GOLDEN HEADLINES

Chapter:6

HIDDEN INTENSIONS

Zaiden's voice brought him back to the present, snapping him out of the flashback.

Jungkook's expression shifted, that faint smile still lingering as he replied, almost to himself, "She just... showed up." The words were simple, but Zaiden noticed the weight behind them.

Zaiden raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "So you're saying, News Queen of Chaos just popped up on your screen and stole your heart with a headline?"

Jungkook's face softened as he nodded, almost to himself. "Something like that," he murmured.

Zaiden let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. "Wow. The mighty Jeon Jungkook. Cold as ice, untouchable, ruthless... smiling like a fool over a reporter?" He shook his head in mock disbelief. "I thought I'd seen it all, but this? This is something else."

Jungkook's lips twitched, the closest thing to a smile Zaiden had ever seen from him. He didn't respond, and that only fueled Zaiden's amusement.

Zaiden leaned forward, smirking. "You've got to be kidding me. A news reporter, of all people. What did she do, write a headline about how to melt the ice king's heart? Or wait—" His eyes lit up with exaggerated excitement. "Did she flash a camera at you and say, 'Smile for the front page?'"

Jungkook shot him a sideways glance, his expression hardening slightly, but there was no denying the faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You done?" he asked, voice cool but tinged with patience.

"Not even close." Zaiden grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "You're telling me you're sitting here, breaking into secret smiles over someone who writes about traffic jams and city council meetings?"

Jungkook's jaw tightened, but instead of snapping back, he surprised Zaiden. "She's not just 'someone,'" he said quietly, his tone carrying a rare weight.

Zaiden blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the seriousness in Jungkook's voice. Then, ever the provocateur, he leaned back again, throwing his hands up.

"Wow. Okay. I guess I'll start prepping my best man speech for the wedding. 'To Jungkook and his News Queen—may their headlines always be front page!'"

Jungkook rolled his eyes, his lips twitched but he said nothing, his thoughts drifting back to that moment when he first saw Alessia. There was something about her presence that had struck him immediately—something beyond the polished professionalism of a news anchor.

Zaiden waved a hand in front of Jungkook's face, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Hello? Earth to Jungkook. Don't tell me you're already lost in her world. Should I call the News Queen and let her know she's got the coldest kingpin all wrapped around her finger?"

Jungkook blinked, his usual sharpness returning as he shot Zaiden a warning glance. "Cut it out."

Zaiden leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Jungkook closely. "So, you love her?"

Jungkook's expression remained unreadable, but his voice carried a hint of conflict. "I love and hate her at the same time,"

_______

Zaiden smirked but didn't back down. "Oh woah, love and hate huh?"

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his expression now shifting to something more serious. "Alright, since you're playing the 'silent brooding guy' card again, let me spell it out: What's next?"