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Love Me Hate Me Or Marry Me [TaeJin]
EPISODE 02: Kim Seok Jin
Taehyung sat on the bench outside the ward, his fists clenched as he struggled to calm his anger. Lisa approached him quietly, her presence a gentle comfort. She placed a hand over his, squeezing lightly to reassure him.
Lisa
(Softly) Tae, I know this is hard, but you don’t have to carry it all alone. I’m here for you.
Kim Taehyung
(Looking up, frustration and sadness in his eyes) That woman… she always brings up my mom. She was supposed to be my mom’s friend, but she married my dad. I’ve tried to stay quiet, but she never misses a chance to insult my mom. I miss her, Lisa. I just want to be with her… but I can’t leave my dad.
Lisa
(Stroking his hand gently) I understand, Tae. It’s not easy, but don’t let her words get to you. You’re stronger than this. Things will get better.
Kim Taehyung
(His voice trembling) How, Lisa?
Before she could respond, Taehyung’s gaze drifted across the corridor, landing on a familiar figure—a man walking purposefully with a group of staff.
Kim Taehyung
(Standing abruptly) Lisa, that’s the SJ Company chairman… he’s here. He must be here for Dad.
Without waiting, Taehyung rushed back into the ward, his heart pounding. Inside, he addressed his father, who lay weakly on the hospital bed.
Kim Taehyung
(Urgently) Dad, the SJ chairman Mr. Kim is here.
Mr. Kim’s eyes widened in surprise as Mrs. Kim’s expression turned anxious.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Worried) Why would he come here?
Before anyone could speculate further, the ward's door opened, and Chairman Kim stepped inside, his presence commanding the room. Taehyung and his stepmother instinctively bowed their heads in respect, while Mr. Kim, though too weak to rise, acknowledged him with a slight nod.
The atmosphere grew tense as the chairman took a step closer, his gaze sweeping across the room before settling on Mr. Kim. His expression revealed little, leaving everyone wondering about the purpose of his visit.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
The room was filled with an air of tension and gratitude as Chairman Kim stood before Mr. Kim's hospital bed. His presence carried a mix of authority and warmth, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the family's despair.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Gentle smile, asked) Mr. Kim, how are you feeling now?
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
(Weakly) A bit better than before, sir.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Chairman nodded, reassured) That's good to hear. Hopefully, you'll be discharged soon and can rejoin the company.
Mr. Kim hesitated, his expression somber.
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
I'm sorry, Chairman, but the doctors have advised against discharge. During my treatment, they discovered an illness that's already in its second stage. I'll need to remain here for further care.
Hearing this, Chairman Kim's expression turned serious, and he stepped closer, gently holding Mr. Kim's hand.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
If that's the case, Mr. Kim, then focus on your treatment. Don't worry about anything else. The company will take care of all your medical expenses. You've dedicated so many years to SJ Company with loyalty; it's only right that we stand by you now.
Mrs. Kim, overwhelmed with emotion, wiped her tears.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
Thank you so much, Chairman. We can never repay this kindness.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Smiled kindly) There's no need for repayment. This is just a small gesture for all Mr. Kim has done for the company.
Taehyung, who had been standing silently, finally spoke,
Kim Taehyung
Thank you, sir, for helping my dad. It means a lot to us.
Chairman turned his attention to Taehyung, studying him briefly before stepping closer and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
What do you do, Taehyung?
Kim Taehyung
(Hesitated) Sir, I've applied for jobs, but I haven't received any responses yet.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
From tomorrow, you’ll start working in your dad’s position at SJ Company.
Kim Taehyung
(Stunned, his voice barely audible) M-me?
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Nodding firmly) Yes. Come to the office tomorrow. You’ll be briefed about your duties.
Mr. Kim, moved by the gesture, tried to speak but was interrupted by the Chairman's reassuring words.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
Don't worry, Mr. Kim. Everything will be fine. Just focus on getting better.
