47. Contract

Monday

Yoongi got up and left early. He had production he needed to help with before they could release the album. His words from the night before floated in my head. I'd drank too much and I hadn't meant to voice them out loud, but, I couldn't take it back now.

Is that how I truly felt?

Like they didn't need me…

It's not them who made me feel that way. No, it was my own fears surfacing. Even if Yoongi seemed to think he did, the truth was, they'd be just fine without me.

I had a shower and chucked on a light blue dress and a white cardigan for class. A little bit of make-up too. It was getting much warmer now, I'd say summer was about to start and I wanted to look lovely today to match the new change of season. Also, I despised sweating so it would have to be something light regardless.

The class wasn't going to start until after lunch so I decided to stop by Kodama cafe. It had been a while but as I sat out on the patio it brought back memories of when Jin and I had first met. Out here on this same cafe patio, only a few tables away from where I was seated now. I took my time, nibbled on a sandwich and wrote some lyrics in the peace, quiet and somewhat nostalgic surrounds. After the pressure of the weekend it was nice to slow down and take time to myself.

Lunch passed by so I headed to my lecture. The sun was heated the material of my cardigan and I could feel it on my skin. Luckily, the campus was close by and I escaped the heat for an air-conditioned building pronto. As I walked in I saw Tae sitting by himself in our usual spot so I went over and settled in beside him.

"Tae~" I called his name sweetly, only to receive a wide smile. "Jiaa~" he hummed in response, eyes dropping down to my dress.

"Hmm, why do you look like you're straight out of an anime today?" Tae rubbed at his chin, still searching me with his gaze.

I giggled. "What do you mean?"

"You know, in anime, there's always this super beautiful girl who's usually the main character. She has long pretty hair and always looks picture-perfect" Tae leaned back as he came to his conclusion.

I awkwardly tried to laugh it off. "Pfft. Don't exaggerate, you're making me all shy".

Tae raised a brow playfully, I stuck my tongue out at him before grabbing my things from my bag.

"Oh by the way, where's Jimin? Is he skipping class again to practise?". Tae's demeanour shifted as he bit at his bottom lip and glanced over to me.

"He didn't skip, he's just not sitting with us today." His words left me confused. Tae watched me nervously as I looked around the room, then, to the left I spotted Jimin. He was sitting with that girl again, they were huddled in a corner, talking closely and giggling. It's as though my insecurities and fears had come true. I tried to swallow them down.

"Jia" Tae scooted his chair closer so that he was pressed up against me, his arm squeezing around my shoulder. I ripped away from the sight of them and focused down at the table instead.

"What's going on Tae? Does he like her?" I asked carefully, but, in actuality, getting the answer might only hurt more. Tae let out a slight sigh. "Just try and forget about it. Jiminie still cares about you so just try and ignore it…" I felt Tae rub my shoulder, his thick dark hair falling in his face as he peered down at me worriedly.

"I'll try… You're right… I'm not his girlfriend… I don't have any right to say anything about it" My chest aches as I come to this realisation but I swallow it down as best I can.

Tae sat closely with me the entire lecture, I could tell he was being more playful than usual to try and distract me. But it was tough not to look over in Jimins direction, so tough. And every time I did Tae would grab my face and veer it around or tap under my chin to haul my attention away. Straight after the class finished Tae whisked me up and pulled me out of the building with him before I even had a chance to check what Jimin was doing.

After asking where my next class was Tae accompanied me there, arm laced with mine the whole way. I thanked him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before hurrying in. Truth was I didn't want him to see me cry. I struggled to get ahold of myself when class began, focusing on taking notes was just the distraction I needed.

Halfway through I got a text from Joon.

RM: Hey, can you meet me at the agency around 5?

Jia: Yeah sure, what's up?

By the time I'd finished, I hadn't gotten a reply so I just decided to head over there. The sun now sat on the horizon, with it, the heat had dwindled and a warm breeze replaced it as I walked to the Agency. When I got there Joon was relaxing outside on the bench with a notepad in hand. He perked up from what he was writing as I approached.

"Hey" I greeted as stopped before him. "Ah, hey. Sorry to call you here last-minute" Joon hastily closed his book and stood up. His height became more apparent as he did.

