Chapter 40

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"...I'm sorry Taehyung, but there's nothing I can do about this-" Hwasa sighed, her lips tugging downwards.

Taehyung's shoulders drooped.

"How.. how I dont understand. How can they all get rejected?"

"That's the thing. I was shocked when the results came- you are one of our finest in the modeling batch, Gucci's advisor assistant, himself had given you a 9... A 9!- no one gets a 9, you and Kai did and although he got through, you had a lot of oppurtunity with that grade, but your applications still came rejected... I just dont understand... this is bullshit!" Hwasa slammed her file, fuming.

Taehyung sighed again, shutting his eyes "it's alright Hwasa Noona... maybe, there's something else for me out there."

"I'm not going to let your talent go to waste here Taehyung. It's either they are blind or have got no taste in fashion or models. You know what-- I will see through this myself and try to contact the brands... they have to answer me." Hwasa looked up, her face filled with determination.

"Thankyou noona.." Taehyung smiled softly, bowing to the older in a manner of thanking her

"You're lucky you caught my eye. Dont expect me to go soft on you kid." Hwasa said sternly, with a mischievous glint in her eyes as her lips curved into a smile.

Taehyung chuckled and bowed a little again.

"Thankyou... I'll return your kindness by making you proud out there..."

"Ofcourse you should. I'm not stressing out over you for free here now, am I?" Hwasa grinned. "Now go.. while I'll try to solve some fried braincells..."

Taehyung chuckled as he took the leave from Hwasa's cabin.

He let out a sigh, a little tired and a little frustrated.

Taehyung had never felt this restless in his entire life.

He had a lot going on his head and he felt heavy, his thoughts dragging him while his heart remained numb as he pulled up a wall around it.

Funny how, the same day, two weeks earlier he had accidently confessed his heart out to Jimin.

A whole set of two weeks had passed and Taehyung was nowhere.

He physically remained in the present, while the thoughts of past hurt his heart and the thoughts of future terrified his mind.

Taehyung felt terror within. The taste of being scared of something so inevitable was fucking up his mind and honestly- Taehyung was exhausted.

He barely got any sleep as he laid awake at nights varying his options.

To stay.

To leave.

To stay.

To leave.

To ruin Jungkook's life.

To protect Jungkook's life.

To end up Jungkook despising him of his selfish actions.

To end up Jungkook hating him for not keeping his promise.

Taehyung was at a war within himself.

He was indecisive and he hated himself for that.

Nothing... nothing seemed right.

So he did what he was best at, giving excuses.

He barely saw Jungkook the whole week- probably thrice and that was when other staff was present in the practice room.

Taehyung no more drove over to Jungkook's place, didnt go on late night McD excursions or stay late to stargaze with him or have clumsy cooking sessions or drown himself in the raventte's embrace.

He stopped with everything one by one, giving an understandable excuse.

And it hurt... it hurt a lot.

Cooking up excuses, lying and watching the glint of excitement from Jungkook's tone fade, hurt Taehyung.

Spending time with Jungkook had become his routine- something he was attached to... and all of a suddenly being forced to follow another routine, the one which didn't include Jungkook at least five times a day- was horrible.

Although, Taehyung was relieved that Jungkook didn't question much regarding his excuses, Taehyung knew Jungkook would rise with questions one day and honestly he had no idea how to face them.

Or if luck was on his side, Jungkook wouldnt notice, being absorbed with practices and preparations for his tours... and maybe, just maybe... he wouldnt notice it.

Taehyung sighed, slightly rubbing his eyes as he turned into a corridor. His eyes immediately landing on the two figures, standing way too close making it seem inappropriate.

Taehyung shifted his gaze, annoyed  and turned back to take another way around the corridor.

Forgetting Hani worked in the same company was easy because he avoided the bitch like a plague.

But his interests were piqued with the other figure in suit.

Director Choi.

What could possibly a sleazy man in crisp suit and slick hair have to do with a whore?

Hmm...

Taehyung could only wonder, before throwing up a little at the back of his throat.

Dont judge Taehyung on making assumptions.... when there's somebody like Hani existing in one's life- you gotta believe, anything's possible.

Someone as psychotic as Hani who would pay up a guy to abuse her to threaten people just says enough about her.

Determination and focus on goal, at its finest.

But it's a false advertising crime.

