Zee's POV
Four months! My team and I have four months to prepare the most popular group in the world for a competition. On top of that; one that is going to be showcased worldwide.
We already had ideas flowing regarding the marketing side of things but graphically I had no idea where to begin.
We'd done similar projects like this before but the time frame had always been sufficient enough for us to pull them off. "How am I going to make this work?" I asked myself.
"Hey Zee, what was wrong with you last night?" Jazz asked bringing me back to the to the real world.
"Nothing, why?"
"You were pacing up and down the room for 15 minutes straight. You didn't even realise that I was watching you."
Oh man!! I had hoped that Jazz had forgotten about my weird behaviour last night. The last thing I wanted to do was talk about the kiss.
I had only known Jasmine for two years and even though we had a rough start, she had really proved to be a true friend. She was one of the few people I always turned to when I needed advice or a shoulder to cry on.
"Ok, I'm going to tell you something but please, don't make a big deal about it!" I said to her.
"Ok, I'm all ears," she said while making her way towards my bed and sat next to me.
"So last night, Namjoon and I... kind of... kissed," I said feeling shy.
"What!! He kissed you!!" she exclaimed.
"SSSHHHH!!!!," I said covering her mouth, "What part of don't make a big deal about it didn't you understand," I said softly.
"I'm sorry, ok. I didn't expect you to tell me that. Girl, I need details. How did this all happen?"
This was the first time she's ever been excited about my love life. I started from the beginning, explaining to her how he caught me off guard with a kiss on the cheek, which then led to an unexpected kiss.
"Oh my word, how was it?" she asked with a big smile on her face.
"Nothing special, it was just a kiss," I teased her.
"Liar, of course it was special. You kissed RM, the leader of BTS. I bet it was what you've always dreamed it would be," she said full of excitement.
"Jazz, it really wasn't a big deal."
"Come on Zee, just spill the beans already."
I looked at this girl and couldn't help but laugh at her excitement. I was enjoying this side of her, one that I had never seen before.
"Ok, let's say if I didn't stop the kiss when I did, it would have gone further," I said with a smirk on my face.
"Girrrl, was it that good?" she asked, moving closer to me.
"Girrrl, the man has skills. It was hot and passionate and all things nice", I said feeling flustered just thinking about it.
"Ooooh, so do I smell a summer romance happening," Jazz said.
"No, not going to happen. It was just a kiss that shouldn't have happened and besides I told him to forget it even happened," I told her firmly.
"Why did you do that? I hope that this is not about that prick Wayne?" she asked with an annoyed expression.
"No, I just don't want any distractions during the competition. This showcase is a big deal and I don't want anything to go wrong," I stated.
"Seriously, those are just excuses and you know it," she said.
Before I could respond my cell phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a video call from Sasha.
I quickly responded to the call, sitting next to Jazz in order to include her.
"Hi, ladies. How are you guys?" Sasha asked.
Sasha, or superwoman as I like to call her, is the head of both the Marketing and Graphic Design division. In other words, she is our boss.
"Hi Sasha!! We are doing well, thanks. How are you," Jazz responded with a smile.
"I'm doing well on my side. I thought I should check in on you guys, since the competition rules were announced today," she said with a smile. "Zee, how are your nerves?"
"I'm okay, a little intimidated but I'm sure the team and I can do this," I responded.
Sasha had recruited me to be a part of her team four years ago. She was not only my boss but my mentor. She took me under her wing and groomed me to be the person I am today.
She is one of the few people I look up to and she always advises when it comes to both personal and professional matters. We are not just employees to her but her family as well.
"Look, try not to lose any sleep over it," she said. "I mean it will be nice to win but this is also a chance for you guys to show the world what Dynamics Ltd is made of. Whether we win or not, our company name will be on the global map", she said, making me feel a bit better.
Sasha had entrusted me to be the team leader for my crew, and also vouched for me to be given the lead graphic designer position as well. She assured all the higher ups that I could tackle both positions. The last thing I wanted was to disappoint her.
"Listen, as much as this is for work, I do expect you all to have fun," she continued, "Jazz I am trusting you to make sure that Zee doesn't stress too much about work and that she has some fun as well," she instructed.
"Oh, that is the plan," she said with a wink.
"Good! Oh yes, who is attending the cocktail party tomorrow?" Sasha asked.
"I'll be going but I still need to convince Jake or Danny to go with me," I said in response.
Man, I hated these parties. It was all about networking and finding prospective clients. I was always game to attend them but I always had a tough time getting the others to go with me.
"Why doesn't Jazz go with you?" she asked.
"I'd love to but I have a virtual date with Giovann."
"Okay, well if neither of the guys want to go with you, why don't you ask one of your Japanese boys you're teamed up with," she suggested with a wink.
"Lol, you mean Korean and no; I really don't want to mess up their schedule since they have to also get ready for the competition," I said while shaking my head.
