Chapter Text
I embraced the darkness.
I had no choice, but to do so.
I was dealt a terrible hand.
And I walked down the only road available to me.
Some days… I do wonder.
There are whispers… that ask... that suggest….
Perhaps there’s another way.
Maybe one day.
When I have conviction.
When I have courage.
When I am free.
One day.
*
“Welcome, young master Taehyung.”
Taehyung grinned and opened up his arms, letting go of his carry-on luggage, enveloping Namjoon in a warm hug, before moving onto Jungkook, giving his hand a warm shake before laughing, the two of them clapping one another’s shoulders and engaging in a fierce embrace, before he stepped back to survey his friends’ faces.
“Long flight? You must be tired, especially after a whole day of events,” Namjoon commented, the carry-on luggage miraculously ending up in Jungkook’s hand.
“Yeah, scheduling sucks when you don’t have a proper head of a secretarial team,” Taehyung said, exhaling and shaking his head, smiling at Namjoon with teasing in his eyes.
“And that is whose fault?” Namjoon scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest and shaking his head, before letting go of the pretend facade of being angry, reaching out to clap Taehyung’s arm, “I do apologise for the messy transition. That is solely on me, and I’m to blame.”
“Don’t be silly, Namjoon. Amidst the transfer, the move - it’s no wonder that things happened the way they did,” he scrubbed a hand through his thick dark curly hair, before stretching, eyes flicking around to see some people throwing curious glances over at them, a few whispers, drawing some attention to their person, no doubt because Taehyung had two security details hovering close by, but also because they could sense that an outsider was in their midst.
Impressive, even if this was a big city, Taehyung mused.
“Well, Namjoon has more than made up for it,” Jungkook chipped in, eyes dancing as he regarded Taehyung, “You know of all the preparations for your move here, signing all the housing documents, agreeing to the schedules and proposed people you’d be meeting up with, young master Kim,” the younger man teased, “And your new personal assistant.”
Taehyung let out a small laugh, and rounded up on Namjoon, teasing, once more, as he grabbed the older man’s arm, saying in faux accusation, “Did you really pick him because he suited my purposes? My interests? Or because he suited yours?”
“I can’t deny that I was incredibly taken by him,” Namjoon admitted immediately, not even attempting to disguise the inherent bias he would have possessed during recruitment, shrugging his shoulders, “He is… very different from others I’ve met. But - he does have an incredible CV. He’s done some interesting work for other companies. And the six months he was given to help prepare for your arrival, including the three months of probation - it really impressed me. A strange fellow. Not one that I can read or put my finger on, but, I think you’ll like him, Taehyung.”
“We’ll see when I meet him, and we begin working together,” Taehyung said, “I’m going to have to be very honest with you Namjoon - there’s a high chance that you might have to let him go - no matter how pretty he is.”
Namjoon gestured towards the entrance of the airport, motioning for the entourage to make a move, “I am fully prepared to do anything you ask me to, young master Taehyung.”
“Enough with the sarcasm,” Taehyung laughed, the trio beginning to walk and make their way across the pristine tiles of the airport, lights reflecting off the gleaming surface, their shoes clicking as they strode past the crowds of people, who naturally made way for them, able to hear a few words being murmured, speculation on who they were, “I suppose I’ll be living with him from tonight?”
“That is correct,” Jungkook said, keeping his grasp firm on Taehyung’s carry-on though the young heir tried to wrest it from him, “And I can vouch for Namjoon. In fact, I can vouch for him personally. I worked very closely with him over the last six months, and well, I don’t think you’ll get anyone better than him in his field. But also in terms of personality. I agree with Namjoon. I think you’ll like him very much, Taehyung. And that you’ll get along with him well.”
“Well, that changes things a little,” Taehyung said, a small smile pulling at his lips, as he regarded Jungkook, “Tell me now, honestly - are the two of you involved with him currently?”
“Things are strictly platonic and professional, Taehyung, I assure you,” Namjoon said, huffing a little, casting Taehyung a side glance behind his glasses, “Why the accusations, Taehyung? We have never had liaisons with any of your secretarial staff, ever.”
He arched a brow, meeting Namjoon’s eyes, “You know why I ask. You sent me his CV, his personal details, everything. Again - not that I’m saying you can’t be involved with work staff - your colleagues - but from his photos - he is exceedingly good looking. And so are the two of you. I just won’t be surprised if one of you had … intentions. Especially if working with him over the past six months meant you grew closer,” this time he shot Jungkook a look, “I just want to know.”
“No. I never approached him,” Jungkook shook his head, looking at Namjoon, as they headed into an elevator, Namjoon pressing the basement button, the entire entourage, including Taehyung’s bodyguards now enclosed in the wide space, heading down from the brightly lit airport into the dim underground, “I can’t speak for Namjoon but… as friendly and open as he is, there’s something about him,” he quickly hurried to continue, “Not that it’s bad, but - it’s almost like there’s a - barrier? Of sorts up. That you can’t cross. And I respect that.”
“Barrier, huh?” Taehyung echoed, turning the observation over in his mind.
