Chapter Text
Jungkook stands in the back office staring at the mounting bills on the desk. He sifts through them wondering which one he should try to pay while letting the others collect dust while he can figure out what to do. What he should do is sell the place, but as much as he hates it, he hates that idea more.
Jungkook tries to avoid it, but his eyes can’t help falling on the small picture of his brother that hangs above the large metal desk. He stares at it and feels that all too familiar pain in the pit of his stomach. He unpins the photo and stares down at it.
Guilt is a powerful emotion that can weigh heavily on one's conscience, causing them to act in ways they may not otherwise choose. For Jungkook, the guilt he feels about selling the restaurant that has been in his family for generations is the driving force behind his indecision.
Jungkook knows that selling the restaurant is the most practical decision. Business has been slow, worse than slow. It’s halted to a snail’s crawl, and he could use the money to start a new venture or invest in other opportunities. But every time he tries to take that final step, he is overcome with guilt. Guilt for betraying his brother’s legacy, guilt for letting go of something that meant so much to him, guilt for not being able to continue it for him as he had clearly wanted.
The weight of his emotions keeps him paralyzed, unable to move forward. He knows he needs to make a decision soon, as the financial pressures are mounting, but the thought of saying goodbye to the restaurant is too much to bear.
Jungkook opens the drawer, shoves the picture in along with hundreds more past due bills and slams it shut. With a heavy sigh he makes his way into the kitchen. Each footstep heavy with dread as he steps towards the stove.
“They dropped the meat off,” Yoongi mumbles as he stirs the large pot on the stove.
“What? When? Where is it? I told you to let me know when he came,” Jungkook responds looking around the kitchen in frustration.
Yoongi juts his chin out and motions to a small Styrofoam cooler. A very small Styrofoam cooler. “What the fuck is this?” Jungkook asks flipping the top and staring down at it in disbelief. “Where’s the rest of it?”
“He said just like everyone else you’ll get the rest when you pay for it,” Yoongi replies shrugging. “He said you only paid for 25lbs.”
Jungkook’s mouth drops. “25 lbs?!” He asks flabbergasted. “We need at least 200! The fuck!” he exclaims slamming the cover down heading back to the office. His fingers shake as he dials, palms sweating while he hears the rings.
“Hi, it’s Jungkook…no, yeah I know, but 25 lbs.? Come on, what am I supposed to do with 25lbs…can’t you front me for it…” Jungkook closes his eyes and swallows hard. “No, I know. I understand…yeah, I miss him too. Thank you for saying so…right. Yeah, thanks.”
Jungkook grips the massive heavy desk shaking it several times pushing it against the wall until it makes a large hole. “Fuck!” he yells as he runs a frustrated hand across his face.
“Yoongi! You know that friend of yours that keeps asking about my car…tell him I’m ready to sell.”
Yoongi’s eyes shoot up, “Seriously?”
“I just said so didn’t I. Tell him I want cash in hand. We still have time to get the rest of our order if I can pay them today.”
“Sure thing Jungkook.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taehyung stands outside of the restaurant running lines in his head. He looks down at his crisp resume and takes a deep breath. “I would be an indispensable addition to your restaurant,” he repeats again and again along with the rest of the speech he’s practiced in his room…along with the handful of places he’s recited it to that have all turned him down. “You can do this Tae. You can. Positive affirmations. If you believe it, it will happen.” He takes one last deep breath and walks in immediately frowning.
“People actually want to eat in here,” he says scrunching his nose as he looks around the place.
The restaurant is nestled in a corner in the middle of the downtown area, its faded sign barely visible through the grime on the window. As you enter, the smell of decades-old grease hits you, mingling with the faint aroma of stale bread and pickles.
The interior of the restaurant is dimly lit, the fluorescent bulbs flickering sporadically overhead. The linoleum floor is scuffed and peeling in places, revealing the cracked concrete underneath. The mismatched tables and chairs are chipped and wobbly, some propped up with napkins to keep them level.
