angel.

Jeon Jungkook was not prepared for you. 

It began during one of the rotational brownouts happening in his neighborhood. With the staggering heat of the summer, the government had implemented rotational brownouts to keep the levels of electricity on normal. Hence, when the lights flickered in the ancestral house he inherited after his parents’ death, Jungkook didn’t think much of it. Then, when he looked outside, he saw that the other houses still had their lights on so he immediately concluded that there was something wrong. 

His hypothesis was proven to be correct when he hardly switched off the main switch before the line on the ceiling spluttered followed by instant darkness. Quickly putting on his boots, Jungkook drove on his motorcycle towards the electrical supply he passed by on the way to work. When he entered Jin’s Electrical Supply, the attraction was almost instant. 

In his thirty years of living, Jungkook had his fair share of meeting beautiful women. However, your beauty was something else. It was quiet—not the type that stood out among the crowd. But in the same breath, it was alluring that once you spotted it in the crowd, it was all you could think about. He still remembered what you wore on that hot April early evening—a white collared polo shirt, washed jeans, and white sneakers. 

He had been too stunned to speak that you had to ask him if he needed water due to the heat. It was only then that he collected himself and told you about his predicament. 

“You did the right thing by turning off the main switch,” you said in a professional tone that matched your serious expression. Jungkook found it extremely adorable. “You will need rubberized tape and a few fuses. I’ll go get them for you.” 

While you went to grab the items he needed, Jungkook placed his helmet on top of the glass countertop and decided to make a bit of conversation. He just felt an unfamiliar urge to know something about you—perhaps your name, but Jungkook didn’t want to come off as a creep. So, he settled with a safer question. 

“How long have you been working here?” 

You were coming down from the mini ladder after grabbing a box of fuse when you answered him. “I’ve been working here since I was twelve. Well, I guess the proper term at that age would be helping around. The owner is my uncle.” 

“Do you work here full time or do you have other jobs?” Jungkook asked as you opened the box and took a few fuses out. 

“I work here full time, sir,” you replied. Jungkook was caught off guard by your calling him “sir.” You seemed to be amused by his reaction and you followed it up with another remark that made him feel not-so-great. “I also attend the women’s university whenever I’m not working here.” 

Fuck, he thought to himself. He was a thirty-year-old man and here he was trying to get to know a college student. Probably the same age as his sister. 

“I see. That’s great,” Jungkook answered with an awkward laugh. 

You seemed to enjoy making him flustered, cheeks reddening with every second that passed by. “Do you know how to fix your problem, sir?” 

Jungkook didn’t know if he knew anything at that moment. He felt hot, not just from the heat but also from embarrassment. “I, uh, I, um, not really, no?” 

In hindsight, Jungkook did know how to fix his fuse. He learned many moons ago. 

“It’s rather simple. You just clean the wires, tape them individually, and make sure they never touch or meet, otherwise it will explode,” you explained, back to your professional tone. 

This made him calm down a little bit, able to pull a witty remark. “No touch, no fireworks. Got it.” 

You smiled, a genuine one this time, at his choice of metaphor. After writing him a receipt and telling him how much he owed, you handed him the piece of paper and paper bag. 

“Good luck with your electrical issue. If there’s anything you need, please stop by the store again,” you told him. 

Jungkook was about to thank you when an older gentleman with streaks of silver in his otherwise black hair came out of the backroom. He had told you to get ready to which you replied with a formal yes, addressing him as uncle as you bowed respectfully at him. In an instant, your rather light and even playful disposition were replaced with rigidness. 

“Thank you for your business, sir,” you said to him before following your uncle into the backroom. You didn’t look back. 

Jungkook left the store shortly afterwards. As he mounted his motorcycle, he looked at the receipt in his hand. He found it odd that your business still wrote receipts, but he didn’t mind one bit because on the signee, he learned your name. 

Kim Y/N.

━━ “I can never promise you tomorrow.” END

Like most people on the planet, the first you did when you woke up was to check your phone for any messages or calls. Jaeyun’s messages were the first that you saw followed by some emails from websites you’d long forgotten you signed up for and other spam emails. There were also a couple of notifications from your social media accounts, some from your YouTube channel from your old video essays. You had wanted to make a new one but you were preoccupied with uni and now, you were going to be even more busy. 

