The Artist and His Muse

Chapter 40

"So the publishing company wants to have your chosen sketches in their office no later than the end of next week." The CEO sat across from a numb acting Jungkook, eyeing him suspiciously. "This is a big book deal," he said slowly, trying to get any kind of positive reaction from the young man. "Ever since their CEO found your work, she's done nothing but practically drool over it. Do you have any idea what sketches you'll be including in the book?"

Jungkook finally lifted his head, his red eyes being in stark contrast with his face. The CEO became a bit worried.

"No, I'm afraid I haven't. I'm having a hard time deciding." He lowered his head again and his fingers fidgeted slightly in his lap.

"Son, look up here." The CEO spoke softly and kindly.

Jungkook raised his eyes. "Yes, sir?"

"What's the problem? You not only look terrible, but you sound terrible. Did you even sleep last night?"

"Yes."

"For how long?"

Jungkook frowned. He didn't wish to be babied anymore and he certainly didn't want the CEO to fret and fuss over him either. "Long enough."

The CEO raised his eyebrows at the comment that just came from the maknae. "Hm. Apparently not," he said quietly. "Go home. You're not allowed back into this building until you get rest and can fix your attitude. I won't have it poisoning the rest of the group. I don't know what's wrong but I'm all ears if you wish to tell me."

Jungkook felt a shiver run down his spine. He had basically just been sent into time out.

"Oh, one last thing. Director Kang told me you've practically fired Choi Yeon Ah. Mind telling me why?"

"I'm not ready to discuss that yet, sir," Jungkook replied tensely.

"Fair enough. That will be all." The CEO turned around in his chair, effectively dismissing Jungkook from his office.

Jungkook looked at the back of the man's chair and felt his heart squeeze. The CEO had never had to be so harsh with him before. He wanted to kick himself for allowing this whole problem with Yeon Ah to drag him down so far.

He left the office, not bothering to even say goodbye to the secretary outside. Grabbing his bag from the practice room he quickly headed back to the dorm, ignoring the looks and comments from his members as he left the building.

As he stepped outside, he felt his phone vibrate impatiently in his pocket, urging him to pull it out and see what the notification was.

New Message

Unknown: I need to talk to you please. It's urgent.

Jungkook frowned suspiciously at his phone. He didn't recognize the number at all. As he continued to debate whether to answer the message or not, another one came through.

Unknown: My name is Andrew Choi. I'm the man who was with Choi Yeon Ah today. Will you meet me?"

Jungkook's eyes grew wide and he felt himself getting a bit angry. Sure, he would meet the guy. He might even punch him in the face if he had the opportunity. The guy had guts to even contact him.

Jungkook: Fine.

He texted the man an address and agreed to meet him that evening. He wasn't sure he was ready to hear anything the man had to say but he didn't want Yeon Ah thinking badly of him, more so than she already thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jungkook felt like he was in some movie, like an agent having a clandestine meeting with one of his informants. He sat on a bench on the rooftop of BTS' dorm building. It was a designated "green space" and had raised flower beds and gardens all around it. He heard the door click and footsteps approaching him. He slowly stood, shoving his hands into his pockets, and turned to face the man who was taking away the love of his heart.