The week after the tense board meeting, things at J-Global Industries felt different. The air was thick with anticipation and suspicion. The venture into the tech sector was still up in the air, and though Jimin was doing everything he could to salvage the partnership, he could feel the weight of the doubts hanging over him.
Jungkook had been distant. After the meeting where Jimin defended his approach, there had been no real conversation between them. Jungkook had continued to lead the company as usual, but the intensity in the air whenever they crossed paths was undeniable. Neither of them was willing to speak openly about the tension, but it was there, simmering just beneath the surface.
Jimin, however, wasn't one to sit idly by. He was determined to prove that the tech venture could work. But this time, he was about to take matters into his own hands—something that might be his greatest risk yet.
That afternoon, Jimin received an unexpected phone call from a private number. He hesitated before picking it up, but curiosity got the best of him.
"Mr. Park?" a voice on the other end said, its tone smooth but guarded. "I hear you're looking to push the limits at J-Global. I may be able to help with that."
Jimin frowned, glancing at the caller ID. The name wasn't familiar.
"Who is this?" he asked, leaning forward in his chair.
"You don't need to know my name just yet," the voice replied cryptically. "What matters is that I have the resources and connections you need. I'm aware of your project with the AI startup. I can provide the funding you need to make it work—but I want something in return."
Jimin's interest piqued, but his instincts were cautious. "And what is it that you want?"
"Let's just say I have a few... business interests that align with your vision. I'll explain the details later. But you'll need to make your move soon. The window for your project is closing quickly."
Before Jimin could ask more, the line went dead.
His mind raced. Who was this mysterious investor, and how did they know so much about his project? Was this a golden opportunity—or a trap?
Jimin kept the conversation to himself, but it gnawed at him. He didn't want to involve Jungkook—not yet, at least. He'd been trying to prove that he could make it on his own, that he didn't need Jungkook to do things his way. But this was different. A potential investor with resources like that could change everything.
So, Jimin began to dig deeper. Late into the night, he researched every lead he could find about the investor, but there was nothing concrete. The only thing he could confirm was the mention of a shadowy figure who moved in high-level corporate circles, someone who was known for making lucrative—but dangerous—deals.
The risk was growing, but so was the temptation. Could this mysterious investor help turn things around for Jimin's project? Or would it be the biggest mistake of his career?
Next day:
The next day, Jimin couldn't stop thinking about the offer. He found himself in his office early, pacing back and forth, weighing the options. He hadn't told anyone, not even Sooyoung, his most trusted colleague. But as he stared out the window, deep in thought, a shadow in the doorway snapped him out of his reverie.
Jungkook.
"Are you always this early, or are you avoiding the office gossip?" Jungkook's voice was casual, but there was a hint of something else beneath it—something that suggested he was aware of the brewing storm.
Jimin turned, his expression unreadable. "What's going on in the office today?"
"Same old. The board's still skeptical about the AI startup, but they'll warm up once we start showing results. You've got time," Jungkook said, his eyes scanning the room as if he were measuring Jimin's every movement.
Jimin was about to speak when Jungkook's gaze suddenly landed on the laptop screen where he had been researching the mysterious investor. For a moment, they both froze.
Jungkook walked over, his sharp eyes reading the names and figures on the screen. "What's this? Some new lead you're working on?"
Jimin felt a lump form in his throat. He hadn't planned for this moment. He tried to keep his voice steady. "Just some backup plans in case the startup deal falls through."
Jungkook's gaze sharpened. He stepped closer, his presence closing in on Jimin like a silent storm. "You didn't think to tell me about this backup plan? You didn't think it was something I should know, as the CEO of the company?"
Jimin stood his ground, his back straightening. "I didn't want to involve you unless I had something concrete. This could be a dangerous game, Jungkook. I didn't want to drag you into it unless I knew it was worth it."
For a moment, Jungkook was silent, his eyes narrowing in thought. Then he spoke, his voice quieter but edged with something sharp. "You're playing with fire, Jimin. This investor—you don't know who they really are. You don't know the consequences."
Jimin's expression softened, but only for a second. "Neither do you," he replied quietly.
Jungkook studied him for a long moment, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. Finally, he sighed. "If you go down this path, there's no turning back. But you already knew that, didn't you?"
Jimin didn't respond immediately. His heart was pounding, but his resolve was firm. He knew what he was risking. But in that moment, he also knew that he had no choice.
"I'm doing this, Jungkook. Whether you help me or not."
Later that day, Jimin met with the mysterious investor at a private office on the outskirts of the city. The investor was a woman, dressed in all black, with an air of elegance and power. She introduced herself as Ms. Hae, her smile cool and calculated.
"I think we can make something beautiful together, Mr. Park," she said as they sat down. "Your vision for J-Global aligns perfectly with my goals. The startup will be your test case. Once it succeeds, we can expand into other sectors. But first, you need to trust me."
Jimin leaned forward, his mind sharp, questioning everything about her. "And what's the catch?"
Her smile widened. "I want a percentage of the project's earnings—something substantial. I'm offering you resources, yes, but I expect my due reward. This is a deal of power, not charity."
Jimin considered it for a long moment. The offer was risky, but it could work. And if it did... it would change everything for Jimin.
"I'll accept your offer," he said, his voice steady, his mind already racing with possibilities.
As Jimin left the meeting, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Jungkook:
Don't trust her.
Jimin's heart skipped a beat. Had Jungkook known all along? Had he somehow figured out what Jimin had done?
He glanced around the street, suddenly unsure of the steps he was about to take. But there was no turning back now.
As he typed his response, his fingers trembling slightly, he wondered just how deep he had gotten himself into this game—and whether Jungkook might be the one person who could save him... or destroy him.