"Unraveled Hearts"

chapter - 7

The day had finally arrived, and Jimin and J-Hope were at Golden Closet headquarters, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The grand lobby buzzed with representatives from all over the fashion industry. KJS Apparel, Jimin's company, was just one of many hopefuls presenting their designs for Golden Closet's new idol group debut.

Jimin looked around, noticing the sleek, confident representatives from some of the most famous brands in the country. One of them, a woman from DaeHan Fashion, an omega dressed in a tailored designer suit, exuded overconfidence, her sharp gaze scanning the competition with smug satisfaction.

Ho-seok nudged him. "We've got this, our designs speak for themselves."

Jimin nodded, steadying his nerves. He believed in their work, too, and knew they were worthy contenders, but the stakes were high. They needed this deal.

Inside the main conference room, Jungkook sat at the head of the long, polished table, reviewing the design portfolios presented by the companies. His piercing dark eyes, accentuated by the subtle gleam of his eyebrow and lip piercings, flicked through each file with razor-sharp focus. He was an imposing figure, a man of few words, exuding authority. His tailored three-piece suit clung to his frame with perfection, and his wet forest scent filled the room—a mix of earth and rain that somehow felt grounding and refreshing.

As he waited for the presentations to begin, Jungkook thought back to his criteria. For him, it wasn't just about the aesthetics or creativity—talent was important, but so were ethics, professionalism, and authenticity. He knew that partnering with the right company could make or break the debut of his idols, and he wasn't about to gamble on style alone. Today, he had two companies in mind to test more rigorously: KJS Apparel and DaeHan Fashion. Both had submitted impressive initial designs, but he needed more than just flashy drawings.

When Jimin and J-Hope entered the room, something shifted in Jungkook's perception, though he couldn't quite place what it was. Jimin wasn't dressed to stand out, unlike the others who wore extravagant outfits to showcase their brands. Jimin wore a simple suit, perfectly fitted yet understated, and his scent was masked by blockers—an unusual choice, considering the omega beside him from DaeHan Fashion flaunted her floral scent heavily. Yet, there was an undeniable pull. His eyes were drawn to Jimin like gravity itself had intensified around him.

Jungkook's breath hitched, the air seeming to thicken as he gazed at the man before him.

Who is he? he wondered. Jimin's beauty wasn't loud or demanding; it was quiet, but it gripped him. There was something about the softness of his features, framed by that perfect suit, that sent a ripple through Jungkook's otherwise calm mind. The curve of his lips, the sharpness in his eyes—a silent strength that wasn't trying to impress. And yet, it did. There was something more, something beneath the surface, and it called to him, like the scent he couldn't detect but somehow felt in his bones. **How would he smell without those blockers?** The thought startled him. No. This was work. He shook himself mentally—he had to focus on the task at hand.

Jungkook cleared his throat, forcing himself back to his professional demeanor. He couldn't allow personal feelings—whatever these strange ones were—to interfere. He gestured for the presentations to begin.

The representatives from DaeHan Fashion stepped up first. The omega woman, her voice dripping with confidence, began showcasing their designs—bold, avant-garde outfits that screamed luxury and exclusivity. Her words matched her attitude, full of flair and self-assurance. She spoke about their brand's prestige, how partnering with them would elevate Golden Closet's reputation to new heights. But there was something hollow in her pitch—something overly rehearsed and arrogant. Jungkook's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened, taking in not just the designs but the tone of entitlement in her words.

Next came KJS Apparel.

Jimin stepped forward, his presence quieter but somehow more commanding in its simplicity. He didn't try to impress with flowery words or overblown promises. Instead, he spoke passionately about the designs, how they were tailored to fit the personalities of the idols, how the clothing would enhance not just the group's look but their confidence and individuality. J-Hope chimed in, his vibrant personality adding color to the presentation, but it was Jimin who held Jungkook's attention. Every word Jimin spoke carried weight, sincerity, and a deep understanding of fashion that went beyond mere trends. His vision wasn't just about style—it was about connection.

When the presentations were over, Jungkook decided to test them further. He posed difficult questions, especially to Jimin and the omega from DaeHan Fashion. "If we choose your designs, how do you plan to handle last-minute changes or unforeseen challenges? Flexibility is key in this industry."

The omega from DaeHan Fashion smirked, clearly confident in her response. "We've handled the best of the best in the fashion world. Challenges don't faze us. We're DaeHan Fashion. We know what we're doing."

Jungkook didn't even react to her words, turning instead to Jimin, waiting for his answer.

Jimin's response was calm, thoughtful. "Fashion is about adapting, but also about understanding the needs of the client. If last-minute changes are necessary, we'll work with your team to ensure the outcome meets your vision. It's not just about showing off our designs; it's about collaboration."

Jungkook's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. That's what he wanted to hear. Collaboration. Authenticity. Talent.

Satisfied, Jungkook announced the decision after a brief deliberation. "We'll be going with KJS Apparel."

Jimin's eyes widened, and for a moment, he was frozen in disbelief. J-Hope let out a whoop of joy, immediately grabbing Jimin by the shoulders and shaking him in excitement. "We did it, Jimin-ah! We really did it!"

Jimin's heart swelled with pride as they both stood there, realizing they had just secured the deal of a lifetime. This was their moment, the culmination of all the hard work they had poured into KJS Apparel. They thanked Jungkook and left the room, still on cloud nine, chatting excitedly about what this partnership could mean for their future.

As Jungkook watched them leave, his gaze lingered on Jimin a little longer than it should have. There was something about the man that captivated him, something that made it impossible to look away.

He's different Jungkook thought, a flicker of something stirring deep within him. It wasn't love—at least, not yet—but it was more than simple admiration. There was a magnetic quality to Jimin, one that drew Jungkook in and made him want to know more. But he quickly shook the feeling away. He prided himself on professionalism. Whatever this was, he wasn't going to let it interfere with his decision.

Still, as he returned to his work, that same thought kept running through his mind.

To be continued........................................