Chapter Text
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
Smack!
Namjoon rolls back towards the center of his king bed. Trying to remember if he has another alarm lined up or if he should just get out of bed now to avoid waking up late. Again. Giving it a couple seconds, he opts for the latter. Sitting up in bed, stretching his neck and letting his eyes adjust to the light in the room.
“Meeting with Finance,” says Namjoon, sleepily. Trying to figure out what the most-demanding part of his day will be. And it will most definitely be the meeting with Marketing, Finance and half of the Corporate Counsel. Having enforced the importance of the day to further motivate himself out of bed, Namjoon walks over to his enormous master bath.
He navigates the coldness of his 2 bedroom-2 bath luxury loft. The frozen, polished gray wood floor and the morning quiet giving way to the city traffic that’s 38 floors down. In less than an hour, Namjoon is clean cut and awake. Sipping mocha in a light tan suit with a white dress shirt and a baby blue tie, he eyes the stock market headlines running across his TV screen. It’s these tiny moments in his life where he hears his mother’s voice the most. We need to get you settled, Namjoon. Someone with a good heart and enough patience to fill the universe- especially if they’re gonna compete with your job.
His mother passed two years ago. Enough time for his father to regroup and return to work, resuming life as usual, serving as Director of Legal Affairs & Regulation. But for Namjoon, two years isn’t enough. When he can hear his mother’s voice in these tiny moments, his loft feels even emptier, desolate. He turns off the TV and grabs his messenger bag- heading over to Jung Company.
Jung Company (or Jung, Sons and Company to the long-time employees) is a multinational computer software company that has grown to focus on multimedia management, creativity & digital marketing software. As a public company now worth billions, Namjoon’s father (Kim Seokjin) was brought on board to help grow the company when Namjoon was still a kid. It helped that the creator/CEO of Jung Company was his dad’s sunbae. This meant a strong and constant relationship between the Kims and the Jungs.
“Good Morning, Mr. Kim,” says Namjoon’s secretary, Taehyung.
“Good Morning, Tae,” responds Namjoon, entering his office and setting up his laptop. “What’s on the agenda for today?”
“Well, Director Jung was here 10 minutes ago. I told him you would be in shortly and he asked that I message him when that happened. So…I’m giving you a heads up BEFORE I do that,” says Tae, taking his boss’ empty messenger bag and black trench coat, and hanging it on the coat rack in the back corner.
“Thank you, Tae. I appreciate that,” grins Namjoon, turning on his laptop as he takes a seat. “Anything else? Besides the 11am Finance-Marketing meeting?”
“Yes. You have a working lunch with PR at noon. Specifically with Jo Mina, at the Whalien Café across the street.” Tae looks up from his tablet to gauge his boss’ reaction. He’s not disappointed.
With a disgusted expression, Namjoon asks “we can’t cancel that?”
Tae shakes his head. “She cornered you last month to book this because you kept cancelling. On purpose.” Tae smiles as Namjoon’s eye roll. “However, since you might as well go thru with it…doesn’t hurt to enlist aid. Take a wingman.”
Namjoon raises an eyebrow, eyeing Tae up and down.
“Uhm, I’m not volunteering my services, sir” says Tae, trying not to smile. They both laugh and continue with a read off of Namjoon’s day. And before he can blink, it’s 11am.
Namjoon enters the conference room, ready to sit with the rest of the corporate counsel team. Instead, he finds himself waved over to a seat by Jung Hoseok. With a dead pan expression, he scuffles towards the other side of the room.
Jung Hoseok: the eldest of CEO Jung’s identical triplets (his only children). Eldest and most responsible, according to Namjoon’s current knowledge base of the offspring. Growing up with his dad while working to nourish the young roots of Jung Company, Namjoon had a long-time friendship with the eldest. They’re the same age so the friendship had a good base to start with. Namjoon had seen the 2nd of the triplets from time-to-time: Hosun. Joon had never met the somewhat-tucked-away youngest of the triplets: Hope. Often, Hoseok and Namjoon were left alone to their own devices- fostering an environment of mistakes and mischief made together.
