Chapter 1: Dear Secret Santa
Chapter Text
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”,Jimin almost shouts at his best friend and co-worker. “We’re gonna be working till the 24th? I thought they said this year we’d be getting two weeks off! This can’t be happening”, Jimin mumbles, reading the email sent to all the employees. He hadn’t even bothered to check it until he heard Tae, his best friend, sigh from the cubicle next to him.
“I know Chim.. It’s almost Christmas and I haven’t even started shopping. My family’s gonna be so pissed if I miss out on spending Christmas Eve with them, again”, Tae sighs. Jimin and Taehyung both worked at a law firm. The firm was one of the biggest ones in the country, having been in business for over 25 years now. Both Jimin and Tae had applied together, having graduated from the same college and surprisingly, both landed good positions, with Jimin as the secretary to the CEO while Tae as the secretary to the Executive Manager. This meant that both the friends barely had any social life, working everyday tirelessly. But if you ask them about their experiences, they’d probably leave a good review. Back when they’d joined, the company was headed by Mr. Jeon Jung Hwan, the founder of Jeon Associates. Things were difficult then too, but Jimin found it easier to work under the older man, as his secretary. However, two years ago, the old CEO decided to retire, which led to the firm being handed over to the young and efficient heir to the Jeon Associates. That is when things became harder for Jimin. To say his new boss was a workaholic would be the understatement of the century. Gone was the amicable and happy treatment, the easy leave approvals and proper sleep schedules Jimin had, while working for the older CEO. The new CEO demanded and expected efficiency and sincerity, because he wanted to take the firm to new heights, to surpass his father’s legacy. To create a legacy of his own, the legacy of Jeon Jungkook.
In all honesty, Jimin wouldn’t complain. He gets paid well, is treated with respect and loves his work. He has always been efficient and organized. Having a degree in management, he didn’t really expect to be selected to work in a law firm. But he never complained. His personal life was not very interesting either. He lived in his own apartment in a safe and friendly neighbourhood, close to the office. His family still resides in Busan, where he first met and befriended Taehyung in College. Moving to the new city of Seoul was not as difficult for him, as he’d initially expected. He’d met good people and made good friends, in the office and in the neighbourhood. His bubbly and happy character trait almost attracted everyone towards him.
With that being said, Jimin barely had a social life. He worked and worked and worked and when he finally got a little time for himself, he had a tendency to rest or fall asleep. He tried dating twice or thrice, but they never worked out. He never blamed the men, because he knew most of the time, his busy schedules prevented him from taking a step in his relationships. He’d basically given up on dating. But dating isn’t everything, is it? He has a good and stable job, a cat named Mini whom he adores and good friends and coworkers like Tae and Hoseok. Life was okay. It could have been better had he been still working under the older Jeon but he didn’t mind. He understood Jungkook quite well. To be born to lead such a large firm must be hard and Jimin understands that. Which is why he never really complains. He doesn’t complain when he gets tonnes of files to be rectified, he doesn’t complain when he gets asked to finish a file in the middle of the night or when he is sent on sudden business trips. He doesn’t complain, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to.
“Have you read the other email though?”, Tae asks with curiosity.
“Which one?”
“The Secret Santa one, you know? The annual tradition here at the firm? We’re supposed to find out whom to surprise this evening. There’s a meeting, Jungkook-shi is supposed to be addressing something. God! Jimin, please check your emails, I feel like Siri sometimes.”
“Shut up, Tae.. And thank you..”, Jimin smiles at his friend. “But Siri talks only when asked something.. You, on the other hand.. There’s no switch off butto-”
He doesn’t get to complete the sentence as Tae smacks his file on Jimin’s head. “Owww.. I'm sorry.. Okay okay.. Thank you.. But let’s get back to work, else you know who, will make my life more miserable”
As both of them get back to work, Jimin thinks back to the first Secret Santa event he’d experienced here in the office. Four years ago, he was so frazzled and didn’t know which items would be deemed as proper gifts. But he’d found these beautiful sneakers, which subsequently led him to become friends with Hoseok. He was Hoseok’s secret santa. Jimin likes putting effort when giving something to someone. He thinks about the person, their likes and dislikes and buys a gift which would suit them. So yes, Jimin was excited.
At four in the evening, the management and the employees were called to the in-office conference room for the meeting. Jimin and Tae took their seats and watched the young CEO make his way to the podium. For once, Jimin actually had no clue what the meeting was called for. He knew about the Secret Santa event but Jungkook never called a meeting for this before. So he was himself a bit anxious. He watches Jungkook give him a stare before he starts speaking.
Jimin hates to admit that he has a tiny crush on his boss. It’s the worst thing, the most cliched thing out of a k-drama or a novel but in spite of all the work dumped on him and the lack of an amicable treatment from the boss, he couldn't help but have a little crush on the beautiful and hardworking man standing in front of them.
“Stare him some more, and you’ll be drooling”, Tae snickers.
“Shut up! Concentrate!”, Jimin hisses.
“Good afternoon, everyone”, Jungkook begins. “As you might have already heard that we would be working till the 24th this year I think I should communicate the reasons behind the sudden decision. We have been handed a new and high-profile case which needs urgent resolution. I need you all to complete your pending work and at the same time, work on this case because this would bring us more recognition in the market”, Jungkook starts moving along the long conference table, like he owns the entire world. “The two weeks off which was previously promised would be provided once we crack the case. You are free to take it some other time too. But I need all hands on deck till the 24th”.
There’s murmurs and sighs, Jimin sighs too. He had plans for Christmas Eve. He wanted to go home. So he’s just gonna have to go on Christmas Day, he thinks. It’s gonna be alright. Noting the murmurs and sighs, Jungkook starts again. “Now, I realize that Christmas is an important time of the year. So we would be continuing our tradition of Secret Santa within the office. Everyone would be taking part. As a thank you for the efforts you would be putting in, the firm would also be hosting an office party on the 1st of Jan, next year. Don’t worry, it won't be a boring one and will not be held in the office but in the club across the street. Now, the selections for secret santa have already been made. When you return to your desk, you'll find the email with the name and designation of the person you’ll be assigned to. You may take your leave”
With that Jungkook turns around and waits for everyone to leave. Tae and Jimin leave too. The sighs have converted into excited whispers. “So do you think it’s a celebrity? The client?”, Tae asks Jimin while leaving the conference room. “I don’t know. We’ll know once we get the files I guess. Kinda excited to see who I’ve got this year. Aren’t you excited too?”