“I … agree, Jungkook. I’m surprised that - we share the same sentiments,” Namjoon said, speaking a little slower, glancing over at Jungkook, the two clearly never having had a discussion about Taehyung’s new personal assistant, at least, not in this manner, “I suppose that’s what I meant about not really being able to put a finger on him. He’s polite, friendly, open, and well-mannered, sometimes very funny - but - there’s a sense that he’s not quite sharing everything with you. Again, not a bad thing. You know, with Hoseok and Yoongi, just to use them as examples. You can talk of their traits and get a good grasp of their personalities. Not quite with this fellow.”
“Or - you just know Hoseok and Yoongi so well that you’re able to identify them and their nuanced personalities,” Taehyung pointed out, casting a smile at Namjoon’s direction as they walked through the darkened basement, both his friends leading the way, “That, and the fact that they’re almost polar opposites in outward persona makes for an easy comparison and assessment,” his smile widened, “Or maybe he’s just like me. That you can’t quite predict me, or read me.”
“Touche,” Namjoon chuckled, slowing his steps, turning fully, to face Taehyung, eyes glimmering with anticipation, “In any case, you’ll be able to make your own initial assessment soon.”
“How so?”
“He’s here,” Jungkook said, gesturing towards the black, sleek SUV they were approaching, headlights on and on standby.
Taehyung stalled in his footsteps, everyone stopping along with the young heir, “I thought he would be waiting at the penthouse?”
“We discussed this, and agreed that maybe it was best to get introductions over and done with,” Namjoon said, smiling, eyes flicking to the car, head jerking in that direction, “And he agreed. He was more than happy to be able to greet you from your long journey here, and to welcome you.”
“You should’ve told me,” Taehyung muttered, slowly beginning to walk again, feeling the air of relaxation shed a little from his shoulders, replaced by some apprehension.
“We did wonder if the introduction should be delayed at the penthouse - but - you will be living with him after all,” Jungkook said, Taehyung unsure if the young man was being a little playful, knowing his personality, “But I’ll be staying in the first week or so - longer if you wish - to make sure that you’re fully comfortable with him. And well, just in case he turns out to be a psychopath or sorts,” he shrugged his shoulders as he casually said so, Taehyung laughing inwardly as he saw his bodyguards stiffen slightly at the suggestion, “I’ll be there to protect you, no worries.”
The young and impish smile that crossed Jungkook’s face made Taehyung relax, drop his guard and unease at meeting a stranger, reminding himself that he was among friends and close co-workers, people who were moving all the way across the world to help him and to be with him, flashing a grin at Jungkook, “I think I’ll be fine, thank you very much. After all, he’s human.”
“And he’ll help a great deal in building confidence, simply by being by your side,” Namjoon shared, dropping his voice a little as they drew closer to the SUV, “But all jokes aside, Taehyung, we all support you. We wouldn’t be here otherwise. And we wouldn’t have intentions to jeopardise what’s at stake - by choosing a pretty face with no substance.”
“I’d make a joke about how a pretty face could still help Taehyung - but I won’t get into that,” Jungkook said.
“You already brought it up, so you should get into it anyway,” Taehyung remarked, all three of them laughing a little, stopping at the doors of the SUV.
“Everything will be fine,” Namjoon said, a warm hand on Taehyung’s shoulder, repeating, “Everything will be alright. We cross-checked his references. Jungkook, mostly.”
“If I don’t like him or his work, then he’s out, Namjoon,” Taehyung issued the final ultimatum, as Jungkook’s hand curled over the door handle of the SUV.
“Of course, Taehyung,” Namjoon patted his shoulder, only a hint of amusement present around the corner of his lips, face mostly genuine and kind, “But for now, let’s meet him.”
With that, Jungkook slid the doors open, before turning to hand the carry-on luggage to the bodyguards, who were in full swing, accepting the luggage before moving to the back to load up the rest of Taehyung’s belongings, the driver stepping out of the car to assist, Taehyung climbing into the large, roomy car, followed by Namjoon and Jungkook.
The human was sat across him, Taehyung not able to observe completely until he was settled and sat down, only aware of someone else’s presence in the SUV, taking his time to get settled before he fully acquainted himself with the person who was to be his guide, his personal assistant in both his personal and work life, and a live-in house partner over the next year, or more.
Once he was sitting upright and his autumn jacket was removed and folded by his side, Taehyung laid his eyes on the man, but he was already bowing.
“Taehyung ssi, it is a great honour to finally meet you in person. Welcome to Sol.”
Taehyung smiled, hearing the soft voice he was familiar with, having had conversations with this person, heart set a little at ease, responding, “It’s good to finally meet you too…”
And his voice died away.
He raised his face, rose from where he bowed, at Taehyung knew, no matter what, no matter if he lived his life for the next hundred years.
He would never forget the sight.
Light filtering in from the basement cast shadows in the car, and fell on the stranger in contrasting dark and light, dressed in all black, as they were, but Taehyung could still see his face, his features even in the dark that half his face and body was shrouded in.
It was a fleeting, perhaps even discriminatory thought, but Taehyung wondered if the person before him was even human, and wondered, if he could perhaps be like them.