Hani should be locked up in an institution.

Taehyung wanted to say he didnt care.

He didn't want to- but everything Hani held in her hand was a nuclear bomb built from false baseless foundations- but that didnt mean, the bomb was any less of a bomb. It was just as lethal as any other and could be the cause of an irreplaceable damage.

And in this case, Jungkook's life.

Taehyung didnt know much about chess, but he did know that he was a useless pawn trying to protect his King, while all the other people like Hani, Lee YongWon and even probably Director Choi were the strongest pieces of the board game from the other team, who were simply plotting to tear them down.

Life sucks.

And life doesnt give you lemons... it gives you shit.

And who else can live to it better than Taehyung, himself?

Scoffing to himself, he accepted his fate.

Hani pulling up a shit show, CEO YongWon threatening him, his modeling requests being rejected, Director Choi literally joining hands with Hani and tomorrow who knows- maybe he'll get kicked out of the company or maybe the President will swing by and tell him to fuck off???

You never know...

Taehyung felt bitter all over.

The brown haired male sauntered down to the canteen, chatters invading his senses but it all felt like static buzz in his ears.

Picking up his food tray, Taehyung picked an empty table as he settled down to eat.

Even the dumplings looked sad and Taehyung frowned, his lips in a pout.

Feeling his phone buzz in his pockets, Taehyung removed the device, a sigh leaving his lips as he sucked his bottom lip to nibble on it from anxiousness building around his nervous heart.

Coconut Cult Boy: Pretttttttaaaaeeeee

Coconut Cult Boy: do you wanna get a slurpee later?

Coconut Culy Boy: I saw this cool movie trailer a little while ago and its looks litttt.

Coconut Cult Boy: It's called Pacific Rim, have you watched it?

Coconut Cult Boy: it's got all these underwater huge aliens and robot fighting and shit...

Coconut Cult Boy: if you haven't watched it, maybe we can watch it together? I've been dying to watch it :(((((

Coconut Cult Boy: I'll set up a projector outdoors... how does that sound? Popcorn and blankies and a movie in my balcony... hmmm??????

Coconut Cult Boy: are you there Tae?

Coconut Cult Boy: pls reply :(

Taehyung closed his eyes and let out a breath, before making up his mind to come up with another excuse.

Taehyung: hey... I'm a little busy tonight.

Taehyung's heart jolted when he saw Jungkook replying instantly, but his poor heart fumbled with the raventte's text.

Coconut Cult Boy: :((((((((((

Coconut Cult Boy: you said that three days ago...

Taehyung: I'm sorry Koo... but work's piling up now. You should practice too... you shouldn't have distractions now...

Coconut Cult Boy: but you're my only distraction....

Taehyung dove his head into his hands from frusturation.

Why, Jungkook had to be like this?

Why did it have to affect his heart so fucking much?

Taehyung: no more distractions koo... you gotta focus now okay?

Coconut Cult Boy: ............

Coconut Cult Boy: okay...

Coconut Cult Boy: but can we still get a slurpee? That shouldn't take long right?

Taehyung bit his lips, wanting to channel his internal pain away.

Jungkook and his words were doing a lot of things to Taehyung.

Taehyung: I'm working till late tonight... maybe some other day...

Coconut Cult Boy: it's okay then... just take care baby

Coconut Cult Boy: I miss you

Taehyung pursed his lips, debating himself.

He shouldn't.

He shouldn't.

He shouldn't.

Fuck it.

Taehyung: I miss you too Koo♡

Coconut Cult Boy: ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Taehyung sighed into his palm as he kept his phone aside.

He wanted to remain strong but his heart was fufking stubborn against him.

35%? 50%? 70%?

Taehyung liked Jungkook all the way to 100% and it still brought no good.

What was even the purpose of anything anymore? What could possibly the universe have against Taehyung? To bring him so close to something that his heart terribly desires but not allowing him to hold it?

Taehyung couldnt help but curse at the fates for being a total bitch around his life and wishes.

Taekook? Taekook my ass, the male thought to himself.

This didnt feel anything like a romantic cliche.... all Taehyung got was worser days on a bad week.

How delightful...

Might as well add a dinosaur and call it Jurassic Park cause that's exactly how it felt like- absolutely ridiculous.