“Ofcourse I am.. But I don't go out of my way to find the best gifts, Jimin. That's you”
Both the friends giggle and make their way back to their cubicles. Jimin can already think of a bunch of gifting options which he could buy. He’s so excited and happy. But it doesn’t last long. The moment he opens the new unread email from the office address, his excitement turns into something of a mixture of wary and anger. Because, there in bold black letters on the screen, was the name of the person Jimin never expected he’d get.
The name of JEON JUNGKOOK, CEO.
******
“You look pretty pissed. What happened? Who did you get? Is it Jiwoo? Is that why you’re annoyed?” Tae kept throwing questions at Jimin the following day, during lunch hour.
“No.. It’s not Jiwoo and Tae.. we’re not allowed to discuss Secret Santa. You know that.”
“Yeah, but you look sad and annoyed. I thought it’s Jiwoo.”
Jimin sighs. Jiwoo is someone Jimin tries to avoid. He works at the same office, thankfully in a different department. He’s been after Jimin ever since the man joined the firm a year ago. Jimin has always been kind and polite. He finds it hard to directly reject the man but he’s tried all possible ways to show that he just wasn’t interested. Jiwoo, on the other hand, didn’t care. He keeps asking Jimin out every now and then. So, to be honest, Jimin would take being the Secret Santa for his boss over that of Jiwoo any day. But what made Jimin upset on this rather fine day was the fact that Christmas was only a few days away and he hadn’t been able to buy gifts for his family and for the CEO. He had no clue about what he could possibly gift the man, who could easily afford anything. ANYTHING!
“It’s nothing. Just stress from work. Don’t worry about it”, Jimin dismisses Tae’s concerns and heads back to work. They had all been working on the new case already. As the secretary to the CEO, he had to stay till the said man left. So this evening, when everyone else had already left the office premises, Jimin sat in his cubicle alone, waiting for the boss to leave his personal office. At 8PM, Jungkook finally dismisses Jimin for the day. However, luck seemed to be playing a game with Jimin because the buses had left and now he either had to take the subway or book a cab. He decides for the latter but is interrupted when Jungkook walks his way, nearing the bus stop, having parked his car near the curb.
“Are you waiting for anyone?”
The first thing Jimin registers is shock. Jeon Jungkook was actually talking to him, outside of work and being civil. The second thing he registers is that he had not replied to the man in front of him for more than a minute. So he shut his gaping mouth and shook his head, too afraid of making weird noises if he spoke. But then something weirder happens and Jungkook offers to drive him home. And Jimin just couldn’t say no to the offer. So yes, that was the first time he’d been dropped home by his boss. The ride was silent but the silence was somehow comfortable. Jimin took in the interiors of the car and noticed Jungkook’s side profile, which was even more beautiful up close. He stopped himself from having weird thoughts but things didn’t help when he noticed Jungkook’s strong arms gripping the steering wheel. So Jimin turned to look outside, trying to avoid the blush from creeping up into his cheeks. Jungkook dropped him off at his apartment and waited till Jimin got inside. He left soon, but he left a shocked and confused Jimin in the process.
On the weekend that week, Jimin was finally able to buy the gifts he wanted for his parents and brother. He shipped off the gifts to their address, not wanting the gifts to be ruined when he travels on the 25th. He also buys a sweater for Tae and a scarf for Hoseok. He feels a bit relieved but not entirely, because he still has no clue on what to get for Jungkook. On Monday morning, things resume and he is back to the hectic schedule. Jimin wouldn’t have even registered the lunch hour, had Tae not dropped by his cubicle to drag him to the cafeteria. They talk about random stuff but Jimin notices Tae constantly checking his phone. He doesn’t ask Tae anything about it, hoping his friend would tell him on his own time. Halfway through the lunch break, Tae heads to the washroom and Jimin notices Jungkook stepping into the cafeteria for a cup of coffee, which is another strange thing because Jungkook never usually stepped out of his office during lunch. Strange things are happening , Jimin thinks. But somehow Jimin fails to register the new person taking a seat at their table. Jiwoo. Jimin almost falls off the chair when he turns back to Tae and notices Jiwoo instead. Jiwoo has that smile on his face, the weird one which Jimin dreads.
“Hey, Jimin-shi. Long time no see”
Jimin, to his mortification, notices Jungkook stare at them.
“Hello Jiwoo-shi. Yes, I have been busy.”, Jimin gives him a tight smile and tries to move away from the table when he is interrupted.
“Jimin-shi.. Please wait.. I know I have been trying for sometime now. But would you be attending the office party as my plus one.. I mean.. As a date..?”Jiwoo asks.
“Um.. Jiwoo-shi.. I.. I don’t think I would be attending the party.. I will be taking two weeks off during that time.. Either way,, I think you must not be aware that dating is not allowed within the office.. Sorry'', Jimin almost winces at his own reply. He slowly walks away towards his cubicle. God, he will never step in the cafeteria again, he decides. Tae joins him in his cubicle and he relays what happened. Both the friends talk some more, before resuming their work.
What all of them failed to notice is an angry Jungkook stepping away from the cafeteria, heading inside his office, slamming the door and uttering one single word with so much emphasis. “FUCK”
*******
An hour after the lunch incident, Jungkook had been pacing back and forth in his office.
"So.. What exactly happened? Why are you so worried, Jeon?", asks Yoongi, the senior executive and also Jungkook's closest friend.
"My plan.. It's all but ruined.. Hyung.. Did you know?? About the no dating policy in our office..? Did you?"
"Calm down, calm down. Jungkook, why don't you take a seat and just tell me what happened", Yoongi points towards the leather couch in the office.
Both men head towards it and take their seats. Jungkook finally tells him what he'd heard in the cafeteria and sighs. He looks like a mess.
"Okay.."
"Okay? Hyung? Okay?? That's what you're gonna say?"
"Calm down, Jungkook."
"How can I? My plan is now ruined".
"Well.. Firstly.. There's no such No Dating within the Office rule in OUR office.. And secondly.. What is this plan you keep on mentioning?"
Jungkook stares at his hyung, mouth gaping. "There's no rule? But then.. He said.."
