⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹
The golden expanse of the wheat field shimmered under the midday sun, a picturesque scene of people in rolled-up sleeves diligently working. Among the volunteers—some in suits, some in casual farm clothes—was Jungkook, crouched near a row of crops with a scowl etched on his face. Mud streaked his arms as he begrudgingly uprooted another stalk of wheat. Sweat glistened on his brow, and he wiped it with his sleeve before turning to glare at the tall figure standing a few feet away.
There was Taehyung, cool as ever, leaning against a wooden post with his aviator sunglasses on, arms crossed, watching Jungkook's toil like it was an entertaining reality show.
"Hey Captain!" Jungkook snapped, throwing the freshly plucked wheat stalks into the pile beside him. "Shouldn't you be doing this instead of me?" He jabbed a muddy finger in Taehyung's direction.
Taehyung lowered his sunglasses slightly, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "My job is to protect you, not do manual labor. You're the one who agreed to help with the campaign. I'm just here to make sure no one throws tomatoes at you—or worse."
"Stop telling me what your job is!" Jungkook huffed, wiping his hands on his already dirt-streaked jeans. "Honestly, I doubt it sometimes because you're way too mouthy for a bodyguard."
Jungkook complained loudly and returning to the dirt. "And why do we even need to do this? What's the point of me plucking wheat for some stupid campaign?"
Taehyung raised an eyebrow, the smirk growing. "Didn't you agree to this? Even I was surprised. You were the one who said you wanted to be miles away from politics."
Jungkook scowled, his lips jutting into a pout. "I'm only doing this so when I go talk to my father and tell him to leave me the hell alone, I'll at least have some solid points to throw in his face. 'Look at me, Dad, I'm a good little campaign mascot. Now leave me alone!'"
Turning his face slightly, Taehyung bit his cheek to hide the grin threatening to break free.
Jungkook groaned dramatically, throwing himself back into the dirt and glaring up at the sun. "He's probably sitting in his air-conditioned office right now, giving all the actual work to his ass-kissers while I'm out here sweating my life away. What even is this life?"
Taehyung adjusted his sunglasses with a slow deliberation, his smirk ever-present. "Sounds like you're doing a great job, though. Very convincing. I'm almost inspired."
Jungkook shot him a dirty look before plucking another stalk, muttering under his breath about "sadistic bodyguards."
Since his meeting with Hoseok a few days prior, Jungkook had been unusually quiet, going along with his father's orders without much of a fight. It wasn't compliance out of respect—it was strategy. Jungkook knew better than to tip his hand too early. Until Hoseok confirmed the final arrangements for their deal, he decided to play the dutiful son, enduring his father's whims.
It didn't help that Taehyung seemed to be enjoying this brief period of Jungkook's forced silence. The man had a way of lurking nearby, always watching with that maddeningly smug expression, as if silently mocking Jungkook's suffering.
"Protect my ass," Jungkook muttered to himself one evening, scrubbing dirt from under his nails after another day of fieldwork. "The only thing he's protecting is his own entertainment. He's practically thriving watching me suffer."
But even as the thought crossed his mind, Jungkook begrudgingly admitted—though only to himself—that Taehyung was different. Not like the others who had come before him, eager to fake their loyalty and grovel for his favor. Taehyung didn't try to charm or please him; he wasn't afraid to call Jungkook out or knock him down a peg.
And yes, it irked him. It irked him endlessly.
But it also gave him a strange sense of relief.
"Ugh, I hate this," Jungkook muttered, glaring at the distant silhouette of Taehyung standing by the door, sipping a coffee like he owned the place.
"Something on your mind?" Taehyung called out, his tone laced with amusement.
Jungkook didn't bother responding. Instead, he focused on the satisfying thought that once he secured his independence, he could finally kick Taehyung out of his life—or so he told himself.
⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting golden light over the farm, Jungkook stretched his aching arms, ready to leave. He glanced at Taehyung, who passed him a water bottle, his earlier smugness still plastered on his face. Jungkook snatched it with a glare and quenches his thirst.
But before they could step toward the vehicle, a commotion broke out at the far end of the field. Jungkook froze, his sharp hearing catching the rising shouts of an approaching group. Moments later, several figures emerged from the road, their angry faces and hand-painted signs leaving no doubt—they were protestors, clearly aligned with the opposition.
Jungkook's heart pounded. The crowd's anger wasn't directed at the fields; it was aimed at him.
"There he is! Taesoo's son! A shame" one voice roared, followed by a chorus of jeers.
Panic shot through Jungkook as the crowd surged closer, their signs waving menacingly. He stepped back instinctively, his throat dry.
"Stay behind me," Taehyung commanded, his earlier lighthearted demeanor replaced by a deadly seriousness. His tall frame moved swiftly, positioning himself between Jungkook and the oncoming threat.
"Taehyung—what's happening? Why are they—" Jungkook's words faltered, his voice trembling slightly.
"They know who you are," Taehyung cut him off curtly, his voice firm but calm. He pressed a finger to the earpiece of his intercom. "Code red. Protestors at the west exit. All units, converge on my position. Keep them contained—no contact unless absolutely necessary."
The other guards began moving quickly, their figures emerging from the surrounding area. Jungkook barely registered their actions; his focus was entirely on Taehyung, who seemed eerily calm despite the chaos unfolding.
The protestors were closing in, their shouts growing louder. Some hurled insults, others waved fists, demanding that Jungkook face them.
"Do we run?" Jungkook whispered, his voice tight.
Taehyung glanced back at him briefly, his sharp eyes assessing Jungkook's fear. "We don't run. Running makes us targets. Follow my lead."
Taehyung bent slightly, grabbing Jungkook's wrist to pull him closer. "Stay close. Don't talk. Don't react. Just move when I move."
Before Jungkook could respond, Taehyung was already in action.
With calm precision, Taehyung guided Jungkook to a path partially concealed by farming equipment, using the surroundings to obscure their movements. As the protestors surged toward where Jungkook had been moments ago, Taehyung whispered quick instructions into his intercom.
"Decoy unit at the south corner—draw their attention. Keep it low-impact."
Jungkook stumbled slightly as Taehyung tugged him forward, ducking behind a tractor. Taehyung's hand was a firm grip on his arm, guiding him through the chaos.
"Can't we just get in the car?" Jungkook hissed.
"They'd block us before we got halfway," Taehyung replied tersely, scanning their surroundings. His free hand hovered near the holster at his side. "This is about moving smart, not fast."
Ahead, two protestors spotted them and started shouting, alerting the others. Taehyung's jaw clenched. He turned back to Jungkook. "Stay behind me no matter what happens."
Jungkook nodded, his earlier panic replaced by a strange sense of trust.
Taehyung raised his voice, addressing the advancing protestors with an air of authority. "Hey! Calm down!" He raised his hands, his movements deliberate and non-threatening. "You're angry—fine! But attacking someone doesn't solve anything. You think hurting a scapegoat will change your situation?"
The nearest protestors hesitated, their momentum faltering as they exchanged uncertain looks.
"Listen," Taehyung continued, his voice steady. "This isn't the way to get heard. If you cross the line here, you'll only make it worse for yourselves. You want to send a message? Do it where it counts."
As Taehyung distracted them with his firm but measured words, the guards moved into position, subtly corralling the protestors and creating a clear path for Taehyung and Jungkook to slip through.
"Move," Taehyung muttered under his breath to Jungkook, steering him toward a waiting car parked discreetly at the edge of the field.
Jungkook didn't resist, his mind reeling from the seamless way Taehyung had turned the situation in their favor. The protestors, still focused on Taehyung's words and the guards' subtle maneuvering, didn't even realize the target of their anger was being whisked away.