"Atleast you get to live up to your purpose" Taehyung mumbled looking at the sad looking dumpling as he picked it up with his chopsticks and popped it inside his mouth.

The sad dumpling tasted a little bland on his tastebuds and Taehyung wondered if he'd die at the moment being all sad, would the demons feel the same seeing his depressed state.

Bland.

Taehyung could only wonder.

**********

Jungkook tiredly dropped himself on the blue mattress when he finished the new dance routine.

"Good job Jungkook" the choreographer panted a bit, praising the younger male.

Jungkook threw a thumbs up as he breathed deeply, his chest heaving.

"You are learning all of these routines quickly these days.... I'm amazed." The older man smiled.

Jungkook's lips curved into a soft smile as he sat upright.

"I'm... I'm avoiding distractions, so that I can finish all of this quickly and have more time for my distractions..."

"More time for your distractions huh?" The choreographer quirked

"Yeah... hanging out, doing fun things, eating cheap McD, late night drives... all that" Jungkook shrugged hiding a certain someone from his words, but he meant all he said.

"Hmm.. gotta live your life son. I get it.." the man smiled "anyway... don't get into trouble and remember not to over exert yourself- take breaks between practices"

"Yes sir..." Jungkook stood up and bowed slightly as the choreographer took his leave.

Jungkook laid on the mattress again  pulling his phone out and going straight to the conversation he had.

Prettae💜: I miss you too Koo♡

Jungkook: ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Jungkook smiled sadly.

I miss you too Koo.

His heart leaped with amount of times he couldnt count, but that didnt erase away the sting that settled in his chest.

He missed Taehyung like crazy.

He missed his sweet box shaped smile and his soft whines. He missed watching his eyes go wide as he would pout. He missed that silly soft brown locks and his sweet scent of vanilla and musk. He missed having Taehyung wrapped up in his arms.

It had been only two weeks and yet Jungkook found losing himself.

Taehyung had started giving one reason or the other and honestly- it was too much for the raventte, but he couldn't say anything.

He couldn't go straight up to Taehyung and question his reasons, because then that would be stepping on what titles they had.

Jungkook had to remind himself- they weren't dating. Taehyung could do whatever the fuck he wanted and Jungkook knew he had no say in it.

Questioning, would only jeopardize everything he had carefully built with the male.

And considering the way things were going- Jungkook didnt want to drift further away from Taehyung. He didnt want to make a fatal mistake.

Ever since the last day, Taehyung had crashed over his place- things werent exactly going the same. Taehyung had asked some very questionable questions afterall- 'what am I?' 'Would you forgive me, if I left?'

For some reason, Jungkook couldnt help but partially blame himself.

Did he do something to annoy Taehyung?

Was it something that he accidently said out loud? Or was it his actions?

Did Taehyung figure out he needed him more than the ways Taehyung needed him?

Did Taehyung figure out he stepped over their contract and liked him more than he was allowed to?

Jungkook sighed, his thought process all scrambled.

Maybe Jungkook did have two or more fears, other than being scared of microwaves and misunderstood.

Rejection.

Jungkook swallowed harshly.

The raventte scrolled up and went over their previous conversations, a snort in the form of a smile leaving his lips.

He missed this.

The stupid conversations and the late night emoji battles and Taehyung being all cutesy with him.

But everything he got in return were Missed calls and heartaches.

Just wonderful...

Jungkook groaned as he pulled out his airpods and plugged it into his ears, as he swiped the screen to press on his recently played list.

Jungkook sighed, the music entering his senses and a soft smile graced his lips as he closed his eyes.

Atleast he gets to hear him.

'Sleep like a winter bear'

Jungkook hummed softly, singing along to the delicate words of the sweet melody.

This was Jungkook's remedy now.

Everytime he missed the male, he'd simply listen to his song. His deep, soulful voice would ease his senses and the day wouldnt feel as bad as it was.

He didnt know how many times he played Winter Bear in the repeated list, but just as soon as his senses picked up the presence of somebody else in the room- his eyes shot open.

His heart strumming to find a mop of brown hair and twinkling eyes but his features turned into a frown.

"What the hell?" Jungkook hissed as he sat upright.

"I came by to see you Jungkookie" Hani smiled.

"Is that your new song? It sounds so sweet- is it dedicated to someone? What's it called?" she blinked innocently.

"Its called none of your business." Jungkook snapped as he grabbed his towel and wrapped it around his neck.

