Chains of Command// TK// ONGOING

The Interview

The tall glass doors of Jeon Enterprises loomed before him like the gateway to another world—cold, gleaming, and far too perfect. The building stretched into the clouds, the logo at its crown as sharp and dominant as the man it represented.

Kim Taehyung stood outside for a full minute, gathering courage. He adjusted the collar of his borrowed suit jacket, took a deep breath, and stepped into the marbled lobby.

It was massive. Silver and black interiors, glass chandeliers, and walls lined with LED-lit brand visuals. The air smelled faintly of expensive cologne and corporate pressure.

Behind a sleek marble counter stood two receptionists—flawless, in matching black uniforms and clipped earpieces. One of them looked up immediately, giving Taehyung a once-over from head to toe.

"Name?" she asked briskly.

"Kim Taehyung. I have an interview for the personal secretary position... for the CEO," he added nervously.

Her eyes flicked to the screen. "One moment."

She whispered something into her mic, then glanced back at him. "Elevator 3. Go to the 45th floor. HR will meet you there. Be punctual. They don't like waiting."

Taehyung bowed. "Thank you."

As he walked toward the elevators, he could feel the glances following him—judging his suit, his scuffed shoes, his timid aura. He felt like a lamb entering a den of wolves.

The elevator pinged open.

...

45th Floor- HR DEPARTMENT

A frosted glass door bore a golden sign: Executive Resource Division. Behind it, three sharply dressed professionals sat at a long black table. A tall man with glasses sat at the center—Head of HR, Park Eunsung.

They looked up as Taehyung entered. No smiles. No welcome.

"Kim Taehyung, Business Graduate from Daeju National. Minimal experience. Previously worked at a café," Eunsung read aloud with an unreadable tone. "You've applied to be the personal secretary to our CEO."

Taehyung nodded, his throat dry. "Yes, sir."

"You're aware of the... history attached to this position?"

"I am."

Eunsung leaned back. "And yet you still applied. Why?"

Taehyung exhaled, eyes steady. "Because I need this job. I don't have an impressive résumé or experience, but I am dependable. I'm willing to learn. I don't run away when things get hard."

The woman on the left raised a brow. "The last fifteen secretaries lasted an average of twenty-two days. One cried on the second day. One fainted. One filed a lawsuit."

Taehyung blinked but didn't flinch.

"I'm not here to make excuses for them. I'm here to prove I'm different."

There was a brief silence.

Eunsung tapped his pen. "You seem calm. That's a trait our CEO doesn't tolerate well."

"I'll adapt."

"What if he shouts at you?"

"I'll listen."

"What if he fires you?"

Taehyung smiled faintly. "Then at least I'll leave knowing I tried."

The panel exchanged looks. Something about his composed, almost too quiet demeanor unsettled them—and interested them.

"Why this position?" the woman asked.

"I need the salary," he replied honestly. "I have responsibilities. A sick mother in Daegu. This job could save her life."

There was another beat of silence.

The woman finally sighed. "Wait outside."

....

Taehyung sat on a leather bench in the hallway, palms slightly sweaty, throat dry. His mind spun with thoughts of hospital bills, Beomgyu's half-packed apartment, and his mother's warm hand in his. This had to work.

Ten minutes later, the door opened.

"Mr. Kim Taehyung," Eunsung said without expression, "you've been selected. Your official joining is in two days. Be at the CEO's private floor at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Do not be late."

"I—I got it?" he blinked in disbelief.

"For now," Eunsung said curtly. "But remember—surviving Jeon Jungkook isn't about how smart you are. It's about how much you can endure."

...

Later That Night – Rooftop Apartment, Seoul

Taehyung stared at the skyline outside his new rented room. It was nothing like the one in Daegu—smaller, colder, no warmth in the air. But it was closer to the company. He ran a hand through his hair, still half in disbelief.

He'd made it through the first door. Now, he was about to step into a world run by the most feared man in corporate Korea.

Jeon Jungkook.

Taehyung had only read articles and headlines. Ruthless. Unfeeling. Aggressive genius. The man had built his empire before turning 30, shattered competitors, bought rivals, and replaced teams like broken pencils.

What caught his eye more were the rumors:

"A beast behind closed doors."
"Doesn't tolerate emotion."
"No one has ever gotten close to him."

Some said he lived alone in a glass mansion above the city. Some said he hadn't spoken to his own brothers in years. Others claimed he slept three hours a night and fired people for even breathing wrong in meetings.

But no one denied his brilliance—or his cruelty.

Taehyung's heart pounded in his chest.

Tomorrow would begin the most terrifying chapter of his life.

And he was walking in with no armor, no backup.

Just quiet determination and a reason to survive.

..

Author's Note:

The door to hell opened politely—but what waits inside is a man colder than glass and darker than the rumors.
Taehyung passed the interview. Now he must survive the storm. And the storm has a name—Jeon Jungkook.

👉 Next Chapter: "The Devil in the Glass Office" – Taehyung's First Day & First Encounter with Jungkook