Hoseok had a good head for business. Intuitive. He was a bit…brusque. He didn’t mean to be, of course. That’s just the way his passion for the business played out. Intelligent, innovative- the oldest Jung already exhibited all the leadership and business-savvy traits needed for a future CEO. He was already the youngest Finance Director in the industry. With sharp features and a regal nose, Hoseok was also beautiful. He had the “hot office flare” that attracted a lot of the younger corporate employees. He was a mix of Mr. Darcy-meets-Joo Joong Won (from Master’s Sun). Noble and corporate with a hint of COACH Blue parfum. He always seems to either know what others are thinking or appear as if he doesn’t care. Not a man with time to waste.
“Namjoon…I almost forgot to mention from earlier this morning…”
Namjoon watches the last of the attendees file in before turning to a now quiet Hoseok. Who’s staring at him.
“What?”
With an eye roll, Hoseok purses his lips before whispering and only slightly leaning towards Namjoon. “Father is dead serious about bringing my brothers into the fold.”
Namjoon does a double take, not sure if he heard Hoseok correctly.
“Yes, my brothers. Both of them. Father is sure that bringing them into the corporate world will help them ‘re-navigate’ their life course and alleviate some of the pressure of responsibility from my shoulders.” Hoseok raises his eyebrow before sliding back further into his seat in his blue pin-striped suit.
“I wasn’t aware their life needed re-navigation” whispers Namjoon, sliding against the back of his seat.
“I don’t think they’re aware of it either,” Hoseok whispers back. That is the last of their conversation as the meeting begins. The hour drags on as Namjoon fidgets in his suit- trying not to fall asleep. He’s nudged out of reverie by Hoseok as everyone stands up.
“I need a favor.”
Namjoon squints at Hoseok, looking down at his watch to see that he has the dreaded lunch meeting in 15 minutes. “Right now?”
“NO! No…I…” Hoseok stops. He leads Namjoon to a few empty waiting chairs outside the conference room but doesn’t bother to sit down. “Look, the first part of my dad’s ‘triplet intervention’ project will be in-office tomorrow. My brother Hosun arrives at the airport later this evening. He’ll be starting tomorrow; we’re easing him into an admin role on the Finance team. Unfortunately, I have a meeting with Google tomorrow. It can’t be rescheduled. So…I’m thinking…in my stead, you could show him around a bit in the morning.”
Namjoon blinks a few times. “You…need a baby-sitter?” Namjoon squints again.
“Y-yes…a handler,” replies Hoseok, staring a hole through Namjoon. “You…it’s been a while since you’ve seen or met Hosun. He’s a world-class choreographer and music producer who has a rich dad and good looks. Imagine all the dickheadishness that could go along with that…as well as all the HR-trouble that could ensue if I pair him with someone single and ready to mingle.”
“But, I’m single” frowns Namjoon.
“With no idea how to mingle, so it’s perfect,” says Hoseok with a side smile. “It’s not full day kindergarten. I’m back by lunch and I can take over the…orientation, so to speak, from there. Please, please, please.”
Hoseok almost never asks for a favor so when he does, one feels obligated to say yes. It’s irritating to Namjoon.
“I..(sigh)…I’d have to clear it with my assistant. I don’t know--“
“It’s clear. Believe me, I asked,” says Hoseok. “You have a compliance presentation with the new hires but that can be pushed to another day.”
Namjoon sighs with disbelief at being betrayed by Tae. He’s losing the battle- they both know it. When suddenly: “fine. Fine…I’ll do it. Under one condition.”
“Name it.” Hoseok smiles at his victory.
“You have to eat lunch with me. Right now.”
Hoseok laughs, not fully understanding the punishment. “Deal! I win either way.”
Later that day, Namjoon receives a threatening text from Hoseok. Laying out all the punishments Namjoon will be subjected to if he ever drags Hoseok to another lunch with the man-eating Jo Mina. Namjoon smiles over his own tiny victory.
- - - Next Morning - - -
“Good morning, Mr. Kim,” says Tae, greeting Namjoon as he nears his office door.
“Morning Tae,” Namjoon says with nod. He’s too busy adjusting his messenger bag strap over his shoulder to notice the secretary miming “stop”. Namjoon walks into his office, black suit and red tie, to the smell of cherry blossom parfum. VERY STRONG cherry blossom parfum.
