Enjoy 🌸

The evening sun began to dip below the horizon.

Taehyung and Jungkook stood side by side at the grand entrance, waiting for the arrival of their foreign clients. He adjusted his tie, stealing a quick glance at Jungkook, his expression unreadable.

"Did you review the contract revisions?" Taehyung asked in pure CEO Kim mode.

"Yes," Jungkook replied smoothly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "The legal team made the adjustments this afternoon. No loopholes left for them to exploit."

Taehyung gave a small nod of approval.

"And the delegation team?" he asked, his hand casually sliding into his pocket. "Are they briefed on the cultural formalities?"

"Every detail," Jungkook answered, flipping through the tablet in her hand. "We included the customary gift arrangements too. Everything's aligned."

Taehyung hummed in satisfaction, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than necessary.

"You always think ahead," he said casually, stepping a little closer under the pretense of checking the files on her screen.

Jungkook barely flicked her eyes up at him. "Someone has to. You're too busy glaring at everyone."

He gave a low chuckle. "I don't glare."

"You absolutely do," she said, smirking. "You're the reason half the employees sprint into elevators when they hear your shoes."

Taehyung tilted his head, studying her. His voice dipped slightly, playful. "You're not scared of me."

"I'm not stupid enough to be," Jungkook said lightly, tapping at the screen.

His gaze dropped briefly to her lips as she spoke, the corners of his mouth twitching. Then, out of nowhere, Taehyung leaned a little closer, his voice dropping into a slightly different tone—one not meant for business.

"You know," he said casually, "you make negotiation strategy sound dangerously sexy."

Jungkook didn't look up from her tablet. "Mr. Kim," she said smoothly, "focus."

Taehyung chuckled under his breath, straightening his tie again. "I am focused," he insisted. "Very focused. Especially when my wife looks like... that."

Jungkook shifted slightly, elbow brushing his arm in silent reprimand.

"The clients will be here any minute," she reminded him, keeping her eyes firmly on the screen even as her ears warmed.

Taehyung clicked his tongue quietly, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Clients or no clients," he murmured, leaning in just a fraction closer under the image of checking the tablet with her, "you're still the most dangerous one in this room."

Jungkook pressed the back of her hand lightly against his chest, gently pushing him back without looking up. "Down, Mr. Kim."

For a second, it was fine. Then, from the corner of her eye, Jungkook caught it—the slow, dangerous curve of Taehyung's mouth.

"Down?" he repeated, voice a low rumble that sent a jolt straight down her spine. "You sure you want to say that to me, Mrs Kim?"

Jungkook frowned in confusion—until the implication clicked. Her eyes widened, her hand freezing against his chest.

Taehyung's smile widened, devilish. He leaned in just slightly, dropping his voice even lower, letting it curl sinfully against the shell of her ear.

"Because if you ask nicely," he murmured, his breath fanning over her skin, "I'll be more than happy to get down on my knees for you later."

Jungkook choked. The tablet in her hands nearly slipped from her fingers. She slapped his chest, hard enough to make him laugh under his breath. Her cheeks burned, spreading a furious, helpless pink across her pretty face.

"You—"

Taehyung chuckled, rubbing the spot she hit like it actually hurt.
"You started it," he said innocently.

"Focus, Mr. Kim," Jungkook gritted out, trying desperately to regain her composure as the sound of approaching car engines grew louder.

"Always focused," Taehyung whispered, that damn mischievous glint still in his eyes, "especially on you."

Jungkook didn't risk answering. She simply turned back toward the driveway, steeling herself for the meeting.

But Taehyung wasn't done. He casually bumped his shoulder against hers, like a schoolboy trying to get attention. Jungkook stiffened, whipping her head toward him, eyes wide in horror.

"What do you want, Mr Kim?" Jungkook whisper-yelled, lips barely moving.

Taehyung's mouth twitched as if he were struggling not to laugh. He tilted his head slightly, looking down at her with the laziest, most unbothered smirk she had ever seen on a man about to close a multi-million-dollar deal.

"You're cute when you panic," he murmured, voice sinful silk against her fraying nerves.

Jungkook gaped at him for half a second before quickly smoothing her face into a neutral expression as the car doors opened and suited executives began stepping out.

At the forefront of the group was a woman, her presence demanding attention. Taehyung straightened immediately as the group entered, his eyes scanning them briefly before landing on her.

She had an effortless elegance about her, and her beauty was undeniable—sharp features, piercing blue eyes and soft blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders.

"Crystal Cluire," the woman said with a confident smile.

Taehyung froze for a brief moment. Crystal?

His breath caught in his throat for just a second, before he quickly regained his composure.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Cluire," Taehyung said, his voice smooth, though his mind was far from calm.

Crystal nodded in return, though her gaze lingered just a bit too long, her piercing blue eyes catching his.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Kim," she said, her voice as smooth as silk, with just the faintest hint of something else—something that made Taehyung's instincts tingle.

Meanwhile, Jungkook, standing beside him, shifted slightly. Taehyung didn't need to look at her to know that she was aware of the situation. The tiny sharp glance he received from her out of the corner of his eye was enough to make him feel like he was being pierced by a thousand invisible daggers.

Taehyung kept his professional smile firmly in place, but inwardly, he was screaming.

The imaginary Crystal he had invented to tease his wife—a flawless, graceful, secretary-of-the-year Crystal—was now standing in front of him, very much real, very much beautiful, and very much making Jungkook's nostrils flare like an angry kitten ready to murder.

He dared a quick side glance.

Bad idea.

Jungkook's expression was pleasant—too pleasant.
The kind of calm that preceded either a lawsuit or a homicide.

Taehyung stepped slightly forward, his hand making a smooth gesture toward Jungkook standing beside him.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, voice calm and commanding, "allow me to introduce Mrs. Kim Jungkook, my secretary."

The title rolled off his tongue with the barest hint of possession, and when his eyes flickered to Jungkook, there was a proud softness there no client could miss.

Jungkook moved forward, the subtle click of her heels echoing in the polished room. She offered a poised smile—professional, sharp-edged, and distant.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," she said, her voice even and courteous. "I'll be handling your correspondence and logistics during your stay to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Crystal lifted her hand toward Jungkook. Her smile was warm, but her gaze stayed for a second too long on Taehyung before settling back on Jungkook.

"Mrs. Kim," Crystal said, voice silken and accented, "nice to meet you."

There was a beat of silence before Jungkook accepted the handshake. Her touch was light and her expression remained perfectly neutral.

"The pleasure's mine," Jungkook replied, the corners of her mouth barely tilting up. Her eyes, however, told a different story—sharp, dissecting, unapologetically assessing the woman in front of her.

Taehyung shifted almost imperceptibly, feeling the undercurrent between them like static prickling over his skin. He glanced at Jungkook—catching the way her shoulders were just a little too square, her chin just a little too lifted.

The handshake ended. Jungkook stepped back into position by Taehyung's side, her fingers brushing the sleeve of his jacket in a way so light that only he could feel it—like a silent warning.

Clearing his throat, Taehyung finally turned his attention back to the group of clients, his tone shifting to business mode once more.

"Please, everyone, come in. Let's proceed to the conference room," he said, gesturing toward the side of the office.

As the group began moving, Taehyung couldn't shake the feeling that the dynamics had shifted dramatically in that one moment.

Taehyung cursed internally. He'd dug his own grave with that little joke about "Crystal" a few days ago, and now fate had decided to humiliate him by making the joke a reality.

What have I gotten myself into?

I've only used a name Crystal to tease my wife, and now the real deal shows up out of nowhere?

God, please save me from my wife's wrath, he thought in a panic.

Taehyung glanced over at her, trying to read her expression, but Jungkook kept her face perfectly neutral, her posture rigid as she led the way into the conference room.

The clients were led into the lounge area for refreshments, leaving Taehyung and Jungkook momentarily alone.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Jungkook's fingers curled around Taehyung's wrist with a force that made him look up in surprise.

Without a word, she tugged him forward, dragging him through the hallway with a speed that matched the storm brewing in her chest. The heels of her shoes clicked sharply against the floor, each step a declaration of the anger.