"Ok, let me know when you've found a plus one and I also need to have a zoom meeting with everyone regarding the competition. All the best and I will check in with you all soon. Bye." she said before dropping the call.
Her calls were always short and sweet. They were always constructive and full of positivity. Now I had to find a way to convince Danny or Jake to go with me to the cocktail party tomorrow night.
Namjoon's POV
Ping!!
I heard my phone go off in my pocket. It was a text from Jin.
"Hey, where are you," his message read. "The guys and I thought we should have Korean BBQ for supper tonight, what do you think?"
"At the beach, be back soon. Sounds good, ask Zee if she and her team would like to join us," I texted back.
"Already did and they are keen as well. Hurry up and come back."
"Ok"
I had decided to take a walk on the beach hoping for some peace and quiet. The group and I had a busy schedule coming up soon and we had to start preparing for the showcase. Thankfully, Jimin, V and Jungkook will be back from military service by then.
I quickly made my way back to the villa as the sun was about to set. When I arrived the guys had already set up the table outside by the pool area.
"RM!!" Hobi said cheerfully.
"J-Hope!!" I responded. It was a weird greeting thing we did.
Yoongi and Jin were busy preparing the steak and chicken before starting the BBQ. Hobi, Jake and Danny were busy setting up the table.
"Where are the girls?" I asked while taking a seat.
"They went out for a run 30 minutes ago. They should be back soon," Danny said.
Just as Danny finished, we heard the girls enter through the front door.
"We're back!!! We'll join you guys soon!" they called out before heading upstairs.
"So Danny, I hear you are married and also have a child?" I asked, trying to get to know him.
"Yeah," he responded with a smile on his face. He then proceeded to show me pictures of his wife and daughter. They really were a beautiful family and you could see how much he loved and missed them.
His wife's name was Paula and his little girl's name was Lily. She really looked like both of them, though you could see more of Danny's features.
"Awww, you telling them about Lily?" Jazz said as she was making her way towards us. Zee wasn't too far behind her.
"Lol, yeah, you know how I am when it comes to my Lily," Danny said with a chuckle.
"I swear that little girl has you wrapped around her little finger," Jake teased.
"I know and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way," the proud dad said.
Danny went on to tell us some funny and cute stories about his daughter. He had us all laughing, some of us tearing up. I hope I am just as captivated as he is when I do decide to start a family.
The BBQ soon started and the vibe was really great. We were all laughing and having drinks, chatting, non-stop.
"Uhm, Jake or Danny!" Zee called out, "What do I have to do for one of you to wear a monkey suit?" she asked.
"A monkey suit?" they both said in unison.
"She means a tuxedo," Jazz said laughing.
"Oh!! What's happening tomorrow night?" Jake asked her.
"Legit Corp is hosting a cocktail party and I really don't want to go alone. Jazz can't come because she has a virtual date with Giovann and I'm hoping one of you will go with me tomorrow," she said with a pleading look.
I was also invited to the cocktail party but I wasn't planning on going as I had a tight schedule. I valued my free time but I wouldn't mind attending the party if it meant going with Zee.
"I'm sorry Zee, but I really don't want to miss out on my video calls with my family," Danny said apologetically.
"I would go with you Zee but I have a date with Jenna," Jake announced.
"A date!!!" we all said in unison.
"What happened to 'we are just friends'?" Hobi asked.
"It's just a date guys, don't make such a big deal out of it," Jake said.
"Well if it's not a big deal, then I'm sure you can postpone it," Zee said.
"I would but Jenna is looking forward to going to the movies and I don't want to be that guy who cancels on a girl," Jake said.
"Okay, guess I'll do this one solo," she said looking defeated.
"I'll go with you," I offered before taking a sip of my beer.
"Oh no, no," Zee said, shaking her head. "It's just for networking purposes. There's nothing special about it."
"I know, I also got an invite as well," I said, "Since we are both going, we may as well go together."
"I like that idea," Jazz chimed in, "That way my Zizi won't be lonely."
"No really, you don't have to. I'm sure you have a busy schedule and besides, these events are boring most of the time," Zee said in her attempt to make me change my mind.
"Zee, I know he may not look like it but he is a lot more fun than you think," Jin said with a chuckle.
"Besides you're both going to the same place and you're going to need company," Jake said.
"Ok, fine!! You all win," she said leaning back on her chair.
"Great, I guess it's a date then," Yoongi said, giving me a wink.
I stared at him in disbelief. I wasn't sure if I should kill him now or later. I glanced over at Zee, who was very silent. While everyone was busy chatting and laughing, she was picking at her food.
"Are you ok with me taking you to the cocktail party?" I asked her.
"Yeah, sure. it should be fun," she said with a smile.
I could see she was not happy about the idea. Maybe I should rather let her go alone but then again this gives me a chance to get to know her. I'll have to find a way to make the evening pleasant for her.