“Well, well…Nams…it’s been a while.”
Namjoon stops in his tracks, his head snapping up at the voice he hasn’t heard in an age. “Hosun.”
Because Namjoon has only spoken to Hosun a handful of times and has never met Hope, the fact that Hoseok is a triplet has some novelty in moments like this. Where Namjoon is seeing a face he’s familiar with, dressed in a style that Hoseok wouldn’t even wear in the dark.
Namjoon bows, recognizing the power shift as Jung Hosun is still the son of the CEO and brother to the next CEO. In doing so, Namjoon takes in Hosun’s attempt at office wear: a light blue dress shirt, practically-painted-on leather pants and a hideous neon bucket hat.
“C’mon Namjoon, don’t do that” says Hosun, wrangling the angled Namjoon into a hug. “You’re practically the CEO of this place.”
Namjoon poses a closed-mouth smile, not sure if he should embrace Hosun back. He does manage a few pats before separating from his visitor. Trying not to gasp out loud for unscented air as he rounds his desk.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Jung. I would have arrived sooner if I knew you were waiting.”
Hosun turns around to face the door, as if he’s expecting someone. “OH, me! I’m Mr. Jung!” He says with a smile, looking back at Namjoon who, in response, nods slowly. “Shit, don’t call me that. You scared me to death. I expected my brother behind me. Loosen up Nams. Just Hosun is fine.”
Hosun pulls his chair closer to Namjoon’s desk as they sit across from one another. Hosun rests his forearms on the desk, his posture relaxed. “Oh, fuck! Sorry, Nams!” Remembering his bucket hat, Hosun immediately removes it. Letting wheat colored hair spill back from his hair line.
“You…dyed your hair?” Namjoon admires the color as his hands work to free his laptop from his bag.
“No, I’ve had this for a while,” Hosun smiles. “After I choreographed that Becky G tour, I wanted to go with something different. A new vibe. So, I settled on this. Besides…Becky likes it.” The smile on his face brightens.
Namjoon nods in silence, trying to get his desk set up. A knock sounds on the door, Tae waiting to be acknowledged. “Come in Tae,” Namjoon smiles.
Tae walks in sporting a bronze vest, matching pants and a white dress shirt, carrying his tablet while trying to avoid coming too close to Hosun.
“You’ve met Tae,” Namjoon asks Hosun.
Hosun smiles at Tae, only. “Yes, we’ve met.” Hosun looks back to Namjoon, “he’s cute!” Biting his bottom lip, Hosun leans in a bit more- not bothering to lower his voice: “can he show me around?”
Namjoon leans back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. “No.” Looking back up to a guarded Tae, Namjoon bunches up a reassuring smile. “Agenda?”
Tae nods, inching a bit closer to Namjoon. “You and Mr. Jung are in a meeting until noon,” Tae says as Hosun eye rolls at the formal address. “Then, you have a meeting with the corporate counsel team about next year’s Q3 regulation requirements. That’s your 2 o’clock meeting- we anticipate that to take over an hour. Then a 4pm meeting with your father to discuss last week’s audit and the legal questions raised by Finance. You have a 5pm conference call with London. I can arrange for a private car to take you home if you’d like to take that call on the go. And, your sister is in town. You did promise her dinner tonight so I made a 7pm reservation at the Italian restaurant across from your high-rise.”
Namjoon is already logged into his laptop, nodding along with all the meetings and cementing them into his brain for the day. “Thank you, Tae. And thank you for the reservation. I really appreciate it.”
Hosun adds, “did you make a reservation for us?” Tae looks over to Hosun who winks back at him. Taken aback, Tae looks over to Namjoon for any objections to the schedule.
“He doesn’t mean it,” says Namjoon.
“Yes, I do,” adds Hosun still eyeing Tae up and down.
“He’s harmless,” says Namjoon, trying to ease concern from Tae’s cinched eyebrows.
“Only if you want me to be,” Hosun says to Tae, markedly biting his lower lip. “I can be harmful too…if you like.”
