A devotedly religious boy and a workaholic seem like an unlikely match, but fate has a way of surprising us.
Kim Taehyung is firm in his beliefs, possibly even uncomfortable with the LGBT community, while Jeon Jungkook, a confident bisexual, embrace...
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Chapter 9: The Stranger Man
Jungkook burst from his office, a whirlwind of controlled urgency. He navigated the bustling department, his eyes scanning the familiar faces until they landed on Jimin, engaged in a conversation with colleagues. He cut through the chatter, his voice sharp and commanding.
"Hyung!"
"What?" Jimin responded, surprised by his sudden appearance.
Jimin, startled by the abrupt summons, turned, a question mark etched on his face.
"Go replace me as an interviewer," Jungkook instructed, already reaching for his coat, the fabric rustling as he shrugged into it. "I have something important to do."
Jimin blinked, utterly bewildered. "Huh?"
"Just go to the office. I've already briefed them. Bye!" Jungkook sang, a cheerful lilt in his voice that belied the abruptness of his departure. He vanished before Jimin could utter another word, leaving a trail of confusion in his wake.
Jimin exchanged a bewildered glance with his colleague, who simply shrugged. A sigh escaped Jimin's lips as he rose, the weight of Jungkook's unexplained request settling heavily on his shoulders.
He approached Mrs. Ma, Jungkook's usually unflappable assistant, her expression a mixture of weariness and exasperation.
"Mrs. Ma, you're beautiful as ever," he greeted, attempting a lighthearted tone that felt jarringly out of place.
"Please be professional, Mr. Park. You're here to replace Mr. Jeon, correct?" Mrs. Ma's sigh was audible, a clear indication of her frustration.
"Right, but I have absolutely no idea what I'm supposed to do," Jimin confessed, running a hand through his already disheveled hair.
"You're interviewing the remaining applicants. Mr. Jeon had to leave... for a date, he said." Mrs. Ma's tone suggested she found the explanation as flimsy as Jimin did.
Jimin's jaw dropped. "Huh?! Wait a minute, why am I doing this? That's his job!"
"It's his break time, but we can't just halt the interviews. So, he assigned you to take over." Mrs. Ma's explanation was curt, lacking any sympathy for Jimin's predicament.
"He's going on a date, and you let him?" Jimin's incredulity was evident in his tone. He rolled his eyes, a sound of pure exasperation.
"You're not busy, are you?" Mrs. Ma's disinterest was palpable. "Just do your job. I'm busy too," she declared, turning away.
Jimin muttered curses under his breath, then shot a text to Jungkook: "I'm charging you for this!" The reply was a single emoji—a bunny rabbit giving a peace sign. Jimin groaned.
"Mr. Park!" Mrs. Ma's voice called him back to the present.
"Coming," he mumbled, his steps dragging as he entered the interview room.
Meanwhile, Jungkook himself was hurrying through the office lounge, his eyes searching for Taehyung. A smile touched his lips as he spotted him seated alone by the glass wall, the afternoon sunlight illuminating his hair. He started towards him, anticipation bubbling in his chest, only to be stopped short by the arrival of an unexpected visitor who engaged Taehyung in conversation.
"Excuse me," a voice intruded, startling Taehyung from his quiet contemplation. He looked up to find a stranger standing before him, his smile too wide, his eyes too bright. "You seem to be alone. Are you perhaps waiting for someone?"
A wave of unease washed over Taehyung. He couldn't quite place the man's face, but something about his overly familiar demeanor set his teeth on edge. He hoped he could leave because he doesn't really like talking with strangers.
"Uh, yes, kind of," he stammered, his voice betraying his discomfort.
"Me too," the man said, settling onto the plush couch beside him with unsettling ease. "Why don't we chat while we wait? It might be more fun." He said with a smile as if that would make the situation fine.
"I don't think that's n─"
Taehyung opened his mouth to politely decline, but the man continued, his words tumbling out in a rush.
"I know a great place nearby, much more interesting than this… boring lounge. Come on, you'll enjoy it. Trust me." His smile felt predatory, not friendly.
Taehyung's discomfort intensified. He wanted to escape, to melt into the background, but the words seemed to catch in his throat.
"I─"
He tried again to speak, but the man cut him off.
"What do you say?" the man pressed, his persistence bordering on aggressive.
Taehyung felt trapped, cornered by the man's relentless advances. He knew he needed to escape this situation, but the man's unwavering gaze made it feel impossible to refuse. Just as panic began to set in, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"Hyung, I'm sorry I made you wait."
Relief flooded Taehyung as he turned to see Jungkook approaching, his expression a mixture of concern and relief. The sight of Jungkook was a lifeline, a beacon in the suffocating pressure of the stranger’s presence.
"I had to pick something up. Are you alright? Did I keep you waiting long?" Jungkook asked, his voice calm and reassuring.
Taehyung, visibly shaken, stood, instinctively seeking the safety of Jungkook's presence. He felt the familiar comfort of Jungkook's hand on his back, a silent reassurance that he was safe now.
The stranger also rose, his smile faltering slightly as he noticed Jungkook.
"Oh, you're friends with Jeon Jungkook," he said, his voice a little less confident. "It's nice to meet you, Jungkook. I hope you don't misunderstand. I was just trying to be friendly since he seemed alone."
Jungkook's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and assessing. "You were told not to approach strangers, Yuto. You know you creep people out," he said, his voice low and menacing.
Yuto's grin wavered. "Relax, Jeon. I was just trying to make a friend. He's… attractive, that's all. Besides, if I'd known he was with you, I wouldn't have bothered."
Jungkook's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I'm glad you realize that. Now, why don't you leave us? I don't think your presence is needed here."
Yuto muttered something under his breath, a mumbled protest lost in Jungkook's dismissive wave. He turned and walked away, leaving Taehyung and Jungkook alone, the lingering tension finally dissipating.
