Chapter Text
“ Hyung! Can you please pick Ji-Yeong up today? And no bodyguards too close to his school! ”
Park Jimin was currently doing his Just Dance Zumba on Switch with a few of his bodyguards. There were echoes of grunts and humming along to Despacito, an unsynchronised bunch behind Jimin.
Park Jihyun, his brother, was on loudspeaker whilst he and his men tried to get their cardio going.
“I wasn’t gonna bring them anyway—”
Another sway of the hips, and he and his guards started clapping at how they all finally synchronised with the guide on the flat screen TV. Another round of loud grunts of achievement as though their favourite football team scored a goal.
Jimin was wearing his track shorts and a tank top that was drenched in sweat. Despite the AC being on, they were all stifled by the heat. He heard a heavy sigh on the other end of the line, completely forgetting his brother as he focused on the game.
“ Uh, you absolutely should. I just can’t pick him up right now, I have this important meeting and if not, I can ask eomma —”
“Nope! I’ll pick him up. The new school right? Just need to clean the studio a bit.” Jimin interrupted sweetly.
Jimin was adamant to get his adorable nephew, who he hadn’t seen for about a week now. He paused to drink water, signalling his men to disperse. A few of them stayed back to sort out and clean.
“Boss! It’s okay, we got this. It’s best to leave now cause the darn traffic won’t be fun,” remarked Namjoon, who was one of the older guards who worked under him. Jimin nodded slowly, panting as he wiped his sweltering sweat.
The Park Estate was a vast and drastic size of land that almost catered to at least six apartment buildings spread out. But no one would dare offer to buy their land—not the Park’s.
At this very moment, the group were all in his dance studio in the main manor. Being the heir to the group, more than half of the estate was already his and the moment he was granted to amend the rooms, extending his studio was his first priority. Jimin also added a well-equipped gym right next door to his studio—mainly a whispered request from one of his trusted bodyguards and good friend, Jeon Jungkook.
The Park’s were a prominent group in Seoul’s nightlife. They owned several nightclubs and held protection for the ones around the area too. Despite the tumultuous representation of similar groups, the family tried their best to stay away from the limelight that others do.
Park Jimin was in line to inherit his father’s position when the time came, which he assumed was nowhere near in sight just yet. Their father, Park Boon-Ho, turned the tides around in his prime years hence why their family was respected (and feared) by both the underground and the local population.
Boon-Ho differed from the other predecessors as he did not want to force his sons into the lifestyle and gave them options to do what they wanted.
When Jihyun was nineteen, however, he ended up having a child with his then long-term girlfriend, now wife. Jimin had made sure to take the responsibility for his brother and his growing family.
And that was five years ago, when his beloved and adorned nephew, Ji-Yeong, was born.
Jimin was now in his 30s and was not in a rush to have his own family. His family didn’t mind, aware of his preferences for both men and women. He was happy being the doting uncle for the meantime.
“ Hyung, it’s been two months since school started… ”
“Well, you never let me near his school!” Jimin whined, pouty as he continued to dance to Havana, panting as he did so.
“ You gotta remember who you are !” Jihyun countered with his own whinging.
“We’ve got the same last name!”
“ Yeah but I’m not the one inheriting the main family! And hurry please! I gotta go—I told Taehyung-ssi— ”
“Who?”
“ His homeroom teacher. I told the school you’re picking him up, just show your ID. ”
The older Park sighed, pausing the game and giving the joy con to his other guard. He took the towel from where his water bottle was left alone an hour prior. He undid his ponytail and quickly wiped his sweat and ruffled his hair to dry.
“Right. I’ll just take Jungkook with me, that’s fine with you, yeah?”
“ Actually yeah… that’s like ten bodyguards in one. ” Jihyun sighed in relief, a faint snicker after his utterance.
“Perfect. Let me pick my adorable nephew from his pre-school!”
Jimin hung up, hopping in the shower to get ready and get his precious nephew.