Namjoon tries not to laugh at the moment. Watching those words come out of a mouth that matches Hoseok. A face that matches Hoseok. It’s hilarious.
“Tae,” Namjoon says with a smile and grunt (trying to tamp down the laugh bubbling up), “thank you. That’ll be all.”
Tae turns and bows to Namjoon. He walks backwards before turning to Hosun and bowing- noticeably waiting until he was at a safe distance. Once they’re alone again, Hosun turns back to Namjoon.
With a bunched-up smile and twinkling eyes so very different from Hoseok, Hosun tilts his head. “Ok boss, what’ll it be? The cuffs? Or the furry tail?”
Namjoon rolls his eyes. Realizing that Hoseok owes him way more than a measly lunch.
The morning progresses with Namjoon trying to ensure Hosun 1) keeps his hands to himself and 2) keeps his lips away from Namjoon’s face. The man is very open with his affection, Namjoon finds. It’s hilarious because it really is Hoseok’s face with a personality that is a total 180 degree-difference from the elder Jung.
Hosun is sociable-- extremely sociable. He flies from cubicle to cubicle, wrapping people around his finger. It helps that he’s a bit of a celebrity, having done some modeling in the past. His wheat-colored hair and graceful gait have replaced the severe black-haired comb-back and business-like strut of Hoseok. The only time he really sees Hoseok in Hosun is when he smiles. It’s the same. A cheerful smile that takes up his entire face.
Namjoon smiles as he takes in how different they really are.
“Why the smile, Nams?” Hosun asks, bumping up against Namjoon’s arm as they walk. Not quite reaching shoulder to shoulder (something different from Hoseok who is a couple inches taller).
“Nothing” says Namjoon calmly. They walk into the executive boardroom- used mostly by the Finance team. A room Hosun will be in quite often. “How do you like it so far?”
Namjoon pauses by the window, allowing the warm sunlight to cut into the room. Bathing Namjoon in brightness.
Hosun admires him for a bit before answering. “Fine…it’s all..fine.” Hosun walks over, facing the windows along with Namjoon. Admiring the view of the city below. “It’s what I expected. Which isn’t saying much.”
Namjoon chuckles causing Hosun to turn towards him. “Why do you work here, Nams?”
Namjoon looks over at Hosun, keeping his hands in his pockets. “I…I like it here.”
“Pfftt,” snorts Hosun, shaking his head and folding his arms.
“I DO!” Namjoon exclaims, not realizing until he says the words how true that statement is. “I…I like the work. I like the people. I like the future and goals we have for the company. I like the—“
“Ok, I got it, I got it. You’re as boring as Hoseok,” says Hosun with a smile. “But, where Hoseok has grown into adulthood and the corporate world- shorn of livelihood and adventure- you…you still smile like the world is…wonderful. Like you’re making a difference and moving mountains. Like you have some child-like glee still lurking between that starched dress shirt.”
Namjoon chuckles and shakes his head. He’s stopped when Hosun reaches up and cups his face. Unsure of the situation, Namjoon raises a quizzical brow at Hosun.
“You really have grown, Nams. I remember when you were a cool, sunglass-wearing, sweatband-sporting, eyebrow-shaping teen. I couldn’t take my eyes off you then,” Hosun says beneath his breath.
Before Namjoon can answer, lips meet his own. The new layer of added lip balm provides enough friction between their lips as Hosun moves to kiss the corner of Namjoon’s mouth. Warm, minty breaths mixed. Eyelids fluttering open as they part.
The realization of what just happened hits Namjoon immediately as he opens his eyes to a face that looks like one he’s seen almost every day of his life. But colored with a different kind of joie de vivre, a sunny disposition that is opposite to Namjoon’s usual hum-drum life.
“You…you’re not attracted to me,” smiles Hosun. Letting his hands slide down from Namjoon’s shoulders to Namjoon’s hands. Hosun links his hands with Namjoon’s. “That’s…that’s probably only the second time I’ve gotten that reaction, Nams.”
Namjoon chuckles, looking down at their hands. “I’m sorry, Hosun.”
