As frost in the air slowly starts to descent and glimmering lights dance in the chilly streets, December arrives, bringing with it a sense of magical anticipation everywhere in the city.

Seoul is adorned with crimson red and green decorations, sparkling star shaped lights and misteltoles. mariah carey's Christmass hits in 7-11s stores are loud enough to be heard even on the streets outide where huge decorated fir trees draw the attention of the passerbyes.

December, once again, a time when joyful gatherings with loved ones become frequent. In this enchanting month, anything feels possible, as dreams and wishes flutter in the air along with snowflakes.

Or so, was the case.... That is,

outside director kim taehyung's office room...

A small cloud of smoke assaulted jeongguk's nostrils as he stood infront of his ill- tempered employer.

Already Habituated with the scowling eyebrows and glares that were directed towards him, jeongguk simply ignored them and continued on with his oration, not before pettily hacking out a couple of miserable coughs at his boss.
" you have recieved an invitation from samjoong limited for an evening party on the 15th and on 17th there is this christmas event in lotte atelier..."

taehyung's glare became uglier but jeongguk paid him no heed." and lastly an invite has arrived for a charity event on the 24th-" he broke off as taehyung stopped him with a raised hand, "im not going to any. reject all of them" he spoke a dour expression twisting his exquisite features.

"who the hell decided that we need to incorporate christmas events in business like these??" taehyung snapped angrily puffing out rings after rings of smoke.

Jeongguk smiled ruefully, " festive events are useful in expanding connections sir" he replied,  But taehyung simply rolled his eyes. He reached out for a stray plain white envelope and Unceremoniously ripped its seal off.

" a charity event on the 24th? This is so unnecessary and pretentious. Why have meetings and conferences if parties were needed for contracts" taheyung scanned the contents of the invite before flinging it off to his tableside bin.

" err, its the one i was just about to speak of" jeongguk glanced at the sorry card thrown amidst the trash before looking up, "its supported by the Congressman seon keung this time. All big enterprises and companies are anxious for a pass because apparently major figures are expected to attend." he said. Seeing no change in the latter's angry face jeongguk tried again, " ofcourse the president and director namjoon would be attending too so you-"

"like i give a damn. It's all a bunch of nonsense" taehyung spat, throwing the words out with a cold shrug. He got up and turned his back on jeongguk. " send a response to the RSVP ones and ignore the rest invites. Also dont fix any meetings until i say otherwise. Soon i shall start working from my place so make the necessary arrangements for that"

A small sigh escaped past jeongguk's lips and he shut the memo diary in his hands. While the whole world was getting more and more excited about the arrival of christmass, jeongguk's boss seemed to  become more and more sullen.

Jeongguk stole a quick glance at taehyung who was currently half sitting half leaning back against the edge of his desk as he smoked. He had a displeased look on his face, his frown unbudging as if all these talk on christmass and partying gave him a headache. Which jeongguk suspected might actually be the case.

After all, taehyung was a vampire.

Although christmass in korea wasn't as much orthodoxically steeped and tied to religious sanctity as was in the west despite the considerably large population of converts in the country but an even larger population of atheism might be the major reason behind the festival's less religious importance and more on Sentimental enjoyment. But even still, maybe it was rough for taehyung.

Jeongguk was suddenly filled with overflowing empathy for taehyung. Imagine being one of the coolest mythical creatures to actually exist in reality but the package lacks options for bat transfiguration and other awesome super abilities but is biblically accurate on sunlight weaknesses and blood diet. Bet it sucks for him..no pun intended, thought jeongguk.

Taehyung's voice broke through jeongguk's reverie," if we are over the invitations issues, i'd like for you to handle these" he gestured towards some materials on his table. " audit these and send me data sheets. Also make copies for tomorrow".

Jeongguk nodded dutifully and proceeded to gather the files in his arms and make his way out. Meanwhile taehyung had finished smoking and crushed the burnt out cigarette butt onto the ashtray and settled in his chair to resume work again.

Before closing the door however, jeongguk quietly took a last glance at taehyung. It was indeed sad, he affirmed solemly looking at the pitiful image his boss conjured, all stern and gloomy peering into his laptop, while everybody else gets to soak in festive spirits.

As jeongguk headed back to his desk, he remembered last year when he began working for namjoon's assistant. Although he had heard about taehyung's introverted personality he wondered why the second director was never seen out socialising during december.

Jeongguk was puzzled that for a capitalist shark such as taehyung, to miss on important business parties where a myriad of opportunities could be presented to him, it was weird he'd opt to skip out attending.

Back then jeongguk deducted the reason behind this may have been because of all his romantic affairs which kept him busy during the festive season.

Thinking back to that assumption now, it sure was a misunderstanding. Jeongguk felt a little guilty in his heart. As namjoon had said earlier, taehyung wasn't all  what the rumors badmouthed about him.

Sure, he was a haughty and narcissistic slurpy leech but it had been 6 months already and work was fine since the time  he was promoted here and threatened by taehyung to not quit.

Finding out that he was a real vampire like those from the legends was purely a coincidence of ill luck and there were but times when jeongguk had bit his tongue and gritted his teeth, doing his best as taehyung's private secretary but soon he wasn't feeling that miserable as before.

Maybe that was because he got used to it?? But....at the same time he could also feel taehyung trust him more than before, he could see the way taehyung's stature would ever so lightly relax around him, his eyes wouldn't be so frigidly cold and even though he has a shit eating grin, that didnt appear so cynical and fake anymore.

jeongguk has also not been blind to the little things here and there which appeared like cracks in his boss's exterior, allowing him glimpses of more than what met the eye about his proudy boss. He could feel taehyung actually valued him as an efficient asset and jeongguk did not want to betray this trust.

Jeongguk had barely just settled in his chair when the intercom on his desk buzzed alerting him. Jimin's charming voice filled the silence, asking jeongguk permission to let in one of taehyung's latest girlfriends.

Jeongguk quickly checked his memo and after confirming that it was indeed a 'meal' appointment for the day, instructed jimin to send the person up.

A few minutes later, the elevator dinged rousing jeongguk from his work. He looked up as the doors parted to reveal a beautiful woman with shining ebony hair. Jeongguk recognised her as one of the faces he saw on a giant billboard on his way to home from work. She was a model of a particular cosmetic brand that was recently blowing up in the market.

The girl's heels clicked crisply as she strutted over to jeongguk confidently and flashed him a lovely smile. Jeongguk rose up and exchanged polite greetings. Then he called taehyung on his desk telephone informing him bout her arrival as he directed her towards his room.

Taehyung personally opened the door for the girl and his words were honey as he murmured low and raised her hand to kiss the back of it, all previous traces of contempt vanished. He was weilding his charmer aura as effortlessly as ever and jeongguk couldn't help but roll his eyes when the laughing and giggling pair closed the door behind them.

Jeongguk was about to open a drawer and dig in for his expensive noise cancellation earrmuffs when the elevators whirred and dinged again. It was park jimin this time, the executive from public relations. Jeongguk was surprised to see him stride inside. He quickly discarded the earmuffs in his hands and got up to meet the latter. "yo jimin bad timing, the director and miss went inside just a moment ago" jeongguk said as jimin drew closer presuming he was here to meet taehyung. He casted a wry glance towards the polished door to emphasize his words. muffled wispy sounds of pleasure were leaking out causing jeongguk's lips to press in disgust.

Jimin returned jeongguk's words with a small smile murmuring a 'hello'.
jeongguk couldn't help but notice that his smile seemed strained. Jimin then shook his head," no actually, i had some matters to discuss with you" he said, worry dipping his handsome brows downwards.

" what is it jimin?" jeongguk asked solemnly, his own countenance turning wary. Seeing his usually friendly and sly colleague Concerned like that tensed him up as well.

"uhh i wanted to ask if director taehyung will be attending any of the december parties this time around?"

Jeongguk was puzzled at this question. He was expecting something more serious judging by jimin's stiffened face but he replied nonetheless, " i actually had a talk with him a couple of minutes ago and he was very clear about not participating this year too...but why do you ask that suddenly?" it wasn't as if jimin didnt know about count taeculla's condition during christmas.

Jimin nodded, " as i guessed..." he then proceeded to quickly scan their Surroundings for a moment before leaning slightly forward." its about manager baek il. Through my network of sources i have gotten my hands on some dirt. Previously While i was doing an investigation on vice president and manager baek il, i was only able to provide the director with semi substantial materials which were hardly any concrete evidence" he paused for jeongguk to react before continuining, " what I've gathered is baek il and vice president have made deals with a few notoriously infamous members of some japanese yazuka"

Jeongguk let out a gasp of astonishment. He had always heard instances about people who were at the very top or 1% elite club never being truly honorable in their cores.

Their paths to sucess were paved by connections which weren't always white and just. The staircases they use to ascent were often constructed and solidifed by illegal involvements and shady dealings. It was an open secret of the society. You can never really achieve unbridled success with morality alone. The world is grey and nobody is virtuous, except ofcourse the ones with less vivacious ambitions and dreams.

Jeongguk was aware of all that and he too personally didnt disapprove of having risky connections as long as they weren't absolutely bordered on serious criminal activities. He knew in a corporate world, you cannot be picky with who you wish to shake hands and share wine with, if you wanted to obtain something or had positions to win. But to actually learn about a situation like this was rattling for jeongguk.

