My Personal Stand-in (TaeKook)
18
The CEO of their company books a banquet hall at the Grand Hotel to host a welcoming reception for Jimin.
Jimin had returned twice, seemingly preparing for his record, but the film took more than a year to complete.
By the time it was finished, his popularity in the country had changed significantly.
On the day of the reception, most of the company’s staff have already arrived. While the company isn't very large, with about 70-80 people, its profits have been strong.
The boss, hailing from a second-generation wealthy family, runs a vast range of businesses.
His personality is a bit eccentric, but he's generous and provides great benefits. Both Taehyung and the other employees feel comfortable working there
As Taehyung enters the hotel, he notices Hoseok welcoming guests downstairs. He greets him briefly, but Hoseok is too busy to engage in conversation.
Jung Hoseok
Go up by yourself; it's on the second floor
Hoseok says, motioning him toward the staircase.
There are many big-shot celebrities attending from the entertainment circle. With someone like Jimin being so popular, it’s easy to gather a powerful crowd.
At least three hundred people are present, along with about ten media reporters. Their President Wang is clearly trying to generate a buzz for Jimin.
Although Taehyung is a relatively unknown martial arts stuntman, he’s well-recognized within the entertainment industry.
He knows many people and, with his warm personality, gets along with everyone.
As he makes his way upstairs, he greets many familiar faces, exchanging pleasantries along the way.
Looking around after he got upstairs, he finally spotted Jimin and their President Wang, who were being surrounded by a group of people in the middle of the banquet hall.
Jimin looks just as he does on TV—tall, handsome, with a face like polished jade. His dimples are visible when he smiles, making him appear very endearing. His fresh temperament, somewhere between a man and a boy, makes him incredibly likable.
When Taehyung sees Jimin’s flushed, successful, and contented appearance, it’s hard for him to connect this polished man with the young, uncertain boy Jimin used to be—the one who had just graduated from film academy and would always come over to his place to hang out and eat hot pot.
Taehyung wanders over aimlessly.
Both Jimin and President Wang spotted him at the same time. Jimin’s eyes light up instantly, unable to look away from Taehyung, his expression showing a hint of excitement.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
* greets him naturally and calmly*
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
Jimin, congratulations on your triumphant return
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*turns to President Wang with a smile*
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
President Wang, welcome back 😊
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*Without lingering, he shifts to the side, greeting other familiar guests and giving Jimin no extra time*
Park Jimin
* face shows a flash of disappointment*😔
Park Jimin
*But surrounded by people, he can’t focus on anything else. He sneaks glances at Taehyung from time to time*
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*leans in and whispers to President Wang*
President Wang, you’ve gotten a tan.
President Wang
*gives a small snort*
What do you want?
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
😄 Going to Tibet to pray to Buddha and eating only vegetarian food for three months… don’t you look oddly healthy since your return?
President Wang
*glares*
I’ll show you oddly healthy—I’ll drown you in work if you keep talking.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*smiles wider*
Bring it on, I most certainly welcome it.
President Wang
* stared blankly at Taehyung*
Cut the nonsense. Come over, I have something to ask you.
Once the two stepped aside, President Wang asked
President Wang
I heard Director Wang and Soo-hyun had a pretty nasty quarrel.
You were on set too—any idea what happened?
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*shrugged*
They don’t get along. Director Wang’s temper is fierce, and Soo-hyun’s never dealt with that kind of attitude before. Naturally, tensions built up
President Wang
*frowned*
I’ve invested a lot in this movie. We can’t afford any setbacks. I’ll find time to talk to Soo-hyun.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
If it’s coming from you, it should help.
President Wang
*embarrassingly uttered*
Not necessarily. The Soo-hyun now can’t be compared to the past.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
why? 🤔
President Wang
Climbed onto some high branch
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
What does that mean?
Whose branch did he climb onto?
President Wang
*was going to say something, but suddenly glared at him*
You kid, why are you so gossipy? 🤨
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
😲* felt wronged*
You’re the one that brought it up first
The two still had something to say, but Jimin’s voice sounded from behind Taehyung.
Park Jimin
Taehyung-Hyung
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*turned his head*
Jimin had already gotten rid of the other people and was quietly looking at him. Taehyung knew that he couldn’t hide.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*ruffled his hair*
Let’s go to the balcony and talk?
They stepped out onto the balcony, shutting the French doors behind them. It was chilly outside. Taehyung lit a cigarette and smiled
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
Jimin, seeing how far you’ve come, I’m genuinely happy for you.
Park Jimin
* Gaze lingered on Taehyung’s face as he softly muttered*
Hyung, I’m sorry. I was too ignorant back then
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
Forget it, it’s all in the past. No need to bring it up.
Park Jimin
*lowered his head, his voice subdued*
I didn’t even understand what was happening back then... I thought you were just treating me well as a friend. I had no idea you had other feelings. I felt insulted. But no matter what, you helped me a lot, and I...
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*Exhaled a puff of smoke, his tone calm* 🚬
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
I did treat you like a friend, more like a younger brother.
But you knew early on that I’m gay.
It’s like how you might feel when you see a beautiful girl, especially one always around you. At the time, I wanted to ask if you were straight or gay.
If you didn’t like men, I wouldn’t have pursued it. We could’ve stayed friends... but let’s not dwell on it.
I was wrong too—I scared you
Park Jimin
*lifted his head, his voice emotional*
Hyung, I’m really sorry. It was my fault.