"Well, maybe he was trying to avoid that guy or reject his offer kindly"
"Oh.."
"So.. What is this plan of yours? And why do you need a plan? Why can't you just ask your secretary out? Like a normal person? You've been crushing over him for a year now.. Geez"
"Hyung! It's.. It's not that easy."
"Explain.."
"I can't.. I was gonna finally ask him out for the office party.. But then I heard him say that.. And.. Hyung.. I organized this party just so I can have an excuse to ask him out.."
"What!"
"Yes.. Well.. We have a very important case right now.. and we need to crack it.. Too many things are happening.. I can't concentrate.. But we need to win the case.."
"What's the case got to do with your crush?"
"Nothing.. Just.. It'll leave a better impression..", Jungkook says shyly..
"You're impossible"
"Hyung.. I just.. Want this Christmas to be memorable"
"Well.. You're crazy.. But I am wishing you all the best..", Yoongi pats his back and heads out.
Now that Jungkook was aware of the truth about the No Dating policy, he was calmer. He was gonna do it. He was ready.
By the end of the day, Jungkook finds Jimin waiting at the bus stop and offers to drive him home again. Jimin was appalled but agreed to the offer. Unlike the previous few times when Jimin commuted with Jungkook, Jungkook actually initiated conversations with Jimin. Jimin felt as if he was dreaming, Jungkook enver ever bothered to make small talk but here he was asking him about his day.
The conversation moved from "how was your day" and "how are you" to more deeper topics, which Jimin had never expected.
"I.. I saw you today at lunch time with that employee from Finance.", Jungkook says, after much contemplation. "Was he bothering you? You can file a complaint in the HR department.."
Jimin has his mouth gaping open, staring at Jungkook's profile.
"Um.. That.. That was.. No he wasn't harassing me.. Not in a bad way.. He.. He was asking me out.", Jimin says, staring at his feet. "He has been asking me out for a while.. And today.. today, he asked me to be his date at the office party".
"Oh..", Jungkook says.
Jimin panics and starts blabbering more.
"I mean.. I told him that we have an office policy of no dating among coworkers and that I will be at home in Busan. So it's okay, he backed off"
"But.. Jimin-si we don't have any such rule or policy", Jungkook says, voice coming off as a whisper.
"I know.. But I honestly think dating one's coworker makes life more complicated. I mean, personal and professional lives shouldn't be mixed with each other. Don't you think so too?", Jimin asks.
He doesn't receive a reply. It's almost as if Jungkook hadn't heard him. He keeps driving, looking straight. Jimin honestly has no idea what to make of this. So he chooses to stare at the road outside the window. Once he is dropped in front of his apartment, Jungkook finally sighs. He feels like he's experiencing a deja vu when he whisper shouts,
"Fuck".
Chapter 2: A little secret
Summary:
Jungkook makes a mistake.. and.. Jimin takes a decision which leaves everyone in a mess..
Notes:
Hi... Firstly, thank you to all the readers for reading the fic..
I have come to love writing a lot..
I hope you will like this chapter too..
Will be uploading the final chapter by this week.. hopefully.. :)Kudos and Comments are appreciated!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Days pass and the winter season comes bearing the cold winds. Snow begins to make its way to the ground, lights and decorations all around. Jimin loves winters. He loves the chilled air, the carols, the cakes and the festive mood. Every year, he spends Christmas at home, this year would be no different. But this year, unlike the other ones, he has been surrounded by loads of work. As the days edged towards Christmas, the employees at the firm began to work on the serious case. Files after files, reports after reports were being analysed and evaluated. To say Jimin felt tired, would be an understatement. During these weeks, Jungkook has continued to offer him a ride home. On one such evening, Jungkook even offered to take Jimin to a coffee shop, as the weather that night was extremely cold. They’d enjoyed the coffee, in silence. They did talk, but there seemed to be a sense of weirdness between them, the air always heavy and electrified. Their high profile client was a demanding one, finding tiny flaws in every step. So they have had to work extra hard. Things seem to be normal and good. Jimin actually begins to enjoy Jungkook’s company and Jungkook, on the other hand, feels like he’s floating. But not all good things last for long.
On the 22nd of December, Jimin found himself running late to work. His alarm had decided to ditch him, leaving him running to work and still being an hour late. He received judgmental looks from his seniors but no one really said anything to him directly. He reached his cubicle to find loads of paperwork waiting for him, all of which needed to be done by the end of the day. If that was not enough, during lunch, he was called to the CEO’s office where he met a very serious looking Jungkook waiting for him.
“Jungkook-ssi, you called for me?”, Jimin asks softly.
Jungkook takes a moment but then he’s scolding Jimin.
“Jimin-ssi”, Jungkook points towards a file and continues,”This was the file that was recently sent back to me. Tell me why this file has this many grammatical errors? It’s done by you. I’ve never seen you slack at work.”
“I.. It must have been an oversight. I am sorry, Jungkook-ssi”
“Do you understand how important this client is to me? I need to succeed this one time. If I cannot trust you to work efficiently, what am I supposed to do?”, Jungkook almost shouts.
Jimin has never seen Jungkook get this mad. He’s sorry, he knows it’s the file he completed a few days ago at 3AM. The chances of him making mistakes were high. But he’s never seen Jungkook shout at him. He calms himself down, he doesn’t want to cry or get angry, although both are becoming difficult tasks.
“I really am sorry Jungkook-ssi. I promise I would not be making similar mistakes again”
For a moment, Jungkook almost looks like he feels guilty for having shouted at Jimin, but then that soft glow is replaced by clenched jaws and sharp details.
“I need the file to be corrected and sent by today”, Jungkook orders.
“Sir.. Jungkook-ssi.. But today I already have a number of files to complete. Can I please get an extension till tomorrow?”
“The deadline is almost upon us Jimin-ssi. Had you done your job properly, you wouldn’t be in this position. By today. You may leave now.”
Jimin gapes at Jungkook and slowly makes his way back.
In all his years at the firm, he’s never been shouted at. He feels angry and upset. He’s been working tirelessly. Staying up till late to work for this man, this man who shouted at him. Jimin feels conflicted. Was he sad because of the sudden outburst or because it was Jungkook who shouted at him?
Jimin slowly makes his way back to his desk. He almost collides with Taehyung, but the latter holds him in place.
