Chapter Text
The wardrobe lights flickered to life the moment Kim Taehyung stepped inside.
Rows upon rows of impeccably tailored suits stretched before him. Crisp white shirts occupied an entire section, their fabrics so pristine they looked untouched.
His gaze swept across them with scrutiny.
One shirt.
Perfect.
The next.
A faint crease near the cuff.
His expression remained unchanged, though he mentally noted it.
Another shirt bore two shallow wrinkles across the sleeve. And yet another, a barely noticeable fold near the collar.
𝘜𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.
He made a mental note to schedule a meeting with the boutique responsible for the ironing. If their quality had begun to decline, the contract would have to be reconsidered.
Taehyung reached for the flawless shirt, lifting it carefully from its hanger before moving farther into the expansive wardrobe.
His hand paused before a row of tailored suits.
After a brief assessment, he selected a navy-blue three-piece suit—his preferred choice for today's schedule. A matching silk tie soon followed.
At the central display table, neatly arranged accessories rested beneath a glass case.
His eyes wandered over the collection.
Gold.
Platinum.
Onyx.
Then they settled on a pair of diamond cufflinks.
A faint spark lit his eyes. Those would match perfectly.
He picked them up with satisfaction before leaving the cavernous wardrobe. On his way out, he selected a pair of polished leather shoes whose price alone could rival someone's annual salary.
Everything was placed neatly upon the bed.
Without wasting another second, he crossed to the vanity.
An orderly collection of watches, fragrances, skincare, and grooming essentials lined the marble countertop with the same precision as the wardrobe.
His fingers hovered over several perfume bottles before finally choosing one.
Perfect. Just as expected.
The bathroom door swung open. Jeon Jeongguk stepped out, fresh from his shower.
His damp hair had already been brushed back into its signature sleek style, revealing sharp brows and equally sharp eyes. The subtle scent of cedarwood body wash blended with a clean aftershave, following him as he crossed the room.
Years of disciplined training had sculpted his physique into something magazines would gladly feature—broad shoulders, defined arms, and a torso built by relentless mornings in the gym. A simple pair of black Calvin Klein boxers was the only thing preserving his modesty.
His attention shifted toward the omega waiting beside the bed. "Kim Biseo."
He acknowledged his secretary with a formal nod, as though appearing half dressed before him was no more unusual than discussing quarterly reports.
Taehyung returned the nod with equal professionalism. "Good morning, Depyeonim."
Equally unbothered by the fact that his employer was wearing approximately five percent of a complete outfit.
There was a beat of silence.
"Your navy-blue suit is ready," Taehyung informed him.
"Thank you."
That concluded the entirety of their morning interaction regarding the CEO's near-nudity.
Meet the duo: CEO Jeon Jeongguk and his secretary, Kim Taehyung.
And if anyone is wondering why a secretary is standing inside his CEO's bedroom in the morning, the answer is surprisingly boring.
The IT department had suffered what Taehyung would later describe as a catastrophic display of professional negligence, forcing both him and Jeongguk to remain at the office until midnight.
Rather than waste another hour commuting back and forth, Jeongguk had suggested they continue working from his home.
They finally wrapped up at three in the morning.
Three hours later, both were awake again.
By six, they had already finished their workout in the private gym.
Contrary to what any gossip magazine would happily report, this was not the first time Kim Biseo had stayed over.
As a considerate employer, Jeongguk had long ago prepared a guest room exclusively for him.
It was entirely 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭.
Now, inside the CEO's sprawling bedroom, Taehyung had already picked up the tablet resting on the bedside table while Jeongguk dressed in the outfit his secretary had selected earlier that morning.
Neither found anything remotely unusual about the arrangement.
After all, this was simply how they worked.
"I've called the vendor team. They agreed to an urgent meeting today at exactly twelve o'clock." Taehyung informed him, already scrolling through the day's schedule on his tablet.
Jeongguk gave a brief nod. His gaze drifted to the cufflinks. They matched the suit perfectly.
"Arrange a meeting with the Head of HR as well." Jeongguk said, reaching for his tie.
He draped it around his neck before stepping in front of Taehyung. Without a word, Taehyung set the tablet aside.
This, too, was part of his job.
His fingers worked efficiently, tightening the knot until it sat perfectly beneath the crisp collar.
"What are your thoughts on dismissing those employees?" Jeongguk asked while Taehyung adjusted the tie.
"I believe a committee should be formed first." Taehyung replied. "Their level of negligence should be properly assessed before any decision is made."
Satisfied with the tie, he stepped back. Then, after a brief pause, he reached forward once more.
His fingertips brushed lightly over the front of Jeongguk's shirt, smoothing a crease that existed only in his imagination.
"There."
He withdrew as though nothing unusual had happened.
Jeongguk slipped into his blazer before sitting on the edge of the bed to put on his socks and shoes.
"All right." he said. "Add it to the agenda for the HR meeting."
"Already done."
Jeongguk didn't bother asking when. Experience had taught him that Kim Taehyung usually completed tasks several seconds before informing him they had been assigned.
He walked over to the vanity, reaching for the sunscreen and the perfume that had already been placed at the front.
Kim Biseo's choices as always.
"Anything else?" Taehyung asked, tablet in hand.
"That's all."
Jeongguk headed for the bedroom door and opened it, stepping aside to let his secretary leave first.
Taehyung acknowledged the gesture with a small nod before walking past him.