I knew you were gay, but I still enjoyed how well you treated me, making you misunderstand.
I mocked you so cruelly, yet you still let it go so generously. Can you forgive me?
When Taehyung thinks about the past, he really feels screwed.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
💭 Back then, when things were tense between us, I wanted to confront you directly:
//"You say you're not gay, so why the hell do you keep coming over to my place and always staying close? I confessed, and now you feel wronged? How does that make sense?"//
Even when Jimin misunderstood him, Taehyung didn’t get angry. He figured Jimin was young, still maturing.
Taehyung comforted himself and held back, not wanting to push the issue. After all, he really liked this kid and didn’t want to end their relationship on bad terms. He thought it’d be enough to just distance himself.
Now, with Jimin turning around and apologizing, Taehyung felt like the whole matter was finally put to rest.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*gently said*
I don’t blame you. I never did. Don’t overthink it. We’re both working in the same company, so we’ll see each other often. Whatever happens, happens. Don’t feel weighed down by it, alright?
Park Jimin
*eyes reddened slightly. Taking a few large steps forward, he hugged Taehyung tightly, his voice cracking a little*
I’ve missed you so much 😢
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*stunned* 😳
💭 What is this now?
Park Jimin
When I first went to America, I couldn’t even speak the language well. Everything was so unfamiliar, just like when I first came to Seoul. No one treated me as kindly as you did. I wanted to call you so many times but didn’t dare. The more time passed, the more I regretted it. I really wanted to come back and find you… I’m sorry. Can we still be the same as before?
Park Jimin
*like a child poured out his emotion in Taehyung’s arms*
Park Jimin
*The more he spoke, the sadder he became*
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*sighed, his heart softened patted Jimin’s shoulder*
I don’t blame you, don’t cry.
Park Jimin
*tried to stifle his tears, but his voice wavered*
Park Jimin
*wiped his eyes and held onto Taehyung’s arm*
Can we be like before? Can I still come over and eat hot pot?
Taehyung remembered that Jungkook was living at his place now, but he couldn’t say no to a meal
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
That’s not a problem, you’re welcome anytime.
Park Jimin
*finally smiled*😄
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
Hey, let’s head back. Everyone’s waiting, and the star of the night can’t be missing
The two returned to the banquet hall together.
The host excitedly praised Jimin’s achievements as he took the stage and thanked a long list of people.
Though the words were ceremonial, they were perfectly appropriate.
Taehyung felt a wave of emotions. The clueless boy from the past had really grown up.
With so many familiar faces around, Taehyung drank too much and eventually passed out. Jimin had his driver take him home.
Jimin knew Taehyung’s place all too well. During his lonely time in America, he had countless dreams of carrying groceries to that familiar home, knocking on the warm door, and being greeted by a gentle, humorous older brother who would listen to him, share his work struggles, and help him ease his anxieties
The car stopped downstairs, and Jimin sent the driver away.
He personally took Taehyung upstairs, intending to stay at his place for the night.
He pulled out Taehyung’s key and opened the door. The room was dark. He familiarized himself with the switch on the wall and turned on the light.
Suddenly, footsteps came from the front. A man emerged from the bedroom wearing loose pajama pants. Jimin looked up and saw Jungkook directly in front of him. Both of them were stunned.
Seeing Jungkook’s attire, Jimin could tell this person lived here.
Park Jimin
💭. He... is he Taehyung’s boyfriend?
This reality was hard to immediately accept.
Park Jimin
*sternly asked*
Who are you?
He rather wished that Jungkook was a random thief, but no thief could have such a bewitching appearance like Jungkook.
Jungkook was equally furious, his fingertips trembling. Taehyung was drunkenly in the arms of a young and attractive man—both even coming back together after 2 a.m.!
Based on how Taehyung had wanted to have sex with him the first time they met, Jungkook knew that Taehyung could be easygoing.
But now that he was with him, how dare he bring another man home in the middle of the night!
The two glared at each other, the tension thick in the air, as if they were ready to fight.
Jeon Jungkook
I should be asking you that. Who gave you the right to casually come into OUR home? ❄️❄️
He clearly emphasized the word “our.”
Jimin’s face, flushed from drinking, instantly paled.
Park Jimin
💭 Hyung has a boyfriend...
Of course, why wouldn’t he? Why wouldn’t Taehyung have someone? Why would he continue waiting for him? 🙄🙄🙄
Jimin feels a sharp sadness. He isn’t even sure what he’s thinking anymore, but he knows he hates this man in front of him.
Park Jimin
💭 What gives this man the right to stand in this living room—the place where Hyung and I used to hang out?
Jungkook’s temper, already bad, is now on the verge of exploding. Furious, he wants to use a broomstick to kick Jimin out.
Jeon Jungkook
*steps forward and roughly grabs Taehyung*
He’s home now. Get the hell out.
Park Jimin
*refuses to let go of Taehyung*
The two struggle for a while, and Taehyung’s body tilts and falls to the ground.
Jeon Jungkook
*immediately catches him*
Park Jimin
*looks at his empty hands, feeling unbearably terrible*
Jeon Jungkook
*glances coldly at him*
Stop being persistent. Taehyung already has someone. You don’t need to worry about him anymore.
Park Jimin
*glares at him hatefully before turning and slamming the door behind him*
Jeon Jungkook
*looks down at Taehyung, unconscious in his arms. The fury in his heart burns even more*
He can’t stand the idea of Taehyung having thoughts about other people. Taehyung’s eyes should only be looking at him.
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