“Oh Jesus, don’t apologize,” says Hosun. They both laugh, hands clasped, when a knock at the double doors interrupts them. They turn to see Hoseok, clad in a dark blue suit with a white dress shirt, no tie…and an arched brow.
“Do you mind if I cut in?” Hoseok eyes their clasped hands before looking up at Namjoon.
“No” says Namjoon, drawing himself away from Hosun.
“Yes, we do mind,” Hosun jumps in. Following Namjoon to the doorway where Hoseok stands. “I want Namjoon to finish orientation with me.” Hosun leans into Namjoon who stares down at him with a slight smile.
“Well, that’s unfortunate. You get me for the day…little brother,” says Hoseok, eyes narrowing at Hosun. “Let’s grab lunch, sibling. We have to catch up and give Namjoon a break.”
Huffing and puffing and walking past his brother in the door way, Hosun exclaims as he walks away, “thus begins the prison portion of my new hire orientation.”
Hoseok turns back to Namjoon, sliding his gaze up and down the poor man. “I’m…sorry…for my brother’s behavior this morning. I’m sure it wasn’t what it should be.”
“Doesn’t help to show him around when he’s wearing pants that are practically painted on,” says Namjoon, leaning against the other side of the doorway. “ITS was basically salivating over him.” They both laugh and shake their heads.
“Do you want to come along,” Hoseok asks with a lightness in voice. “I’ll pay for lunch.” He smiles warmly at Namjoon.
“And extend my prison sentence,” asks Namjoon. “No thanks! Besides, I have to meet with the CC in a few hours. I need to prep for that meeting anyway.”
Namjoon walks past Hoseok with a nod. He’s about to round the corner towards the Legal department when he is stopped with a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he sees Hoseok with a small smile.
“I…really am thankful Namjoon. I mean it. And, I’m serious when I say…I’m sorry if Hosun misbehaved today.” Hoseok has an expression that Namjoon has never seen before. Deep concern, maybe?
“It’s ok,” says Namjoon, placing his hand on Hoseok’s shoulder. “He was a bit of a…showman. But, even in the few encounters I’ve had with Hosun, I already knew that. It went smoothly, today. So don’t worry about it.” Namjoon turns to walk but stops.
“On second thought…keep your brother away from my assistant.”
- - - A week later - - -
“Hey handsome.”
Tae and Namjoon halt their daily morning overview as Hosun saunters into the room, wearing a white, long-sleeved turtleneck tucked into dark-green designer slacks. Hosun exudes a bit more business-casual these days. After an education of dress code by his older brother.
“Hosun. Please, have a-“ Namjoon pauses as Hosun helps himself into the guest seat closest to where Tae is standing- “seat.”
“My little adorable, Tae. Good morning,” says Hosun with a wink. Tae visibly gulps and scoots closer to Namjoon. “Please, continue. I’d like to know what’s on Namjoon’s schedule.”
“I only have two meetings. One in 20 minutes. The other at 3:30 and that’s a call to Prague. What’s up,” asks Namjoon, getting straight to the point. Dressed in gun metal grey slacks with a tucked in maroon dress shirt, Namjoon has slowly started to learn the ropes in dealing with Hosun. Be as direct as possible, prevent all straying conversation points. Keep it short and simple.
“So…you’re not coming to the budget-adjustment meeting,” Hosun asks, leaning back into this chair with his legs crossed.
“No, I have no plans to. Besides, legal is usually represented by one of the junior corporate counsel members. I believe Dahn is set to attend.”
“Give Dahn the day off, come instead,” says Hosun with a cryptic smile. He gets up from his seat and winks at Tae before proceeding towards the exit. “You won’t regret it, Nams. I promise.” Hosun turns to throw a little grin over his shoulder.
Namjoon isn’t sure why he let Hosun get the better of his curiosity, but he did. He instructs Dahn to research an incoming partner while he attends the budget meeting in his stead. When he walks into the conference room, he’s greeted by a laugh stifling Hosun and a very confused Hoseok. Hosun is seated at Hoseok’s right hand, leaving the left seat open for Namjoon to claim.
“What are you doing here? Where’s Dahn” asks Hoseok.
