The meeting had started between companies, and only Ruan and his CEO, Regina, and Jax had attended. However, Jax couldn't help but steal glances at Ruan as they sat opposite each other in the sleek, modern meeting room. Ruan was smiling at him, and it caught him off guard. Now, he had found himself captivated by the rockstar's beautiful features; not taking his eyes off him, he observed his face and took in his high cheekbones, sharp jawline, and full lips, and he didn't stop there as his eyes drifted to the tattoo on Ruan's neck, a delicate cursive script that seemed to dance across his skin. He couldn't understand the words since they were written in Korean and wondered what they meant and why Ruan had chosen to ink them into his body. Their eyes met, and Ruan winked at him, sending a jolt of electricity through Jax's body. Embarrassed, Jax looked away and picked up the paper before him, pretending to read it, but his eyes scanned the same line repeatedly, his mind still reeling from Ruan's flirtatious gesture.
The worst thing about it was how it fluttered his heart. It was just a little wink, and his heart was already pounding, which made him wonder how his fans always felt each time he sang to them.
The Ceo's voice brought Jax back to reality. ''As you know, Mr. Jax, Ruan's recent…'' The Ceo paused as he looked at Ruan, who had a nonchalant attitude as if he was not a part of the meeting. ''Ruan's recent antics,'' he continued. ''it has caused a lot of stir in the media, and even though he had apologized today, there are still a lot of hate comments online, which is why the rehab is needed and we need someone to manage him, ensure his rehab sessions and most importantly keep him out of trouble.''
Jax nodded and then glanced at Ruan, whose eyes were on him. When Ruan noticed his eyes, he quickly looked away, pretending to reread the book.
''We are proposing a six-month contract during which you will be responsible for Ruan's activities on the island. You will need to ensure he doesn't do anything unbecoming of his status as an idol.'' The Ceo said, sighed, and his gaze lingered on Jax as if he were judging him. ''I must admit, Mr. Jax, you don't exactly…scream experience. I would have preferred Regina here.''
Regina chuckled and shifted on her chair. ''I am sure that Jax can do the job.''
The CEO frowned and then looked at Jax. ''are you confident enough?''
''That's enough lucas,'' Ruan's smooth voice sounded. ''I choose him as my manager for a reason. We've met before, under…a circumstance.''
Jax slowly lowered the paper from his face, his eyes meeting Ruan's.
''He had saved me before from warms of reporters,'' Ruan informed them. ''Doing that is enough for me to trust him.''
The room broke into silence, with no one countering Ruan's words. He stared at Jax, who was also looking at him. Jax couldn't look away from him; it felt like they were the only ones in the room. Then again, Jax felt his heart racing. It felt like they were the only two people in the room. Ruan's dark eyes stared into Jax's brown eyes, and he felt his breath growing shallow as if he was drowning in Ruan's stare.
When Regina nudged him on the shoulder, the connection broke the spell, and Jax's gaze returned to reality.
''I trust Ruan's word on this,'' Lucas said. ''I would also like to hear from you, Mr. Jax,'' his eyes narrowed slightly as he waited for Jax's response.
Jax took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, and faced Lucas. ''ye…'' he stuttered and clenched his fist tightly under the table. ''… yes, of course,'' his voice was slightly shakier than he intended. ''I promise to do everything in my power to ensure his successful rehabilitation and manage his career to the best of my abilities,'' Jax said, finally finding his voice and saying it confidently.
''Excellent,'' Lucas nodded with a hint of a smile. ''I think it is time we sign the contract, then,'' Lucas announced and slid it across the table for all four.
Jax reached for his pen and was ready to sigh when Lucas's voice stopped him. ''There is one more thing, Mr. Jax, that we have to take seriously,'' Lucas raised his head to look at Jax, his expression serious. ''one of our basic rules is that there can be no romantic or personal relationship between the manager and the idol.''
Jax's eyes instinctively flickered up to Ruan, who was watching him with an unreadable expression. For a moment, he thought about how possible it was to follow that rule because Ruan was a popular celebrity with a reputation for being aloof and distant. Someone like Jax, an unknown manager, wasn't even on his radar. He had seen his partners on the news and knew that he could never be on their level, and even though Ruan was interested, Jax knew he wouldn't be. Ruan was problematic, to say the least, with a reputation for being reckless and impulsive. He wasn't going to get tangled up in that mess.
But as he looked into Ruan's eyes, Jax felt strongly uncertain. Something about Ruan's eyes made Jax wonder if he could be wrong about him. Then Jax shook his head at the thought of them ever happening. He and Ruan were worlds apart.
''yes,'' Jax said as he looked away from Ruan's piercing gaze. ''it is never going to happen.''
Lucas nodded, seemingly satisfied with Jax's response. ''you seem like a responsible individual, Mr. Jax. Let's proceed with the contract.''
The four signed the contract silently, and the sound of pen scratching on the paper filled the room. Once the signing was done, Lucas leaned back in his chair and pointed toward Jax. ''We will be moving you both to the island in a week,'' he announced.
Jax exchanged looks with Regina, who just nodded her head at him, and he frowned since she didn't tell him that it would be that quick. ''However,''Lucas continued. ''I would like you to visit our entertainment agency beforehand, get familiar with our operations, and learn everything about Ruan's schedules on the island.''
Jax nodded, taking notes.
''you will also meet the rest of the members,'' Lucas added. ''That way, when you arrive on the island, you will already have a good understanding of how things work.''
Ruan, who had been quiet, spoke up. ''I am looking forward to it, Jax,'' he winked at Jax again, and he got a frown from Jax in return. ''Don't worry, I don't bite.''
Jax's heart skipped a beat again as he met his eyes, and he quickly looked away, trying to compose himself.
''Ruan,'' Lucas called to keep him in order and then smiled at Jax. ''I think this meeting is over,'' he stood up and stretched forth his hand towards Regina.'' Thank you both for coming,'' he shook her hand and also extended the hand to Jax. ''I'm looking forward to working with you, Mr Jax. ''
''yes, sir.''
Ruan also stood up, his eyes locked on Jax's as he extended his hand. ''I will be waiting for you,'' he said, his smile hinting at something more.
Jax wished he could tell him to stop flirting with him at that moment, but instead, he forced a smile on his face as he shook his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity again as their palms touched. He slowly withdrew his hand, trying to play it cool.''See you again, Sir,'' he almost gritted his teeth as he spoke.
Ruan chuckled and walked towards the door with Lucas and the bodyguards trailing behind them.
Jax and Regina escorted them to the elevator. As the doors were about to close, he couldn't help but steal glances at Ruan. When Ruan sensed his gaze, he winked at him and smiled again. The smile was like a punch to the gut, leaving him almost breathless. At that moment, he knew it would be impossible to resist someone like him.
Left alone with Regina, he ran a hand through his hair like he had fought a terrible battle with his inner mind. He then headed towards the meeting room to pack his stuff while Regina joined him.
''wow, Ruan looks more handsome in person,'' she commented
Jax nodded, not wanting to say anything else because if he did, they would sit down again and talk about him. After all, he had a lot to say.