EXCESSIVE | ᴋᴏᴏᴋᴠ

08

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After securing his job at Taehyung's company, Jungkook stepped out of the building into the bustling streets of Seoul. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the city. He took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. He had a job, but now he needed a place to stay.

His thoughts wandered back to Jimin, who had insisted on giving him some money to help him settle in. While Jungkook hated the idea of being a burden, he couldn't deny that Jimin's support was a lifeline right now. With renewed determination, he set off to find an apartment.

The first few places he visited were either too expensive or already taken. He walked through narrow alleys and busy streets, his eyes scanning for "For Rent" signs. Hours passed, and the fatigue was starting to set in when he finally stumbled upon a small, weathered sign in a dimly lit alley.

The building was old and worn down, but the sign indicated that the rent was within his budget. He approached the door and knocked. An elderly woman answered, her kind eyes studying him curiously.

"Are you looking for a place to stay?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Jungkook replied politely. "I saw the sign and was wondering if the apartment is still available."

The woman nodded and led him upstairs to a small, dingy apartment. The walls were stained, the floors creaked with every step, and the air was musty. It was far from ideal, but it was a roof over his head.

"The rent is low because the place needs some work," the woman explained. "But it's quiet, and the neighbors are decent."

Jungkook glanced around, weighing his options. It wasn't much, but it was something. "I'll take it," he said, handing over the deposit that Jimin had given him.

The woman smiled warmly. "Welcome, then. I'll get the paperwork ready."

After signing the lease, Jungkook thanked the woman and stepped inside his new home. The reality of his situation hit him as he took in the dilapidated surroundings. The apartment was even worse than his previous one, but he had no choice. He needed a place to stay in Seoul to keep his job.

He pulled out his phone and called Jimin, eager to share the news. "Hey, Jimin. I found a place," he said, trying to sound positive.

"That's great, Jungkook! How's the apartment?" Jimin asked, his voice filled with concern.

"It's... not great," Jungkook admitted. "But it's affordable, and it'll do for now."

"As long as you have a place to stay," Jimin said reassuringly. "How's the job going?"

Jungkook hesitated, deciding not to mention the incident with Taehyung. "It's good. I'm just settling in. How's my mom?"

"She's the same," Jimin replied softly. "No change, but she's stable. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her."

"Thanks, Jimin," Jungkook said, feeling a wave of gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

After ending the call, Jungkook set his phone down and began to unpack his few belongings. He spread his bedding on the creaky bed frame and placed his clothes in the small wardrobe. The apartment might have been far from perfect, but it was a start.

As he lay down on the bed, he couldn't help but think about the encounter with Taehyung. Had he made a mistake by confronting him? The man's power and influence were undeniable, and Jungkook knew he had likely made an enemy. But he couldn't dwell on that now. He needed to focus on his new job and making the most of this opportunity.

Jungkook closed his eyes, the exhaustion of the day catching up with him. Tomorrow was a new day, and he had to be ready to face whatever challenges came his way. Despite the uncertainty and the struggles ahead, he felt a glimmer of hope. He was in Seoul, he had a job, and he was determined to make it work.

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Taehyung walked into his  mansion, the grandeur of his home doing little to lift his simmering anger. He was still fuming from the incident at the office, but he tried to push it aside as he sat down for dinner. The meal was exquisite, prepared by his personal chef, but he barely tasted it. His mind was elsewhere, plotting.

After dinner, he made his way to his private bathroom, where he took a long, hot shower. The water cascading over him helped wash away the day's frustrations, and by the time he stepped out, he felt a bit more composed. He dried off, dressed in a silk robe, and headed to his bedroom.

As he lay down on his luxurious bed, a strange smile crept onto his face. He had spent the evening gathering every bit of information he could about Jungkook. He knew now that Jungkook was living in a rundown apartment, struggling financially, and clinging to a precarious job.

Taehyung had no interest in Jungkook’s family or personal history. His sole focus was on Jungkook himself. He savored the power he held, imagining the ways he could disrupt Jungkook's life. The thought brought a wicked satisfaction.

Before he drifted off to sleep, Taehyung chuckled to himself, a glint of malice in his eyes. "Jeon Jungkook," he whispered, the name rolling off his tongue with a sinister edge. He was determined to ruin Jungkook's life, and the prospect of doing so brought him an unsettling pleasure. With that dark promise hanging in the air, Taehyung closed his eyes, the smile still lingering on his lips.

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