Chapter Text
"I guess he's forgotten again"
The words left her in a murmur... though no one was listening.
The glass in her palm had already grown warm by now... It was Burgundy... meant to be served chilled... but Jimin still chose to bring it to her lips regardless...
She had never been a fan of wine... the taste had always been too bitter for her... but she tolerated it, knowing it was a drink her fiancé favored.
Though tonight, she has to say, this bitter taste felt more welcoming than whatever this quiet weight was on her chest.
Why even be disappointed Jimin... You should've known this would happen. Is this even a surprise?
She tilted her head back, drained the glass, and let the burn wash over her. Still, it wasn’t enough to drown the familiar sting of being forgotten.
The lounge was very quiet tonight...
Well- that's to be expected in the VIP section after all...
Set apart from the rest of the bar with velvet curtains and dim lighting that gave the illusion of exclusivity.
A place for privacy.
A luxury that was meant to be enjoyed in solitude...
Yet Jimin... had no one to share this moment with.
No one to clink her glass to.
No one to appreciate the fine silk of a dress that hugged perfectly around her figure.
No one to even see the makeup she took ages to put on.
What was the point of all that effort? When no one was here to appreciate it.
She glanced at the clock on the wall. Not too late yet. Maybe if she waited a little longer… maybe Taeho would surprise her, walk in with that guilty smile of his, say he meant to keep her waiting just to build anticipation.
The thought made her chuckle under her breath. A small, hollow sound. She took another drink.
One glass turned into two.
Two into three.
And before she knew it, she was waving down for another.
Only this time, the server stopped at her table, bottle in hand but hesitation in her eyes.
“Get me another glass,” Jimin said, not bothering to look up.
“...”
Her patience thinned. “What?”
“It’s just… that was the whole bottle.”
She blinked, finally lifting her gaze. For the first time tonight, she actually paid attention to what her server had looked like.
She's slim. Quite pretty… though there was something else to her.
A trace of sharpness that leaned almost handsome.
It was like an androgynous charm... but in a way that worked... and worked well might she add.
Her hair was tied back loosely, but Jimin could tell it would fall to her shoulders if let down. Her skin was pale, almost luminous under the low lighting of the lounge.
Her eyes flicked lower, catching on the small tag pinned neatly to the left side of her chest.
Kim...
“And?" Shaking off her thoughts, Jimin spoke again, "Just get another.”
“Is someone else coming?”
"..."
Oh, she didn't like that question...
She didn't like it at all.
Because deep down she knew the answer... and that alone had been a heavy feeling weighing down on her.. but now to have someone else recognise it?
There were no other words to describe it... she just felt humiliated..
Her eyes narrowed as she straightened in her seat. It didn't matter how she felt... she had to stay composed.
“Who knows. Either way, it’s none of your business.”
“It isn’t but… it’s just…” She stopped for a moment, weighing her words. “I think whoever they are, they must be an absolute idiot. That’s all.”
That caught Jimin’s attention. Her brows lifted, curiosity tugging at her expression now. “Idiot..?”
“Yes.” The server’s voice carried no hesitation. “Because only an absolute idiot would leave a girl as beautiful as you sitting here waiting.”
“Ha.”
A small chuckle slipped past Jimin’s lips. She won't lie, she was mildly amused, but she didn't at all feel swayed.
Compliments were nothing new to her after all...
It was common in the position she was in after all...
So, like anything else, it just slid off like water.
“Those flirty lines won’t get you anywhere.”
But instead of smirking back or doubling down, the server tilted her head with a steady expression.
“Oh, I’m not trying to flirt,” she said simply. “I’m just speaking my mind.”
It was interesting to her... because those words actually sounded truthful... looking at the server fully now, it all became that much clearer... There really was no further intent behind her eyes... just plain honesty.
And that in itself shouldn't have tipped Jimin off...
But for some reason... it really did catch her off guard.
It was an unsettling feeling.
It was small, but no doubt lingering.
As if she were disappointed. But, disappointed in what exactly?
That not only had her fiancé abandoned her tonight, but this girl whom Jimin had thought was trying to make a move on her wasn't actually even trying in the end?
