POSITIVITY

"Who do you think she is?" one woman said eagerly, ready to stir up some gossip. "I'm sure she's not an employee. I would've recognized her from work."

"His wife, obviously. Who else? It explains why he's never looked twice at any of the women at work," another woman chimed in, her tone slightly bitter.

"That makes sense. I mean, look at her! Who wouldn't want to snatch up that living Aphrodite? I'd kill for a chance with her," the third one gushed.

"But you can't, Jessie. That's the point. And then there's their kid, dancing wildly with Tae-wait, no, dancing with the wild Tae. Ugh, fuck you, Jeon! That child is impossible to miss."

"Oh, you wish, Nari," Jessie giggled, teasing the frustrated woman for her outburst. "Rousseau wasn't wrong when he said, 'A drunk mind speaks a sober heart.' Look at Nari, spilling her dirty little desires for our quiet but handsome coworker."

"But don't you think they make a cute couple?" the first woman asked, her genuine smile making Nari scoff.

"Cute, my ass!" Nari snapped, taking a long swig of whiskey, despite the burn in her throat. "He doesn't even look at her the way I look at him," she slurred.

Jessie softened, seeing the girl pout. It was rare to see someone as stubborn as Nari admit her feelings, even when everyone knew. She was more lost than she'd let on. "Good gracious, Nari, you need to stop drinking. I can't watch you like this."

But as if Jessie's comment had vanished into thin air, Nari began speaking again, more to herself than to the others. "There's got to be more to the story," Nari mused, pausing before landing on a ridiculous theory. "There's no way that cold-but-hot-as-hell daddy hunk would go soft for anyone else besides his babygirl from work."

The booming music from the ceiling speakers seemed to fade into the background for the three women.

"What. . .?" Jessie muttered, disgusted, and lunged forward to grab Nari's drink. "Alright, that's enough! You've had more than enough to drink if you"'re spilling your dirty little fantasies. Hand it over, now."

The intoxicated woman swatted Jessie's hand away, screaming, "No!"

"Hey! Stop acting like a baby and give it to me."

"I'm not a baby! Get your own drink, this is mine!"

Nari flailed her arm wildly to keep the "booze-thirsty hoe" away from her drink, even climbing onto her chair in a desperate attempt to protect it. The commotion drew unwanted attention, and now embarrassed by the scene, Jessie turned to the woman across from her for help. "Lucy! Use that big mouth of yours and tell her to stop!"

Lucy, distracted by the dance floor, lifted her head and hummed thoughtfully. "The kid has soft features like his mother. I wonder what he got from Mr. Sharp Jawline."

"I KNOW, RIGHT?"

"ARE YOU CRAZY?"

Both Nari and Jessie screeched in unison.

Other employees either flinched or stared at them with wide, judgmental eyes, wondering how someone as humble as Kim Seokjin could employ such dramatic drunks and let them run wild at such an elegant event. Still, they knew better than to stir trouble with their boss, so they quickly ignored the scene and went back to enjoying their night at the Hannam-dong Hotel.

Humble or not, Seokjin's generosity was undeniable, organizing an extravagant event even in his absence. While everyone praised his name, most of the night's buzz centered on his brother, Jeon Jungkook.

New Year's or no New Year's, the infamous Jungkook had somehow found his way onto everybody's lips again. He always had. But this time, it wasn't because of his usual indifference or cold, vampire-like vibes. This was different. Anyone could tell, even the new employees. Aera might have something to say about this difference too—something that shouldn't concern her but left her feeling unnerved anyway.

In the days following her visit to Mr. and Mrs. Seo, Aera became entirely consumed by work, refusing to let her mind focus on anything else, even for a minute. She would wake up, head to the office, and bury herself in designs and projects until the last person at the office reminded her to leave so they could lock up. While the extra hours padded her paycheck at the end of the month, they also turned her into a machine, running endlessly on a work cycle.

