𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐃 | 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐉𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐊𝐈𝐌

𝐂#𝟏𝟏 • 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

"Gosh, this is so exhausting!" Alessia lamented, her voice tinged with weariness.

It was the day following NamJoon's departure. The office felt unusually quiet in his absence.

The door creaked open, and her secretary ushered in a tall man, impeccably dressed in a sleek black suit. His presence immediately commanded attention.

"At this hour? What is this about?" Alessia asked, her tone a mix of surprise and neutralism.

"Weren't you the one who called me?" he responded, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Oh right, I did! My memory is so foggy today," Alessia said, trying to sound nonchalant as she mimicked his mannerisms.

"Ya-ah! Why are you copying my dear Tata Mic's style?" he exclaimed, his cheeks flushing with a mix of shyness and embarrassment.

Alessia couldn't help but burst into laughter, the sound ringing through the room and momentarily lifting her spirits.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Alessia got straight to the point.

"So, have you managed to address the issue I asked about?"

"I did, but the response was dismissive. They informed me that their current security measures are deemed sufficient and there's no immediate need for additional support," he replied, his tone carrying a hint of frustration.

"Yeah, and if something happens, I'll be the one to recognize the 'need.' How frustrating..." Alessia muttered, her irritation palpable.

As evening descended, Alessia exited her office and made her way to her car. A strikingly handsome man, his physique impressive beneath a perfectly tailored black suit, approached her.

"Good evening, Ms. Finle. I'm Chan Simkins. Mr. Kim has assigned me as your security guard and chauffeur until the 20th of September."

"Oh, he did? Well, I appreciate that greatly," Alessia responded, her voice laced with genuine gratitude.

"Thank you, ma'am," Chan said with a respectful nod.

Normally, Alessia preferred driving herself, finding the backseat somewhat monotonous. However, today she was preoccupied with her thoughts, which gave her a profound sense of satisfaction and pride.

Five days later

Returning home, Alessia prepared for another trip downtown. The week had passed in a whirlwind, each day blurring into the next.

The VIP cards had indeed proven invaluable. Shipments and deliveries that usually required a full 24 hours were now expedited to a mere 12.

'What more should I do?' Alessia wondered. 'I suppose I've done everything I needed to.'

With that thought, she decided to wind down her day with a simple pleasure-ordering two pizzas to enjoy until bedtime.

Her phone buzzed incessantly with notifications, drawing NamJoon from his sleep. Each alert contained a succinct "HBD."

A smile spread across his face as he realized he had forgotten his own birthday amidst the chaos of work. He began to respond to and acknowledge the messages.

The very first birthday wish was from Alessia.

At that moment, a knock resonated through his hotel room.

"Who is it?" NamJoon called out, puzzled.

"Jin hyung," came the reply.

"Coming."