" isn't friendships like these the norm here?" jeongguk asked jimin," we cannot implicate or expose them simply. It would surely recieve hostility and will not be accepted nicely in the corporate society."

"if this were a normal case like that i wouldn't have come to find you jeongguk, but its- there's a lot more to it" jimin said uncomfortably. He was hesitant for a second before inhaling deeply.

" baek il is part of a sex Trafficking trade in partnership with the yakuza members that has a large active operational chain in east and south asian countries. And if that wasn't worse enough, the trade is also dealing with blackmarket adoptions and illegal sale of aborted fetuses to cosmetic industries" jimin concluded grimly.

" what the fucking hell" unsettled by this huge amount of information, jeongguk couldn't help but curse out loud uncaring of his surroundings. " holy shit jimin, i-.." he broke off, at a loss for words. Jeongguk was both mortified and disturbed. He couldn't imagine someone as unassuming as baek il was capable of being part of such heinous and morbid crimes, the lowest of the low. So he wasn't simply aiming for kim corps?..his goals were far more sinister.

After the initial shock had passed, jeongguk's face hardened and he was filled with disgust and outrage.

Jimin patted him on the shoulder to calm him down. "i know jeongguk ah, i couldn't believe it myself too and had them cross check their evidences multiple of times before i was sure. I so fucking wish it was fake" he said, his face gloomy.

" but an offense of such scale cannot simply be addressed with mere paper evidences. Baek il would surely cry false accusations and claim document forgery on our part"

Jeongguk nodded tersely in agreement. After some time, Jimin continued, " that would do more harm than good as vice president and baek il would get on high alert and tighten their guard against leaking of further informations"

And in the worse case scenario they might even erase all forms of existing evidence by destroying or relocating their bases" jeongguk added.

" Precisely!" jimin slammed his palm atop the desk," which is why we must gather stronger proof"

Jimin's eyes lit up, "luckilyyy there is a way for us to steal far more concrete and robust evidences!!"

"there is!?"

"yep, but it is hella dangerous and difficult. Not to forget risky as well'' jimin sighed and racked his inky hair in frustration. "you see, baek il is set to meet the yakuza at this one elite charity party. They might probably just attend the event but still i have a gut feeling that this could be the best chance to get irrefutable shit against them"

" by any chance, is it this event the one hosted by congressman seon keung?" jeongguk suddenly asked after a pause.

"yeah, how'd you know? Did the invitations arrive already?"

Jeongguk nodded, " yeah, and director taehyung didn't even spare it a second glance. He flat out rejected"he sighed.

"it can't be helped afterall, he is a vampire and this sort of season always mess up their kind real bad especially if they aren't cautious enough" jimin rubbed the bridge of his nose. " vampires usually take this month off and isolate themselves in their homes.

" now obviously my first thought was to hurry here and inform director taehyung, as i was working under his orders to investigate in the first place. But right now i'm in a dilemma"

"Knowing him, he wouldn't agree to entrust this to anyone else and insist on being on the scene himself even if it cost him physical afflictions."

Jeongguk thought about it for a while. At length he said, " in that case, we should be going to director namjoon but as the next president in line, if his involvement in these controversial matters were to see the light, it might jeopardise his position"

"you are absolutely correct and this is exactly why i have approached you. Sir joon' private secretary post is still vacant. On the other hand sir taehyung'a activities would be highly restricted during this time and the lesser the people involved, the better it is for us to execute it quietly"

We cannot risk including someone who is not directly working under the two directors" jimin looked at jeongguk meaningfully and then it dawned on him... Jimin wanted to undertake this whole plan with only his help. Or it was what it looked like judging by his expectant eyes.

But jeongguk wasn't that keenly Interested as jimin was for this mission. Afterall, it was not some sort of economical issue like tax fraud or embezzlement where he would simply be required to sniff out record histories or plant moles. This wasn't just a trivial matter as confronting the section chief bully but deadass fucking with japanese yakuza. For all he knew, one daring stunt and he and jin might get tossed into the sea in body bags filled with rocks.

Jeongguk started thinking of  alternative solutions which wouldn't necessarily threaten his life. "um what if i increase the weekly meals for boss?. If he could replenish himself more frequently wouldn't he be able to take over this mission with the least of physical injuries?"

Jimin could sense jeongguk's hesitance and Uneasiness. He flopped down on the chair and gestured jeongguk to do the same. " i would have done this if it wasn't for director taehyung's habit of avoiding hookups and such during festive seasons"

"ehh? Why would he do that?" jeongguk was perplexed. For a philanderer like taehyung it didn't make sense that he would choose celibacy that too at a time when dates and candle night reservations reached statistical heights.

"beats me. But i have seen it. Taehyung never hangs out with woman during Christmass"

"listen, gguk i understand your concerns and trust me i wouldn't have asked for your help if there was some other useful idea but its really upto us to carry out this plan until director taehyung can intervene"

Jeongguk was still not convinced fully. He pondered for a while before finally giving in "well then, i guess it cant be helped. Count me in" he sighed stressfully.

Jimin beamed, relief dousing the anxiety between his brows. " excellent! Thank you so much jeonggukie. Without you, things would be so much harder for me alone".

"uh huh. Just make sure that neither i nor my brother gets abducted in the middle of night or murdered" jeongguk rolled his eyes and said grimly.

"cmon dude you're thinking this too far. Dont worry i wont make light of your Involvement." jimin laughed, curving his eyes into pretty crescents.

"besides, I'm sure this is gonna be  tricky but a piece of cake for us" he added afterwards to assure jeongguk.

They had nothing to lose and what could go wrong anyway?

By the time they were done discussing strategies,  it was almost time for taehyung to finish his meal. The door opened and both jimin and jeongguk ceased talking to look at the emerging figures.

Jimin swiftly rose to his feet and walked up to taehyung, like he always did to escort his partners out. Upon noticing him, taehyung cocked up an eyebrow. " i haven't called you yet. Were you waiting in advance?" he asked while releasing his hand from the girl's waist. He reflexively leaned down as she wound her arms around his neck and let her kiss his cheek.

"yeah i had some catching up to do with jeongguk" jimin lied smoothly Taehyung turned his gaze towards jeongguk who stood up too. "what did you talk about?"

"nothing much in particular. Just company and Current affairs." jeongguk shrugged, his expressions betraying nothing.

Taehyung didn't seem convinced and wanted to probe more but he was interrupted by his pretty girlfriend.

"taehyung, are you sure you cannot spend christmass with me this time?"

"i told you, I'm busy. Lets meet some other day hmm?"

ofcourse there would never be a next time. Infact today might even be her last day in his arms' jeongguk thought.

The girl puckered her swollen lips in a delicate pout, not giving up yet. "well why don't you make that secretary you're so proud of, adjust your schedule?" she pointed to jeongguk.

Jeongguk perked up at her words. 'so proud...?.  jimin wiggled his eyebrows at him. 

Taehyung cleared his throat and toyed with stray lock of her hair. Caressing it gently he looked at her but his stare wasn't warm." You see i really can't so how about i send you a gift instead" it was a coax spoken gently but there was a stern intone behind it, maybe by the look of his eyes or his demeanour but the model instantly dropped her persuation.

" I understand... Im sorry" she apologised with droopy shoulders.

"good girl. Let jimin take you to the car outside. I've instructed my driver to take you for shopping before he drops you home" taehyung said and turned his attention to jimin.

Jeongguk watched quietly thinking to himself that no girl would put up with such an attitude if it wasn't for the fact that his boss could fuck the daylights out of her and shower riches like that

Just as this thought crossed his mind, jeongguk saw a brief glimpse of him with taehyung in a certain instance.

His mind took him to that night, inside the car when a heavily weakened taehyung gasped and clutched his chest for blood and jeongguk had offered his in a sudden stupid moment of good samaritan act.

Well, that agonising yet shivery feeling when taehyung bit his neck and what followed next left jeongguk with no doubts that if he ever were to replace the girls in taehyung's bed he'd be promised heaven....

Jeongguk snapped his head up catching himself in the middle of his stray wild thoughts. What the fuck was he thinking and why would he even remember that night all of a sudden?? That too right infront of his boss and the chick he banged minutes ago? Ewwwwww gross. Since when did he start leaving his dignity back home

Jeongguk shook his head, trying his damnest to erase the pop-up images of him and taehyung in questionable positions inorder to look at the people before him with fresh eyes. Lucky for him jimin had already taken his leave with the girl and taehyung was seeing them off, giving jeongguk the much needed time to compose his self.

Later during the day, while submitting some documents to taehyung, jeongguk suddenly remembered his earlier conversation with jimin. This prompted him to ask taehyung about his no date policy.

"sir, do you have any 'meal' arrangements for the period around christmass? Excuse me for bringing this up but I've looked through the list and after the 21st you've got more than a week without any scheduled dates and..." jeongguk trailed off, wondering if it was some personal thing that taehyung would choose not to answer.

Taehyung shrugged heedlessly, "i don't have any plans for the week"

Jeongguk, ""why is that?"

