Little (Under Editing)

Chapter 24: The Unexpected Invitation

Chapter 24: The Unexpected Invitation

The cavernous university hallways echoed with the muffled sounds of distant conversations as Taehyung, adrift in a sea of unfamiliar faces, searched for Jungkook. Jungkook, consumed by his presidential duties, was ensconced in a meeting with student government officers, leaving Taehyung stranded in a frustrating limbo of unoccupied time. He'd hoped for a brief respite, a stolen moment with his friend, but the reality of Jungkook's responsibilities was a stark contrast to his own idle waiting.

His anxious search led him down winding corridors, the rhythmic thud of his own footsteps punctuating the silence. Then, a familiar face emerged from the throng - Hazel, the kind girl who had previously offered him assistance. She was deep in conversation with a friend, her laughter a bright melody against the hushed backdrop of the hallway. Taehyung hesitated, his usual easy confidence faltering. Approaching her felt like scaling a mountain; the simple act of initiating conversation seemed an insurmountable challenge. He stood awkwardly, a silent observer, his heart drumming a nervous rhythm against his ribs.

The unexpected happened. Hazel's voice, clear and melodious, cut through his internal turmoil.

"Oh, Taehyung-ssi," she said, her eyes widening in recognition.

He looked up, startled, and met her warm, welcoming smile. The hallway, moments ago a daunting expanse, suddenly felt less intimidating.

"Are you looking for Jungkook?" she asked, approaching him with a graceful ease that put him at ease.

"Yes," He mumbled a shy affirmation, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding her gaze.

"Unfortunately," Hazel continued, her voice laced with a gentle understanding, "I believe they're quite busy. A friend of mine was in the meeting, and she mentioned they're likely tied up for a while. It seems they're heavily involved in preparations for the university's 50th anniversary and the upcoming U-basketball final league, both happening this month. The meeting probably won't end soon."

"Oh, I see," Taehyung mumbled.

A wave of disappointment washed over Taehyung. The image of a long, lonely wait stretched before him.

Hazel, sensing his dejection, offered a lifeline. "Why don't you eat with us instead? You'll be alone without Jungkook, right?" she suggested, her voice softening with empathy.

He hesitated, the ingrained politeness battling with his desire for solitude. "It's okay, I'll be fine," he replied, offering a weak smile.

Hazel's gentle persistence, however, was persuasive.

"Don't worry, it wouldn't be awkward. Just a few of us. It's lonely eating alone, you know," she added, a light giggle escaping her lips.

Well, since Hazel was a kind woman, maybe it wouldn't be that bad to accept her offer.

"Sure," he finally agreed, a genuine smile gracing his lips this time.

"Come and follow us to the cafeteria, then," she said, gesturing towards her and her friend.

With a sigh of relief, Taehyung fell into step behind them. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad to befriend and communicate with someone else. He's going to study at this University, so it's much better to open up a little to get used to this kind of feeling.

-----

"If you call me to come here. You must have found out something that would be worth my time, right?" Jeonho asked the man in front of him.

"It depends on you, Boss. I think this one is very interesting, but I don't know about you.” The man snickered while holding the white envelope.

“What did you find out?” Jeonho's interest was piqued.

“Don't you think you should pay me first, Boss? I put a lot of my time to get a scope of your son.” The man greedily grinned.

Jeonho rolled his eyes and motioned to his secretary, standing behind him the whole time, to give him the suitcase, and his secretary did, opening it for the man to see. The man's eyes glimmered in excitement the moment he saw the full cash inside the suitcase.

“I know it's worth working for you, Boss.” The man threw the white envelope to Jeonho and went to the suitcase to count the money.

Jeonho opened the envelope and to his shock, it was a picture of his son kissing another guy.

“Who's the other kid in this picture?” He asked and looked at the man who was counting the stash of money.

“Ah, I think I've heard him call him Taehyung. And when I searched that name, nothing really came out, but I found out that his father was an abuser, rapist, and drug user. And do you wanna know what else was interesting? You're the one who helped his father get free from jail, Boss.” The man smirked.

“What was the name of his father?” there was confusion in Jeonho's voice but with a hint of curiousness.

“What is it again? Ah, that's right, Kim Taejoo. The man who just got free from jail even though he was facing a lot and serious charges. But since you've helped him, it became easier for him to appeal his case and get freedom.” The man explained to him. “But why did you help him, Boss? I don't see any reason for you to do that.” the man asked.

Jeonho simply smirked. If Taejoo was indeed related to this person in the picture, it would be easier for him to separate his son and Taehyung. After all, Taejoo basically owes him his life at this moment. And he knew very well that once Taejoo craved something, he would do anything to get it.

If what he thinks right now is right, there's a higher possibility that he could make his plans work perfectly without needing to dirty his hands; Taejoo could do it for him instead. What a perfect timing.

“Secretary Han, clean this mess.” he told his secretary and turned around to leave.

The man was confused by what he just said but before he could argue, he saw the secretary pull up a gun and pointed it at him. And he was shot right in his forehead without any mercy or hesitation.