FALLING FOR THE FLAME

Part 3: A Chance Encounter

The Next Morning:

Y/N had barely stepped into the office when she was immediately greeted with a new task from her manager. It was a usual hectic morning, but her mind kept drifting back to last night.

She’d never really thought about Jungkook beyond his role as her demanding boss. But now... now things were different. His words, his concern for her—it made everything feel... confusing. She could still feel the heat of his gaze from when they’d worked late together.

But she pushed those thoughts aside. Today was a new day, and she had to stay focused.

Manager - "Y/N, I need those files by noon. Get them to me ASAP."

Y/N quickly nodded, making her way back to her desk, trying to push thoughts of Jungkook away. But before she could start working, her phone buzzed again.

It was a message from him.

Jungkook - "Meet me in the conference room at 11 a.m. Sharp."

Her stomach did a flip. Why did he want to meet? Was it something important, or just another last-minute meeting? She quickly checked the time. She had about an hour before she had to be in the conference room.

11 a.m. - The Conference Room:

Y/N walked into the conference room, her heart pounding slightly faster with each step. The door shut behind her with a soft click, and she found herself alone with Jungkook once again.

He was standing by the window, his back to her, staring out at the skyline. His posture was rigid, but there was a strange aura around him that made the room feel charged.

Y/N - "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Jungkook turned around slowly, and for the first time, she noticed something new in his eyes—something she couldn’t quite place.

Jungkook - "I just wanted to go over some things with you."

His tone was calm, but there was an underlying tension in his voice that made her uneasy. Y/N nodded, but before she could sit down, Jungkook stepped closer to her.

Jungkook - "Are you sure you're okay?"

She blinked in surprise. He had asked her that last night too. Why did he keep asking her? Was it just out of politeness, or...?

Y/N - "I’m fine, sir. Just... tired."

Jungkook’s gaze softened, just for a moment. But then, his usual cold mask returned, and he stepped back.

Jungkook - "I see. Let’s get to work then."

They spent the next hour going over details for an upcoming presentation. But the whole time, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Jungkook was acting different—distracted, almost. She could feel the weight of his presence in the room, but there was something else in the air.

Whenever their hands brushed as they passed files back and forth, her heart would flutter in a way she couldn’t explain. She’d never noticed how close they were until now.

Lunchtime:

After the meeting, Y/N went to grab lunch in the break room. She needed a moment to breathe, to reset after the intense energy that had been in the conference room.

As she sat down with her salad, she noticed a familiar figure enter the room—Jungkook.

He was holding his phone, typing something with furrowed brows, his expression intense as always. But when he looked up, he locked eyes with her.

Y/N - "Oh, sir, you’re here for lunch?"

Jungkook nodded but didn’t speak at first. Instead, he walked over to the counter, grabbed a bottle of water, and sat down across from her.

Jungkook - "You’re always here at the same time."

Y/N blinked, surprised. Did he notice that?

Y/N - "I guess I just like to eat quickly and get back to work."

There was a pause. Jungkook looked at her, his eyes studying her carefully.

Jungkook - "You work too much."

His words were soft, but there was a weight to them, a concern that made Y/N’s heart beat faster. Was he genuinely worried about her? Or was this just another moment of his distant professionalism?

Y/N - "I just want to do my best."

Jungkook seemed to consider this for a moment. Then, without warning, he leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter than usual.

Jungkook - "You don’t always have to be perfect, Y/N."

Y/N’s breath hitched. His words, so soft and almost vulnerable, caught her off guard. Why was he saying this? Was he really opening up to her?

But before she could respond, Jungkook straightened up, the usual hardness returning to his gaze.

Jungkook - "Let’s get back to work."

And just like that, the moment passed, leaving Y/N even more confused than before.

Later That Afternoon:

As the afternoon passed, Y/N couldn’t stop thinking about their conversation at lunch. Was he concerned about her? Was he trying to be... kind? It didn’t make sense. She had always known Jungkook to be cold, professional, and focused. But now, there were these fleeting moments—small gestures, quiet words—that made her wonder.

The more she thought about it, the more questions began to form. But no answers seemed to come.

The Evening:

As the office began to empty out, Y/N stayed late again to finish up the final details for the presentation. The quiet hum of the office around her felt strangely calming. She was used to it by now.

But just as she was about to pack up, the door to the office opened, and Jungkook walked in. He didn’t say anything at first, but his eyes immediately found hers.

Jungkook - "I thought I told you to take a break."

Y/N smiled sheepishly.

Y/N - "I’ll finish up in a minute, sir."

Jungkook walked over to her desk, standing a little too close. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the intensity in his gaze.

Jungkook - "You really don’t know when to stop, do you?"

Y/N shook her head.

Y/N - "I just want everything to go well. For you, for the company..."

Jungkook’s expression softened for a moment, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he picked up a folder from her desk and began looking over the contents.

Jungkook - "You’re making a good impression, Y/N."

Y/N blinked. Was he... complimenting her? It felt like there was something more behind his words, something she couldn’t quite place.

Y/N - "Thank you, sir."

There was a moment of silence before Jungkook spoke again, his voice quieter now, more serious.

Jungkook - "I need you to be on your best tomorrow. This presentation is important."

Y/N nodded, trying to ignore the way her heart was racing. Of course, she’d be ready. She always was.

Later That Night:

As she walked to her car, Y/N couldn’t help but replay everything that had happened. The moments with Jungkook were starting to make her feel things she didn’t know how to handle. Was he just being his usual distant self, or was there something more?

She didn’t have any answers. But one thing was clear—something was changing between them.

And she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.

            
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