First Encounter
Jin rested his forehead against the panoramic window and watched Bangkok awaken below him. The sky was still heavy with clouds, and the city seemed to operate on autopilot—much like his own life had over the past few years.
Everything was going too well. Big contracts, constant travel, hotels far too expensive for someone who shouldn't have been there yet. He knew he was good at what he did, but not good enough to explain how easily certain doors kept opening. It wasn't paranoia. It was instinct.
And he'd learned not to ignore it.
Three more years on the contract, he thought wearily before the day had even begun.
Jin sighed and went to change for the hotel gym on the first floor.
---
"Are you okay?"
A tall, incredibly handsome guy asked as he watched Jin sit in the locker room wearing only shorts and a towel around his neck.
Oh my God. This guy looks expensive.
"I… I'm fine, sorry—I was distracted and didn't see you."
"No kidding. I've been trying to get your attention for at least five minutes."
Jin smiled faintly at how lightly the guy took the situation.
Five minutes? Someone had been talking to him for five minutes and he didn't notice? What the hell?
"I'm Hoseok, by the way," the guy said, still smiling warmly at Jin's spaced-out expression—a look Jin had grown used to wearing over the past few months.
"Seokjin," Jin replied, more alert now, shaking the man's hand.
Was anyone going to comment on them standing in just shorts and shaking hands like it was a business meeting?
"Aren't you going to ask how I knew you were Korean?" Hoseok asked, amused by the younger's distraction.
Ah, right, they were in Bangkok. Would it be weird if he admitted he'd forgotten he wasn't in his home country?
"To be honest, I was too distracted to notice, but I'm sure I'll wonder about it later—once I'm in a more business-appropriate hour of the day."
Hoseok glanced at the locker room clock and smiled sheepishly.
"Oh! I didn't realize it was still 6 a.m. Guess we're both a little lost here."
Jin smiled at his kindness—though clearly He was the most lost of the two.
"Why don't we clear up this miscommunication over breakfast?" Hoseok asked while walking toward his locker and starting to get dressed.
"I'd love to, but I already have plans," Jin said, trying not to sound rude.
Hoseok paused while fastening a watch that probably cost as much as an apartment and masked his disappointment with a wide, almost too-professional smile.
"No problem. How about we plan it for another day?"
Jin felt a little confused.
Was this normal? Did strangers really do this kind of thing out of nowhere?
"Look, I don't want to make you uncomfortable. Why don't we leave it up to chance? If we meet again, promise you'll at least have dinner with me once."
Jin smiled, relieved. He hated feeling pressured—work already gave him enough of that.
"If fate allows it, then," Jin replied, then headed off to change and finally begin a day that was already far too hectic for his liking.
---
Coffee Between Friends
Jin was stirring his coffee absently when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the screen out of habit—unknown number—and flipped it face down without answering.
"You seem more distracted than usual," Jimin remarked, too observant for someone pretending not to care.
"Sorry, baby. I'm exhausted, I swear I'll pay attention now," Jin replied, feeling guilty for zoning out.
Jin had met Jimin at a Tiffany & Co. event in January. Jimin was the brand's official model, while Jin was representing FRED. They'd met because Jin, draped in jewelry during a photoshoot break, had been sneaking greasy staff snacks in the buffet area—and Jimin was hiding behind the fridge, trying not to laugh because he'd ducked in there for the same reason. They exchanged contacts and had been inseparable ever since. They shared their quarterly schedules, and whenever their events overlapped in the same city or country, they met up for as long as possible. Jimin was the only healthy friendship Jin had made since starting his career, and the feeling was mutual.
"You are more distracted than usual. Want to talk about it?" Jimin asked, sipping his iced coffee despite the chilly, rainy weather outside the hotel.
"I don't know… I'm still bothered by this contract situation. I don't care if people give me looks—and yes, I know I'm handsome , so it's not that weird—but these deals that are too good to be true just don't seem right to me."
"Handsome and humble, It's a good thing you're not the type to exaggerate," Jimin laughed sweetly, tossing his hair back with his fingers adorned with sophisticated jewels.
