|| CHAPTER - 43 ||

•| CHAPTER ~ 43 |•

•| DESPERATE FOR HER ATTENTION|•

✿───❀ ♡ ❀───✿

It had been a few days since Evie last saw Jungkook. The memory of their encounter still lingered somewhere in the back of her mind, but she refused to let it settle. She pushed it away like an unwanted guest at her door, determined not to let him take up space in her thoughts.

Whatever happened that day, she didn't want to dissect it. It didn't matter. He came, he spoke, he tried to charm and manipulate like always-and she had walked away. That was enough. She told herself it was over, and she meant it.

Thankfully, things around her had begun to ease, slowly but surely. Her father, after weeks of struggle, finally got a job offer-a stable position, something with dignity. He was set to join in a few days, and Evie could see the light returning to his eyes, the way his shoulders didn't slump with defeat anymore. That alone brought her some peace.

The loan that had once felt like an impossible had also come through. It was approved and the funds were deposited straight to the company. The weight of financial pressure that had suffocated them for so long finally started to lift. She could breathe again-just a little. But not everything felt right. The scam case against her father, the one that had tarnished their name and caused unbearable shame, had been cleared-not because the truth had won, but because they were forced to pay a fine. Her father, an honest man who had never even thought of cheating anyone, had to suffer a punishment he didn't deserve.

Knowing it was all framed by Taehyung filled her with both pain and fury. What hurt the most was that he chose her father's reputation as his revenge. He never seemed capable of such mindset, yet now she realized how little one truly knows another person. The way he turned his back so mercilessly shattered something inside her. This humiliation was not something she would ever forget.

Let him, she thought bitterly. If he wanted to see her fall, so be it. If he found satisfaction in watching her suffer, let him have his moment. She no longer had the energy to keep wondering why he changed or what he really felt. He made his choice. And now, she would make hers.

She had to move on. For herself. For her father.

With a new determination, she started applying to companies again-dozens of them. Some ignored her completely. Some rejected her outright. But then, to her surprise, one of the biggest firms sent her an approval. Her application was accepted. The offer was clear, professional, and promising.

At first, she felt a spark of excitement, a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. But that joy soured quickly when she realized who stood behind it.

It was him. Of course, it was him.

Jeon fucking Jungkook.

The company belonged to a branch under his father's empire. And even though she had told him-clearly, firmly-not to interfere, the arrogant bastard did exactly what he wanted. Again.

She should have known better.

He didn't listen. He never did.

But this time... she let it slide.

She didn't respond, didn't confront him, didn't send a storm of curses his way as badly she wanted to. Instead, she let it happen. She accepted the job. If he wanted to play around, fine. Let him. She knew he was the kind of man who would get bored eventually. That's what guys like him did-they obsessed, they chased, they played games, and then one day, they disappeared. She'd seen it before. She wouldn't be surprised when it happened again.

And if he had the nerve to tell her to use him-well, maybe she would.

Maybe it wasn't a bad idea to be selfish, just this once. He wasn't a good person. He'd done worse to others. If anyone deserved to be taken advantage of, it was him. So she swallowed her pride, kept her ego in check, and told herself it was okay to accept this opportunity. It was just survival. That's all.

In the meantime, the texts didn't stop.

Even after blocking him-again and again-he found ways to reach her. New numbers, different names, constant pings on her phone, day and night.

Some were annoying.Some were sweet.Most were just plain irritating.

-[unknown number]:Blocked me again? That's cold, Sweetheart. I'm starting to think youlike making this difficult.

-[unknown number]:I sent five messages and not even a seen? Either you've got serious willpower... or you're just pretending I don't exist.

-[unknown number]:Come on. You know that job wasn't magic. Just say thank you. I won't gloat... much.

-[unknown number]:Block me once again andI swear I will come to your house.

-[unknown number]:Hey, be nice. I'm not saying I'll definitely show up at your house if you keep ignoring me... but I'm also not saying I won't.

-[unknown number]:You pretending not to care is cute.Annoying, but cute.

-[unknown number]:One word. That's all I'm asking. Or an emoji. Even a dot. I'll take it.

