It had been 5 or 6 days since that moment, but Jungkook couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt that had settled heavily on his chest. Every time his eyes drifted to Y/n, every time he caught a glimpse of her down the hallway or in the office, his mind replayed the scene—her sitting on the bench, crying alone, and him, standing there, too afraid to reach out.

He told himself it was better this way. She needed space, she needed time, and he couldn’t just intrude. But the weight of his silence grew heavier with each passing day, and the ache in his chest never quite faded.

He had spoken to Taehyung about it, the man who knew him better than anyone. Taehyung had listened, his expression calm, as always, before giving him a gentle nudge in the direction of reality.

“Sometimes, Jungkook,” Taehyung had said with that knowing smile, “you have to step back. Let her handle it. If she needs you, she’ll come to you.”

Jungkook had heard the words, but the part of him that wanted to protect her, to be there for her, still fought against it. The quiet conversation with Taehyung had been a momentary relief, a reassurance that he wasn’t entirely wrong for keeping his distance. But the advice still stung, especially when he saw Y/n looking so distant at work, so quiet. The space she seemed to need was growing with every passing day.

Jungkook had listened to Taehyung, despite the gnawing feeling in his stomach. He couldn’t force her to share her pain if she didn’t want to. He couldn’t make her open up if she wasn’t ready. And yet, there was still something in his chest that burned—a feeling he couldn’t name, something that made his feet heavy whenever she crossed his path.

Y/n, for her part, had been quieter than usual. She had kept to herself, focusing on her work, trying to keep her emotions in check. But Jungkook noticed the subtle shift—how she walked a little more briskly, how she kept her eyes down, how her smiles seemed more forced, like she was pretending to be okay when the truth was written all over her.

The air between them had thickened, and Jungkook couldn’t tell whether it was his own fault for pulling back, or if she simply needed time. Whatever the reason, he felt helpless. There was a space between them now, one he wasn’t sure how to cross.

So he waited.

*****

The office was quieter than usual that day, the tension thick with the anticipation of the report submission. Hana, Yejoon, and Y/n were sitting at their desks, reviewing their work, their thoughts all on the task that Jungkook had given them days ago. It was a big deal, and they all wanted to make sure they presented it perfectly. But amid the serious atmosphere, something unexpected caught their attention.

A new figure walked into the cabin—a man with sharp features, a mischievous gleam in his eye, and an air of confidence that seemed to make the room shift. He moved with ease, his steps confident, like he belonged there. As he approached Aera, who was sitting at her desk, he didn’t hesitate. He gave her a back hug.

The sight was shocking—none of them had seen anything like it in the office. Aera was someone who commanded respect from the team, someone who always held herself with a certain distance. Yet here was this man, casually invading her space like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Hana, Y/n, and Yejoon froze, their eyes wide in disbelief. It had been five days since they'd started working together, and in all that time, no one, not even Jungkook, had ever acted so bold with Aera. She was a woman who was always composed, always a little out of reach, but this man… He had touched her without hesitation, without any sign of discomfort.

Aera’s reaction was swift—she jerked away from him, her face darkening with anger. The man, however, didn’t seem phased. He simply walked away as though nothing had happened, his playful grin still plastered on his face, as if the situation hadn’t been a big deal. It left a strange silence in the air, the tension palpable.

Y/n was the first to break it, her voice barely a whisper. “Did that just happen?”

Yejoon, usually the more vocal one, shook his head. “This guy has some serious guts. He just hugged her like that, and here’s the kicker—Jungkook sir doesn’t even joke around with her! Yet this man does it on his first day back?” He let out a short laugh, clearly impressed, though there was an underlying sense of curiosity mixed with confusion in his tone.

Hana couldn’t help but be curious as well. She leaned over to a nearby staff member, hoping to get some answers. “Who’s that guy?” she asked, her voice a mix of intrigue and suspicion.

The staff member glanced toward the door where Jaehyun had just left, and nodded. “Oh, him? That’s Kim Jaehyun. He’s been on a 10-day leave, just got back today.”

The name echoed in Hana’s mind as she processed the new information. Jaehyun. There was something about him that felt different, something that made him stand out from the rest. But what puzzled her more was his familiarity with Aera. Why was he so comfortable with her? And more importantly, why had Aera reacted so strongly?

