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"Kim Seokjin, you must remember that you will be taking my position soon. I heard rumors that you are tailing that mere employee. You're doing well but that doesn't mean she feels superior to you," Seokjin's father spoke, sipping his Earl Grey tea.

"Abeoji, Ms. Kiko is not that kind of person. She treated me with care and taught me a lot of things. People like to spread rumors but those in power should not get affected, Abeoji." Seokjin was quick to defend. He'd rather take all the blame and step down from anything than let a drop of ink spill on Kiko.

"I appreciated your admiration towards her but don't take her side too much. If she gets to know you're the future of this company, she'd definitely leech off you. Be careful of such wenches," Mr. Kim warned and Seokjin clenched his fists.

"Abeoji, I appreciate your concern for me but I am an adult. I am aware of how the business world works but calling someone a wench is highly inappropriate, Abeoji. It is a shame on our dignity as well," Seokjin was evidently passive-aggressive between his lines and his father realized that he pressed the wrong button.

He did not want to trigger his son in any way that could change his decision of inheriting the company. His other sons are pursuing other dreams and would be very difficult to convince if Seokjin takes a U-turn. At least until Seokjin takes up the CEO position, his father wants to be careful talking with him.

"I was a bit worried for you, my son. I will be careful with my words next time. I just want you to stay strong and sturdy against the enemies," Mr. Kim had a polar change in his tone and Seokjin just sighed.

"Thank you, Abeoji. I will always be on my guard when it comes to my work. I'll do my best so please trust me on this," Seokjin spoke hurriedly, desperately wanting to get out of the room, It felt suffocating to breathe in his father's office. He wondered how he'd survive once he takes responsibility for the company.

"I will leave now as people might get suspicious if I stay here for more time," Seokjin excused and left the office. The receptionists were giggling at him, audibly whispering how handsome he looked. Seokjin smiled at them and they almost fainted, to which he just chuckled.

It bothered to him how his father thinks so lowly of his employees behind them. Respect gives respect and his father probably doesn't even know for a fact that it is true. Kiko is one of the most genuine employees in the company and it baffled him how his father degraded her just because she isn't holding a high-level position.

His mood was bitter now and even though he wanted to put up a huge smile on his face just so his senior wouldn't notice, he just couldn't. It wasn't like Kiko didn't notice the change in his behavior when he came back. But she decided to give him some time and space to collect his thoughts.

"Seokjin, the day's over," Kiko woke Seokjin from his nap and Seokjin yawned, still feeling drowsy. Kiko smiled endearingly, ruffling the younger's hair as he raised his head. He pouted like a baby and Kiko definitely had thoughts about those kissy lips but she decided to stay in denial.

"Everyone left?" Seokjin asked, looking around. There was no human being detected and he realized that it was past the working hour and Kiko just stayed so he could sleep properly.

"Just a few minutes ago. I have to pack and arrange some things so I let you sleep until I was done," Kiko partially lied and Seokjin just smiled, awed at how bad at lying his senior was but he wanted to live the moment.

"Sunbae, I will just drop you home today by car," Seokjin spoke and Kiko nodded.

"I know I am asking for too much but can we go to the tteotbokki stall today? I could feel rats in my stomach. My treat, please?" Kiko requested and Seokjin was ready to jump at the opportunity but he wanted to tease for a little while.

"Tteotbokki? Today?"

"Yes, please," Kiko closed her eyes, smiling wide and Seokjin's heart fluttered. Kiko acting cute is all that was needed to ruin Kim Seokjin and his faint heart. He blushed and turned away, not wanting to be a deer caught in the headlights.

"Let's go, let's go" Seokjin got up and Kiko followed like an excited puppy.

He is hot

Something about Seokjin driving, all focused on the road made Kiko feel that way. Perhaps, it's not just something. Lately, the attraction towards him was rising up and now that, he could actually leave the company any time soon, she wasn't able to guard them.

"You still didn't answer me that"

"What?" Kiko asked, trying to figure out the context.

"Nevermind, we're almost there," Seokjin spoke with a frown.

"I'll park the car and be back," He spoke as Kiko got down. She ordered for both of them while Seokjin could park his car. She contemplated on how to spend the weekend and thought of the kdramas that she left in between. Most of her weekends involved her finishing 10 packs of ramen while binge-watching kdramas and focusing on her skincare.

