Revival - From Monochrome To Euphoria

~ 18 ~

Taehyung sat at his desk, reviewing contracts when a knock broke his focus. He looked up, his brows furrowing. “Come in,” he called out, his voice calm but commanding.

Suhi, his secretary, stepped in, her usual composure tinged with a hint of unease. “Sir, Nova Tech’s CEO is here to meet you. He asked for Mr. Namjoon, but since he’s unavailable, I thought you should know.”

Taehyung frowned deeply. Namjoon hadn’t mentioned any such meeting. “Nova Tech’s CEO?” he repeated, his tone laced with suspicion. “Did he give a reason for his visit?”

“No, sir. He just asked for Mr. Namjoon. Shall I ask him to wait in the conference room?”

Taehyung nodded curtly. “Do that. I’ll handle it.”

As Suhi left, Taehyung immediately grabbed his phone and dialed Namjoon. His hyung picked up almost instantly.

“Taehyung-ah,” Namjoon greeted. “What’s up?”

“Hyung,” Taehyung began, his tone sharp, “did you schedule a meeting with Nova Tech’s CEO? He’s here, asking for you.”

“What?” Namjoon’s voice sounded just as perplexed. “No, I didn’t schedule anything. Why would their CEO show up unannounced?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Taehyung muttered. “It doesn’t feel right. Should I meet him?”

Namjoon sighed. “I don’t know what he’s playing at, but yes. Hear him out. And be careful.”

Taehyung ended the call, his unease growing. Something about this felt off. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his tie and walked to the conference room.

As he stepped inside, his breath caught in his throat.

The man standing at the far end of the room made his entire body freeze. The face. The posture. The air about him. It was him.

“Kang… Taemoo?” Taehyung whispered under his breath, his voice trembling. His heart pounded violently in his chest as his knees threatened to buckle. The world around him seemed to tilt, and for a moment, he thought he might pass out.

No. This isn’t real. Taemoo is dead. I saw his body. I mourned him. This isn’t possible.

The man turned, his face lighting up with a polite smile that sent a jolt through Taehyung’s chest. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Kim,” he said smoothly, his voice eerily calm. “I’m Kang Inseyeop, CEO of Nova Tech.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. His mind screamed in protest, but he forced himself to maintain his composure. His hands, hidden by his pockets, balled into tight fists. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Kang,” he said, his voice strained but steady. “Please, have a seat.”

As Inseyeop sat, Taehyung remained standing, staring at the man like he was a ghost. The resemblance was uncanny down to the smallest detail. The way he smiled, the way he carried himself it was Taemoo.

This can’t be happening. Is this some cruel joke?

“Thank you,” Inseyeop said, his voice disturbingly pleasant. His eyes gleamed with a knowing look that sent a chill down Taehyung’s spine.

Taehyung finally sat down, his legs weak. Every fiber of his being screamed to ask questions, to demand answers, but he swallowed them all. Who are you? Why do you look like him? And why the hell are you here?

But instead of voicing his thoughts, Taehyung mustered a fake smile and asked, “What can I do for you, Mr. Kang?”

The room felt colder, heavier. Every word, every movement from the man across the table seemed to mock him, as if daring him to confront the impossible truth.