"Hurry up, Cheng”, Taehyung said, as he scrolled through his phone. “Yeah, just a minute”, Ji Cheng replied, increasing speed. He swiftly applied eyeshadow and lip balm on Taehyung’s lips. He stared at them for a while, the baby pink colour attracting him. “What are you staring at?” Cheng shook his head and smiled, standing straight. “All done. Come on, now go”, Cheng said. Taehyung didn’t bother to nod. He put on his on-set clothes and walked out of the makeup room.

Cheng sighed as he put cleared the mess and put everything back in its place. The only reason why he had taken this job was because of the mighty Kim Taehyung.

At the shooting site, everyone was moved by Taehyung’s acting skills. He really enacted the role of a heartbroken man very well. He cried real tears as if he had really experienced the feeling. Well, that was not all false. He was heartbroken. But not by love. By his parents. And his grandparents’ death.

Everyone clapped and hooted when Taehyung finished the scene. His manager, William, ran across the ground to give him water. Director Joe clapped Taehyung on his back. “I’m continuously being amazed by you” Taehyung just smiled and nodded. He heard a sound of metal scraping the floor the same time he got pushed with force. The bottle fell from his hands and fell on the floor, spilling water everywhere. Taehyung landed on the floor with a thud. He winced at the pain. A shadow formed on top of his head, and he rolled in time to see a light stand come crashing down. Right where he was a second ago.

Taehyung huffed as Cheng rushed to his side. “Hyung! Are you alright?” Taehyung nodded slightly, out of breath. His eyes fell on William, who was standing still as a statue. “You!”, Taehyung shouted. “Why did you push me?!” The staff and Director Joe turned to look at Willaim, who was shaking. “I-It’s your fault!”, William shouted. “What the h*ll are you talking about!?”, Taehyung said. William backed away a step. “You...you ruined me. You took everything away from me!”

“What!? I didn’t take anything from you”, Taehyung said, standing up. William laughed as he took another step back. “Oh, your father did! He had fired my dad from his company, which had left us in debt. He’s now gone, and I’m working as your manager to help my mom clear it”

“What? I have nothing to do with my dad. I don’t work with him”, Taehyung said.

“You may not, but I still hold you accountable as you’re his son. My dad...killed himself because he couldn’t provide us anymore. He wasn’t getting a job anywhere. My mom is now depressed because of her husband’s death!”

Taehyung breathed. “I’m so sorry, William. But, it has nothing to do with me” Joe noticed William had reached the end of the site, near the door. “Security!”, he shouted. William immediately started running away. Before he could open the door and get away, the security grabbed him. They tackled him to the floor and cuffed his hands. “You won’t get away, I promise you, Kim Taehyung!”, William shouted before they took him away.

Taehyung sighed as the director and the staff started packing up. “Hey, are you okay, Hyung?”, Cheng asked. “I’m fine, Cheng”, Taehyung said unconvincingly, and walked away. Leaving Cheng staring at his back.

...………...

Taehyung closed his laptop, picked up his phone and was about to leave when someone entered in his office. “Hey, Jimin. I was coming t-"

Jimin hugged him tightly. Taehyung’s arms were around him a moment later. Jimin rubbed his cheek on Taehyung’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Tae” Taehyung smiled as they parted, ruffling Jimin’s hair. “Were you praying for me? Because that’s the only reason I’m okay” Jimin laughed as they walked to the elevator. “Yeah, I was. I pray for you everyday”

“Where is Jin, though?”, Taehyung asked as he pressed a number in the elevator. Jimin pulled out his phone. “He left his office before me. Joon came to pick him up”, he said. Taehyung nodded. “So, how was your day?” Jimin shrugged. “It was fine. Just tiring. I did shooting, then worked on my upcoming song, then again shooting”

“Hey, what about that rapper you were talking about collaborating with?”, Taehyung asked.

“Min Yoongi? Yeah, he said he’s busy. He’s working on his new album, apparently”, Jimin replied.

The elevator opened and they walked out, greeting the receptionist as they passed by her. Taehyung had just nodded. “So, no collaboration to look forward to?”, Taehyung said, as they made their way to his car. Though Jimin had his own car, he sometimes took a ride with Taehyung. Jimin sighed as he got into the car, closing the door. “No. I mean yes, no collaboration” Taehyung started the car and they pulled out of JinHit Entertainment’s parking lot. “Well, I like his songs”, he said. Jimin chuckled. “So what?” Taehyung grinned. “So, I wanna hear my favourite singers’ collab” Jimin chuckled and ruffled Taehyung’s hair. “I’m number 1 though, right?”, he asked playfully. Taehyung pretended to hesitate while answering, getting a playful punch on his arm.

