𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 | JUNGKOOK

82. Shadows Of The Past

Happy Jungkook Day, Y'all!💜

Alba's POV

You sat at your desk, my eyes unfocused as you stared at the computer screen in front of you. You had been trying to work, trying to concentrate on the endless rows of data and figures, but your mind kept drifting back to Jungkook.

You needed to focus. You couldn't let his sudden reappearance derail everything you had been working so hard to achieve. You clicked through the files on your screen, forcing myself to concentrate on the task at hand. Claire was going to be tough, and you needed to be ready for her. You couldn't afford to let your emotions get in the way, not now.

A soft knock on your door pulled you from your spiraling thoughts. You blinked, straightening in your chair. "Come in," you called, trying to keep your voice steady.

The door opened, and Taehyung walked in, his face filled with that familiar mix of concern and calm that you had come to rely on. "Hey," he said, closing the door gently behind him. "You okay?"

You forced a small smile, trying to push away the emotions swirling in your chest. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... busy," you replied, but even you could hear how unconvincing you sounded.

He raised an eyebrow as he pulled up a chair and sat down across from you. "Busy, huh? Is that why you look like you're about to punch your computer screen?"

You sighed, rubbing your temples. "I guess I'm just... distracted."

He studied you for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "By Jungkook?" he asked.

You bit your lip, looking down at your hands. "Maybe."

He nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Look, Al, I know this isn't easy. Seeing him again after everything... It's a lot."

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. "I just don't know if I can trust him," you confessed. "He says he wants to help, but... what if he's just trying to make up for everything he did before?"

He nodded, his expression serious. "Maybe he is," he said, "Do you think he's being genuine?"

You hesitated. "I don't know," you whispered. "Part of me wants to believe he's sincere, but... it's hard. After everything."

Taehyung squeezed your hand gently. "I get it," he said. "Just focus on what you need to do for yourself, for your work. If Jungkook really wants to help, he'll understand that you need space to figure things out."

You nodded slowly, grateful for his words. "Thank you, Tae," you said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

He grinned. "You'd probably be staring holes into your computer screen for the rest of the day."

You chuckled, feeling some of the tension in your shoulders ease. "Yeah, probably," you admitted. "You're right, though. I just need to focus on what I have to do."

He nodded, standing up and giving your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're doing great, Alba. Just remember that."

You smiled up at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I will,"

He winked. "Good. Now, get back to work. Show Claire what you're made of."

You nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination as Taehyung left the room. You watched him go, the door clicking softly shut behind him, and turned back to your computer screen. You had a lot of work to do, and you had one hell of a meeting to attend so you needed to stay focused.

As you stood in front of his office, clutching the file tightly against your chest, the weight of your decision pressing down on your shoulders. You took a deep breath, trying to steady the rapid beating of your heart.