The walls are lined with vintage arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Mortal Kombat. Their once vibrant screens now faded and flickering. The beeping and booping of the games provide a nostalgic soundtrack to the place, blending with the hum of refrigerators.
“Can I help you?” asks a man who directs the question at Taehyung without even sparing him a glance.
“Um…yeah. I—I have an appointment with the chef. For an interview,” he replies trying to sound confident as he stands up straight.
The man looks up and snorts. “You have a meeting with Jungkook?”
“Y—yes. Yes, I have a meeting with the chef for the position.”
“Right. I’m Jimin,” he tells Taehyung as he looks at him, bored expression on his face. “He’s in the back,” he motions without making an effort to escort Taehyung back.
Taehyung turns and walks towards the kitchen. He opens the door walking in as he sees a man on the phone. As Taehyung caught his first glimpse of Jungkook, he couldn't help but be taken aback by the sight before him.
The man was covered in tattoos, showcasing an array of intricate designs that wrapped around his arms and peeked out from beneath the collar of his shirt. His large muscles were on full display, rippling with each movement he made, giving off an intimidating aura that made Taehyung's heart race.
Jungkook feels Taehyung’s sudden presence looking up and making eye contact. His piercing gaze trailing up and down Taehyung’s body, making him feel as though he was being scrutinized by a predator sizing up its prey.
The sheer physicality of the man standing before him was almost overwhelming, and Taehyung felt a mix of fear and fascination as he took in the sight of Jungkook for the first time.
He knew that this encounter would be a turning point in his life, and he couldn't help but wonder what fate had in store for him now that he had crossed paths with such a formidable figure.
“So you can have it here in an hour? Great! That’s great,” Jungkook says not stealing his eyes off his new visitor. “Thanks again,” he says hanging up turning his full attention to the blond in front of him.
Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as he laid eyes on Taehyung for the first time. The blond hair made him stand out even more, adding an air of ethereal beauty to his already striking features. Jungkook couldn't help but think that Taehyung wasn't just pretty, he was absolutely beautiful.
The way the light bounced off his features, highlighting his strong jawline and soft, mesmerizing eyes, left Jungkook feeling breathless. It was as if he had never seen anyone quite like Taehyung before, and in that moment, he knew he was in trouble.
“Hi,” Taehyung clears his throat, “Hello. I’m Taehyung. I called about the sous chef position. I was told to come down,” he says holding his hand out.
“Right. Yeah,” Jungkook answers ignoring his outstretched hand. “You look really fucking young. How old are you?” Jungkook asks looking Taehyung up and down. Is this guy a sous chef or a siren because those pants he’s wearing should be illegal.
“I’m 22,” replies Taehyung trying to sound as confident as possible.
Jungkook scoffs. “That’s it?” he asks staring down at Taehyung’s hands. “Let me see your resume.” Jungkook can see Taehyung’s hands shaking as he hands him the prestige white paper.
Jungkook skims it quickly and raises an eyebrow. “This is hardly a resume. What’s UPS? Is that the restaurant in New York?”
“Um…” Taehyung blushes, face turning a bright red in embarrassment, “no, its UPS. The United Parcel Service.”
Jungkook stares back at him blankly.
“I drove a delivery truck for them. Put myself through culinary school that way,” Taehyung replies staring down at his feet.
“It says here you went to the CIA.”
“Graduated top of my class,” Taehyung proudly and very quickly adds.
“Then why the fuck do you want to work in this shit hole?”
Taehyung frowns taken aback. “My dad. This was my mom and his favorite restaurant. Used to come here every Sunday for Sunday dinner. It means something to him.”
Jungkook stands staring at the young man speechless. He stares down at the resume again and shakes his head. “Sorry kid, you have no experience.”
“Look, I know that. But…no one else will hire me. They keep saying I don’t have any experience to work anywhere but how the fuck am I supposed to get experience if no one will hire me?!” exclaims Taehyung making Jungkook smirk and raise an eyebrow. “Sorry.”
