A Taste Of Midnight

06

The Jeon family estate was a quiet retreat, an expanse of traditional architecture and manicured gardens tucked away from the noise of the city. Jungkook hadn't spent much time here recently, busy as he was with the company and the new heritage project. But today, he was taking a break, savoring a rare afternoon with his parents in the familiar comfort of home.

His father, Mr. Jeon, sat across from him in the living room, a tray of tea and snacks between them as they caught up. Mrs. Jeon occasionally joined in, but for the most part, she busied herself with light tasks, humming softly as she moved around.

They spoke of recent events, of the project's progress and the investment from Kim Heritage Corp., and as the conversation drifted, Jungkook felt the spark of curiosity that had been building within him. He glanced at his father, a question forming.

"Father," Jungkook began, choosing his words carefully. "I'm curious-have you ever met Kim Seokjin?"

Mr. Jeon set down his teacup, eyebrows raised slightly in surprise at the question. "Kim Seokjin?" He gave a slight shake of his head. "No, I haven't had the opportunity to meet him myself. Seokjin has kept himself remarkably private over the years, despite his influence."

Jungkook nodded thoughtfully. That much he already knew, but he couldn't help but press further. "Did Grandfather ever mention him?"

A faint smile appeared on Mr. Jeon's face, as if recalling a distant memory. He paused, thinking, then finally nodded. "Yes, actually. Once or twice. Your grandfather was one of the few who met Kim Seokjin many years ago. He always called him 'the man who looked out of time.'"

Jungkook leaned forward, intrigued. "Out of time?"

His father chuckled softly, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Your grandfather once described him as 'a handsome young man with a face like marble-ageless and untouched by the years.' He had the kind of presence that was unforgettable, your grandfather said, like something out of a storybook. It's strange... I remember him telling me that no matter how many years passed, he always pictured Seokjin as that same young man."

Jungkook felt a strange chill at his father's words, a sense of wonder mixed with something else-something darker and far less comprehensible. The description seemed at odds with the idea of Seokjin as an elder businessman, someone who should by all accounts be advanced in age.

"Do you remember what else he said about him?" Jungkook asked quietly, unable to shake the feeling that this was more than just a business relationship, more than a man with an extraordinary legacy.

Mr. Jeon tapped his fingers against his cup thoughtfully. "Only that Seokjin was different. He spoke with a calm authority but kept himself apart, always in the shadows. I think your grandfather admired him, though he never went into much detail. Even back then, Seokjin had a... mystique about him."

Jungkook's mind buzzed with the implications, his curiosity burning even brighter. How could someone maintain such an ageless appearance? And what did it mean for his own growing connection to Seokjin, this man who seemed to linger on the edges of reality?

His father gave him a knowing look. "Are you hoping to meet him, Jungkook?"

Jungkook managed a small smile, nodding. "Yes, actually. The project is important, and I'd like to know more about the man behind it. He's put a lot into it."

Mr. Jeon smiled, his expression both proud and curious. "Well, if anyone can manage it, I'd imagine it would be you. Just remember, son-some mysteries can be more complicated than they seem. Kim Seokjin may be a valuable ally, but he is not a man to be taken lightly."

Jungkook nodded, absorbing his father's words. He could feel it, too-that cautionary edge, the sense that he was venturing into territory both fascinating and potentially dangerous.

As Jungkook stepped into his study, he felt a familiar wave of anticipation, the subtle thrill that came each time he immersed himself in his quiet obsession. The study was dimly lit, lined with shelves holding business texts, historical records, and collections from his family's library. But his true focus lay within the locked drawer at the heart of his desk.

He slid into the chair, reaching into a hidden compartment for a small key he kept tucked away. Unlocking the drawer, he carefully pulled it open, revealing an assortment of folders, clippings, and notes. Each item centered around one specific, long-held question: Are vampires real?

Years of research lay within these files-anything he could find on myths, folklore, and accounts of the supernatural. While most of it was rooted in speculation, certain pieces were more grounded, historical records he'd unearthed from family archives or obscure sources he had tracked down in moments of intense curiosity.

At the center of this collection lay a series of articles he'd recently added: newspaper clippings and references to Kim Heritage Corp., a company with a century-long history but little public exposure. These articles were vague, offering only glimpses of its operations, occasional mentions of its founder Kim Seokjin, and brief comments on the company's guarded reputation. What caught Jungkook's interest was the careful wording around the founder, often described in ways that emphasized his authority and air of mystery but offered few specifics.

Jungkook leaned back, holding one of the clippings-a brief article from an old business journal that referenced a rare public appearance by Kim Seokjin. The accompanying photo was grainy, the figure barely distinguishable, but there was an elegance to the posture, a stillness that seemed almost unnatural. There was something oddly familiar in the way the articles described Seokjin, something that nagged at the back of Jungkook's mind, connecting it to his own fleeting memories of that night at the masquerade years ago.

He ran a hand through his hair, eyes lingering over the documents as he mulled over the possibilities. Though his family had always brushed off his story as a childhood fantasy, he knew what he had seen that night. He had felt the chill, the undeniable fear, and yet also the fascination as he watched the stranger feed. The memory had stayed with him, and as he grew older, he had grown more determined to prove that his encounter was real.

And now, with his connection to Kim Heritage Corp., he couldn't shake the feeling that he was closer than ever to finding the truth.