#Building Automation and Controls Industry

[skyjohn009]

Exploring the Dynamics of the Building Automation and Controls Market and Its Expanding Potential

Exploring the Dynamics of the Building Automation and Controls Market and Its Expanding Potential

The global Building Automation and Controls Market was valued at USD 91.2 Billion in 2023 and is projected to experience substantial growth, reaching an estimated USD 102.67 Billion by 2032. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions, advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and the rising importance of building automation systems for enhancing comfort, safety, and operational efficiency.

Catalysts for Expansion in the Building Automation and Controls Market

Several factors are propelling the expansion of the Building Automation and Controls Market. Key drivers include a significant shift towards smart cities, the growing adoption of sustainable building practices, and the need for cost-saving technologies across industries. Energy efficiency remains one of the foremost priorities for both commercial and residential sectors, driving the demand for automation solutions that control lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as other critical building systems. Moreover, as urbanization continues to accelerate globally, the requirement for buildings that optimize energy consumption while enhancing security and comfort will further propel the adoption of building automation and control systems.

Get a Report Request Sample Link:https://straitsresearch.com/report/building-automation-and-controls-market/request-sample

Another major factor contributing to market growth is the increasing regulatory pressure on building management systems, as governments and regulatory bodies push for stricter energy consumption and sustainability standards. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics, are also enhancing the functionality of building automation systems, making them smarter and more efficient in managing a wide range of building operations.

Segmentation Breakdown of the Building Automation and Controls Market

The global Building Automation and Controls Market can be analyzed across various segments, including product type, offering, and industry verticals.

By Product Type:

HVAC Control – This segment holds a significant share of the market, driven by the increasing focus on energy efficiency and the need to optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in both commercial and residential buildings.

Lighting Control – The demand for smart lighting solutions is expected to rise due to their energy-saving capabilities and their integration with other building systems.

Security & Access Control – With the growing need for enhanced security in both residential and commercial spaces, security and access control systems are witnessing robust adoption.

Fire and Life Safety Control – As building safety becomes a paramount concern, fire and life safety systems, including smoke detection, emergency alerts, and fire alarms, remain vital for market growth.

Others – Other systems such as building energy management, elevator control, and others also contribute to the market expansion.

By Offering:

Hardware

Sensors – Sensors for temperature, humidity, motion, and light play a crucial role in collecting data to automate building processes.

Controllers – Controllers for HVAC systems, lighting, and security systems are critical for seamless integration.

Actuators – Actuators work in tandem with controllers to adjust physical devices and ensure accurate system operation.

Others – Other hardware components, including power supplies and actuators, are also significant contributors.

Software – Software platforms for building automation integrate various hardware systems and provide real-time data analytics for decision-making.

Services – Services such as system integration, installation, and maintenance play a vital role in ensuring the effective deployment and functioning of building automation systems.

By Industry Vertical:

Residential – Smart homes and automated residential buildings are driving demand for energy-efficient, secure, and comfortable living environments.

Commercial – Commercial buildings, including offices, retail spaces, and healthcare facilities, are increasingly adopting building automation solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

Enterprise – Large enterprise facilities are incorporating building automation systems to manage energy costs and ensure the safety and comfort of employees.

Industrial – Industrial plants are leveraging automation for improved environmental control and safety.

Hospitality – Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality venues are integrating advanced building automation systems to enhance guest experiences and reduce energy costs.

Retail – Retailers are using automation systems to enhance store operations, lighting, HVAC, and security.

Others – Other industry verticals, including education and government buildings, also contribute to the market's expansion.

Leading Companies in the Building Automation and Controls Market

The Building Automation and Controls Market is competitive, with key players constantly innovating and expanding their portfolios. Notable companies leading the market include:

Honeywell International

Siemens AG

Beijer Electronics

ABB

Johnson Controls

Schneider Electric

General Electric

Legrand

Lutron Electronics Co.

Control4 Corporation

Report Buy Now Link:https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/building-automation-and-controls-market

These companies are increasingly focusing on enhancing their product offerings, investing in smart technologies, and expanding their geographical presence to capitalize on the growing demand for building automation solutions.

Emerging Prospects and Industry Movements

The Building Automation and Controls Market is witnessing several emerging prospects, particularly in smart building technologies and integrated IoT solutions. Integration with AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics is driving automation systems to deliver more personalized, efficient, and sustainable building management. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and energy storage systems into building management is becoming increasingly important for commercial and residential spaces aiming for energy autonomy.

The market is also seeing a surge in the adoption of cloud-based solutions and mobile apps, allowing building owners and facility managers to monitor and control their properties remotely, enhancing convenience and operational efficiency.

Geographic Analysis

Geographically, the Building Automation and Controls Market is poised for growth across several regions. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, dominates the market due to the early adoption of smart technologies and stringent regulations concerning energy efficiency. Europe follows closely, with several countries actively pushing for sustainability and energy-efficient buildings. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate due to rapid urbanization, increasing investments in smart city projects, and growing awareness of energy conservation.

About Straits Research

Straits Research is a leading market research firm that provides actionable insights and accurate analysis of various industries. Our team of experienced researchers and analysts use cutting-edge research techniques to provide comprehensive reports that help businesses make informed decisions.

[invertek]

⚙️ Efficient Climate Control Begins at the Top with Variable Frequency Drives 🏢

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) offer precision motor control for rooftop cooling towers, HVAC systems, and integrated building automation. By adjusting motor speed based on real-time demand, VFDs help reduce energy consumption, enhance reliability, and ensure optimal airflow and cooling performance in high-rise and commercial buildings.

