Chapter Text
Mark hated his job. He hated cleaning up spilt food, folding clothes, talking to rude customers - basically everything a salesperson in retail could tell you. He hated everything. Yes, it had its perks like the staff discount and the nice old ladies who smiled at him and the dudes that apologies for their friends inappropriate behaviour but he only gets those every so often.
Today seems like it's just the best day for everything to go wrong for him; firstly their internet was out so they could only do cash transactions meaning they were losing about 40% of their customers. Next, he was stuck cleaning the lingerie aisle. He's male he doesn't understand what sizing order bras are supposed to go in. Not to mention he had an awkward encounter with a couple who were picking out matching sets. He's had to clean up a kid’s vomit from the floor but luckily, if he can say it's luck, it was already in the cleaning supplies aisle. His boss has groped his ass twice within the last 4 hours and he has a headache building behind his right eye.
Now, as he rounds the corner with a pile of jeans he found sitting in a random shelf down the furniture aisle, he realises his day is about to get even more complicated when he sees two little boys, probably around 5 or 6 years old. One is sitting on the floor, clutching a Squirtle plushie while crying his tiny yet powerful lungs out and the other, the older looking of the two is glancing around frantically attempting to calm his brother down while tears glisten in his eyes.
Mark sighs and puts down the pile of jeans before walking up to the two. “Hey guys,” he says softly, the one standing up spins around in surprise and immediately stands in front of his crying brother, large doe eyes running up and down Mark’s form. “Did you lose your parents?” Mark can tell the older one is looking at his uniform, eyes straining to read his name tag so he bends down to his height. “I work here, so I can help you find your parents?” The little one on the floor sniffs loudly as another wail slips past his lips and Mark fights back a wince as his headache pounds. He looks at the oldest and holds his hand out, “My name’s Mark, what's yours?” The boy looks at his palm before reaching out with his own tiny one and gripping it firmly.
“My names Jackson and this is my brother, Youngjae.” The boy says in accented Korean, pointing at the little one who still hasn't stopped screaming. Mark is rather impressed he hasn't grown tired yet or hurt his throat. “We lost our appa he was on the phone...” Jackson’s eyes are still teary as he looks around for his father and Mark really doesn't want to deal with two crying children. He keeps a hold of Jackson's hand and knee walks towards Youngjae.
“Hey, hey Youngjae?” He calls softly trying to get the boy to hear him over his cries. It proves useless as the little one screams louder, taking huge gulps of air to project his rather impressive voice.
“ Appa! ” He yells and Mark winces slightly, headache painfully throbbing. Jackson kneels down beside him and tries to calm him, stroking his head and playing with the Squirtle plushie but nothing proves to work. “ Appa~ !” He sobs, tears streaking down his red face and Mark’s heart hurts.
“Yah!” Mark spins on the spot to see a tall man approaching him, muscles bulging out of his shirt as he glares. “Shut that fucking kid up!” The man snaps and Mark hears Jackson whimper.
“Yes sir, I'm so sorry for the inconvenience.” He says quickly, bowing his head before turning back to Youngjae and Jackson. “Ok buddy, please come on just stop!” He whispers pleadingly but Youngjae doesn't relent. In fact he almost starts crying harder. Mark groans softly and turns to Jackson, “I’ll take you two to the speaker so we can call for your appa ok?” Jackson sniffs, eyes still on the rude man as his hand fists into Mark’s uniform shirt. Mark sighs and picks Youngjae up, cradling the boy in his arms as he cries into his neck.
“I told you to shut that kid up,” A growls sounds and Mark spins to find the rude customer from before approaching him with light speed and a furious glare on his face.
“Y-yes sir I am sorry-” he starts to say as Youngjae let's out another sob and Mark can tell this guy isn't going to be too happy about it. Especially if his narrowed glare has anything to say. “Look, I'll be going now so you don't have to worry-” Youngjae sobs again and this time,the guy’s eye twitches.
“Oh just give the kid here, nothing a little smack on his ass can't fix!” The customer snaps, hand reaching out towards Youngjae. Mark’s brows furrow and he flinches backwards, clutching the crying child to his chest.
“Ah, n-no I don't think that’s necessary.” He stutters to say as the customer’s glare grows even more frightening. The dude is probably well over six foot tall and he is packing on the muscles whereas Mark is only a thin stick. One hit from this guy and Mark would be out cold.
The man’s face curls into a sneer and he reaches out again, “Just give me the kid so I can shut him up!”
“N-no!” Mark stumbles back as Jackson lets out a small cry of his own, clutching onto Mark’s legs tightly. The guy glares even harder and now Mark is slightly worried for his life.