You sat on the softest bed you had ever slept on. You didn’t even know when you fell asleep but you knew you had never experienced a slumber like that in a long while. You decided to check on Jaeyun’s messages first. 

From: Jaeyun 

You still alive? I got home at 2 in the morning already lmao. Almost gave mom a heart attack. She says hi, by the way. Oh, and good morning!

You smiled as you imagined Mrs. Sim’s reaction to seeing her youngest son coming home. She always had big ones that made you laugh and smile. The Sims had always been the family you wished you had. You supposed they were your family but even though you had grown closer to them over the years, you were still a bit wary, not wanting to overstep or overstay your welcome. But one thing was for sure: they were more your family than your own blood. 

Hence, it was also the reason why, despite the obvious romantic feelings your best friend harbored for you, and sometimes, you thought felt the same way too, you always turned it down. Whenever Jaeyun would try to confess his feelings for you, you’d always steer the conversation away from it. The reason was simple: you didn’t want to lose him as your best friend, practically family, and you didn’t want to lose his family. 

After sending him a reply stating that you were still alive and that you said hi to his mother as well, you began your morning routine—shower, getting dressed, putting on light makeup, and then you left your room. As you were walking down the hall, a figure emerged from one of the rooms, startling you. When said figure looked at your direction, you were surprised, to say the least, when you recognized who he was—the famous actor, Kim Taehyung. 

“Hi,” you greeted, bowing to him respectfully. When you stood back up, you saw a smile plastered on his face. “I’m Y/N. I’ll be assisting Director Jeon in this film.” 

“It’s nice to meet you, Y/N. I’m Taehyung. I’m playing the lead role in the film,” he said. “Come on, everyone’s downstairs for breakfast.” 

You nodded, following Taehyung. “So, you’re his new assistant director? How did that happen?” Taehyung asked as you went downstairs. 

“Oh, um, he sent me an invite to meet with him. Then, he just offered me the job and I accepted it right away,” you replied, pulling the sleeves of your hoodie down to cover your hands. It was really cold. 

“Right away? You must really want to work with Jungkook, then,” he said, glancing at you. He still had that smile on his face. 

“Well, who wouldn’t, really? He’s a great filmmaker,” you answered. 

“That he is,” You arrived in the kitchen where you saw a couple of people eating on the island, while Jungkook was cooking something on the stove. “Hey everyone, meet Y/N, Jungkook’s new assistant director.” 

Once more, you bowed respectfully to everyone in front of you, introducing yourself, ending it with the usual, “I’ll work hard.” 

“Hey Y/N, there’s no need to be so formal with us. Just be casual. I’m Mingyu,” a tall, honey-skinned man eating a bowl of cereal gave you a wave. 

Of course, you already knew who these people were. They were the core of GCF. The people who helped Jungkook reach the status he had now. Kim Mingyu was the cinematographer, Jungkook’s right-hand man, if you will. They had known each other for years and he also went to Ateneo. Next to him, a woman with long dark hair and sharp features was the producer of Jungkook’s films, Krystal Jung. She used to be an actress. She was the lead in Jungkook’s first film. Across from her was Jung Jaehyun, the Editor. Your best friend admired his work. Beside him was Park Jimin, head of the production design. Lastly, there was Yang Jeeun, the lead female role in the film you were currently working on. 

“Y/N, come sit and eat breakfast. We’re going over today’s schedule,” Jungkook told you once everyone had introduced themselves. 

“Yes,” you replied. Mingyu motioned to come sit next to him and though you were shy about it, you didn’t have much of a choice. It was the only seat available after Taehyung sat beside Jimin—and you sure as hell wouldn’t seat at the head of the table.

“Jungkook told me you’re from Ateneo Film Institute?” the honey-skinned man asked you. 

You nodded. “Yes. I’m in my junior year.” 

“Ah, so you must be around twenty-one, correct?” You weren’t going to lie—the question seemed odd to you. The way Mingyu sounded almost fascinated by it. But you shook the feeling away, probably just first day jitters. 

“Yes, but I’ll be turning twenty-two on the 31st,” Mingyu nodded and Jungkook sat down on the empty chair at the head of the table. 