Taehyung was caught off guard by her sudden movement and he stumbled slightly before he adjusted his pace to match hers.

"Mrs—" he began, but the words died in his throat as her grip tightened.

They passed by the quiet office rooms until Jungkook reached a small door near the end of the hallway.

Jungkook yanked it open, revealing the paper-filled room inside. The walls were lined with file cabinets, towering stacks of paper scattered across the room. It smelled of old ink and paper—a place meant for organization, but instead, it was a chaotic mess of documents, not a place to have an argument.

Jungkook didn't care. She stepped inside, pulling Taehyung with her, the door slamming shut behind them with a force that matched the fury radiating off her.

Without a word, Jungkook spun him around, pushing him toward the nearest wall with such force that Taehyung stumbled slightly before his back collided with the cold, hard surface. His breath caught in his throat, and before he could react, Jungkook was already stepping into his space, pinning him with an intensity that made his heart race.

Jungkook stood before him like a tempest wrapped in silk, her delicate fingers curled dangerously around the lapels of his expensive suit, holding him captive against the cold wall.

Taehyung barely had a moment to regain his footing before she tugged, forcing him to lower his gaze to hers.

And God help him—her eyes were burning.

Taehyung's breath hitched as he found himself pinned, his heart racing as he looked down at his wife, who was looking up at him with a scowl.

The height difference between them was always apparent.

"So," she said lightly, "Crystal Cluire, huh?"

"Mrs Kim," he began cautiously, taking a step back, "I swear I didn't know she was real."

"Oh?" Jungkook tilted her head. "So when you were teasing me about her before, that was just a lucky coincidence?"

"...Yes?"

"Care to explain why you were practically drooling over her the moment she walked in?"

Taehyung's breath faltered. "I wasn't drooling," he muttered quickly, his voice betraying him as his chest tightened under the pressure of her gaze.

Jungkook's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing further. She leaned in just slightly, closing the gap between them until they were nearly face to face.

"Then why did you freeze?" she demanded, her voice low and dangerous. "Why did you look at her like that? Do you know her?"

"No," he said quickly, his voice a little too high-pitched.

Taehyung instinctively took a small step back, trying to distance himself, but the moment he moved, her grip yanked him forward again, making him stumble slightly as she forced him closer.

"You're not going anywhere until I'm done," Jungkook warned, voice low, dripping with deadly sweetness.

And Taehyung, the almighty CEO, the one feared by competitors, the one with an iron-clad reputation, the one who dictated who thrived—stood perfectly still.

Because if there was one thing he had learned in this marriage, it was this:

You do not, under any circumstances, provoke Mrs. Kim when she is already angry.

He had lost the upper hand the moment she dragged him into this room.

Jungkook studied him for a long moment, her eyes never leaving his. Then, she stepped even closer, bringing her body against his, trapping him against the wall.

"Then why did you act like that, huh?" Jungkook pressed, her lips now barely a breath away from his. "You never freeze like that around me. So what is it about her that made you forget everything else?"

Taehyung's heart raced, his mind struggling to form a coherent answer. His hand instinctively reached for hers but she didn't move. Jungkook's body was pressed so close to his, her every movement, every breath, was felt in the pit of his stomach.

"I didn't freeze because of her beauty or anything like that," he stammered, his voice shaky under her intense stare.

"I froze when she said her name." CEO Kim winced slightly at how weak his own explanation sounded. "The same name... the one I used to tease you with." He swallowed hard, his eyes darting to her, hoping she'd understand.

"I was just surprised. Like, how the tables had turned. Like a coincidence."

Jungkook's expression didn't soften and Taehyung could feel her holding him under scrutiny, every fiber of his being at her mercy. His breath quickened.

"A coincidence?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "You expect me to believe that?"

Taehyung gulped, realizing how badly he had messed up. He knew how to handle business meetings, how to deal with clients, but this? This was an entirely different game.

Taehyung pressed himself a little tighter against the wall, half to avoid her glare, half because he had nowhere else to go. His fingers itched to touch her, to soothe her somehow—but the energy radiating off Jungkook made it clear: touch her now and you might lose a hand.

"I swear," Taehyung croaked, trying to regain the dignity of the CEO he was, but sounding more like a guilty schoolboy, "I had no idea someone named Crystal even existed outside of my stupid joke."

Jungkook arched a brow, her mouth curling into a dangerously sweet smile.

"Is that so, Mr. Kim?" She dragged the title like silk over skin, but there was no mistaking the venom hidden underneath.

Before he could answer, Jungkook's hands slid up his chest, fingers brushing against the fabric of his suit. The subtle friction made Taehyung's breath hitch again—but not from fear this time.

No.
His wife knew exactly what she was doing.

Her hands trailed higher, smoothing over his collar, tugging at his perfect tie—not yanking it loose, but adjusting it like a mockery of the professional image he'd tried so hard to maintain.

"You were staring," Jungkook murmured, voice soft, lethal. "You stared at her like you forgot I even existed beside you."

Her fingers flicked his tie into perfect alignment before slipping down again, skimming his chest.
Taehyung's eyes fluttered shut for a brief second.

Wrong move.

The moment Taehyung's lashes kissed his cheeks, Jungkook yanked him closer by the tie.

"Eyes on me, Mr Kim" Jungkook demanded, voice low and almost tender, but it was the kind of tenderness that made your blood run hotter, not softer.

Taehyung's lids snapped open immediately, gaze locking onto hers. And what he saw in Jungkook's eyes nearly stole the air from his lungs.

Fury.
Possessiveness.
Something far more dangerous and delicious than simple anger.

"You think you can joke about secretaries named Crystal," she murmured, her mouth so close to his that her breath ghosted against his lips, "and I won't make you pay?"

Taehyung swallowed hard, the lump in his throat almost painful. He shook his head dumbly—because words had abandoned him. Jungkook's lips quirked into a wicked smirk.

"Good boy," she purred.

Without warning, she fisted the front of his shirt, pulling him down roughly until their faces were level.
Taehyung's breath stuttered, the wall digging into his back as his wife pressed fully into him, her smaller body radiating heat and dominance.

Taehyung could barely breathe, let alone answer. His hands clutched at her waist, as if he could somehow anchor himself against the flood of emotions crashing over him.

Jungkook captured his lips in a kiss that was nothing like the sweet ones they usually shared.

It was punishing.
Furious.
Possessive.

Her lips crushed against his, leaving him no room to think—only to feel. Taehyung stiffened for a split second, shocked by her sudden assertiveness, but his body betrayed him before his mind could catch up. His hands snapped to her waist, fingers digging into the fabric of her coat as he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss before she could think of pulling away.

Jungkook let out a muffled gasp, but she didn't resist. Instead, she pushed forward, pressing against him like she wanted to consume him whole.

She was on her tiptoes now, desperate to close the gap entirely, her nails digging into his bicep for support. Their black coats tangled together, the fabric brushing against each other in the dimly lit room, amplifying the heat between them.

Taehyung's breath caught in his throat as their lips smudged her lipstick, leaving a trail of color across his own lips as they kissed with a ferocity that surprised him. Her fingers fisted in his lapels before sliding up to his biceps, then his shoulders, clutching at him, pulling, tugging. He could taste her frustration, her claim, her jealousy, and it only made the fire between them burn hotter.

"Mrs Kim—" he tried, his voice muffled against her lips, but she didn't let him speak.

Her hands cupped the back of his head, fingers tangling into his hair as she yanked him down, forcing him deeper into the kiss. Her body pressed so tightly against his that he could feel the erratic rise and fall of her chest, the rapid beat of her heart thudding against his own.

Jungkook kissed him like she was branding him.
Like if she kissed hard enough, he could never even think of another name, another woman, another world beyond her.

Her mouth left his lips only to trail desperate kisses down the angle of his jaw and lower—pressing heated, open-mouthed kisses against his neck where she sucked lightly, making him hiss under his breath.

Taehyung's head spun, his own breath coming out uneven as he let her do as she pleased, his hands skimming down her back, gripping her waist firmly. He barely had time to react before she was at his buttons, fumbling to undo them in her impatience. He let out a low chuckle, grabbing her wrists before she could rip the fabric in her rush.

"You're gonna destroy my shirt, love."