“You little shit,” the man growls, Youngjae’s sobs quieting down almost as though he understands what situation Mark has just put himself in. Mark starts stuttering an apology but it proves useless as the man grabs a hold of his wrist and keeps him from making an escape. “You'll pay for not listening to a customer you fucking brat.” The man hisses and lifts his palm. Mark’s hand tightens around Youngjae’s back and he can feel Jackson’s fingers digging into his thigh but all Mark can see is the hand flying towards his face. He squeezes his eyes shut, bracing for an impact-
- It doesn't come.
“What the fuck do you think-” the customer grumbles before a deep smooth voice begins speaking over the top.
“I suggest, you release this young man who is attempting to help my children immediately before I ask the manager to call for security to assist in your removal from the building.” Mark’s eyes snap open and he feels a solid warmth pressing into his side. He turns his head a little and just over Youngjae’s head he's able to make out a sharp jawline, straight nose and an eyebrow that has two beauty spots beneath it, perfectly identical to one another.
The customer growls under his breath but eventually lets go of Mark’s wrist, not without squeezing it tightly enough to make him gasp in pain before letting go. The man beside him stays quiet until the customer has disappeared past a rack of towels.
“God, I am so sorry,” The man rushes to say, stepping in front of Mark and wow , he's attractive. Mark thought that his side profile was pretty good but the front is even better. He's wearing a suit, head to toe in fancy silk & linen, with a waistcoat and large gold watch on his wrist. He’s obviously a wealthy businessman. His black hair is pushed off his forehead to reveal a set of feline like eyes, the spots beneath his eyebrow almost hypnotising Mark to stare longer. His suit jacket stretched across his broad shoulders as he reaches for Youngjae who is wriggling in Mark’s grip.
“Oh!” Mark blinks back into reality and hands the child over, “N-no it's fine.” It's not really considering he was almost beaten to a pulp for trying to help some children but you know. If he gets saved by an extremely attractive man who is the father of said children, Mark might make it a daily basis to get beaten up.
Mark watched the way and man cradles Youngjae to his chest, eyes screwed shut tightly as he presses tiny kisses to the boy’s head. “I'm so sorry Youngjae-ah,” he whispers, the little one not really paying attention as he nuzzles into his father’s chest, hands fisted into the lapels of his jacket. “Appa is so sorry sunshine, I knew I shouldn't have taken that call.” The man’s eyes flicked open and slide down from Mark to his left, “Jackson-ah come here pup,” Mark has totally forgotten about the other one and how he was clutching onto him.
Jackson runs towards his father and buries his face into the man’s leg, mumbling about scary people and the brave man with the pretty white hair. Mark blinks a few times before he realises that Jackson is talking about him. His white hair is thanks to his roommate wanting to do a dye test for a blonde kit he bought off the internet and apparently Mark owed him therefore landing him in the guinea pig role. It was meant to come out as sandy blonde but ended up white which Mark thought made him look extremely pale but apparently he was ‘innocent looking’ so he’s waiting for it to grow out.
The father looks down at him and Mark swallows thickly. “I believe a thanks is also needed along with an apology?” He says and Mark tries not to blush at the sound of his deep voice. A hand gets extended towards him, fingers covered in rings, “Lim Jaebeom, father of these two troublemakers.” The man, Jaebeom, smiles politely at Mark and he feels himself flush.
He reaches out and shakes Jaebeom’s hand, “I-I’m Mark.” He stutters out and Jaebeom chuckles while shaking his hand firmly, much like Jackson had which makes Mark think he must’ve taught the boy even at a young age.
“Mark-ssi, I seriously thank you for protecting my boys,” Jaebeom says, flickering his eyes to Youngjae who was now sucking on his thumb with his head tucked firmly against his father’s chest, brown eyes trailing over Mark’s figure. “I walked down the wrong aisle while I was on the phone and lost them so you’re honestly a lifesaver.” The older gushes and all Mark can do is nod sheepishly, cheeks flushing under the attention. “I'm sorry about that customer,” Jaebeom says, glancing behind him as he places a hand on the back of Jackson’s head to stroke through the soft hair. Mark tries not to stare at how the older’s biceps threaten to break the fabric of his jacket as he holds Youngjae with one arm.
“I-It's ok,” Mark says quickly, “I'm kinda use to it I guess.” Jaebeom frowns at him and Mark shrinks back into himself, bringing his arms up to wrap around his waist but he brushes his wrist that the customer had grabbed and hissed in pain at the touch.
He looked down and noticed a bruise already beginning to form around his wrist, the skin red and purplish slightly. Mark pouted down at it as a hand came into view, fingers with rings lightly reaching out towards his hand.
“How bad is it?” Jaebeom asks, eyes narrowed into a small glare, “Did you need medical attention? I can call the ambulance for you?”
“N-no!” Mark rushed, shaking his head quickly, “No I'm fine it's just a bruise,” He tried to take his wrist back but the older had a firm hold, not tight enough to hurt him further but enough to stop Mark from moving away.
