Jeongguk stood patiently infront of the dispenser. He punched in buttons for a banana milk pack while indulging in small talk with his colleagues. There was only one vending machine in the entire floor and it was partly obsecured from open view, given its location at the far end of the hallway. Thus making it the unofficial hangout hotspot for employees who liked to linger and exchange bits over Caffeine. One could get the most of internal gossips and rumors during filler breaks like these before the lunch hour strikes

The gossip association was especially very energetic today. The circle was a tad bit larger thanks to the presence of even those workers who usually didn't like to stick around for chit chat. Well, It wasn't all that surprising, afterall the hot topic of today's speculation involved the recent joint meeting that had transpired some time earlier presided by director taehyung's and namjoon's father, the president of kim corporations and his supposedly amoral and overambitious brother who assumed the post of vice president but was known much more infamously for always being at odd heads with the president. Today's board meeting was once again no exception to his unfriendly attitude and behaviour.

A female assistant secretary blew steam off her tea," the vice president isn't even trying to hide his goals anymore at this point! you'd think the rumor about him wanting to start an anti establishment party within the company against his own brother might actually be true"

Another worker remarked pensively, "he is always Opposing and making cutting statements against the president's management policies,"

Jungkook reflected while sipping his banana milk, " vice president wouldnt be so abrasive and obvious about his intentions if he wasn't so confident
about his social stability or some sort of solid backing. I bet there's someone whose decided to profit off the rift between these brothers and egging him on"

" im about to shoot my arrows in the dark and say the person who's going to get the most out of these siblings's fued is manager baek il song" someone supplied

A collective string of ahh followed with a few even nodding in agreement. "oh my god you're absolutely correct miss kwon, i heard manager baek il song mutter complaints again and he was suppperr enthusiastic while talking to vice president after the meeting today, i always see them leave for dinner conferences together" one of the secretaries who was near jeongguk said with great emotion.

Another one addressed her sufferings," you dont say, its the same when im waiting on him. He always makes a point to humiliate the workers and pass snarky comments about the president. What a lout"

Before they could add more to the list of grievances , a love struck miss sung sighed softly " ahh this reminds me, at the last board meeting i had eye contacts with both the kim brothers"

"omg, how did your legs not feel weak!" as if someone had sparked the air, all the female employees became excited while the male officers began to disperse away with dejected heaves and droopy shoulders accepting they wouldn't be needed anymore atleast now for....some time.

"my my the brothers sure are soooo dreamy, such a pity they chose corporate life over showbiz but i guess its better for us because its definitely worth all the overwork if you can get to treat your eyes to such marvelous visuals" a secretary said, waving her hand to fan her blushing cheeks. "Director joon is so tall, i can hardly ever look at him directly"

"the eyes? Miss the journey stops right at his dimples!! Its almost impossible to not get lost in them!!"

"you saw him smile too, miss song? I swear to god a smile from sir joon is enough to motivate your heart for all nighter overtimes"

"hahahahahhaa so true! Although i gotta say when he is serious he looks really intimidating unlike sir taehyung who's always elusive and menacing. people might not notice it but this sister can never not spot an eye candy humph!. Let me tell you, he is actually really drop dead gorgeous, but he's either absent or seen with habitual scowl. Its such a pity he gives genuine expressions so rarely"

Jeongguk smiled haphazardly, mentally thinking to himself when would be the right time to make an exit like the other men. No, dont get him wrong, its totally not because of the conversational winds drifting to his boss who he absolutely despised. If anything jeongguk would love to gossip and start a kim namjoon fanclub right here with his secretarial colleagues or express his passionate views on why director joon should be running president of south korea or start a religion.

But he was busy. He had to submit few papers to director taehyung and namjoon who were currently in taehyung's office. Jeongguk was wondering if he should serve them some tea as well while at it and hadn't realised when the gossipers attention turned to him.

"jeongguk ssi you must be completely overseeing director taehyung's timetable no?" one of the assistant secretaries asked him..

"yeah! isn't that right? Can you tell us more about how he is in person, even though we are members of executive secretarial department, its so hard to catch a glimpse of him in the office" the one who was fawning over eye contacts earlier, added.

"he comes so early and leaves so late and when he's here, he's always in his office. isn't it very hard on you jeongguk ssi you always work so much and director taehyung is rumored to be very strict and having an ill temper"

Jeongguk could see through these words. They were sympathetic towards him but layered over hidden intentions. He found it amusing. But instead he modestly humored them.' not at all, im contented doing my job and i do admit i was lacking a bit initially but mr Park from HR helped me out a lot..as for director taehyung he is certainly....an interesting person albiet to many rumors but its not that unbearable working for him.

