The dusty air of the small village clung to Y/n like a second skin. Each sunrise had once brought with it the promise of a bountiful harvest, of laughter echoing through the rows of rice paddies. But now, the sun only seemed to mock the barren fields, the silence a stark reminder of their misfortune. Y/n's heart ached as she looked at her father, his once strong frame now frail and weakened by illness, his eyes clouded with worry. The storm that had ravaged their farm had not only destroyed their livelihood but also their hope, leaving them in a crushing debt.
At 18, the weight of her family pressed down on Y/n's young shoulders. Leaving behind her textbooks and dreams of a future in academia was a painful sacrifice, but she knew she had to do something. Her responsibility as the eldest daughter was clear. With a heavy heart, she packed a small bag and bid a tearful farewell to her mother and younger siblings. Seoul, with its towering buildings and bustling streets, felt like a different planet compared to her village.
Yuna, her childhood friend who had moved to the city years ago, was a lifeline. She took Y/n in, offering her a dusty corner in her tiny apartment and, more importantly, a lead on a job. Her words, "Hybe Corporation needs an assistant, basically to run errands and get coffee," were enough to ignite a spark of hope within Y/n.
The HYBE building was a glass and steel giant that intimidated yet mesmerized her. The constant hum of activity, the stylishly dressed people, the air of quiet purpose - it was all so foreign to Y/n's rural upbringing. Her job was simple enough: she was to organize supplies, deliver documents, and keep the creative teams fueled with caffeine. It wasn't glamorous, but it was a job, and it was a means to support her family.
Days turned into weeks, and Y/n found a rhythm in the chaos. She learned to navigate the labyrinthine hallways, memorized preferences for various teas and coffees, and tried to stay out of the way of the important people, the artists and producers who walked the halls with an aura of immense talent.
Among those artists was Kim Taehyung. He was a force of nature, even in the quiet moments. His presence demanded attention. To most, he was the epitome of charm and charisma on stage. But behind the scenes, he was known for his aloofness, his playboy reputation, and his cutting remarks. His interactions with staff were minimal, his gaze typically dismissive. He moved through the building with a detached grace, a world unto himself.
Y/n, in her role as the errand runner, rarely crossed his path. She knew of him, of course, every staff member did. She had seen him in the hallways, a fleeting brush of his captivating aura. She'd heard whispers of his reputation, stories of broken hearts and casual encounters. Yet, she had no reason to pay him much attention; she was too busy worrying about sending money home, about her father's health, about making ends meet.
Unknown to Y/n, however, she had caught Kim Taehyung's attention. It wasn't her beauty, though she was undeniably striking with her simple grace and kind, expressive eyes. It wasn't her quiet efficiency, though he noticed the subtle diligence with which she worked. He was intrigued by something more elusive, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Maybe it was the way she always looked so determined, or perhaps the slight frown that creased her forehead as she worked, a sign of the burdens she carried.
He found himself watching her, a rare occurrence for someone as self-absorbed as him. He would linger by the water cooler, pretending to be engrossed in his phone, just to catch a glimpse of her as she passed by with a tray of coffees. He found it odd, this strange fascination he was developing. It wasn't lust, or even simple curiosity. It was something... different. Something he couldn't explain, even to his closest friends, Jimin and Rosé.
For Kim Taehyung, known for his detachment and casual relationships, this newfound interest was unsettling. It was an unwelcome intrusion into his carefully constructed world. And for Lee Y/n, oblivious to the gaze that followed her every move, her life in Seoul was about to take a turn she never expected, all because of a cold, aloof playboy named Kim Taehyung. The quiet hum of the HYBE building seemed to suddenly vibrate with untold possibilities, a hidden undercurrent of fate beginning to stir.
Write a comment ...