Four tiny pins scratched the side of Grey's face. She winced, rubbing at the site to ease the sting. The same sharpness clawed at her other cheek, and when she covered that one the needles pricked her nose. At last, she opened her eyes, squinting through the sunlight to the sight of a white and pink paw hovering over her lips.
Luca narrowed her green eyes. "Do not be late to your first day."
Grey sat up instantly, bundling the kitten in her arms. "Luca! You came back! Where have you been?"
The cat groaned, long tail escaping the hold to wave her tail. "Around."
"Yeah, well how can you call yourself a guardian when you left me on my own?" She let her pet go, watched the animal pad over her white and silver comforter and sit on the edge. "You've missed a lot."
"I have missed nothing. You have seven new guardians in addition to me, and they can do a lot more than I since they are not confined to four legs and an affinity to hairballs."
Grey laughed, wiping her eyes and crawling out of bed. "I still need you."
"My role is very minor in the grand scheme."
"Hush," the girl rolled her eyes, "You're my friend. Welcome back."
The cat meowed, busying herself with a paw. Grey opened her wardrobe. The outfit for the first day of a new job deserved to be special. It set the tone for the rest of her career there. She needed to impress, to stake a claim over her desk, over the skyscraper, over Jin. She decided on a white form-fitting dress to her knees with a v-neck and black belt around the middle, a sleek pair of black pumps to match. She'd wrap her hair up in a high bun, maybe even add a necklace.
"I knew it was you."
Grey jumped at Jungkook's appearance before the closet door. He was already in a starched business shirt and slacks, only missing a tie. Luca stared at him, her tiny mouth parted in surprise. He'd been talking to the cat. The girl raised an eyebrow. "Jungkook, are you okay? How did you get in here?"
He gazed from her to the animal and back to her again. Then, he ran a hand over his face and sighed. "I told you I would come back to check on you."
She remembered, but she didn't even hear her bedroom door close. Grey yawned. "Do you know Luca?"
"We have met," Luca's tail flicked, giving a suggestive look to the young angel, "but very briefly. A long time ago."
Jungkook clenched his jaw as though he wanted to say something else, but he must have decided against it when he relaxed. "Yeah. What they said."
"Thank you for watching over me. I know I'm protected but it's nice to have another pair of eyes." She unbuttoned her pajama shirt from the bottom, giving him a pointed look so he could figure out what she was about to do. After a while, he took the hint and nodded.
"No need to thank me. Breakfast will be ready for you in the kitchen. Don't get lost on your way there. We changed the layout." She watched him leave, observed the way Luca's eyes trailed him into the foyer and didn't rest until the door shut. The kitten hopped from the bed, trotting the same way Jungkook had just left.
"Hold on a second," Grey commanded. The cat paused. "Do you know all of them?"
"Of course. I belong to this world just as much as them." Luca left Grey to her own devices, adding a newly spoiled trot to her feline hips.
:::
She no longer recognized the 41st floor. The corridor leading to her room had dark wood floors, the walls connected to them a clean ivory. Decorative iron tables with vases of white roses were on both sides of her door. Just last night, the halls were wide enough to fit a a two-way street in the center. Now, the space reminded her of her old apartment.
She came to a curved staircase, the railing entwined with the same white roses she'd spotted in the Great Hall. Her shoes were loud against the veined marble, and they stayed loud as she journeyed across the new living room on the bottom floor. Ceiling to floor windows displayed the overcast sky, crystal chandeliers still giving her enough light to see her way to the next set of double doors.
Grey had never been to the kitchen, and so she wasn't sure what to expect. Chocolate colored cabinets covered the walls, a lighter brown granite gleaming on the countertops. Namjoon dug through the stainless steel fridge, Jungkook and Jimin sat at the island eating what was left of their plates, Hobi washed his plate off in the sink. Taehyung glared at Luca, who sat on the opposite edge of the island.