The family sat in stunned silence, gratitude etched on their faces as Chairman Kim gave them hope for a brighter future.
After Chairman Kim left, a heavy silence filled the room. Mrs. Kim, still wiping away her tears, pulled herself together and turned to Taehyung with a stern expression.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
Starting tomorrow, you will go to the company without any excuses. That's the only way to repay their kindness.
Her tone was sharp, cutting through Taehyung's lingering dreams.
Taehyung looked at her, his voice hesitant as he tried to speak
Kim Taehyung
But... my dream is to go to America and-
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Harshly) Really, Taehyung? You're still clinging to your dream? Can't you see your father's condition?
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
A stranger like Chairman Kim comes here and helps us, and instead of repaying his kindness, you want to run away? Is your dream so important that you can't see the responsibilities you have toward your family?
Her words pierced Taehyung's heart like daggers. He looked over at his father, who sat quietly, his eyes filled with helplessness, unable to speak against either his wife or his son. His gaze was heavy, filled with unspoken words and unfulfilled dreams.
Taehyung's shoulders dropped under the weight of his father's silent plea and his mother's relentless pressure. Taking a deep breath, he looked at her with resignation.
Kim Taehyung
Fine. I'll join the company starting tomorrow.
Mrs. Kim exhaled deeply, as though a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. But in Taehyung's heart, the sound of his dream shattering echoed loudly, leaving behind a silence only he could hear.
The next morning, Taehyung woke up early and got ready. Dressed in formal attire, he stepped out of the house and boarded a bus heading to SJ Company. As the towering building came into view, he paused for a moment, taking a deep breath while gazing at its grandeur.
Steeling his nerves, Taehyung walked inside and approached the reception desk.
Kim Taehyung
(Politely) Excuse me, could you tell me where I can meet the Chairman?
The receptionist looked up at him with a professional smile.
Receptionist
Are you Kim Taehyung?
Kim Taehyung
(Surprised) Yes, that's me.
The receptionist handed him an ID card
Receptionist
Here's your ID, Sir. Please head to the 15th floor. You'll meet Director Kim Namjoon there.
Taking the ID, Taehyung nodded, thanked her, and headed toward the elevator. As the doors closed, he looked at his reflection in the shiny elevator walls, adjusting his tie nervously. He knew that this was only the beginning of a journey that might demand more from him than he had imagined.
Reaching the 15th floor, Taehyung stepped out and was greeted by the sight of a sleek, modern office. Gathering his courage, he approached the director's office.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Come in.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
You must be Kim Taehyung. Welcome to SJ Company.
Kim Taehyung
(Bowed respectfully) Thank you, Sir. I'll do my best.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
(Gestured for him to sit) Let's get you started. I'll guide you through everything you need to know.
Taehyung nodded, feeling a mix of determination and apprehension as his journey in the company officially began.
As Namjoon and Taehyung made their way to the director's meeting, Namjoon's phone buzzed loudly. Answering it quickly, his expression shifted to mild concern. After hanging up, he glanced at Taehyung, who was walking beside him.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Taehyung, can you do me a favor?
Namjoon asked, his tone both urgent and apologetic.
Kim Taehyung
(Curious) Of course, sir. What is it?
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
My younger brother, Jin, is arriving from America today, and there's no one at home to pick him up from the airport. I have to attend this meeting, so I can't go myself. Would you mind going with the driver to receive him?
Kim Taehyung
(Nodding confidently) Sure, I can do that, sir. But... how will I recognize him?
Namjoon chuckled, pulling a small board from his bag.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Just hold this with his name on it. Don't worry, he'll find you.
Taehyung looked at the board, reading aloud,
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
(Smiled warmly) Yes, that's him. Thank you, Taehyung. I owe you one.
Kim Taehyung
Don't worry, sir. I'll make sure he gets home safely.
With that, Taehyung headed toward the car, board in hand, ready to meet the younger brother of the director who had unknowingly entrusted him with such an important task.
Author Kitty Innocent 🐱
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