Jaebeom shook his head and frowned further, “Did you want me to take you to the doctors? Honestly it's not a problem for me to do so, I can thank you that way for helping my boys.” Mark’s eyes widened and he struggled to come up with a sentence when a ringtone sounded through the air. Jaebeom let out a curse and released Mark’s wrist, slipping his hand into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a phone. He cursed again and pressed the home button, cutting the ringtone off.
Jaebeom’s eyes flickered back to Mark, “Look, I've got a meeting I need to head to but I seriously suggest getting your wrist looked at, you might have a hairline fracture or something.” Jaebeom huffed, a piece of his hair falling into his eyes as Mark stood in silence. Suddenly, Jaebeom let out a small noise and dug into his pocket again, sliding Youngjae back onto the floor while keeping a hand on the boy’s head. “Here's some money, take it and go to the doctors please. It’ll make me feel better for getting you hurt.” The older thrusts a handful of notes towards Mark who scrambles to grab them.
Mark looks at the money and his heart almost stops. Jaebeom just handed him a thousand dollars in notes. His mouth drops open as he gapes down at the notes in his hand before spluttering weird noises as he looks up at the man who is busy glancing at his watch. “I-I can’t take this from you!” He manages to squeak out. Jaebeom looks up, still distracted and just shakes his head while grabbing a hold of both boys’ hands.
“Don’t worry about, keep it as a thank you yeah?” Jaebeom says quickly with a smile, “Thank you so much for helping my boys!” With that, he turns away speaking to the two boys quickly while all but power walking out of the store, leaving Mark with a thousand dollars in his hand and a bruised wrist.
***
“So...you met a sugar daddy? That’s what you’re trying to say?” Bambam asks, licking his ice cream off his spoon after Mark had flopped on their couch when his shift finished. He had listened to Jaebeom and got his wrist checked out; nothing serious apart from bruising like Mark thought but he had to admit his heart fluttered at the thought of the older being worried about him. But the likelihood of ever meeting Jaebeom again made him pout because it was probably 0 to none.
“What’s this about a sugar daddy?” Yugyeom calls, walking back from the shower with a towel around his head as he rubbed his hair. “Hyung, did you sign up to be a sugar baby or something? ‘Bout time honestly.” Mark rolls his eyes and chucks a sock at the younger with a frown.
“No, hyung doesn’t need to sign up,” Bambam snorts, “He meets them while working and get this.” The younger waits until Yugyeom is seated on the couch beside Mark, allowing the older to rest his head on his lap. The maknae begins stroking Mark’s hair causing him smile happily and snuggled closer, tucking his hands beneath Yugyeom’s thigh and curling his feet up. “The guy is an actual sugar daddy like, he’s got kids. 2 boys.” Yugyeom made a surprised noise and Bambam nodded his head enthusiastically. “So not only is he the literal definition of sugar daddy because he gave hyung a thousand dollars in notes,” Yugyeom chokes on his saliva but Bambam pays no attention, “Legit just pulled it out of his wallet and handed it over like it was nothing! And, from what hyung says, he’s hot too. Literal. Sugar. Daddy.”
“Wha~” Yugyeom crows before attempting to crush Mark’s head with his stomach as he drops into a hug. “What’s his name? Did you get his number? Wha, hyung is gonna be a sugar baby and we’re gonna get rich!” Mark squeaks from underneath Yugyeom’s arms and manages to escape by rolling off the couch. The maknaes giggle loudly and Mark rolls his eyes at the two while pushing his hair off his face.
“Ok let's get something straight alright?” He huffs and Bambam snorts loudly into his coffee, before muttering, “Well that’s a bit late for all of us don’t you think?” Yugyeom cackles and Mark just frowns.
“One, I’m not a bloody sugar baby. Two, I met the guy when I was helping his kids so that means he’s probably married.” Both Bambam and Yugyeom share a look that tells Mark he’s just pulling shit but he continues. “Three, I’ll probably never see him again because I didn’t get his number only his name.”
“Which is?” Yugyeom interrupts and Mark groans, throwing his head back and allowing his body to fall back onto the carpeted floor as both maknaes start whining at him. “Hyungie~ tell us!”
“Aish, you two are so annoying!” He grumbles, kicking his feet in the air before sighing, images of the man flickering into his mind as he runs a hand through his hair. “Jaebeom,” he says softly, the first time speaking the name aloud makes a shiver run down Mark’s spine. “His name was Lim Jaebeom.”
Both maknaes grow quiet and Mark frowns up at the ceiling. He waits a few more moments before pushing himself onto his elbows to look at the two who are staring at him with wide eyes and opened mouths.
“What?” Mark asks, eyebrow raised in confusion.
“Lim Jaebeom? That’s who you helped?” Yugyeom hisses before he’s suddenly scrambling off the couch and crawling towards Mark. “You’re being dead serious right now? Lim Jaebeom?” Mark shuffles back a little in fright and looks to Bambam for help but the other is tapping furiously on his phone.
