JJG

Jeongguk dropped all his things and fell onto his couch, not even bothering to turn on a light. He stared at his ceiling, not having an ounce of energy left in his body. It was just him, his thoughts, and the dark room.

He couldn't help but want to believe this was all a sick nightmare, but everything felt too real.

Jeongguk sighed. He forced himself up and turned on the kitchen lights. He opened his fridge — his very empty fridge, reminding him he needed to go grocery shopping soon. He moved onto his cupboard. Instant ramen it is once again.

The man decided to take a shower before, hoping it would get him a little more motivated to not just head straight to bed. Once done with that, Jeongguk threw on some comfortable clothing. He had some random variety show playing on his laptop as background sound while he made his ramen.

He didn't have it in him to prepare anything more than an egg to go along with his dinner. Jeongguk plopped himself down on his couch, and watched the remains of the show as he munched down his early dinner.

In the middle somewhere, his phone began buzzing. When he read the contact name, Jeongguk's face instantly brightened. He put down his food and paused the show.

"Namjoonie-hyung!" Jeongguk said as he picked up the phone.

"Hello, Jeongguk-ah," the man said back.

They started off with their usual conversation, how are you, did you eat, etc.. Of course Jeongguk got a big scolding for eating ramen for dinner.

"I called you a few days ago but you never picked up," Namjoon said.

Jeongguk knotted his brow, trying to remember if he saw it in his missed call. "Oh really? Sorry, I didn't see. Was it an urgent matter?"

"Actually..." Namjoon started. "Taehyung contacted me."

Jeongguk's smile dropped. "Oh."

"He said he's moved back to Korea. He wanted to meet you before you bumped into each other somewhere and became awkward. Clear the air, I guess."

"Well too late for that," Jeongguk said back.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" he asked, and so Jeongguk told him all about his day and the unexpected reunion.

"I think I just heard the plot of a K-Drama," Namjoon said with a laugh.

"Oh shut up, nothing about this is funny. God, how am I supposed to go to work now?" Jeongguk groaned.

"Aren't you over him?"

"Yeah but just looking at him makes me angry."

It was silent for a bit before Namjoon broke it. "I don't get it, why are you mad at him?"

Jeongguk frowned. "Because... He gave up on us. He didn't try to get through all the hardships with me, he just ended it like that. You know how much I went through after that."

He heard Namjoon sigh. "I know, Gguk. But being in that relationship wasn't good for you either."

"Which would be short term! Once he finished his studies, if Taehyung came back–"

"What if he didn't? What if he continued his career as he did now? Even you wouldn't have let him come back with all the opportunities he had in America."

Jeongguk thought about that. He was never able to convince himself Taehyung didn't come back to Korea because of him, because it wasn't. Taehyung loved most two people in this world: Mr. Kim and Jeongguk. Taehyung would've surely come back for his father, but he decided to stay.

"What? To become a model?" Jeongguk asked, for some reason feeling like he was losing an argument.

"You're the one that told me the only reason he did it was because he was hoping to get an internship with the company and some cash. I guess they kept pressuring him to stay in the modelling industry, and I know you surely see why. Whatever it is, you don't know Jeongguk. It's better to talk this all out with him. Or else you're just going to continue hating going to work."

"I know..." Jeongguk trailed off. He sighed and shook his head. "If he wanted to talk to me, I guess that conversation will come eventually. Let's just drop the subject for now."

"Alright alright. Anyways, I'm coming over with better food. Mind if Mirae tags along?" Namjoon asked.

"Of course. Oh, let's invite Yoongi and Leena too."

After they hung up, Jeongguk rung up Yoongi and fortunately, the two were just sitting around in their apartment. In less than thirty minutes, Namjoon and Mirae arrived with fried chicken. Jeongguk laughed and asked if that was any more healthy than his ramen, but thanked them both for coming.

After a bit, Yoongi and his wife arrived. They all sat on the ground around his little table, no plates just digging in and chatting away. Jeongguk brought out some soju to go along with it.

"Can I have another?" Leena asked, eyeing Yoongi's little glass.

"No," Yoongi said simply, chucking the drink down his throat. Leena pouted. Yoongi looked at her and shook his head. "The deal was three shots, babe. And you've had seven. You're the one that told me to not let you drink any more than three."