Why did that make her feel so...
Unwanted?
That's an ugly thought to have Jimin. Stop.
She cleared her throat, setting her glass down a little too firmly. “…Is the other glass coming or not?”
The server didn’t move right away. Instead, she met Jimin’s eyes and held them.
And for some reason… Jimin felt vulnerable under that gaze. She looked away first.
“One more glass. But after that, you’re done.”
She couldn't help but scoff, “And who are you to dictate that?”
“Nobody, I guess,” the woman replied softly. “But you’ve had enough. Forcing yourself to drink isn’t good for you.”
Jimin let out a short laugh. She leaned back onto the sofa, crossing one leg over the other, though slightly irritated, her elegance remained intact.
“Are you not afraid I’ll put in a complaint with your boss? You should know to deny a customer like this in this type of lounge... most would call it unwise"
Her words were meant to serve as a warning, but for some reason, the server didn't seem to get that hint.
If anything, she smiled slightly.
“Actually,” she said, “today is my last day here. Tomorrow, I start work in my new job.”
Or perhaps she did get the hint, she just didn't care.
It once again caught Jimin off guard.
“But regardless,” the woman continued, her voice calm, “even if you did complain, I’d be at ease knowing you didn’t put more harm on your liver than you already have tonight.” The words landed softly... too softly. Gentle in a way Jimin wasn’t used to.
And that gentleness… almost annoyed her more than the refusal itself.
But before she could get another word in, the server had already left to get another drink.
...
...
"Tsk"
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“So you’re really not going to get me another glass?” Jimin leans her head against the sofa, eyes now closed. The glass that her server had brought her was already emptied the moment it was brought to her table.
"Honestly' her server replied again. “You’ve only been here for about an hour, and in that hour you’ve downed a whole bottle and a glass. I have concerns that at the speed you’re going, if you drink any more, it’ll hit you too hard.”
"Are you this annoying to all your paying customers?”
“I find talking out your problems tends to be a healthier option, rather than drinking them away.”
"Ah-" JImin let out a sharp breath through her nose at the way that woman just ignored her question. “You’re actually super annoying, really.”
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm.... but her posture was already beginning to lose its usual straightness.
The room had already begun to tilt... it wasn't enough to throw her off balance... but she found herself needing to blink a few extra times to steady her gaze.
"See? It's already catching up to you.. That's why you shouldn't drink so much so quickly..."
"Do you think I look pathetic right now?"
The server’s brow arched at the sudden question... but she didn’t have time to respond. Her customer's body listed to the side, and she had no choice but to move quickly, stepping in and catching her just in time to steady her. "Hey hey now- Take it easy okay" She murmured as she held her up...
It was the first time she had the chance to study Jimin up close.
Close enough to catch the faint trace of her lingering perfume, close enough to notice how Jimin’s eyes, half-lidded, gradually lifted to meet hers.
Her lips parted ever so slightly as she exhaled, and perhaps she lingered a moment too long in that gaze before finally pulling back.
"So?
"Pardon?"
"What do you think?
"Of what?"
"Pathetic. Do you think I look pathetic? Waiting for absolutely nothing and just making a fool out of myself."
“I don’t think you look pathetic. Like I said earlier, I really think you look beautiful.”
Jimin let out a soft, humourless laugh to that before pulling herself off the stranger's grip "You think I look beautiful, yet you're not even remotely interested, right?"
"What I think is, you definitely had enough tonight"
Jimin’s lips pressed together, her gaze narrowing slightly as she steadied herself. “…What’s your name?”
“Me? Minjeong. Kim Minjeong.”
“Minjeong,” Jimin repeated, letting the name linger for a moment. She leaned back, and uncrossed her leg... her posture nowhere near as polished as before “So tell me… if you’re not letting me drink, what’s your version of a remedy?”
Minjeong remained where she was.. hands now lowered as Jimin had backed away. "I believe I said, talking it out tends to be the healthier option."
