Chains of Command// TK// ONGOING

The Edge of Control

Morning – Jeon Enterprise, 33rd Floor

Taehyung arrived a few minutes early, like always. The elevator dinged softly as it opened to the executive floor. With a small breath, he stepped out, smoothing his beige shirt as he made his way past the pristine glass walls that still felt too sharp, too expensive for someone like him.

He greeted the receptionist politely and then headed to the executive suite. But before he could enter, he noticed a group of employees gathered near the coffee station down the hall. They weren't from his department—likely marketing or media—but they smiled when they saw him.

"Hey! You're the CEO's new assistant, right?" one of the men asked.

Taehyung hesitated a bit, then nodded with a polite smile. "Yes. Kim Taehyung."

"I've seen you up here a few times," another said. "Didn't think anyone lasted this long under Mr. Jeon."

A few of them chuckled.

"He's... a demanding boss," Taehyung admitted with an awkward laugh.

From behind the group, a woman with curled auburn hair and a sleek bodycon dress looked him up and down. She was tall, confident, and her name tag read "Yuna – PR Strategy Lead."

Her voice was honey-sweet but sharp. "It's impressive that you've survived. Most assistants are usually gone within a week. Guess you've got something special, hmm?"

Taehyung blinked. "I-I just try to do my job well."

"Of course," Yuna said, eyes narrowed. "Or maybe Mr. Jeon prefers certain types of... loyalty."

The implication hung heavy in the air.

Taehyung felt his throat tighten. He didn't know how to respond, so he just smiled nervously and excused himself, walking quickly back to his desk. He wasn't naive—he knew how people talked. Still, it stung.

And what hurt more was the fear that there might be a sliver of truth buried in their whispers.

...

Late Morning – CEO Office

Jungkook entered the office sharply at 10:00 a.m., his expression unreadable as usual. He didn't speak much, just dropped his phone and blazer on the desk, then handed Taehyung a folder without eye contact.

It was cold. Professional. Distant.

But Taehyung sensed the tension under his skin like heat under ice.

He quietly took the file and sat down at his desk outside the glass office, trying to focus on the day's schedule. But his thoughts kept circling back to Yuna's words.

Loyalty. Preference. Special.

Did everyone think he was... using something to stay in this position?

And more terrifyingly—was Jungkook thinking the same?

...

Lunch – Executive Cafeteria

It wasn't often that Taehyung ate in the executive cafeteria, but Beomgyu had messaged saying he'd be nearby and wanted to meet briefly.

They sat in a quiet corner as Beomgyu sipped iced coffee and gave him a concerned look.

"You look like you haven't slept in days."

Taehyung let out a quiet laugh. "Maybe because I haven't."

Beomgyu leaned in. "Is he being... that kind of boss again?"

Taehyung didn't answer right away.

"He's being cold now. After what happened... he acts like nothing changed."