As the car sped away from the scene, Jungkook sat in silence, his chest still heaving slightly from the adrenaline. Taehyung glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his usual calm expression back in place.
"You okay?" Taehyung asked, breaking the silence.
Jungkook blinked, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. Finally, he leaned back in his seat and let out a breathless laugh.
"That... was crazy," he admitted, shaking his head. "How did you even—"
"It's my job," Taehyung interrupted, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Jungkook turned to look at him fully, his gaze lingering on Taehyung's composed profile. "You're scary good at it."
Taehyung glanced at him briefly, his smirk growing. "And you're scary bad at staying out of trouble."
Jungkook rolled his eyes, but the awe in his expression didn't fade. For the first time, he realized just how capable Taehyung truly was—and it left him equal parts impressed and unsettled.
⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹
The tension in Taesoo's office turned intense the moment Jungkook walked in, Taehyung following close behind. Taesoo was engrossed in a deep discussion with Namjoon, who straightened upon seeing Jungkook.
"Ah, Jungkook," Namjoon greeted with a polite bow to Taehyung and a warm pat on Jungkook's shoulder. "Good to see you back in one piece."
Jungkook offered him a faint smile. "Thanks, Hyung. Same to you."
Taesoo, however, showed no reaction other than a curt nod. "Namjoon, we'll continue this tomorrow."
Namjoon acknowledged the dismissal with a bow and left the room, casting a quick glance at Taehyung before exiting. Once the door clicked shut, Taesoo turned his sharp eyes to Taehyung.
"Report."
Jungkook inwardly scoffed, bitterness bubbling under his neutral expression. Not a single word of concern or acknowledgment for him—just straight to business, as always.
Taehyung's voice was steady and professional. "The campaign went smoothly overall. We faced a minor issue with protestors, but it was handled without incident."
Taesoo nodded, barely looking surprised. "Good. Anything else?"
"No, sir."
Finally, Taesoo shifted his attention to Jungkook, his gaze piercing. "Do you need something?"
Jungkook hesitated for a split second before squaring his shoulders. "Yes."
Taesoo gestured toward Taehyung. "Wait outside."
Before Taehyung could move, Jungkook interjected, "No, he can stay. This won't take long."
Taesoo frowned, his patience visibly thinning. "What is it?"
Jungkook took a deep breath. "I want to end my contract with my current modeling firm and start my own company."
For a moment, there was silence. Taesoo's confusion was evident as he leaned forward slightly. "What are you talking about?"
"I can't work under that firm anymore," Jungkook said firmly, his voice trembling slightly but resolute. "You told me we should live our dreams together, right? Then let me have this. Please."
Taesoo's brows furrowed. "This is ridiculous, Jungkook. Where is this idea coming from? Do you even know what it takes to run your own company?"
"I do," Jungkook shot back, his voice rising. "I've thought about it. I've talked to people who can help me. I'm not asking for your money or support—I just need you to let me go."
"You're being impulsive," Taesoo said sharply, frustration seeping into his tone. "You don't realize what you're asking for. I won't allow it."
Jungkook's face darkened. "You won't allow it?" His voice cracked with anger. "Do you ever allow me to do anything? Do you want me to destroy myself completely before you'll give me peace?"
Taesoo slammed his hand on the desk. "Watch your tone, Jungkook."
"No, you watch yours!" Jungkook yelled, his fists clenched. "I'm trying to meet you halfway here. I said I'd help with the campaign, didn't I? But if I don't get this... I can't keep doing this. I'll go insane."
Taesoo exhaled sharply, his temper simmering just below the surface. "We're done here."
Jungkook's jaw tightened, his eyes glistening with frustration. Without another word, he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
The silence in the office was heavy after Jungkook's departure. Taehyung remained where he stood, his expression composed but his mind racing. He took a small breath before speaking.
"Sir, may I say something?"