As soon as he did so, you noticed everyone straightened their backs which you instinctively followed. As always, Jungkook seemed to command everyone in the room. He began to go over the schedule for the day, discussing it amongst his peers. You were in awe of him throughout; you probably didn’t even hear half of what they were discussing. You were amazed by his professionalism—everyone’s really—and you couldn’t wait to see him work as the director up close and personal. 

Once the meeting was done, Jungkook dismissed everyone, except you. While everyone began to prepare for the shoot, you remained in the kitchen with him. 

“Did you sleep well last night, Y/N?” he asked, leaning forward with his elbows resting on the counter top. 

“I did, yes. You?” you asked politely. 

“I did too,” Jungkook replied. “Y/N, for today, I just want you to observe how a professional film crew works. Stick close to me. Focus on your work and don’t get distracted. Remember, not everyone gets to have an opportunity like this so I hope you don’t waste it.” 

“I understand. You can count on me, Direct—Jungkook. Sorry. I’m still not used to being casual,” you said, letting out a nervous chuckle. 

“It’s okay. You got the entire shoot to get used to it. Now, do you have any questions before we join them outside?” 

You thought for a moment until a question popped in your head. “Are we the only ones staying in this house? What about the other film crew?” 

Jungkook nodded. “Most of our film crew are outsourced since I like to work with a small number of people—people that share the same vision as I do. Besides, I find it to be more efficient. The other crew stays at another house a few minutes away from here.” 

That was something you didn’t know but you understood his reasoning. You, too, preferred working with people you trusted and shared your vision for a film. 

“Any more questions?” 

You shook your head. “None at the moment.” 

“Okay,” Jungkook said, leaving his seat. “Let’s get to work then.” 

Seeing Jeon Jungkook work as a director this up close and personal was something that you never expected to happen but here you were, watching the legendary director himself take control of the entire shoot. He was professional—stern but also gave his actors the freedom to act how they think their characters would act in the scene. He directed them well and it showed on the screen. Moreover, you admired how he never raised his voice and remained composed even when things weren’t going the way he wanted it to but there was also a trace of uneasiness because of this. You couldn’t help but think if this was the calm before a storm. 

The film was about a May-December affair with a dark twist. It was the best way you could describe the film when you read the script. It was so different from the films Jungkook had written and directed before. Usually, his works were about the struggles of being in one’s twenties—tackling various issues the youth faced in this period of their life from depression to addiction to the feeling of loss and then finding the light at the end of the tunnel, if only momentarily. It was one of the many reasons why he became your favorite filmmaker—he made you feel like you were seen and heard. That you were valid. 

You supposed, as he was now 26, it was only natural for him to talk about more mature topics. He, too, grew up and experienced other things to take inspiration from. 

You were standing behind him, not too far that you wouldn’t be able to come to him when needed you to, but not too close that you would distract him from working. Currently, Yeeun and Taehyung’s characters were arriving at the lakehouse. Jungkook had given you a headset earlier to listen to the audio clearly and you jumped a bit when they began to say their dialogues. 

“You’re seriously still mad at me?” Taehyung asked as soon as he parked in the driveway of the lake house.  Yeeun did not answer, only took off her seatbelt, and left the vehicle. Taehyung followed suit. “Hyeri, look, I’m sorry. I know I promised you we’d go to Japan but she’s there with the kids and—,” 

“I don’t care, Taehyung. I’m tired. I wanna sleep,” Yeeun snapped, turning on her heels to face her lover. “We drove for six fucking hours to this secluded place and I just want to sleep.” 

Taehyung poked his cheek with his tongue, putting his hands on his waist, “Don’t be like this, Hyeri. It’s the first time we’ll be able to spend time together after three months.” 

Yeeun scoffed, a puff of smoke coming out of her mouth from the cold, “Exactly. Three months passed and you still take me to secluded places just so we can be together. You said you were going to divorce her.” 

Taehyung sighed deeply, walking towards Yeeun. He placed his hands on her cheeks, and while she refused to look at him at first, Taehyung tilted her head to face him, “I am going to. Baby, don’t you trust me?” 

Yeeun lowered her gaze, then looked back at Taehyung through her lashes, “I do. I trust you, Tae.” 

“Then, can’t you wait for a little while longer? I love you, not her, isn’t that enough? I choose to be with you.” 

Yeeun nodded, “I love you too.” They kissed. 