“I don’t have the time or the energy to babysit anyone. I have enough fucking issues without having to help someone with their fucking training wheels. Get the fuck out of my kitchen.”
“I’m smart! And a quick learner. I told you I was top of my class. I’m exceptional at what I do. All I need is a chance, please,” Taehyung pleads. He’s desperate at this point. He can’t live at his father’s house the rest of his life.
“It’s nice to know you aren’t above begging me kid,” smirks Jungkook sighing as he looks down at the resume again. Taehyung grits his teeth at the comment. These kinds of comments are nothing. He can handle them as long as he can get himself a job.
“We all eat at 2. Show me what you can do. If you can prove you’re more than a pretty face, you can stay.”
Taehyung takes a deep breath clenching his jaw. He’s dealt with worse honestly. This guy's arrogance is nothing. “Great, I can do that. No problem,” Taehyung replies nodding. He’s going to make this prick eat his words.
“We’ll see. Go. Get to work.”
“Yoongi…where is Jin? He’s late—“
“I’m right fucking here. Relax Jungkook.”
Jungkook exhales deeply. “You were supposed to be here hours ago. I need a double order of bread today.”
“Double order? The bread mixer is broken, and I’ve been having to do it all by hand. And tell Namjoon to stop touching the temperature on the oven and constantly fucking with the bread rising,” he says sending a deathly glare to Namjoon who raises his eyebrows feigning offense.
“I don’t have the money to get you a new mixer just yet, but as soon as I do I will. Just work with me here, will you? Not everything has to be an argument,” Jungkook says not being to hide the annoyance in his voice.
Taehyung stands in a small corner of the kitchen silently observing. As Jungkook walks back to the large walk-in fridge Taehyung snorts.
“What?” Jungkook asks.
“They should call you chef. They teach us that in school. It’s a sign of respect. They should respect you and they very clearly don’t,” he says shrugging.
Jungkook leans in and marvels at the audacity of this kid. “Really? How about you just mind your business and do what I asked you to fucking do. Or you can fuck off back to your nonexistent life of a no experience sous chef.”
Taehyung exhales shakily and nods. “Yes Chef.”
Jungkook blinks and frowns walking away. This is the last thing he needs. Some mouthy, know it all kid telling him things he already knows.
Jungkook rushes to the oven to take out the large slab of pork roast he’s been slow cooking for hours. He smiles when he takes the lid off, as the intoxicating aroma hits his senses.
“What is that? That’s not how Mingyu used to make it. You can’t just change up the recipe like that without consulting us. The customers are gonna hate it,” Yoongi says disapprovingly turning his nose up.
“This will be a more flavorful, intense sandwich than what you’re used to serving before. If we keep relying on that shit you used to serve before, I will never get this place out of the red.”
“He’s right. You need fresh dishes. That heavy water downed gravy you guys sell is way outdated,” Taehyung says shaking his head.
“Excuse me? Who the fuck are you?” Yoongi asks fists clenched.
“I would be Taehyung. The new sous chef.” Taehyung breaks up ground beef in a mixing bowl, seasons it then rapidly adds five eggs in. Seasons again with breadcrumbs, parmesan and chopped parsley.
“No! Jungkook exclaims. “Not the new sous chef,” he walks closer to Taehyung inches from his face. “Do you even want a job here? Because all you’ve been doing is running your mouth. Keep it fucking shut and cook. Or I’ll shut it up for you.”
“I’d like to see you try asshole,” mumbles Taehyung.
“What was that?” Jungkook asks glancing over his shoulder. He notices how precisely Taehyung breaks down the strawberries, fennel, and onions. Impressive.
“Nothing Chef.”
“You can’t just change the fucking way we do things all of a sudden Jungkook,” Yoongi continues glaring. “Mingyu ran it a certain way. And that’s the way—“
“Did he leave you the fucking restaurant?!” shouts Jungkook startling everyone, eyes suddenly falling on him. “No! He left it for me! In my name!”
