Narrator

 

 

“What if I date someone else, Jeon? Is that gonna be a bad thing?”

Jungkook looked up and blinked. “What?”

Sera rolled over her stomach and sat up. She was on the bed and he was sitting on the couch, mindlessly eating from a bag of chips. “I mean, if I date someone right now, would that be… bad?”

He actually didn’t know what to say. “I… for our engagement act, yes.”

“I know that.” She rolled her eyes.

He shrugged and turned back to the television screen. “Then why are you asking?”

“I meant another thing, idiot. If I date someone right now, would it be okay—“

“Of course it would damage our act.”

“For you, . Would it be okay for you? Let me ing finish.” She exasperatedly said. He put the bag of chips down and frowned. “For me?”

“Yes, for you. I know we have this engagement act going on, but we’re allowed to date others secretly, right?”

He bit his lip and looked away. She got up impatiently and sat beside him on the couch. She nudged his stomach to which he hesitantly looked at her. “Yeah, of course. It’s no problem.”

“Like really?” She grinned, and he couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

“Yes, pabo. Why are you so happy? Are you planning on dating someone?”

She reclined on her seat and smiled. “I don’t know.”

“What?” He whined a little. He didn’t know why he was getting so worked up all of a sudden. “Ya, you better tell me who this guy is.”

“Or else? You’ll do something rash? You can’t do that, puppy.” She batted her lashes and poked his cheek. Jungkook frowned even more and caught her wrist. “I’m capable of doing a lot of things, Sera.”

“But you’re a good boy~” She sang and pulled her wrist away. “You’re my super kind fiancé, Jeon Jungkook.”

His jaw clenched. “Whatever suits you.” He stood up and dusted lint off his coat. “I’ll see you at the company later.”

She tilted her head in confusion as she watched him leave.

Is he... mad?

 

 

The sun was shining brightly in Macau. The city, as always, boasted with its skyscrapers and pleasant weather. It was an odd pair, but it was surely loved by people of all sorts. One of those people was Kai.

He handed his keys to the valet and smiled as he crossed the street to the Venetian. He was enjoying his time alone when a familiar face met him on the hotel’s doors. “Young Master Kim.” The man bowed.

He nodded stiffly and kept walking. “Abbeoji?”

“He’s waiting for you.” The main replied and left when they arrived at the doors of the suite. Kai took a deep breath and pushed it open.

“Finally, the prodigal son returns.” A deep voice chuckled humorlessly. Kai plopped down the couch and offered his father a small smile. “Not so prodigal after I have been managing the Seoul branch for a week, right?”

“I’ll think about that.” His father smiled and stood up. “How’s life?”

“Same old. What did you want me here for, Dad?” Kai stood up and looked around the room, examining things. He stopped by the windows and took in the view. “This should be something important if you wanted me to fly here all of a sudden. Macau office having some troubles?”

“Don’t stress yourself out, son.” Mr. Kim tapped his shoulder. “I’ve got everything under control.”

“So…?” Kai raised a brow, slightly unnerved at his father’s smile. Mr. Kim shrugged and sat by his couch. “I met with Representative Choi some days ago. His daughter—“

Kai exhaled. “Dad, did you call me here to meet some girl gain?”

“Meeting someone won’t hurt.”

“I know. Trust me, I’ve met hundreds of girls.” He replied sarcastically. “Why are you… ugh.” He sat down, defeated. His father shook his head. “Why are you getting so emotional? It’s unlike you to be like this. You usually agree.”

“I do. But it’s different now, okay? I have a lot on my mind…”

Mr. Kim sighed and stood up. He gave his son’s shoulder a slight squeeze. “Since you’re already here, enjoy Macau. I know how you love this place. We’ll talk later.”

Kai stood up and dusted lint off his coat. “Okay. See you.”

“Where are you going, anyway?”

He smiled a little before turning to leave. “I need to buy some egg tarts.”

 

 

Two Rolls Royce cars pulled over in front of the main entrance of the Park building. The Grand Master Park slid out the car with his wife, reviewing some papers on one hand while his secretary held his cup of hot coffee, trailing behind.

The employees busy walking about the main lobby stopped to give their respects to the company’s main pillars. It was a usual morning scene, until the other car’s door opened and the Young Miss park slid out.

