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Chapter 5: Unspoken Expectations

Jungkook adjusted his tie nervously as he approached the sleek glass door leading to his father-in-law's office. Located on the top floor of King's Department Store's headquarters, the office offered a panoramic view of the bustling city below. Despite the modern, welcoming design, Jungkook always felt a slight chill down his spine whenever he had to have a serious conversation with Mr. Kim, Taehyung's father.

Today was no exception. Jungkook was here to discuss a delicate matter: the departure of an employee from the company. The young man had left for a better opportunity, but Mr. Kim saw it as a betrayal.

"Come in," Mr. Kim's deep voice echoed through the glass door, and Jungkook pushed it open, stepping into the spacious, tastefully decorated office. Minimalist furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a few carefully selected pieces of modern art gave the room a sophisticated yet imposing atmosphere. Mr. Kim sat behind a sleek, minimalist desk, his expression stern and expectant.

"Good morning, Father in law," Jungkook greeted, striving to keep his voice steady. He respected Mr. Kim immensely but was always wary of the older man's stern demeanor.

"Morning, Jungkook," Mr. Kim replied, not looking up from the document he was perusing. "Have a seat."

Jungkook took a deep breath and sat down, feeling the chair's cool leather against his skin. He watched as Mr. Kim continued to read, the silence stretching between them.

After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Kim finally looked up, his gaze sharp and piercing. "You wanted to talk about something?" he prompted, though his tone suggested he already knew what this was about.

"Yes, sir," Jungkook began cautiously. "I heard about Lee Joon leaving the company. It's unfortunate, but I understand he had a great opportunity elsewhere."

Mr. Kim's eyes darkened. "Unfortunate?" he repeated. "Betrayal is more like it. I gave him everything—a job, trust, opportunities. And how does he repay me? By running off to a competitor the moment he sees a chance for more money."

Jungkook swallowed hard. He knew Mr. Kim took loyalty seriously, perhaps more seriously than anyone else Jungkook had ever met. "I understand your frustration, but sometimes people leave to pursue their own paths. It doesn't always mean they didn't value what they had here."

Mr. Kim leaned back in his chair, his gaze not softening one bit. "You seem to have a very lenient view on loyalty, Jungkook. Do you think that's acceptable?"

The question was loaded, and Jungkook knew it. He had to tread carefully. "I believe loyalty is important," he said slowly. "But I also believe that people have their own dreams and ambitions. Sometimes, those lead them away from where they started. It doesn't mean they didn't appreciate their beginnings."

Mr. Kim's eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. "And what about your loyalty, Jungkook? To Taehyung? To our family? Can I count on you not to follow your own ambitions away from us?"

Jungkook felt a lump in his throat. The implication was clear: Mr. Kim wasn't just talking about business loyalty anymore. He was questioning Jungkook's commitment to his son, to their marriage, to their future.

"Of course, you can," Jungkook replied firmly, his voice steady despite the intensity of Mr. Kim's stare. "I would never leave Taehyung. Our relationship, our family, means everything to me. I'm here for the long haul."

Mr. Kim's gaze didn't waver, and for a moment, Jungkook feared his words hadn't been enough. But then Mr. Kim nodded slowly, seemingly satisfied. "Good," he said. "Because if you ever did, it would be the ultimate betrayal. And I would take you for everything you have, Jungkook. Understand that."

Jungkook nodded, his throat dry. "I understand, sir."

Mr. Kim leaned back, his expression softening just a fraction. "I hope I never have to doubt your loyalty, Jungkook. Taehyung loves you deeply, and I expect you to honor that love."

Jungkook nodded again, feeling a mix of relief and unease. "I will, sir."

"Good," Mr. Kim said, his tone final. "Now, let's move on to other matters."

As Jungkook began to relax, Mr. Kim's gaze sharpened again. "Since you're the legal director of King's Department Store now," he began, his voice taking on a business-like tone, "I want you to handle this Lee Joon situation. I want you to sue him."

Jungkook blinked, taken aback. "Sue him? On what grounds?"

"On breach of contract," Mr. Kim replied, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "He signed a non-compete agreement. By going to work for a competitor, he's violated that agreement. We need to set a precedent that leaving us for a rival won't be taken lightly."

Jungkook's mind raced. He knew Lee Joon had indeed signed a non-compete clause, but enforcing it in court would be a lengthy and potentially contentious process. "Are you sure that's the best course of action?" Jungkook asked carefully. "It might come across as punitive rather than protective."

"Punitive?" Mr. Kim's voice rose slightly. "He needs to understand the consequences of his actions. They all do. If you let one person walk away like this, it sets a dangerous precedent. And as my legal director, I expect you to ensure this doesn't happen."

Jungkook nodded slowly, knowing he had little choice but to comply. "I understand, sir. I'll look into the legal options and start the process."

"Good," Mr. Kim said, his voice softening just a fraction. "Remember, Jungkook, loyalty is everything. And that goes for you, too. I trust you'll handle this matter with the same dedication you've shown our family."

"I will," Jungkook promised, though his heart felt heavy. The weight of Mr. Kim's expectations was immense, and as he left the office, he couldn't help but feel the burden of those unspoken demands pressing down on him even more.