Modern VFDs are ideal for fans, pumps, and compressors across complex control environments. We are proud to support our customers with fast delivery, technical guidance, and application-specific solutions tailored to your building’s needs.

The VFD Exchange

[messungauto]

Enhancing AHU Performance with PLC-Based Control Systems

Imagine a world where your building breathes in oxygen. Where comfort meets air quality, and where energy is saved. It is the world where AHUs and PLC control systems are the starting point of everything in the domain of Energy management systems. 

These AHU controllers (Air Handling Units) are the primary components of any new HVAC system. They serve as the lungs. But to make those lungs breathe better, smarter, and cleaner, you need a brain—enter the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).

We at Messung Industrial Automation are not just manufacturing PLC automation systems. We engineer intelligence. Smart PLC control is our ambition, and we aim to revolutionize the way AHU controllers operate, using a range of technologies, including Modbus, MQTT, compact PLCs, or IOT-enabled PLC. 

What is a PLC-Based AHU Control System?

A PLC-based AHU control system is the ultimate HVAC master conductor. The flow, cooling, heating, and energy consumption of air are all controlled by real-time logic and precision through automation controllers. 

Decision-making is the primary responsibility of a IoT enabled PLC (programmable logic controller), not just following instructions. Your AHU is designed to respond to data, adjust to changing surroundings, and function like a finely tuned machine with the help of intelligent controllers. 

Whether it’s a mini PLC for a compact setup or a modular PLC for a multi-zone building, this IEC 61131-3 standard controller is the heartbeat of your air management system.

Core Functions of PLC Automation in AHU Controllers Applications

Sensor Integration

Temperature, humidity, CO2, and differential pressure are all sensors that your AHU controllers are equipped with. When it comes to Energy management systems, PLC control systems are necessary for reading, interpreting, and operating raw data. 

Our intelligent PLCs work together with sensors to capture every detail of your indoor environment. 

Data Analysis & Decision Making

After submitting the data, the PLC Automation magic begins. Our IEC 61131 based PLCs utilize advanced logic and maintain monitoring of variables such as: 

Room occupancy

Outdoor air quality

Return air temperature

The intelligence in this scenario is not confined to automation alone it expands to the action of the PLC Control Systems. 

Control Actions via Actuators

Now let's talk about the muscle of the operation. By utilizing PLC and Modbus TCP/IP, your automation controllers can dynamically control VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) to regulate fan speeds while minimizing energy usage. 

Actuated Dampers

Want zoned cooling in your building? Each damper is given precise guidance on when and where it should be opened or closed by our compact PLC, down to the second. 

Valves

Our PLC automation system manages both hot and chilled water circuits, ensuring thermal comfort with accuracy. 

Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers

System Overview: The NX-ERA JET Advantage

NX-ERA JET PLC is a digital command centre that is agile, adaptive, and always on alert as the AHU controllers. We have developed an intelligent and IEC 61131-3 standard PLC Control Systems that combine advanced logic, seamless connectivity, and flexible scalability. The NX-ERA JET is the key to ensuring that every component of your AHU system, including sensors and actuators, operates in perfect harmony. 

Features of this IoT enabled PLC at a Glance

Modular PLC architecture is flexible and can be easily scaled for multi-zone management in large or changing infrastructure

The utilization of PLC with TCP/IP facilitates fast and secure communication between devices, including devices connected to remote systems

The integration of MODBUS RTU, Modbus TCP, and MQTT with BMS, SCADA, or cloud-based IoT platforms is facilitated by the native support provided by these protocols. 

An integrated HMI that provides real-time, intuitive monitoring, diagnostics, and manual overrides.

Benefits of IoT enabled PLC for AHUs

In modern air handling, the focus isn’t just on moving air but moving it forward. Why? Integrating PLC control systems into AHUs can offer a transformative advantage in performance, sustainability, and adaptability for buildings. We should examine why PLC automation is the primary driving force behind intelligent HVAC solutions. 

Improved Energy Efficiency 

The value of energy is high, and PLC for energy systems with IEC 61131-3 standards optimizes every kilowatt. We can use our IoT enabled PLCs to save energy - up to 30% a time with intelligently controlled fan speeds, valve positions and damper angles that are real-time. Measurable reductions through these intelligent controllers help to reduce operational costs and greener footprints are not just numbers. 

High Precision Control

AHU controllers equate performance with precision. Why? Our IEC 61131-3 compliant PLCs provide precise control over airflow, temperature and humidity. The result? Consistent comfort, efficient performance and strict environmental regulations. 

Advanced Diagnostics

The use of intelligent PLCs with IoT systems means that problems can be prevented rather than delayed. With real-time monitoring and fault detection, teams can receive predictive maintenance insights to minimize downtime and maximize up time. 

Scalability and Modularity

Our modular PLCs are designed to accommodate the growth of your building, offering compact systems and multi-zone installations. Do you require an immediate upgrade or expansion? These intelligent controllers can scale without complexity. 

BMS Integration

Our PLC Control Systems with IEC 61131-3 standard integrates seamlessly with Building Management Systems, creating one intelligent ecosystem. Whether it’s HVAC, lighting, fire alarms, or access control—everything talks to everything for smoother operations.

