Chapter Text
Seokjin had every intention of avoiding the main character altogether, but that plan is now crumbled.
The first few days were awkward painfully so. Seokjin wasn’t used to having someone hover around him, and Jimin wasn’t sure where to draw the line. They tiptoed around each other, unsure of what was acceptable or expected. But as time passed, Seokjin began to notice something remarkable: Jimin was really good at his job.
Jimin managed his schedules with the precision of a military strategist, ensured the household ran smoothly, and somehow made Seokjin’s overwhelming workload feel manageable. The maids, who had once been terrified to even breathe in his presence, now laughed and chatted while they worked. They no longer flinched when Seokjin walked by, and their voices no longer trembled when they spoke to him.
Seokjin didn’t know what kind of magic Jimin did, but it was undeniable. The household felt... lighter. Less suffocating.
For the first time since waking up in this world, Seokjin felt like he could rely on someone. Maybe it was because Jimin was the protagonist, the kind of person everyone naturally gravitated toward, but Seokjin couldn’t help but think this was the right call.
And as much as Seokjin wanted to question why the original book Seokjin had treated Jimin so poorly, the answer came to him quickly. Jealousy. The book Seokjin had been in love with Jungkook, and Jimin was destined to be with him. Of course, as usual the role of the jealous villain Seokjin had lashed out at the person who symbolized everything he couldn’t have.
But this Seokjin? Oh, he had no intention of getting involved in their romance.
He had a plan a brilliant plan, if he said so himself. Treat Jimin well, so when the male lead eventually came into the picture, Jimin would have nothing but glowing things to say about him. Jungkook would hear about how kind and accommodating Seokjin was, and he’d spare Seokjin’s life and even invest more in his company.
Seokjin smirked to himself. Great mind, Seokjin. Totally flawless.
Of course, all plans sounded better in theory. But for now, he’d ride the wave of this newfound partnership with Jimin. As far as he was concerned, keeping the main character happy was the key to his survival.
If there was one thing Seokjin knew, it was in romance novels. Chaebol male leads had a type: unwavering loyalty and love to one person. And that person was Jimin. All Seokjin had to do was stay on the good side of the main character, and he could secure both his life and his company. What could possibly go wrong?
Of course he jinxed it again. The universe apparently had a personal vendetta against him because right now, Seokjin was sitting in his uncle’s office, listening to the most terrifying words he'd heard since getting isekai'd into this world.
“What?” Seokjin's voice came out an octave higher than intended, his stomach dropping.
His uncle raised an eyebrow, a smug grin creeping onto his face. “I said, Jeon Jungkook wants to meet with you. At his company.”
“Me? Why?” Seokjin’s panic seeped into his voice. “I haven’t done anything wrong!” Yet, he thought.
His uncle’s grin widened, his expression practically dripping with malice. “He wants to meet the new executive director. Since you fought so hard to claim your position, he wants to see if you’re as competent as you claim to be"
The jab made Seokjin’s stomach churn.
The older man leaned back in his chair, hands steepled, clearly reveling in Seokjin’s visible discomfort. “Let’s see if you’re better than my son”
That comment snapped Seokjin out of his spiraling thoughts. He glared at his uncle “It’s obviously me. Do you have any idea how many messes your son left behind as the previous executive director? I’ve been cleaning them up for weeks!”
His uncle scoffed, his tone sharp. “Then prove it. Tomorrow, 10 a.m., at Jeon Enterprises. Jungkook’s expecting you.”
Seokjin took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He wasn’t about to give his uncle the satisfaction of seeing him squirm. He straightened his posture, giving a curt nod.
“Alright. I’ll go"
His uncle’s smirk only grew wider as Seokjin left the office. And as much as he hated to admit it, the man had successfully planted a seed of dread in Seokjin’s chest. Meeting Jeon Jungkook—the Jeon Jungkook—wasn’t just terrifying because of his reputation as a cold, calculating CEO. It was because Seokjin already knew how the end was supposed to go in the book: terribly.
As he walked out of the office, Seokjin muttered under his breath, “I should’ve stayed in bed today”
What to do? What to do? Seokjin wasn't ready to meet Jungkook yet—no, no, not at all. Sure, he knew they’d eventually have to meet, but not so soon. He wasn’t prepared for this meet up.
