🥀 4. 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬h 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞

Enjoy!!

Next Day

Sunlight streams into the dark room through the big windows, giving the entire room enough light to illuminate. Curtains swaying with wind, birds chirping in the background. Sun rays fell on the male who was sleeping peacefully, his sleep broke when the voice of alarm echoed in the room. Frowning in the sleep, he opened his eyes with great difficulty.

Taehyung lifted his arm to stop the disturbing noise, noticing he had been chained to the bed. Moving his head to the left, he found his Arathorn sitting on the side table.

"Arathorn, I'm fine. Everything will be alright," taehyung spoke when he saw a teardrop falling from his pet's eye.

The eagle flapped his wings and made his way to his master and sat on Taehyung's shoulder. Arathorn leaned and rubbed his head on taehyung's cheeks, offering the silent support.

Taehyung's eyes softened at the sight.

With the help of magic, taehyung freed himself from chains. He got up from the bed and made his way towards his mother's room. There he saw his mother putting ointment on the bruises.

"Mom, this bruise and cuts? Did you get hurt because of me?" Taehyung gently touched the black-bluish marks on Soomin's forehead and wrist.

"Taehyung, it's okay. What happened to me is past, hmm. Let's not talk about it. Think about the future," the mother spoke keeping the ointment back in the first aid box.

"What?" Taehyung questioned.

"Your future wife's family is about to come."

Taehyung's head snapped in her direction and he looked at his mother in disbelief.

"Seriously, now also you thinking about my engagement and marriage,"

"You want to protect us right? Please get married. We both know this is the only solution. Everything will be alright after this," Soomin cupped taehyung's face.

"I don't think anything will be fine from now. Last night, everything changed, I used to change into this beast on every full moon night. But now, this is happening frequently and I can't even control it. It seems like that dark spirit is coming closer, I can feel it," Taehyung spoke.

"I know," they both turned towards his voice and found Yi-jung at the door.

"Yesterday, I talked about this to Rosie and she asked me to look for the last sign or evidence of Jinn's arrival, the fire circle. And I found them in taehyung's bedroom," Yi-jung told them about the things the magician told.

"This is the reason we are pestering you to get married fast. Anyway, let's talk about this later. come downstairs, your siblings have come back from America,"

They all nodded and went downstairs to greet their family members who had returned from their relative's marriage.

"Taetae," a small 10-year-old boy ran into the aforementioned arms.

Taehyung hugged the boy and lifted him in his arms. the boy, Kim Minjun laughed wholeheartedly.

"Hyung, after two years in America, and you're still hugging this little devil? Are we nothing to you? Don't we deserve some love from our eldest brother? What did I do to deserve a cold brother like you?" Taehyung's younger brother whined before receiving a playful smack on the head.

"Done?" Taehyung asked, his patience wearing thin.

Before he could even process a response, his sister and brother, Kim Jimin and Kim Yeonjun, attacked him in a big hug from both sides, totally caging the big brother. Taehyung sighed in annoyance but wrapped them in a hug anyway.

"Did you run into any trouble on the way here?" he asked, trying to lead the conversation.

"Nope," Jimin replied with a mischievous grin. "How can we? When your personal bodyguards stand like the Great Wall of China."

Jimin exchanged a knowing look with Yeonjun, who picked up on her silent cue. They both moved away from Taehyung and at the same moment, both planted kisses on his cheeks. Before Taehyung could react, they had darted away.

"KIM JIMIN AND KIM YEONJUN!" Taehyung's voice thundered through the Kim manor, chasing after them.

Grandma Kim shook her head with a fond smile. "Honestly, you know Taehyung isn't a fan of all this skinship. He only shows affection with his mother, and even then, you two push it."

"Sorry, Grandma," Jimin said, her tone apologetic but her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Anyway," Yeonjun interjected, changing the subject, "we heard that Hyung is set to marry Kang Yuna?"

Grandma Kim nodded, her expression serious.

"Seriously, arranged marriage? And with that girl? She has no fashion sense. Her clothes are so dull," Jimin complained, wrinkling her nose.