In a world where data and efficiency are the primary drivers of change, PLC-controlled AHU controllers provide more than just automation; they also offer confidence. Our IoT enabled PLCs enable buildings to thrive rather than just functioning.

Intelligent PLC Control Systems for Smart Buildings

HMI with PLC Controllers - An HMI with PLC controller enables the observation of invisible areas. The entire package, including fan speed and filter life, is conveniently located at your fingertips. 

MQTT based PLC and IoT Systems - The integration of IoT enabled PLC and MQTT support enables your AHU to communicate with the cloud, apps, and analytics platforms, simplifying the process of achieving predictive control and remote access. 

Real-World Applications

Through PLC-based AHU control systems, we at Messung are changing the possibilities of environments from sterile labs to busy malls. With precision, adaptability, and unparalleled reliability, our intelligent automation controllers tackle the challenges associated with every application. 

Pharma Cleanrooms - The precision of pharmaceutical products is essential in their application. The strict GMP standards are adhered to by our PLC control systems, which involve managing temperature, humidity, pressure differentials. The result? Zones that are sterile, upholding drug integrity and safety.

Commercial Buildings - Employee comfort drives efficiency. Our HVAC automation enables seamless climate management of all floors and departments. By utilizing intelligent design, efficient air circulation, and real-time monitoring, our IoT enabled PLCs enhance the productivity and satisfaction of customers in spaces. 

Data Centers - Servers demand a stable climate 24/7. Even minor temperature fluctuations can compromise data. Our intelligent PLC Control Systems with IEC 61131-3 standard ensure uninterrupted cooling performance, reducing thermal risk and operational downtime.

Energy-Efficient Manufacturing - Today's manufacturers must strike a balance between sustainability and production. Without compromising comfort or compliance, our PLCs maximize AHU performance to reduce energy footprints, reduce emissions, and guarantee stable internal environments.   

Wherever there's air to manage and performance to perfect, our Compact PLCs lead the way with intelligent control.  

Messung’s Expertise in HVAC Automation

We at Messung lead the way in HVAC automation innovation for organizing smart air movement. Our legacy is created on trust, performance, and innovative control systems that transform indoor environments, not only on technology

Why Choose Messung PLC Automation?

We design smart automation systems rather than only selling PLC Control Systems. With more than four decades of engineering expertise, our PLCs are the favoured option of architects, MEP consultants, HVAC contractors, and facility managers across India and globally. Our internal R&D, field-tested dependability, and quick support system turn us into a progress partner rather than just a supplier.   

Built on IEC 61131-3 Standard

To ensure every Messung programmable logic controller is consistent, dependable, and compatible with worldwide systems—today and tomorrow — our automation controllers follow this internationally recognized IEC 61131-3 standard. 

Flexible Form Factors

Whether you are managing many air zones throughout a smart high-rise or automating a small rooftop AHU, our compact and modular PLCs meet every architectural and functional requirement.   

Comfort, control, and conservation are not optional but rather vital in the quickly changing realm of smart infrastructure of today. Furthermore, realizing this potent triad calls for smart, adaptive control rather than just automation. That is what Messung's PLC-based AHU systems precisely provide. Our programmable logic controllers redefine air handling performance for buildings of all sizes with real-time responsiveness, easy BMS integration, IoT readiness, and IEC 61131-3 standard. Our intelligent controllers offer precision, dependability, and next-generation energy efficiency from sterile zones to skyscrapers. Should excellence be your goal, our IoT enabled PLC guarantees you lead rather than merely follow.  Why settle for fundamentals when you may automate brilliance with our smart automation controllers?   

FAQs

What makes a PLC suitable for AHU control?

Real-time processing, sensor compatibility, actuator control, and smooth BMS integration define good automation controllers. Messung's smart PLCs with IoT systems check every box

Can a modular PLC (Programmable logic controllers) handle multiple AHU zones?

Absolutely. Modular PLCs like Messung’s NX-ERA JET are great for big buildings since they can span levels and zones. 

How does Messung's IoT enabled PLC enhance building performance?

Connecting to cloud systems and providing remote access help our IoT enabled PLCs to maximize energy efficiency and real-time maintenance cycles.   

Why is Messung’s NX-ERA JET the ideal, affordable PLC choice for midscale operations compared to traditional compact or mini PLCs?

Messung’s NX-ERA JET offers advanced performance at an affordable price, making it perfect for midscale operations. It outperforms mini PLCs with better speed, scalability, and flexibility, without breaking the budget.

Are MQTT based Programmable logic controllers better than traditional protocols?

MQTT-based PLCs offer faster, lighter, and more effective communication than conventional systems like MODBUS RTU for remote and IoT-intensive applications.

[jcmarchi]

Needle Secures $2.2 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionize Enterprise AI Adoption

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/needle-secures-2-2-million-in-seed-funding-to-revolutionize-enterprise-ai-adoption/

Needle Secures $2.2 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionize Enterprise AI Adoption

Needle, an AI-powered search and agent development platform, has successfully raised $2.2 million in seed funding to accelerate its mission of unlocking the full potential of AI for businesses. The round was led by 468 Capital and Presight Capital, both well-known for their investments in enterprise software and deep tech. The funding will be used to enhance Needle’s core technology, expand its engineering team, and drive go-to-market initiatives.

Breaking Down Data Silos with AI-Powered Search & Agent Development

Organizations today face a significant challenge: critical business information is often trapped in fragmented systems, siloed storage solutions, and inaccessible legacy infrastructure. Traditional AI applications struggle to retrieve and make sense of these dispersed datasets, leading to inefficiencies and bottlenecks.