After a while, they reached Sunshine Restaurant, their favourite place to eat all kinds of delicious food. It was the most popular restaurant in Seoul, and 2nd most popular overall South Korea. Taehyung and Jimin entered, and found Namjoon and Jin already eating at their usual table in the corner. “Couldn’t wait for us, Jin?”, Taehyung said, as he and Jimin sat down opposite NamJin. “I wanted to, but I was so hungry. By the way, are you alright?”, Jin said, his mouth full of food. “Yeah, what even happened? Jin said he doesn’t know the details. Just that you fell...”, Namjoon said.

Taehyung nodded. “I’m alright. It was all planned by my manager, William. He’s probably in jail now” Jimin drank some juice and passed Taehyung food. “You have to get a new manager, right?”, he asked. Taehyung nodded. “Yeah. Jin, you can help me interview the candidates” Namjoon munched his food. “Have you spread the word that there’s a vacancy?” Taehyung shook his head. “I’m hoping Jin would tell JinHit’s website developers to put out the job offer” Jin nodded. “I’ll contact them when I get home”

After dinner, they ordered dessert. They talked about their day. Taehyung sat back, relaxed, watching his favourite people in the world talk. Jimin had known him before they had even learnt how to walk. They went to school, college and university together. After graduating, Taehyung was recruited by JinHit Entertainment, which boosted his acting career. He credits Jin for his success. He and Jin became very close. He had resolved not to work in any company other than JinHit. Taehyung had then introduced his soulmate, as they both had then come to realise what they were to each other, Jimin to Jin. Jin knew the soulmates were natural at acting, but he also found out that Jimin had an angelic voice. Time went by, and after 3 years when Jin knew that he could trust VMin forever, he introduced Namjoon to them. VMin then found out that their boss was actually gay, and they still loved him. The duo also became close with Namjoon, who was a partner at a very large law firm.

Taehyung came out of his reverie as Jimin snapped his fingers in front of his face. “Where were you lost, dumbhead?”

Taehyung smiled. “Just thinking how I have the most wonderful people by my side”

Jeon Jungkook groaned as someone pulled his blanket away. “Come on! Wake up, sleepyhead” Jungkook sat up and ran a hand through his hair. “What time is it?”, he asked, his voice husky.

“Late enough for you to quickly take a shower, dess up and eat”

Jungkook watched Yoongi fold the blanket and put it neatly on the bed. “Why don’t you get some maids?”, he asked. Yoongi sighed. “You know I like my privacy” Jungkook smirked and got up, and stretched his limbs. “Yeah? Then why am I in your house since the last 3 months?” Yoongi folded his arms against his chest. Jungkook threw up his hands. “What? I’m just asking because you like your privacy”

Yoongi shook his head, smiling. “Fool. If I hadn’t saved you, you would’ve been robbed by those...gangsters and would probably be lying somewhere in the gutter”

Jungkook finished his breakfast and stood up, wearing his jacket. “I should get going” Yoongi looked up from his breakfast and newspaper. “You sure I couldn’t drop you off?” Jungkook smiled. “You know I’m not going somewhere. I’m just...wandering around. Looking for a job”

“You could work where I work”

“Ming Entertainment? Nah, it’s too crowded”

“Seems like that”

Jungkook sighed. “You know Ming doesn’t pay well to small jobs like manager or makeup artist. It only focuses on it’s stars. Like you” Yoongi chuckled. “It’s true. But be careful out there. Call me if you need anything”

...………...

Taehyung yawned as he checked emails on his laptop. He hadn’t slept soundly last night. Everytime he started to fall asleep, the nightmare woke him up. The nightmare that he was being crushed brutally by many giant light stands. He had nightmares since he was a child, the result of being ignored and tortured by his parents. He had truied meditation, medication, and what not. But, he wasn’t getting better. He was lucky that he hasn’t got depressed.

The door knocked and Jin entered. “What ya doing, pal?” Taehyung yawned as he answered, “Just checking emails. What happened?” Jin sat opposite Taehyung. “The job notice is up on our website. And we’ve got, like, 50 candidates already”, Jin said. “Then let’s interview them”, Taehyung said. Jin sighed. “If you can do it alone, then it’s good. Because I have a meeting right now. And then I have to get a few important things done before this afternoon”

Taehyung drummed his fingers on his wooden desk. “It’s fine. But we don’t have time for so many interviews. I have to shoot a scene this afternoon” Jin leaned back. “Then I’ll do something. You just catch up on your sleep”

“Is it that obvious?”