He wasn’t aware then, but it would also be the day that he would gain another precious person in his life.
***
“Huh? Oh–yeah, yeah. He said it’s the Bear room and uh, Kim Taehyung’s the teacher.” Jimin mumbled as he shifted around to grab his leather jacket and sunglasses.
It was an autumn afternoon and the sun hid behind the gloomy clouds. The chilly air already started engulfing the city, much to Jimin’s dislike. Despite the season and the weather, he adored the warm colour of his surroundings—from the deepest orange to the lightest shade of brown of trees around him. It wasn’t as though his sunglasses were really needed—he just needed to cover his puffy eyes from the long nap he just had.
His nephew’s school was located closer to the suburban side of Seoul and just outside the central business district. The Park family decided it best for the youngest Park to attend the most secure and private pre-school. Many of the parents and families involved with the school were rich and powerful; they were the kind that his family were already acquainted with.
Be it politicians, celebrities and such, it didn’t matter. The school prided itself for being one of the safest, if not the most, schools in the country. And so, it was normal there were different sorts of people awaiting the end of school rush and most were bodyguards that were waiting by the parking space the whole day.
The parking space was a bit of a walk as the school still wanted to apply normalcy when it came to others of lesser names that could afford the school. It was elitist and classist, something Jimin wasn’t really fond of but he understood. His nephew’s safety came first and foremost.
And so, to Jimin, it was important to present the look of a mafia heir and live up to his name and family’s reputation.
“Hyung…” Jungkook whispered as they walked leisurely towards the security gate. He walked next to the heir, maintaining a strong posture as eyes followed them with amazement and wonder.
“What?” Jimin whispered back, his intimidating walk immoveable.
“Make sure your patience is in-tact in case you lose it—”
“I’m patient with kids!” Jimin hissed under his breath, aware he was being watched. He halted his steps for a second, brows furrowed as he turned to the younger man.
“I know you are… but not with adults!” Jungkook mumbled sternly.
“Well, kids are cute. Adults are mostly idiots.” Jimin puffed, unaware of his adorable pout protruding. Jungkook giggled quietly, trying to keep himself in check.
“Just think about Ji-Yeong’s safety and reputation here, alright?” Jungkook gripped Jimin's shoulder firmly.
Had it been any other guard of his, they would certainly have been reprimanded in many ways. No one dared touch an heir—not a single soul escaped a crushing fate from the families nor did anyone lived to tell the tale. Well, almost everyone except for Park Jimin’s good friends and loyal bodyguards. And Jungkook was one of the few.
Jimin simply chuckled serenely, thinking about how he was probably the first to let these things happen.
“Right. Let’s go, bet you my adorable nephew misses me!” Jimin put his sunglasses atop his head, his blonde pushed back hair unmoved. They were both in all black and despite the many familiar faces around them, nobody dared say anything towards them.
As they reached the gate, they were inspected and checked for weapons—to which they did have, especially Jungkook. Rather than leaving their weapons to the guards, the heir and his right hand decided for the prior to get Ji-Yeong instead and the latter would wait just right outside.
Jimin was capable of looking after himself but it was a different story with his favourite kid in tow. He prepared himself, assuming the very iron and intimidating faculty and campus.
Once the second gate opened, however, he couldn’t be more wrong.
The campus was vast and surrounded by many endearing plants and trees that he was familiar with due to his grandmother’s love for nature and gardening. He was dumbfounded for a minute, looking around perhaps with his mouth agape.
“Jimin-seonsaengnim?”
Jimin turned to his left from where the vibrant and gleeful voice came from. The man was the sun personified; he had the brightest heart-shaped smile and eyes disappeared as the grin got wider.
“Welcome! Welcome! We’ve been told by Jihyun-seonsaengnim that you’re picking up Ji-yeong today,” the man exclaimed excitedly. It was hard not to smile back and maintain his intimidating façade when such a man glowed like sunshine itself.