Jungkook couldn't take it anymore. The incessant noise and beeps from the arcade machines in the front of the house were driving him insane. It seemed like every time he walked into the restaurant, the sounds assaulted his ears, overwhelming him with their high-pitched screeches and blaring music.
Jungkook angrily makes his way out front and stand in front of the two of annoying machines staring. The noise only seems to grow louder and more chaotic. The flashing lights and constant barrage of sounds begins to blend together, creating a disorienting cacophony that made it nearly impossible for Jungkook to concentrate.
But it wasn't just the noise from the arcade machines that was pushing him over the edge. It was everything else too—the stress from the overwhelming debt, the pressures of the restaurant, and the constant feeling of being overwhelmed and out of control.
As the noise reached a fever pitch, Jungkook felt a surge of frustration and anger welling up inside him. He slammed his hands down on the buttons of the game, trying to drown out the sounds with the clacking of the buttons. He reaches around to unplug the nuisance but is stopped by Jimin who runs over.
“If you unplug it, you’ll never get it to work again.”
“Good! Why the fuck do we even have them here to begin with?!” Jungkook shouts as he heads for the exit.
“Where are you going Jungkook?” asks Yoongi.
“Smoke!”
Jungkook rushes out gulping in the fresh air when he suddenly vomits behind the dumpster. He breaths in and leans against the wall pulling out his packet of cigarettes.
Jungkook takes a deep drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling out into the night air. He leaned against the brick wall behind the restaurant, lost in his thoughts.
Suddenly, he hears footsteps approaching and turns to see Taehyung stepping out from the back door. Taehyung walks over handing him a bottle of water. He stands closely beside Jungkook, but enough to keep his distance.
“Can I bum one off you?” the younger man asks.
Jungkook shrugs, passing a cigarette and his lighter to Taehyung, watching as he lights up and takes a long drag. The two of them stand in silence, the only sound the crackling of their cigarettes burning.
“You know, you should put those machines to good use,” says Taehyung taking another drag of his cigarette.
“Good use?”
“Yeah. You have an old 1992 Mortal Kombat arcade game in there. You should hold a tournament. It’ll bring people in. They play and order food while they do. It’ll bring in revenue rather than just having them sit there the way they do.”
“Why the fuck would I do that?” Jungkook asks turning to look at Taehyung. The guy is ridiculously pretty.
“Because you and this place are drowning.”
“What was your favorite route,” Jungkook asks staring up at the gloomy, cloudy sky.
“My favorite route?”
“When you drove.”
“Anywhere near water. When I drove by the ocean or by lakes. Getting out of the city was always so nice. Quiet. Serene.”
Jungkook takes a long drag of his cigarette. He wonders what that’s like. To be surrounded by quiet. By serene calm.
“And you’re right. You need to change things up or you won’t make it. They’ll need to adapt to change because that’s what’s necessary and because you’re the boss. Whether they like it or not you are now their boss,” shrugs Taehyung putting out the cigarette and heading back inside.
Jungkook stands frozen and speechless. He’s really not sure what to make of Taehyung. What Jungkook can’t deny is that his mouthy brattiness is something he’s finding both surprisingly refreshing and incredibly sexy. “Get a fucking grip Jungkook,” he says to himself as he flicks the cigarette and reenters the restaurant.
Jungkook reties his apron as he glances at Taehyung’s pan—the strawberries have reduced into a dark red molasses.
“Strawberry sofrito?” Jungkook asks not being able to hide the excitement in his voice.
“Yes, Chef,” Taehyung replies with a small smile.
Jungkook grabs a tasting spoon, dips it in, tastes it, nodding.
“Fuck,” he moans. “That's actually fire, kid.”