Needle solves this issue by providing a unified search and agent development platform that enables organizations to access and understand valuable data across disparate sources and formats. The platform seamlessly integrates with existing enterprise tools—including Confluence, Slack, Gmail, Dropbox, and GitHub—making it possible for businesses to search, retrieve, and analyze information in real-time through an intuitive interface or API.

Empowering Businesses with Context-Aware AI Agents

Beyond search, Needle offers a powerful framework for building AI agents that understand and utilize organizational data. These context-aware agents help businesses automate workflows, generate insights, and enhance decision-making. With Needle’s platform, companies no longer need specialized expertise to leverage AI—deployment is as simple as a few clicks.

At the heart of Needle’s technology is its agentic retrieval augmented generation (RAG) model, which ensures that AI-generated responses are based on accurate, up-to-date, and contextually relevant information. Implementing RAG technology typically requires extensive resources and expertise, but Needle simplifies the process, allowing organizations to focus on extracting value from their data instead of managing complex AI infrastructures.

Experienced Founders with a Vision for the Future

Needle was co-founded by Jan Heimes (CEO) and Onur Eken (CTO), both of whom bring deep technical and operational expertise from Silicon Valley and European scale-ups.

Onur Eken has led engineering teams at Everstores and played a key role in scaling Delivery Hero and Celonis.

Jan Heimes has a background in data engineering, having worked at Climeworks and Notable Labs (YC 2015).

Their shared experience navigating the complexities of data access and AI integration in large-scale enterprises inspired them to create Needle—a solution designed to make AI adoption seamless, secure, and scalable for all businesses.

Investor Confidence in Needle’s Disruptive Potential

Florian Leibert, General Partner at 468 Capital, emphasized the need for businesses to adopt AI without technical hurdles. “Businesses and organizations should not have to hire a team of specialists or spend months integrating AI. Needle provides a fast and effective way for businesses of all sizes to unlock their data’s full potential for AI applications.”

With the global AI market expected to grow at a CAGR of 36.6% from 2024 to 2030, Needle is poised to play a significant role in transforming enterprise AI adoption by addressing critical challenges in data security, accessibility, and compliance.

The Future of AI-Powered Enterprise Intelligence

Despite being only a few months old, Needle has already gained substantial traction, onboarding thousands of users and fostering an active developer community across AI frameworks such as Anthropic’s Claude MCP, Langchain, Langflow, and Haystack.

The platform’s free tier and enterprise-friendly features make it accessible to organizations of all sizes, enabling them to implement AI-driven solutions in customer support, compliance, and internal knowledge management without requiring major upfront investments.

What Sets Needle Apart?

Needle is designed to provide enterprises with secure, scalable AI solutions that address common adoption challenges. Key benefits include:

Complete Data Privacy & Control – Ensuring that businesses maintain full control over their proprietary information.

Enterprise-Grade Security – Implementing end-to-end encryption, private deployment options, and access control logs.

Seamless Integrations – Connecting effortlessly with existing workflows via REST API, SDKs, and custom connectors.

Scalability & Performance – Offering horizontal scaling, multi-region deployment, and flexible workflow automation.

With its cutting-edge secure AI architecture and bring-your-own-LLM capability, Needle enables businesses to implement AI solutions confidently while meeting compliance and regulatory requirements.

Looking Ahead

Needle’s funding marks a pivotal moment in the AI industry, where businesses are increasingly looking for solutions that bridge the gap between data accessibility and AI-driven insights. By providing secure, powerful, and easy-to-implement AI tools, Needle is positioned to become a leading force in enterprise AI adoption.

For businesses ready to transform their AI capabilities, Needle represents an innovative, secure, and scalable path forward.

[antonyshelton]

Build the Future of Gaming with Crypto Casino Development Solutions

[not-terezi-pyrope]

Worst part of popular left wing AI discourse online is that there's absolutely a need for a robust leftist opposition to use of cognitive automation without social dispensation to displaced human workers. The lack of any prior measures to facilitate a transition to having fewer humans in the workplace (UBI, more public control over industrial infrastructure, etc) is a disaster we are sleepwalking into - one that could lock the majority of our society's wealth further into the hands of authoritarian oligarchs who retain control of industry through last century private ownership models, while no longer needing to rely on us to operate their property.

But now we're seemingly not going to have the opposition we so desperately need, because everyone involved in the anti-AI conversation has pretty thoroughly discredited themselves and their movement by harbouring unconstrained reactionary nonsense, blatant falsehoods and woo. Instead of talking about who owns and benefits from cognitive automation, people are:

Demanding impossibilities like uninventing a now readily accessible technology

Trying to ascribe implicit moral value to said technology instead of the who is using it and how

Siding with corporations on copyright law in the name of "defending small artists"

Repeating obvious and embarrassing technical misconceptions and erroneous pop-sci about machine learning in order to justify their preferred philosophy

Invoking neo-spiritual conservative woo about the specialness of the human soul to try to incoherently discredit a machine that can quite obviously perform certain tasks just as well if not better than they can

Misrepresent numbers about energy use and environmental cost in an absurd double standard (all modern infrastructure is reliant on data centers to a similar level of impact, including your favourite fandom social media and online video games!) to build a narrative AI is some sort of malevolent spirit that damages our reality when it is called upon

It's a level of reactionary ignorance that has completely discredited any popular opposition to industrial AI rollout because it falls apart as soon as you dig deeper than a snappy social media post, or a misguided pro-copyright screed from an insecure web artist (who decries a machine laying eyes on their freely posted work while simultaneously charging commission for fan-art of corporate IPs... I'm sure that will absolutely resolve in their favour).