"Hmph," she sounded crossing her arms. Yoongi poured a glass of Sprite and handed it to her.

She grabbed it aggressively and took big sips. Yoongi smiled and patted her hand.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes at them. They got married at a young age but their love for each other never subsided, not matter how much the two bickered. His gaze turned to Namjoon and his girlfriend of three months, who were examining a piece of chicken.

"Umm, what are you guys doing?" Jeongguk questioned them.

"This is the most perfect chicken leg we've ever seen," Mirae explained. She pointed the piece at Namjoon. "You have it."

"No, love. You should have it."

Mirae shook her head. "But this is a perfect piece."

"So perfection should only be eaten by perfection," Namjoon replied.

"Exactly my point! So eat it!"

Jeongguk arched a brow as he watched them go back and forth over something as weird as this, thinking that they were probably both drunk. Eventually, Mirae won on the part where Namjoon would take the first bite. She brought the piece to his mouth to feed him, and with a shy smile he took a bite.

Jeongguk sighed. He poured himself another shot and took it in. He was happy for them, he truly was, but he couldn't help but feel grumpy being surrounded by people in love. He admits it, he's jealous. He wants what they have, someone who'll love and care for you as much as you do for them – it's normal.

He's been telling himself he'll meet the one for him eventually, but Jeongguk's starting to wonder if that will ever happen.

•—•—•

"Morning! Thank you for coming early, Jeongguk-sshi," Sohye said. Jeongguk didn't know how in the world she had this much enthusiasm so early in the day. It reminded him of his past self.

"Morning, Sohye-sshi. It's just 10 minutes, no problem," Jeongguk replied with a smile. 

"I hope you read through the journal."

Jeongguk felt like he was a child caught by his teacher for not doing his homework. He did read the first page, but he just couldn't continue.

"I started but I haven't finished," Jeongguk gave the half-truth.

"That's great. Mr. Kim will be coming soon, let's go make that green tea first."

Jeongguk remembers when he used to make Director Lee's coffee. One time he used a different kind of blend because the usual had run out and she got so upset that she didn't allow him to make her coffees anymore. It was just one less problem for Jeongguk to deal with.

There weren't anything special to them. He just gets some boiling water, pours it into a cup, and let's the green tea bag soak in. Sohye put it onto a tray and gave it to Jeongguk. Jeongguk stared at it questionably but still took it into his hands.

"He should be here now, Mr. Kim is always 5 minutes early. Just go put it on his desk. I'll inform him about the day's schedule and ask him about any additional plans or tasks."

Jeongguk nodded. Sounded simple enough. He was glad he has someone to split to work with for a while. They both walked back to the office place. Sohye gave two little knock and they heard Taehyung say come in.

Taehyung had his focus on the computer, typing something up at a high speed, the sound of the keyboard clicking overpowering their footsteps. Sohye stopped in front of his desk but Jeongguk went to the side to put down his hot drink.

Taehyung turned to thank whoever put the drink down, expecting it to be Sohye but instead found Jeongguk's eyes. He stared at them for much longer than necessary before finally saying in a voice so soft and quiet, "thank you."

Jeongguk looked away, breaking the eye contact and bowed his head, then went to Sohye's side. He took a peak at the tablet as Sohye read out his schedule, but he could feel a strong gaze on him. It surely wasn't from Sohye.

"Anything to add, Mr. Kim?" Sohye asked. Jeongguk finally looked at the man, their eyes instantly meeting again.

"Mr. Kim?" Sohye called out again, seeing no response. Taehyung looked at Sohye, a little shocked.

"Oh um, sounds good."

Sohye gave an unsure nod. She closed the tablet, placed her hands together in the middle of her waist and bowed, Jeongguk copying her actions. They both left the room together.

"Have you talked to Mr. Kim yet?" Sohye asked as soon as the doors closed.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean like, have you gotten to know each other yet. But silly question since there've barely been time. You should assist him today. He's going to Gagnam to attend a meeting with CEO Lee. Don't worry, you won't have to drive."

Jeongguk brows shot to the roof. "Gagnam? But–"

"It won't exceed your work hours. You will have to stay with Mr. Kim on some occasions though, but of course overtime will be paid. If you really can't, tell Mr. Kim and he'll arrange something."