They descended the staircase of the sprawling villa in comfortable silence. Neither considered conversation necessary before breakfast.
The dining room awaited them. Breakfast had already been prepared by the chef, while the housemaids placed the final dishes onto the table with practiced efficiency.
Everyone in the Jeon household knew one thing. Jeon Jeongguk was uncompromising when it came to time. His entire life operated according to a schedule he had designed years ago.
Meetings.
Meals.
Exercise.
Sleep.
Everything had its assigned hour.
Breakfast was served at exactly 7:30 a.m.
Not 7:29.
Certainly not 7:31.
They ate breakfast in silence. Another one of Jeongguk's rules. The dining table was reserved exclusively for food.
Business discussions could wait. Personal matters could wait. Even the world itself could wait until breakfast was over.
Only after the last cup of coffee had been cleared away did they head out for the waiting car. As the sedan pulled away from the villa, Taehyung looked up from the tablet resting on his lap.
"Should I confirm your attendance for tonight's anniversary party?"
"No need." Taehyung made a note.
A moment later, Jeongguk spoke. "Have you received the list of my mother's preferred brides?"
"I have." He scrolled through another document. "However, I've also been informed that Chairman Jeon has prepared his own list. As soon as I verify all the names, I'll brief you."
"Great."
Silence settled inside the car once again. Taehyung continued reviewing documents on his tablet.
"You're coming with me tonight."
His fingers paused. It took Taehyung exactly two seconds to look up. During all his years working for Jeongguk, he had never once attended Mr. and Mrs. Jeon's anniversary party.
"Sir?"
Jeongguk met his questioning gaze. "I want updates on the Finite Co. project throughout the evening."
"Noted." Taehyung replied, adding another reminder to his already overcrowded schedule.
The rest of the day disappeared into an endless cycle of meetings, reports, signatures, and conference calls.
Three hours of sleep did little to slow either of them down.
It had been one hell of a corporate day.
Jeon Jeongguk was not the kind of CEO who raised his voice. He never needed to. A single look from him could silence an entire boardroom. His disappointment was somehow louder than most people's shouting.
By late afternoon, the atmosphere throughout the building had become noticeably quieter. Employees instinctively checked both directions before stepping into the hallway.
Nobody wanted to accidentally cross paths with the CEO while he was in this mood.
By the time evening arrived, both of them were back in the car.
Jeongguk still looked impeccably put together. His hair remained perfectly slicked back.nHis suit hadn't developed a single crease.
It was almost impressive, considering the amount of silent fury he had directed at the corporate world throughout the day.
"I've compiled the complete list of your prospective brides." Taehyung said, turning his tablet toward him. "Including Chairman Jeon's recommendations."
Jeongguk accepted the tablet. An Excel spreadsheet filled the screen. Every candidate occupied exactly one row. Every row contained the same categories.
Name.
Age.
Family Background.
Estimated Net Worth.
Education.
Personal Achievements.
Several had founded successful startups. Most had inherited conglomerates. A few had somehow managed both.
Jeongguk scrolled through the spreadsheet in complete silence before handing the tablet back.
Taehyung accepted it without looking. He already knew that expression. His boss wasn't interested in a single person on the list.
The car came to a stop outside one of the city's most luxurious tailoring boutiques. Their suits had already been prepared.
Taehyung sat in front of the vanity, his attention fixed on his work phone while a makeup artist lightly dusted powder across his face.
His thumb never stopped moving. One email to the Finite Co. manager. Another reply from the legal department. A revised meeting agenda.
"Kim Biseo." Jeongguk's voice cut through the room.
Taehyung looked up. The CEO was ready from head to toe. The tailored suit fit perfectly. His cufflinks caught the light. His hair remained immaculate.
The only thing missing was his tie, hanging neatly around his collar.
It had become an unspoken routine years ago. Jeongguk tied his own tie. Unless Taehyung happened to be present. In that case, he simply waited.
Without a word, Taehyung stood and crossed the room. His fingers worked quickly, tightening the knot until it rested perfectly against the collar.
"Done."
The makeup artist returned, making a few final adjustments to Taehyung's appearance.
A touch of concealer. A little powder.bEnough that he could have passed for an actor preparing for a film set—or an idol waiting backstage before walking on stage.
Jeongguk remained exactly where he was. Even after the tie had been finished.
Only when the makeup artist nodded in satisfaction did the two of them leave the dressing room and step into the boutique's lobby.
‧₊˚✩彡⋆☾ ﾟ
The entrance to the anniversary gala glittered beneath an endless barrage of camera flashes.
Luxury cars arrived one after another, each carrying another heir, chairperson, or executive whose net worth could probably solve a small country's budget deficit.
As the black sedan came to a stop, Jeon Jeongguk stepped out first. Kim Taehyung followed a second later.
Appearing together on a red carpet wasn't unusual for either of them. Appearing together at Mr. and Mrs. Jeon's anniversary party was.
The photographers immediately called for their attention.
"Mr. Jeon!"
"This way!"
"One more!"
Jeongguk offered them a practiced smile while Taehyung stood half a step behind, composed as ever.
After enough photographs had been taken to satisfy tomorrow's newspapers, Jeongguk placed a hand lightly against Taehyung's back guiding him forward through the crowd into the ballroom together.
The party screamed old money. And, if one looked closely enough, probably a little hidden corruption.