"What would you do if you were me?"
"I don't know… enjoy it as much as I could? You're living the best sugar daddy fantasy I've ever seen. Someone super rich is investing in you and hasn't asked for anything in return. Seriously, why the drama? If I were you, I'd enjoy it while it lasts."
"So I should just pretend nothing's wrong, finish my contract, and forget about it?"
"Look, you can worry all you want, but you're doing your job—and doing it well, by the way. I loved you in that Italian suit holding the crown at the Hyundai exhibition. Seriously, if you weren't my friend, I would've hit on you all night that day."
"You did hit on me all night that day, and I gave you a cold shower because you reeked of alcohol."
Jimin laughed at Jin's fake annoyed expression and got his hand lightly slapped when he tried stealing another one of Jin's desserts.
"Is today your last day in Bangkok?" Jin asked, hurriedly eating his sweets before the younger could snatch them.
"Yes. Speaking of which, I noticed you have a free slot next week. Want to go to an art exhibition with a friend of mine?"
"Do you have friends?"
"Are you kidding? I'm a total social butterfly. Of course I have friends."
"The butterfly part, I believe," Jin dodged a weak punch from Jimin and laughed. "Send me the event details. I'll try to make it."
Jimin nodded, his expression shifting strangely fast into something more serious.
"If you want, I can try to find out who's funding your career. Believe me when I say you have talent—I can spot a sellout from miles away, and you're far from it. But if you're scared or something, I can try digging something up."
Jin thought it over. He really wanted to know who was behind his sudden fame, but he was afraid of dragging Jimin into something dangerous. At the same time, he knew that sooner or later he'd reach the point in his career where he was now. It wasn't that he lacked talent—it was just that he'd skipped a few steps, and he really wanted to know how, why, or at least who.
"These kinds of people are dangerous. If you think that…"
"Relax, I love you, but I'm not about to sacrifice myself for you. If things get heavy, I'll back off. Promise."
"Thank you," Jin said, nearly tearful. He hated feeling this way, but something about it all unsettled him deeply.
"Not so fast, my dear friend. This will cost you. Your sugar daddy might be shy about collecting payment, but I'm not."
Jin rolled his eyes, making Jimin laugh even louder.
The kid didn't even realize the entire café couldn't stop staring at him, as if hypnotized. Jimin was definitely the most beautiful person he'd ever met. Well, aside from himself, of course.
"What do you want, you sneaky friend?"
Jimin burst out laughing, almost tipping backward at Jin's "dad-like" tone.
"I want you to agree to go on a date with a friend of mine."
"What?" Jin's eyes widened as he glanced around to see if anyone was close enough to hear—forgetting that the chances of someone there speaking Korean were slim.
"Stop being dramatic. No one cares if you're gay or not, and anyway, it doesn't matter in this case. I want you to go out with this guy so my friend realizes that if he doesn't act, he'll lose the boy."
Jin stared at Jimin in shock, as if he'd grown a second head.
"Hey! Stop looking at me like that, you're giving me chills."
"Jimin, you seriously need to learn about boundaries. You can't meddle in other people's lives like this."
"Don't judge me so harshly, okay? I swear they're in love. They're just stuck in this stupid brotherly dynamic."
Jin coughed, regretting his brilliant idea of drinking coffee in the middle of this conversation with his crazy friend.
"They're brothers? Are you insane?" Jin started loudly but lowered his voice at the end when he noticed he was attracting a bit too much attention.
"Not real brothers. Their parents married five years ago, and they were forced to live together for a while. Now they live separately but still see each other at family gatherings and stuff."
"And how did you conclude they're into each other?"
"Well… they've kind of hooked up before, but they were both wasted, and they blame each other for the lack of consent."
Jin shook his head, wondering how Jimin kept finding such socially confused friends.
"I'll help, but only if the guy knows the date won't lead anywhere. I don't want to mislead anyone, no matter the circumstances," Jin said seriously, pointing a finger at Jimin, who was trying not to laugh at Jin's puffy cheeks whenever he tried to sound serious.