“And… cut!” Jungkook exclaimed. Then, Yeeun and Taehyung pulled away from each other and bowed at each other. Just like that, the first scene was finished. 

You shot two more scenes before Jungkook told everyone it was lunch break and to be back in an hour. 

“Come on, Y/N. Let’s eat,” Jungkook invited, nose and cheeks red from the cold. 

You nodded and followed him inside the lakehouse where food was already prepared in the kitchen and dining area. Most of the crew were already eating but when they saw Jungkook entering, they all stopped to greet him and invite him to eat. Jungkook gestured for them to continue eating and led you to a private room. 

Expecting the rest of GCF to be in there, you were surprised when you saw it empty with just the food and utensils prepared on the table. 

“We’ll be working with each other for two to three months, tops, Y/N. We have to get to know each other better,” Jungkook told you, noticing your eyes widening in surprise. “Take a seat. We have a lot to talk about.” 

“Have you always wanted to do film?” Jungkook asked, placing a piece of sweet and sour pork on top of your bowl of rice. 

Bowing at the gesture, you replied, “I guess not always.” 

Jungkook nodded slowly, taking a sip from his soup, “What did you dream of becoming when you were young?” 

The question transported you back to the times when you were still young and your mother first took you to ballet. You were nine and it was Sunday. The sun hadn’t even risen yet and she woke you up from your sleep, told you to get ready and be in the living room in thirty minutes. Though you were confused and still sleepy, she was your mother, and so you obeyed her. Before the thirty minutes was up, you were in the living room and soon, your mother emerged down the stairs, and she drove you to a ballet school. 

She just thrusted you in that world without any warning and you couldn’t complain because, again, she was your mother. So, even though you were pretty much behind the other students, even when it came to the basics as they had been doing it since they were three or four, you endured it for your mother. Until you were thirteen, ballet was the only thing in your mind. 

“I guess it was to become a professional ballet dancer,” you said to the director, lowering your gaze as you took a bite of your food, feeling your hunger satisfied with the taste of the pork. 

“What changed?” 

Once more, your mind went back to the past. 

Summer before you turned fourteen, your family visited your grandparents’ house in the province. It was their 75th wedding anniversary at that time so each of their children and their families gathered at the ancestral house. While you were playing hide and seek with your cousins, you stumbled upon the basement. 

“I saw an old Super8 camera there and I don’t know but I was just fascinated by it. I took it upstairs, I didn’t even care if I lost the game, and immediately brought it to my dad to ask what it was and he told me. Unfortunately, it was broken, so I couldn’t use it at that time but I guessed my dad saw the curiosity in my eyes because when we got back from my grandparents’, he bought me my first camera. I began taking pictures and videos and have never looked back since.” 

It was a bittersweet memory for you and when you finished narrating your story to Jungkook, you felt tears forming in your eyes as you remembered your father. 

“That’s sweet, Y/N. I’m glad you found that camera and I’m glad your dad encouraged your dream,” Jungkook told you softly. “Was he happy when you told him you were working at GCF?” 

“I think he would be if he was here,” you answered with a shaky breath. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know, Y/N.” 

Shaking your head, you met his eyes once more. Jungkook looked at you with a soft, apologetic gaze, “It’s fine. It’s been years anyway.” 

He nodded once more, “How’s your first day so far?” 

You shifted on your seat, “It’s great, really. I’m learning by watching you and the rest of the crew. I can’t wait to tell all about it to Jaeyun and the others back at AFI. I’m sure they’ll be so thrilled.” 

“You do remember you signed an NDA, Y/N. You can’t tell anyone about anything that is happening right here,” Jungkook pointed as he poured himself a glass of water. 

“Oh, I just meant—I didn’t mean the story or anything—I just meant, like, the technical stuff…” you trailed off, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden. 

Silence befell between the both of you. Then, Jungkook asked, “How much do you want to be a director, Y/N? To make films?” 

“I mean, I even went to university for it so I guess a lot. I can’t see myself doing anything else, to be honest,” you answered with a small smile. 

“I see. Then, will it be alright if I give you some advice about how to make it in the industry?” 

He was more than welcome to give you advice. It was one of the reasons why you were here in the first place—to learn from the best. So, eagerly, you nodded. Jungkook’s lips cracked into a smile then he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table in front of him as he laced his fingers together and placed all his attention on you. 

