Chapter Text
"I do like that sweet boy a lot, Taehyung. Angel is just adorable too. That man of yours has really brought so much to your life."
Ara breezes into the office at Purple Aura after she'd had a chat with Stefan and embarrassed the poor PA. She was stopping by for lunch, bringing it to her Son who was too busy to meet her elsewhere. Yejoon had something to discuss with Bo-Hyun so Ara had snatched the chance and asked her husband to pick her up on the way.
The CEO smiled, "Have you been causing my PA embarrassment again, Eomma?"
"Nonsense, I am only speaking the truth. How was Delizioso last night?"
Taehyung joins his mother in the seating area of his office. He sits in the chair and helps her unpack the takeaway containers that hold their lunch. "It was typical Lio, he bombarded us as soon as we arrived, which I’d forewarned Jungkook could happen. He ate with us and asked Jungkook’s opinion on the food he had planned for the day of the show."
"He's preparing a Mediterranean feast isn't he?"
"He is. Jungkook tried to explain that the amount of effort wasn't necessary but Lio wasn't listening."
"And you took the silent approach?"
"Yes, it wasn't a situation that required my input. Lio wants to make the effort and Jungkook would rather he didn't. One day, my boyfriend might accept that he is worth the effort or that some people like to go out of their way for others. I've accepted that some battles are not worth taking part in and putting myself in the middle of my boyfriend and a forthright Italian man is one of those."
"Both proud men. Jungkook isn't a fan of people fussing over him is he?"
"Not at all but he tends to mull things over and come to a reasonable conclusion eventually."
"Has that woman worked that out yet or is she still making a fuss of him?"
"Eomma, you've had coffee with her since the meal and yet you can't call her by her name?"
"I'm worried for Marie. I've said before that she hasn't given me any reason to distrust her which is why I've met her and we've been doing the whole 'in-laws getting to know each other' thing. She's complimentary of Marie and her story never waivers… but…"
Tae looks at his Mother as some noodles fall from his chopsticks, "But?"
"... but I feel like she made contact with Jungkook because the Vogue article cast her in a bad light. If I put myself in her shoes and I read a public article where my son spoke about his family and I knew he wasn't talking about me, I'd feel ashamed. Up until that point, she could spin people whatever story she wanted in order to protect her reputation and explain his disappearance but that became impossible once Vogue was released. She couldn’t have tried hard enough to look for him. Ash told me about his social media account."
"Eomma, I understand and that is all logical but even if Nuri has been motivated by the need to protect her reputation, does it matter now? Whatever the motive, she is now making an incredible effort to build a relationship with Jungkook and it was only yesterday that he had time with Kyong, something he didn't think he'd ever get. I think it’s tiring for him, he said there was a lot to take in and he was quite quiet when I arrived home. Before we left for Delizioso, he showed me a picture that Ki-Joon wanted him to have and we couldn't leave until he found somewhere to display it… please don't consume yourself with things that no longer matter. Jungkook would never turn his back on Marie and Billy just as he wouldn't stop thinking of Ash as his brother now that his biological brothers are in the picture."
Ara sighs, "That is all logical too, Taehyung. Perhaps the reason she reconnected isn't important now. What is important is that everyone is happy."
"I believe that's the view we need to have because they are Jungkook’s biological family and they aren't going anywhere."
"And neither are we." she says with raised eyebrows.
Taehyung has to smile at his Mother. His admiration for her grew as he matured. Her devotion to her family and those close to her was unwavering. He saw so much of his mother's strength and determination in his sister and he was proud of them both. He is about to ask his mother about an update on the fashion show idea that she'd told him about when his mobile rings and he frowns.
"Excuse me." He says to his Mother as he stands and answers the call.
"Han… this is unexpected."
"I thought you'd want to hear this straight away. Did Jimin tell you I chased up the department?"
"Yes, he did. If there's a problem, I could give you his number?"
"There's no problem. That's all above board. I just moved it to the top of the pile, no hardship."
"So what's up?"
"The paperwork for the development site states demolition, Tae."
"Okay?"
"The row of buildings that includes Dinos Dawgs is marked for demolition."
The CEO blinks quickly and walks farther from where his mother is sitting. "Are you sure? Nothing we've read so far has mentioned demolition. The landlord is only selling if the diner remains where it is."