It would be funny how much people are fucking themselves over with all this, except I'm being fucked over to, and as a result am really quite mad about the situation. We need UBI, we need to liberate abundance from corporate greed, what we don't need is viral posts about putting distortion filters on anime fan-art to ward off the evil mechanical eye, pointless boycotts of platforms because they are perceived to have let the evil machines taint them, or petitions to further criminalize the creation of derivative works.

[renegadeelectrics]

Unlocking Potential: How Automation Services Can Revolutionize Your Industry

[keehomania]

business proposal (제안서) — kim seokjin (김석진)

✧.* 18+

a closer look reveals the hidden multitude of narcissists roaming freely across the earth. they moved through life as ordinary figures—doctors, lawyers—sharing the same vulnerability of human blood. yet, there lingered a belief in their superiority, an unspoken arrogance. among them, businessmen appeared to embody that conceit most profoundly.

kim enterprises had the value of 1.5 billion won. a leading technology firm specializing in cutting-edge ai solutions and smart home devices. founded on the principles of advancing human-technology synergy, the company designs state-of-the-art gadgets that seamlessly integrate with daily life. under the visionary leadership of kim seokjin, the president’s son, the company has gained a reputation for pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards. currently, it lies at the forefront of revolutionizing smart technology, with a diverse portfolio ranging from intelligent automation systems to next-generation personal assistants.

impressive, really. it'd have been much more impressive if he was as likeable as his company. he was a narcissist in the purest form, no matter how much he cared for the company and his employees. only because no care would amount to the kind he put into himself.

the company had been running smoothly under his care for nine years, as his father had fallen ill and was unable to sustain it on his own. he knew he was making the right decision when he deemed seokjin the next heir, the next in control. he was smart, charming, persuasive. he knew every corner and end of a business deal, how to tie the knots and when to cut off loose ends.

“kim, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. i must say, kim enterprises has been on our radar for quite some time.” seokjin shook his hand firmly, returning the smile. “the pleasure is mine, james. i've been following your company’s progress closely as well. it’s impressive how you’ve carved out a niche in ai development.”

james’s eyes lit up. “thank you. we’re particularly interested in your smart home integration systems. from what i understand, your latest model has seen a significant uptick in market share.” seokjin’s smile widened, “yes, our quantum series has been a game-changer. we’ve seen a 30% increase in market penetration over the past year. the integration of adaptive ai has really resonated with consumers, allowing for a more intuitive user experience.”

james nodded, clearly pleased. “exactly. that’s why we’re keen on a partnership. our research indicates that your technology complements our upcoming product line perfectly. what terms are you envisioning for this deal?” seokjin considered the question thoughtfully. “given the scope of the integration and the potential for cross-promotion, i’d suggest a revenue-sharing model. we propose a 60-40 split in favor of kim enterprises for the first two years. this would allow us to leverage your distribution network while providing you with a substantial stake in the revenue generated.”

james raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. “that’s a fair proposition. but considering the development and marketing costs, how about adjusting the split to 50-50 initially, with a performance-based adjustment thereafter?” seokjin weighed the offer, then nodded. “i see your point. let’s compromise at 55-45, with a performance review after the first year to reassess the terms. we can draft a detailed agreement to reflect this.”

james’s expression softened into one of admiration. “agreed. your understanding of both the technology and market dynamics is impressive, kim. it’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

seokjin’s eyes sparkled with resolve. “thank you, james. i believe in building partnerships that are beneficial for both sides. our goal is not just to expand our market presence but to also deliver exceptional value through innovative collaborations.” james raised his glass with a smile. “well said. i look forward to working with you. let’s toast to a successful partnership.”

he truly was a natural, he knew exactly what to say and how to say it. however, even if he was reluctant to admit it, he couldn't have done it on his own.

you navigated the room with a calm, poised demeanor, your sharp eyes scanning for any potential issues or tasks that needed attention. you approached seokjin with a subtle nod, a tablet in hand. he acknowledged the gesture, his eyes flickering with appreciation. “i’ve just received the finalized draft of the agreement,” you said quietly, sliding the tablet over to him. “i made sure to include the revised revenue split and the performance review clause you discussed with james.”

he glanced at the document, his expression approving. “perfect timing. you’ve captured all the necessary details. thanks for handling this so efficiently.” james, intrigued, looked at you. “i must say, it’s clear that you play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. your attention to detail must be invaluable.”

you smiled modestly. “thank you, james. it’s my job to make sure that the priorities are met and that every aspect of our deal is thoroughly managed. it’s a pleasure to contribute to the success of our partnerships.” as you stepped back, you made a quick call to coordinate a follow-up meeting with the legal team, ensuring that all paperwork would be processed without delay. your presence was a testament to the meticulous planning that underpinned seokjin's success.

although he was the brains behind the operation, you were the one that made sure the operation was in action. you coordinated all of his appointments and travel arrangements, handled all of his phone calls, drafted all of the reports and presentations, organized all of the meetings, supported all of the projects, and so much more. you were good at your job, and you loved it.

it was one of the many reasons why that same night, in the back of seokjin's limo, he had met your words with a look of horror displayed on his face. you remained stoic as you adjusted the hem of your dress, pushing your hair past your shoulder before meeting his gaze once more. “you want to quit?” you nodded in confirmation. the question itself held more shock than intended, but he couldn't help it. your announcement had put a dent in the night. you had been his left hand for exactly nine years and, out of the blue, you had announced that you were ready to leave the company.

the city lights blurred past the windows as you sat in the back of seokjin's sleek, black limousine. the leather seats were soft beneath you, but there was tension in the air that makes you sit a little straighter, hands folded tightly in your lap. seokjin was beside you, scrolling through his phone with a practiced ease, oblivious to the storm brewing in your mind.