Taehyung pressed his lips in a thin line. A moment passed and it looked like he would skip it but he simply averted his eyes. "i don't meet with any women around festival seasons because it gives them weird ideas and makes them think they're special." as if an unpleasant memory haunted him suddenly, taehyung's features pulled in distaste ," honestly its a bother" He didn't elaborate further and jeongguk took it as a hint to not probe anymore.

"then will you be spending the days with your family?" he asked in an effort to change topics.

"why the hell would i?" taehyung snapped irritably and scowled at jeongguk. But to add insult to injury, jeongguk had an aggrieved look of pity which ticked taehyung off further even before he could hear his next words.

"so you are going to be all alone for christmass?" jeongguk's gaze seemed as though he was looking at a roadside shivering abandoned dog caught under heavyrainfall inside his wet cardboard box. His words stung taehyung and he glared back at jeongguk, pouting slightly.

Taehyung picked up a cigarette and lighting it at one end, leisurely held it between two of his slender fingers.

"rich of you to ask me. What are your plans huh?"

Jeongguk blinked, "me?"

Taehyung pointed a finger at him, "you have been toiling away here ever since you transferred and work with me until late at night. You dont have a dating life either. So what are you going to do for christmass?"

Jeongguk mouth fell open. Oh! So this korean bat clan oppar was very much aware of his pathetic overworking state all these time and yet the only thing he chose to do was smoke joints and enjoy from the sidelines?

Jeongguk felt terribly victimised.  A vein twitched in his forhead and he smiled stiffly. "hahahah, actually i have a ton of invitations and activities planned"

"invites from who? Namjoon?" taehyung gloated, face evil. He wasn't convinced and could see that jeongguk was lying through his teeth. He took the liberty in guessing that the bespectacled bunny would surely spend the holiday at home with his elder brother. thinking such, he started scrutinizing jeongguk from under his inky lashes.

Jeongguk curled his fingers in a fist and coughed awkwardly " ahem, please refrain from probing in my personal affairs. anyway, sir if you skip on your necessary intake of blood wouldn't it be troublesome for you?"

"i can hold out well for one week" came the confident answer but jeongguk was not satisfied.

Taehyung caught his doubtful doe eyes and his lips crept upward in a mischievous smile. "why are you so concerned. Did you by chance liked me drinking your blood?"

Jeongguk was caught off guard by the question. There was a minute silence before his mind leaped into action.

Well did he ?..

He instantly shook his head and wore the most disgusting and cringe expression his facial muscles could pull off. It was just a one time thing in the past but that experience left him blown off. But just because he felt like he was swept off his feet didn't mean that he liked it whatsoever. Hell nah!!

Jeongguk would rather bite his tongue off but no power on this earth would be able to wrench a confession out of him.

Taehyung snickered at how jeongguk's face cooked various looks of disgust. His bunny like secretary was also as stubborn as a bull so provocking him was the only way for taehyung to hammer at the aloof and impassive persona of his.  It was a breathe of change from the usual.

But he couldn't laugh for longer today. Jeongguk had realised this pastime hobby of his sadistic boss and he wouldn't let him get under his skin.

Arranging his expressions into a worry, he leveled his brows and replied evenly, "no, offcourse not sir i was just worried about diseases from exposure to bite infections. Not saying that you might not be vaccinated but Rabies still remains incurable to this day.."

Taehyung's annoying grin died between his lips. Now he was the one gobsmacked in the face with a solid comeback. He was rendered speechless and gawking like a stupid donkey with an open jaw.

The image was so funny that despite his best efforts, a snort slipped past jeongguk's tightly sealed lips.

Taehyung, ".............."

Jeongguk, "PPFT!!"

The small laugh broke his trance and taehyung flew into indignant rage. Eyes threatening disdainfully, he gave jeongguk a lofty gaze, "do you want to find out what happens when you compare your boss with a rabid animal?" he drawled cooly.

Jeongguk instantly straightened up and shut his mouth. He shook his head hurriedly. "errr i-"

Taehyung cut him off, "I've decided". "until the official holidays, you'll stay after work hours for overtime."

Jeongguk moaned internally at this punishment. Unperturbed taehyung continued, "and, you will have to send Christmas gifts all the girls that I'm currently involved with like last time"

Jeongguk looked like someone had thrown a plate full of dog shit at his face. He was sucked dry of any last remnants of fun. He learnt his lesson to never compare his boss with a rabid animal...that is, not verbally aloud.

"yes sir...i shall do it" he chocked out miserably, full of grief and bitterness.

So he's gonna simply misuse his position and pester jeongguk just because he was alone for chirstmass?

Fucking capitalism. Jeongguk spat darkly in his heart and turned on his heels to leave before the black hearted demon could dish out any more punishments.

Taehyung watched his quickly retreating figure and stretched in his chair, finally feeling avenged and satisfied. After a while, when he replayed their conversation in his mind he couldn't help but suppress his laugh. He really had to admit that besides jeongguk there was no one who would see eye to eye with taehyung and pull these insults. He was truly in all senses impressive!

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

"and that's what happened, I'm so tireeeddd im gonna diee hyunng"

jeongguk exaled a long pitiful breathe towards the end of his lenghty narration. He was finally back at home( after his overtime- the first for the next few days) and ranting to his elder brother about his particular shitty day (which were many ever since he started working for taehyung)

Jeongguk felt beat up all over. His neck and eyes were aching heavily, his shoulders and fingers sore from ungodly amount of typing on cold keyboards. He tried stretching his stiff spine a bit and Winced at the cracking noises.

After he arrived home, jeongguk had taken a shower first thing, hoping that the jet of warm water would soothe his throbbing muscles and jammed head. But even after a long soak under the shower stream, he could feel the poundings of a migrane brew at the back of his skull and behind his screen strained eyes. Jeongguk was tired as fuck and felt like Collapsing any moment now.

He propped a hand on the dining table and rested his cheek on his palm. Absentmindedly jeonnguk gazed around himself feeling relaxed and sleepy.

This duplex house was everything that his parents had left for him and jin. It was not that grand or big compared to their neighbours, but nestled in the heart of the neighbourhood, it stood demurely radiating comfortable vibes.

The wallpapers on the wall were old and there all sorts of things pasted on them- digital and yellowed photographs, calenders. The windows had age worn wooden frames and were never shut for most parts of the day and evening to let the air circulate. The bedrooms were situated upstairs while the living room, kitchen and guest rooms were downstairs. A 4 person dining table with chairs was placed in one corner of the living room that connected to the kitchen, turning it into their dining room as well.  it was the only important furniture besides their sofa and tv, both of which stood at opposite side and there weren't many things in the moderate yet spacious room.

A handsome man emerged out from the kitchen, holding a deep pot full to the brim with piping hot dish in his
Mitt covered hands. He carefully set the earthenware utensil on the table and wiped the sweat off his forhead."well isnt it good timing, i made sundubu jjigae and bibimbap, eat all your anguishes away!" he said cheerfully and jeongguk already felt half recovered.

The man had an unusually handsome face with ever smiling plump full lips  that'd make the Kardashians choke with envy. His eyes were peach blossom shaped, big and round, the corners dipped in alluring charm which could captivate anyone.

He was jeon seok jin, jeongguk's beloved elder brother and the reason why jeongguk worked diligently each day. Just thinking of all the hardships his brother had to endure for him, boosted jeongguk and gave him the strength to face demons like kim taehyung. Even now, the sight of his smiling face and the delicious wafting aroma from the food lightened up jeongguk's fatigued soul.

After their parents had died in a freak accident, it was as if the sky had crushed down on the two orphans. But jin had Suppressed his grief to wipe jeongguk's tears. At a very young age, he had made up his mind to raise jeongguk. when his peers went to cram tution after school, Jin would spend his time learning how to cook so that jeongguk wouldn't have to starve or eat unhealthy store bought meals. He would do housework and help jeongguk with his homework during the weekends while his classmates played sport or hit the cybercafes and karoakes. As a result he was isolated from everyone but he never let it bother him. On the contrary he said that it was a good thing since he could devote all his precious time to his brother who was 6 years his junior. 

"ah thaank you hyung" jeongguk sang gratefully extending an empty bowl eagerly towards jin. He watched happily as jin loaded heaps of  steaming rice into his bowl and topped it with large pieces of juicy meat

"your boss surely over did it this time" jin declared pissed. He watched fondly as jeongguk dug into his bowl snarfing down hungrily. "i hardly see you come home before midnight anymore and now you're telling me that you'll be overtiming until christmass too??"

Jeongguk nodded, cheeks full like a chipmunk and eyes glistening at being understood. He was truly blessed and grateful to have his brother to whom he could share his heart's grievances.

"about that, im so sorry hyung. I might not be able to celebrate even Christmas with you" he said, remembering his plottings with jimin.

"ill have a mountain of work to finish before new years " jeongguk lied. He didn't want to tell jin about the sting operation for it would worry him and he'd object strongly against it.

Jin sighed and concern filled his eyes. "its fine, i will call over the staff from the restro, dont worry about hyungie." he reached his arm over to pat jeongguk's head. The younger let him ruffle his hair as he kept chatting away addressing his afflictions. jin listened to all of them patiently.