The three of them exchanged looks, the same question lingering in the air: Why had Jaehyun dared to touch Aera so casually, something no one else would even dream of doing? What was his relationship with her, and how did it affect the dynamics in the office?

It was a mystery that none of them could solve yet, but the curiosity lingered in their minds, growing stronger with every passing second.

The air around them thickened as Aera walked toward them, her presence commanding and intimidating. Hana, Yejoon, and Y/n exchanged nervous glances, each of them feeling the weight of the moment. The last time they had interacted with Aera, it hadn’t exactly gone smoothly. She had a way of making people feel small, her sharp gaze piercing through any facade of confidence.

When she stopped in front of them, they felt the chill in the air. The tension was almost suffocating, their hands trembling as they gripped their reports, the fear of judgment eating away at them. Aera’s eyes swept over them coldly, her arms crossed over her chest, her gaze never wavering.

"Show me your reports," she said in a tone that brooked no argument, her voice firm, almost demanding. Her words hung in the air, leaving no room for hesitation. The three of them exchanged glances, feeling their palms grow clammy as they reluctantly handed over their work.

Y/n could feel her heartbeat in her throat. She had worked hard on her report, but it wasn’t like Aera would let something slide. She could almost picture the scowl forming on Aera’s face as she skimmed through the pages. She had seen Aera's dedication to her work, her attention to detail, and the unspoken pressure that came with it. If they failed to meet her standards, there was no telling how she would react.

Aera’s eyes flicked over each of the reports, her expression unreadable, her fingers tracing the pages with the precision of someone who had seen every possible mistake in the book. The silence stretched on, heavy and oppressive. The three of them stood there, holding their breath, barely daring to move.

“I don’t have the whole day,” Aera said loudly, breaking the silence and making all three of them flinch. Her words cut through their tension, and in an instant, they rushed to hand her the reports, almost tripping over each other in their haste. They all knew what Aera’s standards were like; there was no room for error with her. She was the epitome of perfection, and they feared what would happen if they didn’t measure up.

As they handed over their work, their minds raced with thoughts of how she would react. Would she praise them? Would she tear their work apart? Would she see the mistakes they hoped she wouldn’t catch?

The air seemed to crackle with anticipation as Aera took the reports, her expression still unreadable. The seconds felt like hours, and none of them dared to speak. All they could do was wait.

*****

Aera entered Jungkook’s office, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she walked toward his desk. Jungkook was looking over some files when she approached, her presence immediately commanding his attention.

Aera: "Sir, I came to check on the progress of the reports."

Jungkook glanced up at her, his expression neutral. "It’s all fine. By the way, all three trainees have to submit their reports today, send them after lunch."

Aera nodded, and as she turned to leave, her voice softened, as if she’d been pondering something. "By the way, sir, can I ask you something?"

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Of course."

Aera hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice carefully controlled. "What was the reason for selecting Seo Y/N?"

The question caught Jungkook off guard. He leaned back in his chair, studying Aera closely. He hadn’t expected her to ask about Y/N, especially not in such a direct way.

Jungkook: "What do you mean?"

Aera’s expression was casual, but there was an edge to her words. "Well, I’ve seen Y/N come in on time only once in these five days, and I’ve just gone through her report. If you want to see it, it’s right here. It’s not exactly impressive."

Jungkook remained silent for a beat, his eyes briefly flickering down to the report she mentioned. He had already noticed that Y/N’s report was far from perfect. It was clumsy, disorganized even, but he didn’t want to dismiss her effort so quickly.

Jungkook: "I’ll review it after lunch. And I’ll decide then if it meets expectations."

Aera wasn’t convinced. "I don’t know what you see in her, sir. Honestly, she seems a bit... useless. We’re wasting time on someone who doesn’t seem to care about the work. It’s hard to see the potential in her."

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed slightly at her blunt words. He didn’t like the tone she used, the implication that he had made a mistake in choosing Y/N. His voice hardened a little as he responded.

Jungkook: "Who are you to question my decisions? I didn’t choose her without reason. Mistakes happen, and no one is perfect. Y/N is still learning—she’ll improve. Don’t judge someone so quickly."

Aera’s lips tightened, but she didn’t argue. She could feel the tension rising, but she didn’t let it show. "Of course, sir," she said, her voice cold and clipped. "I’ll take my leave then."