Jin smiled, getting up and adjusted his suit. “You look like you just came back from running around the globe”

...………...

Jungkook walked on the sidewalk, admiring the magnificent, tall buildings. He came across JinHit, and the job offer flashed across his mind. Thank God he had checked their website first thing in the morning. But he wondered whether he had the qualifications to be a manager. Well, they surely don’t need a person with a PHD.

He got on the elevator. He didn’t know that outsiders couldn’t just get on elevators and enter the building. And the security didn’t notice him.

He stood at the far corner, watching two men talk in hushed tones. “We really need a manager, but he doesn’t want to interview them right now. He’s busy and so am I”

“Well, in that case we need to hire the first candidate. We can always fire them later”

Jungkook couldn’t help but eavesdrop. He knew he would lose the job because he hadn’t registered, and he wasn’t a candidate on the list. If he wanted this job, he needed to act fast. He was assured the salary was in thousands.

“Um, excuse me...” Both the men turned to look towards him. “I heard you talking about the manager vacancy, and I wonder if I could register now”

“Do you have any job experience?”

Jungkook hesitated. “Not as a manager, but I’ve worked as a salesman. If that counts”

They both looked at each other, then one of them extended a hand. “You’re hired” Jungkook couldn’t believe it. He shook his hand. “What, just like that?”

“You want the job or not?”, the other man asked. Jungkook nodded fast. “Absolutely. But how will I tell the CEO that I’m hired?”

The first man smiled. “You’re telling him right now”

Jungkook smiled nervously. “Oh, uh...thanks for hiring me, sir” Jin smiled. “No problem. But I’m gonna make one thing clear. If you prove to be a mess, or even tried to hurt Taehyung...you’re gonna end up in jail” Jungkook’s face became pale, but he remained calm. “Yes, I understand”

The elevator door opened to the top floor. “Go to Taehyung’s office right now. He’s going for shooting. Your job starts from right now”, Jin said, walking out towards his own office. Jungkook opened his mouth to ask something,but then closed it. The other man slapped his back. “Well, what are you waiting for? As the director, I suggest you go get our man fast” Jungkook became nervous. He had met two people of high position as soon as he had stepped in. Director Joe was the best director in Seoul. All his movies became an instant hit, but he only worked with JinHit too.

“Y-Yes”, Jungkook stammered, turning around to go to the opposite hallway.

He didn’t even get to ask where Taehyung’s office was.

...………...

Taehyung shut his laptop and stood up, ready for the remaining shoot. He was locking his desk drawers, when the door opened and a young man stepped in, looking out of place. “Who are you?”, he asked. The man stammered. “I-I’m Jeon Jungkook, you’re new manager” Ah, so Jin did find him someone. But he wanted someone professional, not someone like William. But he didn’t even know this person.

“I’m sorry, but you’re not my new manager. I’ll interview you, then we’ll see”, Taehyung said, putting the keys in his pocket. “But...Sir said-", Jungkook said.

“Whatever he said, I don’t know”

“But...” Jungkook didn’t want to lose his job, when he hadn’t even started.

Just then, Taehyung’s phone rang and he picked it up. “Hello?”

“Hey, I know you’re having problem with the new guy”, Jin said.

“It’s not him...it’s just that I don’t want someone lik William”

“I assure you, he’s not like him at all. Jungkook seems sincere and hardworking. At least give him a chance. You can fire him whenever you want”

Taehyung looked at Jungkook, who was staring down at the floor. Did Taehyung felt pity for him?

“Fine, I’ll give him a chance”

“Yes! Thanks, Tae. Meet you later at Sunshine”, Jin said.

Taehyung chuckled, putting the phone down.

He looked at Jungkook. “Let’s see what you can do”

Jungkook’s face lit up, and he would’ve hugged his boss if there wasn’t a large desk between them. “But”, said Taehyung, “no mistakes and no misbehaviours. Jin must’ve told you what would happen” Jungkook nodded. “Yes, I read the news. It’s good that he’s in jail” Taehyung didn’t mention the fact that though William was in jail, he would be released soon because the charges weren’t that big to keep him in for years.

“Yeah. And no being late” Jungkook nodded.

“Let’s go now, to the shooting site”, Taehyung said.

