(JIKOOK) Texting Story Snippets

Location

"I'm not sure if this place is big enough, Mr. Jeon."

Dark brown walls make the room feel unwelcoming and dim, chandeliers with a deep yellow hue hanging low from the ceiling and poorly mask its harsh aesthetic. The previous owner and operator of whatever business took place in the building, before Jungkook obtained it for a steal of a price, obviously didn't have much of an eye for decor. The furniture left behind is old fashioned while the steel countertops clearly weren't made to match. Old wooden legs hold up abandoned black velvet chairs, dark oak planked floors beneath giving away their history of use as deep veins in the wood trail behind them. It's been a long time since anyone has wanted to visit this place.

Jungkook dances his fingertips across the keys of a vintage cash register, collecting its dust and turning his skin an ash grey. He clacks one of the forgotten keys and smiles at the sound it makes. "We'll take out the wall right there," Without looking up from his hands Jungkook nods his head in the direction of the wall farthest from him at the side of the room. "The owner of the space next door agreed to sell."

A little bit flustered over the new information, a huge plan that hadn't made it into his notes, Yejoon creases his eyebrows with his concern staining his expression. He doesn't realize how much he's worrying his lip until Jungkook chuckles from behind whatever used to be the checkout counter, drawing his full attention. His shoulders slump and a small smile takes over his features.

"I already hired a team to take care of that and most of the other renovations." Jungkook lifts the edges of his lips in a soft and reassuring smile. His eyes fold a little into partial crescents.

Yejoon's heart putters to a stop for a moment. He stands motionless, gaze doing its best to absorb every bit of the view before him. Jungkook's lidded eyes and his prominent teeth peeking between two lifted pink lips makes him appear so innocent and childlike, so care free and content. The moment is going to pass so quickly, but Yejoon wishes it would last forever. Soon enough the common day stress of owning a company and personally ironing out the details of franchising and renovations will find Jungkook again. He'll carry every last bit of that weight on his own shoulders, rendering his assistant useless. Yejoon sighs audibly and clicks his tongue in disagreement. "I could have taken care of that for you."

Jungkook's small smile lifts a little higher along with his eyebrows, amused at the other displeased expression. It isn't difficult to notice how Yejoon feels about him. Jungkook has grown accustomed to glances and stares, flirty touches and shy questions that light up the smaller mans cheeks like a stick of dynamite under his skin. It's progressed into playful sneers and gestures over the last couple of weeks they've spent traveling together.

It's nothing he wants to pursue, intentionally, but Yejoon is a really good assistant. He's organized and punctual and doesn't complain about anything, even accepting defeat when their ideas clash. It's become more like a good partnership rather than a typical boss and employee relationship and Jungkook really really likes that.

"You're mad about being underworked, huh?"

Yejoon squints his eyes at the taller, leaning back on his heels and resisting the urge to throw a hand on his hip. He's not sure how much attitude is too much for Jungkook, but he does enjoy pushing his limits. "Well, what do you pay me for then, coffee runs?"

Jungkook purses his lips as if he's thinking about it seriously. He shakes his head and tilts it to the side, contemplating an answer that might best suit the tone of the conversation. With eyebrows deeply furrowed and a little pout to match he mutters under his breath sarcastically, "Is coffee not important?"

Holding back a smile, Yejoon folds his arms across his chest and closes his eyes, lips sucked in between his teeth. He takes a deep breath before sighing through his nose. "My apologies, Sir. I know how much it means to you." His gaze settles back on Jungkook immediately when he flutters his eyes open again, heart swelling with affection he hasn't felt in such a long time for anyone. He knew Jungkook was his ideal type the moment he laid eyes on him, but his interest in the man gets deeper every time they're together. "Shall I go now? There's a coffee shop nearby that I saw on the way over here this morning."

Even though their conversations make him feel a little bit guilty every time, Jungkook enjoys the relationship they have. He wishes they could simply be friends, but he doesn't want to hurt Yejoon with the suggestion. It's beyond the point of a work relationship and they both know it, but they don't consider it going in the same direction. "Don't bother today, I feel like giving you a break."

"You're kidding."

"Not at all." Jungkook smirks, leaning against the counter and crossing his arms over his chest to mirror the others stance. "Why don't you explore the city today and tell me all about it tomorrow?"

Yejoon's lips part in surprise. The opportunity sounds a little bit too good to be true, but a sinking feeling befalls him. "Alone?"

"I've gotta stay here today, but it shouldn't hinder you enjoying your day." Jungkook drops his arms, fingers finding the forgotten keys of the old register again. He smiles graciously at the other, feeling another tinge of guilt over the bout of sadness that haunts the mans expression. "Consider it a paid vacation. You deserve it."

"Ah." It definitely feels like a blow to his confidence about how well their time together was going. Maybe he's just being considerate of my time here. But, it feels more like rejection. "A-are you sure you won't need anything? I can at least get you coffee first."

Jungkook chuckles loudly, his voice overbearing compared to the soft voice Yejoon had used to respond. It's his attempt to make the nature of their interaction lighthearted once again, but it comes off a bit dismissive. "No way. Just go have fun."

Left without much of a choice of words, disheartened to say the least, Yejoon nods his head. "Okay." He mutters and pairs is with a soft smile to cover the sound of his heart deflating a little bit. He should feel grateful for the break and the once in a lifetime chance to explore the city of love. "If you're sure, thank you, Mr. Jeon."

"I'm sure." Jungkook waves his hand in Yejoon's direction to shoo him. "Now go, and be careful."

"Call me if you need-"

"Go." Jungkook interrupts and trails a chuckle behind it. "I'll see you tomorrow."

-///-

A/N: I didn't mean to take another break, just had some things come up unexpectedly. Sorry my loves!