( Jungkook )
“Jungkook, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to let you go.”
I blinked, then blinked again. How could a few words destroy a life? How could a simple sentence inflict so much damage in mere seconds? I swallowed hard, meeting the concerned eyes of my boss. Well, ex-boss, now, I suppose.
“Why?” I asked, my voice tight with anxiety. “I’ve been a loyal employee for years. You helped me when my parents kicked me out at fifteen, got me an apartment. Now… I’m going to lose everything.”
He sighed, rubbing his temple. “I know, Jungkook. This isn’t about you, or me. I’m just the messenger. We’ve had a new CEO come in, and he’s demanded downsizing across all levels of management. The only employees they’re allowing us to keep are those on salary or who have been here for more than ten years. I have no choice.”
I fought to keep my composure, to not beg and plead for my well-paying job back, to not remind him my rent was due and I barely had enough to cover food costs.
I nodded shakily, stood up, and bowed. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years. I appreciate your efforts.”
He sighed and reached out to hug me. “You’re a wonderful, hardworking young man. I’m sure you can easily find another job with our references and credentials.”
I managed a weak smile. “I understand, hyung. It’s not your fault.”
He frowned. “I’m sure one of your many friends can get you a position where they work. Just… let me know if you need anything.”
I nodded. “I will. I’ll go clean out my desk.”
And that’s how I found myself sitting in the dark at home, facing the prospect of losing my apartment and tuition. I’d worked so hard all my life. Being kicked out of home at fifteen for being gay had been brutal.
I’d lived on the streets for weeks before my hyung, Seungri, found me and saved me. He took me in, paid a few months’ rent, helped me finish high school and then attend college. I truly owed him so much. Now… I had no savings. Every penny I earned went to tuition and necessities.
My phone began to ring, and I closed my eyes. Not now. I really couldn’t deal with it right now.
Reluctantly, I answered. It was Jin, my best friend and former coworker. I’d met him about a year after starting at the company. He’d left soon after for better opportunities, but we’d remained close.
“Hey,” I said.
“I heard what happened,” he replied, his voice laced with concern. “Want to meet up? Are you home?”
“Sure,” I said.
“I’ll meet you at our cafe in twenty minutes.” He hung up.
“Our cafe” was what we called our favorite spot, a place that felt like home. The pastries were incredible, the coffee divine, but mostly we enjoyed the spacious room’s privacy.
I walked the short distance to the cafe and found Jin already seated in our booth, sipping a latte and eating a muffin. I couldn’t help but smile. He was breathtakingly handsome, yet still ate like a pig. It was endearing.
I slipped into the seat across from him and stole a sip of his drink. “Yummy,” I murmured.
He grinned. “Right? Anyway, what are your plans?”
I rolled my eyes. Ever the protective parent, he loved to oversee everything around him. “Don’t know. I’ll probably have to move out of my apartment and find another job. Might have to quit classes.”
He frowned. “You’re almost finished. You can’t do that.” He looked down at his drink speculatively. “Are your bills already paid up this month?”
“I think so,” I replied. “Rent and utilities are covered for the next four weeks. I’m just worried about food and travel expenses.”
He nodded, then reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. I frowned as he took a few hundred dollars and slid them across the table. I stared at the cash. “I’m not taking that. How do you earn so much money?”
He smirked. “You’re going to take it. If you don’t get another job by the end of the month, you can come work with me.”
“What do you do?” I asked, pouting. “You never tell me.”
He tsked. “It’s not for the faint of heart, but I make astronomical amounts of money for very little effort.” He admitted, smiling. “I don’t know if you can handle it, but if you have no other options, I can get you in.”
Get me in… why did that sound so ominous?
He continued. “The boss is really flexible about adding new… employees.” He winked.
I had no idea how to react, how to feel, or anything. I just blinked. “Why do you think I can’t hack it?” I asked, curious. He knew I was a hard worker.
He bit his lip, and I knew he was suppressing a laugh. “Trust me. You really don’t want to work this job if you don’t have to.”
Anger and annoyance flared inside me. “Why not? What makes you more qualified than me?” I demanded.
He leaned back casually and sipped his latte. “For starters… you’re a virgin.”