Taehyung and Jungkook entered the makeup room. Cheng was hovering over the table, turning around when they came in. “Hey, hyung” Taehyung nodded and said, “Hey”, sitting on the chair. “Who’s this?”, said Ji Cheng, picking up makeup brushes and eyeing Jungkook at the same time. Jungkook didn’t like the way Cheng “sized him” up. “My new manager”, Taehyung said, leafing through the script.

“Um, hi. Nice to meet you”, Jungkook said. Cheng scoffed and continued applying makeup. Jungkook wondered why he was so hostile against him. After a few minutes, Cheng finished and Taehyung got up to wear his costume. Taehyung pulled his shirt over his head, and wore the one for shooting. His perfectly sculpted torso was exposed for a moment, and Cheng stared at it. Jungkook averted his eyes, but he saw Cheng’s face. He had a very lustful...possessed expression on his face.

Before Jungkook could point out or do something, Taehyung walked out of the room without a word. “Nothing to worry. He’s not a fan of talking”, Cheng said. Jungkook nodded and followed his boss.

Jungkook was in awe seeing Taehyung’s acting. He had never understood how actors bring a particular emotion in them. It was an emotional, heartbreaking movie, and he felt the same pain the actor was supposed to feel. He looked around, and found that many staff were even crying. At the parting scene, a tear slipped from Jungkook’s eye.

When the scene was over, Jungkook jogged over to where Taehyung was sitting and handed him water. “Thanks” Jungkook smiled. Director Joe walked towards them. “I think today’s shooting was enough. We’ll continue tomorrow”, he said. Taehyung nodded. “What’s next?”, he asked Jungkook, who scrolled through the notes in his phone. “Um...a meeting with the CEO” Taehyung stood up, wiping the sweat off him. “We can’t be late”

He went to his makeup room and removed his costume, wearing his own clothes. He adjusted his hair in the mirror and walked out. Jungkook started to follow him, but Taehyung said over his shoulder, “Bring my script. I left it on the couch in the makeup room” As Jungkook turned around to get the script, the door closed. He turned around again to see Cheng standing there. “What?”, he asked, bending to pick up the script. Cheng came forward face to face with him. “Don’t mess with him” Jungkook was puzzled. “Don’t what? What are you talking about?”

“He’s mine, you understand?”

Before Cheng could say anything further, Jungkook hurriedly opened the door and left.

He couldn’t help but think if there was something going on between his boss and Cheng.

...………...

They arrived at the meeting hall to see Jimin and Jin standing outside. Trustees of the company, members of the board, and other few actors and singers which had a share in the company were already seated in the meeting hall.

“What are you two doing outside?”, Taehyung asked, adjusting his suit. “Waiting for Your Highness, of course”, Jimin said.

“The shooting took time”

“Come on, we’re gonna be late. Which CEO comes late to his own meeting?”, Jin said.

“You”, Jimin said. Taehyung chuckled.

As the three went in, Jungkook wondered whether he should go in or not. He figured managers or agents weren’t allowed in confidential meetings, so he walked back to his cabin inside Taehyung’s office. He suddenly remembered that he didn’t even inform Yoongi about his job. He sipped his coffee as he dialled his number. “Hello?”, Yoongi said. “Hey, hyung. I got a job!”

“What!? Wow! We should celebrate tonight. What job, though?”

“In JinHit. As Kim Taehyung’s manager”

Jungkook heard Yoongi’s chuckle. “It’s a tough job, but I’m sure you can handle it”

“That’s what everyone keeps saying. I actually don’t see what’s tough”

“Well, managers or secretaries need to be on call 24/7. They could be called anytime. And they should he ready for any kind of work. If the boss says to pick up his clothes from a shop, you gotta do it. You need take care of him, remind him to do stuff even though he sometimes remembers his own stuff. You know what I mean?”

Jungkook nodded. “Yeah, I get what you mean. But I’m totally free. So I know I’m good. Besides...the salary is good. I can clear my dad’s debts one by one and pay my mom’s rent” He heard Yoongi sigh through his nose. “You should forget about your dad, and concentrate on your mom. Perhaps go visit her”, Yoongi said. Jungkook shook his head. “No. My dad will know that I’m in the city somewhere. I don’t wanna meet him”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’ll help you cut ties with your father, if that’s what you want”

Jungkook smiled. “I just need a lawyer, not a rapper” Yoongi chuckled. “You know what I mean”

“Yeah. I know you’ll help me get through it”

...………...