Jungkook's head snapped up, her lips parted as she breathed heavily. "And?" she shot back, voice dripping with irritation. "Maybe you deserve it."

Taehyung arched a brow, amused. "Do I?"

She huffed, her nails digging into his chest through the thin material. "Yes!" she whined, pressing herself against him again, her soft curves molding against his solid frame. "You made me mad. You ignored me. You—"

Her words dissolved into another needy gasp when Taehyung suddenly gripped her waist and flipped their positions, pressing her back against the cool wood of his office door.

The coolness of the door seeped into her back, but the heat of Taehyung in front of her made her forget the chill entirely. Taehyung leaned in until his forehead rested gently against hers, breathing her in.

"I ignored you?" he murmured lowly, his voice brushing over her skin like a caress.

"Darling..." he whispered, tilting his head to press a kiss just below her ear. "You've been the only thought on my mind."

Jungkook's fingers curled into the fabric of his half-unbuttoned shirt, her breath stuttering.

"But you didn't show it," she pouted, voice smaller now, frustration laced with vulnerability.

Taehyung pulled back just enough to look into her eyes—the storm there, the hurt, the fierce claim—and his heart squeezed painfully in his chest. He brushed his nose tenderly along the line of her jaw, breathing her in before murmuring against the sensitive skin behind her ear,

"I'm showing it now, aren't I?"

"Not enough."

His grip on her waist tightened, his knee slipping carefully between her legs, cradling her against the door.
"My pretty smol wife," he murmured against her flushed cheek, his voice a warm, velvet whisper, "I had spoil you too much... don't I?"

Jungkook shivered beneath his touch, her fingers tightening around the open collar of his shirt like she needed something—anything—to anchor her to the moment. Taehyung tilted his head, brushing his lips along the soft curve of her jaw as if tracing the outline of a treasure he had no right to possess but was blessed enough to hold.

"But you deserve it," he breathed, each word pressed into her skin like a sacred promise. "You deserve everything... every kiss, every touch... every heartbeat I have left."

Jungkook let out a trembling sigh, tilting her head to the side instinctively, offering him more of her neck.
Taehyung accepted the silent plea with a kiss just beneath her ear, his lips moving lower, tasting her delicate pulse.

His hands roamed up her sides, memorizing the curve of her waist, the slope of her ribs, the delicate trembling that only he could cause.
He didn't rush—God, he could never rush when it came to her. Jungkook was meant to be adored, every inch of her, every breath she gave him.

His wife whimpered softly, her hands sliding up to cup his face, cradling him with the same tenderness he was giving her. Their foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling, hearts pounding in a perfect, chaotic rhythm.

Taehyung's hands traveled back down, smoothing over the fabric of her blouse, tracing invisible patterns across her stomach, feeling her muscles tense and flutter under his touch.

"You're my everything, Mrs Kim," he said, so quietly it was almost a prayer. "No one else even exists when you're in the room. How could they?"

Her lashes fluttered, and Jungkook opened her eyes—those beautiful, burning eyes—and Taehyung thought he might fall apart right there.

The fire was still burning behind the soft glaze of her lashes.

Her hands slipped inside the folds of his open collar, fingertips dragging slowly across the heated skin of his chest, nails leaving a trail of trembling sparks in their wake.

"Don't ever make me jealous again," Jungkook breathed against his lips, her voice tender but threaded with unmistakable authority. "I won't let anyone else take you from me."

For a heartbeat, Taehyung could only stare at her—his wife who had so easily unraveled every wall he had spent a lifetime building. His chest rose and fell, her touch branding him, her words carving themselves into the marrow of his bones.

He dipped his head lower, his forehead pressing against hers, their noses brushing in a fragile, aching intimacy.

"There is no one else... there never could be," he whispered, his voice breaking like light through cracked glass.

"As if the stars would look at another sky," he murmured. "As if the ocean would ever forget the pull of the moon."

His hands cupped her cheeks, thumbs tracing along her flushed skin with a gentleness that spoke louder than any vow.

"You are every path my feet long to walk," he whispered, eyes locked to hers, baring himself without shame. "Every breath I take tastes of you."

Jungkook's lips trembled, a soft sound escaping her as Taehyung kissed her again—this time not with hunger, but with utter devotion, like a man kneeling at the altar of his own salvation. He kissed her slowly memorizing her, breathing her into the spaces between his ribs where her name already lived.

"My soul was empty," he whispered between kisses, "until you made a home inside it."

A single tear slipped down Jungkook's closed lashes, trembling as it traced the curve of her cheek. It was a delicate thing, a silent proof to the rawness of what was unfolding between them.

What had she done to deserve this?
What had she done to earn the kind of love that felt as if it could consume the very stars, the oceans, the moon?

Taehyung's thumb brushed away the tear before it could fall any further, his touch so gentle. He didn't need to say anything more; the raw tenderness in his gaze spoke volumes. His lips moved to her forehead, pressing a soft kiss there.

Jungkook opened her eyes, finding him waiting for her, patiently.

Taehyung's lips were red and kiss-swollen, still tingling from the fevered press of hers, and his once-pristine shirt hung wrinkled and open at the throat, the soft white fabric bearing the evidence of her devotion—rosy imprints where her mouth had chased him, claimed him.

His coat slipped half off his shoulder, sagging like it had surrendered, giving up its fight to cling to the man so thoroughly undone. His tie slipped, loosened and askew, a silk loop hanging limp around his neck.

He looked wrecked. Beautifully, gloriously wrecked.

Across from him, Jungkook was no less breathtaking—a vision of disheveled ruin that punched the breath from his lungs. Her lipstick was smudged artfully across her flushed lips, a burst of wild color staining her skin.

Strands of her hair clung to her heated cheeks, and her blouse, askew from their agitated embrace, gaped just slightly, revealing a forbidden glimpse of the soft curve of her chest, the tender line where her heart beat strong beneath fragile skin.

Slowly, as the urgency faded, Jungkook's gaze softened. She shifted, just a step back, shy now where moments before she had been fire and fury. Her fingers fumbled to fix her blouse, struggling with the tiny buttons.

Without a word, Taehyung stepped forward.

"Let me," he whispered, his voice a warm murmur that brushed her skin like a kiss.

Jungkook glanced up at him, wide-eyed and pink-cheeked, hesitation flickering over her features before she let her hands fall away, trusting him. Taehyung's fingers straightened her blouse, brushing the fabric with the delicacy of a man handling something infinitely precious.

At the collar, he smoothed the designer ribbon into an elegant bow, adjusting it until it sat perfectly, a final loving touch to dress the one who undressed his very soul.

"Sorry for acting like that," Jungkook mumbled, almost bashfully, her hands fidgeting at her sides.

Taehyung's smile was soft meant only for her. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his knuckles grazing the curve of her cheek.

"Don't ever apologize," he murmured, voice low and sure, "for loving me."

Jungkook blinked up at him, stunned for a heartbeat by the rawness in his tone. And then, with a small, helpless sound, she stepped forward, pressing herself into the solid warmth of him, her arms looping loosely around his waist.

Taehyung folded himself around her without thought, his arms wrapping her in the shelter of his embrace, one hand splaying protectively over her back, the other cradling the nape of her neck.

He dipped his head, pressing a kiss to her hair—a kiss full of silent promises and worship and home.

"You don't play fair," Jungkook mumbled into his chest, her voice muffled and warm against his heart.

A low chuckle rumbled in his throat, vibrating through her small frame.
"Neither do you, Mrs. Kim," he whispered, brushing his lips against the crown of her head.

"But if this is the game, love—" Taehyung leaned back slightly, just enough to tilt her chin up with the crook of his finger, staring deep into her luminous eyes, "—then I hope we never stop playing."

Jungkook laughed, a soft sound that tangled in the air between them. And there, wrapped in each other's arms, they let the rest of the world fall away.

___________

Half an hour later

The doors to the conference room opened, revealing CEO Kim and his secretary stepping in.

Jungkook carried a leather-bound notebook in her hands, her earlier disheveled appearance completely replaced by her polished look. Her lipstick was reapplied flawlessly, her shirt neatly buttoned, and her hair swept back, yet some stubborn strands framed her delicate features.