“You’re only 4 years older than me. I’m not that much of a kid. You can call me Taehyung,” he tells Jungkook as he spoons the sofrito over a sizzling meatloaf glazing it. Taehyung moves quickly and with purpose setting up the family meal station. He stares down proudly at his dish and nods.
“Family’s up crew!” Taehyung announces as he nervously rubs his hands together.
“What is this shit?” asks Jin staring down at the food on the table. Taehyung eye rolls and exhales.
“Meatloaf with potato gratin and a bread salad,” he replies nervously glancing at Jungkook who sits stoic, poker face on.
“What kind of ketchup is this?” asks Jimin licking his lips.
“It’s—“
“Strawberry and fennel,” replies Jungkook nodding. “Good job,” he says to Taehyung who smiles as he bites his lip.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jungkook wipes the sweat beading on his forehead and tosses the bills aside. He turns his head towards the clattering of dishes in the kitchen and frowns looking at the clock on the wall. He thought he was alone. It’s late and he didn’t expect anyone else to still be here.
“What the fuck are you still doing here?”
“Cleaning up. This place is a pig sty. The board of health ever been in here? How do you guys get around that?” Taehyung says looking around with judgmental eyes.
“Are you always this mouthy? How did your professors at the CIA not fail you for your mouth alone?”
“Because I’m good. You saw that today. I told you. I’m good at what I do,” shrugs Taehyung. “All I need is my foot in the door.”
“Well, you won’t be getting it here,” Jungkook tells Taehyung making the latter drop the pans he was washing in the sink with a loud clang.
“What do you mean? Why not?” He angrily pouts. “I did everything you told me to do. I made you all an amazing meal. They all said so even that judgmental dick Jin liked my food.”
“That! That right there Taehyung. That fucking mouth on you! I’m having a hard enough time trying to reel in my current staff never mind some fucking kid who’s fresh out of school thinking he knows everything.”
Taehyung shakes his head vigorously. “N—no! That’s not the case at all! I know I don’t know everything, but I’m not going to pretend to act like I’m not talented. I know how good I am, and I know how much I’ll be able to achieve. I just need a good teacher.”
“I’m not that. I have enough to worry about, I told you.”
Taehyung bites his lip, panic setting in. He can’t go home tonight and tell his father he failed again. He can’t see that disappointment in his eyes again.
“I need this…” he says moving back leaning against the kitchen counter. “I really need this. Please. Just—one chance. It’s all I’m asking. Please.”
“Sorry kid, no.”
“Then just close this place down now! Fucking sell it! Because clearly, you’re too much of a coward to take a chance to try to save it! I could help you!”
“Help me?” Jungkook turns on his heels rushing towards Taehyung who is thrown off by the sudden invasion of his personal space. He leans back and grips the counter as Jungkook stands inches from his face. “You are a fucking baby who is begging ME for a job because he’s unhireable!”
“And what? You think you’re any better? A Michelin star chef who’s now stuck running this shit hole when you hate it. It’s written all over your face. You act like you care about this place, but you could care less! If you did you would take back some control and really put in the work that’s needed to make this into a successful restaurant. Instead, you sit back and let your staff treat you like shit and let them dictate the menu. A menu so old and outdated I’m pretty sure it was around in the prehistoric ages!”
“Do you ever just shut up?!” Jungkook shouts. “Just shut up!”
“Make me!” Taehyung shouts back angrily.
Without a second thought, Jungkook closes the distance between them, his hands finding their way to Taehyung's face as he leaned in, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. It was like a whirlwind of emotions crashing together, the frustration and desire mingling in a heady mix that left them both breathless.
The kiss was fierce and intense, a clash of lips and teeth and tongues as they poured all of their longing and exasperation into this one moment. Jungkook could feel Taehyung responding in kind, matching his fervor and need with equal fervor and need of his own.
It was a kiss born out of frustration and sheer attraction, a combustible mix that threatened to consume them both in its fiery intensity. But in that moment, all Jungkook could focus on was the feel of Taehyung's lips moving against his own, the taste of him searing into his senses, the way their bodies fit together so perfectly.