"Very poor choice," Yeonjun agreed, nodding in agreement.

Taehyung, overhearing their comments, cut in sharply. "She's very polite and kind," he said, his tone final. "That's all you need to know."

Without waiting for a response, Taehyung turned and walked away.

"Alright, if that's all your questions, you two should head to your rooms," Grandma Kim instructed.

"Yes, Grandma," they chorused, still grumbling and headed off to their respective rooms.

•————-🥀————-

LA Cafe

The door of the cafe opened and someone stepped inside. Her doe eyes looking around in caution, she tried to close the door without making any noise. But her fate, the bell above chimed.

"Care to explain, where were you yesterday? Weird human," jungkook closed her eyes as she got caught.

"Umm, hyung, yesterday- yes- that, oh yes! Hyung have you seen a car flying in real? I saw it. That expensive car man, he broke my car. He's fond of destroying cars. For a second, I thought that I was in a movie. The cars were flying here and there. Like this," she moved her hands like they were the car flying in the air.

"I'm not a fool, you know that,"

"You mean to say that I'm lying? Betrayal, hyung, betrayal. How can you do this? Don't you trust your cute worker slash best friend? Did I raise you to see this day?
tell me, seokjin hyung " Jungkook sat on the chair and wailed dramatically, wiping her fake tears. And seokjin tried to figure out how can someone cry without tears.

Suddenly, jungkook got up, "Oh hyung, you wasted my time. Come let us do our work. You talk so much." Seokjin looked at the younger with narrowed eyes.

"Jungkook, tell me about the interview. Did you get the job at Kim conglomerates? You applied for the CEO's secretary post, right?"

"Yes, I got selected. They asked me to join from tomorrow."

"All the best! I hope that the CEO won't fire you for being talkative," he mumbled the last sentence because he is not fond of seeing the wrath of a bunny.

"You said something," jungkook pointed the knife at seokjin.

"No, I just said all the best,"

•————-🥀————-•

Next day

Jungkook stepped out of the cab and stared up at the tall building, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. She adjusted her bag and made her way to the entrance. As she approached, she gave a bright smile to the guards, who responded with polite nods.

Entering the lobby, Jungkook walked up to the receptionist, clearing her throat to announce herself.

"Excuse me," Jungkook began, her voice slightly shaky. "Hello, I'm Jeon Jungkook. I received an email from the company about my approval for the CEO's Secretary position."

The receptionist smiled warmly and made a call. Moments later, a man in his late twenties appeared. He wore a sharp suit and carried a professional smile.

"Welcome," he said with a pleasant grin.

"Mr. Lee will escort you to CEO Kim's office." the receptionist pointed to the man.

Jungkook nodded gratefully and followed Mr. Lee. They entered the lift, and Jungkook's fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag. Mr. Lee pressed the button for the 50th floor. Jungkook noted it, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the towering number.

"First time here?" Mr. Lee asked, noticing her nervousness.

Jungkook gave a small nod and bit her lower lip. She tried to mask her jitters with a smile, but her fingers continued to tap against her bag. The lift doors slid open to reveal a sleek, narrow hallway.

When they walked out, Jungkook's eyes roamed over the decor—blackish-grey flooring that striked under the golden lights, walls adorned with modern art, and plush carpeting that muffled their footsteps. Her gaze noted the details, each element was more impressive than the last.

Mr. Lee led her down the corridor and Jungkook tried to steady her breathing. She caught her reflection in a polished surface and quickly smoothed her hair, taking a moment to adjust her appearance.

They reached a large set of double doors, and Mr. Lee turned to her. "Here we are. Just a moment, please," he said before knocking lightly and opening the door.

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat as she stepped into the room, her eyes taking in the elegantly furnished office. Jungkook entered the room.

"Here we are," Mr. Lee said, gesturing to the waiting area. "You can wait inside the cabin. CEO Kim will come soon. All the best!"

Jungkook thanked him with a nod and turned her attention to the sleek black matte door with "CEO KIM TAEHYUNG" inscribed in golden letters.