"Jimin, are you okay? You seem lost"
Jimin breaks out of the trance he was in. What is he supposed to tell him? 'I just got shouted at for being sloppy at grammar?'. He shakes his head and turns his gaze towards his friend.
"It's nothing. I'm just tired I guess."
"I can tell that you're lying but I won't force you to tell me something you're not ready to disclose yet. But I'm right here, if you need me", Tae speaks gently.
Jimin nods, giving him a weak smile and begins to work again.
He didn't get the chance to even have a proper lunch. He'd been working for 8 hours straight. The fact that he still hadn't collapsed was a feat, Jimin thinks. He looks at the office clock, it's almost 8pm. The office is almost vacant. Their floor, currently occupied by two people. Jimin finishes the final file and heads to his boss's office to hand it in. He knocks gently, and after a minute he's asked to enter.
On the other side of the door, Jungkook was anxious. He had a lot on his plate at the moment. The project, the office, Jimin.. Oh.. Jimin.. He wishes he didn't shout at him. The first thing he did when Jimin had walked out of the office was call Yoongi and tell him how foolish he felt. Yoongi, being the reasonable one, had explained and tried to side with him, justifying his outburst because he is the BOSS in the office.. Jungkook did understand it, but it didn't lessen any guilt he felt earlier. That remained with him throughout the day. So when at 8pm he hears the knock on his door, he mentally prepares to face Jimin, thinking about how he'd try and make up for his outburst during their drive home.
As Jimin makes his way into the room, he notices Jungkook already with his laptop closed and bag packed. He gently puts the files down on the table, without looking at his boss.
"The files have been completed. I have double checked them, they won't have any more errors", Jimin says softly, head still hanging low.
He then turns around to take his leave when Jungkook speaks out.
"Jimin-ssi, wait for me at the parking space. I will sign the files and head down soon"
Jimin however had other plans. He slowly turns back to Jungkook.
"Thank you for your kindness, Jungkook-ssi.. But I have already booked a cab ride home."
With that, Jimin heads out of the office and then out of the office building. Jungkook has a hard time comprehending what happened. He was back to square one. He sighs. He hated it. He could see it in Jimin's eyes. The hesitation which wasn't there a few days ago, the sadness which was caused by him and the tiredness, which also he is to blame for. All the progress made, down the drain. He'll have to do something tomorrow. Christmas is almost here. He needs to make sure he's not screwing things up further. But sadly.. That doesn't happen.
On the 23rd of December, Jimin heads to the office half an hour early. He heads to his cubicle, prepares all the files needed to be completed. The deadline for their client was the next day. Jimin was not surprised to see most of the employees in the office earlier than usual. The office had been decorated, but the mood was not cheerful inside. The decorations suddenly reminded Jimin how he had still not thought of a gift for Jungkook. Secret santa gifts were to be exchanged on the 24th, the last working day before their Christmas break. He sighs and then heads to work. Things go smoothly till lunch. He refuses to make eye contact with Jungkook, everytime his boss addresses him. Things go downhill after lunch when Jimin receives an email from the CEO informing him of the change of plans in their recent project. The proposal and meeting would now take place on the 25th. That is when Jimin completely loses it. He was supposed to go home, visit his family. He did not want to spend his Christmas at the office. As the secretary to the boss, he is expected to accompany him everywhere. So although other employees would be at home with their families, Jimin would be here with Jungkook at a virtual meeting.He cannot. He gets up from his seat and heads to the CEO’s office. He knocks and doesn’t even wait for permission before he heads inside.
Jungkook looks like he’s at a loss for words when he notices Jimin.
“Jimin-ssi?”
“What is this?”, Jimin waves a printed copy of the email sent to him. “Working on Christmas? What the hell is this?”, Jimin shouts.
“Jimin-ssi. I understand that you’re upset about the sudden change of plans but there was a miscommunication. The client had sent the schedules in US time while we thought it was KST. So the meeting would take place on Christmas morning, virtually and you have to be here.”
“No.” That's all Jimin says.
“What? No?”
“No. I am not staying here on Christmas Day. I am not working on Christmas day.”
“Jimin-ssi, do not forget who you are talking to. This is not up for discussion. This is an order. You work for the company, for ME”
“I don’t”, Jimin grits out.
“What?”
“I quit”, Jimin says.
“What? Wha- What are you saying? You can’t just quit!”
“I can and I just did. I am tired. I am exhausted. I don’t care about this project anymore. I haven’t met my parents in ages and I cannot tell them I won’t be meeting them again. So I quit. Good luck with your project. I hope you succeed.”
“Ji-Jimin-ssi.. This is not a time for jokes”
“I am not joking, Jungkook. Good luck”, Jimin turns and leaves.
*******
Jungkook cannot comprehend what had happened. He panics and calls Yoongi into his office.
“Hyung.. Hyung he.. He quit.. Hyung he left..”, Jungkook almost whines.
“I can’t believe he.. He left.. I.. What will I do now?”
Yoongi embraces him and tells him words of encouragement but they sound hollow. “You have a meeting to look forward to Jungkook, we’ll discuss this later. I’m sure Jimin won’t just up and leave.”
“He did”, Jungkook whispers.
“He already did”.
By the time Jimin reaches his apartment, he feels the tears finally making their way down his face. In the evening, Tae and Hoseok show up to his apartment with ice cream and snacks. Jimin vents and cries some more, before the trio watch a movie and then after a while, Tae and Hoseok leave with reassuring hugs to Jimin. When left alone, Jimin thinks of all the things that had happened during the day. He had already applied for a few jobs when he had recovered from his sobbing session but he was pretty sure that no company would be hiring at the moment. It’s Christmas, the chances of most companies remaining closed during this period was very high.
With a heavy heart, he’d decided to cancel his tickets to Busan. He couldn’t lie or hide stuff from his parents, not on Christmas. And he had a huge ego, which wouldn’t let him face his family whilst he was unemployed. His parents often boasted about him to their neighbours. Not that Jimin liked it, but he liked how his parents felt proud of him for making it big in the city. So yeah, he made the call to his home, told them of a last minute project which technically wasn’t a lie.. And then cancelled his tickets.