She found herself trapped in an unrelenting routine: wake, work, sleep. There was no space left for her aching heart or the emotions it carried. The weight of it all had become unbearable, slowly dulling her spirit. The sparkle in her eyes had faded, her once-glowing face now pale and lifeless. Even her attempts to smile seemed forced, her lips twitching as though smiling had become a foreign act.

This routine continued for weeks, until one day Jihee finally convinced Aera to come to the New year's party, offering her a brief escape from the cycle. But even then, Aera didn't entirely break from her habits—she tidied her apartment, watched some Netflix, ate ramen, skimmed through blueprints (finding them more interesting than Netflix), hung out with Jihee and her boyfriend, FaceTime her family back home, and wished them a happy new year.

She had checked off most things on her to-do list, yet there was one thing she couldn't do alone: she couldn't hang out with herself.

After arriving, she texted the couple to let them know she had reached the venue, but there was no reply. A coworker who lived nearby informed her that Jihee's water had broken the night before, and she had been rushed to the maternity ward, with her boyfriend by her side.

Worry immediately clouded her expression. Jihee was only 35 weeks pregnant, with a few weeks left until her due date. Going into labor this early posed a risk, and Aera feared for the baby's health. She quickly sent a comforting message, wishing them and the baby well. But once the worry eased, another unsettling feeling crept into the pit of her stomach.

It seemed like emotions refused to leave Aera alone, running through her one after the other, without pause. Just like the man currently standing at the bar—dressed in all his Men in Black glory—who had been running through her mind ever since they met at the office. As much as she tried to deny it, somewhere between the subtle, stolen glances at work, she found herself craving the sight of him more often than she wanted to admit. Her mind had conveniently forgotten that the same man she'd been trying to "avoid" would also be at the party she had promised Jihee she would attend.

Aera masked her relief as unease when she saw him, soothing her numb heart with a flute of champagne.

She would occasionally steal a glance in his direction, noting how the black-dotted shirt loosely draped over his firm chest, and how his cufflinks, once again left undone, hid the intricate ink trailing up his hand. His dark, mysterious eyes scanned the room, and a few times, she caught him gazing into the distance, a shot glass at his lips, a ghost of a smile playing on his face.

Her brow furrowed in confusion. That was odd. Was Jeon Jungkook. . . smiling?

Aera had never seen him smile during her stolen glances. She was fairly certain no one else in the office had either. But what was he looking at?

She followed his gaze and realized the "what" was actually a "who."

On the dance floor, mimicking Taehyung's strange moves, was a boy around seven or eight years old. The glee on his face as he leaped across the LED tiles shone brighter than any of the lights hanging from the ceiling. His eyes would occasionally meet Jungkook's, crinkling with the pure, innocent joy of a child. It was clear they shared a special bond.

But what was this boy's connection to Jungkook? He couldn't be a younger sibling—Jungkook was an orphan. And there seemed to be no logical explanation unless they shared some deeper connection, possibly even blood.

No, no, no. Aera shook her head, denying the thought that hit her. It couldn't be. It was impossible.

Her chest rose and fell in a steady, calculated rhythm, her sharp breaths flying through her nose as her heartbeat suddenly pounded too loudly in her ears. She glanced back at Jungkook, her frown deepening when she noticed him talking to a woman she hadn't seen before.

The proximity between them was far too close for comfort, sparking an unfamiliar burn in her chest. The girl looked young, likely in her early twenties, her sharp features accentuated by the dark, shimmery navy blue dress she wore. She was undeniably attractive-but also strangely familiar.

Aera was certain she didn't work for any of the departments under Kim Enterprises. And obviously, she wasn't an actress from the Netflix show Aera had watched that afternoon, though the girl's appearance and personality would've fit right into the cliché teenage high school drama. The actors were way too old for their supposed teenage roles, though, not to mention high school life didn't revolve around drunken frat party hookups. Life was much more complex than that.