Soon, Mr Lee left, and Jungkook muttered to herself, "I guess this man has a thing for dark colours. So boring," her lips curled into a small, pouty frown as she walked into the room.

Her gaze quickly shifted to the wall that was lined with awards, trophies, and certificates.

"Wow, look at all these!" she exclaimed, her mouth falling open in amazement, clearly impressed by the number of awards.

Turning her attention to the rest of the room, Jungkook saw the large glass window that offered a breathtaking view of the city. Opposite the window was a grand desk organized with a computer and neatly stacked files. A golden partition separated the CEO's desk from the rest of the room, adding an extra touch of sophistication.

Behind the partition, she spotted a big marble table surrounded by plush chairs—maybe for meetings. A beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling.

"This office is the epitome of richness," Jungkook whispered.

On the other hand, taehyung gets out of his car, dusting the non-existing dust from his black coat. His black shiny, polished shoes clicked on the marble flooring. His steps were confident and powerful, with cold and emotionless charcoal eyes capable of making anyone squirm in their place.

The guards greeted him as he moved inside his empire. murmurings that were echoing in the hallway stopped when their boss stepped inside. The employees stood up in respect, taehyung nodded and inspected them with a sharp gaze. They all lowered their eyes unable to see the cold and strict eyes of their boss. some of them shamelessly eyeing their boss with lustful gaze.

Mr Lee came towards his Bose, "Good morning, CEO Kim, your newly appointed secretary has arrived. We asked her to wait in your room," taehyung nodded.

Moving inside the lift, he took out his phone from his coat's inside pocket, giving a quick call to his mother.

Taehyung pushed open the door to his cabin and walked in, the click of his polished shoes echoing in the room. He cleared his throat deliberately, drawing Jungkook's attention away from the city view.

Jungkook spun around, her eyes widening in shock as she recognized the man standing in the doorway.

"YOU, charcoal-eyed jerk!" Jungkook exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief, "What are you doing here,"

Her mind automatically played the memory of their last encounter like a tape—the car, the damage, and her panicked, sassy remarks. The memory of the car flying and crashing to the ground flashed in her mind.

Taehyung's expression remained cold and stoic as he stepped further into the room.

"Perhaps I have the right to ask the same question," he replied, his tone smooth but with a hint of irritation. His hand slipped into his pocket, and he walked with a slow pace towards his chair behind the desk. He sat down, his posture relaxed but authoritative.

Taehyung's mind went back to their previous encounter. He remembered Jungkook's protests and her stubbornness as she tried to justify her actions. The memory of her standing in front of him, cookies in hand, and her attempts to deflect blame was still fresh.

The stupidity of the situation, combined with Jungkook's fiery spirit, had left an unforgettable impression on him.

Jungkook, meanwhile, felt embarrassment. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled the way she had tried to save herself in front of him.

"Of all the people I could run into," she muttered, crossing her arms defensively. "I didn't expect to find you here."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

"Neither do I? The feelings are mutual. Let's start with the procedure," Taehyung pulled out a file, Jungkook's resume.

Jungkook's eyes narrowed as she processed Taehyung's words.
"So, indirectly you're telling me this is your office and you're the CEO of Kim Conglomerates?" she asked in disbelief.

Taehyung nodded, his expression unchanging. "Yes, that's right."

Jungkook's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Very funny, then I'm your wife."

Taehyung's brow furrowed slightly. "You're not my wife. This is my workplace, and I am indeed the owner of this company."

Jungkook huffed, rolling her eyes. "Why do you always put the word 'my' everywhere? Last time it was 'my car,' and now it's 'my office.' Don't be childish, okay? And stop playing around."

The angry stubborn beauty placed her hands firmly on the marble desk, leaning over it as if daring him to challenge her further.

Taehyung's eyes flashed with irritation, but he remained composed. "I'm not playing around. Everything I've said is true, whether you believe it or not."

He stood up from his chair and walked over to the telephone on his desk and picked it up. "Send Miss Clara immediately to my office," he instructed with a note of finality.

