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Taehyung stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie with trembling fingers. The reflection staring back at him seemed like a ghost from another life. He had always been meticulous about his appearance, but today, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his gut. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside him.
"Alright, Taehyung," he whispered to himself. "You can do this."
He grabbed his briefcase and headed out the door, the familiar sounds of the city enveloping him as he made his way to the office. The walk felt surreal, like he was moving through a dream. Each step was a reminder that he was back in a time when everything was still intact, a time before betrayal and heartbreak.
The company building loomed ahead, its glass facade reflecting the morning sunlight. Taehyung paused for a moment, staring up at it. This was the place where it all began—the place where he had built his career and his life, only to watch it crumble. But this time, he was determined to change the outcome.
He walked into the building, nodding at the receptionist who greeted him with a smile. "Good morning, Mr. Kim."
"Good morning," he replied, forcing a smile. As he stepped into the elevator, he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia mixed with dread.
The elevator doors opened, and Taehyung stepped out onto his floor. The familiar hustle and bustle of the office greeted him, the sounds of phones ringing and keyboards clacking filling the air. He took a deep breath and walked towards his desk, trying to steady his racing heart.
Just as he was settling in, a voice called out to him, freezing him in his tracks. "Tae! You're here early."
Taehyung turned to see Sehun approaching, a friendly smile on his face. The sight of him brought a rush of emotions—anger, betrayal, and a deep sadness. But he quickly masked his feelings with a calm expression. "Yeah, thought I'd get a head start."
Sehun chuckled, clapping Taehyung on the back. "Always the overachiever. We have a meeting with Mr. Jeon in ten minutes. You ready?"
"Always," Taehyung replied, forcing a smile.
As Sehun walked away, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. He had to play along, at least for now. He knew that gathering information and biding his time was crucial if he was going to expose Sehun and Ji-eun.
The meeting room was bustling with activity when Taehyung entered. Jungkook stood at the head of the table, exuding confidence and charisma. Seeing Jungkook again, Taehyung felt a mix of emotions. Jungkook had always been kind and supportive, and Taehyung knew he needed to strengthen that bond if he was going to navigate this new reality successfully.
"Good morning, everyone," Jungkook began, his voice commanding attention. "Today, we'll be discussing our new project. Taehyung, Sehun, I expect great things from both of you."
Taehyung nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He glanced at Sehun, who was eagerly taking notes, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath Taehyung’s calm exterior. This was his chance to prove himself, to show Jungkook his worth, and to start laying the groundwork for his revenge.
After the meeting, Taehyung approached Jungkook. "Mr. Jeon, do you have a moment?"
Jungkook looked up, a curious glint in his eyes. "Of course, Taehyung. What’s on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, Taehyung spoke with determination. "I wanted to discuss some ideas I have for the project. I believe we can make significant improvements if we approach it from a different angle."