“Ah, yes. Thank you… uh,” Jimin replied calmly but was stuck—
“Hoseok, you can call me Hoseok-ssi!”
Jimin smiled back and returned a hand shake from the vibrant man.
“Nice to meet you Hoseok-ssi. So, I’m assuming you don’t go by the name Kim Ta–”
“Oh no no! That would be our precious art teacher. I’m the school principal—”
“You're the principal?!”
“Yes! That’s me! I just wanted to welcome you since I’ve heard so much from Ji-Yeong and his father! And no, nothing of that sort,” Hoseok added as he watched Jimin's jaw clench.
“I was just told by Jihyun-ssi that you would be picking him up everyday now,” Hoseok added as gave Jimin another warm smile. It was genuine and Jimin’s heart melted a little. He could read people’s expressions easily, being in the business meant not trusting anyone , not even those who called you friend or anything similar.
And then Jimin realised what was said.
“Wait, HUH? Everyday?!” He responded in surprise, a little baffled at the information and he excused himself to call his brother. The principal nodded and went about his paperworks as he waited for the heir.
“Hello hyung?”
“You never said I’m picking him up everyday—”
“Oh yeah! Sorry, I forgot to give you a call again after I spoke to Hoseok-seonsaengnim but I need someone to pick him up every afternoon now and I could only think of you—”
“But what if I have plans?! Or orders to do?” Jimin ealised Hoseok’s eyes widened and darted in his direction. Jimin laughed nervously (he was nowhere near close to being nervous) and turned around, hissing at his brother.
“Hyung, you were literally just doing Zumba today… and yesterday you were watching Business Proposal… your job is during the night. But I know I’m asking too much… I’m sorry but it’s only for a month or so, I promise.” Jihyun’s voice softened.
The older Park knew he couldn’t say no to his brother and he would do anything for his nephew, so in reality, he didn’t mind.
“I’m sorry, hyung. I really can’t trust anyone with Ji-yeong until Hana comes back from the US , ” Jihyun added and Jimin could tell how frustrated he was. The older one smiled to himself and heaved a defeated, yet endeared, sigh.
“Yeah, I know. I don’t mind. Just surprised me. Don’t work too damn hard but yeah, I’ll update you after today,” Jimin replied tenderly and the brothers said their goodbyes.
“Right… I’m sorry about that, Hoseok-ssi,” Jm walked closer once more and smiled faintly.
“None of that! I’m glad everything is okay… I assume?”
“Yes! We’re good! Thank you.”
“Perfect! Let’s go to the Bear room! School’s about to end and I need to introduce you to his teacher.” Hoseok grinned as he spoke and Jimin mirrored the smile.
***
Kim Taehyung loved art and he adored children. To him, it only made sense to become an art teacher—both in private and public schools. For his bills, he taught in the renowned school known for prestigious families and people, and on the other hand, to help his community, he ran weekend classes for students in need of support.
He had always been a firm believer of nurturing the creative minds of children and he liked volunteering at the local foster home. Despite the difference between the livelihoods of the children he taught, he didn’t really change his teaching between the two. The only big difference would be him providing his own resources to the other but he didn’t mind it. He loved sharing.
“Um… seonsaengnim?” A shy voice muttered behind him as he wrote a couple of things on the whiteboard. The rest of the class had quick pick-ups, mostly guards and parents already arriving ten minutes before the actual closing time.
He had one student remaining, so he prepared his board for tomorrow and let the little boy continue his drawing.
Teachers weren’t supposed to have favourites, but Taehyung couldn’t help it. The boy was sweet and kind, the least troublemaker of all. Park Ji-Yeong, whose family was notoriously known through Seoul’s nightlife, was the most compassionate and precious student he had ever had.
The teacher was never the type to judge a child’s background unless something was amiss, and the wellbeing of the child was at risk. He had met Ji-Yeong’s parents, and they were a pleasure to talk to. He never had any issues with the boy at all.