Jungkook’s gaze followed her as she turned to leave, but before she did, she paused in the doorway, her eyes calculating.

Aera: "I just hope you’re not letting personal feelings cloud your judgment."

The remark was subtle, but Jungkook caught it. Aera’s eyes locked with his for a moment, and he could sense the challenge in her words. She was trying to provoke him, to get him to admit something—something that he wasn’t ready to acknowledge, even to himself.

Jungkook’s face remained impassive as he replied, his voice firm and controlled. "You’re dismissed, Aera."

Aera gave him a tight-lipped smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She turned and left, leaving Jungkook alone in his office.

He sat there, the weight of her insinuation hanging in the air. He wanted to brush it off, to dismiss it as just another one of Aera’s manipulative tactics.Shaking his head, he pushed the thought aside. He had made his decision, and he wasn’t about to second-guess it now. He had chosen Y/N for a reason, and he wasn’t going to let anyone, especially Aera, make him doubt that.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Jungkook let out a long breath, silently reminding himself that he was in control. But the lingering doubt that Aera had planted in his mind would not fade so easily.

The tension in the air was thick as Aera handed over the report files, her cold gaze briefly lingering on each of them. When she reached Y/N, she paused, a sly smile curling at the corner of her lips. The words that followed left Y/N standing there, stunned.

Aera: "Ms. Seo," she called, her voice smooth and calculating.

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat. She was already feeling the weight of her nerves after handing in the report, and now Aera’s words were like a slow burn to her already fragile confidence.

Y/N stammered, “Y-yes?”

Aera’s next words felt like a sharp jab to her chest, her question cutting deeper than she expected.

Aera: "Are you sure that this is the job you want to do?"

The question echoed in Y/N’s ears, sending a wave of dread through her. She had always wondered if she was truly cut out for this job. She had doubts about her abilities, about her worth. But hearing Aera’s words made those doubts feel more real than ever.

The room seemed to hold its breath, and even Hana and Yejoon felt the weight of the question. They exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to intervene.

Y/N could barely muster a response. Her voice, small and trembling, broke the silence. "Yes," was all she could say, the words feeling hollow as they left her lips.

Aera gave a small nod, but her smile was anything but reassuring. It was almost mocking, as though she was testing Y/N, probing her resolve. "Okay, be on time, everyone," she said, dismissing them with a flick of her hand.

But as Aera turned to leave, her presence lingered in the air like a shadow, and Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling of her question echoing in her mind. Was this really the job for me? The fear she had been trying to ignore gripped her heart tightly.

Yejoon, sensing her distress, placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a gentle nudge. "Let's go, it's lunch time," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Hana, ever perceptive, caught the worry in Y/N’s eyes. She leaned closer and put her hand on Y/N's shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. "Y/N," she said softly.

Y/N snapped out of her thoughts, startled by the sound of her name. "Yes?"

Hana’s smile was warm and reassuring, but it didn’t quite reach Y/N’s heart, which was still clouded with uncertainty. "Don’t worry, everything will be fine. Trust yourself."

Y/N’s lips parted slightly, but the words didn’t bring her the comfort she had hoped for. Trust in herself? That was something she had struggled with for so long. Her self-doubt had been a constant companion, one that held her back from truly believing in her abilities. It was that same lack of trust that had caused her to falter in the past, to fail, and to let life knock her down time and time again.

Hana: "Let’s go eat, I'm really hungry," she said, trying to change the subject.

But Y/N remained lost in her thoughts, her mind racing with worries. Yejoon, ever the supportive friend, gently took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The three of them walked together toward the canteen, but even the prospect of food couldn’t shake the heaviness Y/N felt. The question Aera had asked still haunted her, swirling around in her mind like a storm she couldn’t escape.

As they walked, Y/N’s thoughts continued to spiral. What if I’m not good enough for this job? What if I fail again? What if Jungkook... What if he’s disappointed in me?

But she couldn’t let herself fall into that spiral. Not now. She had to face the inevitable—the confrontation with Jungkook, the fear of his judgment, and the looming uncertainty of whether she truly belonged here. But for now, she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind as best as she could, trying to focus on the moment, on her friends, on the small comfort they offered.

