3rd Person POV:

The news has been met with mixed reactions; while most of them are happy about the news, some are just brushing off the new cause of the new rumors that are speculated around.

But there are two reactions that stand out the most: one is Taeyeon's, who is so happy about the news, but that was covered up by the disappointment that Jimin has hidden from her for so long. She felt a bit distant from him now; she wondered why he kept everything from her. Somehow she felt a bit revealed at the news.

The other is Minji, who seemed completely shocked and confused by the announcement. She felt like she had lost a golden opportunity to kick Taeyeon out of the company by revealing the truth about Jimin. She turned her head to Chohee, who was already staring at her with the same amount of shock and confusion. It was clear that even if they revealed it out there, the company wouldn't sue Taeyeon as Jimin has become a permanent member.

Jimin's POV:

Since the morning he has been so caught up with the documentation work that he didn't even get time to see Taeyeon. Namjoon had made sure everything was good with the new permanent member.

As the time came, his eyes wandered around the room, searching for Taeyeon's familiar face, but she was nowhere to be found. 'Where is she?' he thought while turning his head to the door and the clock on the wall.

"Searching for someone?" namjoon mumbled behind him. Jimin turned around quickly, startled by Namjoon's voice. "Yeah, I was looking for Taeyeon," he replied, trying not to stammer as he spoke.

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Hm...I guess she hasn't seen the mail I left for her. She's probably on her way here now," he said casually. "Oh, I see," Jimin replied, still not tearing his eyes from the glass door.

And finally, she is here. However, Jimin noticed the judgmental looks of the staff as Taeyeon entered the room. He can say that it must be because of the slow rumors caused by Minji. Jimin couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for not warning Taeyeon about the rumor circulating. He knew how much that would affect Taeyeon, so he made a promise to himself to clear things up with her as soon as the day ended.

He also noticed Do-yoon and Minji next to her and how Do-yoon nudged Taeyeon softly, giving her a soft smile of reassurance, which made Jimin's heart twist with a mix of emotions. Despite feeling guilty, Jimin also felt grateful for Do-yoon's support towards Taeyeon during this difficult time. The initial feeling of envy was somehow lost on Do-yoon as soon as he got to know the truth.

Jimin hadn't taken his eyes off Taeyeon; his round, light brown eyes wanted her attention that he missed from the morning. Though his eyes are on Taeyeon, he can notice Minji's gaze on him from the corners of his eyes, making him look in another direction past Taeyeon's.

As Namjoon announced the news of Jimin being the permanent artist, there were loud cheers and some judgmental looks that he could not say why and what they were thinking. He already knew if he went to Tokyo, even if he hadn't said that he went there, Minji could make up stories about him and Taeyeon.

From yesterday's conversation with Namjoon, he thought there weren't any rumors begun yet, but what a surprise; all changed just the next day, which Jimin has to admit was quite impressive. It seemed like the news of his new role had spread like wildfire, and he couldn't help but notice the bewildered expression of Minji looking at someone whom Jimin couldn't quite place.

His eyes again fell on the person he loved the most, who was staring at him as he had expected. There was shock written on her soft features, but even in that distance, he could feel the twinkling tears in her bright brown eyes. He couldn't understand why there were tears in her soft eyes, but he knew he had to find out soon.

As soon as the meeting wrapped up, everyone dispersed to their respective departments and cabins. Jimin saw Minji stomping out as soon as the meeting ended. But all Jimin could think of was Taeyeon.

Time skips:

The ding of the elevator pulled Jimin from his daze. He stepped out onto the parking lot level, lazily spinning his car keys around his finger. His shoulders slumped, and his usually bright eyes were dull with unspoken thoughts.

The metallic click of his shoes against the concrete echoed as he approached his car. He leaned against the sleek black vehicle, his gaze fixed on the ground as a sigh escaped his lips.

Had he talked to Taeyeon? No...by the dullness in his eyes and the way he absentmindedly leaned against his car, it was clear that he hadn't. But it's not his fault either; he was asked for a party right after the meeting. As it was afternoon, Jimin gave his card to team members to enjoy the afternoon meals, and after that, he worked on the chapters he had left behind.