“it's personal,” you explained, trying to keep your tone even. “i have some matters in my life that need my full attention right now.” he stared at you, disbelief etched on his features. “after nine years? just like that?”

“i'm sorry,” you said, your heart aching with each word. “but it's something i have to do.” seokjin's jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly. “if that's your decision, i won't stand in your way.” the rest of the ride passed in heavy silence, the atmosphere between you both laden with unspoken words and shared sorrow. you could only gaze at the fleeting cars through the window, oblivious to the hurt etched into what was supposed to be his stoic expression.

that night, he found himself tossing and turning in his grand, empty bed. sleep eluded him, chased away by a persistent nightmare. in it, he saw a woman with long, black hair, her back always turned to him. no matter how much he called out and cried, she never looked back, slipping further away with each step. he woke up in a cold sweat, the image of the woman haunting him. the clock beside his bed read that it was only four o'clock. frustrated and unsettled, he spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the sense of impending loss.

the following morning, he stood in front of the mirror in his expansive bedroom, the morning light filtering through the curtains. his shirt was buttoned, but his tie lies undone around his neck. he waited, as he always did, for you. when you arrived, your expression was composed, professional. "good morning, vice chairman."

he nodded, his eyes fixed on your reflection in the mirror. “morning, secretary (y/n).” you stepped forward, deftly tying his tie with practiced hands, the sound of your name stinging more than necessary. the proximity, once a simple part of your routine, now felt charged with the weight of your impending departure.

he gazed at himself in the mirror, his ego surfacing as a way to mask his vulnerability. “do you see that? the beauty?” you glanced at the mirror, assuming he meant the sunlight casting a golden glow across the room. “yes, the sunrise is beautiful.” a faint smirk touched his lips. “no, not the sunrise. me. my aura.”

you suppressed a sigh, knowing that it was nothing but the the standard for him. “yes, very dazzling, vice chairman.” satisfied, he turned away from the mirror and straightened his suit jacket. “let's go. we have breakfast at my parents' house.”

the drive to the kim family estate was quiet, the earlier tension replaced by a heavy resignation. seokjin's family home was grand, an imposing structure surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. inside, you were greeted by his mother, her warm smile a stark contrast to the austere demeanor of the chairman. “good morning, hyeon. (y/n), it's always a pleasure to see you.”

“good morning, mother,” seokjin replied, his tone polite yet distant. the chairman nodded at you both, his presence commanding respect. “let's eat.”

breakfast was a formal affair, the table laden with an array of traditional dishes. conversation was polite, centered around business and family matters. seokjin's parents were unaware of your decision to leave, and you caught seokjin's gaze more than once, a silent understanding passing between you. as the meal progressed, you couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. that world, so intertwined with his, had been your life for nearly a decade. leaving it behind wouldn't be easy.

breakfast ended, and the chairman suggested that he and his son retire to the study room for a private discussion. you followed his mother to the sitting room, where she invited you to join her for tea. she was a gracious host, her demeanor warm and inviting. “how have you been, sweetheart? it feels like forever since we had a proper chat,” she said, pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups.

you smiled, taking the offered cup. “i've been well, mrs. kim. thank you.” her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “tell me, what do you think about my hyeon? he talks about you often.”

you paused, considering your words carefully. you knew she was an older lady, so you didn't question the way she misnamed him. her memory had probably grown shabby. “he's an exceptional leader, very dedicated to his work. it's been an honor to work with him.” she nodded, her smile widening. “yes, he's always been very driven. but tell me, is my son seeing anyone? he never mentions these things to me.”

you shook your head. “despite all the girls around him, he's not dating anyone.” mrs. kim's eyes widened in horror. “he's not— gay, is he?”

you stifled a laugh, shaking your head again. “no, mrs. kim, he's not. he's just very focused on his work.” she sighed in relief, placing a hand over her heart. “thank goodness. it would be wonderful for him to finally get a girlfriend. he's not getting any younger, you know.” you couldn't help but wonder at her words. the idea of him with someone else felt oddly unsettling.

in the study room, seokjin's father, chairman kim, sat behind an imposing oak desk, his expression stern. “i heard a rumor, seokjin. (y/n) is quitting?” his jaw tightened, but he met his father's gaze steadily. “it's true. but i won't let it happen.”

chairman kim raised an eyebrow. “and how do you plan to stop it?” seokjin's voice was firm. “i'll find a way to convince her to stay. she's indispensable to me.”

a moment of silence passed before chairman kim's lips twitched into a faint smile. “are you dating her?” seokjin blinked, momentarily taken aback. “no, father, i'm not.”

the chairman feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. “oh, i feel faint. my son, the great seokjin, not dating his perfect secretary.” he rolled his eyes, a rare display of exasperation. “i've seen your medical records, father. you're perfectly healthy.”

