Private Terms

Jungkook opened the front door as quietly as he could and slipped inside, careful not to wake his older brother. He bent to take off his shoes, blinking against the sharp hallway light and the exhaustion sitting heavy behind his eyes. Then he looked up and froze. Jeon Doyun stood in front of him with a blank expression. Jungkook stared at him. Doyun stared back. Then the truth hit Jungkook all at once. Shit. "What did I tell you about coming home late?" Doyun asked. "This is already the second time this week. You know that, right?" "Argh, hyung, you seriously have no chill. Come on, I- ahh!" Jungkook groaned when Doyun smacked the back of his head. "Call me or come home early," Doyun said. "Understood?" Jungkook nodded, still rubbing his head as he started toward his room. "And if you do it again," Doyun added, his voice dropping, "you will see the worst of me." Jungkook stopped immediately. "Listen," Doyun said. Jungkook turned back, suddenly nervous. "There is something I need to discuss with you tomorrow." "What is it, hyung?" "I am pretty sure I said tomorrow." With that, Jungkook hurried to his room without another word, his heart beating too fast. He had no idea his life was about to shift. The next morning, Jungkook stayed on his phone while Doyun sat across from him at the table, thinking through his younger brother's future. He's already old enough for responsibility, Doyun thought. "Jeon Jungkook." Jungkook glanced up with a soft, confused sound. "If someone asks you a question today, answer properly. I am already tired of your nonsense," Doyun said as he stood. "I'll be downstairs. Go change into formal clothes." Jungkook tilted his head, confused, but obeyed. A few minutes later he came down dressed for an office, his fluffy hair bouncing as he nodded at Doyun. "You," Doyun said, pointing at him, "have an interview at nine. I spoke with a friend of mine. You already know him. He is the CEO of Kim Group." Jungkook went pale. "B-but, hyung, I am still n-not ready, you know-" Doyun gave him one quiet look. It was not even a real glare, only his usual resting face, but it worked anyway. Jungkook swallowed the rest of his complaint and rushed toward the car before Doyun could start lecturing him. He is slowly getting more mature, Doyun told himself. By the time Doyun reached the car, Jungkook was already inside, crying with his nose red. "I will be a good boy, I swear," Jungkook mumbled. Doyun sighed, but he still nodded. Jungkook was such a brat, but he was still his baby brother. Watching him wipe his tears and try to calm himself down made Doyun's chest soften despite everything. I am glad he turned out this well, Doyun thought. Later that morning, Doyun sat across from Kim Taehyung in the CEO's office. "Taehyung-ah," Doyun said, then corrected himself with a small nod. "Kim Taehyung, I have a favor to ask. I have observed Jungkook carefully. He has strong communication skills, he works well with a team, and his negotiation instincts are solid. Please do not assume I am praising him only because he is my brother. You know me well enough to know I would not do that." Taehyung watched him with calm attention. "I want you to give my brother one chance to be your secretary," Doyun said. Taehyung hummed and cleared his throat. "All right, hyung. If you trust his qualifications, then I trust your judgment. But it is better proved than said, so I will interview him myself." "Of course," Doyun said. "I would be grateful. But I should warn you: he can be a brat. He is spoiled, reckless, and careless with certain things. He looks innocent, and in some ways he is, but he is also a devil in an angel's body. He is a huge responsibility. If you agree to mentor him, it would be a real kindness. I will handle him in my own way too." Taehyung's mouth curved into a faint smile. "Have the others met your brother?" he asked. "Yes. They already know him. They spend time together now and then, so I think they get along well enough." Doyun stood and smoothed his jacket. "I should take my leave. Thank you again for the favor. I am truly grateful." Taehyung nodded, his small smile barely visible, but his eyes held real respect for the older man. Doyun moved toward the door. "See you around, Kim Taehyung-ssi." "See you, hyung," Taehyung replied.