-[unknown number]:Alright, keep acting unbothered. I'll keep texting. Let's see who gives up first.

-[Unknown Number]I'm trying to be nice here. Don't make me go back to being a jerk.I know you liked that version more.

Evie was beyond frustrated. No matter how many times she blocked him, his messages kept coming. At first, she'd blocked him. Then she stopped looking at them. Now, she just sighed every time his name (or a random number) popped up on her screen. Her patience was running thin.

But still... she didn't report him. She didn't block his latest number. She didn't shut the door completely.

Maybe deep down, she was waiting.

Waiting for him to get bored and go away. Waiting for this game to end.

Or maybe... waiting to see how far he was really willing to go.

Because if he thought she was going to fall for his tricks again, he was wrong.

This time, she'd be the one using him.

✦───────────────✦

More days passed, quietly and uneventfully, and Evie finally received confirmation-she had gotten the job she applied for. In just a few days, she would officially begin. Even though some part of her knew that Jungkook would continue to bother her regardless of what she did or where she went, she held onto the small hope that maybe, eventually, he'd get tired of his weird obsession, get bored of the chase, and move on to someone else. Maybe then she could finally breathe.

But for now, his messages kept coming.

And as usual, she refused to respond.

Not a single reply. Not even a glance at most of them. He was like a shadow that refused to disappear, following her everywhere. Still, she stayed silent. Maybe silence would kill the noise. Maybe it would drive him away.

And now, standing in front of the mirror, she took a deep breath as she adjusted the collar of her blouse, trying to ignore the small knot of nervousness curling in her stomach. It was her first day-not exactly working yet, but training. For the next few days, she would be learning, observing, getting used to the environment before taking on actual responsibilities. She hoped she'd be able to handle it all. It was a new start, and she desperately needed this one to go right.

The morning was calm. The sunlight spilled gently through the curtains, and the air was cool but comforting. She was about to turn twenty-two in a few days and here she was, getting her first proper job, preparing to become independent, and most importantly, finally able to support her father after everything he had done for her.

Downstairs, her father was already up and moving around the kitchen, making breakfast-something he'd always done without complaint. He had taken over most of the household chores ever since she was a child, never allowing her to do much. He always told her she had enough to worry about already, that she should just focus on her studies and dreams. And now, looking at him bustling around the kitchen with that quiet determination, she felt a sharp wave of emotion hit her chest.

She didn't say it out loud, but today, she was proud of herself. And proud of him, too.

She didn't want to be late on her first day, so she dressed neatly-a clean, professional outfit that still felt like her-and headed downstairs. Breakfast was simple but warm, and as they ate, her father offered the kind of advice only a parent could give-small things, like "don't be afraid to ask questions," "always respect your seniors, even if they're rude," and "trust your instincts." She listened quietly, nodding, taking it all in.

After they finished, they both left the house together and got into the car. He was driving her to the office on her first day, insisting on it. "Just for today," he'd said. "Let me drop you. It's a big day."

On the way, they talked. Nothing deep-just small, comforting conversation that helped keep her nerves in check. But midway through the ride, her phone buzzed.

A new message.

She glanced down at the screen, already guessing who it was.

And she was right.

It's Jungkook.

Did this man seriously have nothing better to do? No job, no responsibility, no life-just unlimited free time to disturb her peace whenever he pleased.

His name lit up her screen and she clenched her jaw, already feeling her pulse spike. She should've blocked that number too. She knew it.

The message preview stared up at her, almost mocking-

-[Unknown Number]Good morning, sleepyhead.I know today's important,

so I just wanted to wish you good luck.You're going to do amazing. I can already see it-you walking into that building like you own the place.Don't forget to breathe, don't overthink, and just be yourself.

And if anyone gives you a hard time,let me know - I'll break their legs.Kidding... unless you want me to.You deserve this job, sweetheart. Really.I'm proud of you, even if you hate me ♡- yours JK

Yours JK?

Seriously? What the actual fuck.

She muttered a curse under her breath, glaring at her phone like it had betrayed her. "Fucker," she whispered.

Why did he have to ruin everything?