“First, you need to realize that not everyone is your friend—even the ones you consider your best friend,” Jungkook began. “In this industry or in any other industry, people are always looking to undercut you or take credit for your accomplishments. You can’t afford to blindly put your faith in people. You always have to be… strategic.” 

You understood what he meant. You really did. You knew the people in your life would never betray you. Especially Jaeyun, who he seemed to be targeting specifically. But you didn’t protest and continued to listen to his advice. 

“Trust is very important, Y/N. You can work with people who share the same goals as you, like I do with Mingyu and the rest of GCF, but I don’t trust them. I don’t trust anybody. I don’t trust you, too.” 

That made you furrow your eyebrows and an unfamiliar feeling bubbled up inside you. It wasn’t an offense; you weren’t offended that Jeon Jungkook didn’t trust you. But hearing him say it made you want to earn his trust much like how you wanted to earn his respect and regard in your work as a filmmaker. 

“Wouldn’t that be hard? Working with people you don’t trust?” you asked. 

“I trust that they’ll get the job done, yes, but I don’t trust them with my career and my personal life. There’s a difference—and that’s what you need to learn next: at the end of the day, it’s you who gets to say what you want in your life and every aspect of it, not someone else.” 

You nodded, “Yes. I understand.” 

“Next, mixing business with pleasure,” you felt your cheeks heat up because you knew exactly what he meant. “Now, what you do with your life outside film—that’s on you. But as your senior in the industry, I would advise that you don’t involve yourself with people that you work with—whether they’re actors or producers or cinematographers. It’ll just create unnecessary attention and drama. The media would also speculate and it’ll take away the attention from the story you’re telling.” 

Dating hadn’t really been a priority for you. Your mother didn’t encourage it; she detested it, even, because it would just “distract you from your goals.” And you guessed, even after being estranged from her the moment you turned eighteen, it was one of the things you still carried with you throughout the years. Your life had always revolved around film; you practically had no life outside of it. You didn’t have football like Jaeyun to fall back on in case it didn’t work out; it was always film or nothing. 

“I wouldn’t have a problem with that regard,” you replied with a chuckle. “It’s not a priority for me.” 

“Oh, I wouldn’t say things like that, Y/N. You might just eat it in the end,” Jungkook responded. “You are a pretty woman, after all. I’m sure you’ll get lots of attention once the film rolls out.” 

Once more, your cheeks heat up. It always felt strange to receive such compliments from men, but strangely, when it came from Jeon Jungkook, you felt butterflies in your stomach. Like it just validated your entire person. 

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that, but thank you… Jungkook,” Even saying his name after what he just said made you feel shy. 

“Eat more. We still have a long day to go. You’re going to need all the energy you can get,” Jungkook urged, continuing on his meal. 

“Yes, thank you.” 

By the time the shoot ended, it was already midnight. Everyone had packed up for the day and the outsourced crew went back to their lodging while you along with the GCF team went back to the mansion. All of them called it a night, retreating to their respective rooms and you did so too. Once you had washed the day off your body and changed into your pajamas, you checked your phone which you left in your room. 

Not surprisingly, you saw Jaeyun’s plethora of messages, asking what you were up to, why you weren’t answering, panicking, sending pictures of Layla, his Border Collie, and the last message which read: Please let me know you’re safe and alive, Y/N. 

You felt bad for not getting back to him sooner but you didn’t want to disobey Jungkook’s rules either. No phones on set. So, even though you were tired and sleepy, you decided to video call your best friend. You were seated on your bed, back against the stack of pillows. It rang a few times before finally, you saw your best friend’s face illuminated by the blue light of his laptop. 

“Y/N, what the fuck? I thought you died,” he worriedly stated as he leaned his face towards the camera. “I sent you a bunch of messages and called you a million times.” 

“Sorry Jae. We’re not allowed to have phones in the set so I left it here,” you told him. 

“That’s so archaic. What happens if there’s an emergency? You’re already in a creepy location next to a creepy forest,” Jaeyun sighed deeply, shaking his head. “Did you eat, at least? You know you can’t skip a meal because of your anemia.” 

“I ate, don’t worry. Seriously, Jaeyun, you have got to stop worrying. I’m alive and in one piece. What more evidence do you need?” 

