Whispers of a first kiss

Chapter 55

"Sir."

Taehyung stood tall, his posture rigid as his father, Admiral Kim, spoke. Each word was measured, precise, as though they were in the middle of a formal briefing rather than a conversation between father and son.

"Mm. Only a week left for the deadline. I heard we still have unresolved issues with the project," Mr. Kim stated, his eyes never leaving the file in front of him.

"It will be taken care of as soon as possible," Taehyung responded, his voice steady, betraying none of the internal pressure he was feeling.

"It should be," his father replied, the weight of expectation thick in the air. Taehyung gave a curt nod, knowing full well that there was no room for failure.

Then, without missing a beat, Admiral Kim shifted the conversation. "Nami is at the age of school. You should go and get her admission tomorrow without fail."

"I will do that," Taehyung replied, the words slipping out automatically. He didn't falter, didn't question. Family obligations, just like military orders, were non-negotiable.

His father's gaze flicked up from the file for a brief moment, studying Taehyung's face. There was nothing there, no cracks, no emotions, just the calm, collected exterior of an officer. Satisfied, Admiral Kim gave a small nod, waving his hand to dismiss him.

Taehyung saluted again, turned sharply, and left the cabin, his mind already racing through the countless tasks demanding his attention. But as he walked away, something tugged at the back of his mind, Jungkook. Everything was starting to blur together, leaving him wondering how long he could maintain this perfectly constructed facade.

As Taehyung made his way toward the trainee quarters, he couldn't shake the strange pull he felt. His eyes flicked to the building in the distance, where the new recruits stayed. His assistant looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"I'll come alone. You can leave," Taehyung said.

"Are you sure, Sir? Do you need any assistance with an emergency?" the assistant asked.

"No. I'll call if I need anything," Taehyung replied as he dismissed the assistant and headed toward the quarters.

Approaching the building, Taehyung noticed the guards patrolling outside the gates. The moment they spotted him, they snapped to attention, saluting in surprise. Superior officers rarely came to the trainee camp.

"Sir, any emergency?" one of the guards asked cautiously.

Taehyung shifted on his feet. "No. I was just... mm... monitoring," he stammered, trying to sound composed.

"Any alarming situation, Sir?" another guard pressed.

"No. It's... Did you all have dinner?" Taehyung asked, his eyes wandering, avoiding the confused looks on their faces.

The guards exchanged glances, caught off guard by the unusual question.

"If not, then go ahead. I'll be here for a few minutes," Taehyung said, avoiding their gaze.

"But..." one of them began to protest.

"Half an hour. If you're not back in half an hour, be ready to run ten laps tonight," Taehyung said firmly. That was enough to send the guards scrambling. As they hurried off, Taehyung exhaled in relief.

He knew he should be in his office, reviewing files and overseeing the project's progress. Yet here he was, wandering the trainee quarters, looking for something, someone, he couldn't resist.

"Where would his room be?" Taehyung murmured, scanning the numbered doors in the dim corridor. "Jungkook... Do you know his room?" he asked a group of trainees standing nearby.