Terms And Conditions~~ episode 1

episode 1

Jungkook pov

The last time I attended a funeral, I ended up with a broken arm. The story made headlines after I threw myself into my mother’s open grave. It’s been over two decades since that day, and while I’ve completely changed as a person, my aversion to mourning hasn’t. But due to my responsibilities as my late grandfather’s youngest relative, I’m expected to stand tall and unbothered during his wake. It’s nearly impossible, with my skin itching like I’m wearing a cheap polyester suit.

My patience wanes as the hours go on, with hundreds of jeon employees and business partners offering their condolences. If there’s anything I hate more than funerals, it’s talking to people. There are only a few individuals I tolerate, and my grandfather was one of them.

And now he’s gone.

The burning sensation in my chest intensifies. I don’t know why it bothers me as much as it does. I’ve had time to prepare while he was in a complete the strange sensation above my rib cage returns with a vengeance whenever I think of him.

I run a hand through my dark hair to give myself something to do.

I’m sorry for your loss, son.

A nameless attendee interrupts my thoughts.

Jeon Jungkook

Son?

The one word leaves my mouth with enough venom to make the man wince.

Jeon jimin

Excuse my brother. He’s struggling with his grief.

Jimin places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. His vodka and mint-coated breath hits my face, making me scowl. My middle brother might look dressed to the nines in a pressed suit and perfectly styled blond hair, but his red-rimmed eyes tell a completely different story.

The man mumbles a few words I don’t bother listening to before heading for the nearest exit.

Jeon Jungkook

Struggling with my grief?

Although I don’t like the idea of my grandfather’s passing, I’m not struggling with anything but uncomfortable heartburn today.

Jeon jimin

Relax. That’s the kind of thing people say at funerals.

Two blond brows pull together as jimin stares me down.

Jeon Jungkook

I don’t need an excuse for my behavior.

Jeon jimin

No, but you need a reason for scaring off our biggest Shanghai hotel investor.

Jeon Jungkook

Fūck.

There’s a reason I prefer solitude. Small talk requires far too much effort and diplomacy for my taste.

Jeon jimin

Can you try to be nicer for one more hour? At least until all the important people leave?

Jeon Jungkook

This is me trying.

My left eye twitches as I press my lips together.

Jeon jimin

Well, do better. For him.

jimin tilts his head toward the picture above the fireplace.

I let out a shaky breath. The photograph was taken during a family trip to Dreamland when my brothers and I were kids. Grandpa smiles into the lens despite my tiny arms wrapped around his neck in a chokehold. Declan stands by Grandpa’s side, caught in the middle of an eye roll while jimin raises two fingers behind his head. My father shows a rare sober smile as he wraps an arm around Grandpa’s shoulder. If I try hard enough, I can imagine Mom’s laugh as she snapped the photo. While the memory of her face is fuzzy, I can make out her smile if I think hard enough.

I clear my irritated throat.

Jeon Jungkook

He would have hated this kind of show.

Although Grandpa was in the entertainment business, he disliked being the center of attention. The idea of all these people driving out to the edge of Seoul for him would have made his eyes roll if he was still here.

jimin shrugs.

Jeon jimin

He of all people knew what was expected of him.

Jeon jimin

A networking event disguised as a funeral?

Jeon Jungkook

You’re right. Grandpa would be horrified because he always said Sunday was a day of rest.

Jeon Namjoon

There’s no rest for the wicked.

Jeon Namjoon

And even less for the wealthy.

Namjoon stops by my other side. He stares at the crowd of people with an unrelenting scowl. My oldest brother has intimidating people down to a science, with everyone avoiding his pitch-black stare. His suit matches his dark hair, which only adds to his cloak and dagger look.