Jungkook crossed her arms, her pout deepening as she watched Taehyung.

"Oh, so now you're calling for backups? Be mature," she grumbled, her voice filled with annoyance. Despite her irritation, there was a certain cuteness in her bratty behaviour —her doe eyes wide, her small frown making her look like a stubborn kid.

Taehyung sighed and returned to his desk, he observed Jungkook's frustrated yet endearing behavior.

Taehyung's brow raised slightly as he observed Jungkook, "You're quite stubborn, aren't you?"

Jungkook flipped her hair over her shoulder dramatically, "Me? Stubborn? Never! I just like to get to the bottom of things, especially when people act like they're in charge of everything."

Taehyung leaned back in his leather chair, his posture was commanding. He interlaced his fingers in his lap, his gaze unwavering as he observed Jungkook.

"Stubbornness is a trait often found in those who seek to challenge authority. But here's the thing," he said, his voice smooth and authoritative, "In this office, and in this company, authority is not something that can be easily destroyed."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, then gave a subtle nod. "Miss Clara will arrive shortly, and she'll provide the clarification you seek. Until then, I suggest you consider the position you're in and act accordingly."

A knock on the door interrupted the tension in the room, and Taehyung's voice cut through the silence with icy authority. "Come in."

Miss Clara entered, her posture rigid, her face clearly showing nervousness. She approached Taehyung's desk, her gaze flicking between him and Jungkook.

"Miss Clara, do you know who is your boss?" Taehyung's voice was cold and commanding, causing both Clara and Jungkook to shiver involuntarily.

"Y-yes, sir," Clara stammered.

"And his name?" Taehyung pressed.

"K-Kim Taehyung," Clara replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Your boss is Kim Taehyung, right? The owner of Kim Conglomerates." Taehyung asked Jungkook who shook her head in tiny. Taehyung nodded to himself and turned his gaze to Clara, "Miss Clara, what is my name?"

"Kim Taehyung," Clara confirmed, her voice steady despite her anxiety.

Jungkook's eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to Clara for confirmation. When Clara nodded, Jungkook slapped her forehead mentally.

"No way," she muttered, her disbelief clearly visible on her pale face as she looked back at Taehyung.

Taehyung waved dismissively toward Clara. "Miss Clara, you're dismissed. Please leave us."

Clara hurried out, casting a worried glance at Jungkook before closing the door behind her. The room fell into an uneasy silence as Jungkook and Taehyung faced each other.

Jungkook felt embarrassed but will she let Taehyung see it? Never!

Jungkook took a deep breath, "Alright, if you're really Kim Taehyung, the CEO of Kim Conglomerates, then why did you act like a stranger to me earlier? And why does everyone around you seem so afraid of you?"

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I don't need to explain myself to you, Miss Jeon. You're here for a job, not for a social call."

Jungkook crossed her arms, "Well, if you're going to be my boss, it'd be nice to know what kind of person you are. I've seen your awards and your office, but I didn't expect you to be such a... well, you."

Taehyung's eyes narrowed slightly, "And what do you expect me to be? Some kind of clown to entertain you?"

"No, just a little less of a cold figure," Jungkook retorted.

Taehyung's gaze was intimidating as he responded. "I run a successful business by being focused and efficient. Emotions and personal connections are luxuries I can't afford."

"And one more thing, Miss Jeon, You are fired," taehyung said deadpanned and moved his chair away.

Jungkook stood rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her mind raced with scenarios, each one more disheartening than the last. If she gets fired, it means her dreams of opening her own restaurant would crumble. Then Kara will urge her to dance in front of others, something Jungkook had always resisted. The thought of returning home empty-handed, with her hopes dying and her mother's frustration was unbearable.

Tears welled up in Jungkook's doe-like eyes, blurring her vision. She swallowed hard, trying to push the tears away, but they trickled down her cheeks despite her efforts. The situation hit her like a tidal wave.

"Why did I have to be so stubborn? I should have been more careful. Now look at me, standing here with nothing. How could I mess this up so badly?"