Because he was beautiful.
Almost inhumanly so.
The darkness on one half of his face only served to highlight his fair, alabaster skin, perfect and pristine, eyes that were cast downwards, demurely so, deferring himself to Taehyung as his superior, and yet, had caught sight of how wide and doe-eyed they were, perfectly almond-shaped, and in the shadows, prettily elongated, as though he wore eyeshadow.
A regal and elegant aquiline nose with a rounded tip that prevented the overall look from looking too sharp and too overbearing, softening his features ever more, and helped with the perfect placement of full and plump lips, that, in the dark, looked a shade like deep, natural purple and red, fascinated with the grooves and the outline of them, tempting anyone to reach out and to touch and feel just how soft they promised to be.
And then a clean and pretty line of fair neck, before it disappeared under the loose collar of the black shirt draped loosely over his body, wide broad shoulders, that indicated he was perhaps larger than Taehyung, and maybe even taller.
His beauty reminded Taehyung of moonlight in the coldest and quietest of winters.
He didn’t realise that silence had stretched out unnaturally so, prompting a small cough from Jungkook, who sat next to him, and a prompt from the beautiful stranger opposite him, in the form of a side head tilt.
Taehyung cleared his throat, trying his best not to shoot darting glares at Namjoon and Jungkook, both of them who were, no doubt, snickering at him at this very moment, Namjoon wearing a look on his face that clearly stated, “Told you so.”
The picture had done no justice to the man in the flesh, and was he to blame?
He now doubted that Namjoon and Jungkook had not chosen to approach the stranger with intentions to court him.
And now realised why Namjoon and Jungkook had hinted that Taehyung would do so.
Had joked that perhaps just a pretty face would help him - even if he was useless at work.
Time had healed just enough for them to be able to speak of such prospects with ease.
But - for a fleeting moment - in the shadow of the man before him was the memory of a man who was once before.
He pushed it away, and reoriented himself to the present.
“Jin ssi. Your name, right? Kim Seokjin ssi,” Taehyung finally continued after the awkward pause, wondering just how obvious it was that he had been drinking in the physicality of the human before him, gawping openly, though the personal assistant only looked calm and composed, no smirk playing around the corner of his lips, only genuinely concerned at the lack of response, his beautiful eyes clear, but at the same time betraying nothing.
“Yes, that is my name,” Seokjin answered softly, bowing again, polite and humble, “Did you have a good flight here, Taehyung ssi? From the few conversations we managed to have, given your busy schedule, you mentioned you didn’t like being called sajangnim. I hope Taehyung ssi is alright with you, though I am happy to revert.”
“Taehyung ssi is fine,” he answered softly, leaning back in his seat, feeling the SUV begin to pull out of the parking lot, and begin making its way out of the airport, “Can I call you Jin ssi? I know that you’re older than myself. Would you be comfortable with that?”
“You can even call me Jin,” Seokjin said, giving him a quick, small smile, doing a similar quick pull within his chest, letting his eyes stay fastened on the newcomer, justified by the fact that they were engaged in conversation at the moment, getting acquainted, “I really do hope that you’ll find my services satisfactory, and that you were happy with all my work over the past nine months. I’ve tried all that I can to put in place the foundation of the work that you intend to carry out during your stay here,” he paused, nodding a little, eyes meeting Taehyung’s, “I admire your vision, and your intentions. It’s… noble, what you’re doing.”
“Thank you,” Taehyung decided to accept graciously, rubbing a hand over his lips, still trying to gauge the pretty thing before him, as they made their way through the darkened streets, the moon hidden from sight on this night, rain beginning to fall on the asphalt, “We’ve managed to live in harmony, our kind, for how many centuries now, after what we know has been a history mired in grief and suffering. And the work that’s been done to accelerate our co-existence - I don’t want to spit on that. Especially not on my grandfather’s legacy, who was such an important part of that effort. Though, I’m sure I’ve earned a few enemies. And many critics, who believe that all this is simply to reap financial benefits once cooperation with humans are profitable.”
“No doubt,” Seokjin murmured, lids lowering again, hands relaxed and lying atop of the other on his lap, Taehyung wondering why it was that each time the human did so, it looked like he was inviting a kiss, “But sometimes critics make the best motivators, and regardless of what those naysayers propagate, the results of what you’re doing will prove them wrong.”
“Well,” Taehyung said, huffing a little in amusement, “I don’t think I’ve met anyone so zealous, other than Yoongi, on what my grandfather’s company set out to do, and has been doing, over the past century or so.”
“Because it’s something that has helped normalise relations between humans and Lunaris,” Seokjin said simply, a oft-quoted tagline, everywhere, in advertisements, in dramas, movies, politician’s speeches, “And that’s the reality. The fact that we’re able to sit in a car together. That humans live with no fear, side-by-side with Lunaris, because of the groundbreaking research that your grandfather carried out. And that you, Taehyung ssi, wish to pioneer ahead, as the CEO of Genus to build on the trust built between races. I genuinely mean it when I said it is a great honour to meet you, and to be working with you.”