He sat at his desk, overthinking every possible scenario when Jimin entered, holding a neat stack of files. “Sir, here are the documents you’ll need later" Jimin said, placing them on his desk with his usual polite demeanor.
Seokjin glanced at the files, then at Jimin. A thought struck him—was it okay to let Jungkook and Jimin meet earlier than planned? In the book, Jungkook’s first meeting with Seokjin had gone terribly, thanks to Book Seokjin’s history of being awful to Jimin. But this was different, wasn’t it? He’d been treating Jimin well. Maybe if Jungkook saw how Jimin was thriving under his care, it would make Jungkook less hostile.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. If anyone could soften an intimidating male lead, it was of course the main character.
“Jimin,” Seokjin said, leaning back in his chair. “You’re coming with me to Jeon Enterprises tomorrow"
Jimin blinked, tilting his head slightly. “Of course, sir. I’m your assistant.”
“Right,” Seokjin said, nodding firmly. “Of course you are.”
It was a good plan. It had to be. What could go wrong when the two main characters of the story were in the same room? Seokjin took a deep breath, already trying to mentally prepare himself for the chaos tomorrow would undoubtedly bring.
What’s it like meeting the person destined to kill you? Seokjin couldn’t even describe how nervous he felt. His heart was racing, his palms were sweaty, and his thoughts were a chaotic jumble of What ifs.
“Jimin, stay by my side" he muttered under his breath
“Yes, sir” Jimin replied, his calm presence grounding him just slightly.
The interior of Jeon Enterprises was every bit as intimidating as its reputation—sleek, modern, and coldly efficient. The walls were a pristine white accented with sharp black designs, and the floors gleamed like polished glass. Employees moved with purpose, each one impeccably dressed and carrying an air of strict professionalism.
Seokjin barely had time to take it all in when the receptionist greeted him. The name tag on his blazer read Yoongi. He bowed slightly, his posture perfect and practiced. “Good morning, Mr. Kim. Sir Jeon is waiting for you inside.”
Seokjin’s stomach dropped. Already?
He glanced at Jimin, his silent lifeline. There’s no way I’m going in there alone.
“Alone" Yoongi added, his tone polite but firm, as though reading his thoughts.
Seokjin’s turn back on Yoongi brows furrowed. “Is there a reason why?” he asked, doing his best to keep his voice steady
“He wants to speak to you privately,” he replied, bowing slightly again.
Privately? Of course Jungkook wanted to corner him alone. That man had probably already sized him up, judged him based on the disaster book Seokjin had done.
Seokjin kept his expression composed, giving Jimin a curt nod that screamed authority. “Wait here" he instructed, gesturing subtly.
Jimin, ever the obedient assistant, nodded back, but his eyes lingered a moment longer, filled with concern. If Seokjin weren’t so preoccupied, he might’ve laughed at how Jimin looked at him as though he were a father leaving his child in the middle of a wolf-infested forest.
As he followed Yoongi down the pristine hallway, his mind raced. Why does Jungkook want to meet him? He racked his brain, but nothing surfaced. He had kept his head down since taking on this role, avoiding anything that might draw the male lead’s attention.
Then his thoughts shifted. The only memories he could recall involving Jungkook were the ones from the book. He had read about Book Seokjin’s pitiful, desperate attempts to get Jungkook to notice him stolen glances in meetings, lingering stares during social events, and calculated moments of clumsy charm that Jungkook had brushed off without a second thought.
Book Seokjin was always waiting for Jungkook to notice him.
And maybe that was the problem.
Book Seokjin wanted to be noticed, craved it, reveled in the idea of catching Jungkook’s attention.
But Seokjin wasn’t him. And he'll be pissed if that’s what this is about
Ahead, a door loomed large, dark, and imposing, just like the man who waited behind it. Yoongi stopped, giving him a polite smile as he gestured toward the handle.
“Sir Jeon is ready for you.”
Seokjin took a deep breath. You’ve got this. You’re not Book Seokjin. And whatever Jungkook wants, you’ll handle it. He reached for the door, his hand steady, and pushed it open. Inside, the office was the epitome of a chaebol CEO’s domain: sleek, modern, and intimidating. The polished marble floors gleamed under soft recessed lighting, and the expansive windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. A large mahogany desk sat at the far end, meticulously organized, with a single chair facing it undoubtedly meant for anyone brave enough to sit across from Jeon Jungkook.