Crystal chandeliers hung from impossibly high ceilings. Diamonds sparkled brighter than the lighting. Designer gowns swept across marble floors.
Tailored tuxedos.
Luxury watches.
Business smiles.
Billion-dollar conversations disguised as casual small talk.
It was one hell of a night.
"Abeoji." Jeongguk inclined his head respectfully.
"Eomma." His mother smiled the moment she saw him.
"Ah, Gguk." She pulled him into a brief hug before turning toward Taehyung.
"Kim Biseo. Welcome."
"Congratulations on your anniversary. I apologize for arriving on such short notice. I wasn't able to prepare a gift." Taehyung bowed politely.
His apology was delivered with complete sincerity.
Jeongguk's father laughed. "Your presence is already a gift."
Taehyung accepted the compliment with another courteous bow.
"Come," Chairman Jeon said to his son. "I'd like you to meet Mr. Lee."
The older gentleman standing beside him smiled. "He's practically the king of trade across Asia."
Jeongguk exchanged a firm handshake with the man.
As the conversation continued, he leaned just enough toward Taehyung for only the two of them to hear.
"Is his child on the list?"
Taehyung didn't even need to check. "Number four."
Jeongguk sighed so quietly that only Taehyung noticed.
In the meantime, Mrs. Jeon had successfully claimed Taehyung for herself.
Jeongguk remained occupied across the ballroom, greeting business partners he had known for years. Or rather business partners his father wanted him to greet.
Those were two very different things.
Mrs. Jeon guided Taehyung toward one of the lounge chairs before taking the seat beside him.
Taehyung already knew where this conversation was headed. She wanted information about her son.
Mrs. Jeon smiled warmly. Unfortunately, Taehyung had worked with her long enough to know that smile. It belonged to a very dangerous woman.
A sweet menace. One whose only life goal at the moment was to see her son married.
"I hope my son isn't overworking you."
"He isn't." Taehyung smiled politely.
Mrs. Jeon smiled back. "Such a sweetheart he is."
Sweetheart. The same son who had allowed his secretary exactly three hours of sleep the previous night.
Taehyung wisely chose not to mention that. Instead, he waited. Mrs. Jeon always had a follow-up question.
"How is he doing these days?" she asked casually. "Has anyone caught his interest?"
"Daepyonim is currently focused on securing the position of Chairman. Any distraction at this stage could significantly affect his priorities."
It was the truth. Everyone in the Jeon family knew it. At thirty-two, Jeongguk had already spent eight years proving himself as CEO.
Chairman Jeon had made one thing abundantly clear. Nothing in the company would be inherited. Everything would be earned.
Mrs. Jeon's smile softened.b"A companion should never be considered a distraction." There was genuine sadness in her voice.
She didn't care about shareholders. She wanted grandchildren. Her son, unfortunately, seemed determined to provide quarterly reports instead.
"Kim Biseo." Her tone suddenly became serious.
Taehyung straightened instinctively.
"You have to answer one question honestly."
"Of course."
Mrs. Jeon looked around the ballroom.
Left.
Right.
She even glanced over her shoulder.
Apparently satisfied that no one was listening, she leaned toward him until only he could hear.
"Is he a taker?"
Taehyung blinked.b"I'm sorry?"
Mrs. Jeon stared at him for a long second. "I'm asking, is my son interested in alphas?" she whispered even quieter.
Taehyung promptly inhaled his own saliva. His composure returned exactly six seconds later.
"They're not alphas." Taehyung replied quietly. "Daepyonim's rut companions have always been omegas—male or female."
As his secretary, he handled every confidential arrangement that crossed the CEO's schedule. If anyone knew Jeongguk's preferences, it was him.
The last thing he wanted was for Mrs. Jeon to lose sleep over an entirely imaginary concern.
Mrs. Jeon let out a long sigh of relief. "Well, that is reassuring."
Taehyung silently concluded that Mrs. Jeon's imagination operated without any legal restrictions whatsoever.
"Excuse me for borrowing my secretary, Eomma." Jeongguk appeared beside them, Chairman Jeon following a step behind.
Mrs. Jeon smiled as though she hadn't just attempted to extract classified information from her son's secretary.
"Go ahead."
Taehyung rose from his seat and inclined his head before falling into step beside Jeongguk.
The moment they were out of earshot, Jeongguk lowered his voice. "What's the progress?"
Taehyung already had his work phone in hand. "I'm still in contact with the Finite Co. manager," he reported. "I've requested a Zoom meeting. They're currently within business hours in America, but they haven't responded yet."
Jeongguk gave a single nod. "Keep following up."
"Already doing so."
The notification arrived on the screen. Taehyung looked down at his phone. Jeongguk glanced over from beside him.
For a brief second, neither spoke. Then they looked at each other.
"Finite Co. accepted." Taehyung said. "The Zoom meeting is scheduled for thirty minutes from now."
"Come with me." Jeongguk rested a light hand against Taehyung's waist, guiding him through the crowd before the latter could disappear into another conversation.
Neither of them found the gesture unusual. It was simply the quickest way through a ballroom packed with several hundred guests.
They climbed the grand staircase of the mansion before stopping outside a large wooden door. Jeongguk pushed it open. Taehyung stepped inside.
The room carried the faint scent of Jeongguk's cologne. Bookshelves lined one wall. Old trophies occupied another. Family photographs rested neatly on the shelves.
His 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 bedroom.