"cmonn tell us more" the girls weren't happy with his vauge reply and pestered him, their curiosity heightened at this rare chance of getting to know taehyung- company's most enigmatic persona .

" uh huh! also dont feel burdened to handle all the duties by yourself' one of the secretaries winked at the other who instantly joined in " i agree! As fellow colleagues from same branch it should be fine to look out for each other and share each other's burdens ! jeongguk ssii let us help you out here and there with work"

like damm you for hogging up the boss all to yourself. please be more considerate of other people's marriage goal plausibilities ah jeonnguk ssi!

Girl your heaven reaching ambitions are as plainly visible as your large forhead concealing attempts.

Jeongguk shook his head, " i deeply appreciate the considerate offers but the director is a person who prioritizes his privacy greatly and so he-

"but the tabloids are always full of headlines about him. Doesnt seem too introverted maybe he's just busy always? and if the job gets done more quickly wont the director like it?" she interjected cuting off jeongguk in middle.

A pulse twitched in jeongguk's temple. how less of a work do you get assigned, to have the time for consuming gossip tabloids? That too about your own employee? isn't that cringe? I'd have understood if it was director joo- ahem

Jeongguk resolved he will have to oversee the distribution of works and outputs as recieved from secretaries from now on to avoid slackers.

But before he could speak his bit, miss kwon held her hands up," cmon now everyone, jeongguk ssi is very remarkable and capable. Did you forget how many times our director has changed private secretaries until he came along? I dont think its appropriate or necessary to inconvenience him like this. Besides jeongguk ssi is more apt at handling the job than any of us"

she gave jeongguk a quick reassuring gaze. " and enough gossiping. its not lunch break yet and we have work to do. We shouldn't be seen lingering in clusters here. Everybody get back to your desks"

kwon heeju who was always perceived as a sweet spoken and gentle person, can be authorative too when the situation demands. Jeongguk was grateful towards his saviour and developed a new found respect for her. "thanks for just now miss kwon i will surely treat you to a meal"

Miss kwon flashed him a cute smile, " why are you thanking me, i just did what one normally would" she picked up a tray and loaded tea cups onto it.
Jeongguk followed suit, placing tea bags and 2 cups onto his tray. They made small talk while walking.

Jeongguk glanced at the tray in miss kwon's hands for a brief second,"you work under the vice president as his private secretary, given the situation between him and the president, you must be having loads of awkward situations and issues to deal with" he sighed" yet you are always so calm and rational, truly the image of a model employee"

hee ju's cheeks coloured," coming that from someone like jeongguk ssi is such an honor to me" she laughed.

Jeongguk frowned,"i cannot fake a smile without having a vein or two pop in my face when im mad"

"im the same, i have 3 of them but they pop at the back of my head so i get lucky that my boss cant see them"

both of them laughed. But jeongguk thought to himself that he really ought to work more on his professionalism.

Jeongguk arrived outside the director's room and knocked lightly before making his way inside. "excuse me, i brought the tea"

Namjoon was sitting across taehyung, the two of them engaged in some sort of conversation. He broke off in the middle and turned his head. "thank you, jeongguk" namjoon said generously displaying his dimples.

Ahh what a soul rejuvenating smile, i wish it was the manager who drank my blood. Too bad he's not a vampire despite being the director's elder brother or else he would have gladly unbuttoned his collar. Jeongguk thought setting the tray down

"ho ho" Taehyung scoffed suddenly Startling both namjoon and jeonggu
"........."

"anyways as i was saying" Namjoon wore a complicated helpless expression, " rethink your approach taehyung, aren't you being a little hasty and quick tempered here? This will also affect the workers who have no clue of whats going on" he explained worriedly

Jeongguk didnt know the context fully but he would agree to anything namjoon said. He'd even accept if director joon told him that the earth was flat

Taehyung crossed his arms, his face indifferent" you are pathetically naive joon" he replied bluntly not choosing to relieve namjoon from his concerns.

Namjoon shook his head as if he
predicted this.

Jeongguk wondered if namjoon not being a vampire might be the reason why these two brothers never got along well. Taehyung has always harbored a disdain against humans in general but towards his own brother, he seemed to be determinedly worse.

"you don't need to concern yourself with how i decide to deal with him and those corrupt lapdogs of his." taehyung's eyes grew cold "Once i get my hands on any sort of solid evidence I'm gonna level them to the ground once and for all like vermin"

"you're a brute" namjoon shrugged exasparted. Jeongguk clapped his hands mentally, well said director! Cuss him more

The corner of Taehyung's lips twitched barely visible. Unable to control himself anymore he glanced at jeongguk, and for a brief moment a scary thought flashed in jeongguk's mind again- if taehyung could read thoughts judging by the spark in his eyes but when he looked back, taehyung's face was back to professionally poker

" i think it will be better if you wait outside or start preparing the feedback analaysis reports" taehyung coughed clenching his fist to cover his mouth.