Taehyung followed close behind, his dark hair damp from a rushed cold shower in the office bathroom. He had brushed it back to perfection, though droplets still clung to the strands, giving him a rugged, fresh look.

The ice-cold shower hadn't done much to soothe the heat coursing through him, but it had brought him back to a collected state—or so he tried to tell himself.

The room grew silent as the power couple entered. The soft murmurs and whispers among the attendees quickly died down, replaced by an air of professionalism as Taehyung strode to the head of the table. His gaze swept across the room, immediately silencing any whispers.

Jungkook moved to stand beside him, laying out the necessary files and speaking. The spark of their earlier tension was nowhere to be seen, replaced by the seamless teamwork of a powerful duo. She glanced briefly at Taehyung, her lips quirking into a faint shy smile.

"Shall we begin?" Taehyung's voice broke through the silence.

The meeting room was filled with the hum of the projector and the shuffling of papers breaking the silence. Taehyung stood at the head of the long mahogany table, his dark eyes scanning the attendees as he began his presentation.

"As we discussed in our last meeting, the current projections indicate a 14% increase in revenue by the end of the second quarter, provided we implement the revised marketing strategy across our international markets," Taehyung said.

He turned slightly, gesturing to the slides on the screen, the shift causing his coat to slip just enough to reveal the faint marks peeking out from his collar.

Crystal was supposed to be taking notes, but her attention wavered as her gaze lingered on Taehyung. She blinked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she caught sight of the rosy marks scattered across his neck and collarbone, faint but unmistakable against the pristine white shirt.

Her lips twitched in mild intrigue as the coat shifted again when Taehyung moved, momentarily revealing another faint mark near his shoulder.

"These figures," Taehyung continued, oblivious to the scrutiny, "highlight the impact of the consumer behavior trends we've been analyzing. If we align our branding with these insights, we'll not only increase market share but also solidify our position as a leader in the industry."

Crystal leaned back in her chair, tapping her pen lightly against her notepad, her curiosity growing. The marks weren't glaringly obvious, but once noticed, they were hard to ignore. Her mind wandered for a brief moment, wondering what—or rather who—had left them there.

"Mr. Kim," Crystal spoke up suddenly, her voice cutting through the room like a sharp blade.

Taehyung turned to her, his expression calm and professional. "Yes?"

She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a subtle smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Your projections are impressive, as always. But I'm curious—how do you plan to address the potential challenges of market saturation in regions where we're already dominant? Do you believe the current strategy will be sufficient to maintain our growth trajectory?"

Taehyung met her gaze head-on, his jaw tightening subtly as he considered her question. "That's an excellent point," he replied smoothly, placing his hands on the table as he leaned forward slightly, the action causing his shirt to shift again, exposing more of the faint marks scattered across his collarbone.

"We're not only relying on our current strategy but also diversifying our approach. The expansion into emerging markets is designed to offset the stagnation in saturated regions. Additionally, our investment in localized campaigns ensures we remain relevant and adaptable to regional consumer demands."

Crystal nodded, her smile widening slightly, though her gaze flickered again to his collar before meeting his eyes. "I see. It's clear you've given this considerable thought, as expected from someone of your caliber," she said, her tone laced with just enough admiration to sound polite, though her curiosity about the marks lingered.

Across the room, Jungkook's sharp eyes catching the subtle exchange. Her lips twitched in amusement as she watched Crystal's gaze linger a little too long on Taehyung's neck.

Taehyung remained unfazed, continuing his presentation. "Furthermore," he added, his deep voice resonating in the room, "we've allocated additional resources to strengthen our digital presence, ensuring a stronger connection with the younger demographic."

Crystal responded with a thoughtful hum, though her gaze betrayed her distracted thoughts.

By the time the meeting concluded, Taehyung straightened, tugging at his cuffs as he glanced around the table.

"Thank you, everyone, for your time and insights. Let's reconvene next week with updated data to track our progress."

The meeting adjourned, and Crystal carefully organized her notes even though the rest of the room had mostly cleared out. Her gaze strayed to Taehyung once again as he stood at the head of the table, calmly speaking to one of the directors about a supply chain issue.

Her eyes flickered to his collar again. The rosy marks were hard to miss, peeking just above the neckline of his shirt, and they intrigued her far more than she cared to admit. She reasoned it was probably a one-time thing—a fleeting indulgence for a man as composed as Kim Taehyung.

Still, the marks were... curious. They didn't seem like the aftermath of something casual. They looked deliberate. Bold. Almost as though someone had claimed him—not just physically, but emotionally.

Her mind wandered, wondering who could have left those marks. Was it someone from the office? A girlfriend? Someone Taehyung was secretly seeing?

The idea of Taehyung being romantically involved with someone brought an odd twinge to her chest. She wasn't the type to develop feelings for her boss, and yet here she was, caught in a spiral of curiosity that bordered on something more personal.

As Taehyung finished his conversation and turned to leave, Crystal hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Mr. Kim."

He paused, turning to her. "Yes?"

She straightened, feigning nonchalance. "I wanted to say... your insights during the presentation were particularly impressive today. You always manage to see things from an angle others don't consider."

Taehyung professionally dipping his head slightly in thanks. "I appreciate the feedback. It's a team effort, after all."

Crystal's eyes flickered once more to his collar. She quickly averted her eyes, feeling her cheeks warm.

"If there's nothing else, I'll see you at the next meeting," Taehyung added smoothly, his tone polite but firm.

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, his coat shifting slightly as he moved, once again revealing the marks.

Crystal sat back down in her chair, her mind racing. The marks had stirred something in her—a curiosity she couldn't shake.

Maybe it's just a one-time thing, she told herself again. Someone like him wouldn't belong to anyone, not permanently.

The idea of him being taken—claimed by someone—felt oddly unsettling.

Little did she know, the man she was growing intrigued by was very much claimed. And the marks she found so fascinating were left by his fiercely protective wife, who had no intention of letting anyone—even someone as clever as Crystal—forget it.

______________________

Next week

Kim Conglomerates

Crystal sat in the cafeteria with her team, her fingers lightly tapping on her phone as she scrolled through documents. Despite the work she had ahead, there was a spark of excitement in her eyes—today she would meet the elusive CEO, Mr Kim Taehyung again.

She was briefly distracted in the cafeteria, workers moving between tables, some chatting casually while others focused on their meals. Crystal adjusted herself in her seat, allowing her eyes to scan the room, though she wasn't sure exactly what she was looking for.

Her gaze wandered over to the counter, where a familiar face caught her attention. Standing at the counter was none other than Jungkook, Mr. Kim's secretary.

Crystal had noticed her earlier but hadn't paid much attention until now.

Crystal's mind clicked into gear. She knew Jungkook must know more about Mr. Kim than anyone else in the office.

As the CEO's secretary, it would be her job to deal with the man on a daily basis. She would have firsthand experience with Mr. Kim's behaviors, personality, and even how he handled the more private aspects of his life.

If anyone could give her insight into the CEO, it was Jungkook.

Crystal took a deep breath, carefully setting her phone down. It was time to make her move. She had to get closer to Jungkook, learn from her, and gain the insight she needed to understand Mr. Kim in a way few people could.

Her team had finished their meal and was already gathering their things to leave, but Crystal stayed seated for a moment longer. Her eyes never left Jungkook, waiting for the perfect opportunity to approach.

She stood up, making her way to the counter with the excuse of grabbing a drink, but in reality, she was hoping to strike up a conversation with Jungkook.

As Jungkook finished ordering her drink, Crystal seized the opportunity and approached her. She waited for Jungkook to turn, and when their eyes met, Crystal gave her a polite smile, though her gaze was eager, searching.

"Hey, Jungkook," Crystal began, her voice warm and friendly.

Jungkook blinked, surprised by the sudden approach but kept her expression neutral as she reached for her drink.

"I hope I'm not being too forward but I was hoping we could talk for a minute. Since we'll be working together closely for this deal, I thought it'd be good to... understand each other better."

Jungkook hummed, taking a sip of her drink. "Understand each other?" she repeated, arching a brow. "Or are you looking for something specific?"