"I keep a spare computer here." Jeongguk said, already walking toward the desk.
Taehyung wasn't surprised. Even on what was technically a family celebration, work still managed to follow Jeongguk upstairs.
Taehyung's attention never left his phone as he confirmed the meeting details one final time.
"Kim Biseo."
He looked up. Their eyes met.
"The project will be ours." There wasn't the slightest trace of hesitation in Taehyung's voice.
Jeongguk answered with a small, tight lipped smile. He nodded once. If there was one person whose confidence he trusted without question. It was Kim Taehyung's.
"You should go." Taehyung said as he pulled out the chair and sat down. "If Mrs. Jeon comes looking for you here, she won't let either of us finish this meeting."
"Fair point." Jeongguk almost smiled. Without another word, he left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Taehyung had already joined the Zoom call before the sound of the latch faded.
Jeongguk walked through the quiet corridor. His steps slowed as he noticed a bedroom door left slightly ajar.
His parents' room.
His brows furrowed.
Who was bold enough to sneak into his parents' bedroom during their anniversary party and do nasty.
Curiosity won. He took a careful step closer. Instead of scandal. He found his parents.
"I'm telling you again." Mrs. Jeon insisted. "Kim Biseo said he's not interested in alphas."
What? Jeongguk frowned.
"Then we're left with only one conclusion." His father sighed. "He refuses to settle down."
Jeongguk remained frozen outside the room. So they were talking about him.
"Listen to me." Chairman Jeon continued. "He has to marry. If he doesn't...then I already told you. There will be no Chairman's seat waiting for him."
Jeongguk's eyes widened.
His mother immediately stood. "How can you do that?" she demanded. "He's our only son!"
"You've already made him work eight years for a position that should have been his by birth. I already told you to get this thought out of your mind."
Jeongguk's chest tightened. She knew. His mother had known all along.
Chairman Jeon remained calm. "I made him earn everything because I wanted him to become self-sufficient."
His voice softened. "And I never said he had to marry for the position."
"I said he can't marry his work. Professional success means nothing if he has no personal life."
Silence lingered between them. Finally, Mrs. Jeon sighed. "Then let's just tell him. He deserves to know."
"No." Chairman Jeon shook his head. "Knowing him he'd probably bring home a fake fiancée just to satisfy the requirement."
"I know my own son." A faint smile appeared on his face.
Outside the room, Jeongguk slowly stepped backward.
His thoughts had stopped making sense. No Chairman's seat? Because he wasn't married?After eight years...After everything he'd sacrificed...
The ballroom was just as lively as before. Only Jeongguk's world had gone unnaturally quiet. He descended the staircase, his expression perfectly composed despite the thoughts refusing to leave his mind.
"Gguk!" An arm immediately hooked around his shoulders.
There was only one person in the entire room bold enough to greet Jeon Jeongguk like that.
Park Jimin.
His childhood best friend. His partner in countless school punishments. And, according to Mrs. Jeon, the only person capable of making Jeongguk smile without a scheduled appointment.
Ta-da.
"I missed you." Jimin announced dramatically, complete with an exaggerated pout.
Jeongguk looked at him. "We had lunch together two days ago.
Jimin clicked his tongue.
"Thanks to your ridiculous 'no work during lunch' rule, otherwise later your security escorted me out of the building the second you finished eating."
Jeongguk remained unimpressed. Jimin sighed theatrically.
"Seriously, man." He nudged Jeongguk's shoulder.
"Your father works you like a donkey. You're his only son. The Chairman position is yours anyway. So relax."
Jeongguk's expression barely changed. If only it were that simple.
Everyone assumed the position belonged to him. No one knew the truth. Nothing in the Jeon family was handed over.
Everything: promotion, achievement, authority had to be earned. Apparently that now included getting married
By the time Chairman and Mrs. Jeon returned to the ballroom, Jeongguk had already made up his mind.
He walked straight toward them, leaving Jimin blinking behind him.
"Appa."
Chairman Jeon looked up.
"The Chen family you mentioned earlier?" Jeongguk kept his voice casual. "Have they arrived?"
His mother looked at him as though she'd just witnessed a miracle.
"They have!" Her face brightened instantly.
"Their son returned from the UK just last month." She slipped her arm through Jeongguk's with unmistakable enthusiasm.
"Come. I'll introduce you."
For the first time that evening, Mrs. Jeon saw hope.
The meeting lasted exactly seven minutes. Not that Jeongguk counted. He absolutely counted. The Chen heir was pleasant and well-spoken. Highly educated and polite also. He was a successful omega. Everything a family like theirs could hope for.
Jeongguk listened attentively, asked appropriate questions, maintained perfect eye contact and smiled when required.
Professionally: The meeting was flawless.
Personally: Nothing.
He was objectively attractive. Perhaps even beautiful. But Jeongguk couldn't help noticing the details.
The carefully refined bridge of his nose. The subtle fullness of his lips. A jawline sculpted with the assistance of an exceptionally talented surgeon. Delicate adjustments around the eyes.
Had this omega appeared on one of the confidential rut schedules Kim Biseo arranged every few months.
Jeongguk probably wouldn't have objected.
Three days.
Then life would continue exactly as before.
Marriage, however, required more than three days.
When the conversation finally ended, Jeongguk thanked the Chen heir politely before stepping away.
Jeongguk looked at the list stored on his phone.
Candidate No. 1.
