Reluctant Hearts ✔️

Chapter - 19

☾⋆⁺₊🎧✧ lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıı

playιng: [With You] - [Jimin X Ha Sung- Woon]

˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ *˚˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ *˚˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･

It's been a week since Jungkook and Taehyung began their uneasy cohabitation, and it feels like they're living in two different worlds. The day after they moved in, both men threw themselves back into their work lives, eager to stay occupied and avoid any chance of confrontation. The walls of the apartment seem to echo their silence, filled with nothing but the faint hum of appliances and the soft padding of footsteps whenever one of them happens to be home.

Jungkook is a late riser, often dragging himself out of bed long after Taehyung has left for the office. Their schedules rarely align, and even when they do, they skillfully avoid crossing paths. Taehyung's mornings start early with back-to-back meetings, and by the time Jungkook wakes, the apartment is empty, and the only evidence of Taehyung's presence is a half-empty coffee cup on the kitchen counter.

Since taking Jeon Enterprises under Kim Corp, Taehyung's responsibilities have multiplied. The merger has made him the country's wealthiest businessman, with his company now spanning nearly every sector—malls, housing, fashion, entertainment, and more. Taehyung's name is on everyone's lips; he's admired, envied, and widely regarded as the most sought-after bachelor in the country. But no one knows he's no longer available.

Meanwhile, Jungkook is busy first with packing his things from his old apartment. He when finds time goes there and packs his things. It took him three days but he was able to pack most of the things, rest he puts on rent. On fourth day truly within a day everything was moved.

Apart from that he throws himself into preparation for the upcoming fashion show, spending hours in his studio, perfecting his walk, posture, and expressions. He knows that once his agency catches wind of his involvement, they won't let him rest. And he's right—one afternoon, he receives a call summoning him to the CEO's office.

Jungkook enters the sleek, modern room with an air of confidence, but his gut churns with unease. The CEO, a middle-aged man with a sharp suit and even sharper words, sits behind his desk, not bothering to hide his displeasure.

"Jungkook," the CEO begins, his tone businesslike, "I've been looking over the plans for the fashion show."

Jungkook straightens, ready to defend himself. "I've been practicing nonstop. I know I'm ready."

The CEO leans back, fingers steepled. "It's not about practice, Jungkook. It's about perception. This is a major stage, and frankly, you're not ready. It's best to hand this opportunity over to Kyle. He's more experienced in this arena."

Jungkook's frown deepens, his jaw clenching. "But this was my slot. If I back out now, it'll leave a bad impression on Delia's. They're expecting me."

The CEO waves his hand dismissively. "I'll handle it. It's better to have Kyle step in last minute than to have you stumble."

Jungkook's anger flares, but he forces himself to remain calm. His voice is tight as he speaks. "This isn't fair. I've earned this spot."

The CEO's gaze hardens. "Jungkook, you've been in this industry for a lot less time than others. You had a late start, and you need to understand the stakes. I know it's frustrating, but we have to think about the company's image."

As Jungkook storms out of the office, frustration gnaws at him. He thinks about how he's always had to prove himself since starting his career five years late. He's heard the whispers, the cruel accusations that he's an "industry plant" who got in through popularity rather than hard work, and how younger artists resent him for it. No one knows the struggles he faced after that viral survival show moment. No one saw the countless auditions, the rejections, and the constant fight to even get his foot in the door because everyone said it was too late for him.