NEXUS || A Kim Taehyung Fanfiction Ft. Jungkook

16

The grand ballroom of the Gala shimmered with opulence, crystal chandeliers refracting light onto the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Namjoon guided Ruby through the throng, his hand resting lightly on her elbow. As they approached the VIP area, Ruby's pulse quickened. Who could Namjoon want her to meet here? They stopped before a tall, imposing figure with an unmistakable air of authority – Kim Dong-In, Taehyung's father. 

"Chairman Kim," Namjoon said, bowing slightly. Dong-In's face broke into a warm smile. "Namjoon, Ruby, congratulations on your presentation. Brilliant work!" Ruby's cheeks flushed as Dong-In's piercing gaze settled on her. "Your innovative approach has opened doors to new possibilities," Dong-In continued. "I must admit, I'm impressed." 

Namjoon beamed with pride. "Ruby deserves the credit. She crafted the entire concept under tight deadlines." Dong-In's eyes sparkled. "Ah, Ruby, you're a gem. Your fresh perspective is exactly what our industry needs." Ruby's smile faltered, uneasy with the lavish praise. Dong-In turned to Namjoon. "I propose collaboration with TitanRoyce. Are you interested?" Namjoon's face lit up. "We'd be honored! Thank you for the opportunity." Ruby's mind reeled, her excitement tempered by apprehension. As Dong-In elaborated on the potential partnership, Ruby's gaze drifted around the ballroom, searching for a familiar face – Taehyung's. Dong-In's words washed over her, but her thoughts lingered on the man who had once captured her heart. "...and with TitanRoyce's resources, the possibilities are endless," Dong-In concluded. Namjoon's enthusiasm was palpable. "This is a game-changer. Thank you, Chairman Kim." Ruby forced a smile, trying to match Namjoon's excitement. Dong-In's eyes crinkled. "I'll have my assistant send over the details. Look forward to working together." Namjoon's eyes darted around the ballroom, his smile apologetic. "Excuse me for a moment, sir." With a nod, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ruby alone with Dong-In. Ruby's unease intensified as Dong-In's piercing gaze settled on her." Ruby, you're an exceptional talent," Dong-In said, his voice low and measured. "I'm glad Namjoon  brought you into his orbit." 

Ruby's heart skipped a beat at the praise. Dong-In's expression turned thoughtful. "I must admit, I was skeptical at first, but your work speaks for itself." Ruby's hands clasped together, her fingers intertwining. "Thank you, Chairman Kim." The silence that followed was oppressive, weighing heavily on Ruby.

Dong-In's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ruby, it's been far too long. How have you been, child?" Ruby's tension eased, replaced by a mix of nostalgia and warmth. "Chairman Kim... I mean, sir," Ruby stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Dong-In chuckled. "None of that formality, Ruby. You're family. You know that." Ruby's eyes welled up, memories flooding back. Dong-In's voice turned gentle. "I've missed you, Ruby. How's life treated you all these years?" Ruby's lips trembled. "It's... been a journey, sir." Dong-In's gaze turned serious. "I apologize for Taehyung's behavior back then. He was reckless, and I should've intervened." Ruby's eyes widened, surprised. Dong-In's voice filled with regret. "I had no idea how poorly he treated you at TitanRoyce. Forgive me, Ruby." Tears pricked at the corners of Ruby's eyes. "Sir, it's... water under the bridge," Ruby said, her voice cracking. 

Dong-In's expression turned stern. "No, Ruby, it's not. You deserved better. Taehyung will learn from his mistakes." The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken words.
Dong-In's eyes, filled with warmth, searched Ruby's face. "Tell me, child, are you happy now? Truly happy?" Ruby's gaze dropped, her voice barely audible. "I'm... trying, sir." Dong-In's expression turned understanding. "Life hasn't been easy on you, has it?" Ruby shook her head, a lump forming in her throat. Dong-In's hand covered Ruby's, his touch comforting. "You deserve happiness, Ruby. Don't settle for less." Tears threatened to spill, Ruby's emotions raw. Dong-In released Ruby's hand, his eyes never leaving hers. Dong-In turned back to Ruby. "Walk with me, child. The evening's still young."