"If you love a person, don't give up. Just wait for that person. And if that person won't love you back, wait until your heart voluntarily quits."

Chapter 20: Meet Again

Three years had passed since Taehyung left Seoul, intending to start a new life in America. He had hoped to leave behind the weight of his family’s business, the expectations, and the constant pressure. But life, as always, had other plans. Now, with his parents' company on the verge of bankruptcy, Taehyung had no choice but to return to Seoul and try to salvage what was left of their empire.

The blame for the company’s downfall lay squarely on his parents' reckless spending—extravagant shopping sprees and gambling at casinos had drained their finances, leaving the company struggling. The employees were becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns as wages were slashed and their workloads increased.

Sitting in his mother’s office, Taehyung leaned forward, his gaze intense. “Is there any way to save this company?” he asked, his voice betraying the frustration and helplessness he felt.

His mother’s secretary, Gypseon, sighed deeply, his face etched with the same concern. “Unfortunately, no. We’ve tried to form partnerships with other companies, but they keep rejecting our proposals.”

Taehyung frowned, disbelief clouding his expression. “What do you mean? That’s impossible.”

Gypseon’s tone grew more pointed. “It’s not impossible, but it’s your parents’ fault. They refused Mr. J’s offer. If they had accepted his son’s proposal, we wouldn’t be in this situation. The company would still be standing strong.”

Taehyung’s confusion deepened. “Mr. J’s son? Who is he? What was his offer?”

Dohan, the executive director, rolled his eyes impatiently. “He offered to buy the company. He was willing to take over, but your parents were too proud. They wouldn’t sell. Instead, they chose to keep sinking the company deeper into debt. Now, look at us.”

“Sell the company?” Taehyung repeated, his voice rising with indignation. “This is my family’s legacy. My mother would never sell it!”

Dohan crossed his arms, his expression cold. “Your parents didn’t work for this. It’s all been handed to them. They were too confident, too arrogant, thinking they could outlast the biggest companies in the world without putting in the effort. They didn’t care about the employees. This company might be big in Seoul, but it’s weak globally. They should’ve used their brains.”

Taehyung’s frustration simmered, but he bit his tongue. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to process everything. The weight of his parents’ choices, the pressure on him to fix their mistakes—it was all too much.

“Let’s continue this tomorrow,” Taehyung said, standing up. “Mr. Gypseon, I hope you can find a solution. I’ll be waiting.”

As he walked out of the room, Jin was already waiting for him, his face unreadable.

“We’re going to Mr. J’s company,” Taehyung said, his voice resolute. “Set up the meeting now.”

Jin hesitated, raising an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s... complicated.”

“I’m sure, hyung. I need to speak with his son,” Taehyung replied, his determination unwavering.

“Alright, I’ll arrange it,” Jin said, pulling out his phone to contact Jimin.

The two of them made their way out of the office building, where a car was already waiting for them. The driver opened the door for them, and they slid into the backseat. Taehyung stared out the window, his mind racing with thoughts of the company’s future.

“We’re here,” Jin said, breaking the silence as the car pulled up to J’s company.

Taehyung nodded silently, stepping out of the car. They walked into the sleek, modern building, the tension in the air palpable. Jin followed behind, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, but Taehyung was too focused on the task at hand to notice.

They stepped into the elevator, and Jin’s voice broke the silence. “I’m not allowed to go into the office with you. It’s just you and him.”

Taehyung looked at him, puzzled. “Why not? You’re my personal assistant.”

Jin shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know. Just follow the plan.”

The elevator doors opened, and Taehyung stepped out, walking down the hallway with purpose. But as he entered the office, his steps faltered.

A tall, well-dressed man stood by the desk, a glass of wine in hand. His gaze was sharp, his lips curled into a smirk that sent a chill down Taehyung’s spine.

“It’s nice to meet you, Kim Taehyung,” Jungkook said, his voice smooth, almost mocking.

Taehyung froze in place, the shock of seeing Jungkook again overwhelming him. He had not expected this. His heart pounded in his chest as memories of their past flooded his mind.

“You,” Taehyung whispered, his voice barely audible as he stared at Jungkook, disbelief written all over his face.

Jungkook chuckled softly, taking a slow sip of his wine. “Surprise?” he teased, his eyes glinting with something darker.

Taehyung swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. “It’s nice to meet you too,” he replied, his voice tight. “I’m here to talk about business.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Why so formal? Don’t you want to have a drink with me first?”

Taehyung stood his ground, his resolve firm. “I’m here for work, not for distractions. I don’t have time to waste.”

Jungkook’s eyes darkened, and he set the wine glass down on the desk with a soft clink. “Unfortunately for you, it’s my break time. I’m not interested in talking business right now,” he said, his tone dripping with amusement.

He stood up from the desk and slowly closed the distance between them, his gaze never leaving Taehyung’s. “You know, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Jungkook murmured, his voice low and dangerous. He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning slightly toward Taehyung, who instinctively took a step back.

“Fine,” Taehyung said, his voice strained. “If you’re not interested in talking business, then I’ll leave.” He turned to walk away, but Jungkook’s hand shot out, grabbing his shirt and yanking him back.

Taehyung gasped, his breath catching in his throat as Jungkook pulled him close. Their faces were mere inches apart, the heat from Jungkook’s body radiating against Taehyung’s skin.

“Don’t be so quick to leave,” Jungkook whispered, his lips brushing against Taehyung’s ear. “I’m just having a little fun.”

Taehyung’s heart raced as Jungkook’s breath fanned across his neck, sending shivers down his spine. “Let me go,” Taehyung managed to say, his voice trembling.

But Jungkook only laughed, a dark, knowing sound. “Why would I let you go? You’re here to talk, aren’t you? I’m just making it... interesting.”

Taehyung could barely breathe, the closeness overwhelming him. “We can’t talk like this,” he stammered. “It’s uncomfortable.”

Jungkook’s lips curled into a smirk. “I’m comfortable,” he purred, his hand trailing up Taehyung’s back. “Now, tell me what you need.”

Taehyung’s mind raced, but his body felt like it was frozen. He pushed Jungkook away, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “Let’s talk when you’re sober. There’s no point in discussing anything while you’re drunk.”

Jungkook stepped back, but his grin never faded. “I’m not drunk, Taehyung. I’m just... happy to see you.”

Taehyung turned toward the door, but as he reached for the doorknob, Jungkook slammed it shut behind him.

“Kim Taehyung,” Jungkook’s voice was low and menacing. “You’ve hurt me. And you will regret it. Slowly. Painfully. I’m starting with your parents and their company. I will make them beg, make them kneel in front of me. This is just the beginning of my revenge. Don’t be surprised when you see them rotting in jail. The worst part? It’ll end with their death.”

Taehyung’s eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding in his chest. “Y-you can’t threaten them,” he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

Jungkook stepped closer, his eyes dark and full of fury. “I’ll show no mercy, Taehyung. Not like they did to me.”

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook’s lips crashed onto his, silencing him. The kiss was demanding, full of anger and unresolved tension. Taehyung felt his body go rigid, fear flooding through him. When Jungkook pulled away, his eyes were cold, his voice a low growl.

“I’ll make them pay. And you’ll watch it all happen,” Jungkook promised, his voice void of any warmth, only pure vengeance.

Taehyung stood there, paralyzed by the intensity of the moment, his mind struggling to process the threat hanging in the air.