Chapter One: 

The fresh breeze brushed against her pale porcelain-liked skin as Jimin sprinted with all her might for the final 100 meters of her morning run. She slowed her pace down to a light jog just as she reached a corner before approaching her dorm. She stood still to deepen her inhale, her eyes gradually closed to feel the oxygen running through her body. Just before she could let her black velvety hair out of a messy bun, her phone rang. She stared at an unfamiliar number for a short while and answered the call with hesitation. 

“Hello, Park Jimin is speaking.”

“Hi Jimin, it’s Park Jinyoung here. I know it’s a Sunday and I have a favour to ask.”  He paused slightly. “We have urgent matters come up. Can you possibly drop by the office now?”

“Good morning, PDnim.” Jimin sighed with a relief that it’s JYP on the other end. “Sure, I can come by but I just finished my morning run. Can I have a quick change and shower first? Or you need me to come right now, right now?”

“If possible, now will be great, Jimin. I’ll see you soon.” JYP immediately cut off the option for Jimin to oppose.

“Okay, see you then.” Jimin hung up the call and sighed with little annoyance. Since there was no other choice but to head to JYPE office on her day off, she gave her hair a quick fix and straightened out her workout clothes to look at least presentable. Jimin hurried to the company building, which thankfully wasn’t located too far from her dorm.

Before Jimin reached the main entrance of the company, she could already spotted a few bunches of fans gathering outside the building to catch a glimpse of their favourite artists. Just as she walked her way closer to the entrance, fans noticed her. A few came up to give their greetings and presented her with small gifts. Security guards about to turn away the fans but Jimin gave them a small nod signaling ‘it’s okay’ code. She politely said hello while slightly smiled back. She then excused herself to enter the building.

Once inside, she could still hear them shouting her name and continuous praises of how pretty she is or how skinny she had gotten. She waved to them from the inside and proceeded with a thankful bow to the fans. Before she could make her way further, she is stopped by one of the familiar female staffs.  “What is it, unnie?” she asked out of curiousity.

“ They are waiting for you in a meeting room on the 5^th floor.” Female staff replied to Jimin with a tad of worriedness in her tone. Jimin was quick to sense something odd within the order she got given. She made her way into an elevator with uneasy feelings that she couldn’t pinpoint. Her mind was turning into a mess; imagining what could possibly be the issue so serious for them to call her into the office on a Sunday morning like this.

She stepped out of an elevator and found her manager oppa, Junyoung fidgeting while waited for her arrival.

“Jimin-ah, what took you so long? Hurry and get in the meeting room.” Junyoung stride towards Jimin with a sigh of relief once he saw Jimin exited the elevator.

Jimin could see concern stares shooting out from his eyes like radar. “Oppa, what’s going on? Why is everyone acting so strange?” Jimin was becoming more nervous from looking at agitated Junyoung. She sensed some weird vibe in the atmosphere and started to feel distress. She thought to herself that this ‘urgent’ matter must be rather serious for everyone to behave this certain way.

Junyoung wanted to calm Jimin down a little he said,  “You’ll find out soon. So just get in there first. Okay?” He patted Jimin lightly on her shoulder; together with mouthing the word ‘Fighting’ and gestured his hand into a fist to cheer her up.

Jimin took a big inhale to collect her sanity and herself before knocking on the door. She heard a faint ‘come in’ reply following her knocks. She entered the meeting room with a heavy heart. Her eyes instantly scanned the room to observe the situation. When her eyes spotted Jackson sitting beside JYP, she felt more at ease as she recognized some familiar faces. But to her surprise, their company CEO was also there; seated at head of table along with some other management staffs she had never seen around the company much. They turned their gazes towards her as she made her arrival into the room.

The air seemed much colder with everyone looking so serious and concerned. Jimin stiffened up after checking out her surroundings. She froze for a little while not knowing what to do next.

JYP was the first to break the ice and speak. His face lightened up as he spoke. “Ah, Jimin-ah.. You’re here. Please have a seat.” He motioned her to the nearest seat, which was the one right next to Jackson. She was surprised to find Jackson here, for she knew he had been pretty busy with his super tight schedule.

How long had it been since they last met, she thought. Jackson tilted his head up to get a good look at her. He seemed more relax once she gave him a quick assuring smile before she quietly took her seat beside him. 

“ The reason why we called you in on such short notice, Jimin”, JYP passed down a PC tablet to her. “ is because of this.” He pointed to the tablet and told her to check it for herself.

Surprisingly, Jackson remained silent and hadn’t spoken a word since Jimin gotten into the meeting. Her eyebrows knotted from witnessing his unusual behaviour. Jimin briskly glanced down to see the content on the tablet. The title got her attention right away.