Namjoon looked at him in confusion. Usually, taehyung never prefers to have soliditary conversations with him. Was this perhaps.... Namjoon's heart stirred....Maybe this was him finally taking the initiative to bridge the gaps and work on their bonds?

white jade hearted namjoon was deeply touched. His phoenix eyes misted.

"please excuse me then", jeongguk bowed lightly and exited the room. He understoond why taehyung wouldn't want him inside. Afterall who likes an audience while airing their dirty laundry? The activities of vice president and manager baek il were what taehyung would consider as insignificant annoyances ruining his precious company's image.

Jeongguk has himself seen unusual documents relates to baek il and his branch offices. Judging by their talk earlier, his boss must be plotting something big which director namjoon was reluctant about.

But wait, why was he thinking about it? Jeongguk paused. He found himself again in a very similar situation as before. Should he be concerned about this? A part of him answered no. wasn't he just ordered by his boss to work on something else making a very clearly point that he wouldn't appreciate jeongguk's involvment.

But the angel winged and halo circlet bearing jeongguk inside him objected, he might be a secretary under his boss kim taehyung but he was also an official employee of kim corporation and that would be ethically wrong of him to not help for the greater good by deliberately withholding information.

Jeongguk was in a deliemma......until the angel koo played a footage of director namjoon's beaming face asking him to transfer back and work under him directly after witnessing his excellent display of performance.
Also it would be interesting to see how taehyung reacts as well won't it?

Jeongguk made up his mind.

He was going to provide taehyung with intel at the first notice. He sat down resolutely and dialled some numbers, making a bunch of phone calls. He was barely done by the time the director's office door oppened revealing namjoon. He stepped outside, the expression on his face not much better than before. " In any case, refrain from going overboard" his voice was filled with brotherly concern.

Taehyung unexpectedly came to see him off or maybe (according to jeongguk) was trying to drive him away. He impatiently humphed, "if you are done here, hurry up and leave" without waiting for a response he slamed the door shut in namjoon's face.

Jeongguk stood up quickly both alarmed and pissed on the latter's behalf. But Namjoon simply turned around. His eyes fell on jeongguk and his lips pulled up in an awkward smile, " erm, I'm sorry you had to witness that haha" he scratched his nape, looking Uncomfortable

"no..you dont have to apologise sir, i understand how the director is" jeongguk acknowledged with a sorroful low smile.

Namjoon walked over leisurely, "his attitude is crappy but deep down in heart he isn't really a bad person"

namjoon was about to say more but he paused and burst into laughter by the look of pure disbelief and absurdity plastered on jeongguk's face. Jeongguk, "........" he stared at namjoon as if he was speaking in minion language.

"ahahahahaha i really mean it" namjoon chuckled," people assume we aren't on the best footing but this is his just his way of looking out for me" his features softened.

Jeongguk lamented in his heart. How can you be so pure hearted director....."you would know best sir" he replied diplomatically walking a step behind him.

Jeongguk was still singing praises of joon in his heart when he entered taehyung's office later to deliver the afternoon schedule and discuss affairs. On seeing jeongguk come in, Taehyung got up and whirled around. He lit a cigarette and sat at the edge of his table. Without looking back he commanded jeongguk. " hurry up and put this mess in order. Also remove all evidences of his visit. They depress me" he gestured backhandedly, his mood pissed off.

Poor director joon........don't you think you might be a bit delusional?

Jeongguk quietly cleared the table. After he was done arranging the papers into a neat pile he cleared his throat. "speak" taehyung said languidly.

"please excuse my bold interference but in my free time i secured some information on manager baek il and vice president which might be of use to you sir" jeongguk replied. His words caused taehyung to whirl around quickly. "what is it?" he stared at jeongguk directly.

Truth to be told, jeongguk still wasnt used to locking eyes with taehyung. He was the one to look away first because those cold beautiful eyes gave him the heebies jeebies and made his heart take a screenshot. "....Miss yu from secretarial department had earlier asked me to book her a reservation at this specific restaurant which was already full. She told me it was an order from manager baek il who wanted to meet his client there. " i dug up on this client and they happen to be an invitee for tomorrow's conference from touei " he concluded his report.

"touei...." taehyung repeated, mulling the word in his lips as he seriously contemplated. He raised his hand to halt jeongguk mid speech

"i may be wrong sir bu-" "not really, you may have a lead, i just didnt think of checking on touei" taehyung interjected. He reached for his cell phone and called jimin.

