Don't Blame Me || Jeongcheol

Chapter 5

Seungcheol sat in his office, trying to focus on the report in front of him but failing to concentrate. His mind kept wandering back to Jeonghan, the memory of the thief's face and the strange effect it had on him still occupying his thoughts.

He tried to push down the feelings of attraction and fascination, reminding himself that Jeonghan was just a skilled thief, nothing more. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the image of Jeonghan's face from his mind.

Seungcheol cursed under his breath, frustrated by his own inability to keep Jeonghan out of his head. He had always been good at controlling his emotions and staying focused, but Jeonghan seemed to have a strange hold over him.

He leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair, sighing in irritation. He knew he had to get Jeonghan out of his head somehow, otherwise he would be distracted and unable to lead Seventeen effectively.

Just then, there was a knock on the door and Vernon entered. "Hey, boss," he said. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"

Seungcheol was grateful for the interruption, glad to have something to distract him from his thoughts of Jeonghan. "Yeah, sure," he said, gesturing for Hansol to come in.

Vernon leaned against the desk, looking a bit nervous. "I wanted to talk to you about something," he said, his tone serious. "It's about Jeonghan."

Seungcheol's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Jeonghan's name. "What about him?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, looking hesitant. "I don't know if this is a good idea," he said. "But I've been hearing some rumors around headquarters."

Seungcheol raised an eyebrow, sensing his reluctance. "What kind of rumors?" he asked, although he had a feeling he already knew.

Vernon shifted uneasily, studying Seungcheol's face. "Some of the members have been talking," he said. "About you and Jeonghan."

Seungcheol felt a pang of irritation and unease at the mention of the rumors. "What exactly are they saying?" he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

He shifted uneasily again, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. "Well, they've been talking about your...reaction to Jeonghan," he said, his voice tentative. "And how you let him go so easily after he took the diamond. They're saying there's something going on between you two."

Seungcheol let out a sigh, feeling frustrated and exposed. He had been hoping to keep his encounter with Jeonghan private, but it seemed like rumors were already spreading throughout headquarters.

He ran a hand through his hair, agitated. "There's nothing going on," he said firmly, trying to convince himself as much as Vernon. "Jeonghan is just a thief that we're dealing with. Nothing more."

Vernon didn't look entirely convinced, but he nodded in understanding. "Okay, boss," he said, still looking uncertain. "I just wanted to let you know what people have been saying. I don't believe the rumors, personally."

Seungcheol appreciated his loyalty and discretion, but he was still frustrated by the rumors and the fact that people were talking about him and Jeonghan. He knew he needed to put an end to the speculation before it got out of control.

He leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh. "Thanks for letting me know," he said, his voice a bit weary. "I'll see what I can do to squash those rumors."

Vernon nodded again and gave Seungcheol a small smile. "Sure thing, boss," he said. "Let me know if you need any help."

As he left the office, Seungcheol was left alone with his thoughts once again. He knew he had to address the rumors somehow, but he also knew that it wouldn't be easy to convince people there was nothing going on between him and Jeonghan.