Praise and compliments, Taehyung was usually used to it all, especially given his work and the legacy he hoped would be a fraction worthy of his grandfather’s.
But coming from Seokjin, there was something deeper, and his comments carried with it not only a recognition of the great things his grandfather and the company was trying to do, but also a sincere understanding of the gravity of history, and of strife, that had existed once, long ago.
“And I’m honoured to be working with you,” Taehyung returned, removing his hand from his mouth, to smile at Seokjin, clasping his hands together, but staying relaxed and leaning against the car seat, “It takes someone extraordinary to step up, even if goodwill is recognised, even if humans have no reason to be overtly cowed by Lunaris - for you to go above and beyond and to accommodate and offer to work with me, with my team, in a city and a land that is largely occupied by humans - I have to give my thanks.”
“That is my pleasure, and not of my doing in the slightest. I believe that it’s more of a show of humankind’s wish to breach the gaps and create an even tighter bond with Lunaris,” Seokjin said, quick to answer, already giving Taehyung an insight into his wit and intelligence, the diplomacy and eloquence with which he was able to craft his words, that Namjoon and Jungkook had spoken of so highly, “And your presence here, your aim, to embark of opportunities of brokering more deals with human-owned businesses and enterprises, to help in investments and to demonstrate partnership was more than enough to get potential clients lining up to meet you.”
“Indeed, opportunities here are ripe, for our angel investor over here,” Namjoon finally spoke up, clearly satisfied and reading into the positive back-and-forth, calculated as it had been, on Taehyung’s part, “We’ve already lined up some potential small and medium enterprises that have great capacity for development, and who are on board with receiving investment from Taehyung. You’ve seen the reports and the paperwork, you’ll only need to sign off on those, though,” he gave Taehyung a knowing smile, “I know you’d like to meet these entrepreneurs in person.”
“That was my grandfather’s way, and even if we have exploded into a conglomerate, I’d still like to keep that personal touch as far as I can,” Taehyung said firmly.
“You’ll be very busy then,” Jungkook said, a smile playing around his lips, as they were moving fast and quick down the highway, “There are more than ten businesses that you’re going to have to pay visits to. And those are the low-hanging fruit that we’ve prepared.”
“The real reason why you’re here is to negotiate terms and conditions of business partners and joint ventures with, uh, bigger firms,” Namjoon pointed out, reminded, “Of course, the bulk of the work will be handled by your teams that have been, as Seokjin said, doing all the groundwork and building foundations. But you’re going to have to read all the paperwork I give you. And you’re going to have to discern whether or not you agree with the trajectory of our business strategy.”
“And your favourite part, and the part you do best, which is arguably the most important - wining and dining and getting the trust off these possible partners,” Jungkook said, wearing a full-on grin now, “And meetings and meetings and towing the company line.”
“Which, I’m more than happy to do since I, like Jin here, believe firmly in my grandfather’s principles,” Taehyung said, but sighed, laughing as he looked at Namjoon, “But I must say, Namjoon. You really do enjoy working me like a horse. Is this to fulfil some sort of vengeance to your CEO?”
“I do what I must to keep the company’s engines oiled and constantly working,” Namjoon deadpanned, “And as you are the face of this company, I endeavour to do whatever I can to ensure that you carry it forward. Even if it means working you like a horse.”
“And Jin will help with making sure that the horse will be protected, watered, fed, and at top, peak condition every time, and rein in the taskmaster,” Jungkook jumped in, Taehyung turning, to see the young man give a warm and friendly smile to Seokjin, quickly turning to see Seokjin give what was the warmest smile of the day, not a big smile, but one that certainly did reach his eyes, softening his features even more.
Taehyung guessed that Seokjin’s skin and his lips would feel like rich, soft velvet, almost able to feel it by simply looking at it.
And he was surprised to feel what was old, familiar feelings of envy stir up in his chest.
Envy that Jungkook and Namjoon had spent and earned familiarity with the human before him.
The thought crossed his mind like a ghost, thin, transparent, before dissipating into thin air.
How long since Choi Jae-ha?
Decades, Taehyung thought a little bitterly, the small sting in his heart a reminder of what used to be, of what was, even if dust had returned to dust, and he turned his head to look out at the cityscape, in a bid to dwell for a few seconds on that thought, and to hide them from his closest peers.
Seokjin spoke up, reading something else into Taehyung’s movement, for which he was grateful for, even if the human’s presence and physicality was to blame for dredging up an unwelcome past that had been beautiful as it was terrible.
“We’re passing the central business district, as is evident from the skyscrapers and glitzy buildings,” Seokjin began to explain, taking on his role perfectly as his human compass and guide, “I would say that the view is beautiful in the morning with the sunlight reflecting off all the glass, but… rest assured that it’s just as beautiful in the night, as you see it now. We’ll be coming here quite a bit, as you can imagine, Taehyung ssi, given that most of the interested business partners have their offices based here.”