"- and so, do what you want, just get a solid proof of it understood?" after he was done, taehyung sat down and propped his head on his hands.

Massaging his temple he sighed. " to think i underestimated touei. Your lead was spot on jeon."

Jeongguk was taken aback by the sudden compliment, " i just had a hunch sir.." he replied feeling a little proud of himself.

Taehyung nodded absentmindedly,"okay you can leave". He was preoccupied while waiting for jimin to call him back. Jeongguk bowed and returned to his workplace booth to finish his leftover chores. Outside his window, the skies had been slowly seiged by gray clouds and air was saturated by humidty as the hours ticked by.

Jeongguk stretched his arms and yawned. He had taken care of most of the next day's updates and memos he thought rubbing his stiff wrists. He looked at his watch. Perfect! He was done just in time.

Pleased, jeongguk cheerfully gathered his belongings and left his desk. He knocked on the director's office and stood patiently intending to pay a last check before leaving. There was no response but he could make out a string of muffled words from inside.

Jeongguk twisted the knob and stepped inside. Taehyung was on a call- probably with jimin. He appeared tensed with the slightest hint of frustration etched on his brows.

"i specifically made it clear that it has to be prepared before the conference didn't i? how else are we gonna make it now" taehyung snapped, tapping his fingers impatiently.

"is there anything else you need sir?" jeongguk interrupted politely. "...no you can go home." came a brusque reply.

"thank you sir"he was about to close the door behind him when taehyung unexpectedly addressed him again, "the weather....."

"pardon?" jeongguk stopped. Taehyung spared him a brief glance before looking away,"it might rain heavily tonight. Have jungshin drive you to your place" he said offhandedly.

"............." jeongguk was at loss for words but quickly collected himself, "that wouldnt be necessary sir, fortunately i have an umbrella and will be able to catch the last train" he glanced at his watch to confirm.

Taehyung didnt say anything more. He nodded his head curtly and went back to his call. Jeongguk bowed and then left. He passed by few overtimers and exchanged amiable talks until he reached the elevator. But to his much surprise, jungshin was already waiting for him outside.

"did sir ask you to wait for me?"

jungshin nodded," yes, the director was worried and instructed me to escort you home"

Worried bleh. He probably was making sure his most productive resource doesn't call in for a sick leave by any chance. Jeongguk sighed in dejection. But he was also touched a bit. That was really considerate of taehyung, motives aside. Atleast jeongguk wouldn't have to be smushed in a train with other exhausted caffeine reeking citizens like a pack of jammed sardines. His gratefulness increased by a few fold.

So he smiled and let jungshin lead the way.

The next day moved on swiftly and soon it was already time for the afternoon board meeting. As predicted by weather reports it had been raining cats and dogs since the previous night and even though it was half past 12, the sky was dark and raindrops pelted hard against jeongguk's window.

As for jeongguk, he had been glued to his desk all this time and was unable to give much thought about manager baek il or taehyung's plans. After he was done with the majority portion of his work, he rushed to director's office. Truth was even though jeongguk wasn't necessarily needed in this, yet he couldnt simply sit still as a bystander. It kept him on the edge all day. He could sense things weren't looking nice for his boss and he wanted to assist him as his secretary.

Jeongguk knocked before entering the room. Taehyung was standing, coat thrown carelessly on a chair, his lean firm back facing jeongguk and a hand resting on his hip. Jeongguk noticed the lit cigarette in taehyung's hand and then his eyes moved to the table where a small heap of cigarette butts had accumulated.

Vampires must never worry about physical ailments like kidney failures. Jeongguk thought, impressed.

"sir, its almost time for the meeting with the board members and touei headquarter executives". He waited but Taehyung didn't reply which confirmed his Suspicions about things not going exactly as planned, for his boss.

Jeongguk wanted to enquire but he was interrupted by the phone ringing. Taehyung turned around sharply to recieve it and tossed the cigarette onto the ash tray. Jimin was on the other side. Taehyung listened in silence and his frown deepend by the minute. " say what now? But i cannot skip this meeting neither postpone it dammm" he cursed. There was a long pause. "fine i understand, I'll call you back" taehyung finally noticed jeongguk "we've gotten our hands on some records that detail how baek il has been receiving private funds from touei and in return, is helping them with illegal deals and priviledges."

Jeongguk's eyes widened slightly "he is supported by touei...so that's how he feels bold enough to openly side with vice president and make hostile movements against the president.."