"Dont be so mean.." Hani pouted, but then smiled sweetly.

"Hani... what are you doing here?" Jungkook frowned when he noticed Hani's eyeing him through the sweat drenched fabric of his shirt. Mumbling a curse in his heads the raventte picked up his deserted flannel and pulled his arms through it, feeling like some Victorian woman trying to wade away from thirsty men who were trying to catch a glimpse of their skin.

"Huh? Oh- I'm here to see you." Hani looked back up at Jungkook.

"I dont want you seeing me Hani. Can you leave me alone?" Jungkook said shoving his water bottle into his bag.

The last time Hani strolled into his practice room, she delayed him over 30 minutes and it caused a huge fight between him and Taehyung. If anything- Jungkook wanted to avoid that with his whole soul.

"But... But I wanted to see you" she pouted.

"Hani. You cheated on me. We broke up. There's nothing more remaining for either of us now. There is no us... there probably never was but I was too blinded that time." Jungkook grumbled as he shook his head, already feeling annoyed.

"Just because I'm not kicking you out of here- it doesnt mean, I want you  breathing around me. The only reason you are still allowed to walk- is because you are a woman and I respect you as a human, regardless of what stunt you pulled up. I'm over you Hani- I've moved on, you should too because I'm never taking you back into my life." Jungkook harsly replied without any remorse.

Hani scoffed with defeat "I've apologised so many times... you know you need me.. you know you need me Jungkookie.."

Hani stalled forward to hold the raventte and Jungkook inched away, the stern look from his base not fading.

"I dont need you Hani- it was you who needed me all this time" Jungkook shook his head as he clicked his tongue with disgust "we've already had this talk a million times- and I'll keep telling you the same thing. I don't need you in my life anymore. Okay? Stay the fuck away from me or I swear I'll put up restraining order against you Hani- do not test me and my patience."

Jungkook short a venomous glare at the female before he swung his bag over his shoulder and left the practice room.

Hani stood still, fuming, her fingers curled into a fist and she let out a scream from frusturation.

"You'll be mine Jungkook... you dont have a choice" she smirked.

"Not when I know your weakness"

*********

Taehyung stepped out of his car and locked it. He lazily rubbed his neck and stretched his limbs a bit as walked over the stairs. He unlocked the main door and pushed it open sighing to himself.

He hing his car keys on the hooks attached to the wall and walked in, taking off his coat. He removed his shoes and groaning he slipped into the living room, his eyes instantly falling on the little crowd sprawled around the living room.

It wasnt anything out of order, but usually all of his roomies wouldn't gather up unless its dinner or breakfast or some particular celebration.

"Hey guys..." Taehyung mumbled as he walked in.

"Something wrong?" Taehyung questioned, noticing the dimmed atmosphere.

"Jin hyung got demoted with his pay cut in half" Jimin rolled his eyes.

"They can demote lawyers?" Taehyung questioned.

"Out of all the things you had to ask that?" Jimin cocked his head to the side.

"Right. Sorry. I mean- how.. what happened?" Taehyung shook his head.

Jim sighed out loud "its unclear, my superior in charge didn't give much explanation."

"Except for something along the lines saying it was a procedure follow up and I didn't line up" Jin rubbed his eyes tiredly, shaking his head.

"What kind of horse shit does you superior eat? Procedure follow up? What is this? Star wars? I'm telling you... you must have picked up something and they realised it- weren't you sneakily working on SangChul's case?" Jimin stretched his legs on the ground as he folded his arms against his chest.

"Right hyung. SangChul did pay up the court afterall to get away from his crimes and the case was dropped... what if you got close to something that was buried deep?" Taehyung said settling down on the couch next to Yoongi.

Jin sighed and shrugged "I dont know... it seems really petty- most of the evidence put up in the court was the official evidence and if that gets rejected- then there's nothing much left. Even the will from the suicide victim's doesnt specify SangChul's name so it cant be strong evidence."

"It really doesn't make sense if they demote an attorney... there are no loop ends."

"What about the other people you came across SangChul?" Yoongi asked

"Nothingm" Jin sighed "they're all squeaky clean..."

Jin blinked a little from confusion "but now that I think about it.... he did have connections with other companies other than KD entertainment"

Jin paused, the clocks in his brain ticking.

