NCT Imagines (Requests Open!)

Chaebol (Jeno)

A/N: So before you start reading, I just wanted to explain the title for those who might not know.  In Korean, chaebol means like a really large, mainly family-owned business.  Hope you like this one :)

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Jeno pulled up at the school in his Ferrari.  Well, it was technically his car, but he wasn't old enough to drive it yet, so his chauffeur Taeil drove him places.  

"I'll be here to pick up at 3:30," Taeil said, and Jeno waved at him before entering the school.

Everyone knew him.  He was from a really rich family.  His dad was the CEO of a big company, and his mom was an actress in Korean dramas.  Jeno, to say the least, was living the life.  It was the first day of his last year of high school, and he decided to keep it modest by wearing a button down shirt, ironed slacks, and a Gucci belt.  Modest.

He picked up his schedule from the office and made his way to the class he'd be in this year.  Everyone cheered when he walked in... everyone except for one person.  You were busy looking at your calendar to see when you'd have time to do homework and go for your part-time job.

Suddenly, someone sat down next to you, and you looked to your side, seeing some guy with a nice jawline.  You went back to looking at your calendar when he cleared his throat.

"Don't you know me?" Jeno asked.

You shook your head.  "Am I supposed to?"

People in the class started whispering.  They wondered how it was possible for someone to not know Jeno.  Jeno was pretty surprised as well, but that was only the beginning.  Every day, he tried to get your attention, but you wouldn't give in.

"Hey, I forgot to write down the homework we have to do tonight.  Can you tell me what it was?" Jeno asked.  This time, he had actually forgotten.

"Oh?  No teasing today?" you sat up.  You were used to Jeno's jokes.  They didn't phase you at all.  

"That's the longest sentence you've ever said... to me, at least," Jeno smirked.  He kicked his feet up on the desk.  "So why don't you talk some more and tell me more about yourself?"

You rolled your eyes.  Jeno had it easy.  He came from a rich background, so he wouldn't have to worry about going to a good college and having the money to pay for it.  But it was different for you.  You really wanted to take it easy and enjoy the little moments in high school, but you couldn't.  You were working two part-time jobs, and on top of that, you had to study and get the best grades you possibly could.  You had to get your hands on those scholarships.  You didn't want your parents to worry about you and take on more jobs to pay for your tuition.

"Aren't you gonna talk?" Jeno poked your shoulder, and you pushed his hand away.

You showed him your calendar with tonight's homework written on it.  "That's all you need, right?"

"How comes you don't wanna make friends?  Why are you always so good at acting lonely?" Jeno asked.

His question made you stop and think.  You didn't expect to get emotional, but you did.  "I can't afford to waste my precious time like you do."

The bell rang, and you quickly got up and ran to the library where you could focus on studying... all by yourself.  But no matter how deep in the library you had shoved yourself, Jeno's question kept nagging at you.  In all the Korean dramas you had seen, the poor girl was never supposed to talk to the rich boy.  And if she did, some miracle happened, and they lived happily ever after.  But so far, your life hadn't been a fairytale, and you were pretty sure your fairy godmother wasn't going to appear in midair and give you a ride to the ball.  

You were jarred from your thoughts when suddenly someone tapped your shoulder.  You looked up and saw Jeno, smiling at you through his black bangs.  Your eyes slid down, admiring his well-ironed designer clothes.  His shoes were so polished that you could see your miserable reflection in them.  

"Tell me what's wrong.  I may seem like a jerk at times, but if something is bothering you, I'm willing to listen."

You weren't sure whether you could talk to the boy.  If you told him about your issues, he'd never be able to understand.  But somehow, you felt like you needed to tell someone what you were going through.

"You're probably going to laugh at me or think my story is stupid, but I trust you," you finally managed.  "As you can probably tell, my family isn't that well-off.  All of us have to work super hard to earn money and support each other.  I work two jobs outside of school, and I have to get scholarships.  It's getting really stressful.  I don't make friends because I don't want to distract myself from what I need to do."

"Oh."  That was all Jeno could say.  He stared down at your worn out sweater that he'd seen you wearing for the past four years almost every day.  He felt bad for wearing new designer clothes every day.  He didn't realize you were going through such a hard time.  You always hid it so well in your poker face.

"So, that's why I can't be your friend or talk to you in class or even know you.  And you probably don't even understand half of what I just told you."

Jeno grabbed your hand, and you felt your heart beat faster.  "I understood every single word, Y/N.  And... I think I can help you.  I don't want you to be suffering all on your own."

"What do you mean?" you asked, your cheeks raging a bright shade of pink.

He leaned closer, intertwining his fingers with yours.  "I've actually liked you for quite some time now.  You're the only girl who hasn't stuck like glue to me because of my wealth.  And you're honestly such a nice person.  I can ask my dad to help you out with the scholarship.  I know you wouldn't be the type to just accept money, right?"

"We've never talked, but it's like you already know me too well," you grinned.  "Can your dad really help me get this scholarship?"

Jeno tilted your head upwards and gingerly kissed your forehead.  "He would do anything for me just like I would do anything for you."

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A/N:  Thank you _Lenaaa- for requesting this!  I kept imagining the K-drama Heirs while I was writing this hahaha.  

Hmm, so I really like asking these questions at the end of each imagine and talking with you guys, so I have another one ready for you.  Since it's summer break for me, I've been binging so many K-dramas and writing (of course haha).  Does anyone have any K-drama recommendations?  Also how are you guys spending summer break????