(JIKOOK) Texting Story Snippets

Assistant

An older gentlemen near the end of the meeting table, his dark hair kept neatly sleeked back away from his forehead, black framed glasses perched high upon his nose, sits up straight in his chair. He folds his hands together and places them on the table, elbows making an audible thunk as they meet the wood. "Any ideas about who will be best suited for that position, Mr. Jeon?" The tone of his voice gives away that he's feeling frustrated by the advancement of this topic, and perhaps not this topic alone. His lips are pursed in annoyance and by the straight line of his lips meeting with the impatient expectancy in his stare it would be safe to assume that he's been harboring negative emotions that haven't met the meeting room table just yet.

Jungkook raises his eyebrows, noticing the off putting nature of one of his longest team members. He can already infer what the problem is, but everyone should know how policies work in his business by now. It takes time to decide who would be best suited for such a demanding position and it would be much too overwhelming to have others influencing his decision with emotional contributions. It would just get in the way, and Jungkook warned them about this. "Do you have a proposal for me?"

The old man visibly swallows. He knows that voicing his opinion on a decision that does not directly involve his input is basically ensuring his removal from the process of it entirely, but biting his tongue has done nothing but prolong his anxiety over the matter. "I would make an excellent assistant, Sir. I believe that I've proven my capabilities to you, have I not?" Maybe his younger superior will give him lenience if he bargains with him enough. "A promotion such as this would mean everything to me, Sir. I know you informed us that-"

"What did I inform you of?" Jungkook bites back with a sharp tongue. He tilts his head to one side, seeming innocent even while his tone is challenging the other. His expression is controlled, lacking emotion and inviting a response. It's self destructive to challenge Jungkook on a rule, his team members know him well enough to understand this.

Still, the old man sighs deeply and brings his folded hands back towards his body, resting them in his lap and lowering his head. "We shouldn't interfere in the process of making the decision. It is entirely yours, but-"

"But?"

"I feel it would only be fair to make a case for myself, as anyone else should be allowed to do. We've worked together long enough, haven't we?"

A smile graces Jungkook's lips, but it doesn't reach his eyes. Instead he closes them and exhales quickly through his nose. Without looking up at his employees seated around the table he nods and a soft chuckle echoes through the room. "Do you think that I don't know you well enough to decide this on my own?"

A few of his team mates grimace, the old man catches before glancing back at his lap. "I agree that you know us well enough."

"You just thought that I needed a reminder, that I'd forgotten you?"

"It isn't that, Sir."

"So what made you feel like I needed your help in deciding who would best suit the role of my assistant?"

Looking defeated, shoulders slumped and eyes closing as the harsh feeling of failure washes over his still frame, the old man nods. "I made a mistake."

Jungkook glances up at the man, studying his posture and feeling empathetic towards the other despite his words and mannerisms. He made rules for them to be followed and he won't bend them for anybody. "You did, and that's alright. But, you are not going to get the promotion. I asked for freedom from your opinion and you did not abide by the only request."

The old man sighs, wincing at the statement he already knew to expect. "I understand."

As the younger of the two, Jungkook can understand the frustration of the older gentleman. He must be feeling less successful, yearning for a higher position if only to feel more superior than his fellow team mates. It's no wonder that he would feel bitter and anxious for the position, if only he'd left it to be made without his emotions getting the best of him. "Thank you. I understand your impatience, but I've made my decision now."

The table of employees lift their head in near perfect unison, attention gathered and stares fixed on Jungkook seated at the head.

"Yejoon." Jungkook says without lifting his eyes from his paper, pen in his hand already scribbling letters onto forms. "Do you accept the position of Assistant at a pay raise of fifty five percent, full benefits and two annual weeks of paid vacation?"

"I- Yes." Yejoon stutters out quickly, feeling as if he should stand to his feet or something at the privilege. Immediately the envious stares of his team mates glue him to his seat before he has the opportunity to make a single move.

"Great. That's all for today's meeting." Jungkook pushes himself back from the table and stands, nodding down at his team members and showing a bittersweet smile. It's not easy choosing amongst people that have done great things for him, giving a better opportunity to only one. There will be more chances he reminds himself as defeated postures fill the room. "Follow me, Yejoon."