chairman kim waved a dismissive hand. “you should do your father a favor and find a wife, give us grandchildren. it's time you settled down.” seokjin sighed, the weight of his father's words lingering. he had never been in a relationship, and neither had you. it was one of the reasons you knew you had to quit. your life revolved around your work, as did his. only, you weren't satisfied with that. it wasn't that he wasn't attracted to anybody, because he was, but nothing mattered more than his craft. he felt off about women touching him, in any case. it made him anxious, and brought up memories he fought to keep hidden.

you and seokjin departed for the office, the morning sun casting long shadows across the driveway as the car pulled away from the estate. the ride was initially silent, both of you lost in thought. he finally broke the silence, “what exactly did you mean by personal matters?” his tone was careful, almost hesitant.

you turned to him, offering a small smile. “i'm looking to settle down, vice chairman. i want to get married, have children.” he fell silent, the weight of your words settling over him. the rest of the ride to the office was steeped in an unusual quiet, your declaration hanging in the air like a specter.

upon arriving at the office, he moved through the halls in a daze. his usual commanding presence seemed diminished, his mind clearly elsewhere. he entered his office, finding his younger intern already there. “good morning, vice chairman,” jungkook greeted cheerfully, his youthful energy a contrast to seokjin's subdued demeanor.

he barely acknowledged him, slumping into his chair. jungkook, sensing something was off, leaned forward with a curious smile. “you look like you've seen a ghost. what's up?” seokjin rubbed his temples, sighing. “it's secretary (l/n). she wants to quit.”

jungkook raised an eyebrow. “oh? did you try offering her a promotion, bigger pay, fewer working hours?” he nodded in response. “i did. she dismissed it all. said she wants to settle down, get married, have children.”

jungkook's eyes twinkled with mischief. “and that shocked you?” seokjin glared at him, but his grin remained unshaken. “why does it bother you so much, vice chairman? do you like her more than just a secretary?” the question lingered in the air, met with silence. his mind raced, trying to comprehend why your decision affected him so deeply. he couldn't deny the pang of jealousy at the thought of you with someone else, starting a life that didn't include him.

jungkook leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “maybe it's time to ask yourself why her leaving matters so much to you.” he remained quiet, lost in thought. How could marriage and a family be more important than the bond you shared with him? the realization struck him hard—perhaps it wasn't just about losing an exceptional secretary. maybe, just maybe, it was about losing you.

a knock on the door disrupted the tense silence between the two men. you entered, carrying a tray with a steaming pot of tea and three cookies on the side, exactly how seokjin liked it. the aroma of the tea briefly lightened the atmosphere. he looked up, his expression softening momentarily at the sight of you. “thank you, secretary (l/n).”

you placed the tray on the table, pouring a cup of tea for him and setting it in on his desk. “i've sent out emails looking for a future secretary. one of the primary candidates is on her way.” jungkook observed the way his face twisted with hurt at your words. despite the pain evident in his eyes, seokjin maintained his composure. “join us while we wait for her.”

you nodded, taking a seat beside the young intern. the room fell into an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock. seokjin sipped his tea, the familiar taste doing little to ease his troubled mind.

a few minutes later, the door opened, and a young woman entered. she had a bright, cheerful demeanor, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “hello, i'm jung keulgi. it's an honor to be here.” seokjin straightened, adopting his usual authoritative posture. “miss jung, are you ready to devote yourself to a perfect company?” she beamed. “absolutely! i'm very excited for this opportunity.”

you couldn't help but roll your eyes at the narcissistic question. “are you prepared to handle working for someone with an ego as big as the company?” keulgi sensed the underlying tension but maintained her cheerful facade. “i'm sure i'll manage.”

seokjin continued, his tone growing sharper. “will you stay devoted instead of quitting due to silly things like personal matters?” the tension in the room escalated. you snapped, unable to hold back any longer. “are you done, vice chairman?”

his eyes flashed with anger. “about as done as you are, secretary (l/n).” keulgi, clearly uncomfortable but trying to stay positive, interjected softly, “if you hire me, i'll do my best.”

seokjin didn't take his eyes off you as he replied, “you're hired.” as he turned to you, his voice was cold and demanding. “you have a month to turn her into your carbon copy. after that, do as you please.” the room fell silent once more as the weight of his words settled over you. keulgi glanced between you and him, her cheerful demeanor now tinged with apprehension.

he stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “that will be all for now. welcome to kim enterprises, miss jung.” she nodded, offering a hesitant smile. “thank you, vice chairman.”

as she left the room, you remained seated, the gravity of your situation sinking in. seokjin's harsh command echoed in your mind, a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between you. jungkook, sensing the need for a distraction, cleared his throat. “well, this is going to be interesting.”

seokjin shot him a glare. “you're dismissed, jungkook.” with a playful salute, he left the room, leaving you and him alone once more. the silence was heavy, filled with the unspoken emotions and unresolved tension. he finally broke the silence, his voice softer but still edged with hurt. “you can have the rest of the day off.”

you glanced up at him in disbelief, but you weren't willing to argue any further. all you could do was nod and bow before leaving the room. he was alone, once more. he couldn't do anything but watch as you left, gulping as if to hold himself back from calling out your name. you could train all the candidates in the world, yet it would never be the same.

