𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 | JUNGKOOK

2. VIP

Alba's POV

"The VIP section waitresses are understaffed, and I can't afford to keep our guests waiting."

Mr. Choi was a man who ran a tight ship, his very presence commanding attention. He was not tall, but his posture, straight as a steel rod, added inches to his tallness. His hair, always slicked back with accuracy, crowned a face that rarely gave away any emotion other than stern firmness. To his employees, he was both respected and feared; a leader who expected nothing less than perfection and had little patience for excuses.

With employees, his demeanor was curt, his expectations clear as crystal. He believed in the potential of his staff, though he often buried his praise beneath layers of critiques, driving them to exceed the high standards of the luxury establishment they represented. In his eyes, everyone was replaceable, yet oddly, he invested in their growth, that left many bewildered yet motivated.

"Understood, Mr. Choi," you replied, the determination in your eyes reflecting your willingness to embrace every challenge thrown your way. With a deep breath, you stood up, placing your sketchbook safely back in your bag, your mind already shifting gears from dreamer to doer.

"Thank you," he said briskly, already turning on his heel to leave as quickly as he had arrived, his aura of urgency trailing behind him.

With a barely contained sigh, you faced Mr. Choi, your backbone straightening as you met the challenge head-on.

"Mr. Choi, Aina and I, we're Night Auditors...." you began keeping your voice steady hide the fluttering in your chest.

"Our responsibilities don't include serving at the bar."

Aina's nod was quick, a silent echo of support that fortified your stance.

Mr. Choi's gaze, however, remained unyielding, fixed on you with an intensity that seemed to pierce through you.

"This is not up for debate," he replied curtly.

"The guests in the VIP section are high profile, and I cannot afford any risks. You've proved your capability, Alba. Show me that my trust in you isn't misplaced."

You felt the weight of his expectations settle on your shoulders, a heavy veil that was both scary and oddly refreshing. You exchanged a glance with Aina, whose eyes held an unwavering belief in you.

"Understood," you conceded, though your mind raced with questions and uncertainties.

As you walked towards the bar, the lavishness of the hotel envelopes you, causing you to think of why Mr. Choi chose you for this task.

Reaching the bar, you took a steadying breath. Whatever lay ahead in the VIP section, you would face it with the same determination that had carried you this far. After all, every challenge was an opportunity in disguise, and you were no stranger to transforming discord into harmony.

Stepping into the shadowed ambiance of the bar, your gaze instinctively searched through the dimly lit space. You found Felix behind bar counter mixing some drinks, his silhouette illuminated by the warm glow of pendant lights that dangled like stars above him. The sight of him, with his ever-changing hair – today a sandy blonde that gave him an almost ethereal look – brought an immediate sense of ease to your tense shoulders.

"Hey," you called him softly, not wanting to startle him.

Felix turned, and his deep-set eyes locked onto yours. His face lit up with that freckled smile that always seemed too big for his face, yet perfectly suited the energy he exuded. In that moment, as always, he looked like a walking mystery: his youthful features clashed with the wisdom in his eyes, eyes that had seen more than most at his age.

"Hey, Alba," he called, his voice cutting through the low hum of conversation.

"Another busy night, huh?"

You approached, your mind flashing back to your first encounter with Felix. It was during one of your initial shifts at the hotel when you had clumpsily spilled a tray of drinks all over him. Instead of getting angry, he had laughed it off, helped you clean up, and from that day on, you'd been inseparable. Felix became the brother you never had, protective in his own playful way, always encouraging you to chase after your dreams, just like he chased his own. He was also not born here, although his mother was Korean but he was born in Australia but Felix had effortlessly adapted to life in Korea, unlike you.

"Always," you replied, making your way over to him.

"How's it going here?"

Felix shrugged, a playful glint in his eye.

"Same old, same old. By the way, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"Manager's orders," you replied.

"I've been asked to cover the VIP tonight. Apparently, there's a shortage of hands."

Felix's smile faltered, replaced by concern between his brows.

"I don't think that's a good idea," he said, leaning closer.

"You know how demanding those guests can be. Let me handle it you stick to what you're scheduled for."

You shook your head, a small laugh escaped your lips.

"Since when have you seen me back down from a challenge, Felix?" your eyes sparkled with determination.

"Alba, I'm serious," Felix insisted, his playful demeanor giving way to the protective nature you'd come to rely on.

"It's not about the challenge; it's about looking out for each other. I've got this."

Your conversation was cut short as Mr. Choi approached.

"Alba, I need you at the VIP bar, now," he commanded, his voice strained yet laced with a tone of professional urgency.

He pointed at a VIP lounge door.

"That room's waitress is unavailable, and we can't afford to keep our guests waiting."

You nodded, your heart skipping a beat. This was your chance to prove yourself, to show that you could handle even the most demanding of guests.

"I'm on it," you replied, your voice steady as you passed Felix a look, considering his words. It wasn't fear that held your back, it was the thought that perhaps he knew something you didn't.

"Thank you, Felix, really," you said, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.

"But I've got it. I'll handle it. Just like we always do."

Without waiting for his response, you quickly made your way toward the exclusive section, your mind racing with possibilities. Why was Felix so adamant? Was it simply concern, or did he know more about the VIP guests than he let on? Pushing aside the questions, you focused on the task ahead. With every step towards the VIP section, you made silent promise that no matter what lay beyond those doors, you would face it with grace.

Your footsteps whispered across the plush carpet, as you reached for the golden handle.  Your hands, usually so steady when sketching a dress or masterfully arranging a bouquet of room keys, now trembled as you reached for the golden handle. You drew in a deep breath, bracing yourself against it. With resolve solidifying in your chest, you pushed it open.

These were the men who had summoned you here, through the whim of a manager's urgent directive. They were enigmas, their stories yet unwritten in the ledger of your life. And as you took your first step into the room, you were nervous but It didn't matter; you would serve them with the professionalism you brought to every task, every encounter. The music of your life played on, and you were ready to dance to its tune.

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I swear you're gonna get the JJK intro in next chapter.🫢🙈