"Must I be the first one you find in the morning," Taehyung seethed.
Luca cocked her head. "Oh please, dog. You find me."
"I'm cooler than that. You're the only house pet here."
Hoseok dried his hands with a fresh cloth, and pointed at them both. "Don't fight! Don't fight!"
"The hairball started it," Taehyung snatched his plate away and dropped the rest in the trash.
Luca stomped a paw. "It is a condition that I cannot help and you know that!"
Grey's laugh made everyone pause. They all turned to her at once, as though remembering for the first time that she lived there. Hoseok clapped, his bright smile adding to her own. "She's here! Places, everyone," he said.
Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"
Jimin nudged him in the side. "Good manners. Wipe up your spot," the older pointed to a few crumbs on the granite. While Jungkook grabbed a paper towel, Jimin took that time to wink at her. She quickly glanced away, the side of her face still not fully recovered from his touch. She was glad he was back to normal though. And a bit too preoccupied to focus all of his attention onto her.
Grey put her purse on the counter, preparing to wash her hands. "Where's Yoongi and Jin?"
"Someone call me?" Yoongi ambled into the kitchen, and though he sounded somewhat alert, he still looked dead inside. She offered him a small smile. He waved at her. It was better than nothing.
"How are you feeling after last night?" The girl pointed to a platter of bacon next to Hoseok. When he nodded, she took one.
Yoongi shrugged, plopping down next to Jimin. "Their claws weren't poisoned."
"He's trying to say he's fine," Namjoon took a drink from his mug, "Jin is already in the office."
She frowned and swallowed. "Shouldn't I be down there?"
"Your shift hasn't started yet and we have a surprise for you," Hoseok said. He was going through cabinets, becoming more and more upset as he checked one after the other. "Where is it?"
Taehyung grabbed a kettle from the stove and poured it into a porcelain mug. He blew the steaming water and came to her slowly, watching the brim so that he wouldn't spill. "I made you tea."
She gasped, being careful to take it out of his hand and put it on the counter. As she did, something silver gleamed under the light. Grey squinted to see it better, jaw dropping when she finally noticed it was a shiny, cursive "G."
"What's this?" She grabbed the handle and brought it to her lips. The green tea burned her tongue a bit.
"We bought you a special cup." Taehyung grinned. She hugged him. When it registered that her hands were around his waist, he returned the favor. As she pulled away, she met the faces of all of them.
"Thank you all for welcoming me into your home, and for thinking of me."
Hobi pretended to wipe tears from his eyes. "Aw, isn't she adorable?"
"Very cute," Namjoon said. "Very."
Yoongi nodded and draped an arm over the back of his chair. Jimin smiled, propping his head onto his palm. Jungkook just stared, so much innocence and curiousness coming from the youngest that she blushed.
"Grey," Luca chimed, "it is time to go downstairs."
She downed more of her tea and broke off a piece of bacon. Shyly, she waved to them and strode from the kitchen. Luca stretched her front legs, Namjoon stopped leaning on the fridge to grab his coat from near the stove.
The leader did not conceal his scrutiny. "You made her tea, huh? How subtle."
Taehyung decided it was best not to answer that. The others were already eyeing his movements.
"I guess the race has begun." Namjoon winked.
:::
The door to a sleek, black SUV opened for Grey. A driver and man in a suit that Grey didn't know took up the front of the car. With Jin's help, she climbed inside and took a space next to him in the back. He strapped on his seatbelt and laid his head back on the headrest.
"You look very nice," he said.
"Thank you," she surveyed him. A crisp, black business suit, a magenta tie, a light pink shirt underneath. "So do you. I see you like pink."
He nodded, fixing his tie a little. "Did you eat and sleep well for today?"
No, so she swiftly changed the subject. "Do you know Luca? Everyone upstairs recognized her. They spoke to her too."
