This work week has been the slowest ever.

Hard would be too easy for Taehyung to describe gracing the corridors and space of the woman that he shared a hurt with. For once, he's taking heed on keeping things professional between them, but there was a limit when it involves pretending that love doesn't exist. Every glance to Sierra was like a puncture to his heart, and the silence only twisted the wound further into searing pain. Had it not been for his father's visit at the corporation this week, getting through his day would be unbearable.

Taehyung stood up from the conference table, signaling he was stepping out for coffee before the next department presentation. He smiled, knowing his father's positive impression of the business and satisfied in deciding to acquire it. The next step would be to hire someone to take over as they continued their work back home.

Another conversation Taehyung had dreaded.

"You seem to be a heavy thought today, Mr. Kim." Victoria's velvet voice dripped as she swayed closer to her boss. "Anything I can do?" She asked, pursing her cherry lips.

A subtle, polite grin harnessed Taehyung's lips as he stood at the coffee station. "It's nothing for your concern with Miss Baxter."

"Is this concerning your replacement, Mr. Kim? I've informed your father that I can look into potentials and set up interviews soon. I understand that you are flying back to Seoul weeks prior. Maybe when you return, we..."

"That's enough, Miss Baxter." Taehyung firmed, annoyed from listening to Victoria's plan and haunting him of his last conversation with Sierra.

The HR Director's forehead creased, arousing a curiosity. At that moment, Sierra walked by, laptop in her arms as she headed toward the conference room. Taehyung's stare softened as he observed her, attentive to how she kept her gaze forward, dismissing his presence.

Dismissal was the exact thought running through Sierra's mind when she saw how close Victoria was to Taehyung. She chanted to herself to remain focused on her presentation and not the scene happening behind her. Sierra didn't know if her heart could take any more than it's already been through, so she kept her eyes forward.

Victoria, however, noted the change in his presence, furthering her suspicion of the two. She grinned before speaking once more. "Then again, there could be something that's holding you back from your decision."

Taehyung's gaze snapped back to Victoria, seething in silence on her inconspicuous taunt. He regained his professional demeanor to diminish the obvious. "Interesting of you to assume you know me while forgetting that I am your boss. My replacement should be the least of your worries; however, me replacing you should be one of yours."

Victoria's eyes widened, taken back by his subtle threat. "Mr. Kim, I-"

"Enough, I said. My father and I will call you when needed. Good day." Taehyung firmed before leaving her at the coffee station, catching up to Sierra but keeping his distance to observe her.

Sierra reached the conference room, greeted by Jungkook.

"Sierra, I would like you to meet Kim Yejun. Mr. Kim meet Sierra Harper; she's the IT Manager here. Miss Harper makes sure our systems are always operating at top speed. Our information technology department is at its best because of her." Jungkook introduced.

"Because she is the best." Taehyung chimed in on the introduction, sauntering towards them.

Sierra's heart thudded loud against her chest as it traveled to her ear, creating a ringing sound in her ear. If she didn't know any better, she would think all of her bodily functions took a brief pause just to replay the sound of his voice resonating inside her. Everything felt as if it were in slow motion, his voice syncing with the way he swayed over to them. She caught a whiff of his scent as the air blew their way. The smell of a brisk winter in the mountains, causing her weakness to him more. Though she's been around his presence most of the week, she missed being in his arms.

Sierra's heart now fluttered from the memory of why they were apart.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Harper. If my son here says you're the best, I will take his word for it. He's pretty particular on how he does things." Yejun extended his hand.

Sierra brought herself back to reality, smiling to cover her hurt. "I'm sure he's been taught by the best, Sir." Sierra reciprocated his handshake and keeping the tone of the poetic compliments. Her stare remained locked on Yejun and not the heaviness of the gaze adjacent to her. "Pardon me as I continue my setup for the presentation." Sierra excused herself from the gentleman and walked over to the other side of the table where her laptop sat.

A low but audible ring echoed the air. Sierra heard Yejun mumbling before he slipped out of the conference room. However, she didn't see the way Taehyung's soul rupturing stare traveled her every movement. His heart thumped slow but loud against his chest as the fear unknowing her thoughts haunted him.

So many things he wanted to say, but timing and place were not on his side at the moment.

Jungkook tapped Taehyung's arm, jolting him from his gaze. His eyes averted to Sierra before falling back to his boss, who shook his head.

"Why?" Jungkook gritted.

"It's not the place." Taehyung explained.

"I'm not telling you to kiss her, Taehyung. I'm telling you to talk to her about the weather or something. You two dancing around each other is giving me a headache. Do you know how hard it is to live with you when you're like this?"

Taehyung emitted an inaudible sigh as his eyes wandered Sierra, setting up for her presentation. He adjusted his suit coat and took a quick look at the glass wall of the conference room to check his appearance before walking over to her. He halted midway and turned back to Jungkook, who shooed him to go on.

Sierra, oblivious to what was happening, shifted toward Taehyung, who startled her as he stood quietly next to her.

"Hi." The octave of his voice was low, vibrating in the space between them.

Sierra's felt tremors inside her as she tried to maintain her cool. "Hello, Mr. Kim." She addressed.

Taehyung's heart sank at her greeting. Nothing about it held an ounce of feeling, but he didn't tarry. Just the fact of hearing her voice was enough for him. He cleared his throat before speaking again. "So uh, how's the weather?"

Taehyung, you fucking idiot.

Sierra quirked her brow. Really Taehyung? She thought as she stared at him, uncertain of how to respond, but she didn't want to leave him hanging by the apparent thread of desperation.

"Well, it seems nice. Autumn is my favorite time of year." Sierra answered.

"It is?" Taehyung's voice ascended before he cleared his throat again. "I mean, yes, it is a beautiful season. It's fascinating in Seoul too."

Why? Why is mentioning this?

Before either of them could speak, Yejun walked back in. "Sorry I had an important call. I am ready to hear from Miss Harper now."

Taehyung gave Sierra a subtle smile before he eased away from her, taking his seat next to his father.

Sierra regained her thoughts before showcasing a confident grin. "Yes sir. I am."

CEO Kim Taehyung

Have a great week! ❤️

Cupid 💘