Shadows and Secrets

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Kim Taehyung. The name echoed through Seoul’s elite circles, synonymous with arrogance and ruthless ambition. At 28, he’d become Korea’s youngest CEO, a position he’d seized with cold efficiency. He despised sentimentality, particularly the relentless parade of women who sought his attention. He’d rebuffed them all.

Right now, Taehyung sat in his glass-walled office, reviewing reports. His eyes, usually glacial, were fixed on the data. A sharp knock on the door broke his concentration. “Come in,” he barked, his voice devoid of warmth.

Rosé, his assistant, entered. She was young, polished, and undeniably attractive. Today, she wore a black skirt that barely met mid-thigh and a blue crop top. Taehyung’s gaze flicked over her, assessing, dismissive.

“The files, Mr. Kim,” she said, her voice carefully measured. She placed the folder on the corner of his desk, then moved to lean against his shoulder, her hand resting on his jacket.

Taehyung finally looked up, his eyes narrowing. “What are you wearing?” he demanded, his tone laced with contempt. Rosé flinched, but held her ground.

“For you, Oppa,” she purred, attempting a seductive smile. Taehyung’s expression hardened. “Stop this nonsense. Wear something… appropriate. Long skirts, covered shoulders. And don't let me see your face again.” He pushed away from her, frustration tightening his jaw.

Rosé nodded, her smile now brittle. As she walked back to her cabin, she muttered under her breath, “Why are you like this, Oppa?... but don’t worry, you’ll be mine soon.” A cruel smile twisted her lips.

Almost an hour later, Kim Namjoon, Taehyung’s closest friend, entered the office. “Hi Tae,” he greeted him with a warm smile.

“Hi hyung,” Taehyung replied, his attention still glued to his laptop. Namjoon settled into a chair. “Taehyung, the employee meeting is in an hour. You should clear your mind.”

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re right, hyung.” He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“Let’s go to the cafeteria,” Namjoon suggested. They joined the lunch rush, exchanging pleasantries. “How are Jin hyung and the others?” Namjoon asked.

Taehyung shrugged. “Fine. We’re worried about Jungkook.”

“You mean Hoseok’s little brother?” Namjoon asked. Taehyung nodded. “He’s a sensitive boy. After what happened in his childhood, we’re all concerned.” Taehyung had heard stories about Jungkook, but had never met him.

Taehyung checked his watch. “Hyung, I need to go.” Namjoon nodded. “Okay, but I’ll be back in a moment.” Taehyung rose and walked out, his expression unreadable.

Back in his office, Taehyung was berating his team. “NO. This is not it! I didn’t ask for this. I need something BETTER!” Rosé flinched at his outburst.

“You have until tomorrow,” he roared, “or you’re all fired! Now get out!” The room emptied in a flurry of fear. Rosé lingered, her expression defiant.

“Calm down, Oppa,” she said, her voice dangerously sweet.

Taehyung’s eyes flared. “Get OUT!” He screamed, his voice echoing through the empty office. Rosé flinched and fled, Taehyung collapsing into his chair, running a hand through his hair.

This was Kim Taehyung: arrogant, cold, and consumed by a simmering rage. He hated everything, especially his stepmother.

***

Jungkook Pov

I was slumped in a school desk, fighting off the urge to sleep. Late nights studying had become a necessity.

My name is Jeon Jungkook, 21 years old. I live with my Hyung Hoseok, a doctor. “Kookie, stop daydreaming,” I whined. “Noona, I’m sleepy.” My Y/N Noona giggled.

“It’s almost lunchtime. Don’t you want to meet Jimin? He’ll be waiting for us.” I pouted, but nodded. Noona took my hand, and we headed towards the cafeteria.

Jimin Hyung spotted us and waved. Y/N Noona walked fast, and I ran to catch up. “Yah, Noona, slow down!” She lightly hit my shoulder.

We sat with Jimin Hyung, eating pizza. “This Sunday, Yoongi and I are going on a date,” Jimin said, beaming. “Yes, me and Hobi too,” Y/N Noona added excitedly.