"Luca?" Jin squinted in thought, then widened his eyes as realization dawned, "I know the cat. I prefer dogs. Do you have any questions before we get to the meeting?"
"I haven't gotten a chance to check the files on my desk. Fill me in."
"Kan Nam Seon is the owner of another upcoming tech company. For years his associates have tried to contact mine to strike a deal and become partners. We're meeting with him at a local restaurant to decline his offer in person."
She adjusted the bun atop her head. In an effort to make it high enough with falling she must have put in too many pins which now stabbed her scalp. "Why go all the way to a restaurant? Why not write him a letter?"
"He's very persistent. Plus, I didn't get to eat this morning."
She pushed his shoulder. "Don't skip meals!"
He held his arms up in surrender. "I didn't have time!"
The car door opened, Jungkook smiling a bit. "Is she nagging you? The mother of all mothers?"
Jin glared at Grey as she scooted over to make space for the bodyguard. He climbed in, successfully squishing her in the middle. She laughed as Jin crossed his arms and stared out the window. "Jungkook, handle her," he said.
Jungkook gently rested his hand on Grey's knee, his thumb sweetly rubbing her skin. "You and I will make sure he's fed in the future."
She nodded, goosebumps appearing on her arms from his frozen hand. Jin groaned and said, "I told you to handle her, not seduce her."
"Jealous, Seokjin?" He put his hand back in his lap, but she still felt the print minutes after they pulled off into the main streets.
The SUV arrived at an Italian restaurant. The driver and man in front got up from their seats to open the doors for Jin and Jungkook. While Jin gave the driver money, Jungkook spoke to the other man. She couldn't make out the hand signals, but she did hear the definitive order. "If you note anything suspicious outside, let me know."
Grey held her binder close to her chest and scooted from the car. Jin offered a hand to help her out. She fixed her sleeves and tried to adjust her hair. Jin smiled subtly, waiting for her. "You look perfect the way you are."
"You're just saying that so I don't screw up this meeting."
He chuckled. "Maybe."
She rolled her eyes and laughed at him. One hand snaked around her waist, a cheek pressing onto hers. She didn't jump or startle because his skin was warm. Peering over her shoulder, she grinned at Taehyung. Namjoon stepped into view as well, seeming content with not having to touch her.
"Ready, Grey?" She could fall into Namjoon's dimples, and that's what she thought of when he asked.
"You guys are coming too?"
Jungkook sighed dramatically. "Eomma Jin can't do anything without us."
Jin glared at his bodyguard. Namjoon shrugged and said, "He does his best, but he always needs our help. So for business meetings, Jungkook watches for trouble, I keep things diplomatic, Taehyung uses his 4D personality to keep guests busy, and Jin is the visual."
Jin said, "I am beautiful, but I do more than that!"
Grey found herself nodding, unsure if that was the proper reaction--Jin was, in fact, lovely. She adjusted her hair again, grimacing at having to do it for a third time. Taehyung began staring at it, and she tried not to ask him about why he was so transfixed. Instead Grey asked, "Why not invite Jimin, Hobi, or Yoongi?"
Jin answered. "Hoseok is too busy today, Yoongi is best for intimidating people, and as for Jimin everyone loves him so his celebrity status gets in the way."
"He's also too short," Jungkook added.
Taehyung laughed, the others stifled theirs. Jin looked towards the restaurant. "He's probably waiting. We should get to our table."
Before Grey could follow them, Taehyung stopped her by blocking her path. "Something is bothering you," he said. She flippantly waved, trying to reassure him with a smile.
"It's nothing."
His voice was rich, full of concern. "Can I fix it?"
Beside her confusion, she nodded. Delicately, he reached to the top of her head and removed one pin, then another. Her hair fell down her back, the curls long and wavy from being bound so tight. When she sighed in relief, he smiled a large, boxy smile.
"You should wear it down more often."
"Why?" She ran a hand through it while shaking her head to help it fan out.
"I love it this way."