"I'm sure. I'm not privy to the terms of sale because that will be between the two parties involved. What I do know is that the development complex goes beyond that area and permissions have been granted on the extended boundary line."
"Can the demolition go ahead if the building was sold under the proviso that Dinos remains there?"
"It depends on the terminology? Stating that a business remains is ambiguous and a clever attorney could exploit that because technically, even with the building being demolished, the business remains intact."
Taehyung rubs his forehead with his fingers, "Of course. The business refers to Dinos and that could be transported anywhere, they could run it from an office here. It's the name and category of business which aren't tied to that building."
"That's my perception because the diner owners own the name of the business and not the building."
"Does the owner of the building know it is due to be demolished?"
"I don't know, Tae. It is possible but I don't know how far along they are with the sale so it might not matter whether he knows or not? If the sale is complete and the development company own it, that's it."
"He was considering going to auction at one point so I can only presume that he doesn't know?"
"I would agree with that. Going to auction means that anyone can buy it and a different owner wouldn't buy a building that is marked for demolition, that makes no sense. It is the building up for sale, not the business it houses."
"Can you send me over the paperwork? I need to have my team look at it."
"I shouldn't but I will. Pressing send now."
"Thanks, Han."
"You're welcome."
Ara watches her son's face drain of colour and his expression harden as he thinks over what he'd just been told. The CEO sits at his desk and wiggles the mouse to bring his screen to life, the desktop replacing the screensaver of his boyfriend cooking in their kitchen.
"Taehyung? What is it? I can put pieces together from what I overheard but I could've gotten the wrong impression."
Tae sighs and wishes that his Mother wasn't sitting there as he knows how close she is to the diner owners. "That call was from my local Government contact. He chased up the Serendipity job for me but was calling to tell me that he has paperwork that suggests that the diner is marked for demolition."
"Sorry… Excuse me?"
"That's what he said. He's sent through the documents. I need a minute to get my head straight, Eomma and this can not go any further for now."
"Gi-Chan can't know what the plan is? From the way that Billy and Marie have spoken about him, I can't believe that he would do this to them."
"People will do all manner of things when money is involved."
"True, very true but to suddenly become dishonest and turn your back on people you class as friends?"
The CEO can't allow emotions in if he's to handle this properly. He prints the documents then previous documents that had been scanned in when he'd looked over them for Billy. As the printer churns out the paperwork, Tae pressed some buttons on the phone on his desk:
"Could you tell Miss Kim to come to my office?"
"Yes, Sir."
Tae disconnects the call and looks over at his Mother, "Heeju will be here any minute."
"I can't stop thinking about Marie and Billy. This is going to devastate them."
"I know, which is why I need to explore my options before they find out."
Tae rolls his eyes as his sister walks into his office with Stefan rushing behind her.
"Mr Kim, Taehyung, Sir, I did try to explain that you were busy."
"I asked Heeju to come, it's fine, thank you."
"Technically, you demanded my presence, you didn't ask." Heeju states, marching into the office in her grey and blue dress.
"I'll make sure you aren't disturbed." Stefan says as he bows and closes the office door behind him. The atmosphere was tense and Mrs Kim looked serious, a contrast to when she'd arrived earlier so he knew something was going on.
"What's the emergency?" Heeju asks as she takes a seat beside her Mother on the couch and helps herself to some food.
"Everything that is discussed here is to stay in this room for now. The implications are extensive and people we know are likely to get hurt so I must ensure that I have the facts straight."
"Woah! What's going on?"
"Just agree with your brother and he will explain." Ara says to her daughter.
"Yes, yes, I agree. I'm professional enough to know that work stuff doesn't go home."
Taehyung walked over to the printer and then around to the front of his desk where he perches on the edge, facing the area where his mother and sister are seated.
"I have been informed that as far as the planning department is concerned, the diner and that entire row of buildings is to be demolished as part of the development. At this stage, I'm not sure of anything else."
"What? So no one else knows?" Heeju asks.
"Marie certainly isn't aware." Ara adds.
"I would guess that no one else knows because we'd know. There is no way that Jungkook wouldn't be fighting this if he knew." Tae says before taking a deep breath, trying to keep a clear head.