"Okay, okay. I'll tell him it's just a favor to me, nothing more."
Jin sighed and agreed before Jimin could come up with any more wild ideas.
---
Home Sweet Home
The flight back from Bangkok to Seoul was quick and easy, lifting Jin's spirits—but his good mood didn't last long. His phone buzzed the moment he got into the company car waiting for him.
The art exhibition of Jimin's friend was tonight, and an unknown number had texted him to arrange dinner before the event. The guy was cold and practical, making it clear he was only doing this as a favor to Jimin, which put Jin at ease. At least they were on the same page—they'd have something to talk about.
I only get myself into trouble with this half-baked friend I somehow ended up with.
---
Friend of a Friend
The restaurant was classy—at least there was that, Jin had to admit. He was recognized almost immediately upon entering, flustering the poor hostess. It was much harder to go unnoticed in Korea, where his face was on posters in major cities every season.
After what felt like an unnecessarily long wait, he was finally led to a table where a handsome, impeccably composed man was waiting for him.
Holy shit. Where does Jimin find these friends?
"You must be Seokjin. You can call me Namjoon. It's a pleasure to meet you," the man said with a beautiful smile that immediately put Jin at ease.
"Nice to meet you. Just Jin is fine."
"You look surprised," Namjoon laughed warmly, waiting for Jin to sit before taking his own seat and handing him the menu.
"Jimin usually gets me into sticky situations. I thought today might be painful," Jin admitted honestly, making one of his signature pouts.
"Relax. I promise I'll make this dinner as painless as possible."
Jin smiled, more relaxed. Namjoon kept his promise. The dinner was perfect, the conversation flowed naturally, and the company was delightful.
"I have to admit, Jin, I never go out with people I don't know—even if it's arranged. I had to do a little research on you," Namjoon said, his analytical gaze shifting from the lighthearted tone they'd shared all evening.
"Find anything interesting?"
"Hmm, let's see. You're currently in university and want to be an actor. Your family is a bit complicated but comes from an old, respected lineage. You're a genuine friend and have a… peculiar career," Namjoon said, trying to be polite with the last part, which made Jin laugh sincerely. Namjoon spoke as if this information required no effort to obtain. Jin realized, too late, that what bothered him wasn't the invasion of privacy, but how casually it was mentioned.
"What? Too polite to say my career in modeling is too good to be true?"
"I'd never say that. You're genuinely good at what you do—not that you need my validation or anyone else's to know that."
Jin looked thoughtfully at the taller man and sighed faintly.
"Jimin said you're a producer and well-connected among Seoul's 1%. I imagine you might know who's funding me?"
Namjoon nodded, choosing his words carefully.
"The Jung family is old and reputable. They haven't been involved in anything questionable in the industry—at least nothing public. The person behind your contracts is likely just being cautious. I don't want to meddle in something that's not my business—that family is too powerful even for me. Just don't feel too pressured. You're not the first to gain their favor, and you probably won't be the last."
Jin silently agreed and relaxed a little. For some reason, Namjoon's words soothed him more than he cared to admit.
"It's almost time for my younger brother's exhibition opening. If you don't mind, shall we go?"
Jin was surprised at how quickly time had flown during dinner and agreed almost immediately.
---
Seoul Contemporary Art Gallery
"Do you know why Jimin set this up?" Jin asked as Namjoon held the car door open for him and guided him up the stone steps of the gallery, his hand almost resting on Jin's back.
"Oh, yes. Jimin wants to make V jealous. He's convinced my little brother has a thing for me. I've told him a million times it's all in his overactive imagination, but he wore me down. Which turned out well, because I got to meet you."
Jin tried not to shiver at Namjoon's words—they sounded genuinely honest rather than flirtatious.
This guy is going to break so many hearts if he keeps talking like a poet.
They ignored the relentless camera flashes as they entered the private section of the event.
Another tabloid scandal, I guess.
Jin rolled his eyes, trying not to imagine the next day's headlines.
They entered the event without fuss. Jin spotted Jimin first, laughing and apparently flirting with a guy almost his height who looked bored, his long hair tied in a loose bun that somehow suited him perfectly.
