{ Convergence }
Joongki glanced down when Jongkook slid the papers across the desk–and for a moment, he thought he caught something almost kind in his gaze. But that couldn’t be. Kind wasn’t a word that could be extended to Kim Jongkook.
Even if he did hand over the job that easily. Surprise curdled Joongki’s stomach; he hadn’t expected an offer to come mere minutes after arriving in the office. All he had done was make claims about his waiting experience, and that was all. No request for a resume, references, or even names of the places he worked. He wondered if Jongkook would have done the same for anyone else, and then he wondered what he wanted the answer to that question to be.
(Then again, Joongki could admit to himself that he hadn’t changed much. He was older, more mature, more confident–but he was still trusting and mostly honest. Joongki was someone that Jongkook could probably just take at his word.
Just like a kid. One he could pity and toss coins at to get him out of the way.)
Joongki realized he had been clenching his teeth. He let out a long breath and put on the charming smile he used to convince the market ajummas to knock a few more won off the going price. “Thank you, sir. When would you like me to start?”
For a short while, it felt too suffocating when his office lapsed into a complete silence. Joongki wasn’t talking, and neither was Kwangsoo who was usually talkative and would take every chance to prattle. As for him, there wasn’t a reason to, and the appearance of Joongki still had him taken aback.
Joongki… probably hated him, didn’t he? He promised he would take care of him and his older sister for the rest of their life, but he broke that promise and left. Joongki would have hated him to the core for abandoning them just like that, just like how their father did. He mocked himself inwardly. It was such a joke and a slap to the face. Did he regret his choice? Probably. But he was young and inexperience back then, and a human who would make stupid mistake too. Still, he didn’t think it was a mistake to protect them, even if his method wasn’t the most ideal one of all.
He looked up when Joongki finally spoke, smoothly hiding his surprise and guilt under his calm and overly-detached facade. The smile Joongki gave him was too fake, and it bothered him that he was using this smile on him, despite knowing the reason why.
“You can start work next monday,” he answered. “Have Kwangsoo take you around to familiarise with the club for the next few days. He knows what to do.” Kwangsoo had been working for the club for years, he should be able to guide Joongki well. He turned to address the tall bartender. “Stop by Hyejin to get him measured for his uniforms later on. You guys can go off if there’s nothing else.”
He needed the time alone to clear his mind.
Kwangsoo nodded his head earnestly when he heard his name, covering the fact that he was spacing out just a second ago. “We’ll go off then. See you later, hyung,” the tall lanky guy bowed slightly before standing up to face his best friend with a smile. Half-way as they made their way towards the exit, he slid his long arm around Joongki’s shoulder.
“See, I told you that you don’t have to worry about it. You’d definitely get hired,” he remarked, despite the fact that they were still in the manager’s office and Jongkook could hear every words he was saying.
“I just hope Jihyo noona doesn’t try to burn the club down if she knew...” he trailed off as they walked through the door. Although before that she would probably kill him off first for good measure. “Come on, let’s get you to Hyejin noona to be measured for your uniforms. You’re going to look so dashing in those clothing and mesmerize so many people,” he laughed.
The very next day, Kwangsoo had suggested for Joongki to come along with him during his work shift since it was Friday night, and as per Jongkook’s request to help his friend familiarise with the club. The club had yet to openfor business but the staff were already around for preparation. He was about to explain and guide Joongki with all the rooms and areas of the premise, but then he got called off by another staff.
“I’ll be back real fast,” was all he said before scuttling off after the senior staff.
