HER

pt. 8 Boss

How could I focus on art for work when I had a date with a living, breathing work of art?

I tapped my finger anxiously on my desk, staring at my computer screen with my half-done design.

I should just set my clothes on fire and buy new ones...

Picking out an outfit for this date was even more impossible than for a simple hangout.

He's so... Gucci.
And I'm so... Target.

I couldn't break this date over a clothing dilemma, so I messaged Jimin begging for help.

His reply was laced with humor at me needing help, but he said he would.
That made me feel a little better, so I turned back to my work.

"Why do you look so nervous?" Seokjin asked, appearing over my screen.

"I just have something tonight that I'm nervous for," I shrugged.

He frowned at me, waiting to see if I'd elaborate.

When I didn't, he turned to walk away when he suddenly froze, looking over my head with alarm.

I spun around to see a group of older men entering our office.

At the lead, was an extremely handsome man who only displayed his age with minor wrinkles to his otherwise smooth pale skin, and grey at the temple of his perfectly cut black hair. He was also extremely intimidating, and became more so when he spotted Seokjin and I staring at him.

As he approached us, I suddenly felt five years old again.
And like I had stolen candy from his shop.
He greeted us, "Kim Seokjin. And you must be Josephine LeRoux."

"Mr. Kim Sung Keon. It is a pleasure to have you for a visit today." Seokjin said with extreme formality.

I recognized that name.

He was my boss's boss's boss.
The boss.
CEO of this entire company.

I understood Seokjin's formality.

I did my proper bow and greeting.
Kim Sung Keon spared me a glance before addressing Seokjin again,
"Is there a reason this project isn't ready yet? You've had three weeks, while it should have been done in one."

Wow, I am so glad he's not looking at me.

"The client has changed his mind on his image on four different occasions. We are trying to keep up. My graphic designer needs time to adjust to his new vision every time."

I was startled.

Did he just defend me to our scary boss?

I looked at Seokjin. He made eye contact briefly before returning back to Mr. Kim Sung Keon.

"It's a logo. It's not rocket science." Mr. Kim snapped, "If you don't have this project wrapped up by the weekend, Lee Gun Ho's job will be up for deliberation. As will yours."

As he turned to leave, he said over his shoulder, "I won't tolerate mediocrity. Especially from my son."

My jaw dropped so fast I heard it pop in my ears.

I looked from the departing Kim Sung Keon back to Seokjin to see the similarities.

I just can't believe it.

Seokjin caught my eye, his face hard.

"Y-you're his son??" I sputtered.

Seokjin gave me an unreadable look. Instead of answering my question he said, "I have to talk to Lee Gun Ho. We need to speed things up."

"I can work on the design tonight and have it done tomorrow." I offered.

He raised a brow at me. "Don't you have plans tonight?"

I shrugged. "I can reschedule. I'm sure Taehyung won't mind."

I don't know what it was, but I felt the vibe in the air tense. It didn't help that Seokjin gave me the strangest look.
I didn't know what to say or do, so I just sat there, cheeks the color of Fuji apples.

After what seemed like an eternity, Seokjin turned away.
"I can finish what you have done so far. If not, you can just finish it tomorrow when you come in."

"Are you ---"

Seokjin was already walking away.

That was... Odd. If I didn't know better, I would think he was jealous.

I shook my head.

If he were jealous, I'll eat my own socks.