"Yes but will you be coming too?"

Sohye shook her head. "This is an opportunity to get to know each other. I know this is your job, but there should be somewhat of a friendship for things to go smoothly. If I were to come, Mr. Kim would just end up communicating through me. You may not see it, but Mr. Kim is really shy."

So he hasn't changed completely.

"I don't think it's necessary," Jeongguk tried. It really wasn't.

"But he's curious about you, I could tell," Sohye insisted.

Jeongguk didn't know what more he could say, so he just accepted it. The rest of the time Sohye talked about any of his preference when performing a given task. Nothing too special. It definitely wasn't as hard as Director Lee's instructions. She also filled him in on what the meeting to Gagnam was all about.

After they had gone out for lunch with the rest of the team excluding Taehyung, soon enough, it came time to what Jeongguk dreaded. The wonderful trip to Gagnam. Taehyung was surprised too when Sohye told him Jeongguk would be coming in her place. He looked at Jeongguk, shocked that Jeongguk would even accept this.

"Alright," Taehyung said, not having anything against the idea at all. He probably would've not liked the idea if it was anyone else, but he's been meaning to talk to him.

Jeongguk swallowed the lump in his throat and followed the two to the parking lot. He saw Taehyung's car in his reserved parking, and let's just say Jeongguk was ready to cheat on his baby. He tried not to show too much of his excitement as he entered the car into the passenger seat. Sohye waved them goodbye as they went off.

Jeongguk gripped onto the tablet Sohye had given him tightly and looked out the window, thinking about how he managed to get himself in this position. It was quiet for the first quarter hour. Jeongguk saw the thousand glances through his peripheral vision, which began to get in his nerve for some odd reason.

KTH

"Eyes on the road, Mr. Kim," Jeongguk said boldly, but his tone sounded very polite somehow.

"Sorry," Taehyung muttered out, but he was a little thankful Jeongguk spoke because it gave him the courage to start.

"Can we talk? Yes, it's personal matters, but please?"

Jeongguk bit his lip. He can't keep avoiding this forever.

"Okay."

"I don't want things to be awkward between us. I want us to put our pasts behind. Start fresh. We don't even have to be friends, but as colleagues, I think it's important to maintain a good relationship," Taehyung spoke, his eyes now only being able to look straight ahead.

"So you want me to treat you as if nothing happened. Indifferently," Jeongguk said, his voice so monotone.

"Yes?" Taehyung said. The way Jeongguk worded it made it sound so strange, Taehyung didn't understand if that is what he actually wanted.

"Okay."

"Okay."

Taehyung nodded. He wasn't expecting this conversation to go this way. He felt like there was a lot more to be said.

"So, how did you end up with Lee's?" Taehyung tried to make small talk.

"It just happened."

Taehyung nodded again. He was hoping he'd elaborate more, maybe ask a question back, but Taehyung wasn't about to give up.

"Can I call you Jeongguk when it's just us? It feels weird to say Mr. Jeon. You can call me Taehyung too."

"Sure, Mr. Kim."

Sigh.

"Do you still keep in touch with Hoseok and Yeri?"

"Yeah."

Taehyung pressed his lips into a thin line. He just had to keep going and sooner or later he'll crack through him, right?

"Isn't your birthday next month? Have any plans?"

"Too early. I don't know."

He could only go so much with all the short responses.

"Oh, do you still have an interest in art?"

"Not really."

Taehyung was starting to hate this. He was never the talkative kind, it was always Jeongguk who did the talking and he loved that. He decided to try one last time, and he knew Jeongguk would have his opinions.

"Did you hear about the baby tiger on the news? It's so sad to watch."

Jeongguk loved baby animal, didn't matter which, he loved them all.

"Mhm."

"Jeongguk!" Taehyung said a bit louder than intended, whipping his head to look at Jeongguk who turned his head to look at him too.

"Is something wrong, Mr. Kim?"

Even with his annoyed expression, Jeongguk took Taehyung's breath away. He instantly turned his attention back to the road.

"Do you wanna grab something to eat? I'm starving," he finished his sentence.

Jeongguk's features softened, including his tone. "You didn't have lunch?"

"Nope," he replied, shaking his head. Sohye asked me to join you guys when you went out but I thought y–" Taehyung stopped himself. He didn't want it to seem like he was putting the fault on Jeongguk.