If the very first candidate had failed to interest him. He wasn't particularly optimistic about meeting the remaining thirteen.
The party continued. So did Jeongguk's growing restlessness.
Jimin, meanwhile, remained glued to his side. "and then he smiled."
Jeongguk nodded absentmindedly.
"and you know how his gummy teeth appear when he smiles?"
Another nod.
"and then he made me breakfast."
A third nod.
Oh.
Jeongguk was fairly certain earwax had developed a self defense mechanism. It appeared every single time Park Jimin started talking about his beloved boyfriend.
The mysterious alpha.
The alleged love of his life.
The mythical creature Jeongguk had somehow never met and sincerely hoped it would remain mythical.
"He's such a sweetheart." Jimin sighed dreamily.
Jeongguk released a slow breath. He wasn't entirely sure why the alpha was a sweetheart this time. It had become difficult to distinguish today's story from the previous one hundred and five.
"He is poor." Jeongguk observed flatly. Jimin immediately smacked his arm. "Ow."
"You cannot judge someone's worth by their financial status." Jimin huffed.
Jeongguk's gaze wandered across the ballroom. It landed on Kim Taehyung. His secretary was making his way down the grand staircase, phone tucked neatly into his pocket.
Their eyes met. Taehyung smiled. It was the smile Jeongguk knew well. The project succeeded with a smile. They had secured the contract.
Jeongguk smiled back almost instinctively. Not only had they won one of the biggest projects of the year, he was about to secure something else, too.
His future.
Jeongguk's gaze drifted to Jimin's hands. "The ring your poor alpha gave you," he said casually. "Where is it?"
Jimin beamed like a fool in love. He reached beneath his shirt and pulled out a thin silver chain. Hanging from it was a simple ring.
"It's close to my heart." he said dreamily, clutching it with a lovesick smile.
Jeongguk looked at the ring. Then at Jimin. A slow smirk spread across his face. Without warning, he reached forward and lifted the necklace over Jimin's head.
"Hey!" Jimin yelped, stumbling after him. "Ow! Jeon Jeongguk!"
Ignoring the protests, Jeongguk deftly slipped the ring off the chain.
"What are you doing?" Jimin cried, swatting at his hand. "Give it back!"
Jeongguk held the ring just out of reach, amusement dancing in his eyes as Jimin continued trying and failing to snatch it back.
"Jeon Jeongguk!"
"I'm borrowing this two cent ring."
"It is emotionally priceless!"
"I'll return it."
"When?"
Jeongguk slid the ring into his pocket. "Soon."
Then he smiled. It wasn't his usual polite corporate smile. It was the smile he wore whenever he'd just made an incredibly reckless decision.
Jimin knew that smile. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, he suddenly had a very bad feeling.
‧₊˚✩彡⋆☾ ﾟ
The soft feedback of the microphone echoed through the ballroom.
"Testing" Jeongguk's voice carried easily across the hall.
Conversations gradually came to a stop. Hundreds of eyes turned toward the stage. Jeon Jeongguk stood behind the podium, one hand resting casually against it.
"So!" He smiled. "Good evening, everyone."
A chorus of greetings answered him.
"I think we can all agree" He glanced around the beautifully decorated ballroom. "it's a rather romantic evening."
A few whistles and cheers rose from the crowd. Jeongguk chuckled.
"I suppose that's what happens after thirty-five years of marriage."
Laughter spread through the room. He turned toward his parents.
"Eomma."
"I love you."
He blew her an exaggerated flying kiss. Mrs. Jeon laughed before blowing one back without the slightest hesitation. Jeongguk dramatically clutched his chest.
Then he looked at his father.
"Appa."
"Yeah you too."
Chairman Jeon scrunched his nose in mock offense.
The guests burst into laughter. Even he couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from lifting.
"This man is a terrifying businessman."He pointed toward his father.
More laughter.
"But."
His expression softened.
"He's an even better husband."
Mrs. Jeon instinctively slipped her hand around her husband's arm, cheeks warming despite all the years they'd spent together.
Chairman Jeon looked away with the dignity of a man refusing to admit he was touched.
It failed completely.
"I grew up watching these two." Jeongguk continued, gesturing toward his parents.
"Their love."
"Their arguments."
"Their inability to agree on absolutely anything."
The guests laughed.
"It was educational."
Mrs. Jeon gasped dramatically.
"We do not argue!"
Chairman Jeon looked at her.
"We argued this morning."
Laughter rippled through the ballroom. Jeongguk smiled.
"So, Happy anniversary, you two old people." The applause was immediate. His parents accepted it with matching smiles. Jeongguk waited for the room to quiet again.
"But~I'd like to steal the spotlight for just a moment."
The ballroom fell silent. His fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around the microphone.
"I have something important to announce." His heartbeat suddenly became much louder than the applause had been.
"I grew up watching love." A small smile appeared. "I think I've found it."
Across the ballroom Park Jimin's eyes became alarmingly round. Mrs. Jeon stopped blinking. Chairman Jeon slowly lowered his wine glass.
Meanwhile
Kim Taehyung stood near the refreshments, listening to the speech with polite attention. His brows drew together.
𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵?
That couldn't be right.
He mentally reviewed the last three months. No dating schedules or unusual reservations or repeated meetings with any particular omega.
He frowned slightly. Perhaps love at first sight with someone from the bridal candidate list? It was possible, unlikely but possible.