Crystal let out a soft chuckle, not at all fazed. "You're sharp," she admitted, leaning slightly against the counter. "I like that."

Jungkook took another sip of her drink, studying Crystal carefully as she waited for her to elaborate.

"Well," Crystal began, her tone light but laced with intention, "I've been around for a while now, but I haven't had the chance to truly get to know the people I'll be working with. And... well, with the way things are shaping up, Mr. Kim's deal could make a big impact for all of us. Thought I'd start by getting a feel for the team—starting with you."

She leaned in a little, making sure her voice didn't carry too loudly, but enough for Jungkook to feel the sincerity behind her words. "I know you're Mr. Kim's right hand, so you must know a lot about how he thinks. I admire that, truly."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow again, her lips curling into the faintest smile, amused by Crystal's attempt. She didn't seem to be an open book, but neither did she appear to be as hard to read as someone might have expected.

"You admire him, huh?" Jungkook asked, her tone turning softer, more curious now. "Or you admire how things are run around here?"

Crystal paused, her gaze steady, considering Jungkook's words carefully. She hadn't expected to be so directly questioned, but she wasn't about to back down now.

"I admire both," she answered honestly, her voice betraying a flicker of something deeper. "It's not easy being in his position. But I think you know that better than anyone."

There was a moment of silence between them, Jungkook's gaze narrowing just slightly weighing Crystal's words. She didn't respond immediately, instead taking another sip from her drink as if contemplating how to proceed.

"You're right about one thing," Jungkook finally said, her tone laced with a touch of amusement, "I know more about Mr. Kim than most people. But not everyone's interested in learning. Some people just want to follow the rules, while others... well, they want to figure out how to bend them."

Crystal chuckled softly, her expression warm. "I wouldn't be here if I was just interested in following the rules. Trust me, I like to get to know the people who make the rules."

Jungkook smiled, just the slightest curve of her lips. "You're a lot more interesting than I thought, Crystal."

Crystal took that as an invitation to continue. "I've worked with a lot of CEOs before, but Mr. Kim... he's quite the mystery," she mused, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "I was hoping you could help me understand him a little better."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression guarded but polite. Crystal noticed the slight tension in her shoulders, but she didn't back down.

The curiosity inside her was too strong.

"Sure," Jungkook replied after a brief pause. "I don't mind talking, but we can't exactly do that in front of everyone here. Want to grab a private spot?"

Crystal nodded eagerly. "Absolutely. I'd really appreciate it."

Jungkook gestured for her to follow and led the way to a more secluded area at the back of the cafeteria. It was quieter there, and the noise from the rest of the team was muffled, giving them privacy.

As they sat down at a small table in the corner, Crystal couldn't help but feel a little thrill. She was about to get closer to her goal, to learn more about the elusive Mr. Kim.

Having heard all the stories of his powerful presence in the office, Crystal couldn't help but wonder what he was really like behind closed doors.

"So, Jungkook," Crystal began, her tone casual but probing, "I've heard a lot about Mr. Kim, but I'm curious to know what he's really like. What's he like when he's not in the office, huh? Is he as tough and serious as he seems?"

So, now you want to know about my husband, huh? Jungkook mentally scoffed, her eyes flicking to the side for a brief moment as she processed Crystal's words.

The wife would not let anyone get a glimpse of the side of Taehyung that was reserved for her alone.

"Well," Jungkook began, "Mr. Kim is... not the easiest man to work with." She let her fingers lazily trace the rim of her cup, as if choosing her words carefully. "You've seen him in meetings. He's demanding, sharp—he doesn't tolerate incompetence."

Crystal nodded, eyes bright with interest. "I figured as much. He's intimidating, but that's expected of a CEO of his stature."

Jungkook let out a soft, breathy chuckle, shaking her head. "Oh, no," she mused. "Intimidating doesn't even begin to cover it."

Crystal's brows lifted slightly. "Oh?"

Jungkook leaned forward just a little, lowering her voice as if sharing something confidential. "He's ruthless," she said smoothly, her eyes darkening just a fraction. "Cold. Unforgiving. Employees don't just quit in this company—they run."

Crystal's lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across her face.

"I mean, he is the CEO. He has to maintain that image, doesn't he? It's all about the power, the control. So, if you're hoping for some charming, warm side to him—don't. He's not the type."

Crystal felt herself becoming more and more puzzled. She had expected to hear about a charming, confident man who effortlessly juggled both his work and personal life. But Jungkook's description didn't match what she had imagined at all.

Jungkook sighed dramatically, swirling her drink before taking a slow sip, like she was about to deliver the most exhausting truth known to mankind.

"Look, Crystal," she said, setting her cup down with a small clink, "I get it. He's rich, powerful, dresses like a mafia boss straight out of a movie—"

Crystal nodded enthusiastically.

Jungkook scoffed, waving a hand. "But don't be fooled. He's not some charming, mysterious billionaire with a secret heart of gold."

Lies. My man is literally the human embodiment of 'acts tough, but would carry my purse if I asked.'

Crystal leaned in further, hanging onto her every word. "So he's really that bad?"

Jungkook gave a slow nod, then flicked her fingers as if dismissing any remaining hope. "Worse. The man has no emotions. His blood is probably ice water."

Correction: his blood is fire when someone so much as looks at me wrong.

Crystal shook her head in disbelief. "This is insane. I was really hoping for a tiny weakness."

Jungkook clicked her tongue, resting her chin on her palm. "Sweetheart, the only weakness that man has is not existing."

Except when it comes to me. Then he's all sighs, forehead kisses, and 'don't lift that, let me do it.'

"So, he doesn't have anyone close to him? No friends, no... significant others?"

Jungkook's gaze sharpened for a second, but she quickly softened it again, her tone laced with sweetness as she leaned forward slightly, speaking with mock innocence.

"Oh, he's the type who works alone. Trust me, you won't catch him hanging out with anyone after hours. No romantic relationships for Mr. Kim. He's married to his work. He's not the affectionate type." She smiled warmly, her voice full of playful mockery.

Oh, but if you knew... Jungkook thought, her heart fluttering at the thought of the times Taehyung had held her close, his hands soft yet strong, always so gentle with her. How he would kiss her forehead before leaving for work, how his eyes softened just for her.

The only person who would ever see his true side—the side full of warmth, affection, and tenderness—was her. Jungkook won't share him, not even a glimpse, with someone like Crystal.

Crystal sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "I don't know how you do it, Jungkook. Working for a man like that every single day? That must be exhausting."

Jungkook stretched her arms above her head like she carried the weight of the world. "Oh, you have no idea."

Crystal leaned in, whispering like they were trading top-secret government information. "But there has to be something that impresses him. Some kind of way to get on his good side."

Jungkook blinked at her. Then blinked again. "I—" she started, then clamped her mouth shut to stop herself from laughing.

Oh, this girl was really out here thinking she could crack the uncrackable Kim Taehyung. How adorable.

Jungkook sighed dramatically, propping her elbow on the table and resting her chin on her palm. "Sweetie, you're trying to impress Kim Taehyung. That's like trying to make the ocean clap for you."

Unless you're me. In which case, all I have to do is exist, and he's already looking at me like I hung the moon.

Jungkook pursed her lips, pretending to think. "Hmmm. Well, if you want his attention, you could try standing in his way while he's walking. He loves that."

Crystal nodded eagerly, taking mental notes. "Okay, so I should be bold?"

Jungkook barely held back her laughter. "Oh, definitely. Maybe even call him 'Tae' to his face. I bet he'd love that."

He'd actually give you a stare so cold you'd wish for an emergency exit...

"I suppose he does have one thing that makes him smile."

Crystal's eyes widened, eager for any scrap of information. "What is it?"

Obviously Me! What else...

Jungkook's lips curved into a secretive smile, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "That's a secret. If you want to know, I suggest you ask him yourself," she said with a wink.

"But fair warning—he's very protective of his privacy. So good luck with that."

Crystal huffed, clearly frustrated but more determined than ever. "You make him sound impossible to approach."

Jungkook tilted her head with faux sympathy. "Oh, that's because he is impossible. Mr. Kim doesn't just let people into his world."