******

Even amidst the hustle and bustle of the canteen, Y/N couldn’t shake the nagging thoughts that clouded her mind. Hana and Yejoon tried to draw her out of her spiraling thoughts, but their words felt distant, like she couldn’t quite grasp them.

Yejoon, noticing Y/N’s distant expression, leaned in slightly, trying to break through the fog that had settled around her. His voice was gentle but firm, as if trying to anchor her in the moment.

Yejoon: "Y/N, don’t think too much about it. Aera must have asked like that just because she’s... well, you know how she is."

But Y/N wasn’t listening. The words didn’t reach her, not with the heavy weight of Aera’s question still pressing down on her. Am I really cut out for this? The question continued to churn in her mind, louder than anything around her.

Before Y/N could reply, a voice interrupted, drawing all three of their attention.

"What brother? What are you talking about my wife?"

The voice was laced with teasing, and as soon as the words hit the air, all three of them turned sharply in unison. Y/N’s stomach dropped as her eyes landed on the speaker. Yejoon’s food almost got stuck in his throat, his face contorting as he struggled to swallow.

Hana blinked, a slow realization spreading across her face. "Kim Jaehyun..." she murmured in disbelief.

The shock was palpable. At first, none of them had been able to grasp the possibility that Aera was married. To marry someone like her, someone so sharp and commanding, seemed almost like a risk. But to then realize that her husband was this person—a man so completely opposite in nature—left them stunned. Aera, with her precise, almost cold demeanor, and Jaehyun, with his carefree, confident air, seemed like a contrast so stark it felt almost absurd.

They had all watched Aera’s stoic expression when Jaehyun had entered the room. And now, hearing him speak so openly about his wife, something about the ease with which he claimed her felt... unsettling. It was as if Aera had placed herself in a box, but Jaehyun tore through it effortlessly.

Jaehyun grinned, pulling up a chair and casually sitting down with them. "Tell me, has my wife ruined the new employees? One’s face is tense, one’s confused,"—he placed a hand on Yejoon’s shoulder with a playful smirk—"and one even choked on his food."

His laughter filled the space around them, carefree and full of energy, a stark contrast to the quiet discomfort the three of them felt. Yejoon’s face flushed, his embarrassment evident, while Hana’s gaze flickered between Jaehyun and Y/N.

Hana: "It’s not like that, sir," she managed to say, her voice unsure.

Jaehyun waved his hand dismissively, as if the formality didn’t matter to him. "Oh, sir? Call me Jaehyun. 'Sir' is too formal for me."

The atmosphere lightened slightly, but the underlying tension remained. Jaehyun was Aera’s husband, and despite his easy demeanor, he was still someone they couldn’t openly speak ill of. His presence alone put them in an awkward position. Y/N couldn’t help but feel her nerves spike again. She didn’t know how to navigate this dynamic.

Jaehyun noticed their discomfort and leaned back, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Don’t worry," he said with a grin, "I’m not as dangerous as my wife. Be comfortable with me."

The three of them exchanged glances, a collective sigh of relief washing over them, though the unease never quite left. Jaehyun’s laid-back nature seemed to ease the tension, but the lingering shadow of Aera’s sharp eyes remained in their minds.

Still, they couldn’t talk bad about Aera in front of him. Yejoon, desperate for a change of topic, cleared his throat and began to introduce himself more formally. "I’m Lee Ye—"

Jaehyun interrupted him effortlessly, his tone brisk but friendly. "I know everyone’s name already. Let’s not waste time on introductions."

Y/N couldn’t help but smile inwardly at the directness. It made sense now—why Aera had chosen Jaehyun. No beating around the bush. No filler. Straight to the point. And in a strange way, it was refreshing. Yet, it also made her realize just how much of a contrast he was to Aera. While she kept everyone at arm’s length, Jaehyun made them feel a little less guarded. And that was what unsettled her.

She didn’t know how to feel about him just yet. Y/N sat stiffly in her chair, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of her tray. Jaehyun’s sudden question lingered in the air like an unwelcome guest, heavy and impossible to ignore. "Well, Y/N, I wanted to ask you something. Should I?"

His voice was light, playful even, but Y/N felt her heart sink. Y/N hesitated before responding, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes... sir."