Just seeing his name-his words-on her screen made something in her chest tighten uncomfortably. She hated that he knew exactly how to be soft when he wanted to be. Sweet, almost gentle. Like the version of him she could've maybe fallen for if things had been different. But it was all a trick. It had to be.

She turned her phone face-down and ignored the message completely. She didn't need his good luck. She didn't need his fake concern. She didn't need him.

The car slowed to a stop in front of the large glass building. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up at it. Tall, sleek, and intimidating-it looked nothing like the small, manageable jobs she had once imagined for herself. But she was here now. And she was going to walk in.

Her father turned to her, placing a warm hand on her shoulder.

"You've got this," he said with a small smile. "No matter what happens in there today... I'm proud of you."

She nodded, taking one final deep breath.

Then she stepped out of the car and stood on the sidewalk, staring up at the building-her new workplace, her palms were a little sweaty, and her stomach was fluttering with nerves.

She was here. She was ready.

She stood in front of the building for a moment longer, trying to steady her nerves before walking through the large glass doors. As she entered, a burst of cool air and soft chatter greeted her, mixed with the distant sound of ringing phones and footsteps across floors. The reception area was modern and bright, filled with people moving with purpose-but no one looked unkind or intimidating, and that made her shoulders relax a little.

She made her way to the front desk and introduced herself to the receptionist, holding out the small file she'd brought with her-her documents, offer letter, and everything else they might need.

The receptionist smiled as soon as she heard Evie's name, as if she'd been expecting her.

"Oh, welcome. We've been waiting for you," she said warmly, and that one sentence instantly made Evie feel a little more at ease. "You'll be guided today, just follow me."

Evie blinked. They've been waiting for her?

She didn't know what that meant exactly-maybe it was just something they said to all new joiners. Or maybe...

She brushed the thought away before it could fully form. She didn't want to think about him right now.

As she followed the receptionist through the hallways, she noticed that everyone she passed smiled at her. Some gave polite nods, others a quick "Good morning." It was strange... they all acted like they knew who she was-or at least had heard of her. But no one said anything odd, and no one looked at her in a way that felt uncomfortable, so she just offered small smiles back.

She was taken to the HR room first, where a woman explained the company policies and general things she needed to know-timings, lunch breaks, where things were, and who to talk to if she had any problems.

After that, she was introduced to her department and assigned to a manager-a kind-looking woman in her mid-30s who welcomed Evie like she'd known her for years.

"You won't be handling actual work for the first few days," the manager explained with a reassuring smile. "We want you to get comfortable, understand how things work, and ask as many questions as you need. Today, we'll just give you a small tour and introduce you to the team."

She nodded, feeling a strange mixture of relief and suspicion. It was all going too smoothly. She had expected awkwardness. Hesitation. Maybe even judgment. But instead, everyone was being... almost too nice.

Of course, she had no idea that somewhere behind the scenes, Jungkook had already made sure of it. He hadn't said it outright. He didn't have to. People just knew. Treat her right. No questions. No mistakes.

She was someone he cared about-whether she liked it or not.

But Evie didn't know that yet. All she knew was that her first day, so far, wasn't half as terrifying as she had feared.

She sat quietly in her assigned seat, watching the team move around her, listening carefully as her manager explained things.

Just like that, half the day passed without much thought. Evie kept herself buried in the simple tasks she was given-organizing files, reading through company protocols, learning the system she'd soon be working with. No one really bothered her, and she didn't try to strike up any conversations either. Everyone around her seemed busy with their own roles, and she was thankful for that. She liked it quiet.

Soon, the clock struck lunch, and people started trickling out of their seats, heading towards the cafeteria in small groups, some chatting, others laughing softly. Evie didn't know anyone, and she didn't try to join anyone either. She quietly stood up and followed the directions her manager had given earlier, walking to the cafeteria with her head slightly down, avoiding eye contact.

Once she reached, she ordered a simple lunch and found a quiet corner where she could eat in peace. She sat down, kept her phone on the table, and started eating while scrolling through a few messages from her father. He'd asked how her first day was going, if she'd eaten, and if anyone was bothering her. She replied with a few lines, keeping it short but sweet, just enough to ease his worry.

