Enthralled || Liskook

Chapter 49

The door creaked open, and Jungkook stepped into his apartment. A plume of steam billowed from the bathroom, hinting at Namjoon's recent shower. 

There he was, sprawled on the sofa, upper body bare, tossing a prepared letter of intent onto the green table with a dull thud. The paper landed right in front of Jungkook. 

"Look at it." 

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, a crease forming between his brows. "Didn't you see it?” he questioned, his hand instinctively reaching for his phone. 

"After all, it's a big deal," Namjoon said, fiddling with his gold-rimmed glasses before settling them back on his nose. 

He peered at Jungkook, a hint of condescension in his voice. "According to me, it's better for me to take the lead, and you should contribute less." 

Jungkook propped himself on the worn flannel table with one hand, the other dismissively waving in Namjoon's direction. "We are fellow disciples, we will contribute equally,” he countered, his jaw firm. 

A wide grin split Namjoon's face. "You and I are more like family than friends." 

"It's even more important that the contributions were equal,” Jungkook countered, his voice firm. “There can't be any impurities that affect the relationship." 

With practiced ease, he flipped through the agreement, his eyes scanning the pages intently. 

"We're both adults. You should know this better than anyone else. Good friends don't get tangled up in money." 

Namjoon sighed, a hint of exasperation escaping his lips. “It's different, little junior brother," he said, his voice tinged with a touch of nostalgia. "It's really different from when we were kids." 

Jungkook snatched the pen from Namjoon's grasp, his movement swift and decisive. He flipped to the last page of the contract, his finger stabbing down on a specific spot. "Here?" 

"Yes," Namjoon confirmed, his voice softer now. "Six copies, all signed by our senior brothers, the only one lacking is your signature." 

Jungkook signed each page with a flourish, the penmanship reflecting his unwavering resolve. The six contracts sat stacked on the table, a silent testament to their agreement. 

He pushed the pile towards Namjoon, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before both men looked away. 

The warm glow of the lamp illuminated the stack of documents, not just one letter of intent, but six. These weren't for any ordinary purchase; they were a belated gift, a promise kept by six apprentices for their beloved teacher, Kang Jaewon. 

Unlike Jungkook and Namjoon who joined the fold during their teacher's golden years, the first four senior brothers missed those times. 

They retired before the industry boomed, leaving them with a reputation but little financial reward, mirroring Kang Jaewon's own situation. 

Now, under Namjoon's leadership, the two younger apprentices had secured a house. 

They planned to present it to their teacher after the Korea Open, a gift from all six apprentices, a symbol of their enduring respect and a way to finally give their teacher the financial security he deserved. 

Jungkook entered Busan Club in the second grade, Kang Jaewon nurturing his skills not just on the field but as a man. The debt of gratitude he felt towards his teacher was a weight heavier than any entanglement. 

Here he was, a man pushing thirty, yearning to repay his teacher. 

Yet, Kang Jaewon was old, past the point of desires or ambitions. Years spent navigating the harsh realities of society had instilled a pragmatic understanding in Namjoon the only language that resonated now was the language of security, even if it seemed materialistic.