“Do we have a date when they are planning on bulldozing it? Is there anything you can do? Is it legal?” Heeju’s mind is bubbling with questions.
Ara sits quietly while her son speaks.
“I’m still considering the options but in order to formulate a plan, I need to know where we stand. I’ve printed all the documents and I am entrusting you to look through them. I need to keep the number of people involved as small as possible right now to stop anything unwanted getting out into the open before I have the chance to act. I need to know what Park Gi-Chan knows and where he is at with the sale.”
“What if the sale is complete?” Ara asks.
“Then unless there’s a massive error in the paperwork, there won’t be anything we could do.” Heeju confirms as she stands to go and collect the documents from her brother.
“That’s what I’m counting on. I either need for there to be a loophole we can exploit in these documents or for the sale to be at a stage where it can be stopped.”
“You need to buy that building, Taehyung.” Ara adds.
“That is exactly what I intend on doing. The way that I see it, if I can secure the building to prevent it from being demolished, it will then be down to Billy and Marie to decide what they’d like to do. If they want to move elsewhere after this, I can sell on and if they want to stay put, that choice will be theirs. They won’t have a choice though if I do not intervene because I suspect that Gi-Chan will sell unaware of the demolition and then we have to rely on the documents being fraudulent.”
“Can I use this office then?” Heeju asks with a grin.
“Yes, you can use this office.”
Heeju skips around the desk to the CEO’s big chair and drops down into the leather seat, swivelling it and placing the documents on the large sturdy wooden desk. “You’ll have to tell the department to not expect me back today.” She grins further.
Taehyung purses his lips, he was sure this sounded like a good idea in his head. “Yes, thank you, Heeju, I am aware.” He turns his body so he can reach the phone on the desk slightly behind him and to his left, pressing some buttons before Stefan’s voice is heard:
“Mr Kim, Sir? Taehyung…”
“Steffy is so funny.” Heeju loud whispers.
“Stefan, Could you let Mr Jung in legal know that Miss Kim won’t be returning today but if he needs to contact her he can do so through you. If I have caused him a problem he can contact me on my mobile directly.”
“Yes, Mr Kim.”
“I will be going out very soon, please redirect my calls and I will be leaving Miss Kim here. It would be preferable if she was not disturbed.”
“Yes, Sir, Taehyung.”
The CEO presses the button, a slight sense of personal achievement having confidence in using the phone now, amazed at how something to simple caused him so many problems at one time.
“I’ll wait for your father to finish here, he said he would come up and collect me.”
Taehyung slips into his suit jacket and checks that he has everything he needs. “I will call you once I have met with Gi-Chan. I will call him on my way down and insist he meets with me now.”
“I’ll wait for your call.”
“Are you coming back here?” Heeju asks.
“Yes. I have a conference call this evening.”
“See you when you get back then.”
Taehyung informed Stefan that his father would be arriving at some point and that his mother was still in his office with Heeju. He walked briskly to the elevator and dialled the landlord of the building as soon as he was safely in the Gemera. Gi-Chan was out shopping but assured taehyung that he would be heading home and he would meet him there.
The CEO felt nauseous. It sat in the pit of his stomach and burned his throat. The roads were busy as he zipped in and out, anxious to get to the landlord. He had to rid his mind of everything personal and bury the possible implications for now. What he needed were facts and that started with the sale of the diner and how far along they were with that transaction.
****
Jara looked concerned at the expression on her husband’s face as the video call connected. She’d been with her parents for a few hours and enjoyed a relaxing time before having to go to the Yangs for dinner with Ryan and Han-Shik. Nuri was calling them so she’d smiled and behaved the way that she always did. She knew that Kyong would be calling her later so she’d looked forward to getting home and getting the boys into bed so she could have time with her husband.
“You look tired. Didn’t you sleep last night?”
“I went for a run at 3am. I keep playing things over in my head.”
“What happened with Jungkook?”
“He bit my head off a few times, he’s so cagey every time money is mentioned.”
“I understand that. He probably has to justify his reasons for being with Taehyung… reasons that don’t involve money or personal gain, love isn't enough for some. I was asked all the time, why I was with you if it wasn’t for your money and I can only presume that Jungkook has the same experience. It’s probably worse for him. Taehyung is well known and look at who his friends are.”