Just as she took another bite, she felt it-that strange feeling, the shift in air, the presence of someone too familiar. Before she could even look up, someone pulled the chair beside her and sat down like they belonged there.

She turned sharply, eyes narrowing. And there he was.

Jeon Jungkook. Of course it was him.

Wearing a buttoned-up black shirt, sleeves messily rolled up to his elbows, a smug expression on his face like he hadn't just barged into her life again. It hit her all at once-irritation, confusion, and that sharp, tight annoyance that only he could make her feel so effortlessly.

But she quickly reminded herself-this was his father's company. He had every right to be here. Maybe he was just wandering around, doing one of his casual visits or checking on some project. He wasn't technically doing anything wrong. Still, that didn't mean she had to be okay with him sitting beside her like this.

Her jaw clenched as she tried to hold in the curse that almost slipped out. She didn't want to make a scene-not on her first day. Not in front of all these people.

Jungkook, of course, looked unfazed. He leaned a little to the side and casually peeked into her plate. "That's all you ordered?" he said with a small smirk. "No wonder you're so tiny."

She shot him a glare but didn't reply. She tried to stand up, wanting to move to another bench, somewhere far from him. But before she could, Jungkook grabbed her wrist gently but firmly, just enough to stop her. "Don't," he said, voice low but still playful. "Everyone's watching. You're new here-sit down, act normal. You don't want to look unprofessional, right?"

She froze. Her eyes scanned the cafeteria. And he was right. A few heads had turned their way-people who clearly recognized Jungkook, probably wondering why he was sitting with a new employee and not his usual crowd. Some of them-especially a few girls-looked curious, maybe even surprised. But no one dared to come over.

Evie let out a breath and sat down again, reluctantly. She picked up her fork, trying to ignore him, focusing back on her food and her phone, scrolling just to avoid looking at his face.

But Jungkook wasn't done. Of course he wasn't.

"You didn't even say hi," he muttered, leaning slightly closer. "Rude, no?"

She didn't even glance at him. "You shouldn't be here."

"Why not?" he asked, genuinely confused but still with that playful glint in his eye. "You work here now. This company is indirectly mine-technically. Shouldn't we be, I don't know... friendly colleagues?"

She completely ignored him, not replying.

And definitely Jungkook isn't buying her ignorance as without any warning, he reached over and snatched her phone from her hand.

"Hey!" she snapped, trying to grab it back, but he pulled it away, holding it just out of reach.

"I messaged you," he said calmly, scrolling through her screen like it was his own. "A lot, by the way. For days. And you didn't even open a single one."

"Because I don't want to talk to you," she said sharply. "Is that hard to understand?"

He raised a brow, ignoring the bite in her tone. "And who were you texting just now? Hm?" he asked, still scrolling. "Is there someone new? Already? Damn, didn't think I was that easy to forget."

She shot him a disgusted look. "Don't flatter yourself."

But he didn't stop. He opened her messages and saw the chat with her father-short, wholesome replies. Just her telling him about her first day, asking if he'd eaten. Jungkook blinked at it and then looked at her.

"Oh." His voice softened, just for a second, but then that cocky tone came back. "So no boyfriend yet. Good girl."

She gritted her teeth. "Give me my phone."

"Relax." He grinned and opened his own chat thread in her phone, the one filled with countless messages he'd sent over the last few days-some sweet, some sarcastic, some straight-up annoying.

He read a few aloud under his breath with a mocking tone and then looked at her and smirked. "I'm kind of offended you didn't even read these and completely ignored me."

"Because I don't want to, is it so difficult to understand?" she snapped.

"Well, now you will," he said, and saved his number in her contacts under the name 'Jeon Jungkook-Don't Block' and looked at her again. "Delete it, and I'll just send more messages. You can't outblock me."

She grabbed her phone back finally, glaring at him.

"I swear to God, you're the most fuc-"

"Charming? Persistent? Handsome?" he cut her off with a grin.

Her patience was hanging by a thread, but she didn't let it show beyond the firm set of her jaw and the way she stabbed at her food like it had personally offended her. Jungkook, on the other hand, looked like he was having the time of his life. His arm rested lazily on the back of the chair, one leg casually crossed over the other, as if he owned not just the chair but the entire cafeteria.