At night, he even thought about Jungkook. Jimin believes that for a second after his ‘declaration to quit’, he’d noticed a sense of panic and sadness in his boss’s features. Crush or not, Jimin knew what he did was pretty shitty, he was not one to abandon a project and leave people panicking. But then, was Jungkook upset with him leaving the project? Or with him leaving HIM? But Jimin quickly brushes off the latter thought. Why would he even be upset with Jimin’s departure? The man didn’t even like him. Jimin sighs and falls asleep. It was Christmas and he needed a miracle.
On the 24th, Jungkook finds himself restless in the office. He keeps staring at the vacant space which used to be Jimin’s cubicle. He misses him. And as is obvious, the office missed him too. Without the diligent secretary the entire office was a mess. During lunch, he makes his way to the cafeteria to grab a cup of coffee. That is when he hears them, Taehyung and Hoseok.
“So he isn’t going?”, Hoseok asks after having sipped on his orange juice.
“No.. He called me up this morning”, Taehyung continued with a sad expression. “He didn’t sound right. He cancelled his tickets to Busan and is kinda upset. I mean.. No one wants to be unemployed on Christmas. He’s got his brother’s student loans to pay off. He has a lot of savings but he’s still worried. He’s been applying to different offices but they’re not recruiting at the moment.”
“Gosh.. I miss him so much.. I hope he will make it out of this fine”
“Yeah.. me too”
With a heavy heart Jungkook enters his office and finds Yoongi seated at the couch.
“Kook..”
“I feel terrible, hyung.. Am I such a bad person? A bad boss? I left him unemployed during the festive season. I feel like shit”
“Jungkook.. You’re one of the kindest people I know. You don’t show it to others though. I.. Even now.. Just look at yourself. You have this HUGE opportunity to progress after tomorrow’s meeting, the office is in a mess.. But your focus is on him.. A cruel person would only focus on the project..”
“Doesn’t matter if I can’t help him”
“I’m sure you can. You’re Jeon Jungkook. There’s not many things you can’t do.”, Yoongi says with a soft smile on his face.
Jungkook nods and smiles, but the smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Do you need me here for tomorrow’s meeting?”
“I’m thinking about calling it off”
“What?”
“It’s Christmas, hyung. I do want to continue my father’s legacy but my dad was never known to be such an imposing kind of a boss.”
“But Kook.. this client..”
“I know. But there will be other opportunities, right?”
“If your mind and heart isn’t in it.. Don’t. I'm always here for you.”
Jungkook feels a lot better, Yoongi always knew what to say and when to say it. He feels fortunate to have him as a friend, as a guide.
“Tell everyone they can go home.. It's Christmas eve, they should be with their families”
“Let’s get over with the Secret Santa shenanigans first.”Yoongi chuckles.
“Who’d you get?”
“It’s a secret. What about you, did you even get them anything? A gift?”
Jungkook smiles, a hidden kind of a smile like he’s had a wonderful idea.
“No.. But I’m about to get one.”
Jungkook gets up from his seat and begins to drape his jacket on, grabbing his briefcase.
“Hyung.. Make sure everyone has a good time at the Secret Santa reveal. But I need to be somewhere. Happy Christmas Eve”, he shouts while heading out.
“Looks like I have to start on getting my gift ready too”, Yoongi whispers softly, before heading out of the office.
******
At 6pm on the same evening, Jimin finds himself at the little cafe by the office. He was a frequent visitor there and loved their coffee. With Taehyung and Hoseok celebrating the eve with their families, Jimin found himself alone and feeling lonely. So he'd ventured out, roaming and exploring. Watching the snow hit the ground, twinkling lights and the festive environment. What he didn't expect was coming across a familiar figure at the coffee shop.
"Hello, Jimin-ssi", Yoongi smiles while taking a seat at Jimin's table.
"Yoongi-ssi? Hello. What.. What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to get coffee, just like you. I was on my way home but thought I'd grab a little snack too"
"But.. Shouldn't you be helping Jungkook-ssi? The meeting? It's tomorrow..", Jimin asks.
"Ah.. I.. We won't be presenting tomorrow. I figured you wouldn't know and to be honest, apart from Jungkook and I, no one else knows about it. So yes.", Yoongi takes a sip of his coffee.
Jimin feels confused. He'd thought that the client was a major one, but why is Jungkook suddenly backing out?
"I notice the frown on your face, Jimin. Sorry for being so informal and dropping the honorifics."
"I don't get it. I thought this was a major client. Why is he dropping out?"
"The client.. It's a client I'm not supposed to be disclosing about. But what I can tell you is that Mr. Jeon, meaning Jungkook's father too, had an opportunity to get this client once and he couldn't. Jungkook was so into this case because he felt that if he'd succeed, he'd make his dad proud, he'd finally be working towards a place where people won't just refer to him as the senior's son, but as a separate individual."
"But then.. Why is he backing out?"
Yoongi smiles and continues. "He only just realized that his father's legacy is not built on his successes but on his behavior and the way he treated his employees. He hasn't been feeling well for the past two days."
Yoongi doesn't explain further and takes his leave. But Jimin didn't need any explanations. He knew what he meant. Jungkook was backing out because of him, or maybe because he just didn't feel like a good boss.
But Jungkook has never been cruel, Jimin thanks. He thinks back to the times the young CEO drove him home, the times when he gave leaves to the employees who needed them, when he arranged for employee retreats and events. Jungkook was strict but he was efficient and honest. He never misused his authority and was always, ALWAYS kind.
Jimin was about to leave the coffee shop, when he noticed the Christmas tree decorated at the corner with gifts stacked up near it. Jimin smiles to himself. It was time he acted like a proper Secret Santa. He heads home, calls Tae and Yoongi, makes some important calls and gets working on his computer.
Notes:
Thanks you for reading..
Kudos and Comments are always welcome and appreciated..You can find me on Twitter at @muno_ao3
Chapter 3: A Christmas Miracle
Summary:
Jimin and Jungkook surprise one another with gestures, so kind.. They remind you of the Magi..
Notes:
Thank you giving this a read.. I had so much fun writing it..
It had less angst.. But I wanted to make a feel good fic, after the previous angst-filled one..
Kudos, Comments and feedback are all appreciated..