When he went to her cabin, she was found nowhere, only making him disappointed.

Was she avoiding him? Did she already hear the rumors and decide to keep her distance?

The thoughts gnawed at him, causing him to feel a mix of confusion and frustration.

The grip on his car keys tightened unconsciously, his knuckles whitening with the tension. Without realizing it, his thumb pressed the button, causing the car to beep loudly, the sound echoing through the nearly empty parking lot.

The sound startled him a little and jolted him out of his thoughts. But his heart skipped a beat before he realized it. A nearby figure stopped in the middle of a step and turned back to face him.

It was Taeyeon.

Her face was softly shadowed by the dim glow of the parking lot lights as her wide eyes locked with his. Her hand gripped her bag tightly as if exactly startled. Both of them stayed still for a minute, caught in an unspoken word that hung in the thick calm of the parking lot.

Jimin stood still, his breath catching as his hold on the keys relaxed. A mixture of relief and worry replaced the weight of his earlier concerns. Finally, he managed to mumble, "Taeyeon," hardly raising his voice beyond a whisper.

She paused, her eyes darting as though she was debating whether to move in or turn away. Her look was unreadable as her lips slightly parted, but no words came.

The distance that stood in between them felt both too close and too far, and Jimin's feet moved automatically. "Wait," he said. He stepped forward hesitantly. "I was... looking for you." those words escaped from Jimin's lips as he tried to steady his racing heart.

He saw her lips parting slightly as if she was about to speak, but then she closed them again. Was that hesitation? But for what? Jimin couldn't tell, but he felt the weight of her silence pressing against his chest.

As he walked closer, the dim light reflected off her eyes, and for the first time, he noticed the shimmer of unshed tears. It stopped him in his tracks. She was holding them back, but the struggle was evident. His throat dried up as he struggled to find the right words to say.

Before he could ask, the sound of footsteps and faint chatter echoed in the parking lot. Employees were beginning to leave the building, their voices growing louder as they approached.

Jimin hesitated, glancing around nervously. This wasn't the place for the conversation they needed to have. "Come with me," he said softly, his voice steady yet filled with concern.

He reached out, his hand brushing hers gently before holding it. She flinched slightly but didn't pull away, allowing him to guide her. Without another word, Jimin led her toward his car, shielding her from the curious gazes of their colleagues.

He unlocked the car quickly, opening the passenger door for her. "Get in," he urged, his tone calm yet firm. She hesitated for a moment, not quickly moving, which made Jimin sigh in frustration."Taeyeon, please," he said, his voice softening, almost pleading. "It's not the time for hesitation. Just get in, please."

Finally, she nodded and slid into the seat. Jimin shut the door behind her and walked around to the driver's side. As he got in, he quickly started the engine and drove off, leaving the office building behind.

As they moved out of the parking lot, the office building appeared smaller in the rearview mirror. Unspoken words and unanswered questions took over the muffled silence of the car.

Jimin took a quick look at her, the streetlights flickering across her profile. With her hands clasped tightly in her lap and her eyes locked on the window, she sat stiffly. He didn't know where to start, but he wanted to say something, anything, to break the silence.

Instead, he focused on the road, letting the hum of the car and the rhythm of the tires against the pavement fill the gap between them.

3rd person POV:

After what felt like 20 minutes, the car came to a halt at a quiet place with a view of the city lights twinkling in the distance. The peaceful sight of the river flowing and the sun setting at the horizon made him feel it was the best spot, which Taeyeon always liked to go to whenever she felt overwhelmed or needed to clear her mind.

He quietly got out of the car and walked to the passenger side, opening the door for Taeyeon. She looked up at him, her black brows furrowing in confusion, wondering why they had stopped at this particular spot. He simply smiled and extended his hand.

"Come out," he said. "There's no one here from the company or your brother. Just us."

After a few seconds of hesitation, still anxious, Taeyeon accepted his hand and got out of the car. The cool air and serene surroundings seemed to soothe the tightness in her chest. She looked around, noting the silence—no busy workers, no expectations, just a quiet place apart from everything.