"And?" Jimin quirked up.

"SangChul... SangChul embezzled money from KD entertainment- KD entertainment threatens SangChul to stay in line but that's when SangChul gets arrested. KD entertainment runs into bankruptcy and.... BH Lee steps in to save KD entertainment and SangChul shifts his shares from KD entertainment and into BH Lee, becoming the fourth largest shareholder of the company."

"So... you're telling, BH Lee is backing up a fucking rapist?" Taehyung questioned, disgusted.

Jin sat up right "I... I dont think they're backing him up- there... there must be some other deal to hold them. As far as I have my knowledge on BH Lee, they dont like to get their hands dirty. If there isn't a separate deal, BH Lee can simply pick up an efficient time and drop SangChul, his shares merging with the company if he gets arrested again."

"So... that means-" Yoongi began

"Yep. They will have the control over SangChul's shares since the share policy is just between BH Lee and SangChul. They're baiting him." Jin scoffed, his brain finally being relieved of thoughts.

"But it still seems petty... I mean you arent even officially working on the case- why would they demote you? I dont get it" Jimin frowned.

Jin licked his lips "that's what... nothing alligns- it's just pieces... SangChul, KD entertainment, BH Lee.... I dont know I..." Jin paused "but I... I did see an agent from Jaehwa Company leave the superior's office yesterday- I dont know... its just- I dont know.. it throws me off because people go through us, not- not the superior. He's in charge yes, but we do the most of work anyway"

"Jaehwa Company? Isnt that the company that got sued by an employee last year? Caused a big drama.." Yoongi mumbled. "People say Ahn Moonbin is a fucking pedophile or something..."

Taehyung stunned.

"Wait what?!"

"People say he's a fucking pedophile?" Yoongi repeated, a little confused.

"No no... what did you say his name was?"

"Ahn Moonbin...CEO of Jaehwa electrical appliances?" Yoongi answered trying to figure out Taehyung's sudden burst out.

Taehyung paled.

Ahn Moonbin.

His words crashed in his throat.

This wasnt anything about SangChul or KD entertainment or even BH Lee...

This was about Jaehwa.

Taehyung's eyes met Jin's for a brief second and as if they had mind links, Jin's eyes slightly widened.

"This... this isnt about me." Jin mumbled, his eyes on his brother whose face was morphing into disbelief.

Taehyung swallowed the guilt in his throat that clawed him from the insides.

The blame settled so deeply within him, that Taehyung could no longer look back into Jin's eyes.

In no time, he felt Jin's arms around him, hugging him tight.

"I'm..  I'm sorry hyung" Taehyung whispered.

"Its not a big deal Tae... it's just a job.... trust me, it's not a big deal. Please dont blame yourself. We'll get through this alright? Please trust yourself, please trust me..." Jin said softly, knowing the storm was raging in ways he didnt predict.

Because Ahn Moonbin was an ambitious asshole to stick his foot into innocent lives that wanted nothing to do with him.

And also because, Ahn Moonbin had an equally ambitious daughter who wanted nothing but to erase Taehyung away from his existence.

Fighting a losing battle, never brought any good when the lives around continued to disrupt- but Jin had already made up his mind, to fight for Taehyung- even if he were to lose his job.

But this time- from the right start.

Not BH Lee, but from Jaehwa...

From Ahn Hani.

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Author's Note:

Spicy drama upcoming yolooooooo

So... I obeyed y'alls majority wishes and didnt make Tae leave (yet¿)

Heheh I know I'm evil.

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Also please, nobody hate the real life Hani because of this story- I don't know the girl (I only know like 2 or 3 songs from EXID) and remember this is a work of fiction. I'm saying this because, some people do end up disliking a person just because they are an antagonist in a work of fiction.

Anyway, I believe yall ain't like that so take my kithes. ♡♡♡

(I just felt the need its necessary to say this lol, dont mind me...)

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And omg.... the subunit videos and VMin talking about the dumpling incident. Namgi looked so squishy I cried. And JanJankook lmao... so chaotic- I love them so much.

And damn Tae papi going live, emitting such boyfriend vibes- I think I astral projected yesterday. Bye.

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Thanks for supporting me with reading, voting and commenting on this book.

75k views feels like a dream lmao.

I love yall so much.

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Stay safe from Rona.

Be kind to one another.

Love,
Jaye.