"i wanted to retrieve those records personally but jimin only just managed to get them and he wouldn't make it in time. I also cannot just send any random person, its too risky" taehyung tched in irritation.

Jeongguk inwardly checked his own schedule. Lucky enough, he wasn't urgently required anywhere for a while. Which meant he could go! "if you don't mind sir how about i retreieve the documents?" he vouched.

Taehyung looked into jeongguk's twinkling and eager eyes. It seemed as if he was giving it a serious thought. At length he gave in after some deliberation. "yeah..if its you i'm certain it won't be a problem.."

Jeongguk felt a tiny flutter somewhere. "Go to touei's owned departmental at xxxx district. I'll inform them of your arrival and one of jimin's men will hand the files over to you. Make sure they're authentic once you obtain them" taehyung instructed. "change your office appearance. They shouldn't be alerted that you're from kim corporations. So its better if you pretend to be a customer"

Taehyung shook his head and jeongguk could swear he saw a fliker of concern in his eyes but it was gone as soon as it appeared. "don't delay much and uh..." there was a small pause. " come back safely..ahem" he tried to make his voice as flat as possible.

Jeongguk couldn't believe taehyung would actually decide to hand over such an important task to him and he felt confidence swell up as he smiled. "rest assured sir, i will get you the files as quickly as possible!"

Their eyes caught in a stare for a moment before both of them realised and quickly pulled their gazes away. "leave" Taehyung busied himself reaching out for his phone again. Jeongguk didnt waste time and quickly set off. He went down to the parking lot and found jungshin already waiting for him with the car door open.

.....................................

Jeongguk groaned internally. His poor eyes hurt in this expensive atmosphere. Everywhere he looked were mannequins dressed in eye catching designer outfits. He had originally meant to drop by a mall and grab any random cheap stuff he could find to disguise himself, but ealier on the way, after Jeongguk had asked jungshin to stop at a shopping mall, the latter informed him that while setting the gps, he noticed there weren't any malls nearby or en route to xxxx district. "um sir jeon, do you want me to stop at a men's boutique instead?" he asked pointing at the gps screen. Jeongguk checked the time on his watch. The meeting would start any moment... "lets do that jungshin, we dont have any other choice"

And so while jungshin parked the car jeongguk headed inside. He looked uncomfortably at the rows and rows of sparkling outfits of all kinds- shirts, trousers shoes and other accessories. Botiques were generally costly compared to malls and he knew looking at the price tag of a simple shirt would give him economic jumpscares. He began fiddling through the tees section hoping to find something within his budget all the while feeling very out of place.

A female employee took notice of him and approached him much to jeongguk's chagrin. " excuse me sir, may i help you with something?"

jeongguk hesitated, "no uhm, im good i was just looking.." the girl smiled nosing her way in, " oh absolutel! please look at the collections of polo tees we have and our latest autumn wear jackets which are all the craze and hype now. Would you like to go through our catalogue?" she asked, already almost showing the way.

Jeongguk thought, no i would like for you to leave me alone.. " its fine, in that case.... please get me some plain shirts" he replied instead.

"sure!" the employee chirped and set about dropping a pile of silky and brilliant looking fancy shirts on jeongguk's hands chatting excitedly about how they were currently the hot topic on instagram. Jeongguk eyed through them trying his best not to be caught checking the price tags, until he found a basic white shirt but it was oversized.

That would be okay right ? He wondered as he decided on it. Next, the girl dragged jeongguk into the pants section and thrust a pair of blue ripped jeans into his hands against jeongguk's protests swearing that it'd fit the shirt best. He had to firmly shake her off or else she would have taken it upon herself to build an 'outfit of the day' for jeongguk. He swiftly changed into his new clothes and braced himself for not having a heartattack at the payment counter.

It was raining again when jeongguk walked out of the store. He dashed to the car and checked the time. Dammmm, he had already wasted 20 minutes inside.

Jeongguk smacked his forhead and urged jungshin to drive faster to which the latter responded by hitting the accelerator. But there was one more challenge ahead.

The wind had picked up speed and the rain soon turned into a torrential downpour. Due to this, traffic had become agonisingly slow. Jungshin pressed on the horn and honked multiple times but the cars ahead barely inched forward.

Jeongguk peered outside and then back at his watch. Shit, the meeting already had begun a while ago. He couldnt afford to be late any longer. He grimly pursed his lips into a thin line "jungshin how far is touei departmental store from here?" jeongguk asked

"let me check sir... Its around the corner of this block, just few meters ahead".