Did he just say that? She blinked while the compliment registered. And as it did, she noticed the openness in his expression, the way he was still concentrating on her even though the rest of the city passed them by on the streets--even though life swirled by around the two of them. He saw only her.
"Thank you," she smiled, feeling shyness and awareness flutter around her chest. The sensation became overwhelming and when she knew that it showed on her face, that he was receptive to it by smiling wider, she cleared her throat. "We should get inside."
He held the door open for her and followed her to a secluded wing of the restaurant. Only one table in this section was full, seating all of her friends and a man she'd seen before. Most likely Kan Nam Seon. An open space had been left for her next to Jin, and at the side of Kan, another spot for Taehyung.
Jungkook stood and pulled her chair back. Taehyung ignored the gesture, keeping his attention on her still as he sat almost directly across from her. She fell into her seat, thanking the bodyguard under her breath. Namjoon measured each person at the table, giving more than enough time to survey Grey and Taehyung, who to him, couldn't seem to take their eyes off one another.
"Kim Seokjin," Kan smiled widely, his eyeglasses sliding down his nose a fraction. "Now that the rest of your party is here, why don't we have introductions."
Each member of Jin's entourage said their name, and if they were close enough also extended a handshake. First went Taehyung, then Namjoon, then Jin. Grey smiled politely when it was her turn.
"My name is Grey," she said.
Kan smiled. The sight was welcoming but laced with ambiguity. "That name I can remember."
Jungkook sat taller. "Jeon Jungkook. Partner with Kim Seokjin."
Kan acknowledged him, acknowledged the blatant assertion of his name. "Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Jeon."
A waiter came by the table with a pen and notepad in hand. Seeing him reminded Grey that she was at a restaurant, not in a lion's den. The atmosphere of this wing had just become so cautious and uninviting. The aroma of freshly baked bread and marinara hung heavily through this section of the restaurant, the hint of wine kissing the air as well. She could already taste what she wanted to order without having ordered it yet, and by that she knew the bacon she'd called breakfast was not enough.
She asked for a water and chicken carbonara. Surprisingly, Namjoon ordered the same. The waiter sauntered to the kitchen and she listened in on the formal small talk. Kan went back and forth from Namjoon to Tae, switching from an intellectual conversation about the market and the economy to where the younger had traveled this past year and what the people were like.
Jin busied himself with dipping his bread in oil and vinegar, Jungkook was just as entwined in the intricate web of conversation as Kan was. Grey laughed at him, at how cute and young he looked as he tried to connect the dots. Their waiter drifted over again, filling their glasses with wine.
"Have you ever been to Paris, Mr. Kan?" Taehyung played with his wine glass, flipping it in between his fingers like a baton since he declined the alcohol. Kan shook his head, more than intrigued by what was going on in the younger man's hand.
"My wife and I are planning a trip to Versailles for next summer. That must be a conversation for another day, I have so many questions about the world, but only one lunch with you and your associates. I prefer that we speak business."
The mood plummeted into seriousness, the friendly chatter disintegrating. At this, Jin swallowed his last bite and chased it with red wine. A few crumbs were left on his chin after he licked his lips.
Grey kept her voice low. "Jin, look at me."
After he turned, she took hold of his chin with one hand and used her napkin to dab at it and the corners of his mouth with the other. When she was sure the mess was gone, she placed the cloth back in her lap. Jin recovered smoothly, his bewildered expression melting into calm as though that was normal. As though executive assistants were in charge of touching his face.
She didn't recognize what she'd thoughtlessly done until Kan raised both eyebrows. "I assumed she was one of your employees."
"She is," Jin said.
"She takes very good care of you to be just an employee."
Namjoon did not hide the growing skepticism from the rest of the table. He grimaced at Kan. "I believe you wanted to discuss business?"
"Of course, of course." Kan's eyes darted from Jin to Grey, and back again. "Seokjin, I'd like to purchase half of KSJ."