After 2 hours, the meeting was over.

Taehyung and Jimin walked Jin to his office, talking. They reached Jin’s office. “So, Sunshine Restaurant?”, Jimin asked. “Not now. I got work to do”, Jin said. “Hey, you mean I’m free? I’m asking at dinner”, Jimin said. Taehyung chuckled. “Yeah. At 8”

As Jin closed the door of his office, Jimin held Taehyung's hand. “Hey, let’s go to my office” They both walked down the hallway and entered Jimin’s office, which was next to Taehyung’s. “What is it, Jimin?”, Taehyung asked as Jimin closed the door. “Have you visited your parents recently?” Taehyung was surprised by this question. “I thought I made it clear that this topic was never to be discussed again. Anything related to my parents is never to be discussed again”, he said angrily.

Jimin came forward. “I know, but your mother called the other day. She said you should visit her”

“And why would I do that? She knows how much I was tortured by father”

“She’s the only one who cares about you”

Taehyung turned his head away. Jimin cupped his cheek with his hand and made Taehyung look at him. “You can visit, only if you want to. No one’s pushing you, okay?” Taehyung nodded, smiling. “I just...I can never forget how he tortured me. She didn’t even save me once”, he said. Jimin nodded, linking foreheads with Taehyung.

“And I can’t forget the cane marks left on your back”, Jimin said.

...………...

The office door opened, and Jungkook saw Taehyung enter. He stood up and went to him. “Do I have to know what the meeting was about?” Taehyung shook his head. “It was a meeting with the shareholders of the company”

“Oh”

Taehyung sat in his chair and opened his laptop. “I’ll leave at 7:30. You can leave with me” Jungkook nodded. “Yeah. We have to celebrate my first actual job” Taehyung nodded, but didn’t press who’s he going to celebrate with. Jungkook went back to his cabin and continued his work.

At around 7:30, Taehyung stood up and packed his laptop. The door opened and Jimin stepped in. “You royal carriage is here to pick you up, Your Highness” Taehyung laughed. “I was late one time, Jimin” Jimin chuckled. “I don’t need any excuse to make fun of you, but this one’s really good”

Just then, Jungkook came out of his cabin. “Oh, hello. You must be Jungkook”, Jimin said, shaking hands with him. “I-I love your songs and movies”, Jungkook stammering, over with excitement. Jimin chuckled. Taehyung smirked. “You didn’t fangirl over me” Jungkook blushed. “I..uh..I” Jimin laughed, ruffling Jungkook’s hair. “He’s just messing with you”, he said.

Taehyung, Jimin and Jin arrived at Sunshune, where Namjoon was already sitting at their table. “How come you’re always here first?”, Taehyung asked, sitting down with Jimin. Namjoon chuckled. “I’m fast” Jimin chuckled. “That’s no explanation” Jin picked up the menu. “Don’t bother my baby” Taehyung and Jimin laughed watching Namjoon blush. “Hey, it’s a public place”, Jimin said. They othered food. Just then, the door opened and two men walked in, looking around for a table to sit.

Jimin nudged Taehyung, who almost dropped his fork. “What?” Jimin raised his eyebrow at them. “Isn’t that your manager and Min Yoongi?” Taehyung, Namjoon and Jin turned to look at Jungkook and Yoongi, who took a table opposite their’s. “So that’s your new manager?”, Namjoon asked. Taehyung nodded. “Yeah, but what’s he doing with such a big rapper?” Jin shrugged. “It’s a small world. Let’s eat” They chuckled. “All you think about is food...”, Taehyung said. “...and Joon hyung”, Jimin finished. They laughed as Jin hit Jimin playfully under the table.

Jungkook became conscious, and looked down at his hoodie from time to time. Yoongi noticed his nervousness while ordering food. “What’s wrong, Kook?” Jungkook pointed at the table opposite them. “My boss, the CEO and Park Jimin are sitting right opposite us” Yoongi looked at them. He didn’t know who the fourth man with them was. “So what? Don’t be conscious. Professional life has nothing to do with personal life. Unless they include the same people”, Yoongi said. Jungkook nodded. Their food arrived and they started eating.

Yoongi looked at them again, and saw Jin feed the fourth unknown man. What?!, he thought. Jungkook saw Yoongi stare at something. “What, hyung?” Yoongi shook his head, coming back to his food. “Nothing. Just thought I knew someone”

Yoongi heard a click somewhere behind him.

He turned around to see what it was, but there were only people eating food.