Stream My Universe, Butter.. and Have a great day!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
On the 25th of December, Park Jimin wakes up, manages to get ready and heads to his previous office. He'd only gotten a few hours of sleep and was worried over messing everything up. He's thankful for all the help from Tae and Yoongi but he was still nervous. At 9AM he reaches the office. The security guard lets him in, having been informed to do so by Yoongi. There's no one inside the office. It feels weird for him, in a way but he chooses to avoid the calmness, for his heart was undergoing a raging storm.
He heads to the conference room, turns on the Wi-Fi and connects the line to the US client site. He watches the clients on the projector screen and begins..
"Good evening everyone.. I am Park Jimin. I would be the one to present to you today on behalf of the CEO who has, due to certain issues, been unable to be here. I hope you won't mind."
He looks at them, watches them nodding and urging him to go on.
And so he does.
By the time he heads home, he feels accomplished and also hungry. He enters his apartment and gets freshened up. He decides to have some fruit cake he'd bought on his way home. He takes a bite and thinks of calling his parents when his phone vibrates. It's a notification for an email. He places the dish on the table and begins to read.
"To
Park Jimin,
I write to you on behalf of the Kim enterprise. It is with great pleasure to inform you that the CEO and Executive director of the company deem you suitable for the vacant spot for a secretary at the esteemed firm. If interested, kindly contact us through phone. The number has been provided below, it belongs to the CEO Kim Namjoon himself.
Thank you.
HR executive
Kim enterprise
Phone number : xxxxxxx"
Jimin is shocked. He didn't even apply to the firm, then how come he was selected. As far as he knew, there wasn't any open position at this famous marketing firm. With shaky hands he finally types in the number and decides to make the call.
"Hello"
"Hello, is this Kim Namjoon-ssi?"
"Yes, who am I speaking to?"
"Park Jimin. I just received a mai-"
Jimin gets interrupted.
"Jimin-ssi, would you mind if we speak over a video call?"
"Umm. No.. I mean of course"
2 minutes later the screen changes and Jimin notices two beautiful men staring at him.
"Is that him?", one of them asks the other.
"Hello Jimin-ssi, I'm Kim Namjoon and this is my husband and also the executive director at Kim enterprise, Kim Seokjin."
Jimin gulps.
"As you know from the mail, we would love to have you join our firm. We didn't hold any formal interview because we have been notified of your exceptional management qualities. So would you be willing to work here? You'll start after a week, from the 3rd of Jan."
"If you agree, that is", Seokjin pipes in.
Jimin didn't know how to react. Here he was wallowing over being unemployed just a day ago and suddenly he's being offered one, out of the blue.
"Gentlemen, I am extremely thankful for the offer and would love to work for you. But could you please tell me how you found out about me?"
"We got a wonderful recommendation from someone very close to us. They were adamant and assured us that recruiting you would be the best decision. They drove to our house this morning, in fact, asking us to hire you", Seokjin supplies.
"May I know who they are?", Jimin asks with an added sense of curiosity. Who would do such a selfless thing for him?
"I'm afraid we've been asked to keep that as a secret.", Namjoon says seriously.
"However..", Seokjin says with a sense of excitement. "If you notice our screen properly you might come across someone familiar in our surroundings"
Jimin feels confused. What? So he does. He looks for something, he doesn't know what exactly. He feels confused until his eyes land on a photo hung on the wall, to the right of where the couple had been sitting. It was a picture of the couple with a person Jimin was familiar with, a person he knew and understood. It was a picture of the couple with Jungkook.
Sensing that Jimin had finally understood, the couple bid him farewell, wished him a merry Christmas and expressed their happiness over Jimin joining their company. They also forwarded the official documents to be handed over before he joins.
Even after the line disconnects, Jimin keeps staring at the screen, trying to make sense of what happened. Jungkook ditched the client to help him? But why? Guilt? But simple guilt wouldn't answer why he had done such a selfless deed for him. He needed answers. He realizes he's been crying. He rubs the tears away, sighs and exclaims in a whisper.
"Shit, I'm fucked"
*******
The first thing Jungkook did on the 25th, after waking up, was pack his bags for the trip to Busan. He was gonna be meeting his hyungs from College. They were close friends, having grown up in a similar environment, they had become close friends. They'd become people Jungkook admired. The purpose behind his sudden trip was simple: help Jimin get a job.
After having driven there for hours and convinced his hyungs, Jungkook would be lying if he felt happy and content. At least Jimin would be happy now. What he didn't expect however, was coming back home and receiving a congratulatory email from the client's office, the client he had ditched. He was so confused, and ended up calling Yoongi to comprehend what was happening. His confusion soon turned into something else, as Yoongi relayed how Park Jimin had made the presentation and wowed the clients earlier that morning. Jungkook hangs up. He's confused on why Jimin would go to such lengths for a boss he didn't even like. Correction, ex-boss. He needed answers and he needed to come clean.
He ends up texting Jimin to meet him at the coffee shop by the office, and Jimin agrees.
He's been waiting for 5 minutes at the coffee shop. It's 6pm. Unlike most people, he didn't have anyone to celebrate Christmas with this year. His parents were in Busan and he'd cancelled his plans on visiting owing to the meetings and his last minute attempts at getting Jimin a job. He checks his watch again. 6.03pm. He's about to text Jimin, when he notices the shorter male enter the shop. He's wearing a baby blue sweater and white scarf. He's rarely seen Jimin in casual apparel or any apparel which didn't include suits. Cute, he thinks. But his thoughts get interrupted as Jimin bows to him and gently takes a seat.
He's nervous . Jimin thinks he's gonna throw up. Why was he nervous though? It's the same Jeon Jungkook he's been working for, for years. But was he the same though?
"I need to ask-"
"I wanna ask-"
Both of them speak at the same time. Both of them blush. And then it's silent for another minute.
Jimin finally breaks the silence. He says softly. "I got a job"
"Tha- that's wonderful Jimin-ssi"
"Why did you do it?"
"Do.. Do what?"
"I did nothi-"
"Please don't lie to me", Jimin whispers.
Jungkook fidgets and then answers.
"Why are you not in Busan? Why did you present the proposal this morning?"
"I asked first", Jimin tries to reason.
Jungkook sighs.
"I did it.. Because you deserve to have a good job, better bosses.. I did it because I care about you, I know I never showed it.. But I.. I did.. I did it because.."
"Because?"
"Jimin-ssi.. Did you know? My father used to talk about you all the time.. About the perfect secretary.. The efficient Park Jimin.."
"What?"
