Fake Mates | Taekook

Jungkook woke up the next day, his routine unchanged.

"Jungkook?" his father called out.

"Yes, appa?" Jungkook responded, stepping into the living room.

"We need to pay the overdue rent," his father said, his voice weighed with worry. "The landlord warned he'll evict us next month if we don't."

Jungkook pressed his lips into a thin line. "I'll see what I can do, appa," he said softly.

"Should I get a job somewhere? I can't watch you struggle like this, Jungkook-ah. I feel like such a burden," his father said, his shoulders slumping.

"Appa, no," Jungkook quickly protested. "Not with your health being the way it is. Please don't worry about that. Just take care of yourself and Sooyun for me, that's all I want. Money can be replaced - but not you."

He hugged his father tightly, pouring all his love into the embrace.

His father sighed, resting his chin against Jungkook's shoulder. "As you say... but please, take care of yourself too, okay?"

Jungkook smiled, nodding as he grabbed his packed sandwich and headed out.

He reached the convenience store an hour early. Determined to find a solution, he spent the morning asking every shop and restaurant nearby if they had any openings - but luck wasn't on his side. Each rejection chipped away at his hope.

Groaning, he rubbed his face in frustration and trudged back to the convenience store, unlocking it for another slow, dragging day.

The teenage girls were back again, and Jungkook rolled his eyes for what felt like the hundredth time.

Hours passed, and there were barely any customers.

Jungkook sighed. Mr. Choi was right, he thought bitterly. This store needs to be shut down. If I were the owner, I'd do the same.

There were still 13 days left before the store closed permanently. Jungkook promised himself he would try looking for jobs elsewhere tomorrow.

---

A week passed - and Jungkook found nothing.

Sitting behind the counter with his head in his hands, he felt the sting of tears in his eyes. Panic settled deep in his chest.

I'm going to be jobless soon... and I have no options left.

Should I beg? he thought miserably.

Mr. Choi was back at the store that evening. The moment Jungkook saw him, he ran over without thinking, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Sir, please... please give me two more weeks," Jungkook cried, his voice cracking. "I still haven't found another job."

Mr. Choi looked at him with tired eyes. "Jungkook-ah... I'm struggling too. Please don't make this harder for me."

Jungkook wiped at his tears with the back of his hand, refusing to give up. "Sir, is there any work I can do? I'll sweep your floors, clean your house, anything... Please, I need a job." His knees nearly buckled with the weight of his desperation.

Mr. Choi sighed deeply, guilt flashing across his face. He knew Jungkook was a good alpha, hardworking and respectful - but his own hands were tied.

"There's nothing for now," Mr. Choi said quietly. "If I hear of anything, I'll let you know."

He hesitated, then added, "Actually... there is one place hiring."

Jungkook's head snapped up. "Really? Please, sir, tell me. I'll go there right away."