Winter In My Heart (Jikook/Kookmin)

9

"Jimin, have you heard any rumors about CEO Kim’s son?"

Jimin barely glanced up from his computer screen as Seulgi’s voice broke the quiet hum of the hotel lobby. It had been nearly three months since Jimin started working as a receptionist at the hotel, and he had quickly learned how to juggle both the constant flow of guests and Seulgi's endless chatter.

“Nope,” he replied absentmindedly, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he entered customer data.

Seulgi, however, wasn’t deterred by his lack of enthusiasm. She leaned in closer, practically bouncing with excitement. “CEO Kim’s son is coming here for his holiday. He’s arriving this evening! I can’t wait to see him.”

Jimin raised an eyebrow but didn’t shift his focus from the screen. “And why does that matter?”

Seulgi gasped as if the answer were the most obvious thing in the world. “Kim Mingyu! The only heir to Kim’s Hotel empire! He’s so handsome and smart—practically a Prince Charming. And you know, he’s rich.”

Jimin still wasn’t impressed. “So? What does that have to do with me?”

Seulgi rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ugh, you’re so hopeless! He’s only the most gorgeous guy in Seoul, and he’s spending his holiday right here at our hotel! Every girl here is dying to catch his attention.”

Jimin sighed, adjusting his position in his chair. “He’s probably a playboy. Doesn’t sound like my type.”

Seulgi’s eyes sparkled as she continued. “Handsome, charming, and yes, maybe a bit of a playboy, but that doesn’t stop people from being obsessed with him. I heard even his smile can melt hearts.”

“Duuhhhh... It’s not like he’s going to fall for you,” Jimin teased, chuckling under his breath.

Seulgi swatted him on the arm, pouting. “Don’t ruin my dream! Maybe he will.”

Jimin only shook his head, refocusing on his work. Seulgi could daydream all she wanted, but he had more practical concerns. He wasn’t here for drama or romance—he was here to work and send money back home to his mother, even after all they’d been through. He still couldn’t bring himself to abandon her completely.

---

That evening, the hotel staff was abuzz with excitement as they lined up in front of the lobby, ready to welcome Kim Mingyu’s arrival. Jimin, however, remained at his post behind the reception counter, his attention on the tasks in front of him. He had no time for the spectacle surrounding the CEO’s son.

The grand entrance doors swung open, and Mr. Kim Mingyu strolled in with all the confidence of someone who knew they owned the room. The staff bowed deeply, offering their respect, but Jimin was the first to straighten up and meet the man’s gaze.

His heart skipped a beat when their eyes locked. Mr.Kim expression was unreadable, but something about the intensity of his stare made Jimin’s stomach churn. Mr.Kim stopped in front of the counter, his eyes never leaving Jimin’s.

“I want him,” Mr.Kim said suddenly, his voice smooth and firm, catching everyone off guard.

Jimin’s breath caught in his throat. Me? he thought in disbelief. What does he mean by that? Jimin’s manager, Ms. Jung, seemed equally startled by the demand but recovered quickly. No one dared to challenge the whims of the CEO’s son.

“Be prepared,” Ms. Jung murmured quietly to Jimin, her face a mixture of concern and confusion.

Jimin could only nod, his mind racing as he watched Mr.Kim walk away, flanked by his right-hand man. What had just happened? Why had Mr.Kim singled him out like that? And more importantly, what was coming next?

---

Jimin nervously approached the suite where Kim Mingyu was staying, his heart hammering in his chest. He had no idea what to expect, but the cryptic message from Mr.Kim earlier still echoed in his mind. After taking a deep breath, he smoothed his clothes, straightened his posture, and knocked on the door.

The door opened, revealing Mr. Kim Mingyu in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, water still dripping from his damp hair. Jimin’s eyes widened in shock, and he immediately lowered his gaze, trying to compose himself.

“You’re fast,” Mr.Kim said with a smirk, leaning casually against the doorframe, his muscles on full display.

Jimin felt his face flush but kept his voice steady. “Sir, do you need anything?”

Mr.Kim's smirk widened as he crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes shamelessly raking over Jimin’s figure. “Yes. I need you.”

Jimin’s head snapped up, his heart racing as he stared at Mr.Kim in disbelief. What did he mean by that? His pulse quickened, and he couldn’t help but feel unsettled by the strange tension in the air.

Mr.Kim leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Don’t look so scared. I just have... a request.”

Jimin swallowed hard, trying to calm his nerves. He couldn’t help but feel like he had just stepped into something far more complicated than he had anticipated. Whatever Mr.Kim's intentions were, Jimin wasn’t sure he was ready for what came next.

“What kind of request, sir?” Jimin asked, his voice wavering slightly.

Mr.Kim's eyes twinkled with amusement as he straightened up, moving aside to let Jimin in. “Don’t worry,” he said with a mischievous grin. “You’ll find out soon enough.”