TIME: Mark Tuan edition

Chapter 42

"Thank you, Mark. You may leave," JYP says as we enter the room. Mark and I exchange glances before he turns to JYP.

"Uhm, okay," he says before bowing and walking out the room. He had given me a comforting smile before disappearing behind the door.

"You asked to see me?"

"Ah, yes. I already called Jellyfish and I was able to postpone it back and was able to move the location closer to here," he starts.

"Thank you so much," I was truly grateful. He really is capable of many things.

"Here, have a seat. I really wanted to talk about something else." I sit down across from him and wring my hands together nervously. "I know you said you wouldn't join us here, but I have a proposition to ask of you."

"A proposition?" I ask hesitantly. I wring my hands together as I grow unsure and nervous.

"Yes, you see, I spoke with your boss in the states. I was able to reach him since we contacted each other for the competition, and if you allow it, be part of both their company and my own. I'm not saying to station here, but when you do come back to Korea for promotional reasons and interviews, you will be under us. And maybe hopefully you can come back here and help out?" He suggests. I listen carefully and it doesn't seem 100% bad, but would I be able to do it? I mean what's the catch?

"I get what you're saying, but why?" I ask wanting clarification.

"Well, I do see potential in you. I've missed out on a lot of successful people and I didn't want to miss out on you. I know you are against a lot of publicity so we will try to keep everything as quiet as possible. The only people who will know are the people we discuss with, but we will have a clear understanding that nothing beyond you and your job will be announced. You won't be connected to JYP in a way that will draw attention. We will do our best to ensure that," he tells me. I nod and look down at my hands as I mull over the idea.

"Uhm, it sounds nice- really it does," I hesitate. "But do you think we could manage hiding the fact that I would be under one of the top three agencies? I mean, I'm already involved with your company more than I ever planned to, JYP."

"And that could make it all more natural. If you get spotted walking in here it could be cleared as you meeting your old friends. I don't think many will think you've signed under me. In your last shows you've admitted rejecting my offer as well as others and we showed a bond between us already so I don't think they will think much of it," he reasons. I look up at him as I contemplate my choices.

"That's true, but I'm not sure if I will be able to come back to Korea much, JYP. I have my main job that I hope to take off on. I'm an occupational therapist and I've studied hard to become one. It's what I've planned to do for so long. I don't think I would be able to pull my end for you," I explain.

"We haven't made a list of what our contract would hold, what I've said was just a suggestion. This is all tentatively speaking. On a day where you have more time we would be able to really write up your contract and make a finalization on everything you want from us and what we want from you." He folds his hands on the table in front of him. I had been tugging at my sleeves without even realizing it.

"I will contact you after thinking more about it. After my scheduled stay I'll probably add another day or two and I'll come back if I decide to do it. I'll make sure to notify you about my decision prior to that," I tell him. He smiles and nods. He stands up and reaches out a hand. I stand up and grasp it smiling back at him.

"Thank you for considering it. I hope to hear a positive response from you soon," he says.

"I'll talk to you again soon. Thank you again for everything." I bow and pay my respects before exiting the room. When I close the door behind me, I sigh. Looking around I find my way back. "I wonder if they're still there- wait where was I suppose to meet VIXX?"