Jimin led her to a nearby bench, where the city lights flickered in the distance and the soft flow of the river added to the evening's quietness.

There is a peaceful calmness in the air, allowing Taeyeon to finally relax and let go of her worries. Jimin's hair fell softly over his forehead as he turned to her with a gentle smile, his eyes reflecting the twinkling lights of the city. "it feels like the same day," he finally said, breaking the silence between them.

He saw how Taeyeon's long, black hair flowed gently in the breeze as she turned to face him. "The day I told you about my life," he added to remind her of what he was saying. Taeyeon's eyes softened as she nodded in understanding, the memories of that day flooding back to her. That was the day when Jimin had hugged tightly before leaving for Taehyung's apartment, the same hug she wished to get today.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice was a little shaky as she asked in a low voice. The brokenness in her tone was quickly caught up by Jimin, and it shattered his heart. He was aware that he had to have informed her about his decision to become the permanent artist while they were in Tokyo, but he wanted to see her reaction to the news.

He opened his lips to say something, but Taeyeon spoke again, her voice still carrying the hint of bitterness. "Why does everyone around me hide things? Why do they think I'm not capable of what I am?"

Jimin felt the volume of what she had spoken, and it wasn't frustration at him; rather, it was something deeper and raw. She was hurt. Deeply hurt by something, he couldn't bear to see her like this. Without thinking, Jimin pulled her gently toward him, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace.

He said, "I'm sorry," in a voice that was just audible above a breath. She leaned into him as he hugged her tight and stroked his fingers through her hair. His chest clenched as he felt her warm tears trickle through his shirt.

"Why, Jimin? Why don't they want me to grow? First my parents, and now this office politics... I don't want this, Jimin," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I didn't expect this from Minji. I didn't want to cry out like this, but I feel so weak."

Jimin's heart ached at her words. He pulled back just slightly, enough to cup her cheeks so he could meet her eyes. His thumb stroked her skin gently as he wiped away the tears that had trickled down her cheeks.

He said, "You are human, Taeyeon," in a quiet but earnest tone. "You have the right to feel and to be hurt. It doesn't weaken you. And you don't have to keep it hidden from me."

"But does she want me to fail, Jimin?" Taeyeon's voice cracked, her eyes searching his for answers she couldn't seem to find herself. "I trusted her... I thought we were friends. Why would she do this to me?"

Jimin's chest tightened at the pain in her voice. She is so hurt and confused right now. 'She must have trusted her more than I thought,' he thought to himself. Isn't it right that the people who are closest to you are the people who can hurt you the most? It's always harder to accept betrayal from someone you trusted deeply. No matter how different they are from people who once were so sweet and supportive?

He had seen that from his past love, and now seeing Taeyeon go through the same thing was heartbreaking. This case may be a colleague, but Taeyeon has trusted her; there were times when Taeyeon used to tell him how Minji had helped her when she first joined the company, at times when Jimin was bored, and asked how Taeyeon joined this company and stuff while drawing the manhwa.

He could see the storm of emotions swirling in her eyes—betrayal, frustration, and a lingering sense of self-doubt. He held her gaze, his hands still cradling her face as if grounding her in the moment.

"Taeyeon," Jimin said softly, his voice both firm and comforting as his hands stayed gently brushing her tears, "Not everyone who says they're with you truly is. Some people... can't handle seeing others thrive where they feel they can't. Your talent, your strength—they scare people who can't match them."

"Minji's actions don't define you. They define her. Her jealousy, her insecurities—that's on her. Not you." Jimin said softly, his voice carrying a warmth he didn't realize he was capable of.

He smiled gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek one last time before lowering his hands. "And I don't want you to let all this get into that small, brilliant brain of yours and consume you. You're so much more than someone else's jealousy or insecurity."

His tone shifted slightly, taking on a playful softness that felt like a mother assuring her child. "Also, you don't have to carry those tears either," he added, extending out his hands as if she could hug him freely without any hesitation. "I'm here for you—your shoulder to lean on. So let it all out, no matter how much time you need."