“He’s working on the House-of-Cards partnership. I’m attending instead,” says Namjoon. He catches a double wink from Hosun before adjusting himself in his seat.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to talk about a proposal that I ran by your father. The CEO is looking to remodel the ITS and Design teams. I’ll give you more details later. But know that if a reorg is mentioned, that’s the subject matter,” whispers an all-black-suit-shirt-and-tie-wearing Hoseok. Namjoon has to take that brief intro for what it is and just nod.
With more than half the room filled, CFO Choi moves to close the conference room doors. “Thank you for coming, all departments. Especially some faces we haven’t seen before during budget—“
The CFO is stopped from closing the door completely. “Sorry! Please, come…in…”
Namjoon is busy looking over the meeting itinerary so he misses the initial shock of the room. It’s when a soft voice cuts into the quiet that he looks up: “That’s ok CFO Choi. My presence is a last-minute addition.”
When Namjoon sees the first of the three new comers walk into the room, his inhale quivers. An odd sensation of sunlight filling his chest.
“M-Mr. Jung…” says CFO Choi, visibly surprised. “A-ahhh…welcome, welcome. The m-more, the merrier.”
Born Jung Homi, later changed to Jung Hope: the youngest of the Jung Company triplets. Rarely seen or mentioned in publications, very private and hard to get a picture of. But, as most publications are super lazy, they tend to run with the “you’ve seen one so you’ve pretty much seen them all” approach when writing about the Jung triplets.
Namjoon could not disagree more. The man wearing a lavender dress shirt tucked into soft-gray slacks with a gray silk tie is nothing like Hoseok or Hosun. Hope is…hope. His black shiny mane is wavy, falling over his forehead but gravitating towards the right side of his head. His eyes are…his own. They’re kind, soothing. His smile is soft, buttery soft. The way his cheeks bunch up like he’s puffed them with grapes. Oozing kindness and gentility, Namjoon knows immediately- this is a different kind of Jung altogether.
Hope moves towards a row of empty seats, smiling while returning the bows of those in the room. Including a bowing Namjoon. Hope’s eyes linger over Namjoon, a bit quizzical- even though his smile never falters. However, that is not the case when Hope’s eyes meet Hoseok’s. Immediately, the buttery softness is replaced with cold, sharp sugar crystals. The smile wiped from his face as he continues to eye his older brother while taking a seat.
“Please, CFO Choi- continue.”
The budget meeting continues under an awkward shade of side-eyeing and intense-note taking (or people are just avoiding the gazes of other people). Either way, it’s a very different budget meeting compared to what Namjoon is used to.
“Moving on to the ITS and Design team. Their proposed budget was approved by Director Kim of the LAR department. With that said, we will be implementing a reorganization—“
“Excuse me, CFO Choi,” says a loud but firm Hope. “I would like to dispute this budget proposal. The Design team- and I would even include the ITS team- have had no time to adjust to the budget cut that is being proposed.” Hoseok spares a glance at Hoseok before turning back to CFO Choi at the head of the split tables.
“Any disputes about the budget should be discussed with the heads of the impacted departments. We do not have the capacity to resolve such issues in this meeting. Please take your concerns offline,” says Hoseok, answering before CFO Choi can respond.
“I agree, those disputes should be taken offline. Which is why I took the liberty of addressing both Director Kim of Legal and Director Jeon of ITS prior to this meeting. We have reached an agreement regarding next year’s budget which requires no signoff from Finance as the budget in-total has not changed. Changes in allocation have been sent to the attendees of this meeting as well as departmental heads…just as a precaution.” Hope smiles and Namjoon can’t help but smile with him. It’s not often that others will even attempt to go head-to-head with the formidable Jung Hoseok…or question his leadership. Hope is already proving himself to be a Jung through-and-through.
“You failed to mention Director So of the Design team. We will need his approval prior to moving forward with your proposal regardless of cost. As he is currently away for the month, we will have to delay your…changes until his return,” says Hoseok with a hardened jaw.
Hope smiles, leaning his forearms on the table and interlocking his fingers. The lavender is such a nice color on him, Namjoon notices. It’s giving the man a soft, warm tone.