He quietly made a mental note to update Ceo Jeon's personal profile after the party. Accuracy in company records was important.
"As for when, how, why" Jeongguk laughed softly. "I couldn't tell you."
"Because I don't know either." He shrugged.
A few guests chuckled. Jeongguk stepped away from the podium, the microphone now resting loosely in his hand.
His eyes found Kim Taehyung in the crowd.
"Maybe" Jeongguk spoke slowly. "It started when I was in high school." His gaze never left Taehyung. "When there was this senior who always ranked first in every exam."
Taehyung frowned.
"Maybe he was kind enough to tutor me in the library whenever I was hopelessly behind." Jeongguk smiled faintly. "It might have started there."
Taehyung's breath caught. There had only ever been one senior who tutored Jeon Jeongguk after school.
"Maybe." Jeongguk's voice softened. "it was when I met him again."
"Years later when I returned to the country, he was already working in our company."
He stepped away from the podium.
"Maybe it was when I made him my closest colleague."
"The one who somehow spends more time with me than I spend with myself." Jeongguk smiled.
Still his eyes never left Taehyung.
"Maybe it was when his work never once became a burden or when I realized he solved my problems before I even knew they existed."
Another step.
"Maybe, It was when I discovered he was somehow more punctual than I was."
A few executives exchanged amused looks. That statement alone was almost unbelievable.
"More meticulous."
"More organized."
"And infinitely more patient."
Another step. The crowd silently moved aside for him. Creating a path straight toward Kim Taehyung.
Taehyung stood there like a deer caught in headlights. His mind had stopped processing information somewhere around high school.
"Maybe" Jeongguk smiled to himself. "it was when he walked into my personal space every single day without either of us ever realizing how close he'd become."
Now they stood only a few feet apart. Jeongguk looked up at him. Taehyung looked back. Jeongguk slowly lowered himself onto one knee.
The entire ballroom collectively forgot how to breathe.
Across the ballroom, Mrs. Jeon's eyes widened. Her son's secretary. So that was why. That was why Jeongguk had never shown the slightest interest in anyone from the endless parade of eligible omegas.
Chairman Jeon looked equally stunned. Neither of them had seen this coming.
"Maybe" Jeongguk's voice was quieter now. "he became my partner in every success."
He smiled up at Taehyung. "Just like today."
His fingers slipped into his pocket. The ring caught the light as he held it between them.
"Kim Biseo, I want to spend a very long time with you."
"Not only professionally but personally."
He held the ring out.
"I want you to be my omega."
"My fiancé."
"My husband."
"My everything."
Silence.
Mrs. Jeon clasped both hands over her mouth. Her eyes had already begun to water. Ah, my son is a romantic. Beside her, Chairman Jeon looked as though he had just watched an unexpected corporate merger.
"May I?" Jeongguk looked into Taehyung's eyes.
Taehyung stared at him. His thoughts had abandoned him several sentences ago. Every carefully organized file in his brain appeared to have crashed simultaneously.
He swallowed. "Yes."
The ballroom erupted into applause.
Mrs. Jeon cried openly. Chairman Jeon quietly accepted that he had been spectacularly wrong about his son.
Park Jimin wasn't looking at the newly engaged couple.
He was glaring at one thing.
The ring.
His ring.
On Kim Taehyung's finger.
Jimin pointed dramatically. "Kiss!"
Jeongguk looked over at him. Jimin smiled at the smile of a man seeking revenge.
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Jeongguk narrowed his eyes.
Traitor. Absolute traitor of a best friend.
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Mrs. Jeon immediately joined in. Within seconds, the entire ballroom had picked it up.
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
The chant echoed through the hall.
Taehyung's eyes grew impossibly wide. This had not been listed anywhere in tonight's schedule.
Jeongguk let out the quietest sigh. There was no escaping now. He stepped closer. Close enough that only Taehyung could hear him. "May I?"
Taehyung looked completely frozen. After a long second he gave the smallest nod.
Jeongguk gently cupped his face. His thumb rested lightly against Taehyung's cheek.
He leaned in to give a soft, fleeting kiss.
Oh.
His brain supplied exactly one coherent thought.
So,
That's what kissing Kim Taehyung feels like.
‧₊˚✩彡⋆☾ ﾟ
By the end of the night history had quietly been made.
The Jeons' thirty-fifth anniversary was no longer the event people would remember. It had become the night Jeon Jeongguk got engaged to his secretary.
Every conversation somehow found its way back to the newly engaged couple. Congratulations followed them through the ballroom. So did curious glances.
One detail, however, drew more attention than anything else.
The ring.
It wasn't a custom designer piece. It bore no extravagant gemstone, no recognizable luxury signature. To most of the guests, it looked almost inexpensive.
A few discreet glances were exchanged.
Surely, Jeon Jeongguk—the country's most sought-after bachelor and heir to one of the largest conglomerates—would have chosen something far grander.
Yet no one voiced the thought aloud.
Instead, they assumed it was a deliberate choice. A statement of understated elegance. After all, old-money families had long abandoned the need to flaunt their wealth. True luxury was often the quietest kind.
The only person who knew the truth was Park Jimin. Who watched his emotionally priceless two cent ring sparkle under the ballroom lights with profound personal grief.
Meanwhile Kim Taehyung had yet to return to reality. His entire nervous system appeared to have submitted its resignation.