“Uh...yeah? He said his name was Lim Jaebeom?” Yugyeom lets out a weird shriek causing Mark to flinch as Bambam jumps off the couch and tackles him. “Ugh! Bam what the hell!” Mark cries as he gets a bony elbow driven into his stomach.
“Is this him?!” The younger screeches, thrusting the phone into Mark’s face, “Is this the guy you helped?!” Mark squints and takes a hold of Bambam’s hand to steady him so he can actually look at the screen. Sure enough, Jaebeom’s face stares back at him except he has deep red hair and he’s wearing a plain dress shirt with dangling earrings. His hair is parted off centre and hangs in his eyes but Mark is able to make out the two beauty spots beneath his eyebrow and his jawline looking sharp and pointed as he gazes directly into the camera lens. Mark feels as though Jaebeom is looking directly into his soul. Beside him stands another attractive man, hands clasped behind his back and dark hair brushed off his face in a way that makes him look princely. Mark swallows and nods his head, glancing up at the younger two who stare back at him.
“Yeah, that’s him. That’s Jaebeom, the red haired one.” Both Yugyeom and Bambam let out gasp, Mark flinching away from the two of them. “How do you know him?” Yugyeom stares as though Mark has just cursed at him.
“Know him- Mark .” Yugyeom splutters, face totally serious as he grabs a hold of the older’s shoulders with a fake laugh. “Lim Jaebeom owns one of the best record companies in Korea along with Park Jinyoung. Jaebeom and Jinyoung use to be a duo together in their late teens but after Jaebeom injured himself dancing they retired and stuck to composing and writing songs before they chose to create a recording company.” Mark’s eyes grow wider and wider with each word coming out of Yugyeom’s mouth. “They’re the richest duo in their late 20’s in Asia.”
Bambam hums out thoughtfully eyes still stuck on the screen as he scrolls down, “He’s 29. So that’s only a 7 year age difference.” His eyes flicker up to Mark, eyebrow raised to an impressive angle as he stares over the phone at him. “You legit caught a sugar daddy Mark hyung. You’re now officially a sugar baby.”
“ I am not ! I don’t even know the guy!” Mark shouts before frowning at the younger, “Hold on, how do you know how old he is?” Bambam rolls his eyes and he looks to Yugyeom who sighs and shakes his head at the older.
“Hyung, you never really listen to us when we talk do you?” Yugyeom sighs and Mark splutters but the younger ignores it. “Bangchan started working at the reception desk at Paradise Records, that’s the hyungs company.” Mark lets out a noise of surprise. He was unaware of his dongsaengs’ friend getting a job at the record company. A brief thought slips into his mind and Mark spares a second to think what it would be like to work for Jaebeom. Obviously, being at the reception desk doesn’t mean he’ll be working beside the older but still. “Oh hyung?” Yugyeom says, bringing Mark out of his daze. “You said you were thinking of quitting your job right? Because of your manager?”
Mark frowns at the mention of the older woman but nods his head anyway, shifting himself into a more comfortable position as Yugyeom sits himself down properly onto the floor. “Yeah, I’m getting sick of her trying to hit on me. It’s gross, she’s old enough to be my mother but refuses to let me call her anything but noona.” Both maknaes make noises of agreement. “But why do you ask?”
Yugyeom’s smile turns sinister and Mark is slightly afraid of what he’s going to say. The maknaes share a single look before Bambam smirks widely and leans forward, “Bangchan said that Jaebeom was looking for a new personal assistant because his needed to take pregnancy leave and she’s moving to China. I was gonna put my resume in but hyung, you should do it.”
“Me?” Mark gasped, pointing to himself. “Why should I? I know nothing of being a personal assistant.” Bambam shook his head, crawling across to the older and grabbed a hold of his hands between his own.
“Hyung, you won’t need to nothing anything important. A PA would just, make appointments and get coffee and take notes. Plus, you’re good with kids so he might pick you over the rest of the old hags who wear skimpy skirts to try and impress him.” Mark opened his mouth to disagree but the younger plowed over the top of him, “Just try it hyung! Just go into the company and hand your resume in. If he doesn’t call well, he doesn’t call but if he does…” Bambam trailed off, smile turning into more of a smirk as he looked at Mark. “Looks like we’ll have a sugar baby living with us.”
Mark groaned and pulled away from the younger, “Stop calling me that!” He whined, the two maknaes just laughed at him loudly. He had to admit, it was a tempting offer and not just because he could possibly be working with Jaebeom but that was definitely a key factor. Here’s hoping he actually gets the job though, there was probably already a million women and men lined up out the door for the job. Mark sighed loudly, gaining the maknaes attention as he looked at them from the side. “Where’s the address to this place?”
The cry the two let out was enough to have Mark worrying for his hearing and the neighbours down below them.