Except… Jungkook wasn’t at the desk.
“Great to see you, Mr. Kim”
The smooth voice firm yet laced with quiet authority came from behind him.
Startled, Seokjin let out a high-pitched yelp, leaping forward while clutching his ear. His free hand reflexively flew into the air, throwing a few clumsy punches in a weak attempt at self-defense. His heart pounded in his chest as he spun around, only to lock eyes with the source of his near heart attack.
Jeon Jungkook.
The man stood casually, his hands in his pockets, wearing a perfectly tailored suit that seemed to emphasize his broad shoulders and lean figure. His cold, piercing doe eyes scrutinized Seokjin as though he were an anomaly under a microscope.
Seokjin froze, suddenly aware of how ridiculous he must look. Flustered, he quickly straightened his posture and cleared his throat, his ears burning with embarrassment. “S-same as well, Mr. Jeon” he stammered.
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, before moving forward with quiet, deliberate steps. He exuded a quiet intensity that made the room feel smaller. Without another word, he walked past Seokjin and seated himself behind his imposing desk, folding his hands as he stared across the room.
“I heard you’re the new executive director,” Jungkook began, his tone even but cutting. “Don’t you think, as one of the company’s biggest investors, I deserve to know the person I’m trusting my money with?”
Seokjin swallowed hard. The way Jungkook’s eyes bore into him felt like a spotlight shining on every flaw he had. “O-of course,” he stuttered, trying to salvage his dignity. “I was planning to tell you"
Jungkook tilted his head, a ghost of a smirk playing on his lips. “Really? When?”
Seokjin winced. Probably never. But he couldn’t say that, obviously. Instead, he forced a confident smile. “I just wanted to ensure I was the rightful executive director first, Mr. Jeon" he said, hoping it sounded sincere.
Jungkook sat leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. “You know,” he began, his voice smooth yet edged with condescension, “I read your file. Sent by your uncle"
Seokjin tensed, already dreading where this was going.
“You have quite a lot of scandals, don’t you?” Jungkook’s words were cutting, like a blade purposefully testing his limits.
Seokjin’s jaw tightened, but he kept his posture steady. “I admit I have,” he replied, his voice firm. “But those scandals don’t define me or the work I’ve done in my job.”
Jungkook tilted his head, feigning curiosity. “And what exactly have you done then?”
For a moment, Seokjin’s calm facade wavered, frustration bubbling to the surface. This guy… He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms to keep his temper in check. But his patience snapped just enough to let his annoyance show.
“Why don’t you look at it yourself, Mr. Jeon?” Seokjin countered, his voice laced with quiet defiance.
The air in the room seemed to shift. Jungkook’s raised eyebrow conveyed a mix of intrigue and irritation. His scrutinizing gaze bore into Seokjin as though trying to dissect his resolve, but Seokjin didn’t back down. He wasn’t going to let this man intimidate him. Sure, Jungkook might have been the reason for book Seokjin’s death, but the real Seokjin wasn’t about to fold under his scrutiny.
Finally, Jungkook leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the desk. “I see,” he said, his tone unreadable. “I guess I’ll have to find out for myself, won’t I?”
Before Seokjin could respond, Jungkook’s cold, calculating demeanor returned. “Now then,” he continued, his voice cool and professional. “What does the new executive director have to offer to the CEO?”
Seokjin took a deep breath, his mind scrambling for connections between toys and perfumes that would sound compelling. "Our companies might seem like they operate in entirely different worlds," he began, keeping his voice as steady as possible, "but in reality, we both thrive on appealing to emotions—nostalgia, joy, and the ability to create lasting memories."
Jungkook's sharp gaze never wavered. Seokjin felt the weight of it, but he pressed on. "Think about it: toys are often associated with childhood memories. They're not just products; they carry sentimental value. Perfumes, in their own way, do the same thing. A single fragrance can transport someone to a cherished moment or a specific feeling."
"And?" Jungkook prompted, his tone flat, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of intrigue.
Seokjin shifted his weight but maintained eye contact. "By working together, we could create a marketing campaign that bridges these worlds. Imagine a product launch where a signature perfume is paired with a collectible figurine or a storybook for families—creating a multi-generational brand experience. Parents associate the scent with bonding moments with their children, while kids grow up remembering the connection."