Crystal exhaled, her lips pressing into a thin line before she leaned forward, her voice hushed. "Then how did you manage to work with him for so long?"

Jungkook gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "Are you implying I have some kind of special immunity?"

I do. It's called being the love of his life.

Crystal hesitated, but then gave her a sheepish smile. "Well... yes?"

Jungkook bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Oh, I'm just built different." She tossed her hair over her shoulder like a true queen, making Crystal blink at her in awe.

By 'built different,' I mean I'm literally his wife, but let's keep that between me, Mr kim and our bedroom walls.

Crystal's expression shifted to frustration, Jungkook leaned back in her chair, satisfied with how well her little game was going.

"Thanks for the chat," Crystal said after a moment, her voice laced with slight annoyance. "I guess I'll just have to keep watching then."

Jungkook smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling. "You do that. But trust me," she added, her voice low and playful, "Mr. Kim isn't the type you'll ever truly understand."

With that, Jungkook stood up, giving Crystal a final, knowing look and left the room. She maintained the sweet smile on her face, but inside? Oh, inside, she was cursing Crystal with the wrath of a thousand jealous wives.

"Tch. Look at her, all wide-eyed and eager. What does she think this is, a dating show? Hah! As if my husband would ever even glance at her. Dream on, sweetheart."

Jungkook scoffed under her breath, flipping her hair dramatically.

"Ugh, the audacity. The sheer gall to fish for details about my man right in front of me? Please. I should've 'accidentally' spilled my drink on her."

Jungkook stomped towards the elevator, her little pout growing deeper.

"God, if I hear her say his name one more time, I might just lose it. 'Mr. Kim this, Mr. Kim that'—girl, shut UP. That's MY Mr. Kim, not yours."

As the elevator doors closed behind her, the jealous wife folded her arms, eyes narrowing.

"She really thinks she has a chance, huh? Tch. Over my dead body. No—over her dead body."

Her scowl deepened. "Tch. Stupid Crystal. Even her name annoys me. What is she, a gemstone? A water brand? An expired lip gloss shade?"

Jungkook rolled her eyes, stepping out of the elevator and heading straight for Taehyung's office.

On the other hand,

Crystal sat there, her fingers lightly tapping against the table. A slow smile crept onto her face, her mind racing with possibilities. Jungkook's cryptic answers had only fueled her curiosity, and now, more than ever, she was determined to find a way to catch the attention of Kim Taehyung.

I can fix him, Crystal thought to herself, her gaze narrowing as her mind played out scenarios.

A/N: What is he? A broken tap?  I cAn fIx hIm~~😑😒

Crystal imagined herself standing beside Taehyung, her hand brushing against his as they passed on glances, his expression softening just for her.

He won't be able to resist me, she added with a hint of arrogance, convinced that her charm and persistence would be enough to break through whatever walls he had built around himself.

After all, she had seen it before—powerful men who thought they could hide behind their success, only to reveal their vulnerabilities to the right person.

With that, she straightened her back, walked out of the room, and made her way back to her team, the plan already forming in her mind.

She would play the long patient game and she was certain that with enough time, she'd have Taehyung exactly where she wanted him.

■□■

The door slammed open.

Taehyung, who had been peacefully reviewing documents at his desk, looked up with slightly widened eyes, caught off guard by the actual tornado that had just entered his office.

His pen stilled between his fingers as he took in the sight of his furious wife—chest heaving, arms crossed, her glare practically burning a hole through him.

He blinked. Once. Twice.

Then, slowly, he leaned back in his chair, eyebrows raising in confusion. Jungkook marched up to his desk, planting her hands firmly against the polished wood, leaning in close—so close that he could see the fire in her eyes.

"You!" she accused, voice sharp and demanding.

Taehyung pointed to himself. "Me?"

"YES, YOU!" Jungkook snapped, her lips curling into an adorable snarl. "Why the hell are you so...so attractive?!"

Taehyung blinked again. This time, slower.

"...What?"

Jungkook threw her hands up. "I mean, SERIOUSLY, Mr Kim Taehyung! Do you try to make women lose their minds, or is it just your natural-born power?"

Taehyung closed the file he had been reviewing and set his pen down carefully.

"Mrs kim," he started, voice cautious, "did someone hit you on the head before you got here?"

The wife gasped, scandalized. "No! But I should've hit that Crystal girl over the head when I had the chance!"

Taehyung sighed, rubbing his temple. "What did she do now?"

"Oh, nothing major," Jungkook said sarcastically, throwing herself onto the couch dramatically.

"Just drooled over my husband, tried to dig up classified information about you, and probably fantasized about you in her little delusional head." She turned her glare back to him. "And you! You probably just sat there, looking all expensive and untouchable, fueling her pathetic little crush without even knowing it!"

Taehyung exhaled a short laugh, leaning his elbows onto his desk. "So... you stormed into my office because someone has a crush on me?"

Jungkook gasped again, her jaw dropping. "Do not say it like that! It's disrespectful to me, your WIFE!"

Taehyung smirked, tilting his head. "So, what do you want me to do about it, hmm?" He tapped his chin. "Fire her? Banish her to another floor? Make a company-wide announcement that my wife is the only one I see?"

Jungkook crossed her arms, giving him a glare that was far too cute to be threatening. "Yes, actually."

Taehyung chuckled, standing up from his chair and walking toward her. He sat on the couch beside her, reaching out to grab her hand, but she pulled away with a huff, turning her nose up.

"Oh? Are we sulking now?" he teased, amused.

"I am not sulking," Jungkook denied, looking very much like she was sulking.

Taehyung smirked, leaning in close, his voice low and playful. "You know you're the only one I'd ever look at, right?"

Jungkook huffed but didn't respond.

Taehyung kissed her cheek. "The only one I'd ever love?"

Her pout wavered slightly.

Taehyung trailed kisses down to her jaw. "The only one who can storm into my office like a mini hurricane and get away with it?"

Jungkook narrowed her eyes at him, lips twitching. "You're annoying."

Taehyung chuckled, burying his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling the familiar scent of his wife. "You're such a little troublemaker," he murmured against her skin, lips pressing a teasing kiss just below her ear.

"And you're too irresistible. It's a problem."

Taehyung pulled back slightly, smirking. "For who?"

"For me!" Jungkook groaned dramatically.

"Do you know how exhausting it is to be your wife? Everywhere I go, I have to fend off desperate women throwing heart eyes at you like you're some kind of unattainable fantasy." She paused, narrowing her eyes. "Which you are, by the way, because you belong to me."

Taehyung grinned, pleased, and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "Only yours," he promised, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Jungkook sighed, her frustration melting away as his warmth wrapped around her. She nuzzled against his shoulder, letting out a small hum. "I don't really hate Crystal," she admitted, her voice softer now.

Taehyung arched a brow. "Oh?"

"I mean, I do hate how she looks at you," Jungkook grumbled. "But it's not her fault you're the most devastatingly gorgeous man to ever walk the earth."

Taehyung chuckled, rubbing soothing circles into her back. "Are you going to write poetry about me now?"

Jungkook smacked his chest lightly, but there was no real force behind it. "Shut up. I'm being vulnerable."

Taehyung only smiled, his eyes softening as he studied her face.

"I respect when you're vulnerable," he murmured, tilting her chin up so she would meet his gaze. "And I love when you're possessive."

Jungkook gave him a look. "Don't encourage me, Mr. Kim. I might start walking around the office announcing that you're mine."

He smirked. "Do it. I'd like to see you scare off my entire staff."

Jungkook gasped. "You want me to cause chaos?"

"I want you to do whatever makes you happy, love."

Jungkook melted completely, her heart fluttering. With a dramatic sigh, she snuggled closer, resting her head against his shoulder.

A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the sound of Taehyung's slow breathing and the faint hum of the city outside.

Jungkook smiled, tracing invisible patterns on his chest. "Can we go home early today?"

Taehyung pretended to think about it. "And if I say no?"

Jungkook gasped dramatically. "Then I will start a scandal in this office."

Taehyung laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. You win, my little menace. We'll go home."

Jungkook beamed, kissing his cheek. "Good choice, Mr. Kim."

And just like that, the storm had passed, leaving behind nothing but warmth, laughter, and the kind of love that made even the most powerful man in the world utterly weak.

