Taehyung sipped his coffee, surrounded by ‘colleagues’ in the company cafe. While Y/n was talking to other employees. She is quite a social person and couldn't stop talking.

"New face around here, huh?" one employee asked.

“New face? Haven't you been working here for a long time?” Y/n asked with a confused expression. Taehyung nodded, this girl doesn't even let go small details.

"Transferred from another department," he replied.

"You used to work closely with Jungkook, considering the fact you had access to his car, right?" Y/n asked. Taehyung's expression turned neutral.

"Yes, I did. But my role changed."

"Demoted?" someone whispered. Taehyung's eyes flickered.

“That's right, but Let's just say I'm focusing on different responsibilities now."

Y/n leaned in. "How do you handle Jungkook's behavior?"

Taehyung shrugged, playing his role. "I need this job. And honestly, all bosses are tough. Mr. Jeon Not the worst."

Y/n raised an eyebrow. "Worse than worst," she muttered.

Other employees chimed in. "Actually, Mr. Jeon is not that bad," one said.

"He's demanding, but fair," another added.

"He cares about his team," a third employee said. Taehyung smiled a little, he liked how the employee praised Jungkook behind his back. It shows how incredible he is at his work.

Taehyung's gaze met Y/n's. "Guess it's all perspective," he said.

Y/n's expression remained skeptical. "I've seen a different side,"

Taehyung's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you're just too close to him.”

Y/n's eyes locked onto Taehyung's as she replied,"Or maybe I see him for who he truly is."

Y/n pushed her chair back, standing up abruptly. "I should leave now," she said, her voice firm. “It was fun, I hope to meet you again Taehyung.” Taehyung's eyes widened.

"Where are you going? It's work hours
" he asked, concerned about etching his face.

"I came just to see his reaction, I don't want to work here anymore." She replied. Taehyung quickly rose from his seat.

"Wait, don't say that," he urged. Y/n's shoulders squared. “You finally got a job after trying so hard.”

"Taehyung, I can't just work under the man who blacklisted me in the first place.” She exclaimed. Taehyung stepped closer, his voice softened.

"I understand, but think of the bigger picture. You're talented. Your skills are wasted if you quit."

“If my skills are truly worth it, I will get another job. Bye Taehyung,” She said before leaving. And Taehyung was panicking, how can he make her stay?

Taehyung's voice stopped her. He ran after her, "Y/n, wait." Taehyung's expression was serious. "I just want to know that Jungkook, I mean Mr. Jeon is not all bad. He's private, that's all."

Y/n's eyes narrowed. "Private? He humiliated me publicly."

Taehyung's gaze held hers. "That's because you shared his personal life with the media. He can't forgive that."

"That's not the point. His behavior after that was unbearable.” She exclaimed.

Taehyung stepped closer. "That's exactly the point. You exposed him. No wonder he's furious." Y/n's lips parted, but Taehyung continued."I'm not excusing his behavior, but consider this: maybe his reactions stem from feeling betrayed."

Taehyung's words struck a chord. "I hope you realize that."

With that, Taehyung turned and walked away, leaving Y/n speechless. His words echoed in her mind. Was she partially to blame? Had she invaded Jungkook's privacy?

___

Soobin rushed down the corridor, glancing at his watch. Late again. As he turned the corner, he spotted Hwang Somi, her usually composed demeanor flustered. She is in class? She knew she studies in his college but it is the first time he noticed her.

"...please, sir. I'm sorry," Somi pleaded with the teacher.

The teacher crossed his arms. "You're late, Somi. Rules are rules."

Soobin recognized the teacher's stern expression.

Time to use his family's influence. Soobin approached the teacher, who immediately softened "Ah, Soobin! Right on time, as always."

Soobin flashed a charming smile. "Sorry, sir. Traffic." The teacher nodded, he knows the teacher will let him in.

"Very well. You may enter."

Soobin turned to Somi. "Somi's with me, sir."

The teacher hesitated before stepping aside."Alright, both of you. But next time, Somi will be punctual."

As they entered the classroom, Soobin tried to catch Somi's eye.

"Hey,—" Somi ignored him, taking her seat.