"Well, I didn't feel like it. Then I lost track of time."

Jeongguk nodded, readjusting himself in his seat so that he was facing foreword again. He pointed out the window. "Take this exit, if you don't mind fast food."

Taehyung followed his instruction.

"How can you forget to eat? You should just join us next time," Jeongguk added lastly, sounding frustrated.

A smile formed to Taehyung's lip, one that he tried to hide from Jeongguk in case he took back his words. Taehyung knew that the man still cared.

•—•—•

"What?" Jeongguk questioned, staring back at Taehyung.

Taehyung looked down at the pile of food on their table then back at Jeongguk. "This is all for me?"

Jeongguk crossed his arms and leaned back. "You gave me money, told me to buy whatever I thought was good, and so I did."

Taehyung cocked a brow. He did not give the man enough money to buy all of this, Jeongguk certainly would've chipped in. As if he could read his mind, Jeongguk faked a cough.

"It's getting late, eat. We need to make it to your meeting."

Taehyung nodded slowly, suspicious at his actions. He grabbed the first burger that his hand touched and unwrapped it.

"Please help yourself, I definitely can't finish it all. More so shouldn't eat this all," Taehyung said, taking a bite of the what tasted like a chicken burger.

"You're not a model anymore, you can eat as much as you want. I know I said fast food but this place is one of the more healthy option."

Taehyung swallowed his food and chuckled. "You don't think it'd be a loss for me to gain a few pounds?" Taehyung frowned, looking at his reflection from the mirrored napkin dispenser. He rubbed his cheek.

"I already have from how my dad has been feeding me these days. What if I suck at this whole Director thing, I'll have to return to modelling, no?"

Jeongguk scoffed. "As if. You're literally perfect at everything."

A pleasing smile began to dance on Taehyung's lip. If he didn't hear better, Taehyung would say that was a compliment. Maybe.

"I mean," Jeongguk began to explain seeing the expression on the other. "Just a known fact. Pointing out the obvious."

"Mhm. Thanks," Taehyung stretched. He took a quick glance back at the mirror, then continued eating.

"Plus, you'd still look handsome no matter what," Jeongguk muttered, crossing his arms again more aggressively, a complaint to himself that he meant to be an inner thought.

"What was that?" Taehyung asked, lowering his burger.

"You're going to be late to meeting. Eat," Jeongguk quickly said.

Taehyung nodded, pretending he didn't hear. He'd take this as progress. He mentally thanked Sohye for arranging this. Taehyung's been up all night thinking about how he can go to work without making Jeongguk all uncomfortable. How he could patch things up between them. The thought of rekindling whatever they had had crossed his mind, but he ruled it out as he knew it was impossible. At least for the time being.

•—•—•

The meeting had finally ended. Secretaries were asked to stay in the lounge room and Jeongguk was getting a little stiff sitting in one place. Taehyung had come to the lounge first, as he had basically speed walked. For the first time since their meeting, Jeongguk was happy to see him. The happiness did quickly drop though.

They walked in silence in the parking lot, Jeongguk following behind. Taehyung tried to think of something to say, but had nothing. Then, he remembered how Jeongguk's face had lit up like a little boy on Christmas Day as he saw Taehyung's car.

When they reached his vehicle, Taehyung turned around abruptly, shocking Jeongguk a bit.

"I'm feeling a bit tired. Do you mind driving?"

Jeongguk's brows shot up. "Me? Driving your car?" he asked. He was either offended, or thought he wasn't worthy enough, Taehyung couldn't tell.

"You don't have to, it's just–"

"No, yeah, it's alright, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung smiled, handing over the keys to Jeongguk. When they entered the car, Taehyung noticed Jeongguk bitting his lip to hold back the smiled as his hand slid around the steering wheel. As he took notice to all the little details. The way it felt. Soon enough, that smile slipped through.

Taehyung quite honestly didn't know what he wanted out of this. A friend, a lover, a secretary, he didn't know, but he was hoping for there to be at least something. In the past seven years, he missed nothing more than having Jeongguk in his life, and he intends to fix that.

—•
Sorry this took so long to update!!

Kim Sohyeeee
She has the prettiest smile ahhhh