prologue 1
5 Years ago,
The grand hall of the Jeon Corporation headquarters was a spectacle of opulence and sophistication, every detail meticulously curated to mark a historic day. Glistening chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the room, illuminating the faces of the country's most influential figures. The air buzzed with conversations and clinking glasses as the elite of society gathered to witness the official takeover of the new CEO.
Jeon Jungkook, a 24 years old, the eldest son of the Jeon dynasty, stood poised at the edge of the stage. Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, he exuded a charisma and confidence that belied his age. Today was the culmination of years of hard work, relentless ambition, and a legacy handed down from his father. As he looked out over the sea of faces, his sharp eyes took in the familiar and unfamiliar alike, each representing a piece of the sprawling empire he was now destined to lead.
A hush fell over the crowd as the master of ceremonies took the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to present to you the new CEO of Jeon Corporation, Mr. Jeon Jungkook."
Applause erupted, echoing off the high ceilings as Jungkook stepped forward. His movements were deliberate and graceful, every inch the picture of a confident leader. He took a moment to scan the audience, the applause washing over him, before he began to speak.
"Thank you all for being here tonight," he started, his voice steady and resonant. "It is with great humility and determination that I accept the responsibility of leading Jeon Corporation into a new era. My father built this company with a vision of excellence and innovation, and I intend to uphold those values as we continue to grow and evolve."
By Nature Jeon Jungkook was a cold and rude person. but he tried his best to be soft here as he couldn't come out as a cold person just on his first day.
As he spoke, Jungkook's gaze drifted over the crowd, lingering momentarily on familiar allies and potential rivals. He spoke with passion about the future of Jeon Corporation, about new ventures and groundbreaking technologies, all the while maintaining an air of composed authority.
Among the distinguished guests, one family stood out in particular. The Kims were known for their vast wealth and influence, their business empire spanning industries from finance to entertainment. Mr. Kim, a tall man with an imposing presence, stood beside his wife, a picture of elegance and grace. But it was their son, standing beside Mrs Kim, who captured Jungkook's attention.
Kim Taehyung was his name, the 18 years old boy was strikingly handsome, with a serene aura that seemed to set him apart from the rest. His deep brown eyes held a quiet intensity, and his presence commanded attention without demanding it. Dressed in a sleek, white suit, he moved through the crowd with an effortless grace, exchanging pleasantries and polite smiles.
Jungkook unknowingly felt a curious pull towards the said boy even though he met the boy for the first time and knew nothing about him, not even his name. it was an inexplicable fascination that made it hard for jungkook to look away.
at the same time, Their eyes met across the room for the first time, and for a moment, he felt everything else seemed to fade into the background. It was a fleeting connection, a spark that ignited something within Jungkook, something he couldn't quite define.
The evening progressed with a series of toasts and speeches, each more elaborate than the last. Jungkook made his rounds, engaging in conversations with various dignitaries and business tycoons, all the while acutely aware of the beautiful boy's presence. He found himself glancing in at the certain direction more often than he intended, each time met with a calm, unwavering gaze.
As the night wore on, the guests began to disperse, retreating to their respective corners to discuss business or indulge in idle chatter. Jungkook stood near the bar, a glass of champagne in hand, unknowingly looking around for certain someone. that's when he caught sight of Taehyung once more. This time, The boy was alone, looking out over the cityscape through the grand windows.
Without thinking, Jungkook moved closer, drawn by an invisible force. He wanted to speak. Instead, he watched from a bit distance, studying the way the light played off Taehyung's angelic features, the way he seemed both part of the crowd and completely separate from it.
Jungkook retreated to a quieter corner, allowing himself a moment to breathe. The gravity of his new role was immense, but it was a mantle he wore with pride. His father had built Jeon Corporation from the ground up, and now it was his turn to steer the ship.
Lost in thought, Jungkook didn't notice his cousin, Jin, approaching. "Deep in thought already, little brother? Planning your next big move?"
"Just taking it all in. It's been quite a day." while answering jungkook didn't even glance at jin. his eyes were fixed on someone without any blink. he knew he looked like a creep at that moment. but did he care? certainly no.
Jin clapped him on the shoulder. "You did well, Jungkook. Uncle would be proud."
"I hope so. I have big shoes to fill." he answered.
"You'll do great. Just remember to trust your instincts." Jin's gaze followed Jungkook's to where Taehyung was now engaged in conversation with a group of young entrepreneurs. "Interesting crowd tonight. Making any new allies?"
Jungkook smirked, still gazing intensely on the angelic looking boy. "Something like that."
As Jin moved on to mingle with other guests, Jungkook's thoughts returned to the task at hand. He needed to solidify his position, build alliances, and set a course for the future.
Across the room, the boy named Taehyung felt the weight of someone's gaze even as he engaged in polite conversation. He was used to attention, used to being in the spotlight, but this was different. Feeling goosebumps all over his body turned his head back just to meet his gaze with the new CEO who was standing far away from him, still staring at him as if he had been the last human being in this world. Feeling weird, he turned his head to the people he had been talking with. There was an intensity in Jungkook's eyes that intrigued him, it made him shiver. he couldn't take the staring, it made him weak.
As the evening drew to a close, Taehyung's parents approached him. "Ready to head home, dear?" his mother asked, her voice soft and affectionate.
"Yes, Mother," he replied, casting one last glance in Jungkook's direction. Their eyes met once more, and for a brief moment, the rest of the world fell away.
That was the first time they met.
