Chapter Text
At the age of twenty eight, Lim Jaebeom can say that he’s accomplished quite a bit with his life. He may have done some stupid things, especially during his teenage years where he was very hot headed but not many can say that they’ve made it to the Marines and stuck with it. Going into the military at eighteen, Jaebum devoted ten years of his life to the Marines and has done and seen many things. Now that he’s retired though, he’s not sure what he wants to do with his life but it’s got to be something. It’s not like he needs a job per say because his retirement will last him until the day he dies, thanks to fighting in battles. Lim Jaebeom is a pro veteran who can just be laid back now and find a small hobby. And yes, Jaebum tried that. For a few months he traveled a bit. Took pictures and played with random cats he found on his way but something wasn’t complete. Something was missing and coming home to an empty place told Jaebum what it was.
Someone to share his life with.
Being in the marines, he didn’t have time to date. Unless you already had a loved one before you got in, it was damn hard to find and keep one for you wouldn’t be able to see them much or form a strong bond. Yeah, Jaebum could’ve had some one night stands like some of the marines did, but Jaebum wasn’t like that. It had to be more than just being attractive. More than just idle chit chat before finding a random bathroom or a hotel nearby. He wants something that will drive him crazy. Where their mere presence and aura makes him go haywire and that the thought of parting will hurt. He wants true love. One where he knows, ‘Oh, this person is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with’. Where his entire being reacts to them every single time and will never fade. Where his love will only continue to grow for that person each and every day, no matter the hardships they will face. That’s what he wants. Not some random person who knows he has money or for his looks alone. And trust me, he’s had plenty that tried to throw themselves at him wherever he went.
Jaebum sighs as he stares ahead at his turned off T.V. from his spot on the couch. He has no idea where to look or where to start. Does he try dating sites? His face scrunches up at that thought. Throwing his head back in defeat, Jaebum now looks up at the ceiling when his phone starts to go off. Reaching for his phone, he sees it’s from his younger brother, Youngjae.
“Hey you,” Jaebum greets with a warm smile.
Jaebum missed his little brother dearly while he was away. Given, it wouldn’t have mattered if Jaebum had a different job for Youngjae went off to become an Kpop Idol so he had a busy and tight schedule that kept him away a lot of the time. Now that Jaebum was back though, Youngjae had mentioned that they should live together. Maybe he should take him up on that offer.
“Hey hyung! I didn’t get you at a bad time did I?” Youngjae greets back.
“No. Even if I was busy, you know I’d answer for you. Especially now since I’m not on the battlefield.”
“You must be really bored. You’re not sitting in the dark again in your living room just staring at nothing are you?” Youngjae teases a little.
Jaebum pouts as that’s exactly what he’s doing. Jaebum’s silence is all Youngjae needs and his loud laughter comes forth next,
“Hyung! Well I have something I’d like to discuss with you that could help with your lonely problem before you start to go out and take in every stray cat you see.”
“Hey now, I’m not going to become some old crazy cat lady. At least not yet.”
Youngjae chuckles some more, “Listen, I can tell your retirement isn’t going well so I figured I’d offer you a job opportunity.”
Jaebum’s eyebrow lifts in curiosity, “What kind of job?”
“Oh you know...a personal bodyguard for an Idol.”
Jaebum’s eyebrows furrow now, “For you?”
“No, not me. Though I wouldn’t be opposed to it but it’s for a close friend of mine. You see, he’s had several stalkers and crazy obsessed fans both in the past and some now. Given, his company upped the entity and has many bodyguards and staff to help keep him safe, his group mates have been hesitant to let him do solo activities without them around. Not since one posed as a bodyguard and tried to catch him in the dressing room.”
“And you want me to be his personal bodyguard?”
“Yes! Not only will they be able to trust you, you’re more than fully trained. The only thing you’d have to get used to would be his schedule and being close to him at all times, which I know you can work up the courage to befriend him. He’s very sweet and caring too.”
Jaebum’s silence makes Youngjae whine, “Please hyung! Will you do it for me then? He’s such a good friend of mine and I worry about him. He really wants to be able to do solo activities and with you around, we’d all be comfortable and know that he’ll be safe and sound while doing what he loves.”
“I’m not saying I won’t but I feel like there’s a catch.”
“Why would you say that? The pay is super nice. You get to travel, see other famous people. You’ll get to see more of me which hello is a major plus and...you get to be around your crush.”
Youngjae sounded so confident and excited until the very last part which he whispered and rushed to get out before there’s silence once again.
“My crush what-” Jaebum’s eyes go wide, “Youngjae you did not! You want me to be Mark Tuan’s personal bodyguard?!”