"I swear, you're such a dumb woman sometimes," he said lightly, with a fake sigh, his voice calm but full of that teasing edge she had grown to hate. "I got you this job-not that you asked-but still. Can't you show a little gratitude? I'm not asking for your soul. Just... don't act like I'm the villain here."

She didn't reply to him, ignoring him seems a better option to her. She kept her eyes on her plate and chewed slowly, as if tuning him out was her only method of survival.

Jungkook went on, clearly unfazed. "I don't show up here to bother you, you know. I come here often. It's my dad's company branch. It's normal. I'm not some stalker-well, maybe a little," he added with a grin. "But only for you."

She muttered something under her breath, something he didn't catch but probably wouldn't have liked anyway. Still, he leaned in a little closer, voice lowering as if trying to get under her skin.

"You can't run from me. Not here, not anywhere. Even if you didn't land this job, I would've found another way to get near you. That's kind of my thing. You should know that by now."

Finally, she looked at him. Just for a second. Her eyes were cold and sharp, but she didn't speak. She just gave him that look-the one that said she was one inch away from smacking the smirk off his face and then calmly turned her attention back to her lunch.

"What is your problem?" she asked quietly after a beat, her tone flat but edged with annoyance.

Jungkook smiled, like that was the response he'd been waiting for. "My problem is you're too easy to like," he said smoothly. "At first, yeah, I didn't like you. I was a jerk, I know. But then I started thinking... maybe I needed someone different around. Someone who doesn't fall for every stupid thing I say. You don't chase me, you don't flatter me, and you sure as hell don't fake smiles. You're... good company."

She scoffed under her breath, not even dignifying that with a real answer. Instead, she focused on cutting the last bit of her food, ignoring the way his eyes lingered on her face.

"How are you even that free?" she asked after a moment. "Don't you have a life? A job? You just keep floating around like you're some unemployed creep."

Jungkook smirked. "I'm free only for you. You think I waste my time like this for just anyone?" He reached over and tugged at the end of her sleeve playfully. "Besides, I had to see you today. Look at you... all serious and responsible. That outfit's cute, by the way. Very... office-girl who hates me vibes. very professional. It suits you."

She didn't reply, just kept chewing like he wasn't even there. She was clearly pissed off, clearly done-but she wasn't about to give him the reaction he wanted. No way.

And Jungkook? He loved it.

He was enjoying the quiet rage bubbling under her calm surface. He kept watching her like she was the most interesting thing in the room-completely ignoring the fact that everyone else had started whispering and side-glancing, pretending not to stare but obviously curious.

She finished her food, wiped her hands, and stood up without saying a word.

But just as she stepped a few paces away, Jungkook leaned forward slightly in his seat, voice playful and rich with teasing charm.

"Don't miss me too much when I'm not around, sweetheart," he called out loud enough for her to hear. "And try not to fall in love with me just yet-I'm being on my best behavior today."

His tone was light, flirtatious, almost boyish. A few nearby employees tried not to glance over, but his presence was hard to ignore.

Evie paused, only for a heartbeat. Her back was still to him, her posture calm and composed. She didn't give him a glance. Her only reaction was a slow, indifferent shake of her head-as if dismissing a mosquito buzzing near her ear. And then, without a single word, she continued walking out of the cafeteria with quiet grace, not once breaking her stride.

Jungkook just sat there, a crooked grin stretching on his lips, clearly amused. He leaned back in his chair, watching her go like she was the most interesting part of his day.

She was pissed, clearly. But she didn't give him the satisfaction of a single word.

Good. He liked it when she made it difficult.

What she didn't know-or maybe she did-was that Jungkook wasn't bored. Not yet. Not even close.

And as long as she kept pretending he didn't exist, he had every reason to keep showing up.

Evie, though? She wasn't impressed. She knew his type.

And she wasn't planning to entertain him.

If he wanted to stick around, fine. If he wanted to waste his time chasing her shadow, whatever. She'd take the job, take the opportunity-hell, she'd take the silence if she could get it. But she wasn't giving him attention. Not when he wanted it this badly.

Because the more she gives him attention, the more he'd squirm.