He simply moved wherever people guided him. Someone congratulated him, he bowed. Someone shook his hand, he smiled politely. Someone asked how long they had been dating, he wasn't entirely certain what language they were speaking anymore.
Mrs. Jeon refused to leave his side. She fussed over him constantly.
"Have something to drink."
"You look pale."
"Sit down for a minute."
Whenever Taehyung became too overwhelmed to respond, Jeongguk quietly stepped in.
"He's had a long day."
"He'll answer later."
"He needs a moment."
Every small gesture drew another chorus of delighted sighs from the guests.
"Look how considerate Jeon is."
"They're adorable."
"They suit each other so well."
Taehyung heard none of it. His brain was still trying to process one very simple fact.
He had arrived at work that morning as Kim Taehyung, Secretary. And was apparently going home as Kim Taehyung, Fiancé.
‧₊˚✩彡⋆☾ ﾟ
Eventually, Taehyung booked a taxi. Mrs. Jeon had insisted he stay the night. "My future son-in-law shouldn't be traveling this late."
Taehyung had politely declined three separate times. She had politely ignored all three.
"Eomma, He barely slept last night. Let my fiancé have his beauty sleep in his own place." It was Jeongguk who finally intervened.
"Fine but only because he's exhausted." Mrs. Jeon looked unconvinced.
Taehyung bowed gratefully before escaping toward the waiting cab. The door had barely closed when Jeongguk leaned down beside the open window.
"I should've driven you home."
It was a familiar routine. Tonight Taehyung refused.
Silence settled between them.bFor once Kim Taehyung had absolutely nothing to say.
Jeongguk rubbed the back of his neck.
"Kim Biseo, If we hadn't survived on three hours of sleep and if today hadn't been completely insane. I would've talked to you properly. There are quite a few things we need to discuss."
Taehyung looked at him. His lips parted. Then closed again. He simply nodded. Words. For perhaps the first time in years had completely abandoned Kim Taehyung.
The driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror.
"Sir! Should I go?"
Neither of them answered immediately. After another long moment, Taehyung nodded once. "Yes."
The taxi slowly pulled away.
Jeongguk stood on the curb, watching the taillights disappear into the night. Only after the car was completely gone did he turn around.
Three familiar faces were waiting for him.
Mrs. Jeon.
Chairman Jeon.
Park Jimin.
All three had their arms crossed. All three were staring at him.
Jeongguk sighed. "I will neither answer nor entertain any questions tonight." He pointed at each of them in turn.
Then he walked past them toward the mansion.
Jimin looked at the Jeons. "As his best friend, it is my sacred duty to collect all available tea." He pointed accusingly at the couple. "You two are his parents, do your jobs."
"Did he just assign us homework?"Mrs. Jeon blinked.
"I believe he did." Chairman Jeon nodded thoughtfully.
Jimin ignored them and hurried after Jeongguk. Besides, he had a far more urgent mission. Recover his ring and possibly murder his best friend.
"JEON JEONGGUK!" Jimin slammed both palms against the bedroom door. "Open up!"
The door swung open almost immediately.
Before Jeongguk could say a word, Jimin shoved him backward. The CEO stumbled onto the bed. Jimin climbed on after him without a shred of dignity.
"Where the fuck is my ring."
He grabbed Jeongguk by the front of his shirt.
Jeongguk looked remarkably calm. "It's currently on my fiancé's finger."
Jimin grabbed a fistful of Jeongguk's hair. "You pathological liar! You told me you were borrowing it!"
"I am borrowing it."
"YOU PROPOSED WITH IT!. Jimin shook him violently. "My alpha spent three months saving for that ring!"
Jimin tightened his grip on Jeongguk's hair. "I want it back right now."
"Jimin." Jeongguk winced. "Please release my hair."
"No."
"Your ring saved my future."
Jimin tightened his grip even more.
"Jimin! My scalp."
Only after another dramatic second did Jimin finally let go. Jeongguk immediately ran a hand through his thoroughly abused hair.
"My father plans to disinherit me" He exhaled slowly.
"What?"
"I overheard my parents. They were talking about the Chairman's position." Jeongguk looked down at the floor. "If I don't settle down he won't give me the presidency."
"Are you absolutely sure you're not adopted?"
Jeongguk looked up. "I've considered the possibility."
"And what exactly does your imaginary loss of a position you don't even officially have yet have to do with my ring?" Jimin pointed accusingly.
Jeongguk looked at him as though the answer were obvious.
"Appa wants me to get married and settle down. He deliberately never told me because he assumed I'd bring home a fake fiancé just to satisfy the condition."
"You literally did exactly what your father predicted." Jimin shrieked.
"Regardless, there wasn't a better choice than Kim Biseo." Jeongguk sighed.
"You two certainly committed to the performance." Jimin rolled his eyes.
"Well there is one small issue." Jeongguk scratched the back of his neck.
Jimin suddenly became very still. "What issue?"
"Kim Biseo doesn't know." Jeongguk smiled awkwardly.
"What? He doesn't know it's a fake engagement, and yet..." Jimin's eyes grew impossibly wide.
"HE ACCEPTED?" His voice echoed through the room.
Jeongguk lunged across the bed and clamped a hand over Jimin's mouth. "Keep your voice down!"
Jimin shoved his hand away. Now whispering as though discussing state secrets, he repeated, "And yet he accepted your proposal?"
Jeongguk nodded.
"You are so unbelievably screwed."