“I can’t help it. You know, the last time we were apart, you almost died, Y/N…” your best friend trailed off. 

You remembered it like it was yesterday. You were fifteen and it was winter break. Jaeyun spent it in Australia with the rest of his extensive family while you remained at home with your parents. You had wanted to skate in the frozen lake a couple of blocks from your house and told Jaeyun about it over chat but he told you it was dangerous, that you shouldn’t go. That very night, you got into an argument with your mother because she found out that you had dropped out of your ballet classes along with the other extracurricular activities she signed you up for. It was so extreme that you ran away from home for the first time. 

Somehow, you ended up at the lake. You were the only one there and it gave you peace, even only for a moment. Then, as you got up from the shoreline, you slipped and hit your head on the frozen lake. You didn’t remember anything after; just that you woke up in a hospital bed with Jaeyun by your side, sleeping. When he felt you stir, he woke up instantly and cried for hours. 

“You keep forgetting it wasn’t your fault. It was mine because I was a dumbass who went to the lake and slipped,” you told him. 

“Yeah, but I should’ve been there for you. You’re my best friend, Y/N. I should’ve been there for you instead I was—,” 

“You were with your family, spending Christmas with them. That isn’t a crime, Jaeyun. You don’t need to beat yourself up over it anymore. You never had to,” you grabbed the digital clock from the nightstand and placed it on your bed, using it as a support for your phone. “Nothing bad is gonna happen to me when we’re apart. You can’t keep worrying about me when I’m not there with you. It’s inevitable that we’re going to take different paths as we grow old. But it doesn’t mean we won’t be friends anymore. You’re still going to be my best friend until we die old in the countryside, dumb ass.” 

Jaeyun put his hoodie on as he sighed, “I don’t know. It’s just—it’s just hard to imagine not being together everyday when we’ve literally spent our entire lives together, Y/N. You know, with graduation next year and all that, suddenly, it feels like there’s not much time anymore. I guess, I just don’t want to lose you.” 

You brought your knees close to your chest, ensuring Jaeyun could still see your face, “Jaeyun, I promise you, when I get back, we’ll spend every waking minute of every day. And you won’t lose me, you never will.” 

Jaeyun rested his cheek on his palm as he leaned just close enough to the camera, “Promise?” 

“I promise, idiot. Now, tell me, what gossip did I miss on my first day away from social media?” 

Your call went on for God knows how long until the both of you fell asleep. 

The next morning, you woke up in a jolt. Do you know that feeling—when your body woke up before your mind because it knew you were fucked big time? That’s how you felt that morning. You checked on your phone for the time but it had no charge since you fell asleep with Jaeyun on video call. So, your eyes wandered on the next time-telling device, the digital clock you used as a supporter last night and you immediately hopped out of bed and got dressed quickly. 

It was half past noon. You were supposed to wake up at 8 am for today’s shoot. Throughout your way to the filming site, you were cursing yourself for not waking up on time. You didn’t even have enough time to dress properly for the cold weather—you only slipped on your hoodie, kept your pajamas on, and wore your house slippers. The anxiousness coating your entire body overrode the coldness. There was nothing more that could make you shiver but the impending doom you were obviously going to meet once you reached the set. 

“Ah, there’s the lovely assistant director. Y/N, did you sleep well?” The cinematographer, Mingyu, was the first to approach you on set. Everyone was looking at you with disappointment, perhaps even irritation—which you didn’t blame them for—while they packed up the equipment they used for the outside shoot. Mingyu, on the other hand, had a wide grin plastered on his face, seemingly amused by your disposition. 

“Sir, I’m so sorry I overslept. I set my alarm but I—,” you began to apologize but he waved his hand. 

“It’s not me you should apologize to, Y/N. You know who you should apologize to. He’s at the back, by the patio, smoking. I’d apologize now rather than later.” 

You nodded and apologized to him with a deep bow before you hurriedly made your way inside the lakehouse which garnered you yet another set of disappointed looks from the crew eating their lunch. You also spotted some of the GCF crew—but like Mingyu, they seemed rather amused than anything else. But you didn’t have time to ponder about their reactions, you had more pressing matters—or rather, you had a more pressing matter to attend to. 