“Apologies,” starts Hope. “I should have led with that new development. As Director So is on leave for the next month, I have been named acting-Director of the Design team until further notice. The honor to move forward with the design team was made official this morning. And it appears my first action as Acting Director of the Design team is to push forward the new budget as outlined in your inboxes.”
Everyone is stone silent at Hope’s announcement. Hope and Hoseok can only see one another. Locking eyes, filled with enough tension to suck all the air from the room.
CFO Choi looks to Hoseok, waiting on his subordinate to provide direction on whether he should proceed. With a quick nod of Hoseok’s head, CFO Choi tries to regain control of the budget meeting.
“Thank you for the feedback. As Mr. Jung...Acting Director Jung has stated: there have been changes to the budget detail in the last 24 hours. As this only impacts ITS, Design and Finance, and the total budget itself has not been altered, we will proceed with the meeting. Director Jung, I do suggest a meeting with Finance and corporate counsel to ensure the changes are legal. Otherwise, all should be well.”
Hope nods at CFO Choi before looking back to Hoseok. His older brother acknowledges the stare with a fierce gaze of his own before turning away to focus on the projector screen. It’s then that Hope looks to Hosun with a small smile then over to Namjoon.
Then. Right then. Hope and Namjoon’s eyes meet. Namjoon knows he should look away, it’s impolite to stare especially at someone you don’t know. Even Hoseok has told him that his resting face is not exactly RBF (resting bitch face) but at the least, it is RAAAF (resting angry-aggressive-annoyed face). Namjoon just can’t help himself.
Those eyebrows, those cheekbones, that jaw line: it’s all familiar. He knows that face. It’s the face of his best friend…and his best friend’s little brother (that may or may not be sexually harassing his assistant at-present). He knows that pointed nose, that slender neck, those tiny ears: he’s grown up alongside them. Worked alongside them. But everything, almost everything, about Jung Hope is completely different.
Hoseok’s eyebrows are constantly pinched with irritation or anticipation whereas Hope’s eyebrows are raised with slight curiosity.
Hoseok’s cheekbones always appear clenched with agitation whereas Hope’s cheekbones seem to be rounded by sunlight and comfort.
Hosun and Hoseok’s jaw lines are both sharp and intimidating. Hope’s jaw line is softer, curved.
Hope’s nose is dainty where Hosun’s is pointy. Hope’s neck is inviting and smooth where Hoseok’s neck is stiff, slightly muscular.
And the eyes- the way Hope is looking at Namjoon like he’s curious but also with some degree of acquaintance. A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips. Namjoon gives in, offering a small smile as he feels his cheeks heat into a blush. He pulls his gaze away, turning to the projector screen. Not able to name the tingling sensation flowing from his chest, Namjoon tries to focus on the bullet points on the screen. Ignoring the smiling Hosun that pops around Hoseok’s back to wink at him.
The agonizing meeting takes up an hour and a half. (Namjoon remembers why he has delegated these painful meetings to Dahn.) Once CFO Choi announces the end of the meeting, everyone is quick to rise from their seats. No standing around and chopping it up as they usually would. Everyone wants to escape the rare meeting of the Jung siblings that already promises to be awkward and argumentative.
Namjoon rises, too, but is stopped by Hoseok. “Wait a second…you’ve…you should meet Hope.” Namjoon sees the hesitation on Hoseok’s face.
To comfort his friend, Namjoon says, “its ok…Hoseok. I can meet him later. Especially if you would prefer to have a…family reunion of sorts.”
Hoseok chuckles while following Hosun to the conference room doors. Namjoon trailing behind him. “Don’t be nice, Namjoon. You saw that interaction. Just as everyone in the meeting did…which means it will spread like fire throughout the building before the end of the day.”
Namjoon offers a closed smile. “It’s family. What family doesn’t have awkward…tense…public conversations?”
Hoseok eye rolls before hardening his expression to meet up with Hope and Hosun. It’s just the four of them in the room, the Jung triplets and Namjoon. Hosun steps to the side, like a referee, letting Hoseok and Hope greet one another.
“Director Jung,” says Hoseok, gruffly.
“Hoseok-ah,” says Hope, disarming his older brother with informal speech and a tilted head. “You’re still growing. At least Hosun and I are the same height. But you’re definitely taller.”