She maintained an emotionless face as she crossed the lobby alone. The moment she arrived at the elevator, it was already closed, so she stood there and browsed through her phone.

“Ooh, you’re dressed like a real dragon lady now, Young Miss Park.” Jungkook teased as the video call connected.

I guess that answers my question, he's not mad.

She sighed and held the phone at level with her face. “Shut up, idiot. Where are you?”

She watched him run around his room, phone in hand. Her brows furrowed slightly at his disheveled hair and loosened tie. “You look like a mess. We’re supposed to be professionals today.”

“I don’t feel like being a professional. I feel like being the rich badass chaebol you see in kdramas these days. I want to be the bad fiancé. Who knows, I might score a date later.” He winked and ruffled his hair even more. Sera fought the urge to choke. “Just get ready, idiot. I’ll see you later.”

“Okay, sweetie. Bye.” He cooed and she rolled her eyes automatically. “ off, Jeon.”

When the call disconnected she noticed some employees were already crowding behind her, waiting in line for their turn in the elevator. She inwardly sighed and forced a smile.

 

 

Namjoon smiled to himself as his cousin scrutinized the papers. She had her brows knitted together and her lip jutted out slightly.

“You look like you’re ready to bring this project down, hun.” He commented, teasing her by poking her waist. She jerked up and snapped the folder closed. A small sigh escaped her lips. “I’m not.”

“Then chill.” He replied, pinching her cheek a little.

She nodded and leaned back on her chair. “It’s just that I see so many things I think could be developed, Oppa. And it’s haunting me.”

He finally laughed. She was like an experienced woman in her thirties trapped in an eighteen year old body. “Sera, that’s why we let you in, right? To let you help. Don’t get stressed. Why don’t you highlight your concerns and we’ll talk about it in the meeting later?”

She smiled and eagerly started browsing the papers again. About an hour later Namjoon’s secretary tapped the door. “Sir, the meeting will start in a few minutes.”

“Got it.” He jumped up and got his coat. “Come on, princess.”

 

 

“This is about Park Industries and Jeon group of companies taking an action together to take over…”

Jungkook did his best to fight his yawn. He exhaled deeply and looked around the table. Everyone was focused on the presentation on the screen. Even Sera was concentrating, so he had no one to talk to.

“If we speed up the negotiations, we might be able to—“

Namjoon cleared his throat. “Excuse me, Mr. Song. About the negotiation process, the Young Miss Park has some questions about it.”

Sera shifted on her seat and flipped her folder open. She looked unfazed even with the slight murmurs around the conference room. “I heard negotiations are currently taking place?”

“As we speak, Young Miss.”

“I’ve read the files, but I found them insufficient. We called the project managers department and found out that negotiations aren’t being done by our chosen law firm.”

The murmurs intensified. Mr. Park cleared his throat and turned to the one presenting. “Is this true, Director Song?”

“I…”

Sera clasped her hands together as the gazes turned to her. She maintained her composure and met Jungkook’s eyes.

“We’ve been Miller and Smith’s clients for ten years now. We chose them for a reason; they’re the best closers and merger attorneys in town.”

Sekyung chuckled a little which caught everyone’s attention, even Sera’s. “I’m sorry but the Yung Miss seems to be mistaken. Though Miller and Smith is the appointed law firm of the Parks, the Jeon group has initiated negotiations with our own qualified legal staff.”

Namjoon knew his cousin wanted to speak so badly, but he knew too much wouldn’t be good for her. So, he stood up. “I’m going to explain in behalf of the Young Miss Park.” He smiled at the board and was about to speak but Sera cut him off. “Thank you, but I’m fine, Oppa.”

“As I was saying,” she walked to the front and smiled a little when she met Jungkook’s eyes again. He raised an eyebrow, and she gave him a small smirk before speaking. “I am just emphasizing the importance of following the set schedules and plan for this project to be successful. I know negotiations are lagging, and the best solution to speed it up is to employ our best people.”

Mr. Jeon nodded in approval. “I agree with you, Sera. But if that’s the case, why is Miller and Smith not in the negotiations? I’m confused.”

“It seems like a misunderstanding, but they haven’t been informed of the specifics of the project. They know they’ve been assigned but they haven’t received the particulars.”

“And how do you know this?” Sekyung couldn’t help but fire back.

