Chapter 45
Guess who came for a visit?
***
He tapped on the steering wheel nervously, his teeth sinking into his lower lip as he waited for his target to step out of the hospital building. The dimly lit parking lot offered him a good cover. He should be able to accomplish tasks.
It had been a while since his last failed attempt and his boss was growing impatient. Ahn Heesung's frustration mounted with every passing day because this was supposed to be an easy kill. Only it wasn't.
His target was well protected. Fuck. After failing in his second attempt, he tried to come back again, only to find two men following Park Jimin discreetly. A few times, he managed to get Jimin without his guard dogs someone else was with him.
Last week at the market, he had a great chance but then he saw the women. Ugh! Why don't they leave him alone? The other day in the shopping mall, he found another chance but that was also ruined. Was it necessary to drag him along to the dressing room?
Heesung knew why this particular task was difficult. His boss wanted to avoid blood. Kill the target and make it look like an accident, which should have been a piece of cake. But this target had become a constant pain in his ass recently.
How the fuck did he survive the first time? He hit the steering wheel and tensed when his phone blared.
Heesung grimaced as he swiped his thumb across the screen, lifting the phone to his ear. "Boss," he breathed, trying to keep this calm demeanor.
"Tell me Heesung, why is the boy still breathing?"
"Give me some more time. I'll finish him."
"You had months to accomplish this simple task. Months," the boss hissed.
"He's not alone," he said quickly. "He's got security and the other time someone else is always with him."
"Security?"
"Y-yes. It has tightened after the last time. It's not easy to get closer."
Something broke in the background and Heesung flinched, glad that he wasn't there in person. "Did I hire you to tell me that you are unable to kill that stupid boy? He's a nobody. He has no one. You did this once. Make him disappear forever this time."
"He's not alone," Heesung found himself saying as he saw Park Jimin coming out of the building. The woman was with him again. Katy...that was her name. Jimin was laughing at something she said, leaning into her more as she wrapped a hand around his waist. "He's with his girlfriend."
They were always hanging out. Jimin always came here to pick her up after work. She drove him to a posh apartment in Hannam the Hill, spend a lot of time with him there before going her way. Sometimes they had two other women accompanying them. Day by day the crowd around Jimin only seem to grow and that made his job difficult. Someone was always with him.
"Girlfriend?" The other end went silent for a long moment. "He has a girlfriend?"
"Yes, girlfriend. I thought you knew. They created a stir with media last month," he stated as a matter-of-fact. His boss always kept a tab on the recent happenings. It wasn't just him working for him. The man had money and sources. That was why Heesung couldn't mess up. For all he knows, he could have ordered a bounty for his head and Heesung would never know.
His body suddenly grew tense when he saw them approaching. "He's here," he informed quickly. He switched the phone to Bluetooth mode as he got ready, eyes focused as he gripped the steering wheel, shifting the gear, ready to make his move. But something else happened simultaneously. A black car slid beside him, then two men stepped out of the shadows. Nothing was wrong about that in the eyes of a normal person, but he saw them for who they were. "Fuck! He's got company."
Sharp eyes, buzz cut, well-built though they tried to play cool with oversized clothes hiding their muscles. Their eyes swept the parking lot before they moved closer to the couple who now stood by the side of the road. Jimin or the woman hasn't noticed the men, they were too engrossed in their banter.
The silence stretched on the other side. If it wasn't for the soft breathing he heard, he'd have thought his boss had ended the call.
"I need to get closer to him to finish the job," he said into the phone. There was no way he could kill Jimin like this. "Can you make that happen, boss?"
"Consider it done," came his response after a moment.
***
As one week progressed into another, Jimin found himself visiting the hospital more. Seeing the rings had been his undoing. It was as if a dam broke inside of him.
When Jungkook tried to talk to him the next day after their lovemaking, Jimin had said that he wanted more time because he was struggling to sort through the memories and keep his emotions in check. Jimin wanted to talk to the youngest, but his memories were so jumbled that the elder wasn't sure how legitimate those memories were. He could be imagining things.
Jimin could tell Jungkook was dying to talk, but he couldn't help it. He felt bad for stopping Tae from saying something to the youngest. Tae wasn't happy, but he hadn't pushed it either.
Jin hyung was staying late to accommodate his session though his shift ended in the evening. As the wrapped the session for the day, Portia entered with a bright smile.
"Hey Jiminie," she chirped, balancing the tray she carried on one hand as she leaned to press her lips on the side of his head before ruffling his hair. "I got you some tea and muffins. The boys are having a late dinner tonight. So eat up." She slid the tray in front of him, taking the second cup and handing it to Jin.
"Thanks, Noona."
The shift in their relationship over the past weeks was clearly visible with how they behaved around each other. Portia wasn't avoiding Jin hyung any longer. Despite the dating thing going on, the two were tight-lipped about their relationship. The subtle smile they threw at each other every time they were in the same room could only been noticed if one was to observe them closer.