Other weekends are filled with work because of her team who either misses or forgets something and pushes all the work on her. She doesn't have many connections in the work industry to get her a job that could pay enough like the present one. So she just had to tolerate the toxic work behavior.

"I want some fishcakes too," Seokjin popped behind her, almost startling her.

"I ordered. I remembered you liking fishcakes with tteotbokki the last time," Kiko mouthed and Seokjin was definitely impressed.

"You are quite an observant, sunbae. Probably why you gotta carry the whole team on your back." Seokjin spoke and Kiko hit his arm.

"You are exaggerating. I do most of the work but that doesn't mean the others do nothing at all. Also, can we stop talking about work now? I feel sleepy just at the thought of work," Kiko complained and Sokjin agreed.

They soon received their food and started munching on them like happy fools. Kiko just wanted to see Seokjin smiling like this every day, He is a very kind being and all she hopes for him is success in this harsh corporate industry. She was afraid that people try to take advantage of his kindness and stamp on him.

"Do you want more food?" Kiko asked as they finished their plates.

"No, I am full"

"Cool, let's go to karaoke now," Kiko suggested and Seokjin looked at his sunbae seriously. He wasn't sure she was functioning properly. He was sure they didn't drink alcohol either so that perplexed him even more.

"Sunbae, are you alright?"

"I am, why?"

"Sunbae, why are you doing this? This is not you," Seokjin was not able to believe what Kiko was uttering. Kiko would never voluntarily ask him to join her for a karaoke evening.

"And why shouldn't I do this? Do you not like karaoke? Do you want to do something else? Horror house? Adventure Park? Or Window shopping?" Kiko suggested, her eyes beaming with excitement and expectations and Seokjin looked bewildered.

Until realization hit him

"Sunbae, look at me"

"Yes?"

"Are you doing this because you found me in a bad mood a few moments ago? Also, please don't try to lie, You are very bad at that," Seokjin questioned and Kiko bit her lips, saddened that her plan was hindered. She just wanted to uplift his mood without mentioning anything about it.

"Oh my god! You're doing all of this for me,"

"Seokjin-"

"Sunbae, you are not a fan of all of this, aren't you? Why are you forcing yourself to do such things when you don't even like them? I know you are doing this for me but I don't want it if you are forcing yourself to like such things," Seokjin expressed his dismay over Kiko's actions. He would never let Kiko do anything unwillingly for him.

"Who said I don't like them?"

"What?" Seokjin looked at Kiko who almost yelled at him.

"Who said I don't like going out and eating tteotbokki? Who said I don't like karaoke or adventure parks? Who said I don't like any of them?" Kiko unleashed her frustration on how people understand her.

"But sunbae-"

"I don't do them because I feel lonely. I have no one to go and enjoy those things. If I go alone, I get reminded of how I have no one to accompany me, how I have no one around who grew up loving me. I am scared that if I fall or get injured, I'd have no one to call for help," Kiko expressed her feelings with tears and Seokjin went to her seat, pulling her into a soft hug.

"It pains me that everyone thinks I am cold and hate mingling with people. They don't treat me like one of them and inquire about my lineage. It's either pity or disgust and I hate it. I wanted to go and experience all of them too. I want to feel happy too," Kiko cried and Seokjin held her carefully, caressing her back.

"I am sorry, sunbae. I am really sorry. I misunderstood you and assumed things without knowing how you feel. I am sorry that the world is unfair to you and I couldn't help much about it. But sunbae, I would not hesitate to run to you if you call me," Seokjin spoke and Kiko stared into his eyes, breaking from the hug. Her vision was slightly hazed but he was still looking ethereal.

"If you fall down, I'd be the one to pick you up first, If you're injured, I'd stay by your side and help you until you recover. If something makes you sad, I will hug you and wipe your tears. If something makes you mad, I'll be your punching bag," Seokjin confessed and Kiko's heart started pounding like a maniac.

"Please remember that I will always be there for you and you are not alone. This is a promise that I would never break," Seokjin promised and raised his pink finger. Kiko chuckled and intertwined hers, locking their promise.

"I am sorry for venting it out on you,"

"You don't have to apologize, sunbae. I should appreciate your efforts to make me happy when I am feeling sour. I feel thankful," Seokjin was happy that Kiko shared some feelings with him, even if they were completely platonic.

"I just didn't want to bring it up. I mean-"

"It was my father"

"What?"