Yoongi and Jimin are boyfriends. Yoongi hyung also works with Hoseok Hyung. I'm grateful Y/N Noona is dating Hoseok.

Don't get me wrong, I despise his ex-girlfriend. The things she did to me still haunt me.

“Why am I single?” I mumbled. They were discussing their date, and I wanted someone in my life. I want to fall in love with someone special.

Suddenly, someone grabbed my hand. “Baby boy, come sit with me.” I looked up and saw Sehun, a senior who always pursued me. My hands started to sweat.

I tried to pull away, but his grip was strong. He started to walk. Y/N Noona grabbed my wrist. “Leave him, Sehun,” she said, her voice filled with anger. Jimin Hyung stepped in front of me. Sehun released my hand, and I hid behind Noona.

“Baby boy, why are you scared of me? I just want my future boyfriend to sit with me.” He laughed. I gripped Noona’s arm tightly.

“Stay away from our bunny,” she said, her voice sharp. Sehun scoffed. “Look, you trash, he’s mine. I truly love him.” He always said this, but I didn’t believe him. He was a playboy.

Jimin Hyung scoffed. “Love? A playboy doesn’t love anyone. Stay away from our bunny and us!” Jimin yelled.

Students were staring. I looked at Sehun. “P-please g-go away.” He looked at me, about to say something when the bell rang. Jimin grabbed my hand and dragged me towards class.

I want a real lover, not a playboy. I sat at my desk, Jimin beside me. "Don't worry Kookie, we are here for you," Jimin said. Y/N Noona kissed my head. "Now smile." They both smiled at me, and I showed them my bunny smile.

***

In the afternoon, we went to the hospital. “Noona, stop running!” I shouted, running behind her. We entered Hoseok Hyung’s office, breathless.

“Next time, please slow down,” Jimin Hyung said, panting. I nodded. We sat on the sofa, waiting for Hyungs. Lisa and Nayeon Noona entered.

Lisa noona is Yoongi Hyung’s assistant, and Nayeon noona is Hoseok Hyung’s. They were both sweet. “Oh, everyone’s here already,” Lisa said smiling. “Yes, we wanted to meet Hyungs,” I said, flashing my bunny smile.

“Okay, who wants coffee except Jungkook? I know he loves banana milk,” Nayeon noona said smiling. I giggled and nodded.

“Actually, we all need it,” Y/N noona said.

“Okay, I’ll be back,” She left to get the drinks. Lisa sat beside me. “Noona, where are Hyungs?” I asked. She squeezed my cheeks. “Noona!” I whined. Everyone laughed.

I blushed and looked down. “Bunny, they’re checking patients.” I nodded, pouting. Yoongi Hyung entered the room, and Jimin ran to him, kissing him. I smiled.

Don’t worry, you’re not the only single one here,” I looked at Nayeon Noona.

Right now, we were all sitting in Jin Hyung’s cafe. He's like a mother to me, always taking care of me. But sometimes… he’s scary, really scary.

“Hyung, where is Joonie Hyung?” I asked Jin Hyung. He was preparing dinner for everyone, closing the cafe to customers for the occasion.

He looked at me and smiled. “He’ll be here any moment.” I nodded. “Kookie, can you help me?” I smiled. “Of course.” I started helping him with dinner.

We were almost done when Joonie Hyung entered the cafe. “HYUNG!” I ran to hug him tightly. “Hey Kookie,” he chuckled.

No one's Pov

After dinner, Jimin, Y/N, and Jungkook were laughing, sharing school pranks. Others were discussing Kim Taehyung. “After all these years, he’s changed so much,” Namjoon said.

“I’m scared, honestly. He wasn’t like this,” Jin said, worried.

“Namjoon hyung, why don’t you bring him tomorrow?” Hoseok suggested. Everyone nodded. Namjoon shook his head. “I don’t know.” He was afraid of Taehyung’s behavior.

“Let’s see.” He sighed. “What about Jungkook?” Hoseok smiled. “He’s much better, but sometimes he gets scared.” Hoseok’s smile faltered.

Hoseok looked at the younger boy, laughing.

Chapter # 1

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