Soobin's grin widened. Not even a thank you?

Interesting.

He sat beside her, whispering.

"You're welcome, by the way."

Somi's gaze remained fixed on her notes.

Soobin chuckled. He thought, This should be fun.

Throughout the lesson, Somi continued to ignore Soobin.

He didn't mind.

The challenge was on.

__

Jungkook paced in his office, rehearsing apologies. "I was wrong...Please forgive me..."

He shook his head, “forgive me would be too extreme? I should say, ‘I didn't want to do that. I am sorry Y/n.”

His phone buzzed. His assistant.

~"Sir, Miss Y/n refused to meet you.” His assistant said while shivering. Jungkook's heart skipped a beat.

Jungkook grabbed his jacket and rushed out. He tried to find her but was told that she had left the office. He spotted Y/n near the bus station.

"Y/n, wait!" Jungkook called. Y/n turned, eyes guarded.

"What do you want?" She asked. Jungkook approached, sincere.

"I'm sorry. Leaving you on the road...unforgivable." he exclaimed. “But I swear I didn't imagined that out come,”

“It's fine, I expected that from you. Sorry for coming today to your company, I am taking a leave now.” She sad

Jungkook took a deep breath. "You're talented. I want you to stay."

Y/n raised an eyebrow."At your company?"

Jungkook nodded. “I'll provide a professional environment. You did the PR damage, you should fix it.”

Y/n searched his eyes."And your temper?"

Jungkook's jaw clenched. "I'll control it. Promise."

Y/n's silence stretched. Y/n nodded. "I'll consider."

Jungkook exhaled relief. Maybe Taehyung was right.

Maybe Jungkook wasn't the only one who needed to apologize.

“Mr. Jeon.” She exclaimed. Jungkook looked at her, he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or bad that now she is calling him Mr. Jeon except for saying his name.

“That article, it wasn't a nice move for me to post that. I should have respected your privacy.” She said, he nodded his head not sure what to say anymore. He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Are you waiting for the bus? I mean I can drop you home.” He offered, his hands were sweating, he was so terrified of talking to her. Not sure what her reaction will be next.

“I think it's better for us to stay professional. See you at work.” She replied. His eyes light up.

“Yeah.” He exclaimed. He turned around, while he was going back. Sudden realization hits him, why did he come all the way here to apologize to her? It's not something he usually does. He sighed, and mumbled, “Staying professional and away from her is the only way.”
____

Y/n tapped away on her laptop, surrounded by scattered papers. Yeji emerged from the closet, holding up a crisp blouse.

"Ugh, all you have is office wear!" Yeji exclaimed.

Somi, lounging on the bed, offered, "Borrow one of mine."

Yeji scrunched up her face. "No offense, Somi, but I don't want to look like a grandma."

Y/n chuckled. Yeji flopped onto the couch."Why are you working, anyway? Aren't you jobless?"

Y/n's fingers paused on the keyboard. "Actually, I got the job."

Somi's eyes widened. "Where?"

Y/n hesitated. "Jungkook's company."

Yeji's eyes sparkled mischievously. “You apologized?”

“No, I mean yes, but he apologized first.” She exclaimed.

"Perfect, you solved your problems, Now you can date him!" Yeji said.

Y/n rolled her eyes. "Jungkook's not my type."

Yeji teased. "Oh, come on! He's rich, handsome—"

Y/n interrupted. "I don't like men like him."

Somi raised an eyebrow. "That's Jungkook, all right."

Yeji pouted. "You're missing out on a hot CEO."

Y/n shook her head. "Not interested."

Somi's curiosity sparked. "Y/n, what's your type, then?"

Y/n thought for a moment. "I don't like men with a long history with girls. Give me a clumsy man over a cold one. Someone who hesitates before approaching. Like a little nerdy,”

Yeji scoffed. "Boring! That man would have no experience."

Y/n shook her head. "I don't want him to have too much experience. Two or three exes, fine. More than that? Too much."

Yeji raised an eyebrow. "Three exes? Isn't that too little? You're insecure."

