Royal Ace Lounge

⑭Maybe You Should Give Up

 
Taehyung, sitting with his best friend on the single step outside of the Royal Ace Lounge, narrated the events that took place yesterday. He didn’t share every detail, but he described the exact scene at the end of their meeting to see if Jimin believed Jungkook’s infuriated reaction was justifiable.

With his brows raised in two high bows of astonishment, Jimin gaped at him. “He got so mad because you cut him off and left without saying goodbye?”

“Basically, yeah,” Taehyung uttered, firming up the grip around his bent knees at the next gush of icy wind that slammed against his form. He hated the cold, but he had to get everything off his chest without fearing that someone would hear them.

Jimin shook his head in a sustained motion, unwilling to believe that was the reason. “Was it the first time you left without saying goodbye?”

“I think I had bowed my head once without saying anything. But he didn’t scold me about it.”

“Then there’s no way that was the only reason. I didn’t know he could get mad, to be honest. He’s so apathetic all the time.”

“Exactly! I knew he could get strict, but what I saw yesterday... It scared me, Chim.”

A gloomy, sympathetic smile emerged on Jimin’s face as he curled his arm around him. He was acutely aware of the reason for his fearful state. After being best friends for more than ten years, there was nothing he didn’t know about him.

Jimin leaned the side of their heads together, caressing his biceps in soothing slides. “Don’t worry. No one will hurt you. I know Jungkook was scary yesterday, but I don’t think he has it in him. To hurt someone physically. He made his business so safe for his employees for a reason.”

“That’s true.” A perpetual heaviness sank his features, so intense he didn’t think he could slough it off. “It just brought back memories.”

“I know,” Jimin said soothingly. “Let’s go inside because you’re shaking.”

“Yeah, I can’t stand the cold for too long.”

Jimin offered him another delicate smile as they simultaneously rose to their feet. They still held each other while they strolled into the lounge, but Jimin’s steps faltered as he sensed Taehyung slow down at the presence of Jungkook with his friends and a couple of hosts.

“Good, you’re here too,” Hoseok said and turned to Saerin. “Call the others.”

Jimin’s hold withered as a baffled frown sprawled over his face. “What’s happening?”

“We have an announcement to make to all the hosts and hostesses,” Hoseok explained. “Take a sit.”

Taehyung followed his friend closely and sat on the edge of the long, circular couch, away from the boss. He hadn’t met his eyes yet, and he didn’t want to. At least not yet.

Soon, both chenille couches filled with people, and everyone’s attention rushed to Jungkook, who stepped forward. “A special customer will visit us tonight. I don’t know his preferences, but I know he’s one of the richest people in Seoul. We have to make him a regular. Anything he wants, you will give it to him. Make him feel like a God. Okay?”

Everyone offered words and nods of accord and waited for the boss to continue.

“That’s all.”

“Sir!” Euntae raised his hand vigorously before he could make a move. When Jungkook’s vapid eyes crawled to him, he glanced down, dropping his arm. “Why don’t you let us sit with you anymore?”

“Because I don’t want to. When I want your company again, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, sir.”