“I get the feeling that he doesn’t like talking about money, full stop.”
“Is that what is keeping you awake?”
“Partly. It’s the whole charade. It’s planning events that won’t happen and seeing his enthusiasm because he thinks it will go ahead. It’s about telling him things about our life, about our boys, knowing that it’s all for nothing.”
“It doesn’t have to be for nothing, Kyong.”
“Jara, it does! Hypothetically, Jungkook sticks around once he knows the level of deception and then what? How can I maintain a relationship with him and go against my family because I doubt very much that he would want anything to do with Eomma.”
“Jungkook is your family, my love.”
“I know… I’m so conflicted and I’m tired of the pretence.”
“It sounds like you aren’t pretending, which is why it is so hard for you. Have you lied to him?”
“No… yes…” Kyong sighs.
“What have you lied about?”
“Eomma told him how she adores the boys and how she takes Ki-Joon out all the time. I was caught off guard and I don’t agree with how far she is taking this. I thought it would ease up when they had to change tactics and realised that Jungkook wouldn’t deceive the diner owners… but it hasn’t.”
“You’ve just corroborated your Mother’s lie, Kyong… she shouldn’t have put you in that position. I have never understood why our boys had to be involved. Earlier, they spoke about the football match and Ki-Joon was so excited. He heard ‘ball’ and he might not understand everything but he is still excited.”
“There’s no way out, Jara. We have to let it run its course. I met with Gi-Chan to try and get the sale pushed through. The paperwork for the expansion has been submitted but that means nothing if Gi-Chan doesn’t agree. There isn’t anything else I can do because everything is reliant on the sale. Eomma won’t get Marie to sign the business over so things have to be done the hard way. If Jungkook wasn’t with Taehyung I think it would’ve been so much easier but they underestimated their relationship… but there’s also a part of me that is happy for Jungkook that he has that.”
“Are you staying in Seoul until the sale has gone through?”
“I have to. I can’t leave Eomma to face the music alone. Gi-Chan has assured me that he will be meeting with his attorney this week after I added a few thousand to stop him from going to auction. I wasn’t instructed to offer that but this situation needs to come to an end sooner rather than later and we need that building. If I’m honest, I can’t concern myself with the diner. They can find another building but we can’t so that is the priority. The construction side of things isn’t my forte so I’m having to learn quickly. Was Han okay at dinner?”
“He was his usual charming self. He’d been on a lunch date with Emi.”
“How did that go?”
“I know that the food was awful and he left after the call with your mother because he was meeting a guy in a bar… but that’s all I know. He’s so good with the boys, I wish he would settle down.”
“Does my Eomma know that he had a date with someone else?”
“No, he told Ryan that he was meeting friends for drinks.”
“I won’t mention it then. He’s acted up even more since Jungkook was found. I don’t know how to make it better. I just have to hope that he’ll settle when this is all over and he can go back to the way things were.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“Don’t I? Han hasn’t ever forgiven Jungkook. The only thing that would benefit them both is to be able to sit down and discuss what happened but that’s forbidden. If only he could ask Jungkook why he left and why he stole that money… if they could talk about it, it might help.”
“Does it matter why? Isn’t it obvious? If Jungkook left penniless then he wouldn’t have been able to enrol at university and support himself. He must’ve had rent to pay?”
“But that doesn’t make it acceptable. He stole from his family.”
“I am in no way condoning the theft but I understand why an eighteen year old would need to do it.”
“We’ll never know the truth though so I can’t let it consume me any more than it is.”
“I wish there was a way to get through this and for you to keep your brother in your life.”
“Me too but I’ve spent six years without him so I will just return to that and having only one brother.”
“Kyong… there must be a way… we could move to Seoul… and…”
“No… Jara… I am not turning my back on my family. I am where I am today because of them. You always get like this after spending time with your family, they encourage you.”
“I just want you to have your brother, Kyong.”
“I truly believe that’s impossible…”
"I'll support you in any way I can. I love you."
"You're my everything, Jara. I love you back."
****
Taehyung was pleased when Park Gi-Chan answered the door and he didn't have to wait for him to return from the supermarket. He understood why the man was surprised to see him given that they'd only officially met once when Billy introduced them at one of the local Government meetings. Gi-Chan knew more about Taehyung than Taehyung knew about him but it was the preferred situation.