Y/n's voice remained calm. "I'm not insecure; those are my standards. I haven't been seriously involved with anyone. I don't even know how relationships work. I want to learn with someone, not be with someone who knows exactly how to manipulate a girl or relationship."

Somi nodded thoughtfully. "I get it. You want authenticity."

Yeji teased. "You're looking for a rookie in love.”

Y/n smiled. "Maybe. But I want real emotions, not calculated moves."

“But what if Jungkook changes? You still would not give him a chance? He must be looking for real love too.” Somi said.

“I wasn't expecting you to say that, but Somi, men don't change. I would never give a man like him a chance.”
___

Taehyung munched on snacks, enjoying the quiet balcony. In the background, Soobin and Yeonjun laughed and roughhoused. Taehyung sighed, it's hard to find a quiet corner in this house despite the size. But Taehyung missed this when he was away.

"Hey, what's going on?" Jungkook appeared stern. "Soobin, Yeonjun, why are you still up? Go to bed."

The two reluctantly departed, still snickering. Jungkook was confused, they are not the type to listen to Jungkook this easily. But after what happened that night they were scared of Jungkook and Taehyung finding out the truth.

Jungkook turned to Taehyung. "And you? Why are you awake? Tomorrow's office hours, intern. As your boss, I will not let you in."

Taehyung shrugged. Jungkook chuckled. "Still not getting used to corporate life?"

Taehyung's expression turned serious. "I'm quitting."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "I knew you wouldn't last as an intern."

Taehyung's gaze drifted, hiding his true thoughts.

It wasn't the job; it was Y/n.

Since she left, the office felt empty.

Jungkook didn't press, but his eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Suit yourself. Now come back to your usual spot.”

Taehyung stood, crumbs falling from his snack. "I'll think about it."

As Taehyung walked away, Jungkook's voice followed. "You're not telling me something."

Taehyung's silence confirmed Jungkook's suspicion. Jungkook was here to share about how he still couldn't stop thinking about Y/n, but Taehyung was in his own zone.
___

Taehyung reluctantly stood outside the executive elevator, scrolling through his phone. He didn't want to come but his mom forced him to.

A gentle tap on his shoulder made him turn. Y/n's bright smile surprised him. "Taehyung! Why the three-piece suit?"

Taehyung's eyes crinkled. "What brings you here?"

Y/n's eyes sparkled. "I decided to take the job."

Taehyung's face lit up. "Really? I'm glad!"

The executive elevator doors slid open. "After you," Taehyung offered.

Y/n's hand closed around his arm. "Wait, what are you doing? We can't use this elevator."

Taehyung's memory kicked in. "Oh right, exclusive access." He nodded and stepped back. "Let's take the other one."

Y/n released his arm, her touch lingering.

As they walked to the regular elevator, Taehyung's curiosity grew. "What changed your mind?"

Y/n's gaze drifted ahead. "Let's just say I reevaluated." The elevator doors opened, and they stepped in.

Taehyung's smile returned. "Glad you're here."

Y/n's lips curved, a hint of a smile. Y/n's gaze roamed Taehyung's attire.

"Your suit looks incredibly expensive."

Taehyung shrugged. "It's not. Don't I look good?”

“You do, but you look like a boss, not an intern.” Y/n's eyes sparkled. "Cartier?"

Taehyung chuckled, and got nervous, he really thought Y/n would not be back "Nope, fake. And the suit is thrifted, actually."

Y/n's eyebrows rose. "Thrifted? It looks brand new...and from the latest collection."

Taehyung's smile hinted at pride. "I just know where to look."

Y/n's curiosity deepened. "You have an eye for quality. I wouldn't have guessed it's second-hand."

Taehyung leaned in. "Secret talent. You'd be surprised what you can find in thrift stores."

Y/n laughed. "I think I need to take you shopping with me."

Taehyung's eyes crinkled. "Deal. But don't expect me to dress like this daily. It's too rare to find really good outfits.”

As they stepped out of the elevator, Y/n glanced at Taehyung's outfit again.

“What about your glasses?” She asked.

“I thought I should try a different look.” He said nervous. He covered his eyes with his hair. Y/n smiled.

“Glasses look good on you.” Y/n said.

__