Jungkook shook his head, Taehyung cut a glance at the other CEO through the corner of his eye.
Jin offered a kind grin to the waiter as he returned with a large tray that had all of their food. Grey's mouth watered as the smells mixed together. Cheese, buttered pasta, different spices. Her plate steamed into her face when it landed in front of her. However, the room became darker as the gray sky combined with Jin's shade.
"Can you afford that?"
Kan lowered his glass from his lips. "Excuse me?"
"Rumor has it, you could barely meet the payroll for your other employees. Your business is small and your inventions still need time to pick up steam. Are you recognized by Westerners yet? You might need an investor."
Jin said he was going to decline the offer, not slow-cook the man alive.
"I don't need investors and my projected sales for this year comes more than close to yours. Very large companies have knocked on my door for help these past few months."
Jin stuck a fork through his spaghetti. "You've probably done to those very large companies what you've done to me. Which is harass all of us with your letters and sales pitches. Don't misunderstand, I appreciate your hustle and your desire to be like me. What I don't like is your ambitious attempts to take what's mine. What am I hearing about you sending letters to my employees?"
Kan's shout startled Grey. "You have heard nothing!"
"Don't play dumb with me. Your supporters would love to jump ship and I can give them the salary they desire to do so. Are you trying to bribe my people to tell you our secrets?"
Namjoon nodded at Jin, who took that signal and kept pressing Kan. Kan was red from his forehead to the wrinkled skin shoved into the collar around his neck.
"Seokjin, I will not have my name be dragged through the mud."
Jungkook called the waiter to the table. The young man nodded as Jungkook whispered an order into his ear. In seconds, the young server was taking their plates back to the kitchen. All of the food besides Kan's.
Jin sighed, standing from his seat. "I am never doing business with you."
Kan glared, his Satoori accent spilling out heavy and hard. "You underestimate me, Seokjin. I will have your skyscraper, your underlings, that pretty little assistant on her knees in a matter of years!"
At the mention of her Jungkook was already halfway across the table, Taehyung growled, Jin gripped the back of his seat.
"Don't." Namjoon held up a hand, an authoritative command snapping across the room instantly.
Grey stood slowly, her own panic making her hands shake. She positioned herself behind Jin, uncertain about whether she was scared for Kan or unnerved by the ferocity that gripped the table. Jin turned her around and ushered her through the entrance. When she was back on the city streets she took time to breathe, to wrap her head around how quickly the tables turned.
He watched her think, watched her process everything. She turned to him at last.
"Is this my fault?"
Jin shook his head. "No, there's been tension between his company and mine for years."
"I'm sorry about the napkin. I wasn't thinking. You just had crumbs on your mouth and you can't be taken seriously when you look like that."
He raised an eyebrow, then tilted his head back into laughter. He sounded like a spray bottle at first, then a windshield wiper and coming from such a tall and broad-shouldered human being she guessed she expected something else. Maybe she even expected him to be mad at her? It made her forget about what she'd just seen and really observe this... goofball. This man that would charade as a strict and devilish CEO, but unleash the nagging and whining and laughter on his friends. The duality was amazing.
"Jin, stop laughing at me. Next time tell me we're going to an interrogation and not just a friendly lunch."
"Fine," he said. "You handled yourself well."
So then you don't mind that I was all over your face? "I thought you guys were going to tear him apart."
He neither confirmed nor denied her accusation. "It's our job to protect you. We don't take threats towards you lightly."
For some reason, she found the sentiment more than attractive coming from him. She asked, "Is it like this every day?"
"There's never a dull moment."
:::
(A/N) Deserving reader,
Next release: 6/25 (June 25th)
Please forgive me for the late update. Two midterms, a media shoot, a surprise visit from family, and a lack of sleep destroyed my week. This chapter is longer to make up for it! Also, I'm almost done with school for this semester so this shouldn't happen again.
With love,
M