***
A week and a half later, Mark gulps as he looks up at the building of Paradise Records. His knees are shaking and his palms are sweating when he walks through the lobby, heading towards the reception desk. Never in his 22 years of life has he ever been more nervous than this particularly moment. His shoes squeak across the polished marble flooring and Mark begins hating letting Bambam dress him for this. There was like a 99% chance he wasn’t even going to see Jaebeom but Bambam was adamant about making him look the part.
He was wearing a pair of black dress pants, ones that were a little too tight for his liking, especially around the bottom area and the dress shoes he borrowed were pinching his little toes. He had a button up shirt on and a blue sweater over the top because the weather outside was beginning to turn colder. Bambam had styled his hair so it was swept up from his forehead but didn’t look too fancy for everyday wear.
Mark noticed Bangchan’s head poking out from behind the computer and quickly made his way towards the younger. There was a severe looking woman on the other side of the desk who looked Mark up and down as though she could tell he obviously didn’t belong there. Mark hid away from her gaze as he waited for Bangchan to get off the phone.
“No, I’m sorry he’s not in today but I can take a message?” The boy nodded and started jotting something down on a pad that rested to his left. “Ok thank you for calling.” He hung up and looked up at Mark with a smile, “Hyung! You’re actually dropping in?”
Mark swallowed and nodded his head, fingers gripping the papers in his hands, “D-do I drop it off here?” He whispers, sliding the paper onto the desk but Bangchan shakes his head and points towards the elevator.
“You’ll need to drop it off with his secretary and she’ll pass it onto him.” Mark’s face drops and Bangchan laughs at him. “Hyung, you’ll be fine.” He motions for Mark to head to the elevator. “I’ll call ahead and let her know you’re going up.” Mark nods and shakily stands back from the desk, “Floor 29 is his secretary and then his and Jinyoung PD-nim’s office is on the 30th floor.” Bangchan informs him as he starts pressing buttons on his phone. Mark takes another breath and nods his head again before making his way towards the elevator.
A million and one thoughts run through his mind as he rides the elevator up. Mainly a scenario of running into Jaebeom again and getting glared at because he’s going to seem like a crazed fan or some stalker which he honestly isn’t. He just needs a better job than the one he has. Mark isn’t ready when the door open with a soft ding and he’s faced with a desk and a massive picture of Jaebeom and Jinyoung staring at him. A dark head pops up from behind the desk and Mark blinks back to reality and only just makes it out of the elevator before it closes on him.
“Mark Tuan?” She says softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as she stands from her desk to make her way towards him. Mark swallows thickly again and nods his head, shaking the hand that gets extended towards him. “Nice to meet you, I’m Kang Seulgi, Jaebeom-ssi’s secretary.” Mark nods again and she smiles with a small laugh. “Mark-ssi, don’t look so nervous.” He lets out a small laugh and nods, clearing his throat before he hands his papers over to Seulgi.
“U-uh I know I’m not really equipped with the skills for the job but, my friends think it wouldn’t hurt to just try?” Mark says softly, his voice barely making it past the lump in his throat. He doesn’t do this sort of thing; he’s usually the one that’s plastered to the side of the wall at parties refusing anyone’s advances to dance or just simply ignoring them because he doesn’t like to be in public. There’s a reason why Yugyeom and Bambam call him no-jam and it’s because he’s quiet. That’s why being a PA would be perfect because they’re always seen and not heard. He’d just have to stand there and do whatever Jaebeom needed of him - a simple and easy task. Seulgi just smiles and nods her head as she takes his papers from his hands.
“I’m currently on my way up to see Jaebeom-ssi right now,” She says while walking towards the elevator, glancing behind at him. “Did you want to come up and introduce yourself?”
Mark’s heart skips a beat and his eyes threaten to pop out of his head, “O-oh no. No that’s ok. I was just coming to drop off my papers and leave, I know he’s probably really busy.” He says quickly, jumping into the elevator beside the secretary and hitting the lobby button.
“Well he actually has the next two hours free so if you change your mind, let me know.” She laughs and presses the button for the top floor. “He may look scary but he’s actually very charming.” Mark just hums as the elevator doors close. He knows exactly how charming Lim Jaebeom can be and he’s not sure if he’s going to be able to handle it everyday if he ends up getting the job.
It’s a quiet minute while the elevator travels up to the top floor and Mark shuffles himself to the side when the doors open and Seulgi walks out. She sends him a small smile as she walks down the empty hallway and Mark can only nod while he attempts to hide himself in case Jaebeom ends up appearing out of thin air. He spares a glance at the view, Seoul’s cityscape stretched out below him is truly a sight to see. He hears the sound of a door opening and quickly ducks back into the elevator as voices start echoing down the hallway. Luckily though, the doors close and he’s left alone in the elevator.