"Your call was unexpected. What is this about?"
The CEO takes a seat at the four seater glass dining table. "I received some information today but in order to explore my options I need further information from you."
"I'm not sure I can help you?" The older man says as he sits opposite Taehyung.
"I have it on good authority that the plans for the development involve the demolition of your building…"
Gi-Chan’s forehead creases, frown lines deep, "That can't be right?"
"... I've seen the documents that were submitted for approval. The entire row is to be removed to make way. What I need to know is whether you've sold it yet?"
Gi-Chan is unable to register what is being suggested. "Mr Kim, are you sure?"
"I have a copy here that I can show you." He pulls a tablet from his briefcase and taps at the screen with his stylus.
"They've offered me more money so I don't go to auction. Could this be why they are so keen?"
"It's plausible. You would be holding things up by not selling directly to them. The development company, Sunrise, could go to the auction but they risk being outbid. Not to mention that there would need to be transparency." Taehyung hands over the tablet.
"Would you like a drink?"
"No, thank you."
Gi-Chan’s eyes scan the document on the tablet, "I'll need something strong to drink… I can't believe this."
"Have you sold to Sunrise?"
"Not yet. We did the preliminary paperwork which is what I sent a copy of to Billy. Those were my terms and they were agreed. I had no reason to think otherwise. I'm due to meet with my attorney this week."
"Are you legally tied into an agreement at this stage?"
"There's nothing I can't pull out of… I haven't paid a deposit to make the agreement legally enforceable but I need the sale to go through now they have offered me more. I could speak to Billy and see if I can offer compensation to find them somewhere else?"
"No. Sell to me."
"Sorry?"
"Sell the building to me. I will cover all the fees for your attorney, my legal team will take everything out of your hands, there will be no losses or expenditure on your part and I will give you more than their offer."
Gi-Chan blinked rapidly, "What will you do with it?"
"That will depend on Billy and Marie. If they choose to stay or if they would prefer to leave."
"You guarantee that?"
"Yes. If you complete the sale to Sunrise, Billy and Marie will lose their home for certain. They will have no say in it and neither will you. Sell to me and I will guarantee that their wishes will be priority. Name your price, Mr Park."
"This is a lot to take in… I will sell to you… but for the original asking price. I assured Billy that their home would be safe and the Yangs have betrayed that verbal agreement so I have no reason to show Sunrise any loyalty."
Tae feels the tingling as the blood drains from his face. There were many Yangs in Korea but he wasn't a believer in coincidence.
"The Yangs?" He asks.
"Yes. The eldest Son was here yesterday which is when they increased the offer. I was surprised to see him, I've not dealt with him before. Yang Nuri has been here several times in the last couple of months… I really need a drink." The middle aged man stands and walks over to his kitchen counter so he can get a glass from a cupboard.
Taehyung sits motionless, completely stunned until his mobile rings and shocks him back to reality. He answers it when it rings again immediately after stopping:
"Yes?"
"Tae? What's up? Have I called at a bad time?"
"Seok, I… can I call you back?"
"You're scaring me, are you okay?"
"No. I'm in the middle of some business, I will call you back."
"Call me as soon as you're free."
"I will. Keep this to yourself."
"Keep what to myself?"
"I have to go… give me half an hour."
Tae ends the call and takes a deep breath. His mind wants to explode as thoughts in his head ask questions he didn't want the answers to.
"Mr Park, do we have an agreement?"
"Yes, yes we do, Mr Kim."
Taehyung stands, he needs to get out. "I will have my legal team call you this afternoon and have the contract drawn up. I will transfer you 50% straight away so we both know where we stand. Here is my business card. If you could email me your contact details I can get this moving as soon as I leave here."
"Oh… okay… that fast?"
"Delays are unnecessary. If we are both in agreement, let's get it finalised. You can have your attorney look over the contract. I would suggest that we keep this between ourselves for now. Are you meeting with Sunrise again soon?"
"No. I said I would contact them once I had seen my attorney this week. They were satisfied that the sale was going ahead."
"I would appreciate your discretion. This meeting has thrown up a lot more than I expected so I need to handle it properly. Thank you for your time."
"I will wait to hear from your team then. I will send the email as soon as I have seen you out."