"And you think I'd just hand my problems over to a stranger"
"I think sometimes it's easier with a stranger" That little small smile of hers came back "No judgment. No history. Just someone to listen. And you know, from my experience, it actually allows a more honest dialogue to take place… though, I’m not saying you have to share with me. I mean... maybe it’s best for you to talk to anyone you want to.”
"And if I had no one else to tell?" Jimin leaned forward now as she spoke... her movement was slow and deliberate... but Minjeong didn't move back as expected...
Instead, her eyes just stayed on hers.
"Then.. I think a stranger's honesty is best.."
“Then give me yours.” The taller woman tilted her head slightly, studying her in that way that made it hard to breathe.
"Are you saying you want to talk to me about it"
"I'm saying don't hold back on your thoughts"
The space between them seemed to shrink, though neither moved. Minjeong’s hand was still close to Jimin’s arm from steadying her earlier, but she didn’t pull it away.
Her eyes glimmered then under the dim light... her eyes vaguely glossed up from the one too many drinks she's put away... but that didn't stop her from looking at Minjeong as if she was daring her...
Almost testing her... as if she wanted to see if she could make her flinch...
Or maybe even retreat...
But Minjeong didn't.
"Alright. Then my honest opinion?" The server finally spoke again. "You should stop waiting for whoever it is you're waiting for. Because unless they're blind, they have to be crazy to willingly let someone like you sit alone like this."
The words seemed to slice through the haze of alcohol more than the liquor itself ever could.
"You're bolder than you look you know" Jimin murmured... her eyes darkening now.
"No I'm just being honest.." And perhaps.. Minjeong's eyes met that same darkness.
"heh...
I like honesty..."
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"Ah-"
The sound cut off midway through her throat as she hovered a hand over her eyes from the sunlight through the window. It was so bright it practically pierced through her eyelids.
"Shit.. my head..." Jimin hissed under her breath. "What the hell.."
She tried to blink the blur away, but the more she focused, the stranger it became.
The smell in the air was unfamiliar... and as her eyes adjusted, she couldn't help but feel even her ceiling looked off...
Wait...
That's because that definitely was NOT her ceiling.
HOLD UP-
She jerked up immediately, wanting to assess her surroundings further as her stomach began to twist in uncertainty.
But the moment she did, she came to regret that action pretty much immediately.
"Shi-" Jimin had to hold a finger to her temple...
It was like a pain behind her eyes that kept stabbing against her skull.
But she didn't even have time to dwell on that because...
Those sheets...
This bed...
This mattress... it was too firm...
Wherever the hell she was...
It was definitely not in her damn room.
It was way too small to be.
Damnit, even these clothes on me feel unfamiliar...
...
Wait...
Her eyes drifted down...
"WHO'S CLOTHES ARE THESE!?!?"
!!!
"Oh my god- Oversized as hell- what is this- IS THAT POLYESTER!? Who would even do this!?"
Her hands fumbled at the fabric as if she wanted to rip it off.
But more importantly...
Where the hell am I?
How did I even get here?
Despite the thudding pain in her skull, she forced herself to focus...
That's right...
I was waiting for Taeho...
But as soon as that name came to mind... another one appeared just as quickly... she can remember in fragments now... that pale skin of someone completely different... and that dark hair which was tied loosely at the nape of her neck...
And then... the feelings of those hands... those hands that felt warm that fit just perfectly against her arm.. it steadied her... she remembered that much...
Then there was that face...
Puzzle pieces that were slowly falling into place and turning into an image that was unforgettable..
She was so close...
So close Jimin could've sworn she felt her breath on her skin....
What was her name again..?
Min..
"Minjeong..."
That right.. Kim Minjeong...
She was the one who stayed there... right by her side...
Listened to her...
Like she wanted to listen... not because she had to...
Stayed there... like she wasn't burdened...
Why did something so simple like that feel so new to her... it made Jimin's stomach twist in a way she couldn't explain...
She remembered the way her body slowly felt unlike her own.. as the staggering amount of intoxication finally caught up to her and had a grip around her control...
That was when Minjeong helped her walk...
She walked with her...
And then there was a taxi.. right a taxi was called and Minjeong had slid in beside her... they were so close there was barely any space that existed between them...
...
