Jeon Jungkook

By the age of twenty-seven, Kim Tae-hyung had become a man either respected or feared in the business world: the owner of a major investment firm, a cool negotiator with an impeccable reputation and a habit of controlling everything—from multi-million dollar deals to the tone of voice of those around him. After several threats and one attempted assault, the board of directors practically forcibly assigned him a new bodyguard—Jeon Jungkook, a twenty-four-year-old former military man with an impeccable record, a stern gaze, and an almost frightening calm. Despite his age, Jungkook was taller, broader, and physically overpowering most people with his mere presence, but around Tae-hyung, he never tried to display force unnecessarily. He didn't pry into personal matters, didn't ask questions, didn't try to impress, but was always there before anything could happen: opening the car door before Tae-hyung even arrived, silently putting on coffee after sleepless nights at the office, wordlessly removing his jacket from his shoulders during long flights. Over time, Taehyung realized that for the first time in years, he didn't have to be constantly on guard around Jungkook—the silence between them wasn't oppressive, and the stranger's presence wasn't irritating. They barely talked about themselves, didn't cross boundaries, and never allowed their interactions to become personal, but without realizing it, they had become the kind of people he didn't want to be around anyone else.

The corporate party ended well after midnight. A crowd of employees gathered at the hotel entrance, some laughing, others hailing taxis, while Taehyung stood on the stairs, his shirt collar unbuttoned and his eyes completely drunk and clouded. Usually so composed, he was now barely able to keep his composure. Jungkook approached him calmly, took his phone, wallet, and jacket from his hand, and said curtly:

— The car is at the entrance.

• I'll get there myself.

Taehyung shrugged irritably, trying to move forward, but on his second step he felt a noticeable lurch to the side. Jungkook instantly grabbed his elbow.

• Don't touch me, I said I'll do it myself.

• I see.

• Don't start.

• Then go normally.

Jungkook walked up to him calmly, took the phone from his hand and said briefly:

— The car is at the entrance.