A Gift

#25

Taehyung is in his office cabin. The flooring could be made from polished hardwood or marble, adding a sense of grandeur. A large executive desk, crafted from rich wood like mahogany or walnut, dominates the room, paired with a high-end ergonomic leather chair. The desk is minimalist but equipped with state-of-the-art technology-sleek monitors, wireless charging pads, and custom-built storage solutions.

The office cabin is designed to reflect both status and taste, a perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and elegance. His hands are working efficiently while typing on his laptop.

Suddenly Mr.Kim walked into the cabin. Tae looks up and immediately stands straight. Mr.Kim eyes are sharp and assessing, giving off the sense that he's thinking several steps ahead. His demeanor is poised, never revealing too much, yet his body language subtly asserts dominance.

"Sir" Taehyung's voice is low, Mr.Kim raises his palm and Tae immediately gets silent. Mr.Kim with his calculative steps walk to the big glass wall and look at the view of the city "whatever you did yesterday... you think you are some brave hero now... You have no idea how this world works. I've built this empire brick by brick, and you're just scratching the surface."

Tae keeps looking down, Mr.Kim turns his head to look at Taehyung "Loyalty isn't something you can demand. It's earned... or bought. Which do you think keeps this company running?"

Mr.Kim walked closer to Taehyung with his heavy steps. Tae gaze still kept on the floor, Mr.Kim stood in front of him "Go ahead, fight me. But remember, I've spent a lifetime in the shadows, pulling strings you haven't even seen yet. You're not ready for this" his voice holds the authority and challenge.

Tae gulped unconsciously, Mr.Kim raised his voice "LOOK AT ME!" Tae slowly lifted his eyes to him. Mr.Kim looks directly in his eyes with his sharp and stern eyes "Everything you have....everything you are....is because of me. You think the world will welcome you with open arms when you turn your back on the hand that fed you?"

Tae shook his head "s-sir... I-I could never challenge y-you... I-I'm sorry... Extremely sorry... if m-my words hurt you in a-any way sir... I-I was in the heat of the moment... I-I'm extremely sorry" his tone is guilty, submissive and a hint of fear.

Mr.Kim looks straight in his eyes "Everything you have, everything you've built, is because of me. Don't forget that." Tae nodded slowly while his gaze again fell on the floor.

Mr.Kim stepped closer to him, only a few inches were there. His voice turns to a more authoritative and dangerous level "I built this from the ground up. You're a part of my legacy, and legacies don't survive by turning on their creators.... There's no room for weakness in this world, and I'm afraid you've shown too much." His words showcasing manipulation, subtle intimidation, and control.

Tae shakes slightly at his words, he suddenly feels like the same small boy who used to be emotionally numb or detached from reality, finding it hard to connect with others or his own feelings. Even in the presence of others, he felt completely alone with his experiences, believing no one understands or could help him.

Mr.Kim feels satisfied with Tae's familiar expression. He knows now he gets him under his control again completely "I hope you get this in your thick head." Tae nod immediately while digging his nails in his palm, an old habit to fight his anxiety and fear.

Mr.Kim smirked in satisfaction and walked towards the cabin door to walk out but halted in his step and looked back "our foreign investors are coming... Meet them at an evergreen club... understand?". Tae nod, still looking down "y-yes sir" his voice is barely above a whisper.

Mr.Kim walks out of the cabin, Tae stumbles on the chair while gasping for oxygen. Anxiety attack hit him hard, he breathed in gasp while digging his nails on the arm of his expensive chair. A sheer layer of sweat forms on his forehead and palm. He loosened his tie to breathe properly. He feels like the same small boy who used to hide under his bed when he got anxiety attacks.