"He's Kim Biseo. My secretary, my perfect secretary." Jeongguk sounded almost offended that Jimin would even question it.
"He can predict the outcome of a board meeting before anyone opens the presentation. He probably understood the situation the moment I walked onto that stage."
"You really believe that? He simply played along." Jimin folded his arms. "What if he genuinely thought you were proposing to him?"
Jeongguk looked at him and let out a disbelieving laugh. "Impossible."
"You sounded pretty convincing."
"It wasn't real." Jeongguk shrugged. "I'll explain everything tomorrow and I'll return the ring your poor boyfriend gave you."
He opened the bedroom door. "Now go home, I want to sleep."
Before Jimin could protest again the door closed in his face. Jimin stared at the wood for several long seconds. "He's an idiot."
Jeongguk loosened his tie before dropping onto the bed. He smiled to himself.
"Kim Biseo." A small chuckle escaped him. There was simply no way Taehyung had misunderstood.
Kim Taehyung anticipated meetings before they were scheduled. Solved problems before they existed. Remembered deadlines nobody else knew about.
If anyone could read between the lines, It was him. Surely, he had realized the proposal was only a temporary arrangement.
‧₊˚✩彡⋆☾ ﾟ
Jeongguk's confidence remained completely intact. At exactly 6:00 a.m., his phone vibrated.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦: 𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐓𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐧𝐠
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Jeongguk smiled.
He opened the email.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to inform you of today's revised schedule.
The meeting with Silk Heights has been moved to a later time slot.
The urgent meeting regarding the Proposal Evaluation has been rescheduled to the first meeting of the day.
All supporting documents will be shared at the commencement of the meeting.
Kindly confirm your availability.
Yours sincerely,
Kim Taehyung
Jeongguk's smile stretched from ear to ear.
Kim Biseo had already rearranged the day's schedule. The proposal discussion had been given the highest priority.
Exactly as expected. His secretary truly anticipated everything.
Jeongguk tapped out a quick reply.
Confirmed.
See you at the office.
He set his phone aside, completely at ease. They were finally going to discuss the fake engagement properly.
‧₊˚✩彡⋆☾ ﾟ
CEO Jeon Jeongguk walked into the company in a noticeably different mood from the previous day.
Yesterday he had resembled a dragon prepared to incinerate anyone who arrived five minutes late. Today he looked almost cheerful.
Employees exchanged confused glances. One receptionist nearly dropped her coffee. Jeongguk acknowledged everyone with his usual professional nod. Occasionally he even smiled.
Rumors spread across the building before he reached the executive floor.
At exactly 9:00 a.m. He stepped into his office. Kim Taehyung was already there.
Taehyung had occupied the adjoining secretary's desk since Jeongguk's second week as CEO.
Officially, they shared the executive office. Unofficially, everyone agreed the office belonged equally to both of them.
"Good morning, Kim Biseo." Jeongguk smiled.
"Good morning, Daepyonim." Taehyung bowed politely.
"You've scheduled an urgent meeting."
"Yes." Taehyung nodded. "I've already prepared the presentation."
Jeongguk's smile widened. Exactly what he expected. Kim Biseo always arrived with solutions. No matter how complicated the situation, his secretary somehow managed to organize it into a plan.
"I've set everything up in the meeting room."
"Excellent." Jeongguk gestured toward the adjoining conference room. "Let's have a look."
The two of them walked side by side.
Jeongguk couldn't help smiling to himself. Where else could he possibly find another employee like Kim Taehyung?
A man who willingly sacrificed sleep worked impossible hours and still anticipated problems before they were spoken aloud.
Jeongguk quietly decided to increase Taehyung's monthly performance bonus.
It seemed well deserved.
Beside him, Taehyung carried his laptop with complete composure. Taehyung connected his laptop to the projector. The screen flickered to life. A title slide appeared.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Jeongguk smiled, leaning comfortably against the back of his chair.
"First of all," Taehyung began, remote in hand, "I'd like to express my sincere gratitude."
"You honored me by proposing." He inclined his head slightly.
"Oh, Kim Biseo." Jeongguk chuckled.
"There wasn't anyone more deserving." He folded his arms comfortably.
Maybe a thirty percent bonus?
No.
Forty.
"However" Taehyung clicked to the next slide.
"After thoroughly evaluating your proposal."
"I have reached the conclusion that I must respectfully reject it."
Jeongguk blinked. "WaHht?"
"I have prepared supporting evidence to demonstrate that my decision is neither impulsive nor emotional." Taehyung continued as though nothing unusual had happened.
"You prepared a presentation to reject me?" Jeongguk's voice sounded oddly distant.
"Yes." Taehyung nodded. "I believed a decision of this magnitude deserved sufficient justification."
Jeongguk slowly looked toward the corner of the screen.
Slides: 69
His eyes twitched.
Sixty-nine.
Was he really being rejected for sixty-nine separate reasons?
He, Jeon Jeongguk: the country's most sought after bachelor. An alpha whose name alone made countless omegas' hearts race and whose marriage prospects were the subject of endless speculation among elite families.
Kim Taehyung had prepared sixty-nine slides explaining why marrying him was a terrible idea.
His self esteem quietly filed a resignation letter.
Across the table Taehyung waited politely. "Shall I begin?"
"Go ahead." Jeongguk swallowed.
If he was going to be professionally rejected, he might as well hear the executive summary first.