"ugh its my fault, i raised you  not to take anyone's bullshit but look how its gotten you in trouble again and again" jin replied half sorrowfully.

Jeongguk shook his head, "nahh, when i worked for director namjoon, neither him or i, had any complaints. Its not my fault. Its Director taehyung, who is an ass"

" true that too," jin agreed. "but lately i see you speak about him a lot. Even though he is an asshole, you mention him more than your crush namjoon"

Jeongguk was about to spew more proffainities about taehyung but came to a sudden stop. It hit him then, that it was indeed as jin hyung had said.

He hardly talked about sir joon anymore nowadays..

A peculiar ball of knots twinged when jeongguk thought about it and he felt complicated. Welps, better to not think about it then.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and explained to jin that the reason must be because he was taehyung's personal secretary and not joon's. So naturally he would have shit to talk about his boss more. There wasn't any extra meaning behind it. Jin nodded in agreement and they bitched about taehyung over servings of bibimbaap.

After laughing for a while, jin suddenly became sombre. He stared at jeongguk and said seriously,"
jeonggukah, you can choose to leave you know, the restro is doing pretty well and i can support us for the time being while you find a better company"

Jeongguk was wiping the table. He looked up and his eyes met jin's gentle ones . smiling he said, "no hyung, i was finally able to reduce your burdens after all these years. I dont really need to leave particularly now"

Jin sighed, "I'm your elder brother and you're my only family left. Who would you lookup to if not me.  I'm happy that you are Independent and all but not at the cost of your mental health. Dont force yourself for me you hear that brat??." he admonished jeongguk genuinely.

"yeah i know. I'll resign if i feel like it" jeongguk responded half seriously. "just focus on taking it easy at this age or you'll grow wrinkles" he stuck his tongue out at jin

"you lil piece of shit i will have you know, i still get scouted on the streets. Who is growing wrinkles!" jin exclaimed patting his supple cheeks.

He wasn't lying though. He truly had the face which was highly sought after for a kpop idol or actor . With broad shoulders and a lithe slim waist, even at the prime age of 30, seok jin could easily pass off as a university freshman.

Jeongguk knew that but he still loved squabbling with his brother. He laughed playfully, " duh! Dont be Delusional. they probably want you for the jobless and unmarried ajusshi roles"

" you are just jealous of me being  world wide handsome"

"self given titles no shit ajusshi"

"more like ajuicy bitch"

"you wish lol" jeongguk grinned and then ducked as jin aimed a cushion at his face. The pair then continued to chase each other around the room yelling, bickering and swearing until they were out of  breaths, their  cheeks vibrant red and laughter upon their lips.

The next couple of days flew by in a cold rush of events and overtimes. (taehyung personally made sure  to teach jeongguk that its not rabies he should be looking out for but heaven reaching mountains of excel sheets).

Before no time, christmass was just day after the next day and the whole office, from the lobby to the terrace was decked expansively in gold, silver green and red

Expression of  Diversity and multicultural acceptance was an integral virtue of any business enterprise, especially if they wanted to excel in global standards and appeal to a larger category of people or investors. So kim corporations didn't hold back in their agenda advertising too, going all out in christmasstide splendor.

As if stringing a myriad of tinsels, wreathes, oranmental socks, figurines and gift boxes weren't enough the decor team splurged enthuisiastically and Passionately put up a collosal 12 feet pine tree in the centre of the lobby. Its huge branches fanned unruly in all directions and were laden with generous amounts of foil, shimmering baubles, bows, and lights to command everyone's attention and drown them in yuletide spirits.

All the employees wore santa caps and sweets were distributed in departments while the office time was  reduced to allow workers to go home early to their families or lovers.

Nobody stressed infront of their laptops and happily left at the earliest strike of clock. Jeongguk had spent half the day working and the other half making merry with his fellow colleagues. Afterwards, when the work hours were over, he made sure to tidy up any loose remaining tasks and made his way to the director's office. As he walked upto the door and stood outside. Jeongguk wondered what taehyung was upto.  he hadn't seen him all day and had heard from other employees how they were shooed away by taehyung when they went to his office for conveying their greetings.

Well that was understandable......

Jeongguk thought to himself. It had been a few days since taehyung went off his blood intake and right now he was under some sort of didcomfort surely. The last thing he would want  to see surely isn't  his subordinates smiling faces in red santa caps and their christmass wishes.

Jeongguk felt a pang of worry depsite himself and slowly raised his hand to remove the cap on his head. He folded it in a small square and stuffed it in his jacket pocket. Jeongguk then proceeded to knock lightly on the door.

A few seconds of silence passed and then taehyung's deep voice sounded muffled from across. " not Receiving anyone. If urgent, leave a message with the secretarial team."

"sir its secretary jeon"

"ah jeon" a small pause, "..come in" came the brusque reply.

Jeongguk twisted the knob and Peeking his head inside, he looked around for a brief moment before entering and closing the door behind him. He briskly walked upto where taehyung was seated.

Taehyung looked up and jeongguk got a clear view of his face. Like he had suspected earlier, taehyung indeed wasn't taking the whole Christmas eve that well despite how much he had bragged earlier he would. Taehyung's hair was slightly toussled and two of his shirt buttons undone. Even though he looked insanely and carelessly hot as always- a unmatched visual aristocrat, his Complexion didn't look so good and neither his mood any better. His forhead had few sweat streaks.

Taehyung gestured to jeongguk and quietly listened to him narrate his usual report and schedule tables. All the while he sat calmly but there was tention in his shoulders and an frustrated impatient aura swirling around him. After jeongguk was done talking, taehyung inclined his head and voiced his approval. "Implement the new chart that you drafted afterwards. It was a good one" taehyung said. He looked into his watch and added suddenly, "i think this will be enough for today, you should leave now. Go home"

Jeongguk bowed obediently and murmured his thanks. But he didn't leave directly. Instead he paused hesitantly for a while before  continuing to  converse with taehyung. " are you feeling sir okay?"

Taehyung stilled. He looked at jeongguk as if he were the first person to ask him about his health that day. But he quickly composed himself and answered nonchalantly, " yeah I'm fine. This much doesn't affect me"

Even though he said that and shook his head, jeongguk could feel the strain behind his voice. something tugged at his heart and he couldn't just leave taehyung all alone pathetically like this. "pardon me for butting in, but i feel like you are pushing yourself too hard. You should also leave early tonight sir. If you want i can even arrange for someone to meet you for your meal and make hotel reservations" he offered earnestly.

Taehyung tsked, " not needed. I told you I'm fine and i was intending to leave anyway after this so dont worry about it" he sighed rubbing his eyes. "also you can take leave for tomorrow and the next day after" he added.

Jeongguk pursed his lips. Well, if he insists then there's no helping it right? He had offered his  concerns and done his duty. The needles that poked his innards with guilt would dissipate now. He better go home anyway now.

Jeongguk thanked taehyung and bowed to him. He then turned on his heels and took his exit. Once outside he passed by some remaining colleagues who were going home as well and exchanged light hearted conversations along the way and they entered the lift together.

Their chat continued till the ground floor lobby and it was only interrupted when the ginormous glimmering pine tree came into sight. The group erupted in a chorus of ahh! and whoaa! exclamations. Some of the people excitedly hurried towards the tree to take pictures while jeongguk and the rest chose to follow slowly instead, marvelling at the splendid view as they approached.

The party took a lot of group pictures while talking and laughing loudly. While all of this was happening, a hired choir band stepped on  a makeshift stage erected a few feet away from the tree. The musicians began to strum their instruments and lights were dimmed down to create a warm ambience. Amidst everyone's cheers and claps the band vocalists began singing hit classics.

Jeongguk stood along with the gathered crowd, entranced and waving his arms completely immersed in the performance. He was nudged by someone standing near him.

"they sure outdid Themselves this year!" the officer enthused, also moving his arms with the symphony

Jeongguk smiled and nodded, " i didnot expect the tree to be so huge though" he remarked back.

" me neither, but i heard someone saying that they wanted the tree to be the highlight this time and positioned it in a way so that its visible from every corner. isn't that amazing!!?" the other person gushed.  Jeongguk whoaaa'd' at the information and didn't think anything of it for the first few minutes. But later abruptly, an image of taehyung came to his mind along with these "visible from everywhere" lines.

Jeongguk paused and the gears in his mind rapidly moved. He suddenly had a thought... How was taehyung going to go home if the Christmass tree was visible from everywhere? How will he even step outside his office like this."

Anxiety rapidly poured inside jeongguk. wait before that, was taehyung even aware of the existence of such a gigantic tree in the first place????'
just as the question came to him, a vivid picture of a forlon pale taehyung all alone and miserable without anyone by side cooped up inside his office, floated to jeongguk's mind. He stopped grooving anymore and started to pull out of the crowd.

But it wasn't an easy task for him, his friends wanted jeongguk to accompany them for celebrations but he somehow managed to shake them off with difficulty,  lying about some forgotten documents he had left on his desk. With an excuse to retrieve those documents, jeongguk bid farewell to his group and then hurriedly went off towards taehyung's office.

Jeongguk, in his worry had rushed to taehyung's room and barged in suddenly without announcing himself first. Taehyung was just about to wear his  beige long coat and was Startled to see a huffing jeongguk.