Taesoo looked up at him, irritation flickering in his eyes. "What is it?"
Taehyung straightened. "Jungkook's plans aren't as reckless as they seem. He's considering starting the company with Jung Hoseok."
Taesoo frowned, unfamiliar with the name. "Who?"
"A well-known figure in the fashion industry," Taehyung explained. "He's also... loosely associated with the opposition party."
That caught Taesoo's attention, his expression hardening. "And my son thinks it's wise to align himself with someone from the opposition?"
Taehyung held his ground. "It could be seen as a positive, sir. If Jungkook works with someone like Hoseok and brings him into your orbit—even indirectly—it could be a way to sway more people to your side. It's not a bad look for the campaign, especially when viewed as a unifying gesture."
Taesoo didn't look convinced, but he didn't interrupt.
"Besides," Taehyung continued, choosing his words carefully, "pushing Jungkook too hard might backfire. If you let him do this, he'll be more likely to cooperate when you need him later. He wants this company to be his escape. If you let him have that—at least for now—it might ease some of the tension."
Taesoo tapped his fingers on the desk, his jaw clenched as he processed Taehyung's words. "And you think this... Hoseok won't be a liability?"
Taehyung nodded. "From what I've seen, Hoseok is more interested in the global market than political affiliations. If anything, it's a calculated risk that could work in your favor."
After a long pause, Taesoo leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose. "Fine. For now, I'll allow it. But if this becomes an issue, it's on you to fix it."
"Yes, sir," Taehyung said with a bow, though he couldn't help but feel a small wave of relief.
Just then the door creaked open, and Jungkook stepped back into the office, his expression notably calmer. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, looking between his father and Taehyung. "Dad, I—"
Before he could finish, Taesoo cut him off, his tone brisk. "Fine. You can do it."
Jungkook froze, blinking in disbelief. "What?"
"I'll arrange for your contract termination tomorrow," Taesoo continued, his face unreadable as he picked up a folder from his desk. "But don't make me regret this, Jungkook."
For a moment, Jungkook just stared, the unexpected concession leaving him momentarily speechless. Slowly, his gaze flicked to Taehyung, who stood beside him, his face perfectly neutral.
"Um..." Jungkook fumbled, still processing the sudden shift. "Thanks... Dad."
Taesoo didn't respond, already engrossed in his paperwork as though the conversation had never happened. Jungkook lingered for a second longer before nodding and turning to leave, Taehyung silently following him out.
Once they were outside, and the heavy door had shut behind them, Jungkook exhaled deeply, a mix of relief and confusion swirling in his chest. He glanced sideways at Taehyung, who was walking beside him with his usual composed demeanor.
Jungkook hesitated before asking, "Did you... say something to him?"
Taehyung smiled faintly but didn't immediately answer. "Does it matter?"
"Yes, it does," Jungkook pressed, narrowing his eyes. "He never changes his mind that fast. What did you say?"
Taehyung shrugged, his tone casual. "Let's just say I framed things in a way that made it... convenient for him to agree."
Jungkook raised a skeptical brow. "Convenient, huh?"
Taehyung's grin grew as he looked ahead. "Think of it this way: I've got my own reasons for wanting things to go smoothly. This arrangement benefits me too."
Jungkook snorted. "Let me guess—so you can spend the rest of this job relaxing and no more my 'bratty-ness'?"
Taehyung feigned innocence. "Is that too much to ask?"
Jungkook laughed, shaking his head. "You're a sneaky asshole, you know that?"
Taehyung's grin widened. "And you're welcome."
For a moment, there was silence between them, but it wasn't tense. Jungkook found himself oddly grateful—not just for the outcome, but for the strange sense of camaraderie that was beginning to form between him and his frustratingly sharp-witted bodyguard.
While Taehyung thought how at least for now, Jungkook's freedom was still within reach. Jungkook didn't have to know about how he convinced his father though. It wouldn't matter anyway right?