By the time her eyes narrowed in scrutiny, examining the girl's features and putting the familiar pieces together, another realization struck her, harder than a collision with a monster truck. She whipped her head back toward the dance floor.

And there he was, her mirror image. The unmistakable round face, tiny nose, thin lips, and those bright, stunning smaragdine eyes, full of life, youth, and hope. The little boy was enchanting, so much so that Aera found herself momentarily overwhelmed. The tension in her brow eased, and for a brief moment, she wondered: how could anyone look at him and not fall in love? How could someone not want to make him the center of their world? Like a missing piece that made any family whole.

Family. . .

A chill crawled up Aera's spine, spreading through her entire body. A sting formed at the back of her eyes, and a sudden lump tightened in her throat. So, it was true what those women had been gossiping about. Jeon Jungkook did have a family he was protective and secretive about. That explained why he never got involved with anyone at work. After all, who would care what others thought when he had a sweet family waiting for him at home? He was private but focused on his own life, a bit reserved, but brimming with love for his own.

Oh, how Aera could pity herself now.

She had been deluding herself, thinking he was still her Jungkook. It would have been easier to just deny Jihee's invitation. Without her, there was no point in being here anyway. At least she could have spared herself the crack forming in her heart. Maybe she should head home now; midnight hadn't struck yet, and surely binge-watching Netflix would have been less painful than this.

"Jungkook!" squealed the young boy, drawing everyone's attention his way (except for Taehyung, who was still lost in his groove to some rock song), sparking curiosity about their connection again when he didn't refer to Jungkook as "dad." The boy ran happily toward Jungkook, only to trip and fall into his waiting arms.

"Easy there, kiddo," Jungkook said with a grin, scrunching his nose as he looked down at the boy. His hands rested firmly on the boy's shoulders, steadying him. "You don't want to sprain that ankle again, do you, Jake?"

"Oopsie," Jake whispered, biting his tongue. He shyly shook his head, signaling a soft "no."

The tension in Jungkook's face melted away as a warm smile spread across his features. He reached up and ruffled Jake's hair, the soft curls falling over his forehead and just above his eyebrows. A longer fringe brushed against the boy's eyelids. Jungkook gently moved it aside, catching a glimpse of the entire galaxy twinkling in the boy's green eyes.

"Hm, you need a haircut, Jake. You don't want to look like a little caveman, do you?"

"No," Jake answered with more confidence. "I want to grow it out like yours. It looks cool!" He pushed his black hair to the side, mimicking the way Jungkook's was parted in the middle. His burst of enthusiasm earned a chuckle from both adults.

"You can once you grow up to Jungkook's height," his older sister, Rhea, told him. She affectionately squished his cheeks as Jake pouted, grumbling about how he was already grown up and the tallest among his classmates at school. Despite his protests, he tsked and shrugged his shoulders. Jungkook and Rhea followed the shiver that ran down his spine, which quickly turned into frantic stomps on the ground.

With a rosy flush, Jake desperately tugged at his sister's dress, pulling her down to his height and whispering something in her ear.

"What?" she asked incredulously, glowering at Jake. "I told you not to eat those chicken nuggets earlier. They were spicy, and your stomach couldn't handle them. Didn't you know that?"

"Yes, I knew! Scold me later. Jungkook will hear you." Jungkook quietly saw as Jake turned a shade of beetroot red. He pursed his lips and looked away before the brother and sister duo excused themselves.

God, they squabbled like cats and dogs. He wondered if all siblings were like that. He didn't have a sibling, so growing up was a void until Seokjin came into his life. Their relationship was different; while Seokjin did all the bickering, Jungkook mostly listened and rarely retorted.

Jungkook would admit he missed Seokjin after a few days without him following their argument. It was unusual for Seokjin not to reach out first, and his silence suggested he was still upset. Perhaps if Seokjin were here instead of attending a charity event, his anger might soften upon meeting Jake.

