Jimin navigates the heart-wrenching aftermath of losing his first love, Kai, who was not only his childhood sweetheart but also his fiancé. After Kai's tragic accident, Jimin struggles with grief and the fear of moving on. However, as time passes, h...
Jimin sat at his desk, his eyes occasionally drifting toward the large portrait of Kai that hung on the wall. It was hard not to feel the pressure whenever he looked at it—a reminder of the man who had built the company he now led. Kai had been a visionary, a fashionista since childhood, creating his own clothing line despite the success of the family business. His charisma and determination had attracted a loyal following, and many of the company's current employees were there because of their belief in him.
But now, Jimin was the one who had to bear the weight of those expectations.
He'd faced doubt from the moment he stepped in to take over the business. His background in dance and performing arts didn't quite align with the world of fashion and corporate dealings, and many old shareholders weren't shy about voicing their concerns. They underestimated him, questioning his ability to lead, to innovate. They taunted him, pointing to his lack of formal business education, trying to undermine his authority.
But Jimin had endured it all. With the unwavering support of the Kim's and a few key loyal employees—those who had trusted in Kai's vision—he was able to withstand the pressure. He learned quickly, relying on his determination and the love he had for the company Kai had built. Still, his goal wasn't just to maintain the business; he wanted to expand it. Kai's clothing line had so much potential, and Jimin was determined to see it grow, to honor Kai's legacy by pushing the boundaries of their fashion empire.
He was deeply engrossed in reviewing a new collection when a soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," Jimin called, not looking up from the papers.
The door opened, and in walked Jung Ho-seok—better known as J-Hope—one of the most talented designers in South Korea. His presence brought a warmth to the room, as it always did. Dressed impeccably in a vibrant yet tasteful ensemble, Ho-seok's style was as bright and bold as his personality. He was a ray of sunshine on even the gloomiest of days. His tangerina scent felt peace.
"Jimin-ah!" Ho-seok greeted with his usual infectious energy. His smile was wide, and he practically bounced as he entered. "Busy as always, huh?"
Jimin looked up and smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. If anyone could ease the tension in the room, it was J-Hope. They had become close over the years, their personalities naturally aligning, and though Kai had once teased them about being too similar, Jimin cherished their friendship deeply. There were times when Kai would jokingly act jealous, feeling like a third wheel, but it had always been in good fun.
Ho-seok had been with the company through thick and thin, and Jimin respected him immensely for that. Despite receiving numerous offers from other top brands—especially after Kai's passing—Ho-seok never once wavered in his loyalty. He had a deep connection to the company, having been given a chance by Kai when no one else believed in him. Coming from an average background and a less prestigious university, Ho-seok had faced rejection after rejection before Kai saw his potential. Together, they had navigated countless challenges, and their determination had stabilized the company in the competitive fashion market.
When Kai passed, many of the company's top designers had left, fearing the business would crumble without him. But Ho-seok had stayed, fighting alongside Jimin, and for that, Jimin's respect and love for him only grew.
"Yah, Jimin-ah, I've got an idea!" Ho-seok said excitedly, pulling Jimin out of his thoughts. "I've been thinking about how we can take our brand to the next level."
Jimin leaned back in his chair, intrigued. "Oh? Let's hear it, Hobi. Hyung"
Ho-seok's eyes gleamed with excitement. "What if we partner with Golden Closet for their upcoming idols? You know how popular their label is, not just in Korea but internationally. We could propose using our clothing for their debuting idols. It'll give us massive exposure, and we'd be associated with one of the hottest labels in the industry."
Jimin's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Golden Closet? Jeon Jungkook's company?"
Ho-seok nodded eagerly. "Exactly. They're at the top right now. And with Jungkook's reputation—especially considering how successful he's been in promoting talent abroad—it's the perfect opportunity. If we can get our clothing featured in their debut campaigns, it'll not only boost our visibility but also solidify our place in the market."
Jimin's mind raced. He had to admit, it was a brilliant idea. Golden Closet had a reputation for launching fresh talent into the global stage, and their label was synonymous with trendsetting. A partnership with them could be exactly what the company needed to push Kai's fashion line beyond Korea.
Jimin leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand thoughtfully. "It's definitely worth a try. If we can get in with Golden Closet, it'll be a game changer for us."
"And think about it," Ho-seok continued, his enthusiasm contagious. "We've been struggling to break into the international market, but with Golden Closet's reach, we'd be putting our designs in front of a global audience. Plus, it's not just about the exposure; we'd be able to align with their fresh, innovative approach to idol branding. It fits perfectly with Kai's vision."
Jimin nodded, already forming a plan in his mind. "You're right. Kai would've jumped at this chance. Let's prepare a pitch and reach out to them. If we can show them how our designs complement their image, we'll have a strong case."
Ho-seok grinned, clearly thrilled that Jimin was on board. " I heard that they are looking for new Collab , I'll start working on some concepts that we can present. This is going to be amazing, Jimin. I can feel it."
Jimin couldn't help but smile at his friend's boundless optimism. "I'll leave the creative genius part to you, Hyung. Let's make this happen."
As Ho-seok left to get started on the proposal, Jimin sat back in his chair, feeling a surge of determination. This was more than just business for him. It was a way to honor Kai's dream and take it even further. Expanding the clothing line had always been a part of their shared vision, and now, with Golden Closet as a potential partner, they had a real shot at making it happen.
For the first time in a while, Jimin felt a spark of excitement for what lay ahead. He'd faced doubts and challenges, but he wasn't about to let them hold him back. He would fight for this company, just like Kai had, and with people like Ho-seok by his side, he knew they could achieve something great.
To be continued..................................
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