He leans back against the wall, letting out a large breath and tugs at the top buttons of his shirt to undo them. He feels like he’s broken out in a sweat and he’s not entirely sure why he’s so nervous about applying when he’s obvious not fit for the job. Running a hand through his hair, the elevator opens and Mark lets out another breath before stepping out. He sees Bangchan smiling at him from behind the desk and watches the thumbs up the younger sends him. He smiles back and waves goodbye, other businessman frowning at him as they head past him to the elevators. Mark pulls his coat tighter around his shoulder, getting prepared to fight the cold when a voice calls out his name.
“Mark-ah!” He freezes and spins around, eyes scanning the lobby because why would someone be calling for him? He doesn’t know any celebrities and Bangchan would certainly never call him informally unless he’s had a few too much to drink. Mark’s eyes land on a figure running across the marble flooring and his heart lurches into his throat.
Lim Jaebeom, Co-CEO of Paradise Records is running after him. He’s dressed in a pair of black pants that hug his thighs and a black dress shirt that clings to his chest enough that Mark almost expects it to rip open from the movement of his arms. “Mark,” Jaebeom smiles down at him as he reaches him, hair flopping into his eyes before he brushes it away from his face. “I’m glad I caught you before you left.”
Mark stares up at him, mouth opening and closing in shock before manages to squeak out a tiny, “Why me?” Which makes Jaebeom smile with a small laugh before he’s placing a warm hand on Mark’s shoulder and leading him back towards the elevator.
“I got your resume just now and knew I needed to talk to you again.” Jaebeom smiles as he pushes Mark into the elevator. The younger looks up at him with furrowed brows. “How could you know it would be me?” He asks softly. Jaebum laughs and shakes his head as he presses the button for the 30th floor then leans against the rail and looks at Mark.
“Mark isn’t a very Korean name,” He starts, “Plus, I’ve only met one Mark in my lifetime so it was easy to put two and two together.” Mark flushes and tugs his gaze away from Jaebeom’s. “And I guess it was pretty much just luck it was actually you and not a different Mark Tuan.” He can feel his cheeks pinking up and prays it’s not too noticeable. “You know Chan-ah?” Jaebeom asks and Mark nods his head, twisting his fingers together in the sleeves of his sweater.
“He’s friends with my roommates. They’re the ones who told me I should go for this job.” Jaebeom hums in understanding and shifts against the wall, the sound of his shirt stretching across his chest makes Mark flush again. He looks down at his hands, nervously tugging on his sleeves. “I know I’m not really qualified for the job and I probably won’t get it, but, my roommates thought I should at least try.”
“Well they’re right about that,” Jaebeom chuckles just as the door opens. He extends a hand towards Mark, allowing him to exit first before the younger feels a light touch on his lower back, turning him towards the left and down the hallway he was just looking at. “While you’re not particularly equipped with the skills required for the job, I still think you’d be able to do a good job.” Jaebeom begins as they round a corner and walk into an opened space. There’s a desk to the left of the room and a seating area opposite it, facing the floor to ceiling windows. Just behind the desk is a door that must lead to Jaebeom’s office. Mark feels his palms beginning to sweat a little as they walk towards the door. Jaebeom opens it for him and allows him to walk in first, “I’m all about being comfortable with my employees so seeing as I’ve already met you, you’re already in the top 3 on my list.” Mark’s eyes widen as he looks at the older who laughs.
“B-but how am I going to be able to do the job when I don’t know anything?” He asks softly as Jaebeom points at a chair for him to sit down in. It’s armless and faces the desk that the older sits himself in. Mark feels like he has nowhere to hide sitting in the chair without arms across from the CEO.
“Honestly, the PA job is just following me around and making sure I get to places and meetings on time. Seulgi takes most of the calls and writes down both mine and Jinyoung’s appointments before forwarding them on the PA who confirms if we’re available.” Jaebeom shuffles through a few papers on his desk and Mark realises that Jaebeom has his resume in his hands. “You’ve worked quite a few jobs for such a young age.” Mark swallows a little, Bambam’s voice saying sugar baby rings in his mind. “You’re only 22? Did you go to university?” Jaebeom asks without looking up from the papers.
Mark coughs to clear his throat, “Ah, no. I wanted to travel after I finished school and ended up staying in Seoul. I fly back home for holidays or Christmas when I can afford it.” Jaebeom’s eyes flicker up to his in question and Mark flushes, “I-I’m not getting paid much at my current job and the flights to LA are expensive.” Jaebeom hums, nodding his head as he looks back at the papers.
“Especially around Christmas time.” He mutters and Mark agrees softly. Jaebeom frowns slightly and scratches his chin, “You’ve worked an office job before so that’s good.” He flips a page and Mark nibbles on his bottom lip with nerves, “Now unfortunately, you'll probably have get a few coffees here and there, especially around comeback season when some of our groups and solo artists are recording for new albums. There might be a few late nights stuck down in the studio as well, but I usually send the PA’s home when I know I’ll be there all night writing lyrics.”