Jin visually relaxed, a pleased smile replaced the exhaustion he sported a while ago at the sight of her. It was the same with Portia. Her face brightened despite the tiredness. Jimin could relate because that was how he felt when he saw Jungkook after a long day. He couldn't help but miss the youngest as he looked at the duo interacted. Jungkook had gone to Japan alone this time because he knew about Jimin's therapy sessions. Jimin felt bad for not accompanying him, but he understood when Jungkook kindly said that he has to get better for both of them and he was just doing that.
"Are you coming over tonight?" she asked Jin.
"No, you guys enjoy," Jin said, a soft smile playing on his lips as he sipped the tea.
"Okay. I have two more hours to end my shift. I'll see you tomorrow then." Portia moved to hug Jin, who returned it with a tired smile. Jimin beamed when Jin kissed the top of Portia's head, the latter's cheeks growing pink as she quickly retreated from the room, sputtering goodbyes, the confidence she sported moments ago gone in the wind.
Jimin chuckled under his breath. "You guys are cute."
They sipped the tea, munching on the muffins. It wasn't a good time for snacks, but after a tiring day and a lunch he had some time around one in the afternoon, it felt like heaven.
Jin mirrored his smile. "She's cool. My parents will love her. She gets along with Joonie too."
"Wow. Are you going to introduce her to your parents?"
Jin's handsome smile widened. "Yeah." He scratched the back of his head. "I know it's too soon, but...the connection is something I haven't felt with anyone."
Jimin nodded. "Go for it, hyung. She's good."
They finished the tea and Jin stood ringing the bell for his assistant. "Do you need a ride?"
"No. I'm taking a taxi with Katy. Alvie will drive Portia after work."
The assistant came inside, silently removing the tray along with the empty teacups.
"Alright then." Jin hugged him briefly. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Jimin nodded as they exited the office, Jin headed down while Jimin made his way to the ward Katy worked today. It was eight already, so she should be out anytime soon.
Tae had bonded with Hoseok and Yoongi faster than Jimin expected. That day when he fainted, Alvie had called Taehyung who was on his way from the airport for help. He had brought Jimin to his apartment along with Yoongi. Since the trio already knew of his condition, they had taken care of him for the rest of the day. The next thing Jimin knew, Hobi hyung and Yoongi hyung had moved into Tae's apartment.
Jimin mostly stayed with Jungkook, making short trips to Tae's apartment to visit his hyungs. The women joined them for dinner whenever possible. Now that Jungkook was out of the country, he was crashing in with Tae.
Sure enough, Katy has already changed out of her work clothes, a black bag slung carelessly over her shoulders. "Hey..." he greeted her with a hug, taking her bag to hold it. "How was your day?"
"Better. How about you?"
"Good," he hummed.
The rest of the night and the weekend was pleasant just as the people surrounding him, enveloping him with their love and support, something he always longed for. These people weren't his real family, he had no one left who was of his blood. But this new family was the one he was built for himself, the one he loved with all his heart and soul.
Jimin wasn't an early bird, but he didn't hate the mornings either. He just didn't care. But the moment he reached the office with Taehyung he knew this was going to the worst Monday morning ever. Even the Monday board meetings didn't faze him anymore. However, there was something different about this Monday.
First of all, Jungkook wasn't here. He had to go to China to meet some clients and Jimin thought he should have gone with the youngest. Second, there was something different about the atmosphere. The staff were acting skittish and buzzing around as if they were on autopilot. Perhaps, it was just his imagination.
"Taehyungie...is it just me or the people really acting weird today?"
Taehyung swept his glance around, puckering his lips thoughtfully. "They do act weird."
They stepped into the elevator, Jimin trying to figure what was going on. Soomin caught his eyes in the elevator, a small smile tilting her lips as she greeted him, but soon turned away. Gossips spread like wildfire. Though Namjoon had managed to curb the media outburst over Eunji's Instagram post, the entire office had found out about him and Katy. Soon he wasn't the center of attention anymore. A few congratulated him, which was totally unnecessary considering it wasn't true and that his personal life was none of their business. But it did keep the flirting at the bay, which he was grateful for.
Now he wasn't against flirting or showing interest in the others, but he didn't like it when people refused to take no for an answer. They kept pushing and that often got on his nerves. Nothing he can't handle. Jungkook experienced the worst of it though. Even this morning, the youngest was grumbling how hard it was to attend parties with people invading his private space.
The invisible tension in the atmosphere gotten even thicker when they stepped into the threshold of Jungkook's office. Byeol wasn't on her usual place, even the new recruit was missing and the Jungkook's office door was slightly ajar, muffled voices coming from the inside.
Jimin's head whipped to the side, locking gazes with Taehyung, who looked surprised as hell. "Oh fuck! Don't tell me he is here."
"Who?"
"The big boss," Tae whispered the word as if it was a curse.
Jimin flicked his wrist, checking the time; they were early to work as usual. What does he have to fear? "All bosses are scary," he said to Tae as he quickly smoothed his shirt and buttoned his suit jacket. He had opted for a navy blue suit with a white button-up, white belt, and white shoes. "Is there anything I should know?"