The CEO puts his hand up, "I can see myself out. Thank you."
Gi-Chan bows in response and returns to the table where he switches on his laptop as Taehyung leaves.
Dizziness kicks in as he finally makes it into the Gemera. He loosens his tie and dials Hobi, knowing that if he doesn't call him he is bound to bug him.
"Can you tell me what the fuck that was about?" Hobi says immediately.
"I've just bought the diner. "
"What? Tae, what's going on?"
"Han called me earlier and told me that the development means bulldozing the diner."
"What? That wasn't in the plans was it? Do Billy and Marie know?"
"No and no. I met with Park Gi-Chan because I needed to know whether he had completed the sale and I subsequently bought it."
"Okay so you now own the diner?"
"I own the building. Well, I will once the agreement is legally enforceable this afternoon."
"Now what? Haven't you just bought a building that will be rubble soon? And what was that about when I called you? You said you weren't okay."
"Seok… too many questions… Sunrise can't demolish a building they don't own… I think… no… I know… Nuri is involved somehow." Bile creeps up his throat and he swallows to get rid of it as it burns.
"What? Are you sure? Why don't we already know this? We've been to all the meetings? Tae, I don't understand… it doesn't make sense?"
"I know. The Yangs haven't come up in connection to the development at all. If they had, the last few months would've been very different."
"How do you know then?"
"Gi-Chan said the Yangs had betrayed his agreement and then mentioned that the eldest son visited him yesterday. He made reference to Yang Nuri too. I think that is far more than coincidence."
"I just… I… when we looked into the brothers, nothing about Sunrise came up. Tae, we'd have made the connection if it had… Yang Ryan would've been a red flag."
"I know. My Mother has been suspicious from the start and I'm beginning to think I should've trusted her. Seok… this is going to break Jungkook’s heart… what am I going to do?" Tears fall, rolling down his cheeks in the motionless vehicle, "Why? Why is this happening to him? What if he disappears, Seok? What if this is all too much and I lose him? Fuck!"
"Hey, hey! Tae, calm down. You will not lose him. We need actual evidence so when you speak to him, you have facts, cast iron facts. Leave it with me."
"We can't, Seok. I can't go behind his back and investigate his family."
"YOU aren't doing anything… I am… if this goes the wrong way up, it all falls on my shoulders. I won't ask Remy, I saw him briefly yesterday and he was rushing around, Mochi has him on a case connected to Serendipity. I'll get the information through my other contacts. I won't tell Em. You just focus on the diner. You deal with the business… I'll get personal information."
"Seok…" a sob leaves his throat.
"I know, Tae… now pull yourself together and I'll call you as soon as I have something."
The screen goes black as the call ends. Tae forcefully pushes his head back against the seat and clenches his fists. He should've trusted his Mother but now he has to deal with the fact that he was going to be responsible for breaking his boyfriend’s heart. Before pulling away into the traffic, his phone connects to the car and he manages to speak clearly enough for it to dial his Mother.
"How did it go? Your father hasn't arrived yet so I'm still here with Heeju… Taehyung? Are you crying?"
"I'm fine… Eomma… I'm sorry."
"Sorry? For what? Has the building been sold? Taehyung?"
"Nuri is involved with the development."
"Oh my god! Are you sure?"
"Not at the moment. Seok is on it. I'm coming back to the office to complete the sale, Gi-Chan has agreed to sell me the diner."
"I knew there was something! Of course that's why she is here… but why get her son back and make such an effort? How did we not know that they were connected?"
"I don't know but we are going to find out. I should've trusted you… I'm sorry."
"Taehyung! Stop it! I might've had concerns but it was never at this level of deception. If they are involved in the development and they knew all this time that the diner was going to be demolished, it's going to hurt Jungkook."
Tae swallows harshly to prevent himself from falling apart again. "Eomma… it’s going to break his heart… he will blame himself… and…"
"Stop right there, Taehyung! We will get through this… all together! Firstly we need all the facts and evidence. You need to put your business head on, Son. I know how scared you must be but we can't worry about that right now. Your father has just arrived, do you want us to stay here until you get back?"
"No, you go. I will call you as soon as I know anything."
"Try to stay calm. I love you."
"I love you too, Eomma."