At Seokjin’s delicate candid statement, Taehyung couldn’t help but smile, the moment passing, as if often did in the recent decades, turning back to face the pretty human, relaxing and telling himself to simply enjoy the aesthetic beauty the human would offer, an ornament of sorts, “I would expect that a city built for humans would naturally build their structures to maximise architectural perfection during the day, for all eyes would rest on these places in the sunlight. And to call a city Sol, well, it has to live up to its name doesn’t it?”
“You understand everything well, Taehyung ssi,” Seokjin said, the ghost of a smile on his face, so pale, each time light brightened and illuminated his face as they passed street lamps, “But the penthouse we procured for you … we made sure that you’d have darkened and thick shades all throughout the apartment. I understand that you work long, long hours, into the day time. And your protection was of utmost priority, naturally.”
“Aesthetics being a close second,” Jungkook added, smiling at Seokjin again, Taehyung feeling the small stab, again, as he watched the interplay between the two, “We made sure that it was to your taste. I think it was the most guidance we had to give to Jin here, wasn’t it Namjoon?”
“Absolutely. With everything else, Jin worked like a charm, and needed little assistance after we gave instructions, but the interior decor of the penthouse, knowing how picky you can be, was designed to your taste, with a lot of input from myself, Jungkook, and Yoongi and Hoseok,” Namjoon informed, smiling.
“I’m touched,” Taehyung said lightly, letting himself smile, shifting a little where he sat, “I would’ve opted for a basement floor, but, I was worried about you, Jin. You’d be working for me, day in, day out, and all night. I know humans need sunlight. Lots of it, so as to not go crazy, quite literally. I hope you have a room for yourself where you can enjoy whatever time you have of day, knowing that you’ll be having a reverse schedule compared to others.”
“It’s of no issue to me,” Seokjin said, bowing a little, “I’m prepared to work according to your hours, and have spent the last six months acclimating myself to the times that Lunaris work to. It’s uncommon here in Sol, since we are all humans, but certainly not something strange, even with the lack of ties that this city has with Lunaris and Lunaris’ businesses.”
“Are you a native of Sol, Jin?” Taehyung inquired, rubbing his fingers together, tilting his head slightly, unable to recall the specifics of Seokjin’s CV.
“Another reason why we chose Jin is precisely because of his upbringing,” Namjoon pointed out, Taehyung knowing that the older man was gently and indirectly berating him for presumably not reading the details on the CV, giving him a look to say otherwise, “Jin moved around for most of his life, since his family worked closely with Lunaris, before settling here in Sol over the past two years.”
“Oh? So you’re new to this city too, then. Two years is a mere blink of an eye, after all,” Taehyung said, a little surprised, “I would’ve thought you were from these parts, if not from the main city itself.”
“Jin was born in Umbra,” Jungkook stated, looking at Seokjin, encouraging, “Isn’t that right, Jin.”
“Yes, you’re right, Jungkook ssi.”
Taehyung sat up straight, and frowned a little, addressing Namjoon.
“I would’ve remembered Umbra if it was in the CV,” he said, linking his fingers together, this time looking at Seokjin with renewed interest, drinking in the information and overlaying it on the pretty human, dimensions now slowly being added to his person, “Umbra… rare to see a human from Umbra, and I say that with no offence intended. It’s just that… even with all of us here, we are Lunaris descended from mixed cities. Even myself,” Taehyung emphasised, tightening his linked hands, “It’s a sad reality, but, as we all know, even though these so-called ‘pure’ spaces exist, those ‘pure’ Lunaris spaces tend to be a lot more … traditional, if that’s the right word, compared to ‘pure’ human spaces.”
“Traditional is a strong euphemism, Taehyung,” Namjoon said dryly, letting out a chuckle, before turning to look at Seokjin ruefully, “You would know, of course, Jin. After all, you had first hand experience living in Umbra.”
“Maybe much more acquainted with the culture and ways of Lunaris than all three of us here,” Jungkook laughed ironically, “Even moreso that Taehyung.”
“Well. I wouldn’t say that,” Seokjin murmured, modest and quiet, Taehyung wondering what his true thoughts were, the well of intrigue, to him at the present, possessing an infinite depth of unknown, “It would be much too presumptuous to say so. Claim so. But, yes, technically, I was born outside of Umbra, in a satellite town, in a human-owned hospital. So that’s why I’m registered otherwise, my birthplace, that is. I grew up in Umbra though.”
“Really, no offence. But it’s just… if you had said Arctus or Tenebra, I would’ve been less surprised, I know many humans from those regions, but Umbra. It’s… it’s very close to…”
“To Noctis,” Seokjin finished for Taehyung, again, the slight smile present on his lips, but not quite the smile he gave Jungkook earlier, “I know.”
“But from what I understand, the laws apply in Umbra too, right?” Jungkook mulled, “That’s what you told us before, anyway.”
“Yes,” Seokjin said, nodding, “And - well. That’s why we really have Taehyung’s grandfather to thank. Coming up with the most innovative idea, to help bridge the fear between humans and Lunaris - by sacrificing the appetite of the Lunaris, sating it with the production of pills that would give sustenance to them in addition to food and produce consumed by humans - allowing for Lunaris to break down nutrients the same way as humans. It’s revolutionary. It changed the fabric of how our societies worked.”
