Accidentally Assisting

Chapter 2 - First encounter

My mouth goes parched. "You...what?" Never have I struggled this hard to form words. "You want me to be Jeon Jungkook's assistant?"

"That's right, yes." Jimin frowns at me. "You look like you could use some water, Rose." He hands me a bottle of water out of nowhere, and I accept it gratefully before taking a couple of gulps.

I swallow hard. "Jimin oppa... You realize that I have absolutely no experience, right?"

"Well, that's the point. Kookie's been complaining that his previous assistants have been too old and could not relate to him, so they are looking for someone younger now."

Last time I checked, Jeon Jungkook is the 21-year-old lead singer of the most famous boy band in the world. I doubt anyone can relate to him, no matter their age. However, I restrain myself from sharing that snarky comment with Jimin since I know he would only become defensive of his precious Jungkookie.

This is one of the main reasons why I dislike the importance of age in Korea. Maknaes always become so spoiled.

"Sure, but I don't know how to be the assistant of a K-Pop idol."

He just waves that argument away as if it was nothing. "Don't worry about it; they don't expect you to. The people at BigHit will train you accordingly. Besides, the main reason why you'd be the perfect fit is that they want someone who speaks fluent English now. It's a requirement for all future BigHit employees, as our fanbase is becoming more global."

"I see," I mumble. "I... Thank you for the offer, but I... I need to think, oppa. Working with an entertainment company, ...it's not a normal job. This is not a decision I can make with the snap of the finger."

He nods and doesn't seem offended. "I expected you to say this, don't worry. You have a week to decide; they want to make a final decision until then. Hand me your phone, and I'll give you my number. Text me once you've made your choice. But don't send me any memes, please. Tae already sends me way too many of those daily."

"Oh, okay," I say, overwhelmed once again as I watch how he types his number into my phone. On the one hand, this is just my old dance teacher, but on the other hand, this is currently one of the most famous people in the world. And now I have his number.

Eun's going to be so jealous.

He gives me back my phone and winks at me before leaving the room. "See you soon, Rose."

He says that with so much confidence, it sounds like he's already sure of which decision I'll make.

...

"Wait, wait, slow down," Eun stops me, raising her hand. "How come you never told me you know Park Jimin?"

It's a day later, and we're sprawled out on the sofa in her apartment, watching Netflix. Jimin's offer from yesterday has stayed engraved in my brain, and it's all I've been thinking of.

I just shrug at her question. "Because it didn't matter. It was a long time ago, and until yesterday, I was convinced he didn't even remember me."

"So, how did you meet exactly?"

"I must have been eleven or twelve years old. I don't remember exactly. It was back in Busan. Remember how I told you my parents forced me to attend a Korean middle school so I'd improve my Korean quickly? Well, that sounded like a smart plan in theory, but in reality, I was being bullied by everybody for being the weird foreigner. Jimin was in high school back then and helping out as a dance teacher at his old school. That's how we met, and he decided to take me under his wing. He would always defend me against anyone who made fun of me."