He paused, his gaze steady and reassuring, but his voice became firmer as he continued. "But..." he said, emphasizing the word on purpose.

"But... only today," Jimin said with a knowing smile. "Because after this, you're not going to cry over it again. Okay?"

Taeyeon's lips twitched as if a small smile wanted to break through her sadness. She let out a shaky laugh, a mix of relief and disbelief at his words. That's the comfort all she wanted after getting those unwanted stares and the betrayal.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for being here for me," she added, before wrapping her arms around his waist and snuggling into his chest, ever so comfortable for the first time without letting any hesitation take over her mind. Isn't that what she wanted after seeing that betraying video?

Jimin chuckled and pulled her closer, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. He said nothing more; he was happy to get wrapped up in her embrace, which she finally allowed without any hesitance.

His eyes followed the gazes of passing people, which he brushed off with his eye smile, knowing that at that moment, all that mattered was the warmth and comfort they found in each other's arms. The world could wait; they were happy just being together.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Taehyung was slouching at the kitchen table with his phone sitting in front of him and scowling. "Why isn't she calling me?" he said under his breath as he desperately tapped his fingers on the table. His face was a mixture of annoyance and concern, and his chin was resting heavily on his palm.

Ki-Joo, who was sitting on the couch, paging through a magazine, finally lost it. "Yeah! Why do you always have to be so oblivious? " The way she spoke showed how irritated she was as she shot at him. "That's the hundredth time you've said that. She probably is working late. Just leave her alone."

Taehyung narrowed his eyes at Ki-joo as he sat up straight. " I'm her older brother. I'm supposed to worry. What if something happened? What if—"

Ki-Joo cut him off, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "What if she's just fine and you're overthinking everything, as usual?" She tossed her magazine onto the table and leaned back, crossing her arms. "Honestly, Taehyung, she's not a kid anymore. You should cut out this whole 'overprotective brother' act."

Taehyung scoffed, folding his arms stubbornly. "It's not an act. I'm just looking out for her. Someone has to."

Ki-joo raised an eyebrow, smirking knowingly. "You do. You're like a mother hen always trying to follow the baby chick around."

Taehyung groaned, leaning back in his chair dramatically. "Fine, I'll wait. But if she doesn't call soon—"

"She will," said Ki-joo, cutting him once again. " And if she doesn't, it could be because she's too busy going about her work. Perhaps, just possibly, she isn't as addicted to her phone as you are."

Taehyung glared at her. "I'm busy worrying about my sister. That counts as something."

Ki-joo laughed, shaking her head. "Alright, Mr. Protector. Keep on waiting, then. You've checked your phone so many times; I pray the screen hasn't cracked under all that pressure."

Rolling his eyes, Taehyung clutched his phone more tightly. He mumbled sarcastically, "Ha-ha, very funny," yet his lips quirked at the edges as if he were trying to suppress a smile. "You wouldn't get it. You don't have to worry about your siblings.

Ki-joo smirked and leaned her chin upon her hand. "You're right; I don't. But even if I did, I doubt I'd hang over them like a hen looking for its chick."

"It's called being a good brother," Taehyung replied, sitting up straight. "Not that you'd know anything about that."

"Good brother?" Ki-joo said, pretending to be surprised. "More like an overbearing babysitter who doesn't know when to let go."

Taehyung groaned, dramatically tossing a throw pillow on the next stool at her. "You're lucky you're my sister's best friend, even if you're a pain in the neck."

"Ouch, that hurts. Am I not your best friend too?" she said, catching the pillow while pretending that she was hurt by his words. But she didn't let him answer that. "Let me guess, you'll check your phone again in five minutes, won't you?" she added, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Taehyung glared at her but said nothing, which only made Ki-Joo burst into laughter.

Little did Taehyung know, the sister he was so worried about was indeed busy—lost in a world of love and comfort in the arms of his best friend, the one person he would never have expected., and completely oblivious to her brother's hovering concern.