"I am not on good terms with my father. He tries to control what I do and I absolutely hate it. But I find no escape from it. Sometimes it gets too much and it makes me mad. I am sorry for acting on my personal feelings during work hours," Seokjin opened and Kiko placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Seokjin, you don't even have work at that time. It's alright. And I am sorry that your father is an asshole," Kiko cursed and Seokjin had his eyes popped out.

"I am sorry but if he upsets you then he deserves that," Kiko didn't regret her words and Seokjin laughed along.

"Let's go to Karaoke then?" Seokjin suggested and Kiko grinned wide. She absolutely loved the idea. They started walking towards the car and Kiko stopped between the tracks.

"Seokjin, if it was between Mint Choco Tteotbokki and you, I think I might choose you," Kiko answered and took to her heels. Seokjin stood there, stunned, and before he could totally take in the answer, she was already in the car, blushing hard.

"She's driving me crazy"

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"Are you crazy?" the man shouted as Taehyung knocked him down.

"Why did you come here?"

"Youngsters are nuts. You didn't have to punch me if you want to know the reason I'm here," the man spoke, spitting on the ground.

He's dumb

Both Jackson and Taehyung thought as they observed the man adjusting his checked shirt. Taehyung was growing impatient but Jackson kept holding his arm, not wanting to create a new problem over one.

Jackson's father would gratefully disown him if he had ended up in the police station

"I'm here for my fiancée and what is so wrong with that? It's not like I am trying to force her into something that she didn't want. Ugh! I just came here because I had some work in Seoul and thought of greeting her," the old man dusted off the dirt on his shirt.

"Willingly? A student so young?" Jackson asked, not wanting to disclose themselves as Bobae's friends. On a broader thought, that would cause a problem for Bobae as he happened to proclaim himself as Bobae's fiance.

"The whole village is aware of it. What are you even talking about? She is old enough to get married and we both are adults. Anyway, I am not really interested in this chatter. I am getting late now. I hope to never see you both again, especially you," the man glared and pointed a finger at Taehyung who just scoffed.

"It's not like I take great pleasure in meeting with that oldass," Taehyung scorned as the old man stormed away from them. But the man's words stuck like a leech in his head.

The whole village?

Bobae is already engaged?

Taehyung started walking towards the bus stop, impatiently waiting for the next bus to home. He knows he shouldn't bombard Bobae with all the questions but his head is rummaged with a number of thoughts, none of them good for his heart.

Thankfully, the bus arrived and he boarded, settling himself inside with peace all over the place. His edginess consumed his entire attention until he was thrown three feet aback as if he almost set his foot inside a sizzling kimchi soup.

All that for finding Jackson beside him

"You were quite preoccupied and couldn't sense my presence. I let you be," Jackson simply answered, unable to stay quiet at the dramatic reaction from the guy beside him. He pondered if he always lived life like that and how Bobae tolerated his drama-queen phases.

"That wasn't the reason I'm shocked. Why the fuck are you accompanying me? Do you know in legal terms, this is called stalking and you could be sticking your ass in prison for 3 years, duffer," Taehyung blabbered and Jackson stared at him in disbelief.

"Bro, are you alright? Did you get hurt somewhere? You definitely need to work on your emotion management," Jackson replied calmly while Taehyung glared at him.

"I came with you to check on Bobae. It's kinda evident that you both are living together. And I most definitely don't intend to stalk you. You are talking as if you are from a family of lawyers," Jackson continued and Taehyung tensed for a moment.

"Bobae doesn't need you,"

"That's not for you to decide. Maybe she doesn't need me, maybe she needs you more than anyone but I am here for myself. I want to confirm that she is doing well and I would leave soon after that," Jackson explained, even though he felt it was absolutely unnecessary.

But truth be told, he was freaked out by Taehyung's temper. He wouldn't deny his feelings for Bobae but he didn't want to provoke Taehyung further. He always seemed to be cool and a charmer for the girls and gays and watching lose his shit for the first time certainly got him jitters.

"Do you like her?" Taehyung asked as they started walking towards his home.

"Yes"

Taehyung stopped between his tracks, his eyes wide agape. Taehyung need not be a mind reader to see him being as obvious as a speeding truck with malfunctioned brakes. But he didn't expect him to accept like he was asked some good hair colors.

"Will that be a problem? Am I not allowed to like her?" Jackson further asked, wanting to see a reaction out of him. Taehyung's feelings for Bobae were as obvious as the parked car in the no-parking area.