And as they finally broke apart, gasping for air and staring into each other's eyes with a mix of surprise and wonder, Jungkook knew one thing for certain…he would never be able to resist the pull of Taehyung, no matter how frustrating or overwhelming it may be.
Taehyung’s eyes go ridiculously large, and it takes him a second before he finally realizes what just happened. Taehyung couldn't believe it. Jungkook had just kissed him out of nowhere, catching him completely off guard. The rush of emotions and confusion flooded through Taehyung as he tried to process what had just happened.
With a mix of shock, anger, and hurt, Taehyung didn't know how to react. And before he could even think about it further, his hand instinctively shot out and slapped Jungkook across the face.
The sound of the slap echoed through the room, silencing the air as they both stood frozen in place. Jungkook takes a step back and stares speechless. What did he just do?
“I can report you for sexual harassment!” he shouts angrily. “How fucking dare you!”
Jungkook sighs frustrated at himself for allowing control to be lost so easily like this.
“What a fucking creep you are!” Taehyung huffs, a pink blush overtaking his face. He’s angry, but also incredibly turned on because if that wasn’t the hottest kiss he’s ever had…but nonetheless! He doesn’t care how sexy Jungkook and his stupid muscles and lips are.
“You know what Taehyung if you can’t take the fire get the fuck out of the kitchen. Go on! Get out!” exclaims Jungkook. Taehyung purses his lips angrily leaving the kitchen slamming the back door behind him.
“Fucking fuck!” screams Jungkook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jungkook sits on his bed staring at his phone. He reaches for the resume and focuses in on the name on the top for an unhealthy amount of time. “Taehyung. No because honestly why did you have to be so fucking annoying?!”
He tosses the resume on the floor and tries to bury his guilt down deep. Yet, he can’t stop thinking about the young chef and how angry he was. And with good reason. He sighs and takes a deep breath picking the resume back up looking for a contact number. He dials quickly hoping it goes to voicemail.
📱 “Hello?”
Of course he would answer a number he doesn’t recognize. Jungkook sighs heavily. “Hi. Taehyung, it’s Jungkook.
📱 “Fuck off creep—“
“Wait. Listen, I just wanted to apologize for what happened tonight. I was a creep. 100%. I was unprofessional and it was wrong. I’m sorry. And I will admit that you seem to be very talented, and I would like to offer you a position as my sous chef starting tomorrow morn—“
📱“Fuck you creep!” And with that the line goes dead. Jungkook sighs and runs a hand across his face.
“That went just as well as I expected.” Jungkook crumples up the resume in his hand and tosses it in the corner of his room.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jungkook assembles his restaurant crew bright and early. He’s hemorrhaging money and if they intend on keeping the restaurant open for any foreseeable future changes need to be made. He hates to admit it, but Taehyung was right.
“Why are we here so early Jungkook?” Yoongi asks.
Jungkook looks around the kitchen and sighs disappointedly. He’s not sure why he half expected for Taehyung to be here. He didn’t seem like the kind person to give up so easily, but then again Jungkook really did cross a major line last night.
“I asked you all here—“
The door to the kitchen suddenly swings open. Taehyung walks in scanning the room, eyes falling on Jungkook. He had been hesitant about coming back. But there was no turning back now. If he wants to even remotely give himself a chance to be successful in this business he needs to do this.
Jungkook stares at Taehyung, a look of surprise lighting up his features. He had clearly not expected Taehyung to show up, and for a moment, the younger man stood back nervously and for the first time, at a loss for words.
“Everyone, I want to introduce our new sous chef…officially. This is Taehyung.”
The eye rolls and the judgmental stares he’s bombarded with by the rest of the staff are not missed on Taehyung.
Jungkook moves closer and holds his hand out at Taehyung. “Ready to start today…chef?”
Taehyung takes a deep breath and shakes the strong tattooed hand back. “Yes chef!”