Bound by Colors

Chapter 3

Inside the cozy cafe, the soft hum of chatter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee created a comforting ambiance. Jimin tried to focus on wiping down tables and taking orders, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the encounter with the cold, enigmatic man.

It had been three days, yet Taehyung's words echoed in his mind.He wanted to talk to someone, but with Jungkook busy preparing for the upcoming competition, he didn't want to bother him. Besides, what would Jungkook think? Why would someone like Kim Taehyung want an orphan like him to live with him? What could he possibly want from Jimin? No, it can't be that,

Jimin shook his head, dismissing the troubling thought.Lost in his reverie, Jimin didn't notice a customer waving at him.

"Hey, Jimin," his coworker shook his shoulder.

"Huh?" he responded, snapping back to reality.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"Yeah, why?""You look lost. That customer was waving at you to order."
"Oh, sorry," he said, embarrassed.

"It's okay. You've been staring at the door for the last five minutes. Are you waiting for someone?" she inquired.

"It's not that. I'm just tired," Jimin replied.

"Okay, give this to table 5," she said, handing him a tray.

As he served the order, the door chimed open, drawing everyone's attention. Jimin turned and felt his heart stop.

It was Kim Taehyung, accompanied by his guards. What was he doing here?Taehyung walked in and sat at a corner table near the window. His secretary approached the counter, while the waiters tended to the customers.

"We're sorry for the trouble, but you all have to leave," the secretary announced.

Whispers filled the cafe as customers reluctantly got up and left.

Jimin stood there, astonished, until the old lady nudged him. "Go take the order."He walked toward Taehyung's table, nervous.

"What would you like to order, sir?" he asked.Taehyung removed his shades and looked at Jimin.

"Sit down," he commanded.Reluctantly, Jimin sat across from him, his hands in his lap, playing with his fingers. All the staff watched in confusion. Was the rich ice king here for Jimin?

"So, what's your answer?" Taehyung asked.

"Mr. Kim, I'm sorry. I can't accept your offer," Jimin replied respectfully.Taehyung extended his hand.

"Give me your hand."Feeling a strange sense of embarrassment, Jimin hesitated but eventually placed his hand in Taehyung's. Taehyung's grip was firm yet gentle.
His monochrome worlds filling with bright colors. Making his desire to keep jimin close more strong.

"Tell me what you want—money, property. I'll give you whatever you desire," Taehyung offered.

Jimin felt humiliated. Did Taehyung think he could be bought? He tried to pull back his hand but failed.

"Mr. Kim, I want nothing. Please leave me alone."
"I can't," Taehyung simply replied.

"I'll pay you as much as you earn in a year, per day."

"Mr. Kim, try to understand. I don't want anything," Jimin said, his voice laced with anger.

Taehyung ignored his words, his gaze fixed on Jimin's lips. Jimin flinched as Taehyung traced his bottom lip with his thumb.
"Your lip color is beautiful," he remarked.

"Ow!" someone shouted from behind with surprise.

Embarrassed and confused, Jimin didn't know what came over him. He punched Taehyung hard. Gasps filled the room. Taehyung's guards were about to intervene when he raised a hand to stop them.

Touching his bruised lip, Taehyung looked intrigued.

"So, this is the color of blood," he mused, his gaze returning to Jimin.

"It's beautiful but not as beautiful as your lips."

Jimin was stunned. He had expected anger, but this reaction left him bewildered. Taehyung stood up and pulled Jimin close, one arm around his waist.

"You don't have an option, Jimin," he whispered, his breath hot against Jimin's ear. "Let's go home."

"Mr. Kim," Jimin tried to resist, but Taehyung's grip tightened."Leave with me if you want your colleagues to stay unharmed," Taehyung warned, sending shivers down Jimin's spine.He walked out, one hand holding Jimin's hand and the other around his waist.
"Buy this place," he ordered his secretary.