Jungkook sat in the principal's office, his hands trembling with tension.
"Jeon," the principal called, and Jungkook took a seat opposite him.
"Sir?" Jungkook looked at him anxiously.
"I'm sorry, Jeon... They don't accept imperfections here, so..."
Jungkook's eyes filled with tears.
"Hey... Don't cry... Listen to me first," the principal said gently. "Here, this is your entire salary for this month. Mr. Daniel personally requested you. Since you don't have your certificates, you can't work here, but because of Mr. Daniel's request, he found you a position elsewhere."
Jungkook stared at the principal, confused. "Who?"
"His name is Jackson, Mr. Kim's secretary. A good human being. He appointed you as an office assistant at Kim's Headquarters in Seoul."
"Seoul?" Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes, and the most important thing is, you will earn double the amount you would have made here."
Jungkook looked at the principal in disbelief.
"Mr. Daniel requested this for you, which is why you got the job. Here is your appointment letter." The principal handed him a paper. Jungkook read it carefully. Office assistant, and the salary was more than he expected. He sighed in relief.
"I told you... God will always help you for your good heart," the principal said with a soft smile.
"Thank you very much, sir," Jungkook said, wiping his eyes. "Did you meet Mr. Kim?"
"He only Stay here for a second, Jungkook," the principal said. "Mr. Kim is a tall man with an exceptionally handsome face and a fiery temper. He's the very definition of anger," the principal nodded. "You'll meet him soon since you'll be working in his office."
Hmm... What's his name sir?
"Kim... His name starts with a 'T' or something... I'm not sure, Jungkook," the principal said, looking thoughtful. "Everyone calls him Mr. Kim. But he's very young, maybe 27 or 28, though he looks like he's 23 or 24. Very handsome... Who will be the lucky one to marry him?" The principal's tone turned almost dreamy, like a high school crush.
Jungkook laughed at the principal's expression.
"Thank God, you’re smiling," the principal said with relief. "Well, Jungkook, this is it. When we meet next time, I want to see a different Jungkook, okay? All the best for your new journey."
"Thank you, sir," Jungkook replied, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He stood up, clutching the appointment letter, ready to embrace the next chapter of his life.
**********
"Seoul?" His mother sighed. "It's so far."
"So what?" Jungkook looked at her. "It's a good job, Mom."
"A good job? As an office assistant?" Jiya laughed.
"Look who's talking, sitting at home without any job," Jain snapped.
"Jain..." Jungkook glared at her. "The salary is great, Eomma."
"But you've never traveled this far without us," his mother said, her voice filled with concern.
"He's not a child. He's 21," Jiya shouted again. "Let him go. How long will we stay in poverty?"
Jain was about to say something, but Jungkook stopped her
His mother wiped her eyes and went into the kitchen. "Jain, come here. Let's make something for dinner." Jain walked towards the kitchen. Jiya went to her room.
"Appa..." Jungkook sat beside his father.
"You're 21... Others are studying and enjoying their life at your age, and my son..." His father's eyes filled with tears.
"Don't cry, Dad, please. Everything will be alright. Don't be sad," Jungkook said, gently touching his father's cheek.
"Yes, Dad. In four or five years, I'll graduate," Jain said loudly. "Then I'll find a good job, and I'll make sure our Kooki goes back to studying. I'll take care of you and Mom like a king and queen, and Kooki will be the prince. I'll kick out that little devil too!"
Both Jungkook and his father laughed heartily.
"Alright, my princess, now get me some coffee," Jungkook said, smiling.
"Your wish is my command, Your Majesty!" Jain bowed dramatically and ran to the kitchen.
His father took a deep sigh. "Unlike Jiya, Jain will be a help to you, Jungkook," he said with a small smile. "She understands her brother and his problems. She never asked for anything, not even a chocolate.
She was even ready to work, but you didn't allow her. She's very smart and a brilliant student."Just then, Jain came out of the kitchen with a big smile on her lips. "Coffee!" she announced, carrying a tray with steaming cups.Jungkook took a cup and smiled at her. "Thank you, my princess."Jain grinned and did a playful curtsy. "Anything for my majesty."
***********
Jungkook waved at his family with a big smile, trying to convey confidence and excitement. As he turned and entered the train, he quickly found his seat. Once seated, his heart began to pound like a drum, and his eyes filled with tears. It was his first time going somewhere so far from home. He clutched himself tightly and bit his lip to prevent the tears from falling.
As the train began to move, the reality of the separation hit hard. Jain and their mother burst into tears, watching the train slowly disappear from view. His father, unable to accompany him due to his health, stood stoically but with a heavy heart. He placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Let's go home," his father said gently. "He will be safe."
Jain nodded, wiping her tears. "Yes, he will. He’s strong."
They walked back home, the silence between them heavy with a mix of worry and hope. Despite their tears, they knew this was a necessary step for Jungkook and their family's future. Their faith in Jungkook's resilience and determination kept their spirits from sinking too low.
Meanwhile, on the train, Jungkook took a deep breath and looked out the window, watching the familiar landscape blur into the distance. He reminded himself of his family's sacrifices and the hope they placed in him. With a mix of fear and determination, he resolved to make the most of this opportunity and prove that their trust was well-placed.