Sera smiled and shared a knowing look with her Dad. “I just do.”

“We can’t base our facts on simple know-it-alls.” A member of the board spoke up. Mr. Park exhaled and finally spoke. “John Miller is Sera’s godfather.”

Sera sat down on her seat and smiled at everyone. “I spoke to him a while ago via phone. In fact, he should be here any minute now.”

The conference doors opened and a tall American man walked in. He shook hands with Mr. Park and Jeon and grinned when she saw Sera. “I’m happy that this issue has been brought to light. I’ve been wondering what happened to this project. I’ve been kept out the light.” He joked in English.

Sera smiled at him and offered him a seat. “Now, shall we continue?”

The people nodded in agreement but Sekyung wasn’t particularly pleased.

This wasn’t some playground form teenagers, it was her battlefield.

 

 

“You did great! You were like a brazen lion of some sort.” Jungkook grinned and bumped his fist with Sera’s. She lightly chuckled and shook her head. “I prefer to go by the dragon lady title, but sure.”

Namjoon snorted beside her. “If you didn’t cut me off, it would’ve been less tense. They see you as a young girl, Sera. You can’t just—”

“They need to know that I’m capable of these things, Oppa.” She declared as she poured herself a cup of strawberry milk. The three of them were resting on the uppermost lounge.

Jungkook drank from his cup and frowned. “Do you really have to prove yourself that much? By their faces they must’ve known you’re capable.”

“Some members of the board are waiting for Dad to get old so they could hopefully take over, Jeon. They need to know I’m here to stop that from happening.”

He stood up and dramatically clapped his hands. “Oh heavens, where’s the Sera I met months ago? The one who loves comic books and food?”

“Pabo.” She couldn’t help but smile.

He sat down and tapped her cheek. “So, are we free for the rest of the afternoon?”

She nodded. “Any plans?”

“I’m thinking of samgyupsal.” He hummed and leaned back on the chair. Sera nodded as she sipped her milk.

“Sounds good to me.” She yawned and stretched her arms.

The doors opened and the elders walked in. The three stood up and paid their respects.

“Quite a rash move a while ago, dear. You should’ve brought the matter to your father beforehand.” Mrs. Park lightly chided. Mr. Park exhaled and loosened his tie. “Your mother’s right.”

Mr. Jeon shrugged and tapped Sera’s back. “I like what you did, pumpkin. I apologize on our staff’s behalf.”

“Not your fault, Abbeonim. Must’ve been some error on the process.”

Sekyung walked in and smiled at everybody. Jungkook gave her a brief hug to which she delightfully chuckled. “You look bored, kiddo.”

“Oh you don’t say.” He replied.

“Sera.” Sekyung nodded and acknowledged her presence. Sera smiled back. “Good afternoon.”

“I appreciate you working so hard.” Sekyung smiled. “Since you’re at it…”

Namjoon watched the two converse and sighed. He wondered how some people loved work so much and there he was, lazy as ever.

“You had the initiative to contact Mr. Miller, and that’s really good. I’m happy to know that you’re inquisitive of the staff we let on this project. Is it possible for you to send me a list of all the staff involved, together with their credentials?”

Sera frowned a little. “But we have the—“

“It’s best to trust the inner circle only, right? I trust you.” Sekyung waited for her reply, and she hesitantly nodded. “Okay, I’ll get to it.”

“Good. Thank you, Sera.”

Jungkook joined in and grinned at them both. “Is this business talk?”

Sekyung rolled her eyes at him. “Oh Kookie, you never really grew up.”

He smiled and put an arm around Sera’s shoulders. “Anyway, I asked permission from our parents already. They dismissed us for the day. Let’s go?”

“I actually asked Sera a favor, Ju—“

“I can handle. I’ll send them to you before the day ends.” Sera smiled. “Let’s go, Jeon.”

“Assa! Bye noona, I’ll see you around.” Jungkook grinned as they walked out. “So sweetie, where should we go?

“Stop with the sweetie, Jeon.”

“Or else what? You’ll threaten me to date other people again?”

“That wasn’t a threat, that was an innocent question!”

“I know, sweetie. No need to be aggressive.” He chuckled and ruffled her hair.

“Oh my god I could kill you right now!”

Sekyung’s brows furrowed lightly as she watched them leave.

 

 

 

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