Jaehyun laughed lightly, shaking his head. "Oh, sir? Come on now. I didn’t say anything just now. We’re all going to work together here. No need for all that formality."

She nodded quickly, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Okay... Jaehyun."

He smiled warmly, easing the tension in the air. At least he was polite—more approachable than Aera. If nothing else, he seemed like someone she could manage to interact with without fear of being ripped apart.

But then came the question.

Jaehyun: "Do you know Jungkook?"

Her heart stopped. The world seemed to narrow, and the noise of the canteen faded to a dull hum.

Why was he asking that?

Had Jungkook said something about her?

Did he tell everyone about their disastrous first meeting?

A pit of worry formed in her stomach, sinking deeper with every second. Was this why Aera had asked her that strange question earlier? Had the whole office heard about the fight she’d had with Jungkook on the first day? The idea of her colleagues judging her, whispering about her behind her back, made her stomach churn. She clenched her fists under the table, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Jungkook, she thought bitterly. So much for professionalism. He couldn't wait to show his true colors, could he?

"Y/n?" Jaehyun’s voice snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts. His tone was gentle, but the weight of his gaze was palpable. She glanced up, realizing Hana and Yejoon were also staring at her, waiting for an answer.

She swallowed hard, her voice coming out shakier than she intended. "No. I mean... I’ve only known him since I got the job here."

Jaehyun’s expression didn’t betray anything. He simply nodded. "Okay."

Hana, ever the curious one, leaned forward, her eyes lighting up. "Why? What happened?"

Y/N shot her a sharp look, silently willing her to drop the subject. But Hana’s enthusiasm was hard to quell, especially when it came to office gossip. In just five days, she had somehow managed to piece together an impressive amount of information about everyone in the company. It was both admirable and mildly terrifying.

Jaehyun shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing much. Aera mentioned it, that’s all."

The mention of Aera made Y/N’s chest tighten. She couldn’t tell if it was frustration, fear, or something else entirely. Aera’s probing questions, Jaehyun’s sudden curiosity, and the looming report submission—it was all too much.

Her mind spiraled again. What if Jungkook had told Aera about their first encounter? What if he’d spun it to make her look bad? Y/N gritted her teeth, the thought alone making her seethe. It felt like every time she managed to find a sliver of calm, a new storm rolled in, leaving her scrambling to keep afloat.

Jaehyun stood up, brushing imaginary crumbs off his pants. "Alright then. I’ll take my leave. If you ever have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask me. Enjoy your lunch and best of luck for today."

With that, he left, his warm smile lingering like the aftertaste of a bittersweet memory.

Y/N watched him go, her mind a chaotic mess of questions and frustration. Jaehyun had left a good impression, no doubt, but his words and timing had thrown her further into the spiral of her own insecurities.

The trio resumed their lunch, but Y/N barely touched her food. The tension of submitting her report was already gnawing at her nerves, and now this—Jaehyun’s question, Aera’s sharp gaze, the looming specter of Jungkook. It all felt like too much. Her thoughts raced, laced with anxiety.

What if Jungkook really did say something to Aera?

Why did Jaehyun even ask about him in the first place?

Y/N poked at her food absentmindedly, her appetite long gone. The more she thought about it, the heavier the weight in her chest grew. Joining this company had felt like the right step—a chance to prove herself. But now, it felt like the walls were closing in, and no matter where she turned, she couldn’t find a way out.

*****

Jungkook leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. Aera’s words had left a sour taste in his mouth, and no matter how he replayed the conversation, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

Jungkook: "Why did she say that? Did Y/N tell Aera something about me or the interview?"

Taehyung, seated across from him, looked unimpressed as he crossed his arms."That’s not possible, and you know it. Y/N wouldn't dare say anything about you, especially to someone like Aera."

Jungkook sighed, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Then why was Aera asking those questions? You know she doesn’t get involved with employees unless she has a reason."

Taehyung shrugged, leaning forward. "Do you even know Aera? She’s like a ticking time bomb. Half the office is scared of her. Do you really think Y/N, of all people, would go out of her way to talk to her?"

Jungkook shot him a sharp look. "That’s not what I’m asking, Taehyung. I’m saying something doesn’t add up. You can’t deny it’s strange for her to suddenly fixate on Y/N."

Taehyung sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "How would I know, Jungkook? I don’t work in her head."