"alright thanks, ill make a dash for it from here" jeongguk made up his mind. "but sir, i don't have an umbrella" jungshin looked outside at the lashing rain. Jeongguk assured him, " its okay, i will be quick"

without saying more, he unlocked the door and sprinted into the rain. The sidewalk was empty, pedestrains watching a white clad figure blur past them as they waited under eaves of stores or inside. Jeongguk felt the icy wind whizz against his cheeks and the rain obscure his glasses. He took them off and continued running until he could make out the store infront of him.

Namjoon worriedly kept shooting glances at taehyung who was seated opposite to him in the meeting. He had a distracted and fretfully dark look on his face but otherwise seemed composed. Namjoon wondered if he was waiting for something.

"excuse me director ......" an assistant secretary had stepped inside Admist the meeting and bent down to whisper in taehyung's ears. Taehyung stood up quickly causing heads to turn in his direction. He cited some urgent matters and excused himself out.

Taehyung's eyes lit up and his footsteps quickened. But he abruptly came to a halt a few feet from the reception desk.

Jeongguk stood near the desk engaged in a talk with jungshin. He was drenched from head to toe. Taehyung had never seen jeongguk in anything other than boring garb and it was his first time witnessing his secretary in a white button up shirt that stuck to his body and hugged his curves.

Jeongguk quite had the sexy body....

Taheyung couldn't help but take in how the shirt had glued to his torso carving out a vague silhoute that wasn't very indecent but also didnt leve much for imaginative eye.

Dammm jeongguk had such a snatched waist? and he never noticed that? But before he could secretly ogle further, jeongguk saw him and called out to him, "director!" he smiled. His eyes crinkled at the corners and it was also taehyung's first time actually noticing them. Were they round doe shaped?

Taehyung cleared his throat and walked over

"im very sorry to call you out in the middle of the meeting sir but i brought what you asked me" jeongguk hurriedly bowed. Taehyung was stupefied. Up close, jeongguk's flushed cheeks stood out vibrantly against his dewy alluring skin. His normally disciplined hair, disheveled and framing his face in wet bangs.

Stray droplets scattered all over his face and taehyung caught himself gawking pathetically. He quickly tore his gaze away, settling his features into one of indifferance.
"you managed to get the files..? Taehyung's voice was dry

" oh yes, here" jeongguk had been clutching his bag to his bossom and gingerly fished out a file from inside. Thankfully it wasn't wet. He heaved a sigh of relief and handed it over.

Taehyung took the file but his eyes never left jeongguk, " why are you soaking?" he frowned a little. Under his scrutinizing gaze, jeongguk shuffled nervously. So here it comes... Jeongguk thought. He was worried he would get told off because of his unsightly wet like a rat look which he hadn't actually spared a thought about until now when he saw taehyung scowling at him since he got here. "i apologise for my casual appearance sir but i had to run all the way here"

"its understandable, dont fret over it"

unsightly? It was more like..unholy.....

Taehyung suddenly noticed the ripped jeans that fit jeongguk's thighs tightly and it lit up a smoke that made his throat scratchy and fanned the blood to rush in his veins.

Taehyung wanted to whack himself in the head. What the fuck was he doing drooling in the midle of an urgent matter like a hormonal teen. But he couldn't hit himself in the presence of all the employees so instead he shifted his attention to jungshin, "get jeon something to dry himself with"

Taehyung swiftly spun around to leave but paused as if realising something and glanced over his shoulder at jeongguk, "you've done a great job jeon, meet me after the meeting is over" after throwing these words taehyung left.

Jeongguk bowed and watched taehyung stride inside the meeting room. He finally released the breathe he was holding in. A great swamp of lethargy and relief washed over his shoulders and knees and he wanted to slump down.

He was equal parts anxious and hopeful for things to go smoothly as he followed after jungshin shivering slightly.

The meeting was hurriedly concluded after taehyung had presented the papers to the board and indirectly hit at baek il's shady activities. His eyes glinted with frosty malice and challenge as he watched the touei exectives and vice president turn pale and uncomfortable in their chairs.

"this will surely serve as a not so good warning to baek il and uncle myungso" namjoon said contently as he and taehyung walked out of the meeting room after everyone had left.

"now that i think about it there were many contracts with touei which were more than profitable for them than for us, forged and passed by baek il. " he mused for a second before continuing, "the documents you managed to procur weren't exactly conclusive evidences but they were strategic enough to point arrows at the right direction"

Taehyung scoffed, " atleast they both understood that we aren't that oblivious to all the bullshit they are pulling in the company and we can take action any time we want"

He narrowed his eyes, " i did you a favour though, leaving them lightly this time"

"but they were as white as sheets in there. You really can give people nightmares when you start threatening" namjoon reprimanded him with a gentle laugh.

"in any case, this was the approach you were whining about right?" taehyung looked at namjoon, "satisfied now?"