_________________________

2 days later

Meeting Room

Taehyung sat at the head of the table, his focus on the matter at hand.

Crystal was sitting directly across from Taehyung, she couldn't keep her gaze off him. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on him with rapt attention, hanging on every word he spoke. She smiled politely at Jungkook, but it was clear where her true focus lay.

Jungkook was sitting beside her and she could feel the unmistakable energy between the two. Crystal was clearly drawn to Taehyung, her every glance a little too focused, her voice just a little too sweet whenever she spoke to him.

As Taehyung outlined the terms of the upcoming deal, Crystal couldn't help but let her thoughts wander.

He's different from everyone else.

Jungkook was acutely aware of Crystal's gaze, and she could feel the woman's interest in her husband. It irked her.

Jungkook clicked her pen against the table, her grip tightening with every passing second. It took every ounce of self-control not to let her irritation show, but damn, was it hard when Crystal was practically bathing in heart eyes for her husband.

The wife turned slightly, eyes flickering to Taehyung, only to find him completely oblivious, as always. He was unaware of the unholy level of thirst radiating from the woman beside her.

Jungkook scoffed internally. Of course, he doesn't notice. He thinks everyone in the room only wants to talk business.

But the wife noticed.
And the wife did not like it.

The discussion continued but as Crystal asked more questions, her attention was undoubtedly on Taehyung, her eyes never straying far from him.

Taehyung remained unfazed by her subtle attempts at intrigue. He answered her questions concisely, but his attention also kept drifting to Jungkook, who was sitting beside Crystal with an unreadable expression.

"Mr. Kim," Crystal finally spoke, breaking the flow of the conversation with a coy smile.

"How do you manage such a large empire while maintaining such... grace and composure? It must take someone special to lead with such confidence."

Jungkook's eye twitched.

Oh, for fuck's sake.

Crystal wasn't interested in business anymore—she was fishing for a personal glimpse of Taehyung, trying to get to the heart of the man behind the CEO.

Taehyung leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes locking with Crystal's for a moment before he responded.

"Leadership is not just about power," he said smoothly, his voice calm yet authoritative. "It's about the people around you, the ones you trust, and the ones who trust you. That's what drives me." His gaze flickered to Jungkook for a moment, the glances that spoke volumes.

Jungkook's heart fluttered, his words not lost on her. But at the same time, Crystal wasn't backing down. She was still looking at Taehyung with that same intense gaze, clearly trying to read him, trying to understand him on a level that was far more personal than business required.

Crystal leaned forward just a little, her smile both polite and somewhat suggestive. "I'm sure there's more to it than just that. How do you find balance? How do you remain so... balanced, Mr. Kim?" She asked, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity.

Jungkook's lips pressed into an angry pout. So now she's trying to get personal.

Oh, this woman was relentless.

Jungkook barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes so hard they'd get stuck in the back of her head.

Balance? Balance?!

He comes home, traps me in his arms like a human-sized weighted blanket, refuses to let me move unless I negotiate for basic human rights like food, and grumbles if I even think about working after hours.

That's how he finds balance, Crystal.

But of course, Jungkook couldn't say that.

Taehyung gave a small smile, his response simple yet firm. "Balance comes from the people you surround yourself with." He looked directly at Jungkook this time, his gaze warm. "Without the right people, balance is impossible."

Jungkook's heart swelled at his words, but she also couldn't help the possessiveness that surged through her.

Crystal was still not deterred. She shifted in her seat, leaning forward just a bit more, clearly fixated on Taehyung, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and something more—an intention that Jungkook wasn't about to let slide.

Jungkook glanced at the clock, seeing the time was ticking away, and it was clear the focus was shifting off the meeting and onto the personal. Jungkook took the opportunity to gently steer the conversation back on track.

"Crystal," Jungkook's voice broke into the conversation smoothly, "I believe we should focus on the current proposal. Mr. Kim's leadership speaks for itself, and it's why we're here today, after all."

Crystal was momentarily caught off guard by Jungkook's assertiveness. She blinked and then smiled, though it lacked its earlier enthusiasm. She nodded in agreement, though the disappointment in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Jungkook.

"Right, of course," Crystal said, quickly shifting her attention to the documents laid out on the table. "Let's get back to business, then."

Taehyung's lips quirked up in a small smile but his gaze never left Jungkook. He didn't need to say anything to express his gratitude; the warmth in his eyes said it all. Jungkook gave him a small, satisfied smile in return.

With the focus back on the meeting, the conversation shifted, though Jungkook could feel Crystal's occasional glances, still on Taehyung.

As the meeting continued, Crystal's thoughts becoming more daring by the second. Her mind wandered to all sorts of flirtatious possibilities. A mischievous smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she entertained the possibility of gaining his attention—not just for business but for herself.

Crystal subtly shifted in her chair. She slowly extended her foot from under the table, carefully brushing it against Taehyung's. The contact was gentle at first, almost as if by accident, but as she held it there, it became clear she was seeking something more—something she was sure Taehyung would respond to.

She kept her foot pressed against his, eyes flicking to his face every now and then, eager for any sign of acknowledgement. A small thrill ran through her as she waited, thinking her move would elicit a response.

Taehyung paused, sensing the unexpected touch against his foot. His eyes flickered to his focused wife, then narrowed slightly. He was used to his wife's playful teases and he quickly assumed it was Jungkook testing his patience, as she often did.

Taehyung reached for his phone, his fingers tapped out a quick message to his wife, fingers moving swiftly.

"Don't play footsies, Mrs. Kim."

He set the phone down, a knowing glint in his eye as he waited for her inevitable reaction.

Meanwhile, Jungkook sat across the table, still focused on the ongoing discussion, when her phone buzzed. Without missing a beat, she glanced at the message. Her expression shifted from focused to slightly concerned, then to a silent fury as she read the words: "Don't play footsies, Mrs. Kim."

Jungkook's breath caught, and she felt her stomach tighten.

Footsies.

Her gaze flickered from the screen to the table, where Crystal's bare foot was clearly pressing against Taehyung's polished shoe.

Her heart thudded in her chest, a surge of possessiveness rushing through her. Crystal's audacity to touch her husband in such a way, especially under the table where no one could see... It made her blood boil.

The audacity.

Crystal had made a serious miscalculation.

Jungkook's jaw tightened, and she resisted the urge to stand up and confront the woman directly. Instead, she swallowed the gulp of anger and allowed her calm exterior to remain intact while her heart burned with intense jealousy.

Meanwhile, Crystal was unaware of the storm quietly brewing. She leaned forward, hoping for more of Taehyung's attention,

Without a word, Jungkook tucked her phone away. Then Taehyung's eyes met hers.

And fuck.

Taehyung understood.

This wasn't the playful tease he'd first assumed.

This wasn't his wife flirting with him from across the table.

Taehyung's posture immediately shifted. His gaze flicked to Crystal's foot, still resting lightly against his, and then to Jungkook, who had visibly stiffened. His expression darkened in an instant.

Without a second thought, Taehyung quickly pulled his foot back, moving it sharply away from Crystal's. His chair scraped softly against the floor as he shifted his body slightly, adjusting to face Crystal directly.

Crystal froze. She looked up at Taehyung with an innocent, almost playful expression.

Taehyung's gaze hardened as he locked eyes with her, his voice stern, no trace of the charming CEO he usually presented.

"Ms Cuire."

The single utterance of her name was enough to make her freeze. His gaze flickered down to where her foot had dared to touch him. Then back up, filled with quiet fury.

"I don't tolerate such behavior, especially from someone who's here to conduct business."

The sharpness in his voice made Crystal freeze. Her smile faltered for a brief second before she quickly tried to recover, but Taehyung's presence was too overpowering. She hadn't expected to be confronted so directly.

Taehyung leaned back slightly, exuding effortless dominance, his voice calm yet brutal. "If you came here for business, focus on that. Otherwise—" he tilted his head slightly, his expression unchanging "—you can walk out now."

Crystal was now visibly uncomfortable under Taehyung's gaze. She straightened up in her chair, her lips pressing into a thin line. She had miscalculated, and she realized—too late—that she had pushed too far.