Today was a little different, however. Taehyung had heard that the boy’s uncle would be the one picking him up today. He knew of Park Jimin and his importance, but he didn’t know much beyond what rumours and assumptions provided. Nonetheless, he did assume that the man would have the most intimidating presence just like any mafia heir he could imagine.
“Yes, Ji-Yeong? Is everything alright?” He asked softly, crouching down to meet the gaze of the soft-spoken boy. The little boy looked so much like his father. He had the gentlest eyes, and fullest cheeks; it was hard not to coo over the adorableness of the little one.
Ji-Yeong rocked left and right, his stubby hands behind his back and averted the teacher's eyes. He was endearingly shy, so Taehyung waited patiently.
“My Jimin-samchon is getting me today!” Ji-Yeong cheered softly, giggling excitedly.
Taehyung smiled back, nodding enthusiastically.
“How fun! That sounds super exciting! I bet he’s coming soon!”
And as though a cue, soft knocks on the door were heard and he could vaguely see the Principal’s face and another silhouette behind him. Hoseok opened the door slightly, peeking his head through the small space. He had the warmest smile.
“Hoseok-seonsaengnim!” Ji-Yeong yelled gleefully; his shyness suddenly disappeared.
“Ah! Yes! Sorry, we got delayed by boring paper things! But your samchon is here now!” Hseok hopped happily and opened the rest of the sliding door.
And Kim Taehyung thought his jaw dropped the moment the stranger walked in. In his mind, he already predisposed the image of the bulkiest and ripped man to mankind. He was not expecting a pretty fairy—a very conflicted pretty and hot fairy with slick back blonde hair and was in all-black with skinny leather jeans and combat boots.
He was about to pass out.
He then realised he was being spoken to.
And he realised that Park Jimin, was also staring back at him, unaware that he was mirroring the same emotions and thoughts within him.
“As I was saying,” Hoseok cleared his throat, amusement painted in his eyes.
Taehyung had to swallow a lump in his throat, aware of the mesmerising beauty causing it.
"Taehyung-seonsaengnim, Jimin-ssi here will be picking up Ji-yeong everyday for the next few weeks. Well, until further notice," Hoseok exclaimed gleefully, watching to and fro between the two frozen men.
Ji-yeong grabbed Jimin's hands, jumping as he did.
"Samchon! Samchon! Let's go! I wanna play at yours! Please!"
The shy kid that Taehyung was accustomed to suddenly morphed into an extremely vibrant boy and he adored it. His eyes emitted warmth, pursing his lips into a faint smile.
He realised he was being watched.
And so, like the professional teacher that he was, who was looking very, very pro right now, reached a hand out towards the mafia heir.
"It's a pleasure, Jimin-ssi. I've heard so much about you from your nephew," He stated in a calm manner.
Deep inside, he was squealing.
Jimin reached a hand out and shook Taehyung's hand; it was firm and it lingered. Taehyung's cheeks heated up, crimson blooming all over. He realised that his hand was starting to sweat so he chuckled nervously as he took his hand off of the grip.
Jimin flinched with an unreadable expression.
"The pleasure... is all mine, I assure you." The heir's eyes narrowed into the most alluring slits, twinkling as they did.
He locked a hand with Ji-yeong's, and the one that Taehyung shook was kept inside his tight pocket.
Taehyung wanted to grab it again but he fought the desire.
"Well, this little one has to go dance Zumba with my men, so I'll, um, see you tomorrow?" Jimin bit his bottom lip, eyeing Taehyung up and down as though he was being stripped naked there and then. The latter's heart was about to burst but Hoseok interrupted.
"So glad we had a good introduction, you guys!"
Good was an understatement. Taehyung felt like his insides melted and turned into a pile of warm goo from the way Park Jimin watched him intently.
NO. NOT A PARENT, YOU INDECENT TEACHER-
Wait.. he isn't. He's the uncle.
And thus began their silly little whirlwind of a romance.
***