“Mm. There’s not too much written on the history of Lunaris, but we do know that most of us originated, dozens of millennia ago, from the ancient city of Noctis,” Namjoon recited, as learned as he was in the ways of business as in other fields, demonstrating his widespread reading, “From Jin’s own experience, it seems like Umbra isn’t as hostile to humans as we make it out to be. I know Genus’ pills are dispensed to Lunaris in Umbra, but we don’t have a brick and mortar branch there per se. They’re still quite isolated from the rest of the world, and if I’m correct, then they lack the same sorts of ties with even Lunaris majority regions. Impenetrable, almost.”
“Yes,” Seokjin nodded, rubbing his hands on his thighs, moving for the first time that night, in that manner, looking up at Namjoon, and Jungkook, and finally at Taehyung, “Namjoon ssi asked me if it was true. If the rumours that there were Lunaris still living within the ancient walls of Noctis.”
He broke into a full smile, beautiful lips parting to reveal perfect teeth, adorable, as his eyes crinkled into crescents and ends of his lips were buried into his cheeks, the sensuality parting with that smile to give way to a show of what Taehyung could only describe as purity, as innocence.
His ghost threatened to surface, and his heart ached at that.
“But no. I - I’ve never been to Noctis, I must admit, well, no one has, but - to scale those walls, across the ruined and desolate plains that run for miles on end… we only have drawings and depictions of Noctis. I know there are old stories of Lunaris that refused to integrate with the world, many millennia ago - but - no. No one has ever claimed to be from Noctis, and no one has ever been there. It’s simply… too difficult. Even for Lunaris themselves. There are those that have tried, and alas, failed, authorities would not dare to attempt a search on those plains and so people who venture out do so at risk of their own lives… and the thick, perennial fog that lingers there, modern instruments fail,” Seokjin shook his head as he gave the three an idea of the scale of those lands, “I’m afraid Noctis remains untouched. Maybe one day.”
“Fascinating,” Taehyung said, thinking of the only painting he had ever seen of Noctis, on a crinkled, ancient manuscript his parents owned, handed down through generations, “Jimin, a friend of ours, hopefully you’ll get to meet him sometime, he’s the only one we know who’s been to Umbra. And even then, it was for a short research trip. But it sounds like something you would be interested in, Namjoon. An excavation. An exploration. Into the ruins of time, and of our ancient lineage.”
Namjoon laughed, and nodded his head, turning to face Seokjin, “Absolutely. Though, I’m hopeless with technology and innovation on that part. So I would probably perish during the initial leg towards Noctis.”
Seokjin and Jungkook laughed at that, Taehyung keeping his eyes on the ever intriguing human before him, though, he betrayed nothing.
A human from Umbra.
It was a first.
And likely the last.
“We’re here,” Seokjin announced suddenly after the short lull in conversation, the SUV beginning to slow, as it pulled up into a beautiful, towering skyscraper, momentarily stopped by security, before identification was procured, the staff in front of the high-end apartment, who were evidently on standby for Taehyung’s arrival, moving into action, and ushering the SUV and accompanying vehicles down into the basement, where the flurry of activity began, halting all small talk.
With great efficiency, all his luggage was hauled out, and as some staff were busy doing so, bodyguards had a quick chat with security, before they turned their attentions to Taehyung, and gestured for the four of them to move towards an elevator, the manager of the apartment introducing himself as such, before quickly taking out the keys to activate the elevator, the entire entourage moving up the building in silence.
Amidst all the activity, that would’ve flustered and thrown Taehyung off-balance if he wasn’t already used to such hustle and bustle surrounding him all his life, he managed to turn to Seokjin and the manager after the doors to his penthouse were unlocked, on the highest floor of the building, the 77th, cutting the manager off in mid-sentence, as lights flooded the room.
“- and rest assured that we’ve put all security in place, twenty-four seven for yourself, Taehyung ssi, and - oh, yes of course, please feel free to sweep the room again - yes - though I assure you that there are no secret recordings or cameras or devices - we’d checked three times prior and locked this place up each time after Seokjin ssi came here. And yes, even if this is technically the 77th floor, the penthouse occupies two floors - a clever and genius design of one of our greatest architects, Bong Jae Moon, really, and you can only access the lower floors though this main door here - so no need to worry about infiltration downstairs - “
“Jin.”
Silence immediately fell, save for the entrance of bodyguards ushering in staff to move Taehyung’s luggage inside, quiet even then, only some grunts and wordless directions given to them, leaving as soon as their duties were carried out, security personnel hovering outside, as the bodyguards immediately began setting about, sweeping the apartment with great meticulousness, checking for discrete devices that potentially were planted in the apartment.
“Yes?” The human turned, and once exposed in the lights, standing there before him, Taehyung found that he was indeed, almost perfection, exceeding even the greatest beauties of Lunaris, indeed, tall, but much more slender than Taehyung initially assumed, the breadth of his shoulders misleading, the oversized shirt indicating that within the fabrics, his shape was much slimmer, standing at his height exactly, give or take one or two centimetres.