Seokjin loved children, and Jake was a sweetheart who had managed to soften Jungkook's usually guarded heart. Jungkook even entertained the idea of Seokjin teasing him about dating Rhea, recalling the times Seokjin had encouraged him to date. Seokjin's efforts were at least amusing, unlike the buzz surrounding his private life. The speculations about his personal affairs had only intensified because he had invited the siblings, who had planned to spend the evening at home, to the event. He wondered if anyone had a job other than gossiping about him.

Exhaling deeply, he leaned against the bar counter and let his gaze wander. The crowd's chatter had long since died down, but he could still see their mouths moving, producing inaudible sounds that seemed almost absurd. After a moment, he found the pair of eyes that had been boring into him all night.

She appeared lost in thought, and he allowed himself to appreciate her beauty for once. The pristine white gown she wore seemed to pale in comparison to her ethereal presence. It struck Jungkook that she seemed like an angel who had been exiled from heaven, her delicate features almost fragile to the touch.

Jungkook frowned. He squinted his eyes for closer inspection and noticed that she had become unnervingly pale and thin. He knew she was overworking herself, and he had to do something about it.

"Seems like you're only happy around your girlfriend and her little brother, huh? They leave for a moment, and you turn into the stone pillar you are with us," Taehyung observed, his forehead and neckline glistening with sweat from the energy he put into dancing.

Jungkook was taken aback by Taehyung's sudden appearance and blunt remark. He chose to ignore it, as if it were no surprise. Taehyung had a habit of speaking his mind, and Jungkook appreciated that about him.

"She is not my girlfriend," said Jungkook.

Taehyung made a thoughtful sound as he sipped from a glass of water. "Really? Why not? She seems like a good one. Or has someone already claimed her?" Taehyung raised an eyebrow.

"I don't date," Jungkook replied flatly.

"Oh, why is that?" Taehyung frowned and ran his fingers through his now raven-colored hair. As if the action sparked a realization, his eyes widened.

"Don't tell me you are gay? Because if you are, you don't need to be shy about it. This is the 21st-fucking-CE. You should be proud of your sexuality, just as I am. Oh, and if it helps, I'm also gay, so you have all my support. Don't pay attention to what people say, instead, surround yourself with positivity and hope, just like I did. You can listen to J-Hope, man. I swear, he's like the human embodiment of happiness. And you know what? I found out on my fucking birthday that he's gay as well!"

Jungkook nearly choked on his drink. He had to admit, there was no one quite like Taehyung. It was the first time he had heard Taehyung speak so candidly and use such strong language. He guessed it was the usual mix of serotonin and dopamine, especially after learning about his idol's sexuality. But Jungkook wasn't gay.

He told Taehyung this, and Taehyung apologized for the assumption. "Then whatever it is, bro, just stay positive about it," he advised.

Jungkook sighed, trying to locate the girl he had lost sight of earlier. "I'm sterile. What's positive about that?"

Taehyung's demeanor shifted at the gravity of Jungkook's words. He ordered two whiskeys from the bartender and handed one to Jungkook.

"No need for condoms then," Taehyung said with a shrug, clinking their glasses together. "Cheers."

Jungkook rolled his eyes but hid a smile behind the rim of his glass and toasted back.

As midnight approached, the excitement for the New Year began. Everyone headed out to the balcony to watch the fireworks, and Jungkook joined them with Jake and Rhea after they returned. Taehyung had his camera out, filming the scene while he lifted Jake onto his shoulders, allowing the boy to see over the crowd of taller people.

". . .3, 2, 1. Happy New Year!"

The sky erupted in glitter and sparks. Hues of yellow, orange, and blue wrapped the stars and moon in a vibrant display. The scene was mesmerizing.

But Jungkook's attention was captured by something else.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed the woman he had been searching for. She stood alone in a secluded corner, gazing up at the dazzling fireworks. He wished he could muster the courage to approach her. Instead, he remained where he was and whispered to himself, "Happy Birthday, Princess."

As if in response to his quiet wish, Aera turned and their eyes met for the first time that night.