"It's alright, it's not like I was busy so" I countered with a neat smile. Joon ran his hand through his hair, reflecting my gesture. "Should we head in?" He invited.

"Sure, so, what's this all about anyway? You never replied" I lightly joked as I followed him inside. "Oh, well uh, actually…" Joon seemed nervous as he glanced over at me. "Our CEO just got back from his trip overseas and wanted to talk to you". I proceeded to follow him further into the building and up some stairs.

"Oh, why would he want to do that?" I questioned, feeling perplexed.

"Well, I'm assuming it's about the song but there may be other things, I don't know exactly." Joon came to a halt out the front of a wooden door. We were now in an empty hallway somewhere on the third floor.

"Okay… wait, so I'm just going to go in there and talk to you boss?" Suddenly I felt a bit anxious. "Yeah, sorry to put you in such an awkward position but you'll be fine, I promise" Joon gave a small reassuring smile before knocking on the door.

A voice called from behind it beckoning us to come in. Before I knew it Joon had opened it, gently pushed me in, pat me on the head with a whispered goodluck and shut the door behind me.

"Hello there miss, Jia, if I'm not mistaken?" I quickly bowed. "Yes, Jia, nice to meet you ?" I raised my head back up, only for the man sitting behind the desk to finish my sentence.

"P.D Will do just fine. Take a seat please. I was hoping we could have a small chat" he gestured to the chair across from the desk he sat at. "Sure, Thank you P.D-Nim" I slipped into the seat and took a few slight breaths as I waited, this whole situation was unexpected. I felt a bit left of centre.

"So, you're the little pen whiz that put together BTS's debut song, correct?" He gave a subtle smile which put me scarcely more at ease.

"Well, I wouldn't say that exactly, more like I just happened to have a song and- given the circumstances…" I fiddle with my hands in my lap awkwardly.

"I loved it. And, If those are the kind of songs you just happen to write then I'd like to make you an offer" I perked up in surprise.

Did he actually just say that?

I waited for him to go on.

"I thought it would be nice to have you as a part of the production team. As a song writer for BTS to be more specific, what do you think?" He inquired. I felt like I was being slapped in the face with an amazing opportunity, almost too good to be true.

"Oh, Thank you. I'm so glad you liked it. I am honestly shocked. I didn't expect you to offer me a position here. I um, would love to write songs for BTS." I felt a shudder run through me, I felt like I was dreaming.

Was this actually happening?

"Great, I'm pleased to hear your willing to take the position. Especially after hearing so much praise about you, not to mention your work on 'No More Dream'. You aren't the only one who was taken by surprise" P.D-Nim gave a tiny chuckle, I felt myself loosen up a little as he did.

"Thank-You" I tilted my head slightly. "There is one more thing that I wanted to talk with you about involving a new partnership the company made recently with a certain club" My stomach shift slightly at the change in topic. I think I knew what he was talking about.

"Yes?" I questioned hesitantly.

"I believe you've already met Reira, correct? He asked plainly.

"I have".

"Well, I want to be honest with you here. As you can imagine, there's a lot at stake when it comes to keeping certain secrets. Especially ones that you've been made privy to recently. Given the nature of the situation, I'd like to propose a solution that I think will benefit both of us." I gulped thickly as his words settled in. I took a moment to respond.

"You mean… You're worried about everything I know…".

"Well, yes. But, I think bringing you in is a better idea then trying to tie up loose ends. Sorry if that sounds too forward. But, it's important you understand the gravity of the situation." He was speaking so casually despite the topic, if I hadn't already experienced so many crazy things already I would've been much more shaken up at the fact he just said he was contemplating 'tying up loose ends'.

"What would I have to do exactly?" I questioned him further.

What was he thinking?

"Reira has a few clubs, and after I heard you already had some experience as a hostess I thought that could definitely be an advantage for us. If you're willing to, I'd like you to work with Reira. He's agreed to bring in some high profile clients for you, all you'd have to do it build a rapport with some which will make it easier for us to expand business. You could also make a lot of money, I heard you were still studying, that must be hard to pay for.." He was right. I needed the money. And for the most part I liked hostessing, the only thing was…

"Mm, that's true… I think I would be able to do that… The only thing I'm worried about is my safety though…" I replied hesitantly.

Knowing that if I was to get back into my old line of work that it came with risks..

