Chapter Text
Jungkook scratched his head, his eyes squinting at the glaring screen of his phone as he scrolled through endless job listings. He had been searching every job site and app he could think of, but nothing seemed right. The pay was either insultingly low or, if it was decent, the requirements looked brutal. A two-year degree for a janitor? Worse, he was getting rejected left and right.
He let out a frustrated sigh, raking a hand through his hair. He needed a way out. He had to leave sex work behind. Sure, it paid well—better than most of the other jobs he'd ever had—but it was draining him. It was hard to remember when he last felt anything other than numb.
He wanted more than this, though he’d never really allowed himself to dream. He never had the luxury to think beyond survival: keep food on the table, keep the lights on, keep his family comfortable.
Maybe I could go to college someday , he thought.
For now, all he could do was scrape by with his delivery job and hand over what little he made to his mom, pretending it was his primary source of income. He took on fewer clients these days because he couldn't imagine being 30 and still working in the sex industry.
With a heavy sigh, Jungkook slid his phone into his pocket and walked down to where his motorcycle was parked. The bike was his baby, but he was barely managing to cover the monthly payments. Just as he was about to mount the bike, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
He pulled it out, glancing at the notification. New job opening.
Job Posting: Bodyguard for Hire!
Responsibilities :
- Protect and attend to the needs of my healthy 23-year-old son.
Compensation :
- ₩500,000 per day
Perks :
- Live-in position at a penthouse
- Free meals and accommodation provided
Location : Gangnam
Contact : [email protected]
"Bodyguard for hire?" he muttered under his breath, his brow furrowing. The qualifications were odd—definitely not a typical bodyguard job—but the pay was eye-popping. His heart quickened. Screw it, I’ll take it.
Without thinking too much, he quickly fired off an email with his resume and a brief introduction:
Subject: Application for Bodyguard Position
Hello,
My name is Jungkook, and I'm 27 years old. I'm physically fit, have experience in various forms of self-defense, and am confident in my ability to fulfill all the requirements listed in the job description. I’m hardworking, adaptable, and willing to commit fully to the role.
Attached is my resume. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Jeon Jungkook
He hit "Send" and waited. He didn't expect much. A job like that probably had hundreds of applicants. He was already mounting his motorcycle when his phone buzzed again.
A text message this time.
Daewon Group Headquarters
342 Daewon Tower, Teheran-ro 152-gil,
Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06040, South Korea
DRESS FORMALLY. 9AM SHARP.
See you there,
Park Soobin
₩₩₩
Jungkook stepped out of the taxi and stared up at the skyscraper towering above him, the building piercing the clouds. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He adjusted his polo shirt, the only formal thing he owned, and hoped for the best.
He walked toward the entrance, and before he could even reach the doors, a security guard stepped forward, blocking his path.
"What's your business here?" the guard asked, eyeing Jungkook up and down.
"I'm here for a job opening," Jungkook replied, pulling out his phone to show the text message. The guard leaned in, squinting at the screen. As soon as he saw the sender, his expression shifted slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his face.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you in," the guard said, his voice lowering, a hint of sympathy in his tone.
Jungkook forced a polite smile, though a nervous flutter rose in his chest. "What do you mean, sir?"
The guard sighed, glancing Jungkook up and down. “This isn’t formal wear. The boss is pretty strict about dress code.”
Before Jungkook could respond, the guard’s eyes shifted over his shoulder. “Hey, his son’s coming. You need to move.”
"Step aside."
Jungkook quickly stepped back, the command catching him off guard. A figure approached—a young man with a strikingly soft, almost ethereal look. His pale skin contrasted with the tousled black hair that framed his face perfectly, and his plump, rosy lips were set in a faint line. He was dressed in a long, double-breasted coat over a fitted black sweater, paired with wide-legged, high-waisted trousers.
Maybe I could talk to him; he seems approachable . Jungkook straightened and took a quick step forward, almost brushing the other man's shoulder.
The man turned abruptly, his sharp gaze locking onto Jungkook. “What are you doing?” he snapped, his voice soft yet edged with clear annoyance.
Jungkook was caught off guard—not by the question, but by the unexpected softness in the man’s voice. He bowed his head slightly, quickly gathering himself.
“Good evening, sir. I’m Jeon Jungkook,” he said, keeping his voice steady despite the sudden nerves. “I’m here to apply for the bodyguard position.”
The man’s gaze lingered on Jungkook’s face, then flicked downward, taking in his outfit with a look of disdain. “An applicant?” he repeated, drawing out the word. “Why are you dressed like that?”
Jungkook’s smile stayed, though it tightened at the edges. “Apologies, sir. This is the only formal clothing I have.”
The man scoffed softly, rolling his eyes. “Not my problem. What was your name again? Jung... something?” He waved a hand dismissively. “Either wait outside like a stray, or go steal something more appropriate.”
Jungkook’s eyes narrowed at the insult. “Excuse me—?”
But the man had already turned away, heading inside without a backward glance.
Jungkook let out a breath, feeling a sting of irritation. The guard beside him gave him a sympathetic look and shrugged.
Jungkook sighed. “Guess I’ll wait outside… like a dog.”