"what the hell! You scared  me jeon". What happened?" taehyung squinted his eyes and asked seriously.  He assumed something was wrong and started walking towards jeongguk.

Jeongguk inhaled deeply to compose his breathing. "sir you were about to leave just now right?" 

"yeah?" taehyung responded puzzled.

" are you aware of of the giant Christmas tree that was put up in the lobby??"

"......". Taehyung's face settled into a grimacing expression. He stopped in his steps and folded his arms." well yeah, i was notified about it earlier by a staff member. Why are you here?" he asked narrowing his eyes at jeongguk.

His stare made jeongguk nervous and he felt silly all of a sudden about rushing inside. Why did he even think that he would be needed by taehyung? Moments earlier jeongguk was concerned and anxious but now he internally cussed himself for thinking that.

But since he had already taken the leap, there was no use of making any lame excuses. So jeongguk mustered up his courage and blurted out, " i thought the christmass tree would be dangerous for you so i wanted to assist you out of the office safely by making sure you didn't come in direct presence of it"  dammm..his teeth felt cringy itch now that he voiced his silly ideas out aloud.

Taehyung was soo gonna roast him on a skewer. Jeongguk bit his lip and cast his eyes down in anticipation of a ridicule.

But maybe it was because of christmass that there were miracles in the air. One of them surely was taehyung's reaction. After jeongguk offered him help, the latter looked as if he was taken aback for a moment and his eyes widened ever so slightly. A faint smile crept up his lips after a while and he sighed in defeat. "fine, guide me out." he finished pulling on his coat and faced jeongguk , " i will be in your care then"

Jeongguk didnt expect taehyung to readily agree and it left him feeling a bit flustered. Collecting his wits about him, he nodded energetically and walked ahead of taehyung to lead the way out.

Jeongguk was taking this bodyguard job wayy too seriously, cautiously taking three steps ahead of taehyung and the latter thought with amusement that if his secretary were to chose security defence as his line of work, he might have been promoted to guard the country's prime minister in some years. 

Very Sincerely jeongguk navigated the hallways with taehyung behind him in tow. Each time they came upon a corner, jeongguk would pause to check and change routes if he spotted the ginormous tree.

"here this way director" jeongguk said taking yet another detour. They had been going around the whole office floors trying to find a safer blind spot for taehyung since the last 20 minutes or so, contrary to the time his normal route would have cost him to reach the lobby.

In some situations jeongguk even made taehyung wait behind a wall while he stepped ahead alone to check the paths.  But taehyung wasn't complaining. Instead he was peculiarly quiet the whole time and stared at jeongguk.

He couldnt remove the small stubborn smile that made the corners of his lips lift up and Something unexplicable swirled in his phoenix  eyes. But jeongguk's brows were tightly furrowed in concentration and he had little time to look back at his boss.

Finally after an intense military like planning and uncountable turns they arrived to a corridor that directly led to the a side of the office lobby where the christmass tree and decorations were considerably far even if visible.

Jeongguk sighed and relented at last. There were no more corridors to explore anyway and  as long as taehyung ignored the tree and didnt look in its direction, he'd be fine right? Thinking as such, he let taehyung enter the hall.

Taehyung heaved a long torturous sigh and adopted a fake exhausted look, " finally. That sure took ages huh" he muttered and briskly walked inside. Jeongguk followed behind him still on high alert. He was so concentrated in his job that the moment taehyung turned around to tell him something, he jolted out of pure instinct. Jeongguk grabbed his coat and flung his arms out in a wide stretched pose to block taehyung's line of  vision.

Shiet...

The people around them stopped talking and everybody had their heads turned towards jeongguk in silent bewilderment. Taehyung was stupefied as well and gawked blankly.

It was then jeongguk realised the gravity of his actions... I mean who in their sane minds would suddenly throw their arms and legs out in a humanoid starfish pose amidst a croud of adults. Jeongguk's face erupted in crimson flames and he had  spontaneous quakes inside his eye pupils.

Taehyung couldn't hold himself back anymore and burst out laughing loudly. He laughed and laughed some more until his shoulders shook and tears threatened to spill. He took another look at the statue-fied jeongguk who resembled a flying squirrel or a sugar glider with his big bambi eyes blinking helplessly  and doubled down into laughter again. He had to place his hand on the wall for support

Embarrased beyond compare, jeongguk slowly lowered his arms and  stood there awkwardly while taehyung had his back to him snickering his heart out. After managing to stabilize his breathing taehyung turned around finally.

The corners of his elegant eyes were brigt and red tinged. He lifted hand to wipe off stray tears.

"maann that was wayyyyy tooo funny" taehyung exhaled.  " i seriously can't with your exceptional devotion".  he walked towards jeongguk and patted him on the head.

"Relax now would you? we've dodged the christmass tree so there is no more issue. you've done splendid" taehyung whispered brokenly trying to suppress occasional chuckles that bubbled up his throat.

"y-yes  sir" jeongguk garbled sheepishly in a small voice. On the outside, he was very much suffering from second hand embarassment. But internally he was pissed  at himself for getting so worked up. He wanted to vanish from sight.

It looked like taehyung was about to say something more but his presence had begun drawing attention.  It would be impossible anyway for someone not to notice their branch director who rarely ever showed his face. Who would miss such an Opportunity to not approach him now? People started walking towards them.

Taehyung sighed as if he had predicted such situations. He looked at jeongguk briefly and gestured the latter to leave while he turned around to interact with a section chief from xx departmemt who had mustered up the initiative to approach him.

Jeongguk gave taehyung a worryful glance and was hesitant to leave his side but taeyung murmured that he would be able to handle this much atleast and jeongguk shouldn't waste his time Unnecessarily.

Reluctant, jeongguk drew away from taehyung and walked out of the door, Smiling and bowing at employees on his way out.

The chilly draft pricked like thin needles against jeongguk's cheeks the moment he stepped outside and made him shiver a little. He walked on the side walk and checked his watch.

Jeongguk sighed. The last local train had left long ago. It wasn't that late but there were only a few taxis which drove by, apart from cars. All full offcourse, afterall it was holiday season.

Shoving his cold hands inside the pocket, jeongguk decided to wait sometime for a taxi. If he couldnt catch one soon, he would book a cab home.

A few minutes passed. December winds infused his cheeks and nose with cold pink hue and the hint of snow dense in the air, chilled the tips of his ears. 

Jeongguk rubbed his palms together and blew hot air onto them. There were unfortunately no free taxis that he could signal to. He fished his phone out and logged in local uber booking app.

After making a reservation, jeongguk pressed on the confirm button. The app screen displayed him the route and the cab's time of arrival.

3 minutes more, 2km away.

Jeongguk huffed in annoyance. He still had to wait for 3 minutes damm.

In the meantime, He sent a text to jin and aimlessly scrolled his phone while letting his thoughts wander.

Jeongguk's phone dinged. He tapped on the notification and a smile instantly formed on his face.

Jin, 'yo jeongguk'

Jin, 'dinner is braised chicken and red bean porridge with rice cakes. You better not get kidnapped on your way back.

Jeongguk chuckled and shook his head. His silly elder brother and his sense of humor. Who tf gets kidnapped as a grown ass man?

He typed back, 'lmao i can't guarantee but I'll try.' he spared a quick glance at his watch. 2 more minutes..ugh.

jeongguk frowned, 'hyung, i might be late, better don't wait for me. Eat if you are hungry' he added another text and hit send.

The notification came fast.

Jin, 'if you're not back by 12, hyungie will personally go fetch you"

Jeongguk, no need. I've booked a cab'

Jin,'lol i was joking. As if I'm gonna step in this chill. Grab some soju on your way. We ran out of stock

Jeongguk,'okay. Anything else?'

Even though jin texted that, jeongguk knew he'd really pull up to where he was if needed.

Jin, 'come back safely'

Jeongguk stared at the text. Despite the cold, warmth spread in his heart and he felt a momentary gratitude for having jin in his life.

Thinking of brotherhood, jeongguk's mind went to director namjoon and taehyung. Their relation was different from jeongguk and jin's.

Jeongguk thought about the time how he had witnessed and realised that  taehyung always looked out for namjoon. But a gaping chasm always existed between them that was unbreachable despite's namjoon's one sided efforts. Taehyung seemed like he was fine with caring for his brother in his tsundere unusual ways from afar.

Jeongguk tched' clicking his tongue.
Will a day ever come  when taehyung wouldn't shut namjoon out and stop being lonely in his heart anymore?

Lonely... No matter how many people he laid down with, taehyung's bed was no doubt cold as fuck. His arrogance and cynical personality were the high walls guarding him but beneath that jeongguk knew the guy was pathetically alone.

jeongguk's heart felt pinched. He shifted his gaze suddenly to his office and brooded deeply for a while. Come to think of it, he had not seen taehyung get into his car or come out at all...

Jeongguk shook his coat sleeves to reveal his watch. He glanced down and his face darkened. It  must have been ten minutes or so since he had  exited. So was taehyung still in there till now? A foreboding feeling crept up.

Unconciously jeongguk had taken a step or two towards the familiar  direction but as he was doing so, his phone buzzed right at that second.