"That's alright, I'll make sure you have your own personal security detail. I'm aware of what happened with YG… I want you to know that joining the family means we'll protect you no matter what. That's my promise to you, Jia" I shifted in my seat, there was still so many things flying through my mind but for some reason, this felt right.

Like this was the way forward.

"Okay, I'd like to accept your offer and help out too". I watched as he gave a light smile.

"That's good to hear, I know it must all be a lot to take in so if you want, come back into the office some time tomorrow to sign all the paperwork. Leave your number with me and I'll be sure to fill you in on all the details moving forward." I gave small nod and wrote down my number on the paper he gestured to.

There was a small knock on the door that pulled P.D-Nim attention for a moment as he called whoever it was to come in. I turned to see a smiley Tae poke his head in.

"Sorry to interrupt, it was taking a while I wasn't sure is Jia was still here or not" Tae gave me a boxy grin as he noticed me.

"Good timing, we're all done here. Feel free to take her home Tae Hyung" He seemed relaxed as he leaned back in his chair, as though this meeting had gone exactly how he'd have liked.

"Thankyou, I'll be back tomorrow" I gave a bow in which he smiled at before leaving with Tae.

I followed beside Tae silently as we left the building, it wasn't until we got outside and made our way down the lamp lit street that he spoke.

"So… I'm guessing it went alright?" He asked, gazing over at me, his expression blank but the tone he used full of curiosity.

"Yeah, I think so. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of it. He said so much" I slowly reached and grabbed a hold of Taes hand. His features softened as he slipped his hand into mine.

"I have a feeling everything is going to turn out alright. At least this way we'll be able to protect you properly" Tae gave a small smile. He must have already had an idea about what was going on..

I squeezed his hand and looked up to the night sky as we walked together hand in hand back home. Maybe he was right, this surely had to be a good thing, no?

I could make money, write songs, stay close to the boys, all whilst being protected… was there a downside? I couldn't really think of one.

We made it back just in time for my shift at the bar, it was quiet so Tae stayed with me and helped out. He was a bit unsure of what to do but, we still had fun and I ended up teaching him a few things too. I couldn't take my eyes off him in all honesty, the way he had his hair pushed back and the way his chiseled features and suave attitude had me smitten. Even the girls at the club kept coming up to the bar giggling and flirting while ordering drinks from him. I didn't blame them, Tae was the whole package and I knew that better than anyone.

"You're too handsome for your own good" I giggled to him after the girls had slowly wondered back off into the crowd on the dance floor.

Tae gave a wink before pouring us both a shot. "One for you and one for me" he mused, clicking the glass against mine. I threw it back, the burn was one I revelled in.

After the night had come to an end and the two of us had cleaned up we headed back upstairs and got ready for bed. Tae was laying spread in the middle of my bed, arms up behind his head as he waited for me.

"You look comfy" I teased, crawling up on top of him and laying down.

"Now I am" he let out a relaxed breath as he pulled the blanket over us and wrapped his arms around me.

"I was thinking about what you said earlier. I think you're right, I decided to join your agency as a song writer. And I also agreed to work at one of Reira's clubs" I slowly traced circles across Taes bare chest. His honey skin tone had a light glow.

"I had a feeling boss would ask you to join us. I'm glad you did, if your working with Reira that means I'll get to see you more too" I could feel his breath as he spoke calmly into my hair.

"Really? You're working there too?" I peered up. He gave a small nod.

"Yeah, I'm a spy" he said stoically.

"What? You said that waaay too casually Tae" I tried to stifle a giggle. Sometimes the things he said with a blank expression, I couldn't.

"Is it funny? Don't laugh, being a spy is a serious job. You're one too now, aren't you?" He retorted.

"I guess I am. I didn't think of it like that" I giggled. Unable to now not see the humour in it all.

"We can be like Bonny and Clyde" he grinned.

"Aren't they robbers? Don't you mean Sherlock and Watson?" I furrowed my brows.

"Uh, No they're definitely detectives. Anyway, the point is we'll be together. That's the most important thing I think." He hummed.

"Mm, I think so too" I whispered, burrowing deeper into his collarbone. It wasn't long until we both fell asleep together, still laying on top of him wrapped in his arms.

What was this new journey I would embark upon? Only time would tell.