Chapter 17: Hidden Truths

The tour around Jungkook's company started as an exhilarating experience for Taehyung. From the moment they arrived, Jungkook's possessive arm wrapped firmly around Taehyung's waist, drawing curious glances from the employees. Taehyung couldn't help but marvel at the grandiose structure of the company, the polished floors reflecting the luxurious decor, and the bustling yet orderly atmosphere of the staff working efficiently.

"This place is incredible," Taehyung said, his eyes wide as he took in the enormous atrium, adorned with intricate sculptures and a cascading fountain in the center.

"I knew you'd like it," Jungkook responded with a satisfied smirk, his grip on Taehyung tightening ever so slightly. "Everything you see here, I built from the ground up. But enough about that. Let me show you the heart of the operation."

As they moved from department to department, Jungkook introduced Taehyung to key members of his staff. They all seemed professional, though their glances lingered a bit too long on Taehyung. He could feel the unspoken questions in their eyes, but Jungkook's commanding presence silenced any potential whispers.

After visiting several floors, Taehyung excused himself to use the restroom. Jungkook reluctantly let go of him, instructing him to return quickly. "Don't get lost," he said with a teasing grin, though his eyes carried an edge of seriousness.

Taehyung nodded and made his way to the restroom. After finishing, he was drying his hands with a tissue when faint voices from the women's restroom caught his attention. He didn't mean to eavesdrop, but the mention of Jungkook's name made him pause.

"Did you see how he was clinging to that guy?" one woman said, her voice dripping with curiosity.

"Yeah, I've never seen Mr. Jeon act like that with anyone. He's always so cold and distant," another chimed in. "But with him? It's like he's a completely different person."

"Who do you think he is? A friend? A boyfriend? It's so strange. Mr. Jeon doesn't even let anyone get close to him."

"What's even stranger," the first woman whispered, "is the rumors about his personal life. People say a woman and a child are often seen entering his mansion, but no one knows who they are. Isn't that weird? Mr. Jeon, a father? Doesn't seem like it, right?"

It seemed like they were unaware of Jungkook's relationship status. Hearing footsteps approaching, Taehyung quickly ducked back into the men's restroom, waiting until the voices faded away.

When he returned to Jungkook, the man was standing alone, leaning casually against a wall. His piercing gaze softened when he saw Taehyung. "Took you long enough," Jungkook teased, his tone light. "Let's go have lunch."

"Where's the staff that was with us earlier?" Taehyung asked, glancing around.

"I told them to get back to work. It's just us now," Jungkook replied, his hand once again finding its place on Taehyung's waist. "I figured you'd prefer it this way."

Taehyung hesitated but nodded. "Alright. Let's eat. But I'm paying for lunch this time," he declared with a determined smile.

Jungkook chuckled, his grip on Taehyung tightening. "Don't be ridiculous. You're under my care, baby. It's my responsibility to take care of you."

Taehyung pouted, his puppy eyes on full display. "Then let me treat you later instead?"

Jungkook's stern expression softened into a rare smile. "Fine, but only because you look adorable when you beg." He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Taehyung's forehead, leaving the latter blushing.

As they pulled into the restaurant parking lot, Jungkook's phone vibrated incessantly. The persistent ringing filled the otherwise quiet space, grating on both their nerves. Jungkook's expression darkened, and he kept declining the call, his jaw tightening each time.

"Jungkook, maybe you should answer it," Taehyung finally said, breaking the silence. "It seems important. And if you don't, it might keep bothering us during lunch."

Jungkook glanced at him, irritation flickering in his eyes before softening slightly. He sighed, his shoulders relaxing. "Fine. You're right." He leaned over, brushing a stray hair from Taehyung's forehead. "You go inside first. I've already made a reservation for us."

Taehyung nodded, smiling softly. "Okay. Don't take too long, though." He stepped out of the car, the sound of his footsteps fading as he made his way into the restaurant.

The moment Taehyung was out of sight, Jungkook's calm facade cracked. His tongue poked the inside of his cheek in annoyance as he reluctantly answered the call.

"What do you want?" he barked, his voice cold and cutting.

The man on the other end stammered, his tone frantic. "Boss, I need your help. Yoongi... he caught one of us. It's bad. Real bad."

Jungkook's brow furrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly masked it. "How the hell did that happen?" he demanded, his voice lowering into a dangerous growl.

"He... he turned the tables on us. We thought we had him cornered, but he fought back. Hard. I barely escaped. I'm hiding now, but I don't know how long I can stay safe."

Jungkook clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white as he processed the information. He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back in frustration. "Where are you now? Were you followed?"

"I don't think so," the man replied, his voice trembling. "I'm safe for the moment, but I can't be sure. Please, Boss, I need your help."

Jungkook's jaw tightened, his mind already racing. His tone shifted, softening into something deceptively reassuring. "Stay where you are. Keep your head down. I'll handle it. We'll meet later, and I'll make sure everything is taken care of."

The man let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Boss. I knew I could count on you."

Jungkook ended the call, his expression darkening. He leaned back in his seat, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. His mind churned with plans-not to save the man, but to eliminate him.

"Useless fool," Jungkook muttered under his breath. He couldn't afford loose ends, not with Yoongi sniffing around. If this man had failed so miserably, he was a liability.

Jungkook smirked coldly, his earlier irritation melting into calculated malice. He would ensure the man never had the chance to jeopardize his plans again. But for now, he had to focus on Taehyung. After all, the game he was playing required precision, and he couldn't let his facade slip.

Taking a deep breath, Jungkook adjusted his expression into one of calm indifference and stepped out of the car. By the time he entered the restaurant, he was once again the attentive and doting Jungkook Taehyung expected. But behind that charming smile, a storm was brewing.