Jeongguk was distracted from his trance. He impatiently fished his phone out and checked the notification. It was from the cab services app. They notified him that his ride was less than a km away and just right around the corner, arriving shortly.

Jeongguk looked at the message and then back up at the company entrance, his face obscured by complicated clouds. At home, jin was waiting and honestly speaking there was nothing more jeongguk wanted to do than go home right the instant and eat the dinner made by his brother.

But ever since taehyung popped up in his thoughts, he simply couldn't stop himself from worrying about this fang faced boss of his..

As jeongguk stood on the sidewalk internally battling about what he should do, the cab he had requested reached his location finally. The yellow car drove up to him and rumbled to a stop.

Jeongguk stood at his spot.  His intent wavered and he felt torn between wanting to leave and wanting to check up on taehyung to make sure everything was alright. In the midst of his fretful dilemma, the driver honked loudly to get his attention and startled him a little.

Jeongguk compressed his lips in a thin grim line and exhaled sharply. He had to make his decision. Either he was going to swing an axe to his foot once again (surely regret later) or  obediently leave and be a filial younger brother towards family commitments.

He thought about the delicious stewing briased chicken and patjuk. His stomach rumbled and jeongguk finally made his mind. Straightening his shoulders, he marched towards the cab.

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

Taehyung clenched and unclenched his hands ever so subtly to keep them from shivering. It had been well over ten minutes since he sent jeongguk home. He had confidently assured his worrywart of a secretary that it'd be a piece of cake for him.

What a joke. He thought now.

Taehyung's smile was stiffening with time but he was unable to shake off the small crowd of excited people thronging around him. Normally namjoon wad the kim brother who was approachable, friendly and favourite boss but Perhaps emboldened by the joyous festival atmosphere, the officers who never even dared to talk to taeyung in person previously, enthusiatically went as far as to invite him for parties, laughing loudly and shaking his hands.

Initially taehyung wasn't the least bit affected but while he was in the middle of a conversation, the hired band had started performing gospel pop music.

And the annoying bit was, they still kept playing one song after another from  that same genre ..

The overpowering and unbearable  sensation first pricked him and then turned into goosebumps all over his skin. Taehyung had hardened his jaw and ignored it but now it spread to his bones and he had to resist the urge to tremble.

Fuck' taehyung cursed in his head. If he lingers for  another ten minutes there, his eyes would change. He scanned the people around him and sighed. There were quite a handful and mental manipulation or memory wipe would take a great toll on his body. And he wasn't going to get blood to replenish himself until after new year's eve.

He ought to hold it together and wrap it up here. Taehyung thought to himself darkly, He was about to excuse himself on the pretext of a fake call when out of the blue, a voice called out, familiar and clear, rising above the din of jumbled background chatters.

Taehyung's head shot up and before he could respond, a handsome man strode upto him. The corners of his almond shaped eyes crinkled and his smile was charming and measured, an example of a model corporate employee.

"ah director! I've been looking for you" he spoke brightly while filling the gap beside taehyung.

Taehyung was greatly taken aback. His mouth opened but the section chief who had been talking with him since forever beat him to it.

"oh secretary jeon merry christmass!"  section chief kang beamed jovially extending his hand for a handshake greeting. "i thought i saw you leave earlier. Ho ho! good thing you didn't. I wanted to exchange few words with you!"

Jeongguk returned his smile, curling his own lips up generously as he grasped section chief kang's hand and shook it." merry Christmas, chief kang. How could i leave without greeting everyone hahaha" he lied easily. "i trust everything is to your liking?" jeongguk gestured to the ambience surrounding them

"absolutely! How can anyone nit pick at all. The logistics department really surpassed all expectations with the christmass tree hehe" he babbled away happily and looked at taehyung, " but offcourse if i say so, the star of the evening is not the band but our esteemed director who graced all of us with his valuable presence."

People around him nodded in agreement while looking at taehyung with admiration.

Jeongguk briefly gave taehyung a sidelong glance. Although he was smiling, his lips were pressed together and sweat had gathered on his forhead.

Heh. If only section chief kang was any wiser.

Jeongguk turned his attention to chief kang and flashed him an apologetic smile, " certainly, for the director to be  be among us is indeed the icing on cake today, but i will have to beg your pardon and borrow him for an urgent matter ah"

Before he had even finished his sentence, jeongguk was already  steering taehyung away from the group of people.

"what a pity.....see you around sir jeon!" chief kang and the others  were dissapointed. They had hoped they would be able to pour celebratory wine in their director's cup today and make merry together. nevertheless they Optimistically bowed and bade the two farewell.

Taehyung quietly let jeongguk Maneuver him and matched his hastened steps. He did not say a single word until they were out of the office and into the chilly night.

Once outside, a burst of cold air greeted them and Taehyung paused for a moment to catch his breathe The air cooled the perspiration on his face and taehyung filled his lungs with deep inhales, welcoming the sharp icy feeling abeting the oppresive sensation in his gut.

After feeling better enough he faced jeongguk who was staring at him fixedly. " what is the meaning of this jeon?"

Instead of replying, jeongguk abruptly brought his face closer and counter asked taehyung, "sir are you okay??"

Taehyung was caught offguard by his sudden question. Feigning nonchalance, he turned his head to the side and spoke after a short moment,"..... Heh, what could be wrong with me" he let out a small chuckle all the while avoiding jeongguk's eyes.

Jeongguk wasn't buying any of that.He shot taehyung with a stern discerning glare. "director!"

"you can fool other people with that act but not me" jeongguk chided. He took a good look at his boss, not a single detail escaping his hawk like eyes. The evidences were practically written all over his face.

Taehyung's face was paler and although he was holding up impressively, there were shadows under his eyes and the expressions within them strained. Not to mention the sweat that drenched his forhead and neck give away his plight.

Seeing him like this, caused jeongguk to  feel some kind of way in his heart and he got angrier, "while it is a good thing that you're confident about yourself but one must also not overexert themselves especially in certain situations where the odds are against them"

" the only times you look like this is when you come back from unskippable afternoon outings or go too long without meals." he said.

After all the time jeongguk had spent chasing taehyung's secrets and finding them out in hard ways or personally monitoring his schedules and lists, its impossible for him to not know.

" atleast with me, please ease your guards a bit. You don't have to hide or assure me everytime. you're hurting aren't you its really okay to admit that" jeongguk sighed loudly finishing his lecture.

I swear your vampire fangs aren't gonna fall off if you just relied on someone ever so rarely' jeongguk wanted to say but added it mentally.

Taehyung remained silent. Usually he was a crafty devil who always had a retort ready in his tongue but faced with a chastising jeongguk who stood infront of him with his hands on his hips and head shaking in exasperation, truly rendered taehyung wordless.

A vampire child born out of a human father and an Indifferent vampire mother who scorned his birth and abandoned him in infancy, taehyung simply grew up not knowing warmth.

The affection that namjoon always showed him, he saw it as obligation due to him the younger sibling.

Not genuine. Could Never be genuine.

He wasn't deserving of such luxury. Humans subconsciously were cautious of beings not their own kind so even though they could never explain it, they always maintained a wary distance from him.

As for the vampires? They considered themselves above humanity in all aspects. Apex predators, the best of all creation. To them, taehyung's mother was a laughing stock who married and deserted a lowly man while taehyung was the mockery she made.
Pitable meant no power. And anything that wasn't powerful was simply filthy and inferior to vampires.

It had taken taehyung most of his youth to build his influence and prove his worth. Although he was accepted at last, the handshakes were empty and disdainful eyes masked behind smiles.

Taehyung was accustomed to emotions Such as fear, Respect, loath, disgust, hatred and reveration. He had made people fawn over him, agree to him or curse him. He was also capable of bewitching anyone and had countless who'd throw themselves into his arms.

But did anyone ever stood infront of him to be mad on his behalf like jeongguk or scold him about his safety? Had anyone ever really cared?

No one. Thus, taehyung didnt know how to react to jeongguk worrying about him. Earlier as well, when he had  seen his secretary  take painstaking efforts to ensure that he doesn't accidentally chance upon any religion tied objects while leaving the building, taehyung had felt complicated but he never liked to deal with complicated emotions. It made the gap between his brows itch. So he simply did what he does best. He drove jeongguk away and sent him home

But to think he was adamant to boot. Taehyung peered at jeongguk from beneath his lashes while A thought crossed his mind  

As persistent as a cockroach...

But taehyung didnt have the energy to keep up the charade anymore. Against his wishes jeongguk's words seemed to have woven a spell that became his undoing. Lethargy took over his bones  and made him exhale slowly.

"There is really no fooling you jeon..i
think...I'm a bit tired" he admitted finally at last.

The moment he accepted defeat, taehyung felt as if all the stress had been lifted off his shoulders.

Jeongguk sighed as well, "i know, and also its apparent by your eyes" he crossed his arms.

Taehyung raised a shaky hand to touch his eyes. "Really?" Delicate long lashes blinked down on mesmerising pair of phoenix eyes, their slitted pupils vivid against grayish iris, like unsheathed sword covered in frost.