“You still write lyrics?” Mark blurts out quietly, Jaebeom’s eyes flicking up from the papers with a small smile on his face. Jaebeom puts down the papers and curls his hands beneath his chin as he looks at Mark.
“Yeah. Jinyoung and I aren’t just the CEO’s of Paradise, we’re also the producers and composers along with the others on our team. Our styles are different so it helps having two different teams for different groups.” Mark lets out a surprised noise and Jaebeom chuckles, “Did you even know about me when we first met?” Now, Mark knows his flush is visible as the older laughs at him.
“If I’m honestly, will that move me from the top 3 position?” Jaebeom just laughs again, mouth wide and teeth shining brightly. Mark feels himself smile and he sinks back a little into the seat. “My roommates knew who you were, they’re big fans of you and Jinyoung-ssi. JJ Project has been on repeat in the apartment since that day I met you.” Jaebeom chuckles and shakes his head with a smile and Mark can’t hold back a small laugh, “I did a bit of research for myself afterwards…” Jaebeom tilts his head in question and Mark bites his lip to keep his laughter at bay. “The um, the blonde-” Jaebeom is already groaning, chucking his head back as Mark giggles, “The blonde with the orange and hot pink?” Jaebeom shakes his head, bringing his hands up to cover his face, “That’s definitely a look I wouldn’t picture for you.” Mark laughs.
“God, I hated that hairstyle so much.” Jaebeom groans, voice muffled behind his hands. “It ruined my hair and I swear I was going to be baled by the time I was 25.” Mark laughs and runs his eyes over the silky black strands on the older’s head, they look soft and fine like a cat's fur and Mark wants to run his hands through it.
“Well you’re doing pretty good in the hair department now.” He chuckles and Jaebeom laughs, pulling his hands away from his face with a small smile.
“If I end up hiring you, you aren’t allowed to bring up that hair ever ok?” Jaebeom threatens lightly, pointing a finger at Mark who nods and brings his hands up in surrender. Jaebeom just chuckles and looks back at the papers, “You’ll be able to pick up things easily as it’s mostly timekeeping. I prefer having my PA’s with me constantly because I hate technology and only use my phone for texting or calls.” Mark snorts and Jaebeom smirks at him. “I’m guessing you already knew that?” Mark gives a small shrug.
His research also including a rather intense internet scourge to try and find Jaebeom’s Instagram or twitter page. When he came up empty handed he got a little pissy because he really wanted to see what type of pictures the older would post, or what he thought on a daily basis. Jaebeom sighs and runs a hand through his hair, “So yeah, my PA usually takes all my business calls, tells me what meetings I have during the day and if I have any events that night. Let’s me know when songs are finished with the other composers and just small things like that.”
“Plus coffee runs and late nights in the recording studio.” Mark says cheekily, totally forgetting his filter but luckily Jaebeom laughs and nods his head in agreement.
“Yes, coffee is a very important thing here.” Jaebeom chuckles and Mark laughs. Suddenly, Jaebeom’s polite smile slips into something a little more, reserved as he looks at Mark. “Now, because I’m getting busier each day with how the company is continuing to grow, my newest PA is going to have to deal with a few things that most PA’s don’t necessarily have written in their contract.” Mark tilts his head to the side and Jaebeom takes a somewhat, nervous, breath. “My boys, Jackson and Youngjae,” Jaebeom begins slowly, “They’ll need to be picked up from school occasionally and usually I’ll have my driver pick them up and watch them for a few hours until I get home but I’m going to be extremely busy with new business deals and won’t be able to make it back till late and I don’t want my driver playing babysitter.”
Mark nods his head in understanding, “So the PA is going to have to watch the kids for a bit until you’re finished at work?” Jaebeom lets out a sigh, nodding as he runs a hand through his hair again, obviously stressed.
“Jackson and Youngjae, they’re lovely boys don’t get me wrong. They’re sweet and adorable and will love you unconditionally but,” Jaebeom pauses for a moment, nibbling on his bottom lip for a moment, “But they can be a little full on at times, especially Jackson, and Youngjae just bounces off Jacks energy and when the two of them are like that together, it can be a bit much to handle.” Mark tilts his head to the side, watching the way the CEO seems to loose all his confidence and his stress begins to show.
“Uh,” Mark begins and stops when Jaebeom’s eyes snap up to him. “U-uh, my older sister she uh, she’s got two little girls.” He says slowly, the older’s eyes narrowing in concentration. “They’re a year or two younger than your boys and probably just a lively.” Mark can’t stop the small smile that spreads onto his face at the thought of his nieces. “When I go home to visit, I always watch them for a few nights while my sister and her husband go out so, I have some experience watching kids?” Jaebeom smiles and Mark feels his cheeks flush once again.
“I also noticed that you volunteered at a daycare?” Jaebeom asks, flipping over on the of pages on Mark’s resume, “It was working with 1 year olds up to 5?” Mark nods his head and Jaebeom smiles again as he puts the paper down. “You’re the first application who’s worked with children in any way.”