Jungkook sat up straighter, his voice gaining an edge. "Then why did I even call you here? All you’ve been saying is, ‘I don’t know.’ What good are you if you don’t have a single useful thing to say?"

Taehyung frowned, his jaw tightening. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping the floor. "Excuse me? Who do you think you’re talking to? I’m not your servant, Jungkook. Don’t forget, I’m older than you."

Jungkook stood up as well, matching his tone. "Older? That doesn’t mean a thing when you’re useless as a friend!"

Taehyung snapped, grabbing the collar of Jungkook’s shirt and slamming him against the wall.

Taehyung: "You’ve got a lot of nerve calling me useless. If I’m so useless, then stop running to me every time you have an issue with Y/N! Impress her yourself if you’re so worried about her!"

Jungkook’s expression hardened, but he didn’t push Taehyung away. Instead, he smirked, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "Oh, I will. Unlike you, I don’t need anyone’s help to get what I want."

The tension between them was thick, the room silent except for their heavy breathing. The tension in the room was palpable as Jungkook and Taehyung stood frozen, staring at the three unexpected figures standing in the doorway. Hana, Yejoon, and Y/N looked utterly shocked, their wide-eyed expressions betraying a mix of confusion and disbelief.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Yejoon broke the silence, his voice barely a whisper but loud enough for everyone to hear. "BL couples... here too?"

Jungkook and Taehyung immediately dropped their grips on each other's collars, stepping apart as if burned. The realization of how their aggressive stance could be misinterpreted sank in, and the mortification was mutual.

Hana tried to smooth over the awkwardness. "Sir, the door was open, so we thought..." She hesitated, glancing between the two men. "But we didn’t see anything! Right, guys?"

Yejoon and Y/N nodded furiously, their expressions a mix of fear and awkward agreement.

Jungkook cleared his throat, desperate to regain some semblance of authority. "It’s not what you think."

Taehyung, however, was quick to deflect. "How did you come in without knocking? Do you have any manners?" His voice was sharp, but his flushed face betrayed his own embarrassment.

Hana folded her arms, unbothered by the scolding. "We thought it was fine since the door was open."

Meanwhile, Jungkook’s mind raced. This couldn’t have gone worse. He glanced at Y/N, who stood quietly, her head lowered. Her strange expression sent a pang of unease through him. He wanted to explain, to make her understand, but words failed him.

Before he could say more, Taehyung muttered something about leaving and swiftly exited the room, clearly too humiliated to stay. Jungkook was left standing awkwardly in front of his employees.

"Sir?" Hana prompted cautiously. "The reports?"

It took a moment for her words to register. Jungkook quickly straightened his posture, fixing his disheveled collar. "Leave the reports here for now. Come back in an hour."

The three of them exchanged glances, sensing his discomfort, but they obeyed without question. "Okay, sir," Hana said, leading the others out of the room.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Jungkook let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair. The situation replayed in his mind—how recklessly he and Taehyung had been behaving, completely forgetting the door was open.

What if someone else had overheard?

The thought chilled him. If rumors spread, especially about him having a personal interest in Y/N, it could spiral into accusations of favoritism or worse. Both he and Taehyung could face consequences that would jeopardize everything they had built.

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his spiraling thoughts.

Taehyung’s voice came through the line, almost casual but tinged with urgency. "Don’t worry, I’m on it. I’ll check the security footage to see if anyone else overheard. I’ll call you back."

Jungkook exhaled in relief, though it was temporary. Taehyung was right to take precautions—this was no small matter.

Hanging up, Jungkook leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. His mind wandered to Y/N again. Her quiet demeanor wasn’t just awkward—it was unsettling. What had she thought of him in that moment? And why did her opinion of him matter so much?

For now, all he could do was wait for Taehyung’s call.

******

Hana stopped them before they left, her voice lowering. "Listen, we won’t tell anyone about what we saw in Jungkook sir’s cabin today."

Yejoon and Y/N nodded quickly. Yejoon added, "We’re new here. If sir finds out we’re spreading rumors, we’ll be fired."

"Good," Hana said, her tone firm but quiet. "Keep it to ourselves, and no one gets hurt."

The three left the office in silence, the unspoken agreement sealing their lips on the matter. What had happened in that room would remain a secret—for now.