Looking at him, jeongguk was uncomfortably reminded of a certain situation from the past. The last time when those pair of eyes had trapped him with no escape...'ahem'

Jeongguk mentally berated himself for his wayward thoughts. Here was a pitiful man err vampire in dire condition but he had the balls to think south. He adjusted the expressions on his face and reached out to help taehyung despite his weak refusals.

Taehyung let jeongguk support him.  His body had broken out in cold sweat and he could hardly swallow his own saliva. He staggered a bit as jeongguk patiently and carefully walked alongside him. With his other free hand jeongguk was dialing jungshin's number to fetch the car.

It had begun to snow by now, whimsical specks of white fluttered down and dusted their hair and tips of nose.

But despite the cold, taehyung's insides felt flammed to the last organ. Each of his breathe came out laborious than the last. At this rate he wouldn't make it to the car. Jeongguk could sense it as well and he didnt miss a chance to reprimand taehyung about it, " look at you director. I can't imagine how you were going to handle this all alone by yourself.  This is why one should accept people's generosity. Its a very rare favour in this century and economy.  Good thing i- er decided to check." he omitted out the detail that it was a gut feeling stemmed from his thoughts.

Taehyung opened his mouth to speak. It was difficult for him to even stand steady. Jeongguk Interjected swiftly, "save your strength sir, you don't need to thank me" he said assuming taehyung was about to voice his gratitude.

But taehyung exhaled and mustered up a bit of energy. He leaned closer to jeongguk. His lips moved and he muttered under his breathe, "did anyone ever tell you that  you are as resilient as a cockroach"

Jeongguk, ???? A what?!?

Taehyung chuckled at the reaction and immediately winced afterwards. "nothing less from you anyway..."

"Always so .......perfect" the words were barely a whisper but they seem to have drained taehyung  of his remaining Strength. His legs couldn't hold up his weight anymore. He leaned down on jeongguk heavily as the latter Instinctively threw his arms out to steady him.

Taehyung was out cold only for a few minutes. By the time he came around, jeongguk and jungshin had already helped him to his car. He was in a semi lying position in the backseat.

Taehyung stirred in his place, slowly coming to his senses. His body felt a bit stiff but the worst had passed.

Luckily he wasn't feeling as feverish as before and his throat didn't feel choked. Taehyung wanted to sigh in relief despite his senses being muddled.

Sensing him squirm,  jeongguk who was zoned out while staring out of the window got alerted. He looked down at taehyung and carefully called out to him, "are you're awake director".

Taehyung raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. His head felt a bit woozy and he could hear jeongguk's voice. He was about to respond but then he frowned lightly. Why was jeongguk's voice sounding so nearby?

"uhh" taehyung's lips parted and his voice came out like a croak. He cracked open his eyelids ignoring the bursts of sparks in them to look around and about him. But the first thing he saw after opening his eyes were jeongguk's face looking down at him.

Thats when Taehyung found out that he had been soundly passed out  on jeongguk's lap all this time. Startled, he tried to get up quickly but his movements were laggy. "how did i uh i mean how long was i out" taehyung mumbled brows drawn tight.

Jeongguk glanced at his watch and then back  at taehyung. "i guess maybe around 4 minutes? He replied contemplatively and helped taehyung up in a sitting position. After being propped up, taehyung wanted to scoot over to the other side.

Seeing him all wobbly jeongguk couldn't help but express his concerns. He reached out automatically to grasp taehyung's arm" don't move yet sir" taehyung gave him an unreadble look and stopped wriggling.

Jeongguk had acted first before thinking so it was only after that he had grabbed taehyung did he feel awkward about it. Jeongguk retracted his hand and mumbled quietly, "ah i meant you should not move so quickly" he said avoiding eye contact.

Taehyung was clearly in pain but this mythologically lame bastard still found an opportunity to tease jeongguk. He cocked an eyebrow in a flirty arch and chuckled," i understand that my charms are too much to handle normally but to take advantage of my condition and cling to me like this ah..jeonggukssi you- you're really bold as an opportunist"  taehhyung said donning the expression of a wronged young maiden.

Jeongguk was at a loss for words..exactly who was clinging to who????.

He levelled taehyung with a deadpan face and crossed his arms, "please relax sir, i have no such intentions. On the contracy, we actually wanted you to take up the whole back seat space to lie down comfortably but for some reason... " jeongguk threw taehyung a deliberate sidelong taunting look followed by a intentional pause

Well.... Uh .....you wouldn't leave my arm.  It was impossible to budge you so we had no choice but to leave things as they are"

Jeongguk watched in infinite glee as  an expression of shock and dismay crossed taehyung's face. The latter had cultivated a thick skin from years of debauchery and being a vampire and it was seldom possible to ruffle his feathers.

Taehyung huffed recovering instantly , his intention of bullying jeongguk had rebounded but that didnt mean he won't try to save his face. "well why should i trust you simply based on your account"

Jeongguk raised an eyebrow in contempt, mentally adding a reminder to himself to never skip recording if shit like this happens again. He opened his mouth to retort but decided against it after taking a look at taehyung.

Jin had taught him never to bully the weak and there would be loads of opportunities in the future for now the urgent matter at hand was his boss's condition.

Taehyung had also stopped talking. His complexion was chalky white. He retreated to the far corner and concentrated on keeping his thirst at check. But the urge would still creep up his organs and make him restless.

Seeing him pitable like this jeongguk couldnt help but offer some suggestions, "director...don't you need some blood afterall. Should i call for someone?" he asked again

Taehyung shook his head and replied "no.  its more of a hassle and besides I'll be operating from home anyway for the next few days"

Jeongguk let out a terse sigh as if he saw it coming. "i knew you'd say this director so i arranged for blood packets to be delivered at your home from the xxx Hospital's bloodbank for the time being "

Taehyung, "......."

Only jeon jeongguk could say  Something out of the pocket so casually and nonchalantly as if he were discussing fried chicken home deliveries.

Taehyung's mouth hung open and his eyes widened like orbs. He found himself at a loss for words. "how the fuck on earth..?" he asked, astonished as hell.

"i had to pull some strings" jeongguk fessed in a matter of fact tone. Upon seeing taehyung's expression, he hurriedly added to reassure him, "oh its nothing illegal please dont worry"

Taehyung regarded jeongguk with concern for a moment, mentally thinking to himself that his secretary was indeed a force to be reckon and not one to be messed with. But offcourse he wouldn't admit it openly so he resorted to acting hard to please, quite contrary to what he felt.

"blood packets seriously? i highly appreciate your efforts, but i don't actually prefer blood bank sources. Its like eating a week stale Baguette" taehyung wrinkled his nose in a grimace.

Although he was being nitpicky just because, it was also partly true. He could live off market preserved blood packets but these clinical ones weren't fit for replenishment nor were delicious.

Jeongguk's shoulder drooped a bit hearing this. He was very certain that taehyung would like the arrangement he made and praise him for his far sightedness. I mean, didn't they feed bella cullen clinically sold blood packets in twilight?  But oh well, this wasn't breaking dawn part 1 and taehyung wasn't no edward cullen. He was somehow a realistic vampire in 21st century who didn't have shiny skin nor a primordial bat form. Tch!

"i will keep this in mind sir" he replied feeling dejected and stupid.

For some mysterious reasons taehyung suddenly felt bad for complaining. He wasn't an honourable nice guy firstly and sported a 'i dont really care about you or your grandma' attitude but when it came to jeongguk, he always found himself unable to not give a shit about him.

Taehyung cleared his throat and nodded,"mn". A pause, after a while,"your foresight never fails to amaze me. Especially after today, you deserve a raise in incentives. I'll see to that" he said gruffly.

In his mind, taehyung was both puzzled and annoyed for finding it awkward to simply dish out small compliments. It made no sense and was really laughable.  He, kim taehyung, the greatest of great reprobate, a playboy in layman's terms knew how to sugar coat coaxes and seducing lip services came abundant to him. But he always felt thin faced when he had to simply utter a 'good job' to jeongguk.

It had been like that since the beginning.

Jeongguk who was feeling downcast lit up at the words 'raise' and 'incentives', some of his favourite words beside discount, paycheck and public holiday. He was cheerful and beamed at taehyung. He started thinking of solutions once again, listing them off his fingers.

"sir how about i get you fresh blood from the Butchers?"

"no i hate the bland taste and funky odour that always lingers" taehyung wrinkled his nose in disgust. "also animal blood smells bad to me"

"then how about pig's blood? Pigs are the most closest in terms of similarities with humans. Human flesh tastes exactly like pork and the blood would taste somewhat same too given the immunological likeness. Thats why in some pacific islands they call human meat long pig  " jeongguk stroked his chin as he info dumped

Then as if he just had a sudden moment of awareness, jeongguk turned towards taehyung excitedly, "oh by the way sir can you pleaseee tell me which animal you hunte-Errr-whose blood did you taste before and how?"

"....jeon i know you want to hear me say that i hunt grizzly bears high up in alpine mountains for their blood when I'm out of options, but sorry no"

"rather tell me how do you have so much knowledge on human meat..? Taehyung narrowed his eyes and counter asked jeongguk.

Jeongguk, "............."

" let us keep our secrets.." jeongguk forced a laugh and looked elsewhere.

"all these cannibalism talk has grossed the fuck out of me ugh" taehyung grimaced and threw an arm over his eyes. He leaned back uncomfortably in his corner.