“I also have 2 other siblings and being a middle child meant I had to look after my little brother at times.” Mark says, memories filling his mind of the nights he and Joey stayed up late watching TV while their parents were out and then running up the stairs when they heard the car pulling into the driveway.
“You’re also the first who isn’t an only child,” Jaebeom chuckles and shakes his head, “Not to mention, I’ve seen the way you acted around my kids.” Mark nods, suddenly feeling shy as he remembers their first meeting. “Speaking of which, how’s your arm?” Jaebeom asks, eyebrows furrowed in concern, “You went to a doctor right?”
Mark let out a small laugh and nodded his head, looking down at his wrist that was covered by his sleeve, “Yeah, it was nothing major, just a little bruising.” Jaebeom nodded and let out a relieved sigh.
“Good, I’m glad.” The CEO lets out another sigh before clapping his hands together, frightening Mark slightly. “Right well I think this meeting went rather successfully.” Mark’s brows furrowed and he let out a surprised laugh, “Successfully? What do you mean?” Jaebeom let out his own laugh and shook his head before stepping out from behind his desk to stand in front of Mark, hands shoved into the pockets of his pants.
“Mark, you might not be the most skilled person for the job but it’s working with my children that’s the breaking point and you’ve already proven yourself more than capable of handling them.” Jaebeom smiled at the younger and extended his hand towards him, “So, what do you say? Would you mind working as my personal assistant?”
Mark’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open as he looked between Jaebeom’s hand and face, “A-are you serious right now?” He gasps. Jaebeom gives a small laugh and nods his head, wiggling his hand in front of Mark. The younger reaches for it and flushes when he feels the fingers wrap around his, cool rings pressing into his hot skin. “I-ah-Thank you!” He stutters and Jaebeom just smiles at him with a chuckle. “I-I’ll try hard to be a good personal assistant sir.” Mark bows and Jaebeom laughs again. Then Mark feels a hand on his head, fingers combing through his hair as it ruffles the strands lightly.
“Don't worry about it kid,” Jaebeom chuckles, “I’m not as scary as everyone thinks I am.” Mark flushes at the nickname and hopes it doesn't show on his face when he stands back up. He nods and the older shows him to the door, “Stop by Seulgi on your way out and she’ll give you the contract to have a read over and some other things you’ll need. You can start work in 2 days, 8am here at the company.” Mark nods his head to every word the older says. Jaebeom just chuckles as he opens the door for him, bowing his head as a goodbye and Mark repeats his action.
“Thank you again, I promise not to let you down.” He says quickly before stepping out of the office, only to bump into someone. “Oh my gosh, I'm sorry!” Mark quickly stutters, eyes glancing up to find the face of the one and only Park Jinyoung staring at him with an unimpressed expression. He swallowed thickly as the older’s eyes run over him, thick eyebrows furrowed in annoyance and fingers tugging at his tie to set it right. “I-I’m so sorry sir.” Mark mumbled, bowing his head quickly when a soft chuckle from behind him catches his attention. Jaebeom pops up at his side and places a hand on his shoulder while smiling at the other CEO.
“Jinyoungie,” the older smiles, “Meet Mark, my new PA.” Jinyoung turns to Mark with a raised eyebrow but smiles politely and extends a hand towards him.
“Nice to meet you Mark-ssi, pleasure to have you on the team.” Jinyoung’s voice is deep and almost whispery. Mark swallows as the eyes looking at him almost stare through him. He allows himself to nod but Jaebeom pats his shoulder, the older’s hand pleasantly warm on his body. “Hyung, I need you to look over these lyrics for me.” Jinyoung huffs, holding out a piece of paper towards the other. Jaebeom hums and takes the paper from him, patting Mark on the shoulder once more.
“I'll see you in 2 days, Mark-ah.” Jaebeom smiles at him, “Be sure to check with Seulgi on the dress code and other things.” Mark quickly nods his head, bowing to the two elders before he slinks away towards the elevator with a quick wave goodbye to the older.
Once the door shuts on him, Mark throws himself back leaning heavily on the wall. He takes a deep breath and holds it for a few seconds before releasing it. He just scored a job as Lim Jaebeom’s personal assistant. Mark lets out a surprised chuckle and shakes his head as his phone buzzes in his pocket. He pulls it out and makes a surprised noise when he sees it's a text from BamBam.
Bamie~<3
Sent: 12:05pm
So are you a sugar baby yet?
Mark rolls his eyes and pockets his phone as the door opens on Seulgi’s floor. She smiles at him from her desk and Mark can't help but smile back.
No I'm definitely not a sugar baby.
Is his last thought as he grabs the contract the older woman slides to him. He signs his signature and crosses off all the checklists.
I can't be a sugar baby to him.
Oh, if he only knew how wrong he would be.