And that was the man who was sitting on the patio across from you. Like Mingyu told you, he was smoking but he failed to mention that he was with Krystal, the producer. You were suddenly unsure if you should go because they looked like they were in a serious conversation but when Jungkook spotted you standing at the other end of the patio, he said something to the producer who then snapped her head in your direction, an icy expression on her face as she looked at you. You swallowed the lump in your throat nervously. Krystal looked back at Jungkook then made her way towards you. 

“Do you think this is some kind of vacation?” Krystal raised her eyebrow at you, tone harsh. You lowered your head in shame. “I hope you know the gravity of what you did. It isn’t just you who will suffer.” 

“I’m sorry, Ms. Jung. I really—,” But like Mingyu, she told you it wasn’t her who needed the apology. 

“You better fix this, Y/N.” Krystal hissed before she made her way back inside the lakehouse. 

With every step towards the smoking director, you felt the anxiety in you grow bigger and heavier. You weren’t one to be pessimistic and overthink things, that was always Jaeyun, but now—all you could think about was all the worst possible outcomes of your irresponsibility. And when you finally arrived at the end of the patio where Jeon Jungkook was standing and smoking, all that you could say was, “I’m sorry.” 

Jungkook blew the smoke in his mouth into the air, “You’re sorry for what exactly?” 

You licked your lower lips, pulling on the sleeves of your hoodie—partly because the cold started to take over your body, partly because you were so ashamed that you just wanted to hide every inch of your body. 

“I’m sorry for waking up late and missing the morning shoot.” 

Jungkook drew another smoke from his cigarette before throwing it on the ground and stomping on it with his big black combat boot, “I thought you wanted to become a filmmaker, Y/N?” 

“I do!” you suddenly perked up, nervously meeting Jungkook’s unreadable gaze. “I do. I’m so sorry.”

“Tell me, Y/N,” Jungkook said as he put his hands deep into the pocket of his padded North Face coat. “Why did you wake up so late today, hmm? What kept you all night?” 

The cold was beginning to coat your exposed toes. You exhaled shakily, body beginning to shiver, “I—I was talking to Jaeyun.” 

“All night?” the director asked and you nodded. He sighed. “You say you wanna be a director, you get a once in a lifetime opportunity, and yet, on your second day of on the job—you blew it all so you could talk to your friend all night knowing you have an early shoot the next day. What kind of a filmmaker will you be, Y/N? An irresponsible one? Someone who would choose gossip over their work?” 

You shook your head, feeling tears burning your eyes, and it didn’t take long before they rolled down your cheeks, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again, Jung—,” No. It didn’t feel right calling him that in this situation. So instead, you said, “Director Jeon.” 

“This is why I don’t trust people. Such a disappointment, Y/N. I had faith in you.” 

“I’m sorry.” It was all you could say, head low as tears kept streaming down your face. “I’ll make sure this won’t happen again.” 

Then, Jungkook stepped closer to you. Through your teary vision, you could see his big black combat boots in front of your feet. He was so close that you could smell the nicotine on him. Jungkook lifted your chin with his fingers, forcing you to look at him, tear-strained and all. 

“How will you make sure this won’t happen again, Y/N?” he asked, his tone an octave lower. There was something in his eyes, something you couldn’t quite put your finger on. His fingers were still on your chin, slowly caressing it as he waited for your answer. 

“I—,” you began to say. The more you stared into his eyes, it felt like you were beginning to be hypnotized. “I won’t stay up all night talking to anyone anymore. I’ll always set an alarm. I’ll do everything to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Please, Director Jeon,” Perhaps, it was instinct that made you hold onto his arm as you pleaded. “Don’t take me off the project.” 

Jungkook’s eyes seemed to darken as you pleaded. Then, he removed his fingers from your chin and took a step back. “You and I—we will review each scene that you missed this morning tonight. We will do this every night starting from now on. It seems that I have not been doing a good job keeping an eye on you and I hate being embarrassed by someone I entrusted to do a good job on behalf of my name and my team. From now on, I’ll keep a closer eye on you. Do you understand, Y/N?” 

You nodded, “I do. I understand, Director Jeon.” 

“Until you earn it back, from now on, you will call me Sir.” 

You nodded again, “Yes sir. I understand.” 

“Go back to the house and reflect on your mistake. I’ll see you tonight.” Dejected, you followed as instructed.