Few days later
Taejoon finally have the courage to face han again,on a very cool weather he went to han house, hesitantly rings the doorbell
Taejoon's eyes locked onto Han's, a hint of desperation lurking beneath his charming smile. "Hey, I'm looking for a job. Any chance you've got something available?"
Han's gaze drifted up and down, taking in Taejoon's designer clothes and sleek appearance. A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes as he wondered how someone who looked like Taejoon ended up jobless. "What kind of job are you looking for?"
Taejoon dropped to his knees, his voice taking on a pitiful tone. "I'll do anything, sir. I'm hardworking, trustworthy... please, just give me a chance."
Han's expression softened, a mix of amusement and pity on his face. "I already have staff for everything."
Han's gaze lingered on Taejoon's face, a mix of curiosity and concern etcatures. He took in the designer clothes, the expensive watch, and wondered what drove someone like Taejoon to desperation.
Taejoon dropped to his knees, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'll do anything, sir. Just please... give me a chance."
Han's expression softened, a pang of pity hitting him. "I don't have any openings, I'm afraid."
Taejoon's face crumbled, his body shaking with sobs. "Please... I'll do anything."
Han's resolve broke, his voice gentle. "Alright... I'll employ you as my personal bodyguard."
Taejoon's head snapped up, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He scrambled to his feet, nodding frically. "Thank you, thank you... I'll do my best, I promise."
Han's smile was sad, "Just... just be careful, okay?"
Taejoon's eyes burned with determination, "I will, sir. I promise."
The air hung heavy with unspoken emotions as Han nodded, his eyes never leaving Taejoon's face. "Start tomorrow."
Later that day
Taejoon walked into the Star Entertainment company, the familiar faces greeting him with a mix of curiosity and concern. He made his way to the vocal practice room, where his group members were in the middle of a session with their coach.
As they finished up, the guys gathered around Taejoon, their expressions somber. "Hey, how's Han?" Harrison asked, his voice low.
Taejoon's smile was tight, "He's okay. Just... he doesn't remember me."
The room fell silent, the guys exchanging worried glances. Hudson spoke up, "Don't lose hope, Tae. We'll figure something out."
Taejoon's smirk was back, his eyes glinting with determination. "I'll never give up on Han. And I've got a plan - I'm going to be his personal bodyguard."
The room erupted into a mix of laughter and incredulity. "You're kidding, right?" Lorenzo asked, his brow raised.
Ace shook his head, "Dude, how are you gonna manage your time?"
Taejoon sighed, his expression resolute. "I'll manage. I have to."
The guys exchanged skeptical glances, but Taejoon's determination was palpable. They knew he wouldn't back down.
The guys clapped Taejoon on the back, a mix of support and amusement on their faces. "You've got this, Tae," Adriel said, his voice low.
Caleb shook his head, "Just don't get too caught up in being Han's bodyguard, okay? We still need you for performances."
Taejoon's grin was wide, "Don't worry, I'll make it work."
As they headed out of the practice room, Harrison fell into step beside Taejoon. "Seriously, though, you okay? This can't be easy for you."
Taejoon's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding for a moment. "I'll be fine. I just need to be close to him, you know?"
Harrison nodded, his expression understanding. "We got your back, Tae."
The group's conversation was interrupted by their manager, who was waving them over. "Guys, we've got a meeting with the producers about the upcoming tour. Let's go."
The guys exchanged glances, their expressions turning professional. As they headed to the meeting, Taejoon's mind was only half-focused on the discussion, his thoughts lingering on Han and the new development as his personal bodyguard.
Hours later at the mall
Taejoon strolled through the upscale boutique, Mark trailing behind him with a knowing smirk. "Hey, shopping to surprise me?" Mark asked, eyebrow raised.
Taejoon shot him a dry look, "I'd rather sleep the whole day than waste my time shopping for you, Mark."
Mark's chuckle was low, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ouch, that hurts, Tae. That word wounds my chest."
Taejoon rolled his eyes, his lips twitching with a suppressed smile. "You're dramatic, Mark."
Mark clapped a hand over his heart, his face a mask of mock hurt. "I'm a sensitive soul, Taejoon. You should know that by now."
Taejoon snorted, picking up a sleek black suit. "Yeah, yeah. Sensitive soul, my foot."
Mark's laughter was loud, drawing a few curious glans from passersby. "Hey, I'm just keeping it real, Tae. You're the one who's got a thing for a certain someone."
Taejoon's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing. "Just focus on finding me a decent suit, Mark."
Mark's grin was back, "Aye, aye, captain." 😊
Mark held up a sleek black suit, his eyebrow raised in question. "What about this one?"
Taejoon's gaze was critical, "Too flashy. I need something understated."
Mark chuckled, "Understated? You're going to be a bodyguard, not a secret agent."
Taejoon's smirk was back, "You never know. Maybe I'll have to sneak into Han's kitchen to grab a snack."
Mark's laughter was loud, "Oh, this is getting good. I'm loving the mental image."
Taejoon's eyes narrowed, "Just find me a suit, Mark."
The sales associate approached, her eyes lighting up with interest. "May I help you gentlemen with anything?"
Mark flashed his charming smile, "Yes, we're looking for a suit for my... associate here."
Taejoon's glare was immediate, "Mark."
The sales associate's eyes sparkled, "I think I have just the thing."
She led them to a rack of sleek, modern suits. Taejoon's eyes landed on a simple black suit, and he nodded. "That one."
Mark's eyebrow raised, "Nice choice, Tae."
After shopping
AT TAEJOON HOUSE
Taejoon and Mark walk in the house,then put the stuff he's holding on the couch
Mark placed the shopping bags on the couch, his movements efficient. "Need anything else, boss?" he asked, his eyebrow raised.
Taejoon shook his head, "No, you can head back to your duty, Mark."
Mark nodded, turning to leave. Just as he reached the door, Taejoon called out, "Mark, wait."
Mark turned, a questioning look on his face. Taejoon handed him a thick envelope, his expression serious. "Just a little something to show my appreciation."
Mark's eyes widened as he took the envelope, his voice hesitant. "Boss, no, it's too much. It's just a common thing."
Taejoon chuckled, "I insist, Mark. Take it."
Mark's face split into a grin as he accepted the envelope, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I hope you won't go bankrupt because of this, and you better not forget about my monthly salary."
Taejoon's laughter was loud, "Get out of here before I change my mind and kick your ass, Mark."
Mark's laughter echoed as he walked out, closing the door behind him. "I'll take that as a no, boss!"
Taejoon strolled upstairs, the soft carpet a gentle whisper beneath his feet. He unpacked the shopping bags, carefully storing each item in the closet, the scent of fresh laundry and new clothes filling the air.
After a refreshing bath, he slipped into comfortable clothes and headed downstairs, his stomach rumbling with hunger. The kitchen was his sanctuary, and he lost himself in the rhythm of cooking, the sizzle of vegetables and the aroma of simmering broth calming his nerves.
As he worked, his thumbs flew across his phone screen. "I'm cooking, you hungry? I can bring you some..." He paused, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes as reality crashed back in. They weren't in a normal relationship, and Han didn't remember him.
With a soft sigh, he deleted the message, his heart heavy with longing. He put the phone down, the silence of the kitchen deafening. The food, once a source of comfort, now a reminder of what he couldn't have. Taejoon's gaze drifted to the counter, his eyes unfocused, lost in thought.