the glow of the teaser video illuminated the darkened conference room, but the warmth of the moment didn't reach taehyung. he sat at the head of the table, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on the screen. to the team around him, he looked like a proud CEO, overseeing the culmination of months of preparation. but inside, he was a void of emotions, calculating, detached.
the cheers and chatter from the staff buzzed in his ears, but his mind was elsewhere.
jennie
her name flared like a bitter wound in his thoughts. no matter how much success surrounded him, it was never enough—not until she came crawling back. he wanted her to see all of this. he wanted her to feel it. the fame, the power, the headlines—he'd built it all to remind her of what she lost.
taehyung's jaw tightened as he clenched his fists under the table. he didn't care about nayeon's success, not really or how much he'll spend for all this shits. she was a pawn, a means to an end. someone he sometimes used sexually, even enjoyed, but it didn't move him. nothing did—not unless it was her.
jennie
the meeting finally wrapped up, and the staff began to shuffle out. nayeon's voice cut through the air, soft yet commanding.
"can i have a moment alone with the ceo?"
taehyung's cold eyes flickered toward her, unreadable. he gave a small nod, watching silently as the team exited one by one. the room grew quiet, leaving only the hum of the screen and the tension hanging thick in the air.
once they were alone, she reached out, her fingers brushing the edge of the table. "taehyung..."
he didn't respond, simply watching her with that same detached expression, waiting for her to speak.
" i wanted to thank you," she said softly, her voice almost trembling. "for everything. for believing in me when no one else did."
taehyung leaned back in his chair, his face an unreadable mask. he didn't interrupt, but there was no warmth in his silence, no encouragement in his gaze.
" i mean it," nayeon continued, her eyes searching his for something—anything. "you've given me so much. and i want you to know that i won't let you down. i'll make kth entertainment proud. i'll make you proud."
taehyung let the words hang in the air for a moment before finally speaking, his voice cold and measured.
"you're doing fine, nayeon. just enjoy what you're having now"
her face fell slightly, expecting more. she shifted in her seat, her confidence cracking under his indifference.
"i just..." she began again, softer this time. "i want you to know how much this means to me. and how much you mean to me."
her words lingered, vulnerable and bare. taehyung's expression didn't change. inside, he felt nothing but annoyance. she stood up slowly, her movements deliberate, heels clicking softly against the floor as she made her way behind him. taehyung didn't react, but she knew he was aware of her every step.