"Yes.. And I used to feel so angered sometimes.. I used to envy you, even when I didn't know you.. Here.. Here I was trying to show my appa how I'd be a good employee.. But he.. He kept boasting about you.."
Jimin feels lost. Jungkook isn't looking at him but it doesn't matter. He never expected anyone, let alone, Jeon Jungkook to envy him or even deem him important.
"And.. And then I joined.. And the first moment I saw you, I felt so intimidated. But after working with you for a while, I realized my father was right. You were amazing, talented, kind and somehow you managed to put up with me"
"You're making it sounds like you're unbearable Jungko-"
"Please.. Jimin-ssi.. Let me finish. So.. I wasn't unbearable, maybe.. But I certainly wasn't easy to deal with. It didn't take me long to realize that I liked you"
Jimin feels like his jaw has hit the floor. Jungkook liked him? HIM?
"But.. I couldn't just tell you.. You were more experienced at work, efficient.. Kind.. And you treated me like I was still a child sometimes.. I.. I wanted to show you that I was as capable. Getting that client to agree to our proposal would have been a step towards it.."
Jungkook takes a sip of water from the filled glass in front of him. He's still avoiding looking at Jimin.
"So.. So I planned the New Year Party and thought.. Maybe after getting the client, I'd ask you to be my plus one.. I was scared cause I'd seen you reject some other employee one day.. So I was just waiting for the right time.. And then all the mess with the schedule happened and you quit"
"I felt as if I was the most selfish person on this planet. I was so involved with this client, with you, that I ended up doing something I never thought I'd do.. I ended up hurting you.."
It's all silent for a while. All that can be heard is the low murmurs across the busy cafe and the soft carols being sung somewhere.
"So.. You went to your friends and got me a job? You gave up on the client?"
Jungkook only nods. He finally looks at Jimin and notices Jimin has his cheeks flushed and mouth gaped open.
"Why did you help with the client, Jimin-ssi?"
"I'm.. I didn't want you to be upset on Christmas. I heard about your abandoning the proposal and I just.. I don't know.. I knew it was an important one for you.. I couldn't just let it slip.. I.. I care about you too Jungkook"
It was the first time Jimin had dropped the honorifics and Jungkook loved how intimate just his name coming from Jimin's mouth felt.
"What.. What are your plans for the holiday season?" Jungkook had to ask. He needed to know if he could ask Jimin to be his date. With Jimin's confession, a little ray of hope had begun to shine in his heart. But that didn't last long.
"I'm.. Actually going home tomorrow.. I will finally meet my parents.. Now that I have a job, I need to tell them about it and also make up for my absence during Christmas", Jimin says softly.
Jungkook feels a little heartbroken. Guess he's just meant to accept his fate of being alone.
"That's.. That's good I guess.. I'm happy we cleared everything. I'm.. I hope you have a wonderful time at the new office. Jin hyung and Joon hyung are really good people", Jungkook manages to say, keeping his composure.
"Umm.. I hope so."
"Shall I drive you home then?", Jungkook asks sincerely and Jimin simply nods. They're about to exit, Jungkook paying for the coffee he'd had while waiting for Jimin, when a worker shyly points towards the mistletoe hanging above Jimin and Jungkook.
They look at each other, shocked and flushed. Jungkook almost leans in but Jimin takes a step back. Jungkook gets the message. He pays and leads Jimin towards his car.
Throughout the ride home, Jimin feels like a fool. He wanted Jungkook to kiss him. He really did. He doesn't know why he was so shocked with Jungkook leaning in that he'd stumbled backwards. He sighs again. The ride was silent and after 15minutes, Jungkook stops the car and moves out of it to help Jimin out.
Jungkook wishes him goodnight and waits for him to head inside. Jimin is walking back to his apartment, when he suddenly turns around and comes back towards Jungkook leaning against the car. He stops in front of a confused Jungkook. He doesn't wait for him to ask anything, simply stands on his tip toes and presses a gentle kiss on his ex-boss's lips. It's short but sweet and as soon as he draws away, he doesn't even wait to see Jungkook's expression. He simply runs back to his apartment.
Jungkook remains frozen on the spot. Park Jimin just kissed him.. There were so many things running through his mind. Did Jimin like him? But then a more negative thought occupied his mind... Was this a goodbye kiss? He doesn't know. He drives home to his empty apartment, has dinner and heads to bed.. All the while thinking about the kiss, about how perfect Jimin's lips felt against his. Maybe it was goodbye, Jungkook sighs. At least he tried. Jungkook finally switches the night lamp off and tries to sleep, hoping he'd dream of his ex-secretary.
*****
It’s been 3 days since Jimin had last seen or heard from Jungkook. He was currently at his parent’s house in Busan. They had been so happy to learn about his new job, showering him with praises and hugs. He still kept thinking about Jungkook all the while, about the kiss. Was he wrong to have done that? Was it too bold? Why didn’t Jungkook text him back or call him? Jimin tried his best to get on with his life, he visited his friends and even spent hours enjoying the beach. Jimin was currently staring at the waves crashing the shores. Christmas is gone now, and a new year looms ahead. He was excited. There was much to look forward to. A new job, new employees, new friends, new adventures and a new boss. He sighs. He really thought Jungkook would ask him out, for the party. Maybe he’d changed his mind. He did kiss him, the last time they met. If Jungkook still didn’t get the hint.. Jimin sighs. He had initially thought about staying in Busan until after New Year’s but he just couldn’t. So he tells his parents that he needs to work on the documents, which wasn’t a lie, and packs his bags returning back to Seoul on the 30th.
Back in Seoul, Jungkook was going through a thousand different emotions. He missed Jimin. Although the offices were closed for Holidays, he still missed him. He wanted to call him, but he just didn't know how to.. Or what to say to him.. On the 30th of December, he was at home, reading an old book and having a cup of cocoa, when he received an email.
“Dear Sir,
This is your ex-secretary, Park Jimin, writing to you today, to inform you that my document verification processes for Kim Enterprises are now complete. I will be joining their company on the 13rd of January. However, my two weeks notice period coincided with the holiday season. I understand you have waived off the two weeks notice period. Thank you for doing so. I understand I am still invited to the New Year’s eve party. Would you mind if I attend it, although I am no longer employed by you?
Awaiting your response.