“Another birth of a young idol couple?”

‘The rising variety star, Got7’s Jackson caught coming out of a luxurious hotel together at night with a female idol who appeared to be Kara’s Youngji. Both idols were rumored to be dating after finished filming for the variety show, ‘Roommates’ where celebrities were brought in to live in a house together.’

Jimin managed to get through that much of an article. Her heart became a little heavy when processed the information she just read. ‘Both agencies had yet to deny or confirm this news. Please stay tune for more updates.’

Jimin knew this day would have come sooner or later. The day, when news about Jackson’s dating someone may surface. It’s not like she hasn’t prepared herself for it.

Everyone knew she had a teenage crush on him. As more time passed, most people would have thought that she had gotten over that crush by now since she hardly mentioned him on television and radio. She had locked up whatever romantic feelings she might have had for Jackson ever since he joined the show, Roommates. She saw just how well Youngji and Jackson got along. They are of the same age after all, she thought. Of course, Jimin was jealous. There was no denying.

Jimin let out a small sigh. She bit her lips tight to suppress whatever emotions have stirred up. She felt like there were invincible needles jabbing on her heart. She didn’t know what to say or how to react. Jimin made an effort to stay calm as if the news hadn’t bothered her. When on the inside, she’s swamped with thoughts all over inside her head.

After a while, she came to her sense that in fact she was still in a meeting room with other people. She was curious as to why they needed to see her, as this news had nothing to do with her. It’s really none of her business. Jimin felt everyone’s fixated gazes on her including Jackson, all waiting for her to say something.

“Umm.. so why am I really here?” she succeeded in forming a sentence after some confusions.  They couldn’t just demand her to just drop by and read some news.

“Here’s the thing, Jimin.” CEO Jungwook spoke up. “Youngji and Jackson are both still considered rookie idols, just started off their careers. They are still in an early stage of gaining recognition so as you can imagine, dating news is definitely not to their advantages.” He carefully expressed his opinions.

As CEO Jungwook was speaking, Jimin glanced over at Jackson who was sitting beside her. He had his head down like he was ready and willing to follow any orders he will be soon given. Jimin tried to figure out what Jackson might have to say regarding this matter. Much to her disappointment, the usually bright, loud and expressive Wang Jackson remained quiet. As if he forgot to bring his mouth from home with him.

“So we thought, it might be best to deny this rumour. Although, Jackson here had already told us that he actually did go see Ms. Youngji at the hotel that night after Ms. Youngji had finished her event there.”  CEO Jungwook continued.

“Fortunately, the picture that the medias were able to capture, Ms. Youngji’s face wasn’t fully shown. They just assumed that it was her from the hair style and clothing style…” He paused to look Jimin in the eyes but wasn’t able to bring himself to carry on speaking.

Jimin was anxious as she waited to hear what more they have to say.

“We had a serious discussion on this issue and came to a conclusion plus, solution even. We’ll deny the rumour and post a statement that it wasn’t Ms. Youngji who was with Jackson that night.” CEO Jungwook gathered up his courage and proceed, “We’re going to confirm that it was you instead.” He let out a tiny puff after finishing his sentences. JYP observed Jimin’s reactions.

Jimin wide eyed at what she just heard. What the actual heck! Did she hear it right? They were simply going to replace her for Youngji. And pretend that it was her when she wasn’t anywhere near Jackson that night? Why her!

“I’m sorry. I don’t think I understand, sir.” Jimin was fast to speak up. “So you pretty much want me to fool the public. By saying that it was me that came out from a hotel that night with Jackson?” she winced as she was rising with temper. What was this nonsense thing, she was hearing.

Jimin expected Jackson to say something but he just had his head down, too afraid to look at her. Jimin was furious. Why should she be involved in this mess? Why did his personal love life or love interest suddenly have to do with her? Jimin was shaking her head side to side in disbelief.

“Jimin-ah, hear me out a little alright?” JYP said calmly. Jimin exhaled to release her frustration but nodded.

“From what I have seen, most fans adored your friendships anyway. It would make more sense if we claimed that it was you who Jackson went to see that night. Surely, fans will be more accepting of this fact rather than the dating news.” JYP attempted to persuade Jimin. Other staffs in the room seemed to agree with what JYP had mentioned so far.

Jimin nodded in half an agreement to JYP’s reasons but couldn’t help but opposed, “But PDnim, I’m not Youngji unnie. And we don’t even look alike. How will people even believe that?”

“Hmm.. Your hair length and colour were almost identical. The clothes Ms. Youngi was wearing, Jackson also said that you owned similar style and design.” CEO Jungwook stated. “We can’t let this news ruin both Jackson and Youngji’s careers, more over; Got7 as a whole group. Can you please understand and consider this matter? We don’t see anyone else but you who can clear up this so-called rumour.” He almost sounded as if pleaded.