If it was so easy, they'd be dating already

"You are not her type. She likes someone who is sincere and consistent. Not someone who'd change his hair colors every season and unmistakably not someone who thinks she is easy," Taehyung spoke, taking long steps. He was already losing against her stubbornness, he didn't want another defeat from a third party.

"I'll leave her to decide, Taehyung. If Bobae likes me, well and good. If she needs time, I'll try harder. But then, if she doesn't like me at all, I'd respect that. My sincerity and consistency are not your business and my hair colors don't define my character. Who knows? She might prefer an interesting person over someone who has bland taste over hair color," Jackson got defensive quite quickly.

"Motherfu-"

"Taehyung, you're here. Jackson, what a surprise!" Jungkook exclaimed as he opened the door for them. Taehyung stomped his feet and walked inside.

"What's wrong with him?" Jungkook asked, confused.

"I don't know. But I would positively recommend him some therapy," Jackson spoke and walked into the house. Jungkook chuckled. Taehyung was always a fun and mostly annoying person but he gets a lot more intense when it comes to the ones he loves and cares about.

Jungkook was aware of this side of him because of Jimin and his endless tales of "Me and My best friend, a beautiful mess". Jimin was once bullied for being gay in high school and Taehyung dragged everyone involved to the ground. Fortunately, he didn't get any suspension. But Jungkook definitely knows it was not fortunately but because of Jimin's fortune.

He could never imagine associating with someone so rich

Taehyung immediately walked over to Bobae's room and smiled at the sight. Jimin was acting like a child throwing a fit over a lost teddy bear and Bobae was laughing, smacking the poor pillow continuously.

"Ahem" Taehyung fake coughed and the duo snapped out of their world.

"You're here," Bobae simply uttered and Taehyung climbed over the bed. Pulling her into his embrace, he kissed her hair softly.

"For you, always," he replied, pulling out of the hug.

"Don't ever scare me like that again. Pulling a prank is fine but please call me when you don't feel alright. I was shit worried. Wait! I don't think you should pull a prank like that either," Taehyung went on and Bobae let out a laugh, nodding.

In all honestly, Bobae was dying inside. She didn't imagine her fiancé appearing at her college, not even in her dreams. Her life before coming to Seoul was a nightmare that she'd have to revisit, her dreams collapsed even before she could build them.

People were calamities

Strong and dark enough to ravage one's life

"Taehyung-"

"Hey, Bobae! How are you feeling now?" Bobae was cut off by Jackson who entered her room. Bobae looked at Taehyung and then at Jackson. She then realized she was sitting too close to Taehyung and shifted towards the right.

Too close

Too much close for it to be awkward enough

"I am doing good, thanks to all of you. You shouldn't have taken the trouble to come here. I am so sorry," Bobae stood up, feeling guilty for involving him in her mess. She was grateful but she wasn't very comfortable having Jackson in her clutter.

"Oh no, I would never call that trouble. My heart would be uneasy for the rest of the day without seeing you doing fine. Who knows? I could have a sleepless night too," Jackson jibed and Taehyung internally wished to paint a black eye on him.

Bobae chuckled at the lame flirting Jackson was doing. Jackson was quite funny and Bobae liked that about him. She looked at her best friend who was throwing a bundle of questions with his eyes. Jungkook looked undeniably amused at their conversation. He didn't know what happened between them at the party, owing to Jimin for being a nuisance. He had to take care of the drunk menace.

Workout didn't feel tiring anymore to Jungkook

Jimin's drunk ass was enough to burn his calories and endurance

"So, will you leave now? You've seen her and she's doing fine, with you or without you. You can erase your fear of having heartache and get your beauty sleep," Taehyung was blunt with his words and Bobae threw daggers at him.

"Don't mind him. Make yourself comfortable. I'll get you a drink and some snacks," Bobae offered and Jackson instantly denied it.

"As much as I'd love to stay, this is your shared flat. The air doesn't seem calm today so some other day. I am glad to see you doing great. I'll take my leave now." Jackson didn't want to stay for another second. Taehyung's mood isn't great for his health. He'd rather opt for a safer option of visiting her when he gets emotionally better.

"Of course, he'd love to," Taehyung muttered under his breath and Jimin shushed his best friend using his best possible technique.

Kicking his leg

"Ouch, fucker," Taehyung whisper-cursed.