“See, I told you,” says Hosun with a smile, dimples popping out.
“Got the good genes then. Always saving the best for yourself,” says Hope, side eyeing Namjoon before staring up at his brother. “Father didn’t tell you that I was coming?”
“He said you rejected the offer,” answers Hoseok, stepping to the side to stand shoulder to shoulder with Hosun, allowing Namjoon and Hope to face one another with no barrier.
“No…I rejected his summons. I accepted a trade-deal,” says Hope sweetly before turning all his attention to Namjoon.
“Namjoon, this is my brother Jung Hope,” says Hoseok. “Hope, this is—“
“Kim Namjoon. In the flesh. Finally,” says Hope with a kind smile. He bows to Namjoon who responds immediately with a bow at a much lower angle. Making Hope giggle- a sound that just adds pressure and heat to Namjoon’s chest.
“We’ve never met,” continues Hope as they both straighten back to a stance. “My brother hoards you, I hear.”
“Or, you just make yourself so scarce that no one can ever meet you,” Hoseok chimes in.
“The elusive Jung,” says Hosun with a velvety tone. He laughs. “That makes you sound so mysterious. And interesting.”
“And yet, I prove to be quite the opposite,” says Hope, staring back Namjoon. He smiles, “we must do lunch some time, Mr. Kim. I need a full report on my older brother. All his secrets and bad habits and good traits.”
Namjoon smiles, about to respond when he is cutoff by Hoseok.
“We’ll be meeting with Namjoon, again,” says Hoseok, leading the rest of the group out of the conference room, holding the door open. “CFO Choi has instructed that we meet with corporate counsel. We can do a working lunch with Namjoon, I’ll represent Finance.”
Hoseok turns to address Namjoon. “Evaluate the budget submitted by Design, bring any concerns or errors to my attention. Then we’ll iron it out from there. We can submit proposed changes to Director Jung, if needed.”
Hope rolls his eyes and silently laughs at his older brother’s formal address. Meanwhile, Hosun pouts.
“You’re leaving me out, Seok. I want to attend the working lunch,” says Hosun.
“No, you bring nothing to the table but an appetite,” says Hoseok turning to walk away from the group.
“But, it’s lunch!” Hosun exclaims, following his brother to the Finance department. Leaving Namjoon and Hope in the well-lit corridor.
“Uhm…welcome to corporate, Director Jung,” Namjoon says, resorting to easy conversation.
“Oh no, please don’t mimic my brother, Namjoon,” says Hope. “May I call you that? Namjoon?”
Namjoon nods excitedly. “Yes, yes…Namjoon is just fine.”
“Well, good. Then you must call me Hope. Or, Hobi,” says Hobi. “I actually prefer Hobi.”
“H-Hobi,” says Namjoon, his lips spreading into a wide smile.
“Ahem.”
Namjoon turns around, following the sound of the throat clearing.
“Tae?”
“Mr. Kim. You have Prague on the line in half an hour. During the budget meeting, you received a call from ITS. They have questions regarding access and data security in Prague. I thought you would want to review that thoroughly before making the call.” As Tae relays that information to Namjoon, he notices Hope standing behind. Causing Tae to inch a bit closer to Namjoon- who notices the body language.
Namjoon chuckles. “Don’t worry, Tae. This is not Hosun. May I introduce to you, Jung Hope? Brother to Hosun and Hoseok, as you can tell. He is also Acting Director of Design while Director So is out of the office. Director Jung, this is my personal assistant, Kim Taehyung.”
They bow to one another as Hobi says, “And…me not being Hosun is a good thing, I take it?”
Tae straightens back up, opting for silence. “Don’t worry,” says Hobi. “I don’t bite AND I’m good at keeping secrets.” Hobi winks and Tae smiles in return.
“Sorry,” Namjoon says to Hobi. “I really must be going. I have a meeting—“
“With Prague,” finishes Hobi. “Well, not to worry- this won’t be the last time we meet. That goes for you, too, Assistant Kim.”
They all bow to one another before separating.
Hobi giggling at the three lookbacks from a retreating Kim Namjoon.