Tell Me Something That I Don't Know.

Taehyung's gaze swept across the stunned directors and with a very slow voice on Mic he says.....

"And that's just the beginning."

Another shareholder raised his hand, a warm smile on his face. "Mr. Kim, we believe in you. After all, ever since your return even just your appearance our share prices have seen a noticeable rise."

The room chuckled lightly in agreement.

Taehyung let out a soft chuckle, "Thanks for the faith. I'll make sure it's never misplaced."

The same shareholder then added with a grin, "And I must say, your secretary is also quite handsome."

Taehyung glanced at Yeonjun, amused. "You're getting compliments now."

Yeonjun gave a polite nod and a small smile, "Pleasure to hear that sir."

As the boardroom slowly emptied and murmurs faded into silence, Taehyung walked out, his steps composed, coat draped neatly over his both arm. Just as he was about leave, a calm, familiar voice called out behind him.

"Still the same… walking out like a king," said Hwan Shi, his lips curved in a practiced smile. "You haven't changed, Taehyung-ah."

Taehyung didn't stop immediately. His footsteps slowed, and he glanced over his shoulder with the faintest of smirks. "I don't want to change, I came perfect."

Hwan Shi let out a quiet chuckle, the kind that sounded almost genuine almost. "Confident as ever. That 20% ROI projection… I'll admit, even I didn't see that coming. You're really going big."

Turning fully to face him now, Taehyung's eyes held a quiet fire. "I don't play games, hyung. I calculate."

There was a beat of silence before Hwan Shi stepped closer, his tone dipping just slightly, as if testing the air. "Then I hope all your calculations work out in your favor. You know how fast the tide can shift in this world."

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, lips curling upward not into warmth, but warning. "I don't wait for tides. I make my own waves."

Hwan Shi's gaze lingered on him for a moment too long, his smile sharpening. "That's what I've always admired about you… and what some people… fear."

Taehyung took a step closer, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. "Fear is for people who have something to hide."

They stood like that, the perfect portrait of polite professionalism, until Hwan Shi straightened, adjusting the cuff of his designer watch.

"Well," he said smoothly, "it's good to see you back in control. Let's both do our best… for the company."

Taehyung reached for the button on his coat, his voice calm but edged. "Of course. That's what family does…right."

As Taehyung turned away from Hwan Shi, his steps steady and composed, Yeonjun walked up beside him with a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

"You were cool back there," Yeonjun said, nudging him lightly with his elbow.

Taehyung didn't even glance at him. Instead, he adjusted the cuff of his suit and replied with that ever-calm voice, "Tell me something I don't know."

Yeonjun scoffed, shaking his head with amusement. "Arrogant as ever."

Just then, both of them slowed their steps something ahead had caught their eyes.

Down the hall near the office lounge, Sooyaa was crouched playfully behind a wall, hands pressed together in mischief. She peeked out, eyes twinkling. A few steps away, Hye-jin was walking casually, completely unaware.

The moment Hye-jin stepped closer, Sooyaa suddenly popped out and throwing her hands toward him with exaggerated flair.

"BOOM!"

Hye-jin jumped, startled, before bursting into laughter, "Yah! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Sooyaa doubled over, laughing uncontrollably, and the two women leaned against each other, giggling like kids.

From the far end of the hallway, Taehyung and Yeonjun both paused.

A quiet moment passed. Then, almost in sync, both men whispered under their breath.

"Beautiful."

They looked at each other, eyes meeting briefly Taehyung adjusted the front of his suit, Yeonjun straightened his collar. Neither said anything more.

But Taehyung's expression slowly shifted.

(FLASHBACK UNIVERSITY DAYS)

Taehyung stepped out of the classroom, one hand casually tucked in his pocket. The corridor was quiet, only the soft echo of his footsteps filling the space.

As he turned toward the lounge, his eyes caught a reflection in the glass panel beside him.

There she was Sooyaa pressed flat behind a corner, biting back a mischievous grin. She thought he couldn't see her.

A small smirk curled on Taehyung's lips. "Ah... trying to scare me."

He quickly masked his expression, returning to his usual unreadable face. Playing along, he walked forward, pretending not to notice.

And just as he passed the corner...

"BOOM!"

Sooyaa jumped out, throwing her hands toward him with exaggerated flair.

Taehyung stumbled back dramatically, a hand on his chest. "Ahhh! Sooyaa!" he gasped. "You scared the hell out of me!"

Sooyaa burst out laughing, eyes crinkling in delight. "You really got scared?"

He shook his head slowly with a fond chuckle. "You're dangerously good at scaring people."

With a playful tilt of her head, Sooyaa raised an eyebrow and shot back,

"Tell me something I don't know."

Taehyung blinked at her, and for a moment, just watched her with an unreadable gaze.

Then he murmured with a half-smile, "beautiful"

Sooyaa blinked. "Wait… what did you just say?"

Taehyung cleared his throat, suddenly aware of how easily the truth had slipped from his lips. "I ...uh I meant… you beautifully scared me."

He tried to act cool, rubbing the back of his neck.

Sooyaa raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this.

"Ohhh....I know that" she said dramatically,

END OF CHAPTER.