With a final, shaky breath, Jungkook blinked away the tears and resolved to push forward.

Taehyung's gaze remained fixed on Jungkook, his eyes sharp and calculating. "Ms. Jeon," he said, his raspy voice slicing through the tense silence.

The sound seemed to pull Jungkook out of her spiralling thoughts. As she met his gaze, a single tear slipped down her cheek, trailing softly over her still-pink, baby-fat cheeks. The sight stirred something in Taehyung's stoic mind—a fleeting hint of empathy.

"Sorry for the nuisance. I'll... I'll leave," Jungkook murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she turned to make her exit.

Taehyung's gaze followed her with an unreadable expression. "And who will handle the responsibilities of the secretary position if you leave now?" He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping absently on the desk. "I didn't expect you to back down so easily. Be grateful you're not being dismissed outright."

Jungkook's eyes brightened with relief, and a wide, genuine smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Mr. Kim," she said, hands clasped in tiny.

Taehyung's eyes flickered at Jungkook's smile, which reminded him of something familiar—like a bunny's innocent grin.

He cleared his throat, his voice returning to its icy tone. "And always remember this, Ms. Jeon: I have little patience for interruptions. I prefer my sentences uninterrupted."

Jungkook gulped and nodded vigorously, "I understand. I'll make sure not to cut you off again."

"Very well. Welcome to Kim Conglomerate, Ms. Jeon."

Jungkook's face lit up with relief, "I won't let you down, Mr. Kim. I promise to be the best secretary you've ever had."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, "That's a bold claim. I suggest you live up to it."

Jungkook's expression turned serious as she straightened her posture. "I will. I've been working towards this for a long time."

Taehyung nodded, "Good. I expect nothing less."

•————-🥀————-•

In the evening

Taehyung knocked at his mother's door. Soomin sees her son at the door and asks him to come inside. He saw her mother arranging her closet, "you don't want to go downstairs?"

"Umm, taehyung, just some work is left. I thought to complete it." She said showing the clothes.

"But this can be done by maids also. Why are you making excuses and hiding from everyone?"

"It's not like that, I'm just completely my work," Soomin turned around and wiped the tear.

Taehyung pulled the clothes away from her hold, " You and I both know that I don't like when someone lies so why are you?"

Soomin breaks down listening to her son's words, "I'm scared to face the taunts. It's all my fault, I shouldn't have let your father go away from us. The greed of money pulled him away from us,"

"It was Dad and that woman's mistake, she was shameless, she knew Dad was already married, and even then she married him for the richness, stop wasting time, she is no one, these tears are pearls for me, stop thinking about her," taehyung wiped the tears.

"But I can't face the taunts and the words society will throw on me because of that man's fault,"

"I will face them. I will stand in front of you like a wall. this son of yours is capable of wiping off the existence of those people who have the guts to disrespect my mother," taehyung hugged her mother tightly providing her shoulder to cry on.

After some time, Soomin wiped her tears, she caressed her son's face, and chuckled lightly, "You have grown up now, you used to hold my finger and walk, now I will hold your hand and walk."

They both went downstairs and greeted everyone. yuna comes towards Soomin, she holds her hand, "How are you, Aunty?"

Soomin smiled in assurance, "I'm fine now. Let's start the engagement."

She said and made Yuna sit beside taehyung on the sofa. Grandma Kim forwarded the rings towards the couple, "Yuna dear, take this ring and put it in taehyung's fingers,"

She nodded and put the ring on taehyung's fourth finger. Everyone clapped and smiled in happiness.

When taehyung held the ring in his fingers, he stopped, feeling slightly uncomfortable. As he closed his eyes to take a deep breath, jungkook's face came into his mind, his eyes opened in shock.

Suddenly, black fog started to surround the manor. Taehyung left the ring and stood up looking around, he could feel the dark spirit coming to him.

To be continued....

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Jungkook's dress will be posted on the header from the next chapter onwards, you can check before reading further.
Happy reading🌸