The two men were engrossed in their conversation and didn't notice an eavesdropping jeongguk who was hiding behind the corner wall. He had a jacket draped over his shirt because he couldnt wear his suit as it got wrinkled badly and refused jungshin's insistence on buying new clothes. he was sure he would be going home in a while anyway. He was just on his way to drop by director's office when he heard taehyung's voice and retreated behind the wall to Eavesdrop. It was a rare chance for him to get to know these two brothers a bit better and he listened intently.

Namjoon's cheerful expressions dropped a little and his eyes turned gloomy, "no I'm not satisfied..listen tae, i cannot sit back and let you muddy your hands yet again. This time, I'm gonna admit what you did were all ordered by me" he muttered in a low voice. Jeongguk strained his neck a little to hear him clearly. He was shocked by namjoon's admission but what he heard next would baffle him even more.

Taehyung gave namjoon a sidelong sneer, " can you please use that smart brain of yours?. How many times do i ought to remind you that you aren't simply in a similar position as me?"

"you're the person who's considered as the next Presiding authority after the president and the future chairman who will be taking over the corporation" he scolded joon harshly. "you know how many eyes are always watching you. Yet you tend to involve yourself and not utilise the tools you have"

Namjoon protested, hurt in his eyes," but you're my brother! I never consider you as a tool"

Taehyung let out a mocking derisive laugh as if he found namjoon's words unbelievable and funny, " this is why i call you a fool" he bit out the words with resentment but his voice was different and namjoon looked more miserable as if by his tone he was reminded of this invisible distance between them which he would never be able to breach no matter how much he tried.

He looked away briefly and his eyes landed on jeongguk who stood there with a loose jaw and had forgotten to hide himself. "ah! is that you jeongguk?" namjoon took a doubletake stopping in his tracks.

Jeongguk was lost in thought processing all that he had witnessed just now. He had always assumed taehyung to hate namjoon but he never thought he was also the one to have namjoon's back like this or go as far as to consider himself a tool for his elder brother.

Deep down, he is a kind man at heart....

The words reverberated in his head. Namjoon's voice abruptly yanked him back to earth. Ooop got me! Play it cool jeongguk!!

Jeongguk emerged out of the shadows expensing great efforts to appear casual and normal as if his eavesdropping ass hasn't been ousted just now. But lucky for him namjoon was taken aback by his informal getup. "eh, jeongguk what happened?" he asked curiously eyeing the latter.

Jeongguk glanced at Taehyung for a second, unsure if he should reveal the details, "actually- "i had him go over to touei for the evidence papers" taehyung helpfully supplied for him as if sensing his caution.

Namjoon gasped, "whoa! in this weather too?? That was very admirable of you. Thanks to you, we were able to carry out our objectives for this meeting" he praised jeongguk, his voice sweet and his dimples sweeter. "oh but where are your glasses?"

Jeongguk was both flattered and flustered by the compliment and he looked down bashfully, "it was my duty sir" he responded smiling himself ear to ear. " yes uhm..about my glasses...i couldn't see because of the rain and wanted to wipe them but they accidentally slipped from my fingers and i stepped on them"

Namjoon laughed heartily and Sympathised with jeongguk, " i know the feeling very well. I keep losing my earpods and breaking my stuff all the time." he grimaced at the thought.

"But seriously though, i always knew you as a very Composed disciplined secretary but this side of yours is very cute too" he admitted frankly

Jeongguk blushed. He shuffled self conciously under namjoon's charismatic and attractive eyes," thank you sir.." he mumbled sheepishly.

Taehyung stood with cold indifference. "anyway, my business here is done" He suddenly broke off in a strode," lets go jeon" he threw the words coldly and took large steps not waiting for anyone. "huh- oh" jeongguk quickly bowed to namjoon and hurried after taehyung.

It wasn't raining hard anymore rather it had settled to a more lazy drizzle, sprinkling against the car windows.
Jeongguk and taehyung both looked outside intently even though the sceneries appeared as disorganized splashes of water color on canvas.

Jeongguk didnt know why was he feeling so squirmish or why were omnious winds drifting from his left side. Maybe taehyung had found out about him snooping around back then? Jeongguk shivered lightly and corrected his pose.

It was taehyung who broke the silence," good for you, your revered prince on a white horse told you that he found you cute. You should have shown him that face of yours right off the start and maybe he wouldn't have allowed your transfer" taehyung said sardonically.