“Our PR staffs here will take care of the rest of the details. So you need not to worry.” Jungwook said in a persuasive tone.

Everyone already stared at her with the expectation that she will be some kind of Jackson’s White knight, saving him from this sticky mess. She felt pressured but her boss already implied earlier that she needed to step in with no other choices.

Jimin leaned in deeper into her chair. She let her head hang back for a brief moment before closed her eyes and conceded defeat. “Okay fine, you can tell them it was me.” She sighed.

Smiles were plastered on every single person in the room upon hearing Jimin’s declaration. Glad that she agreed to help, relieved that they can now publish out a denied statement.

“Thanks so much for understanding, Jimin.” JYP Jimin lightly on the head.

“Oh, and Jinyoung.. Don’t forget to tell them about ‘Match made in Heaven Returns’ too.” CEO Jungwook added before he exited the meeting room. JYP bowed as CEO Jungwook left the room with other staffs. Jimin and Jackson also stood up to give their bows.

Once the CEO and other staffs left the room. Jimin blurted out, “What now, PDnim?” in a tired and disbelief tone.

“You know, just to steer away the media’s attention from the news, we decided to send you two on a dating show called ‘Match made in Heaven Returns’. The show is finally backed on-air after a long hiatus. It was very popular during my time. There’ll be other idols and celebrities there also.” JYP indicated while passed a small grin towards both Jimin and Jackson. 

“Don't worry! You will be coupling up and interact with other people so it should be fun. It's a good opportunity to clear up a dating rumour. And to show that you're still single and available, Jackson.” He lectured and turned to Jimin, “Also, it's time you should start experiencing some sort of dating, Jimin-ah! It'll help you when you perform.”

Jimin was almost at her limit. She found herself to be involved or about to be involved in many odd situations today.

JYP reiterated “I’ll pass on more details about the show to your manager. I’m off now. Sorry again to call you in on your day off to receive such news, Jimin-ah.” He apologized.

Jimin shook her head, “It’s alright, PDnim. It’s not your fault anyway. You don’t have to be sorry.” Jimin said while eyeing Jackson, who happened to be staring at her. She sent him evil glared and he just lightly smiled back. A total 360-degree different Jackson than the one previously presented in the meeting. Seriously, if her stares could kill, Jimin swear.. Jackson would have been dead many times by now.

“Okay, kids. I’ll leave you two to settle whatever you need to.” JYP made his way towards the door. He turned back, “Please don’t fight.  Go easy on him and let him live a little, Jimin-ah.” JYP smiled and giggled at his last remark and left.

Jackson brushed his hair out of his face. He buried his face into his palms before he plopped back down into the nearest seat. He let out a long and heavy sighs. He glimpsed up to Jimin who was standing above him.

Jimin’s face was still flushed from frustration, anger and possibly annoyance. He couldn’t help but grinned. He thought to himself how hurried she must had been, to come all the way to the company in her bright-contrasted neon gym clothes without getting change.

“What!?” irritated Jimin.

“You don’t have any make up on.” Jackson lightly to ease of the tension from the meeting and cool off her anger.

“You, !” Jimin smacked Jackson on his muscular arm, which followed by a small ‘ouch’ from him.

“Let’s get out of here. I’ll walk you back to your dorm.” He talked while still looking into her eyes. With a more serious tone, “We can discuss more about my messed up matter after we got you changed into a much more..” he paused. “umm, normal humans clothes.” He smirked and squinted his eyes to scan her mockingly from head to toes earning him another smack on his chest with another ‘ouch’ that followed.

“Fine! You owed me explanations, Mandu. They better be good.” Jimin sassily replied as she made her way out of the room.

“You bloody got me into this screwed up love life or whatever that’s going on of yours. And what now!? Dating show?” Jimin continued with endless grudge. “Dating show, my !”

Jackson quietly watched Jimin’s back as he followed her out of the meeting room. They about to get into an elevator and she still continued her mumbles and complains as she walked. The elevator door opened, he could still hear Jimin’s endless rants as they were getting in.

As expected, Jimin was the kind of girl that was easy to get angry but quick to move on. He was thankful towards her for agreeing to help him out. Although, it was kind of out of her will.

He just couldn’t help but to smile at her endearingly with gratitude.

A/N: So here is the first chapter everyone! You'll get to hear Jackson's side of story and whether him and Youngji are dating or not in the next chapter. Someone is owing our girl, Jimin here a big fat explanation after all haha  I hope you enjoy it. Please subscribe and comment to let me know what you guys think!