𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 | 𝐌𝐘𝐆

𝟑𝟗 | 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭

"Yeah, I'll stop by when I'm finished," Seokjin reassured Hoseok over the phone.

Since Jimin had another meeting scheduled with his secretary in Paris, Hoseok was left alone to handle Yoongi's workload. Seokjin, knowing how much pressure Hoseok was under, had insisted on helping out as soon as he finished his staff meeting at his parents' restaurant.

The Kim Family's restaurant was conveniently located near the Min Family's company, making it easy for Seokjin to swing by and lend a hand. He wasn't usually one to get involved with the business side of things but with Yoongi absent, he knew he had to step up.

With Jimin having to return to Paris in a few weeks, the weight of running the company had essentially fallen on Hoseok's shoulders.

But it was clear that Hoseok's primary concern wasn't the company at all.

His focus was on one thing:

Getting Yoongi back.

And expose Kang Gayeong.

▬▬ι══════════════ι▬▬

After ending the call, Seokjin tucked his phone back into his pocket, letting out a long, heavy sigh. He needed to clear his head before facing the meeting with the staffs. There was no way he could sit through it with his thoughts racing like this.

He walked slowly, letting his feet guide him slowly out the back of the restaurant and into a small, quiet park nearby.

It was one of the park that Seokjin always wanted to renovate. Ever since his family's restaurant started gaining more recognition, he'd been planning ways to expand. He wanted to turn it into an outdoor dining area, a perfect place for diners to enjoy their meals under the stars.

But those plans felt distant now that there were other problems he had to deal with.

As Seokjin continued walking around, trying to ease his racing mind, a faint murmur caught his attention. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the source — a narrow alley wedged between two old buildings. It was tucked away and the dim lighting made it even more suspicious.

Seokjin's gut told him to leave it alone and focus on his own problems but curiosity drew him closer. He took a cautious step toward the alley.

"Here's your money."

"Where's the other half?"

"Oh for god sake, just take these for now. I'll give you the rest later."

Seokjin froze mid-step. He knew eavesdropping wasn't the right thing to do, but something about the voice tugged at his memory. The familiarity made him uneasy.

"Later? So when?"

"When I get married."

Seokjin's pulse quickened. The conversation didn't sit right and as much he wanted to dismiss it, the urgency in their voices stirred his curiosity. He moved forward, trying his best to remain quiet, his ears straining to catch more as the voices grew louder, filling the narrow alley he found himself in.

Seokjin crouched behind a corner. The implications of what he was hearing... could this be it...?

One wrong move and he'd blow his cover but something told him this was too important to ignore.

"So what's next?"

Seokjin's suspicions had been right. The man speaking so callously about marrying for money -- it couldn't be anyone other than Choi Jihoon.

Seokjin's mind raced as he pressed his back against the wall, making sure to stay out of sight.

He held his phone tightly, praying the microphone would catch every word.

"Marry Seo Family's useless daughter and take their money. It won't be hard. She's fucking stupid to realize anyways."

Wait a second. That's Ka—

"I like your attitude."

A soft chuckle escaped the young man's lips as he teased the woman in front of him.

Seokjin couldn't afford to stay hidden any longer. This was the evidence they desperately needed. He peeked around the corner, his heart hammering in his chest as he tried to get a clearer look without blowing his cover.

He had to warn the others, but he needed more.

"Then what are you gonna do about him?"

"He'll give in. Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

Seokjin raised his phone carefully and pressed record, managing to catch a glimpse of them in the dim light.

With the video saved, Seokjin didn't wait around to hear more. He turned quickly, running off before they could spot him.