Jungkook felt a deep satisfaction curl inside her. The raw power in her husband's voice, the way he dismissed Crystal without a second thought—it sent a thrill down her spine.

Crystal scrambled to compose herself, nodding stiffly. "O-of course, Mr. Kim. My apologies."

Taehyung didn't respond. Jungkook had to physically clench her fists in her lap to stop herself from leaping across the table and kissing the absolute hell out of her husband.

Because holy fucking hell—that was the hottest thing she'd ever seen.

It took her a full damn minute to regain control, to keep her breathing even, to stop the heat rushing up her neck and setting her entire body on fire.

Her man—her fucking man—had just shut that woman down with nothing but his voice and that dangerously sharp gaze of his. The authority, the dominance, the effortless way he owned the room, making Crystal fold in on herself like a little leaf.

Jungkook bit her inner cheek so hard it was a miracle she wasn't bleeding.

She was torn between jumping him right here in the middle of this meeting or dragging him to the nearest empty office and thanking him properly for being the most possessive, most dangerously attractive husband alive.

Her eyes flickered to his sharp jawline, his fingers rested so casually on the table, the veins peeking out as he shifted his hands slightly—fuck.

Jungkook needed to get out of here before she did something wild.

Clearing her throat, Jungkook casually adjusted her posture, trying to act normal when her mind was anything but. Then, Jungkook swiftly crossed her legs under the table—accidentally delivering a sharp kick that connected right with Crystal's ankle.

Crystal yelped, jolting in her seat.

"Oh! Sorry," Jungkook said, tilting her head, voice dripping with fake sweetness. "My leg slipped."

Crystal quickly recovered, though her eyes narrowed slightly. "It's alright," she said, though the subtle wince she tried to hide didn't escape Jungkook's notice.

Jungkook gave Crystal one last glance, her eyes filled with unspoken warning. Crystal quickly turned her attention back to the meeting, her flirtation forgotten.

Taehyung saw everything.

His wife's deliberate little move. The way she crossed her legs so elegantly, like she hadn't just damn-near bruised Crystal's ankle. The feigned innocence in her wide, dangerous eyes.

And he nearly smirked.

Jungkook, sitting there all pretty in her fitted blazer, lips curling into that sweet little smile that was anything but. The silent way she had just handled Crystal, making it painfully clear who the hell Taehyung belonged to.

Taehyung barely resisted the urge to drag her out of this damn meeting and kiss her senseless. Instead, he let his fingers drum lazily against the table, watching Jungkook out of the corner of his eye. He leaned back, exuding effortless dominance, and when their gazes met again, Jungkook's breath hitched.

_____________________

Crystal strode through the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Her thoughts raced as she replayed the humiliation of the meeting. She needed a way to make amends, to crawl back into Taehyung's good books.

After all, being on his bad side would only make her invisible in the company—and that was something her pride couldn't allow.

As she walked, her gaze suddenly snagged on a familiar figure standing a few feet away.

Taehyung.

He was facing the wall, his broad back turned toward her. He seemed deep in thought, one hand tucked casually into his pocket, the other holding his phone.

Crystal stopped in her tracks, her eyes roaming over his tall frame. Her lips curled into a small smirk.

This was her chance.

Taking a quick glance around to ensure no one else was in sight, Crystal adjusted her posture, arching her back slightly to emphasize her figure.

Crystal's steps faltered as she moved closer, her confidence giving way to confusion when she noticed something she hadn't expected. Taehyung shifted slightly. And then—her breath hitched.

Two delicate hands appeared, sliding around his neck. The unmistakable touch of someone intimately close. Crystal's brow furrowed in disbelief as she realized he wasn't standing alone.

She stopped a few feet away, now utterly transfixed. Moving closer to get a better look, her jaw tightened when she caught sight of a familiar figure pressed against Taehyung—

Secretary Kim.

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, allowing Crystal to get a glimpse of the beauty in his arms.

The CEO murmured something low enough that Crystal couldn't hear. Whatever it was, it caused Jungkook's beautiful eyes to wide, her cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink as she giggled softly, pressing her forehead to his chest.

Crystal's perfectly manicured nails tightened around the papers she held as her eyes widened at the scene unfolding before her. Jungkook's soft figure was wrapped snugly against Taehyung's, her hands lightly tracing the line of his shoulders before slipping up to rest on his neck.

Before she could pull herself away, the softest sound escaped the room—a quiet mewl from Jungkook, muffled but unmistakable. Crystal froze, her stomach twisting as her ears strained to catch the whispered exchanges coming from within.

"Mr Kim," Jungkook's voice was soft, almost breathless. "You're being so mean..."

Taehyung's low chuckle followed, the deep timbre of it sending a pang of jealousy straight through Crystal's chest.

"Mean?" His voice was indulgent, teasing, and undeniably intimate. "I'm just helping my wife relax."

Wife.

The word cut through Crystal like a blade. She stepped back instinctively, but her curiosity—or perhaps masochism—kept her rooted to the spot.

"Stay still, Mrs. Kim," Taehyung murmured, his voice barely audible but rich with authority. "Or do you want me to make it harder for you?"

Crystal felt the heat rising to her face as she pieced together what was happening. The intimacy between them—it was everything she had fantasized about experiencing with him, but instead, she was forced to watch from the outside.

"Mr Kim," Jungkook whined softly, and though Crystal couldn't see her face, she could hear the pout in her voice. "We're still at work..."

"What am I supposed to do, Mrs. Kim, when you're this irresistible?"

Crystal's nails dug into her palm as she fought the urge to storm away. Her plans to apologize and curry favor with Taehyung now seemed laughable.

How could she compete with this?

Before she could make up her mind to leave, Taehyung titled his head slightly, his movement giving her a fleeting glimpse of Jungkook's face, flushed and glowing with affection. His hand reached up to gently cup her cheek, his thumb brushing along her skin in a gesture so tender it made Crystal's stomach churn.

"Now," Taehyung said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "let's finish this here, or I'll take you home and really show you how mean I can be."

Crystal shifted uncomfortably, the sound of her heels clicking against the polished floor echoing down the hallway. Taehyung turned his head slightly at the noise, his sharp eyes flicking over his shoulder.

The warmth he had just shown Jungkook seconds ago vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold mask befitting the powerful CEO he was.

"Can I help you, Miss Cuire?" he asked, his tone laced with an authority that sent a chill down Crystal's spine.

Jungkook's wide doe eyes blinking in confusion as she glanced at Crystal. Crystal swallowed, forcing a polite smile onto her lips even as she felt Taehyung's stare pinning her in place.

"I—" she hesitated, her carefully practiced words catching in her throat.

What was she supposed to say? That she had wanted to seduce him?

No. She would rather die than admit that.

Crystal scrambled to recover, forcing a tight smile onto her lips. "Oh, I didn't mean to intrude," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I was just passing by and—"

"Then keep walking," Taehyung said bluntly.

The words hit like a slap and Crystal felt her cheeks burn in humiliation. She opened her mouth to protest, to say something—anything—but the piercing icy gaze Taehyung directed her way froze her in place.

Crystal bit the inside of her cheek so hard she nearly tasted blood. With one final glance at the way Taehyung's hand rested possessively on Jungkook's waist, she turned sharply on her heel and walked away, her exit far less graceful than she would have liked.

She had made a terrible mistake. She felt utterly humiliated, not just by what she had witnessed but by her own foolishness.

The memory of her earlier conversation with Jungkook came flooding back, adding salt to the wound.

At the time, Crystal had brushed it off as Jungkook trying to act coy, playing the role of the dutiful secretary. But now, after seeing the bond between them, she realized just how foolish she had been.

Crystal felt like a complete fool.

She had thought she could wedge herself into Taehyung's life, that she could charm her way into his good graces. But the truth was glaringly obvious now: there was no room for anyone else.

The image of Jungkook's hands on Taehyung, the soft sound of her voice calling his name—it all played over and over in Crystal's mind, mocking her.

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she quickened her pace, wanting nothing more than to get away from the suffocating reality she had just witnessed.

And as she reached the end of the hallway, her pride in tatters, she couldn't help but feel like the biggest fool in the world.

____________________