Jeongguk pouted sadly. He didn't even get to start on which parts of human bodies were edible and non edible according to convicted cannibals- the most interesting bit

"atleast if it helps you keep distracted sir, Feeling gross is better than feeling starved i presume"

"ah, for that your presence is enough off puting jeon"

Jeongguk's face twitched,"then why is the director sir compromising himself to the far corner?" he asked pleasantly and pointed at the spacious berth between them.

Taehyung wasn't aware until now that he was indeed plastered against a corner and all tensed up, as if ready to bolt at the first chance. Contrary to jeongguk's relaxed posture his messy, sweaty and taut self made it look as if he was cornered and bullied.

But to be honest, Was he really not affected by jeongguk in such a state? By that person whose uniquely sweet blood had satiated him last time like and almost pushed him towards the edge. It was only once that he drank jeongguk's blood but afterwards from the way that taste wouldn't leave his mind and lingered in his mouth, it strongly left him with the impression that, there absolutely should not be a second time even though that one time never felt like  enough.

To be inside the same enclosed space with him was honestly torturous for taehyung and he itched to seize jeongguk and feel his satin skin against his teeth.

Taehyung instantly straightened up and and arranged himself to sit more appropriately. "thats obviously because....i need fresh air. It has got nothing to do with you" he said in a matter of fact pretense tone

"but the window glasses are rolled up sir" jeongguk replied without breaking eye contact.

Taehyung was speechless and The silence that followed them was  embarassingly loud

Kim taehyung 0 jeon jeongguk +1

Taehyung's eyes darted around him as he scrambled for an answer. "we-well i was talking about the ac, its - its so fucking stuffy in here"

Jeongguk pressed his lips to suppress his laughter. He wanted to point out to his boss that it was december and a whooping minus in degrees outside but he held his tongue to spare taehyung some face. But his shoulders shook slightly with stifled chuckles and eyes sparkled with tease.

Taehyung felt wronged and embarassed. "whats so funny?" he snapped moodily. "you think I'm lying??"

"absolutely not sir, i totally believe you" jeongguk said while his face screamed totally opposite.

Taehyung have had enough. He Scoffed a half cold smile.  followed by which He Started  loosening his tie and unbuttoned the first two rows of his shirt all of a sudden.

" you're having a lot of fun aren't you jeon?" he suddenly said softly and the aura around him changed.

Jeongguk's smile Yeeted away in a flash and his ass subconconciously shifted a fraction away as he tensed up. "you've got it wrong sir...." he replied, eyeing taehyung warily.

Taehyung didn't let him finish and reached out all of a sudden making the younger flinch in surprise.

Jeongguk jolted and was about to throw hands but when he blinked opened his eyes he found a more astonishing sight. He wasn't attacked whatsoever. Rather....

Jeongguk looked down in mute shock as taehyung plopped his head heavily back on his lap. Their eyes met and for a second jeongguk was too stunned to speak.

Taehyung folded his arms and raised his eyebrows.  "hah! This is what you get for daring to make fun of your boss." he gave a short arrogant laugh,

Jeongguk didn't know how to react. He reflexively froze, barely moving a muscle and still flabbergasted. It was not a regular occurence for a high and mighty figure of authority to lie down on the lap of their subordinate. Wait, how the hell does one even get into such situation. Previously it was okay because taehyung was passed out but now??

Jeongguk was a guy who absolutely had to give his 100% commitment and excel in any matter he was involved in (except fishing, he is really bad at it unlike jin) when it came to professionalism, naturally jeongguk was severely fastidious and rule abiding. It took a while for him to recover.

"sir if you wish to lie down its better if i shift to the front seat. it'll be more comfortable for you" he suggested helplessly.

Taehyung didn't budge. Instead he aimed a cocky look at jeongguk" take Responsibility and be a good pillow since you are worried about me." he added, "I'm not going to get up even if your legs get numb"

Jungshin's eyes flickered for a second to the rear view mirror ever so slightly before he shook his head and focussed on the road again.

Although the stunt taehyung pulled sure did led him to get directly into the fire from the pan but he had already declared war now and there was no backing down even if it was torturous to him.

So taehyung let himself be gnawed inside by thirst flames while he put on a silly act of being unfazed by jeongguk's close proximity. In his attempts of suppressing his inner demons he never noticed the other person's fast beating heart.

Jeongguk didn't know if he should laugh or cry at the abrupt invasion of his personal space but in the end he chose to play nonchalance too
"if thats fine by the director then please by all means rest as much as you wish" a pause, "i hope this will be added to my bonus" he added after a thought.

Taehyung suddenly smirked dubiously, looking for trouble, "don't worry you will be rewarded for your services". The words uttered were well intended but the way taehyung uttered them in a double meaning obsecure tone was not.

Jeongguk didn't get it the first few seconds but then his lashes flew open as realisation sank in. Jeongguk was incensed  and wanted to smack and  flatten down taehyung's nose.

Excuse me who is selling services here!? Are your brain cells starving along your throat too or were you born in a red light district ??! 
He cursed internally enraged.

Taehyung instantly broke out in a loud cackle without restrain, his whole uper body spasming with laughter. Jeongguk assumed he was laughing at his reaction and a crisp retort bubbled up   but the words never made it past his lips. He stared at the person in his lap in silence. His deep laughter was rich and hypnotic and so rare. Jeongguk was dazed a bit.

How many have seen taehyung laugh so carefree like that?

Jeongguk's cheeks flushed slightly. He coughed and arranged his face back to impassiveness. "i did not find the joke funny sir but since you are able to laugh you must be feeling better already"

Taehyung shook his head lightly, the ghost of a smile lingering upon his lips. He was indeed looking better now. Although his lips were dry and skin sweaty, the gloomy palour had subsided a little and his silver eyes looked freindlier replacing the cold glint.

Taehyung took his time replying. He lazily stretched his arms. After a while he said, "i cant help it. you're just so darn funny. When I'm with you. I'm always laughing.  No one else dares to even look at my face." or dares to even call me names in their mind' taehyung left this detail out.

Jeongguk's face warmed but he didn't show it on the outside. But interally he was at a loss for words and didnt know what to reply to that. He felt squirmish in his heart but dare not move a muscle.

"were your ancestors comedians? Taehyung asked smilingly.

"no they weren't"

"ah, you have great aptitude for stand up comedy though, wasting your potential in wrong place"

"thank you for the compliment, i will remember to send in a video audition for standup reality shows next time"

Taehyung frowned. Perhaps it was because he had laughed so much that he felt a bit carefree. "no that won't do, your management skills are far more superior." he suddenly raised his voice a little, " this is fine too. Who says you can't be my personal secretary and comedian as well".

Jeongguk sighed in exasperation wondering if he was really paid enough for this. Since he couldn't physically inflict injury on his boss nor scratch the unusual feeling in his heart, he decided to focus his gaze towards the sceneries outside his window. 

But inside his chest, his heart beat an unfamiliar excited pattern and pumped blood onto his cheeks. It was ridiculous really. To blush like that even at simple praises. Jeongguk bit his lips in contempt and willed his reactions to fade.

Lucky for him, taehyung wasn't as perceptive as he usually was about his actions since he too was busy putting up Pretenses and acts.

Both of them had internal demons to fight and their struggles were loud enough to distract them from each other's conditions...

The car ride didn't feel so awkward anymore but at the same time it did.   jeongguk was  relieved the moment it was over and he got to hop out. He bowed slightly and thanked taehyung and jungshin. 

Taehyung briefly inclinced his head before setting off. It was almost midnight by now, the wind freezing while snow fell in a steady powdery drizzle. By next morning everything would be covered by a layer of white.

Jeongguk raised a hand to cover his head and his footsteps hurried over wet pavements. He thought about the dishes jin had promised him and his stomach grumbled in response.

Just as he was about to round a corner, jeongguk's phone buzzed inside his coat pocket. He slowed down for a moment and contemplated whether to pick it up or not. His house was already visible to him and the snow had begun to pile up. No reason to pick up a call now. It could wait till he got home.

Jeongguk wanted to make a dash but the Incessant ringing made him frown. Irked a bit, he jammed his cold reddened hand inside his pocket and pulled his cell out. He was about to switch it off when he saw the call ID and paused.

Why the heck was  jimin calling him now??

Jeongguk felt anxious and his mind conjured up the earlier conversation he had with jimin. Worried, he swiped on the recieve button and raised the phone, wincing slightly at the contact of cold screen against his ear.

"hello jimin? whats up?"

Jimin's tense voice sounded from the other side, "jeongguk I'm so sorry to call you out of the blue at this hour, but can you spare me a moment?"

"mn sure, go ahead"

There was a hesitant pause for a long moment. Then,

"do you think you can replace our hired informant to disguise and infiltrate the charity party on 24th?"

Eh!?

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

To Continued

A/n : i thought i would shorten chapters but i wrote an even longer one gawd...also special mention and thanks to the 48 readers who pressed the heart and the ones who commented. Its because of you that i drag my ass to type on a phone screen.

Anway if you want me to make them  kiss by this year then be part of this 48 gang and vote🤺 (pls lmao it motivates me to write) so yeah... See u soon in next update!💜