A lump suddenly formed at the bits of Jimin's belly... as heat began creeping up her neck...
The pieces of last night started to collide... and before she knew... the imagery of the way Minjeong's skin felt on her's felt all but too real....
Her mind froze in that moment... the second the memories of Minjeong carrying her up into this very room began to play...
It's funny, really, she remembered thinking Minjeong's arms were on the skinnier side.. But for some reason, they were strong enough to carry her all the way to...
to...
....
"No freaking way..."
Jimin's face began to burn immediately as she put both hands on her cheeks... her chest began to jump like crazy...
But.. there was no denying it...
Not only had Minjeong carried her to this very bed…
She remembered…
That woman had been right on top of her, too.
On this bed.
While Jimin lay beneath her.
Her face had been so close…
So impossibly close.
She could see the concern in those eyes, the way they traced her, studied her…
And the flush of red creeping across her cheeks made Jimin feel…
hot.
"No- no no no no"
But now that those images were in motion...
The reality suddenly hit her...
Jimin bolted upright, sheets tangling around her legs as she made a dash for the bathroom.
The oversized T-shirt slipped off one shoulder as she ran, and that’s when her eyes caught it in the mirror
A dark mark... deep, round, just below her collarbone.
Her stomach plummeted.
no no no
NO!
It couldn't be!
But the moment her brain tried to argue, her heart screamed in panic: it looked exactly like… a hickey.
And just like that, her suspicions confirmed themselves.
Her fingers shook as she touched the mark, mind spinning faster than her pulse.
“Oh… oh no… oh no no no… Jimin… you did not. You did not. No way”
Rushing back out of the bathroom, her thoughts scrambled faster than her feet could carry her.
Damnit this hotel room is wayyyy too small!
She barely managed to dodge the edge of the bed when her elbow knocked against the nightstand.
and then something shifted… a sheet of paper slid to the floor.
Jimin froze, staring at it as if it might bite.
Curiosity warred with panic, but it won. She bent down and picked it up
Hey, I headed out to get a few things. There’s some water I left on the table for you, so take it easy. Of course, I understand if you have somewhere to be; I know it’s Monday, but it’s still early. If I can, I’d love to grab you something to eat.
- Minjeong
Jimin's heart skipped reading that... though she wasn't even sure what emotion had caused it to skip.
"Jimin.. you dunce... you've really done it this time..."
Could you believe in that moment... despite every fragment of her was screaming for her to run... a part of her.. still wanted to wait.. for reasons unbeknownst to her...
"Damnit.. if Taeho was to find out- If father was to know this happened I-"
A soft buzz cut her off.
Jimin's eyes darted towards the table.. to see her purse had been left there...
Minjeong must have left it there...
Without thinking she went through her purse and fished out her phone.
From Aeri:
Hey, we’re outside waiting. You don’t want to miss the board meeting today; your dad will be there. Also, your new secretary is starting today! Be there or be square, Ms. CEO.
Jimin’s chest tightened. Her hangover, her panic, her disbelief... just everything.. collided all at once...
She slammed the note back onto the table, grabbed her phone, and fumbled through her contacts.
To Aeri:
Pick me up at this location. And get… new clothes. Please. ASAP.
She took a deep breath, letting it shake through her chest, and forced her gaze away from the bed...
Whatever mistake she’d made last night, she had to bury it and she had to do it fast. If she moved quickly enough… maybe everything would be fine.
Right…?
Staring at the note one last time.. she told herself she hoped to never see that server again...
But as she whispered those thoughts...
For some reason... a part of her, infuriatingly, almost begrudgingly, felt disappointed at the thought.
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Yu Jimin
Age: 26.
At just her young age she was already the CEO of Yunity Industries... a national giant pending global status for its influence in manufacturing and infrastructure projects...
Her father, the chairman, still wielded ultimate authority... but the daily responsibilities and public face of the company rested entirely on her shoulders.
It hadn’t always been like this.
Her older sister had once been the sole heir to the throne, groomed since to carry the family legacy. But she had since chosen a different path later in life...
It wasn't easy, but despite her parents' protest she managed to leave abroad... leaving Jimin to inherit not only the title but the expectations her older sister left with it.