Jungkook's eyebrow twitched, but he said nothing, waiting for more.
Seokjin continued, now gaining confidence. "And let’s not forget the crossover opportunities in packaging design. Our design team specializes in vibrant, engaging visuals. We could help your brand explore bold, innovative designs that stand out, appealing to younger demographics or even introducing a playful side to luxury."
He finally stopped, his pulse quickening as silence filled the room. Jungkook’s gaze burned into him, assessing every word he’d just said.
"Interesting," Jungkook said after a long pause, his voice even, betraying nothing. "But none of that will matter if your scandals overshadow your so-called innovation. How do I know your reputation won't ruin my company?"
Seokjin could feel his body tense, the weight of Jungkook’s words pressing down on him like a physical force. The sting of the scandals hit again, deeper this time. It wasn’t just the words that hurt; it was the fact that Jungkook, and maybe everyone around him, seemed to define him by that. The scandals. As if that was all he was. As if he couldn’t move beyond it. But it wasn’t him. It was the character, belonged to the version of him from this damned book.
Jungkook's harsh voice broke through his thoughts, making Seokjin flinch. “You do know one scandal can affect the company, right? And from what I’ve heard, you have more than one"
The words hit harder than they should have. Seokjin clenched his fists, holding back the wave of anger and hurt that threatened to drown him. It wasn’t him. It wasn’t him, he reminded himself. It was the character from the book. He wasn’t the same as Book Seokjin. He was trying to be better, to do better. But none of that mattered. He was still the scandalous Seokjin in Jungkook’s eyes.
Jungkook's voice cut through the air again “If you have nothing to say, get out of my sight" his eyes bored into him, waiting for a response. But Seokjin couldn’t give him one—not at first. He opened his mouth, but the words wouldn’t come. The frustration of it all nearly made him give in, to turn around and walk away, but just as he was about to, Jungkook's voice sliced through the silence again.
“Pathetic"
The word hit him like a cold bucket to the face. It was enough. His chest tightened with rising fury. His mind, racing with the anger and indignation of it all, sparked a challenge that he knew he would regret, but at that moment, he couldn’t stop it. He wasn’t going to let this man—this arrogant CEO—belittle him like that.
He turned on his heel, locking eyes with Jungkook. "Since you seem to care so much about the company, and you’ve taken the time to be concerned about my uncle’s behalf, then you must know how my cousin operates" Seokjin shot back, his voice steady despite the boiling anger beneath it. “You know how he manipulates everything to get ahead, right? He’s not exactly the golden child you think he is" he took a step forward, his confidence growing, a fire that he hadn’t realized he still had igniting in his chest. "But sure, let’s talk about my scandals"
Jungkook’s eyes narrowed at his challenge, but Seokjin didn’t flinch. Enough was enough. He had to fight back.
“Give me a week” Seokjin declared, voice firm, resolute. “And you’ll see how this ‘pathetic’ guy works. I’ll show you that I’m the perfect choice for this position. You won’t even have to worry about my scandals"
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, his eyes hard as he assessed Seokjin. There was a brief moment of silence before he spoke again, his voice colder than before. “It better be worth my time"
Seokjin took a deep breath, his body still buzzing with frustration, but he managed to push a smile onto his face. It was forced, the anger still simmering just beneath the surface. “Of course, Mr. Jeon. All the best for you"
He felt Jungkook’s gaze on him. The tension between them felt almost palpable, and for a split second, Seokjin swore he saw something else in Jungkook’s eyes—amusement? A flicker of something that made Seokjin second-guess everything. But before he could analyze it further, it was gone, replaced by the same cold, distant look. Jungkook waved him off to leave, a gesture that only made Seokjin’s blood boil more.
Seokjin shook his head as he walked away, the frustration rising with every step. Pathetic? He scoffed inwardly. “Does he even know what it’s like to live with someone else’s body?” He gritted his teeth, the thoughts swirling in his mind. Jungkook killed Seokjin in the book? At this rate, it seemed like Seokjin might be the one to do the killing. And when that happened, it would be because Jungkook’s pride had pushed him too far.
No one called him pathetic and got away with it.