted to know what you think about them."

"Why didn't you just say that instead of pretending you're interested in my weekend?"

"Again, you're right. I apologize. And to be honest with you, I think your train thing is interesting."

"Thanks. Boss, can I speak freely?"

"Please do and be direct. I also appreciate that."

"First, I'm a very loyal employee and I don't like saying things about my former or current employer." I respect what he said and a part of me wishes I knew him better. "But Triton wanted me to do some unethical things. As an attorney and a man of principle, you know I couldn't do that. You also know I have a degree in accounting. I love numbers and this way I don't have to work too closely with people. I knew they were doing illegal stuff."

"Well, Tae Juan, Triton is probably going to dig up some dirt on us in this new deal and it's good to know someone who's familiar with their tactics." He nods and rubs his chin.

"Boss, they can be brutal. I couldn't stomach it. I like working here and, although the morale could use a boost, you and Namjoon are fair. No under the table funny business, just good business. Triton tried to smear me when I resigned, but you hired me anyway, and I'm grateful for that," he says.