Chains of Command// TK// ONGOING

Thunder in the Silence

Morning – Jeon Enterprises, Conference Room B

The hum of urgency was unmistakable in the office air. Every floor buzzed with talk of the impromptu out-of-city investor meeting that had been confirmed overnight. Taehyung had barely finished reviewing the morning agenda when he was summoned.

"Pack what you need," Yoongi told him while adjusting his cufflinks. "You're accompanying the CEO to the Hanam City resort for a two-day pitch presentation."

Taehyung blinked. "Me?"

"Yes, you. He insisted."

Yoongi's voice wasn't cold, but it was cautious. Taehyung sensed it again—something unspoken between the employees when it came to Jungkook's choices. And lately, Taehyung had been one of them. The center of quiet glances. A name exchanged behind fingers.

He left without protest, heart already beginning to thud with unease.

...

Noon – Road to Hanam City

The company car was quiet. The air-conditioning hummed softly, but otherwise, the only sound between them was the occasional rustle of Taehyung's papers or the light clink of Jungkook's silver watch against his wrist as he adjusted it. They had been on the road for over an hour, but not a single word had passed.

Taehyung kept his eyes glued to the scenery. Fields. Then city outskirts. Then the distant mountains drawing closer.

Jungkook broke the silence eventually, voice low. "You didn't bring much."

"I didn't think I'd be staying overnight until an hour ago."

"You should've been prepared," Jungkook said, though his tone lacked true sharpness. More like a test.

"I can adapt," Taehyung answered.

Jungkook glanced at him briefly. "You've learned to."

They said nothing more for the rest of the ride.

..

Evening – Hanam Resort Suite

The room was breathtaking—wooden floors, a wall of glass windows that opened into a private garden terrace, and a luxurious living space that exuded warmth despite the looming cold weather outside. But there was only one bedroom. And only one bed.

Taehyung stared.

The hotel staff bowed. "Apologies, sir. There was a last-minute system issue. The suite with twin beds was overbooked. This is the only one available."

"I'll take the couch," Taehyung offered immediately.

"No," Jungkook said simply, tossing his coat over the back of a chair. "You'll take the bed. I don't like watching my secretary limp into work with back pain."

Taehyung's cheeks flared, unsure if that was a jab or a strangely protective gesture.

Jungkook was already halfway to the minibar.

"You're not sleeping on the floor," he added without looking back. "That would be insulting to my taste."

Taehyung could only nod silently and step further in, aware of how small the space suddenly felt.

...

Nightfall – The Storm Arrives

Rain started to fall around 9 PM. At first, it was gentle, barely a whisper against the windows. But it quickly became heavy, violent, a full monsoon crashing down on the glass panels.