“Oh come on hyung! I know he’s been your crush since he first debuted back then so what’s the big deal? You can now be bedside him twenty four seven-”
“What’s the big deal?! Do you know how distracted I’d be just being in his presence! There’d be no way I could do my job well.”
“Don’t say that until you’ve tried! Besides, I know you won’t keep your eyes off him and since growing up with you I know how protective you are. It’s in your alpha nature with your softie gentleman side where you’ll take good care of Mark and keep him safe. I know you will. I also know you won’t take advantage of him. You might make a fool out of yourself from time to time-”
Jaebum’s noise of disagreement is heard at that part and Youngjae’s smile grows, “So you’re telling me you’d rather have some guy we don’t know be hired as his personal bodyguard? Where he’ll be right there with Mark sleeping. Trying to shower. Doing model shoots and eating. Be in the car with him and by his side twenty four seven where a lot of times he’ll have a moment alone-”
Jaebum’s possessive side as well as protective side comes out ten fold, “I’ll do it.”
Youngjae cheers in triumph, “Great! Jinyoung already set you up for an appointment today at one. I’ll text you the address and I’ll be waiting to see you there! Ok? Bye!”
Jaebum is nodding until he realizes what Youngjae is saying, “Uh huh...wait, what? Today? Like,” Jaebum looks down at his watch, “In less than two hours? Youngjae, don’t you dare hang up this phone-” the click and sound of the call ending is heard.
Groaning, Jaebum runs his fingers through his hair when he hears a ding and finds Youngjae has sent the address with a smiley face. Taking a moment to let it fully sink in, Jaebum can’t believe he has this chance that he never thought he’d get. To meet and be around Mark Tuan twenty four seven? Now not many can say they get to do that either.
Mark Tuan, a twenty eight year old omega male. Since debuting in Amerithaikong back when he was eighteen, Mark has become quite famous all around the world. And now with many growing opportunities and sponsorships, Mark wants to help the group by doing solo activities too as Bam and Jackson have both been doing lots of solo activities lately. But Bam and Jackson have been bickering as of late,
“We’re not going over this again, Bam. He’s not going to do solo activities alone. I’ll just cancel mine and I’ll travel with him,” Jackson declares as he puts his foot down literally to prove his point.
Bam scoffs from his spot on the couch of their company building. They’re in one of the dancing rooms as they’ve been practicing for a promotional video but as soon as they took a small break, the two have been back at it again after Bam mentions that Mark should be able to do some solo activities by himself.
“I don’t think we should limit him is all. I completely am for keeping Mark safe but we can’t let what some obsessed people have done keep him from living his life bro.”
“But it's different than just you and I. I’m an alpha and you’re a beta. Mark’s whole life can change in a blink of an eye with one mishap. What if one of those crazies claimed him?! I wouldn’t be able to live with that. Call me over protective or an asshole, I don’t care but Mark’s my best friend and until I can rest assured he’ll be completely safe, I’m going to go with him!”
Mark pouts from his spot by the mirrors. He’s currently on the floor propped up against the wall with his knees brought in close to his chest. He’s typing away to Jinyoung,
Gaga won’t stop worrying and I feel so bad for wanting to do solo activities. I don’t want him to cancel his entire schedule to tend to me. :(
There’s a ding soon after,
Don’t you worry about him. I got something planned with Youngjae that should solve this problem. With this way, you’ll be able to do solo activities and my silly mate can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of. :)
Mark knows that Jinyoung is also super protective of him. In fact, all his loved ones are, even Bam. It’s just that Bam also doesn’t like seeing Mark down in the dumps. Bam came from a poor part of town as well and knows what it feels like to be trapped and saying you can’t do this or that because of what you are. He doesn’t want Mark to feel like he can’t do things. It’s not like Jackson is trying to hold Mark back either and Bam knows that. Jackson actually kept encouraging Mark to do so, it’s just since the last incident that has everyone hesitant now. Where one of the crazy stalkers was able to disguise himself as a bodyguard and…
Luckily, Jackson had forgotten something and came back to get it where he found the bastard before he could do anything. Still, just knowing that if Jackson hadn’t gone back, that the guy would’ve had minutes to do so much that could’ve really traumatized and changed Mark’s life forever. So Bam completely understands. He just doesn’t want Mark to hold back because of that bastard is all.
“Yeah but-” Bam is ready to argue back in defense but there’s a knock on the door before it’s opening and in comes Jinyoung. Jackson’s frustration melts away as he takes in Jinyoung before loving excitement comes forth,
“Babe!” Jackson greets as he goes over to kiss him sweetly.
Jinyoung smiles into the kiss as the two hug before Jackson bounces on the balls of his feet at seeing his mate,
“What brings you here? I thought you had something to take care of?”