"He's old school and got a temper that can rival a volcano. And his pride is just..."
"Say no more," Jimin stopped him with a knowing grin. "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
Taehyung pursed his lips and then shook his head. "Yeah, let's do that."
They knocked the door out of respect and entered once the man behind the door barked a raspy, "Come in."
Jimin and Taehyung entered the room, which was two times colder than the outside. The man behind the desk looked pristine in his branded suit, dressed as if he was attending a prestigious function. Jimin could see where Jungkook got his looks from. They were almost the same, except Jungkook had his mother's eyes.
"Good morning, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung greeted the man with a bow.
"Good morning, sir." Jimin bowed deeply. "My name is Park Jimin, personal manager to Jungkook-ssi. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Jimin couldn't decipher the look on his face, whether he always looked like that or it was reserved for him because Jimin had refused to entertain the way he often messed with Jungkook's schedule keeping him on his toes.
In the end, the man just huffed and went back to the file he was looking at. Byeol stood beside him, hands clasped in front of her, lips pursed and looking like she would be anywhere but here.
"The product launch had gone exceptionally well," Jungwoo said after a moment, without taking his eyes off the document. "Organize a corporate party coming weekend. Everyone has earned it."
"Yes, sir," Byeol responded nervously locking her gaze with Jimin.
"Make sure everyone brings their plus one and send out invites to our partners. Also, include Mr. Jung."
"Mr. Jung Hoseok?" Byeol asked again.
Jimin's brow lifted at that. Hobi hyung wasn't a business partner. Well, not with Jeon Corporation anyway.
"My son said he's a friend. It wouldn't look good if we leave him out."
Jimin pursed his lips. Best of luck to Jungwoo-nim if he was trying to get into Hobi hyung's good books.
"Sure sir."
"You may leave."
Byeol scurried out of the room without another look, which left only Taehyung and Jimin. Jimin shifted from one foot to the other. He didn't know if he was required here, but stayed because Taehyung hasn't left yet.
Jungwoo straightened, his sharp eyes accessing him again. "I don't like it when people talk against me, Mr. Park. Do I have to remind who you work for?"
Jimin forced a smile. "I'm aware," he said, hands clasped in front of him. "And I'm doing my job well."
"By going against me? I'm your boss." The man rose to his feet.
"Apologies Jungwoo-nim. I'm your son's personal manager, so he's my boss." Jimin kept his smile in place, unfazed by the man in front of him. "I'm only doing what my job demands me to do."
"Picking up fights with popular people is one of your responsibilities, Mr. Park." Jungwoo skirted around the table, perching a hip on it.
When Jungkook did it he looked handsome, but Jungwoo looked intimidating, fury contorting his face. Was Jimin afraid? The maximum the man could do was to fire him on the spot. That wouldn't change anything between him or Jungkook. This man wasn't there for Jungkook when the youngest needed someone in his life. Jimin was there, so was Taehyung.
"What gives you the right to ban Yuna-ssi from entering this building? You manhandled her at the party before that and threatened her to stay away from my son. Is that your responsibility too?"
Jimin smirked, his lips quirking to the side as he let out a giggle. Ah, man...he loved the direction this was headed to. "It's my job to keep him away from potential scandals. Jungkook-ssi isn't interested in Yuna-ssi. She wouldn't listen, I acted in favor of my boss, doing what anyone in my position would do."
"Scandals are a part of our lives. My son isn't new to this and he's been linked to several women in the past. He and Yuna-ssi have a thing going on. Who are you to stop his girlfriend from him?"
"Oh, please...Jungwoo-ssi. We both know those scandals were just a bunch of bullshits." Jimin was losing his cool. He unbuttoned his suit before pushing both hands deep into his pockets. "Your son and Yuna-ssi were never a thing. So, spare me on this one."
Beside him, Taehyung shuffled on his feet. Jimin didn't have to spare a glance at his friend to know he was trying to suppress his laughter.
Jungwoo's face was growing red, his nostrils flared. He opened his mouth to say something but closed. The silence stretched a moment longer. "So, you think you know my son? Huh?"
Jimin shrugged. "I do know your son. But the question is...do you know him?" He knew he was pushing it, but he couldn't help it. Jimin didn't like the man. If he didn't have a good opinion over the way Jungwoo worked, now he didn't like him as a person either. The man had his head too deep in his ass. "If you can excuse me, I have a corporate party to plan." He bowed, retreating without waiting for his response. Taehyung pivoted on his heel too.
"So, you're the only controlling his dating life now, huh?"
Jimin paused, jaw clenching. Of course, he was. He was Jungkook's boyfriend after all. He wouldn't call it controlling though, they were in this willingly.
"Jungkook-ssi is an adult. No one has the right to control his dating life," he said over his shoulder and exited the room before he said something worse.
Until we meet again...💜💜💜
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