Every decision, every meeting, every public appearance, it just had to be flawless.
Including this meeting with the board and her father today...
And let's just say it hadn't even been three hours into her workday, and she was already drained by the constant act of needing to be the prodigal heir.
“Seriously, why the hell were you in a hotel this morning?” Her current secretary’s voice glided her way as they both finally left the meeting room together. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you set foot into somewhere like that ever since knowing you.”
The question made Jimin almost spit out the coffee she had ordered hours ago, that only now, had she finally found a moment to drink.
“Personal matters. Nothing important.”
“That’s not very convincing of you.”
“Drop it, Aeri.”
Aeri whined, not loving the secrets Jimin was keeping. “Man, you’re only snapping because today’s my last day as your secretary.”
“You’re acting like moving to the new department wasn’t something you’ve been looking forward to for months now,”
“True,” Aeri admitted with a cheeky shrug. “But just because I’m ready to move on doesn’t mean you get to act like you won’t miss me. I’ve been babysitting you for years, Jimin.”
“I don’t need babysitting.”
“Could’ve fooled me, considering I had to pick you up from a hotel this morning.”
Jimin’s hand tightened ever so slightly around her coffee cup, though her expression stayed perfectly polished. “One more word about that and I’ll make sure your office chair mysteriously goes missing on your first day in the new department.”
Aeri laughed, unbothered. “See? Already missing me. Anyway,” she skipped ahead a step, turning to face Jimin as they walked, “You’ve got a new secretary starting today. Although no one can ever replace the amazing individual that is Uchinaga Aeri, I think she'll be a good second for you. I hear she's quite calm, but works energetically and quickly”
"You know, after working with you all this time, I think I prefer efficiency over energy"
“Of course you do,” Aeri muttered under her breath, rather amused.
They walked side by side down the corridor... all the while Aeri kept going on about something work related... but honestly Jimin's head wasn't completely there...
Let's just say... inside her thoughts... one thing just kept chasing another in circles.
Okay… everything is going smoothly. The meeting went well. Father didn’t seem too agitated this morning. That means I’m handling my role as CEO well. It’s like last night didn’t even happen
Everything is okay Jimin.. Everything...
Aeri handed her a neat folder as they approached the wing where new staff orientations were usually held. "Here are her background and credentials and all that jazz. She came highly recommended by the hiring team. They think she’s perfect for the role. Calm, fast learner, pro-active. You know the stitch"
"Fast learner? Does she not have experience in this field already?"
"Apparently, she has a good variety of skills and is very dependable, so don't worry"
Jimin hummed softly, eyes dropping to the file in her hands.
Dependable.
Perfect for the role.
Great.
That’s exactly what she needed.
Nothing can go wrong.
I’m going to meet my new secretary and proceed with things as normal.
I don't even know why I was in such a frantic mood this morning; I've practically forgotten about it already.
It was nothing more than a mere hiccup on my end. From now on I'll focus on what I've always focused on...
I’ll continue what I’m doing. Grow this company. Live up to the expectations. And-
And...
...
She turned the page to the first sheet of her new assistant's file....
And halted mid-step as her eyes caught the photo clipped neatly to the corner.
Her breath stuck.
That's...
Her eyes trailed lower.... as her hand around the folder tightened...
The name...
The name printed in bold across the top page...
It's-
“Tadah!” Aeri’s voice cut through her thoughts as she pushed open the office door with a grin. “Jimin, let me introduce you to your new secretary.”
And there she was. Sitting there, waiting the whole time, posture perfect and composed, eyes already fixed on her the second the door opened.
Those same eyes… that were like glass to the honest familiarity behind it… and those same ones that had held a darker glint in them along with Jimin’s last night.
“Kim Minjeong!”
Jimin’s heart plummeted straight to her stomach.
THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.
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So, I’m sick again. Which means, in my fevered haze, I’m writing another story… and somehow, even in this delirium, I can’t escape the urge to put Minjeong in the assistant role YET AGAIN.
It's a bit of an idea dump for now, we'll see how this goes :D