“I do. That’s why I’m here for in,” Jinyoung looks up at the clock on the wall to see it’s almost one, “Just a few minutes, we’ll be holding an interview.”
“Interview?” Jackson asks back curiously as Mark perks up and comes closer.
Bam pulls Mark into his side as they listen in to the conversation,
“Yes. An interview for Mark’s personal bodyguard.”
Bam’s eyebrows lift as curiosity strikes big time, “Personal bodyguard? Who? And in such a short time?”
“Babe I don’t know. We can’t just find and hire a random-” Jinyoung stops Jackson’s rant that’s about to take place so he can keep him on track,
“Don’t worry. I got it all taken care of. For you see, this person is someone we can not only trust but know Mark will be kept safe.”
Jackson doesn’t seem convinced and his expression shows it. Sighing softly, Jinyoung gives Jackson’s shoulder a comforting squeeze, “Trust me and trust Youngjae.”
“Youngjae’s involved too?” Bam asks and Jinyoung nods.
“Who is this person?” Mark finally asks himself.
Jinyoung looks up and sees the clock about to strike one before his phone dings signaling a text from Youngjae that alerts him that they’re about to be at this room. He looks back to the others,
“He’s not only Youngjae’s older brother, but he’s retired from being in the marines after ten years. His name is Lim Jaebeom.”
Right on cue, you can hear Youngjae’s voice before Jinyoung steps to the side and Youngjae is gently pushing another male forward. A tall, very sexy male. Bam whistles as he eyes the man from head to toe while Mark’s breath hitches as their eyes lock. Mark’s bright blue can’t look away from Jaebum’s wild and dangerous eyes. Something happens in this moment, a spark between the two as they both react strongly toward the other. Mark has to bite back a noise while Jaebum stops himself from moving closer. The two don’t even hear Jackson throwing a fit with Bam bickering in the background. Or to Jinyoung trying to keep the two from going too far or Youngjae watching everything unfold between them with a knowing smirk.
“God damn you’re really beautiful,” Jaebum lets it slip out and Mark’s heart thumps even faster at those words and heated gaze.
Blushing, Mark ducks his head while letting out a tiny giggle, “Y-you’re not bad looking yourself.”
Jaebum realizes he said those words out loud and coughs to control himself as wow, he just made a fool out of himself already. Blushing a bit himself, he stumbles to find something to say when Youngjae cackles loudly and pats Jaebum on the back,
“So when can you start?”
Jackson and Bam both stop bickering as they turn to them,
“Hey! I didn’t say I’d hire him!” Jackson says.
“Hey I didn’t interview him yet!” Bam says at the same time.
“Really, neither of you are doing the hiring. It would be Youngjae and I but the decision is up to Mark,” Jinyoung voices.
Everyone looks to Mark now, who is looking up at Jaebum through his long eyelashes while fiddling with his sweater paws of the hoodie he’s wearing.
“Um, I...I trust Jinyoung and Youngjae if they think he’s a perfect fit.”
“See, Mark agrees,” Jinyoung points out and Jackson and Bam start to bicker again,
“We need to ask him questions.”
“Yah!” They both say and agree at the same time. Funny how they were just arguing against each other not even moments ago but now they’re teaming up again.
“Well the only way to find out if Jaebum’s the perfect match is to have Jaebum and Mark spend some time alone together to see how well they get along. Let’s say thirty minutes is good right? Yes, no arguments?” Jackson and Bam are trying to argue that no it’s not ok but Jinyoung has his hands clamped over their mouths and you can only hear their muffled noises. “Ok! So you guys go take a walk in the building and we’ll be right here when you come back!”
Youngjae doesn’t wait for them to reply as he takes both Jaebum’s and Mark’s hand before leading them outside the room.
“Have fun! And no need to be shy!” Youngjae waves before shutting the door behind them.
Jaebum and Mark both stand there just blinking for a few seconds as they let it sink in what just happened and what they must do now. Both end up turning their heads and looking at the other at the same time. Mark blushes again as Jaebum can’t help but smile at how cute and adorable Mark looks. With Mark being shorter and smaller than Jaebum, it makes him even cuter! Jaebum doesn’t mind just staring at Mark all day but soon realizes that he probably shouldn’t be doing that, especially during an interview! Snapping himself out of his haze, he clears his throat again,
“May I walk with you?” Jaebum asks politely and instantly Mark relaxes and forms a soft smile.
“I would like that.”
Jaebum let's Mark go first since he doesn’t know the layout of the building but sticks close to him as they walk side by side. And Mark may like this but Jaebum is liking this too much.
He just hopes Mark can’t hear his heart thumping loudly…