"Why did you take so long?" a ridiculously cute guy—who Jin thought could easily be the most beautiful person in the world—asked as he approached them.
"Seokjin, this is my younger brother Taehyung, also known as V. V, this is Jimin's friend Jin. We were having dinner and lost track of time. Sorry."
V made a slightly sour, pouty face that screamed jealousy, but Jin glanced beside him and Namjoon seemed completely oblivious to his "little brother's" feelings.
Holy shit. Jimin was right. He's going to be insufferable when he finds out.
"Whatever," V said, sounding bratty, but he glanced at Jin with concern—as if hating that he wasn't being nice but not wanting to let his guard down.
"Your brother is a little. You didn't mention that part," Jin whispered to Namjoon, feeling completely at ease with him by now.
"A little? What do you mean?" Namjoon asked a bit too loudly, making V's eyes widen as he subtly shook his head, pleading with Jin to drop it.
Jin coughed awkwardly and smiled, trying to calm the younger.
"Nothing, just a way of saying he's cute. Why don't you two talk? I want to see your brother's art," Jin said, trying to ignore the slight tension in Taehyung's shoulders at the word "brother" and Namjoon's slightly stormy expression at Jin calling him cute.
Where the hell did Jimin throw me into?
---
Plot Twist
Hoseok sat at his desk in the penthouse of the HOPESTAR building, tapping his fingers on the tempered glass as he analytically examined surveillance photos of Jin and Namjoon at the restaurant earlier that day.
"What do you think?" he asked his most loyal right-hand man, bodyguard, and childhood friend, Peachayarat.
When Hoseok was seven, his father had pulled him aside and explained the true power—and dangers—of being a member and heir of the Jung family. He then introduced him to another boy, Peachayarat, a cute Thai boy from a long line of family confidants. Peach's father was his father's bodyguard and close friend, and so the tradition continued: Peach became Hoseok's friend and protector, a role he still held today.
"I think you've stalked the boy long enough. Just introduce yourself and ask him out already," Peach said, rolling his eyes and sinking into the armchair facing the office door, his gun holstered at his side, ready to be drawn at any moment.
"That's not what I meant. What do you think Namjoon wants by taking my boy out?"
"First of all, he's far from your boy. If you wait any longer, it'll be another two years before you make a move. Second, I don't think Namjoon has any interest in Seokjin. The Kim family has never openly challenged yours, and knowing Namjoon, he's already dug into the boy's background and probably traced it back to you."
Hoseok nodded thoughtfully, still annoyed by Namjoon's smiling face in the photo.
His phone buzzed, and he stared at it for a few seconds before answering.
"Namjoon, what a surprise," Hoseok said, his usual cheerful tone absent.
"I doubt it," Namjoon replied, his voice low and amused.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Hoseok asked sarcastically, irritated by the other's calm demeanor.
"It was just dinner, Hoseok. I hope we won't have any conflict over a misunderstanding."
"Dinner? What do you mean?" Hoseok's tone turned sharp, making Namjoon sigh wearily as he realized one of Seoul's most dangerous men was irritated with him.
"How about this: I give you useful information about your boy, and you spare me whatever consequences you're currently plotting."
A suspicious silence followed. Hoseok tapped his fingers on the desk again, thinking.
"I hope it's worth it."
Namjoon sighed in relief, glad to potentially avoid trouble.
"Jin knows someone's funding him. From what I could tell, he's slightly uncomfortable, and it won't be long before he walks away. If you plan to act, I'd do it soon."
"Thanks for the tip," Hoseok said curtly.
"Anytime," Namjoon replied in the same tone before hanging up.
"I told you," Peach said, smiling at his friend's suffering.
"Shut up," Hoseok grumbled, making Peach laugh.
"Seokjin will be mine, whatever it takes," Hoseok said, staring at the photo for a few more seconds before setting it back down.
"He just hasn't realized it yet," he added, his tone deceptively calm.
Peach shook his head, knowing exactly where this was headed—not that anyone cared about his opinion.
Here we go again.