"Jimin?" Zia called out as she made her way downstairs.

"In the kitchen!" He shouted back.

She walked towards the kitchen to find her him sitting on one of the dining chairs, sipping his coffee. She sat in front of him, not looking at him directly. Jimin noticed this behaviour of her.

She was thankful for Jimin for always being there with her, but at the same time she felt like she was annoying. That she always came to Jimin when things are bad. That Jimin might feel her as a burden sometimes. That she was bothering Jimin when he himself had a life full of obstacles.

She was staring nowhere but the floor. Maybe that was the only thing that wouldn't manipulate her. Jimin sighed and looked at her.

"What's wrong?" He asked softly.

"Uh, nothing. I'm...sorry for yest-" she was saying when Jimin spoke in the middle.

"Sorry? For what? For feeling? Or for knowing that they're doing wrong to you? Or for being strong?" He said. His dark brown orbs staring straight into her pure ocean blue ones. Zia knew he was speaking the truth. There was no real reason for her to apologize. But again, that's what she was always taught. Not to show any emotions.

He sighed before continuing "listen to me" he said while taking her hand into his, carressing the back of her hand gently with his thumb. "You did nothing wrong. There's no need to say sorry. And we never apologize for crying or feeling anything. Crying is not a bad thing okay? We cry when there's too much in our head. When we've been strong for too long. when we need a break from all the things happening around us cuz' we're drained by it. So its okay." He completed.

Zia simply stared at him, trying to believe that she was lucky enough to have found Jimin. A small smile appeared on her face and she nodded at what Jimin told her.

"Thanks" she mumbled. "What would I do without you?"

"Nothing. Because I'm not gonna leave you this easily." He said, winking at her.

Although Jimin tried his best to lighten the mood but they both knew her mind was already occupied by tremendous amount of things. Not only hers but Jimin's too. The only difference was that he didn't show it. Not in front of her. Because if he did, it would mean something is seriously bad that could not be saved.

His mind kept reminding him of last night. How she was trembling. How she was crying. In so much pain, so much...fear? He couldn't sleep the whole night. Everything kept replaying in his head. Everything. His past, her past or their past.

He hadn't seen Zia like that for a good number of months now. And it wasn't because she was fine, it was because she was good at pretending to be fine. She was good at controlling herself, controlling her tears.

But when she can't do that, when she's done, even after trying so much, she just breaks. Like she did yesterday. He could see her standing on the line between giving up and seeing how much more she can take. He could see her fighting to live a normal life, which they both know, was taken from her a long time back.

"I should go now." Zia said, snapping him out of his thoughts. Jimin nodded, he knew she needs to go. No, she has to go. Just then her phone started ringing.

'Jungkook'

"Hello?" She said as she answered the call. Her eyes fixed down at the floor.

"Zia, where are you?" He said in his casual cold tone of voice.

"Why do you care?" She said, irritation clearly hinting in her voice. The line went silent for a while. She heard Jungkook heave a frustrated sigh.

"I'm at a friend's house." She stated.

"Okay whatever. Just make it home real quick. Kang wants to see you." He said. Just mentioning his name brought disgust in Zia's expression.

"Fine" she said and hung up.

She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. That helps in calming down the anger right? She finally looked at Jimin whose eyes never left Zia's figure. By her expression, he figured it was about Kang.

Kang, the CEO of Crimson. The person who created all this mess. The person who is responsible for destroying Zia and so many people's young lives. The person who only thought of his benefit. The person who could do anything for money. And for him, anything meant everything.

Jimin got up from his seat and gave Zia a warm hug. Assuring her that he's there with her.

"Kang wants you there right?" He asked although being sure of the fact.

"Yeah" she nodded.

------

"I already told you I'm not doing that!" She yelled, throwing the file frustratingly.
The papers flew across the room. Nobody dared to speak. Zia's heart peircing gaze was more than enough for an answer.

"Zia, if you think the amount is less then just tell me. They are ready to give double of this." Kang said.

Zia looked at him in disbelief.

'how can he do that?' she thought.

But then again, he was Kang, he can do anything for money.

Silence fell in the room again. Only shuffling of papers was heard as the manager picked up and arranged the papers Zia threw earlier.

"Listen" Kang said in a deep voice
"I'll give you one more day, think about it and sign it. Tomorrow I want the papers, clients will not be waiting for long. Also I don't have time for your bullshits." He snapped while maintaining a threatening glare at her. "And, your parents have agreed."

She didn't say anything. How can you expect a girl to sign a paper that practically has a deal of her body ? Cruel right?
The manager handed her the papers and left with his boss, Mr.kang. She stood there, alone and numb.

Not feeling anything. Not even sadness, betrayal, hurt...nothing. Her body got so used to it.

---

Clicking and flashing sounds of cameras was the only thing heard.

"Perfect shot!" One of the photographers exclaimed, being absolutely stunned by the charm of the person posing in front of them.

Jimin was standing boldly, his magnificent aura captivating everyone. His eyes making contact with each camera present in the room. He glided his hand down along the collar of his black blazer that was getting more and more authentic as he touched it. His strong gaze never becoming weak by the flashing lights and cameras. He truly added to the beauty of the clothes.

Soon the shoot was done. The clothing brand must've been grateful for such a great personality to accept their advertisement offer.

"Thank you so much Mr.Park" one of the men said and bowed to him.

Jimin nodded and smiled faintly. His manager shook hands with the direction manager of the company as a gesture of business formality.
Jimin walked out of the hall and made his way back followed by his bodyguards and manager.

"What's next?" He asked not looking anywhere but straight.

"Sir, you have a meeting w-" his manager was interrupted by the sound of a phone ringing.

Jimin looked at the caller id and nodded,

"When is the meeting?" He straightforwardly questioned not taking his eyes off his phone.

"5 pm." His manager answered.

"Okay. We have time, I'll reach the company directly." He stated and motioned him to leave.

'why is he calling me now?' Jimin thought to himself, hesitant to answer the call.

"Hello?" He said answering the call.

"Jimin, we need to meet. Now." The person said.

"But...what happened?" He asked

"No questions. Just meet me, its important. I'll text you the address." The person said and hung up, not even waiting for his response.

Jimin sighed. A weird feeling crept on his body as if cold shivers were sent down his spine. He didn't wanted to go through everything again in his life nor did he wanted Zia to suffer again.

But he needs to meet this person. Only this person can help them through the darkness. He trusts him. He believes that this person will help him.

"Why do you wanna meet now suddenly?" He mumbled to himself taking a deep breath.
   

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