Kim SeokJin is a powerful CEO in one of the largest companies in the country. His lover is his chief business rival, Kim SongDae. Park JiMin only complicates matters between Jin and Dae with that damn smile of his.
All seven friends work togethe...
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It took weeks for Jin to accept that Dae was truly gone.
He had tried to call her for hours that night. For days he went by her condo at odd hours hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
The first week Taehyung told him she had sent a message. She was safe, she had found a place and she was not coming back.
After that he alternated between asking Tae then Hobi for news. Their answer was always the same- they had no idea where she was.
He and Jimin got into a fist fight late one night after each accused the other of causing her to leave, then hiding her whereabouts.
Once exhausted, they sat leaning against Jimin's car in the parking lot, their expensive suits tattered and bloodied.
They called a truce after catching their breath and helped each other back to Jin's office.
They agreed on one thing, it was time to get blind drunk. It did not help either of them find peace about her absence.
Jin stopped the hard drinking after a few weeks, realizing it was not helping him forget.
He finally threw himself into his work. Like always, he could depend on work to give him the escape he needed.
He stopped only to sleep for 4 hours at a time. He ate what Ms. Min put in front of him. He finally found that state of numbness that allowed him to function.
Dae had left the city and stayed in a hotel on the coast for a couple of days. A text from her father warned her that she was to leave the country and his patience was wearing thin.
Dae texted Tae that she was ok and not to worry.
It hurt too badly to think of sending a message to Jin. She knew Tae would let everyone know she was ok.
She brushed off the sure knowledge that would never be enough for Jin.
Dae left and drifted from place to place.
For a while she settled in Montana, working on a ranch. It was so out of her comfort zone, but she fell into bed exhausted every night.
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Jin ran the numbers again. There was no disputing it. The past 2 months the project had stalled and Jin was growing concerned.
If Dae were here this would have been addressed already.
Jin threw the report across his desk with such force that hit the floor on the other side.
“If Dae were here….” Jin cursed. He was so damn sick of saying that, hearing it, thinking it.
She was gone but she haunted every corner of his life.
He lept from his chair and stalked from his office, slamming the door behind him.
He was half way across town before he realized what he was doing.
This was crazy. He should go back to the office.
Too late he realized he had already arrived at iNovis.
He squared his shoulders and made his decision.
As soon as he stepped in the door he was flooded with memories. He immediately regretted his decision.
The turn of every corner reminded him of Dae, arguments they had, kisses they had stolen.
His heart dropped when he ran into Tae in the elevator. He thought his friend was being evasive, not quite meeting his gaze.
As Jin reached the executive floor, he gently laid his hand on Tae's arm and whispered, “I miss her Tae. I need to see her, make sure she is ok. Please… “ Jin paused and shook his head. “Just….tell her…” He did not know how to finish.
Tae placed his hand over Jin’s and nodded. “If I could I would Jin. She needs this time.”
Jin sighed and stepped out as the doors opened.
Tae was torn by the pain and worry in his friend’s eyes. None of them had much hope left. He had to hurry and end this investigation.
Jin stepped into Dae’s office, the breath punched out of him as he opened the familiar door.
Once inside, he stood there chasing memories. But Namjoon had changed everything.
He found himself growing more and more angry as his missed Dae's things that had been replaced.
Gone was the signed art he had given her for her birthday. There were no fresh flowers scattered about, no plants to warm the space. The entire suite had been redone in cold, monochromatic colors designed to keep visitors on edge.
The only part of the office untouched was Hobi's space.
Jin breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his friend in his customary spot. That happiness was short lived when Hobi looked up and saw Jin.
It was clear that Hobi had not been resting well either. His eyes were smudged with fatigue, his sunshine smile gone.
He looked at Jin for a minute and smiled, a shadow of his former self.
“Jin,” he greeted him” it has been too long. I am sorry. I still have no news from Dae for you.”
“I know, “Jin responded, “Right now I have almost given up hope.”
Hobi frowned at him, but Jin continued.
“Actually, Dae is not the reason I am here. I need to speak with NamJoon,” he explained.
Hobi's face changed immediately and Jin caught his expression before he could hide it.
Hobi paused a moment, then knowing Jin needed the truth, he said, “NamJoon has given instructions that your calls are not to be taken. He has told the staff that he is not available for you.”
Jin was growing angrier by the minute.
“Hobi,” he said, “that is ridiculous! At the bare minimum we have some major issues with this project to discuss.”
Hobi nodded his head and just glanced toward the office.
Jin could clearly see Namjoon at the desk and then watched as he turned on the privacy shades.
“Tell him whatever personal issue he has he needs to put aside. This project has reached the danger zone. We have to discuss this,” Jin said calmly.
Jin waited as Hobi buzzed into the office. He overheard Joon's clipped tones over the phone.
Before Hobi could reply, Jin leaned close to the phone and loudly said “ tell him I'll wait.”