“You are well acquainted with this place, no?”
“I am, indeed. Like I said in the car, we all went to great lengths to procure this place, and furnish it to your liking. The manager is correct, the two floors was one of the dealbreakers, ensuring you a lot of space. Carving out public and private spaces, work and leisure spaces, should you wish to do so.”
Seokjin’s soft and calm voice was so much more welcome than the harried and nervous tone of the manager’s.
“Then, thank you very much, manager-him,” Taehyung said, polite as he bowed, but firm and authoritative enough, “You may retire for the night, as it is, I am aware, exceedingly late for humans, and I will have my people see to the rest of my needs. I’m greatly tired by the flight, and the journey. I’m sure we have much time over the next year or so to acquaint ourselves comfortably.”
The manager bowed hurriedly in deference to Taehyung’s wishes, removing a key from the ring of keys in his hand, deft, passing it to Seokjin, who accepted, “Of course Taehyung ssi. Please do excuse my ignorance of your exhaustion, and please, I hope the apartment will allow you to rest well and recuperate. Anything you wish, anything at all, Seokjin ssi knows my number. We are at your service, so long as you reside here.”
“Thank you.”
With that, the manager and his peripheral staff left, bowing once, twice, deeply, before they shut the door and scurried away, the bodyguards completely blanking out the conversation, dogged with their occupation of finding hidden cameras or microphones, as Namjoon, Jungkook, Seokjin and Taehyung remained.
“Namjoon hyung, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. I know Jungkook will remain here for the next two weeks, while I settle.”
“The night is young, Taehyung,” Namjoon said, laughing, “And most of us live in the buildings surrounding this apartment, for your convenience, as well as ours, so - if you don’t mind - I’ll enjoy the house tour. Then I’ll get out of your hair.”
“Of course,” Taehyung said, relaxing, now that it was just them again, beckoning to Seokjin, “You don’t mind showing me around, do you? Let’s pretend we’re on a little house viewing, and you’re the estate agent.”
“I felt like one when we went through a slew of apartments,” Seokjin said, a little teasing in his tone, making Taehyung smile wider, “Here we stand, in the entrance that opens up right away to an open concept living and dining room, with a fireplace for the winter, bona fide, mind you, with some of the paintings you sent in advance hung up, of course,” Seokjin smiled with a sweep of his arms, “Like you instructed, the portrait of your grandfather in the middle, here, with the best placement above the fireplace.”
Taehyung smiled as he looked up at the painting of his grandfather, depicting a man who looked very much like him, except dressed in olden clothes, and looking very grave and somber, nodding his approval.
“We selected lovely cool earthen tones and the best blackened oak tables and counters to match the sleek and modern concept up here - which is for entertaining guests. It opens out to a large patio - where you or your guests can enjoy the night view while drinking a cocktail or two. But before that, what do you think so far, Taehyung ssi?”
“I like it. It’s good for entertaining, as you’ve said,” Taehyung said, surveying the area, bodyguards disappearing down the open partitions, continuing to scan every inch, “And it looks exactly like in the pictures I’ve approved. If anything, I’ll like the downstairs even more.”
“So you’re okay with the top floor being the entertainment area - and the bottom being your private space - of course - divided into your offices and your chambers,” Seokjin asked, as he stepped forward, pulling the thick and heavy drapes open, revealing not windows, but equally thick and heavy shades, designed to block out the brightest of sunlight, revealing glass doors, stepping out to a sleek balcony, easily able to hold around twenty bodies with ample space, “The view is divine, the best in Sol, high up here. And just in case someone wants a death wish to scale this building to break into your apartment, there are motion sensors all around, and security cameras hooked up here - to ensure absolute safety.”
“Good to hear,” Taehyung said, smiling at Seokjin, who nodded and moved back inside, Jungkook and Namjoon following and keeping quiet, “I like very much, so far. Will your chambers be down with mine?”
Seokjin hesitated as he shut the doors once all the Lunaris were indoors, drawing the shades and then the curtains, “I haven’t quite decided yet. It’s up to you, Taehyung ssi. There is a spare bedroom up here, that I can use, if you don’t wish for me to be downstairs with you. Jungkook ssi’s things are in one of the guest bedrooms downstairs.”
“Well, if there’s more than one, then you’re to stay with me downstairs. I imagine it’d be easier. Unless there are no windows for your need of sunlight - would you rather stay up here then?”
“Perhaps it would be best,” Seokjin said, nodding and agreeing, Taehyung feeling a little disappointed at the answer, but saying nothing, respecting the human’s wishes, “Let’s continue.”
While listening intently to the explanations of all the furnishings and functions of each room on the top floor, that included three luxurious toilets and a games room, including a lush, indoor pool with skylights on the opposite end of the apartment, before they headed downstairs to his personal apartments, Taehyung also scrutinised Seokjin. The way with which he explained, the tenor and tempo of his voice, the movement of his gestures, all so controlled, so perfectly coordinated and elegant, charming the listener, practiced and professional, he wondered how Seokjin was, when unwound and relaxed.
Unravelled and revealed.