Park Jimin”
Jungkook reads the mail twice and sends a reply to Jimin.
“Dear Jimin-ssi,
I would not mind if you attend the party. I would be honoured to have you there”
A simple reply. Jungkook sighs. At least he’ll be able to watch Jimin again, watch him smile, dance, talk and just be himself. Jungkook was so lost in thoughts that he missed the email notification. A second ding on the phone broke him out of the trance he was in. But Jungkook wasn’t ready for what he read on the screen.
“ JEON JUNGKOOK!”
“ASK ME OUT ALREADY”
“REPLY TO ME……..”
“OPEN YOUR DOOR AND LET ME IN”
Jungkook falls from his couch reading the last line and hearing the doorbell ring.
****
Jungkook doesn't waste a second and runs to the door. He opens the door to find Jimin, standing there in a denim jacket, jeans and a scarf hiding almost all his face.
"J-jimin?"
"It's kinda cold here.. Ca. Can I come in?"
"Of course" Jungkook makes way for the shorter male to enter.
Jimin heads to the living room and takes off the jacket, folds it and keeps it in his arms.
"I'm.."
"You're.. Here"
"Ye.. Yeah"
"I.. I read the text" Jungkook says, scratching behind his ears, avoiding eye contact.
"Um.. I.. I didn't mean to be this straightforward.. But.. Jungkook-ssi.. I don't think you'll ever ask me out, so.. I'm doing it instead.." Jimin takes a deep breath, "Will be you be my date, at the office party?" Jimin asks, fidgeting with this scarf.
Jimin waits.. And waits.. He looks at Jungkook who looks as if he's in a trance. There's no sound, other than their own breathing.
I really am dumb. I shouldn't have come here. I'm about to get rejected. Fml. Jimin thinks.
"I'm.. I guess I'll leave" Jimin makes a move towards the door but is stopped by Jungkook who's now got him in his arms.
"I.. I can't believe you're asking me out, Jimin.. I was supposed to be the one to do that! I.. I didn't think you liked me that way"
"I kissed you the other night.. Why.. Why didn't you ask me to be your date..? You said the party was for me and yet you just didn't do anything.. I.. Waited.. But"
"But you were supposed to be in Busan.. I thought you were there.. I already managed to cut your family time short, I didn't wanna cause you more inconvenience.."
"I'm.. I came back today and I.. I couldn't stop thinking about you, about us.."
"So.. Will you?"
"Of course, I will," Jungkook says, smiling down at Jimin.
"So.. I guess I'll wait for you.. At the office?"
"Hmm.."
"Goodbye then?"
"Um.."
Jimin starts to head towards the door, waving at Jungkook.
"Umm.. Jimin.. I know we haven't even gone on a single date and we're still new to this.. I know.. I'm being stupid but.. Does this mean we're dating?"
"What else could it mean?" Jimin laughs.
"Of course we are.. We're boyfriends from now on"
"Fine.. Okay.. Cool.."
"You know.. you were a lot more intimidating when you were my boss.." Jimin says, chuckling.
"And now?"
"Now you're a bunny with a bunny smile.. Goodnight, Jungkook" Jimin says, heading out of the apartment, leaving a very flushed Jeon Jungkook standing in the middle of the living room.
******
You can't really call an office party a date. There's too many people, no privacy and no space to engage in proper conversations. But Jimin doesn't mind. He's had one of the best evenings in a while. He'd met up with his ex boss at the office, and his friends. Tae and Hobi had both been ecstatic at finding Jimin bag both a job and a man.
They hung out together, all of them. Even Yoongi. Jimin noticed his best friend shared shy gazes with the director, but didn't comment. He also spends time with Jungkook. Maybe a group and crowded environment was what they needed to break the ice. They're currently in one of the booths at the club, sipping on expensive alcohol.
"You look beautiful" Jungkook smiles at Jimin.
"So do you.."
"I hope your new job treats you well"
"I'm pretty sure it will.. We'll still meet and make this work"
"We will.. I still can't believe I am your boyfriend now.. How did I get so lucky? You, Park Jimin, are one of the most amazing people I've met and I have you"
"Flattery won't get you anywhere.. Just to be clear" Jimin laughs, leaning into Jungkook, placing his head on his shoulder.
"I mean it.. You even bagged that client, Jimin.. The entire world thinks I did it, but it was you.. I can't ever thank you enoug-"
"Shh.." Jimin puts his index finger on Jungkook's lips.
"Never thank me for that.. That was a gift.. Your gift.. And you've done so much for me too, Jungkook.. I should thank you"
"Gift?" There's a frown on Jungkook's face.
"Yep.." Jimin chuckles. "I was your secret Santa.. Merry belated Christmas" Jimin smiles.
But then Jungkook starts to laugh, heartily.
"Wha- what's wrong?"
"Well.. Then you shouldn't thank me either, cuz that job recommendation was my gift"
"I.. I don't understand.."
"I was YOUR Secret Santa"
The pair stare at each other and break into a laugh, in one another's embrace.
*****
Across the room, two pairs of eyes stare at their best friends and share a smile.
"So.."
"So.."
"Do you like your gift?"
"I do.. I can't believe you helped me get those two fools together.. I.."
"When you love someone, you tend to go out of your way to make them smile"
"They did go out of their way to make one another smile," Taehyung smiles.
"So did I" Yoongi whispers.
Taehyung turns to look at the director.
"You..?"
"I thought I'd made it clear? Now.. When will you tell your best friend about us? It's gonna be a year soon"
"When will YOU tell YOUR best friend?"
"Umm... Maybe we should invite them over and have double dates"
"That'd be nice"
"So.. About my gift.. I mean.. I didn't get mine.." Yoongi says, taking a sip from his glass.
"Let's go home. Your gift is waiting for you"
"God.."
Both the men head out hurriedly, foregoing goodbyes and curtsy.
You see, when you love someone you tend to do stupid stuff but they're always thoughtful and full of care and adoration. Loving someone makes one selfless and that's when they tend to value someone else's happiness over theirs. One may call them fools, for what individual foregoes their own happiness for someone else? But we call them lovers.. Partners.. Because.. We're all secret Santas in disguise.
Notes:
Thanks again for reading this..
Hopefully it made you smile..You can find me on Twitter @muno_ao3
Kudos and Comments are always appreciated..
take care.. have a good day!