Strangely instead of being stung by his words jeongguk felt unfazed. Or simply put he was puzzled why taehyung sounded so bitter about it." i wouldn't have done something like that. All my life I've been treated like an underage person or extremely babyfied by people around me. Jokes and such are fine but sometimes its like they forget iam a man, a mature man." jeongguk didn't know why he was opening up like that to taehyung of all people but he felt like he had to explain his part.

"this had affected my work life as well. Clients or colleagues, Everyone would be doubtful of my reliability and capablities and i couldn't even build networks... so i had no choice but to change the way i look"

he stared down clutching the jacket to himself, unpleasant memories from the past filling his mind. Silence descended again. Jeongguk thought taehyung surely was finding words to mock him. But After a while taehhyung folded his arms, "why should you let what others think of you get to your head. How long do you think you can carry on and decieve yourself like that if you let outsiders decide shit for you... You may achieve positions but will your self confidence ever rise along with your accomplishments?" taehyung looked outside, propping his arm up to support his chin. " you may think all the reputation that you've earned was possible because of this fake mask of yours but in truth its your hard work and commitment towards what you do. Granted first impression matters but you have that idiotic stubbornness in you that doesn't rest until all assumptions of a person are smashed to bits and they have no choice but to surrender.

Jeongguk listened to him in astonishment. He found it hard to speak and throat felt constricted. His hands trembled and He looked at taehyung with dumbfounded eyes and a heavy heart guilt ridden with all the times he thought of taehyung as a sadistic egostic dick bug

He was still an egoistic dick bug but maybe not so much a sadist...

Taehyung Chocked on his saliva. A vein popped on his forhead but he managed to stay unfazed. "well, for me i wanted to kick you out the moment i saw you in my office on your first day, standing infront of me looking like you were going through 5 divorces" the corners of his lips lifted up in a shit eating smirk.

Jeongguk looked at him Incredulously with his jaw hanging open. Better heh! take that you backbiting coconut head gremlin.

Taehyung grinned bigger, encouraged by jeongguk's idiotic and mortified reactions. "so that image you've constructed of yours is subjective. What made me not fire you was your cockroach like resilence and pesky provocative attitude not your 1940s garb.

Jeongguk didnt know whether he should laugh or cry or throw hands.
His cheeks bloomed in embarassment and he was at a loss if he should rejoice in the compliment or mind the backhanded roasting." i appreciate your wise words of encouragement sir'' he spat out through his gritted teeth, his brows twitching as he smiled stiffly.

This finally satisfied taehyung. He chuckle to himself infuriating jeongguk more.

Taehyung sighed, "i really gotta give it to you for being such an Entertainment along with being the best private secretary" he spoke casually later only realising what he said.

jeongguk's head whipped up and he looked at Taehyung feeling an unexplicable thing all of a sudden.
The funny sensation unfurled in his tummy and he was very grateful for the dim lighting inside the car. They concealed the bright crimson of his neck and face.

Taehyung avoided meeting eyes with jeongguk. He felt too stifled and rolled down the windows on his side. He then proceeded to look in jungshin's way and spoke to him instead, " jungshin, stop by some optician's"

"yes sir" came the affable response.

Jeongguk gave taehyung a questioning glance." umm sir?"

The other slightly straightened and shifted his eyes to the window again
"earlier you said you had broken your glasses but you had also mentioned you couldn't do without them..so it cannot be helped right?"

"Jeongguk's heart stirred. He was overcome with appreciation and silently vowed to judge his boss less harshly from now onwards. He was a very simple man who lived with simple life values. It didn't take much for him to change his opinions about someone as long as they've done one good deed towards him. And in case of his boss taehyung, he had to admit. maybe jeongguk was a little too hasty and biased in his decision to hate him so he never got to see any positivity but now jeongguk doubted if it was him who was refusing to see past taehyung's outer demeanour all along.

Taehyung suddenly turned to jeongguk, "I'll buy them for you but in return you're gonna choose something sexy this time" he added auhoritativly in all seriousness.

Yeah no maybe jeongguk shouldn't be that hasty about his new vows and constructed opinions...

but despite everything, there was one issue which he couldn't figure out. jeongguk wasn't sure if it was because of director taehyung himself trying to cheer him or acknowledged him as his best secretary or because of director namjoon who had earlier called him cute...

But unexplicabily, he felt really, really happy that night and didn't mind taehyung barging his way along with jeongguk for spectacles shopping or bossing him and making him try on uncountable number of expensive frame designs

In any case it wasn't like he wouldn't show up the next day in his same dull 70s core thick rimmed glasses....(much to taehyung's eyesore and chagrin). So maybe, it wasn't that bad and jeongguk could bear his boss...

Maybe just for today..

To be continued.

A/n: i know i owe everyone a pending explanation but hey iam back
＼(￣▽￣;)／