But the spectre turned when Seokjin turned, stopping those thoughts, after opening the door to the entrance of the second floor, informing Taehyung of the code to beep in, Namjoon, at some point in time, giving instructions to the bodyguards to temporarily halt their scanning upstairs, and to begin doing the second floor instead, and to bring down two of Taehyung’s suitcases for immediate use.
“It’s a bit more colourful down here, a little bit more … eclectic, shall we say. And instead of an open concept we have proper rooms and walls dividing up the living and dining room, and two kitchens, three guest bedrooms all ensuite, and of course, an office for your use, with a connecting one for myself, and for any other staff whom you wish to work from home with you, and the master bedroom,” Seokjin explained, as they hovered in the hallway, “There’s also a smaller room that has yet to be furnished - you can decide what you want to do with it. A store room, another bedroom, or a little panic room, meditation room. Let’s take you through the place, shall we?”
“I approve,” Taehyung finally said, after they rounding the dining room, the living room, exiting the kitchen space, “Really, I do. It feels like you guys put in as much thought into this as for the work for the company,” he joked.
“It wasn’t a lie when we said we spent a long time and a good amount, dressing this place up for you and making sure you like it,” Namjoon said, the group making cursory stops into the guest bedrooms, before stopping in front of the master bedroom, Seokjin pushing the door open, “After all, you’ll be staying here for at least a year. Might as well ensure that our sajangnim, and our friend is comfortable.”
“Yeah,” Taehyung said softly as he surveyed the bedroom revealed to his eyes, pleased with the decor, not quite identical to his bedroom back in the region of Sibis, but, similar in tone and taste, knowing that after unpacking, the room would feel even more comfortable to him, “No, I already feel at home. Thanks to you guys. Really.”
“Good to know,” Jungkook quipped, stretching and pushing his hands into his pockets, relaxing, “Quite a joint you have here, Taehyung.”
“You’ll be staying for two weeks, right? Otherwise, where do you live?”
“Same apartment as Namjoon,” Jungkook said, “We’re practically roomies. Come over sometime, once you’re settled. But yeah. I’ll be here helping you settle in. Staying with Jin here. Showing you he’s a safe and trustworthy person. Also saves time cause I can just roll out of bed and walk over to the office for work. Convenient.”
“Of course,” Taehyung laughed, slapping Jungkook on the arm affectionately, “You? Who can probably sleep through a bombing or a raid? Convenient for who, exactly?”
“Hey, I’ll have you know that I can wake up on my own now,” Jungkook said, defensive, while Namjoon shook his head and smiled, Taehyung’s eyes flitting to Seokjin, to catch the human hiding laughter behind his hand, obviously in on the joke, and acquainted with Jungkook’s sleeping habits.
“Let’s get Taehyung sajangnim’s suitcases in first, before you continue with the checks, hey?” Namjoon called out to the bodyguards, who nodded, moving from where they were in the master bedroom, turning off the devices to scuttle out and collect the suitcases left in the entrance of the second floor.
Slight fatigue hit Taehyung, and he rubbed his eyes, and tried to stifle a yawn, but of course, did not go unnoticed by the three pairs of keen eyes.
“I think that’s our cue,” Jungkook commented.
“Yeah, starting to feel a little tired,” Taehyung confessed, sighing a little, “Plus, I feel like I really need a shower. Grimy and probably smelling like airplane.”
“Before you turn in,” Seokjin murmured, as two suitcases were wheeled into Taehyung’s bedroom by the bodyguards, who had scanned Taehyung’s private and personal chambers in advance, “This is for your reading, if you have the energy for the rest of the night.”
“Oh?”
“Profiles of all the companies, the CEOs, COOs, CFOs, planned and calculated investments, projected and estimated profits over the next few years, simulated scenarios with different variations and scales of economic downturns and fallouts and expected resilience, all for your information. It’s been sent to you prior, but we have it collated here again, just in case,” Seokjin said quietly, passing him a tablet.
Taehyung glanced over at Jungkook and Namjoon, who were clearly enjoying the exchange.
“To temper the man who would work me like a horse?” Taehyung jested, laughing as he accepted the tablet, “I feel like my personal assistant will do exactly the opposite. You want me to rest, or you want me to work?”
“Have a good rest, Taehyung ssi,” Seokjin bowed, eliciting a chuckle from Jungkook.
“Don’t think of it too much, Taehyung. Jin is just covering all bases. Isn’t it great how efficient he is?”
“Indeed.”
“We’ll leave you to it, Taehyung. Only a few more hours ‘till sunrise. Don’t stay up too late. You’ll need all the rest you can get, now, before work hits you like a ton of bricks.”
“Yes, please rest. I’ll need to head back myself, before the sun rises. Catch some shuteye and get here right after sunset, for our first meeting.”
“I will,” Taehyung assured, pausing, to smile at the two, “Thank you for helping me settle here, and as always, for your efforts, Jungkook. Jin, I look forward to working with you, and getting to know you. Let’s take care of each other.”
“I’ll take care of you, Taehyung ssi,” Seokjin said, bowing again, before rising, and smiling.
“Welcome to Sol.”