"Oh my god, he's just not feeling good. He is usually not that I'm so sorry-"

"No, it's totally fine. You don't have to be sorry," Jackson interjected with an assuring smile.

"Let me see you off at least," Bobae tried her best to do the damage control. She didn't understand why Taehyung was so harsh but deep down, she just wanted to deny that he was being patently jealous.

"Yeah sure," Jackson agreed and they walked out. Jungkook threw a judging look at Taehyung and joined them.

"You are being very obvious," Jimin voiced, clearly disappointed at his talentless friend.

"What?"

"Dumbass, you are jealous and even a kid could tell that. You are literally throwing off your feelings at her. How can you be so unintelligent? Now that we are on this topic, I don't think you are smart enough to pursue her," Jimin stated and then let out a scream the next second.

"You crushed my foot," he groaned.

"And you crushed my heart," Taehyung justified, folding his arms.

"Whacko"

"Dumbo"

"Taehyung, my dear friend. If you think Bobae will fall head over heels for you with this attitude, with this recklessness, you're a goner. She just needed a dance with Jackson and he's ready to buy the world for her," Jimin spilled some truth and it was so hard for Taehyung to digest that.

But he was right

It was just a single dance

"Had she been quite social, you would be standing last in the line, Tae. You already have competition. Don't you think it's better to tread carefully," Jimin advised and Taehyung pursued his lips.

"Hate to break it to you but-"

"It's enough Jimin ah. Please hate it and don't break it to me. Do you have a mission to hurt me so I wouldn't recover," Taehyung hated to have Jimin on the upper hand with his love life. But Jimin had been a great advisor in the field after being a regular listener to the LoveCupid Podcast.

Maybe I should listen to the stupid podcast too

His mind was in disarray and he felt so weak. So weak that he would do anything to win Bobae's heart. It wasn't a moment's spark or a night's wonder for him. He caught feelings the moment they started bickering.

Initially, his feelings weren't inclined on the positive side but they were feelings for her, nonetheless. Anger, disgust, joy, doesn't matter what kind, he had them solely for her, and with time they bloomed into love and happiness. She was never off his mind, both on good notes and bad notes.

That's when he realized, he couldn't escape from the connection he has with her. She was tattooed in his heart with blood and removing it would only scar his heart. He couldn't imagine the pain from it. Without her, his heart would be an empty element, void of warmth.

It would just exist

Alive enough yet dead

"Taehyung ah, Did I hurt you a lot? Oh my God, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"It's not you, Jimin ah. I feel hopeless. I would walk out the moment if she doesn't like me but it's her eyes Jimin ah. She is a terrible liar. She does feel something for me but she wouldn't say it. How could I promise her a future of love and support? What do I do to convince her that I would be a good partner? And that sick fuck is so confident that he'd marry her that a part of me believes him. I'm so lost Jimin ah. Should I just give up and move out? Would it be better for us?" Taehyung expressed in agony, wiping his silent tears. Jimin had no words to comfort his friend.

He was about to speak some encouraging words but halted, shocked at finding Bobae at the door who was seconds close to breaking down. Taehyung wished to be buried in the home or somewhere. He couldn't afford to stay sane at the moment.

"How would he know?" she started

"What would he know about what you want and what you can't live without?" She snapped and that was enough for Jimin to smile politely and walk out of the home, dragging Jungkook along.

Poor Jungkook dreamt of having some ice cream available in the fridge

"Bobae-"

"Why do you like me so much? Why do you hurt yourself like this?"

"Don't ask me to stop liking you. If liking you hurts me, lying to myself destroys me. So, it's my choice and even if it hurts me, I'd still do it. Don't tell me that again and again, I am tired of it" Taehyung got up from the bed to go away. He didn't want to hear her rejecting him again but he stopped.

How could he not?

How could he walk his way by himself when he could hear her little sobs?

How could he just leave her when he would burn the world just to keep her warm?

"Don't" she spoke, holding his hand.

"Don't do this to me" she cried, placing her head on his shoulder.

"Don't do what?" Taehyung wasn't composed but made sure to hold her.

"Would it be okay?" Bobae asked, enveloping him with her arms.

"What would be okay?" Taehyung asked, hugging her tighter.

"Would it be okay to like you?"

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A/N: I am sorry for the delayed update. I finally got my laptop repaired so I'll try to be on track now.