you stood at your kitchen sink, washing the last of the dinner dishes as the sun set, casting a warm orange glow through the window. the evening was peaceful, the kind of tranquility you had been craving. as you dried your hands and prepared to head to bed, the sudden blare of a car horn startled you. peeking out the window, you saw seokjin standing next to his sleek black car, looking up at your house.

heart pounding with a mix of surprise and curiosity, you hurried outside. “vice chairman? is everything okay?” he shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. “no emergencies, secretary (l/n). i just needed to see you.” you frowned, puzzled. “at this hour? what's so urgent?”

his eyes locked onto yours, intense and searching. “are you serious about quitting to settle down?” you nodded, feeling a familiar pang of sadness. “i am. i'm ready to put all my attention on a relationship.”

his expression shifted, the gravity of your words sinking in. he took a deep breath, and then, to your astonishment, he did the unthinkable. he dropped to one knee and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.

“marry me, secretary (l/n). i'm rich, handsome, and more than capable of giving you everything you want.” you stared at him, completely taken aback. his usual confidence seemed both reassuring and out of place in this moment. he continued, his voice earnest, almost pleading. “i'm perfect for you. accept my proposal.”

his words hung in the air as you tried to process what was happening. finally, you leaned in close, your face inches from his, and inhaled deeply. seokjin's heart stopped, anticipation flickering in his eyes. but instead of a kiss, you pulled back, your expression skeptical.

“are you drunk, vice chairman?” he blinked, clearly taken aback. “no, i'm sober. i'm serious.”

you laughed softly, shaking your head. “i believe you. but vice chairman, i don't want a perfect life with a perfect man. i just want to be with an ordinary guy from an ordinary family.” his face fell, his confident facade crumbling. “why not me? i'm perfect!”

you smiled, despite the annoyance of his narcissistic words clawing at your nerves, and you chose the easy way out. assuring him that he was nothing but flawless was the only way to get him to stop talking about it. “that's exactly why. you deserve someone who sees you that way, but it's not me.” the rejection hung heavy between you as you turned and walked back into your house, leaving him kneeling in the fading light.

the following day, he recounted the entire incident to jungkook, who listened with wide eyes. when he finally finished, the intern burst into laughter, unable to contain himself despite the glares from his boss.

“vice chairman, you can't just propose out of the blue like that, this isn't the eighteenth century,” jungkook said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

his frown deepened, but he couldn't argue with jungkook's logic. “so, what should i have done, then?” he shrugged, still grinning. “maybe start by asking her on a date? get to know her outside of work. build a relationship first. you can't skip straight to marriage, no matter how perfect you think you are.”

the elder mulled over his words, realizing the truth in them. he had acted impulsively, driven by a fear of losing you, but dating? he was actively unfamiliar with the entire thing. in fact, he thought it was pointless. nothing but a waste of time, but if it meant stopping you from quitting, maybe it was wasting time in the best way possible.

you sat in your office, typing away at your computer, but your mind kept drifting back to the previous night. the image of your boss on one knee, his earnest proposal, and your subsequent rejection played on a loop in your head. the weight of your decision and its implications loomed large.

“hey, (y/n),” a familiar voice broke through your thoughts. you looked up to see kim namjoon, the head of finances, standing at your desk. his expression was a mix of concern and curiosity. “is it true? are you really leaving?” you offered him a kind smile and nodded. “yes, namjoon. it's true.”

the news seemed to ripple through the office. baekhyun and sooyoung, who were nearby, immediately voiced their protests. “you can't be serious!” baekhyun exclaimed, his usually cheerful demeanor clouded with disappointment. sooyoung nodded vigorously. “yeah, you've been here forever! what are we going to do without you?”

keulgi, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. “i've heard so much about your amazing work. it's going to be hard to fill your shoes.” you felt a pang of guilt but tried to reassure them with a smile on your face. “we'll all stay in touch. it's not like i'm disappearing.”

sooyoung then brightened, a mischievous glint in her eye. “how about we have a dinner after work? to welcome keulgi and to honor your nine years of hard work.” you hesitated, not wanting to make a big deal out of your departure. but keulgi's encouraging smile swayed you. “come on, it would be nice.” with a reluctant smile, you agreed.

the moment was cut short as the door to the office opened and seokjin walked in. the room fell silent, all eyes turning to him. he let the silence hang for a moment before speaking, his gaze locked onto yours. “am i invited to this dinner as well?” the tension was palpable. baekhyun hesitated before responding, glancing around at the others. “of course, vice chairman. you're welcome to join us.”

seokjin's smile was tight as he nodded. “very well. i'll see you all there.” he left the room as suddenly as he had entered, leaving your heart heavy with unspoken emotions. namjoon broke the silence, his tone light but his words carrying weight. “is it just me, or did it suddenly get cold in here?” the others murmured their agreement, exchanging glances.

“i don't know what's going on,” baekhyun said, shaking his head. “but he's been awfully on edge lately.” you remained silent, the weight of your decision and seokjin's reaction pressing heavily on your mind. the upcoming dinner promised to be an eventful one, but you couldn't shake the feeling that it would also be pivotal in the worst way possible.

you stood in front of your mirror, giving yourself a once-over. you had opted for a casual outfit, perfect for the laid-back atmosphere of the local barbeque spot where your colleagues were hosting your farewell dinner. just as you were adjusting your hair, a loud honk interrupted your thoughts. curiosity piqued, you peered out the window to see none other than seokjin, leaning against his car, looking as out of place in your neighborhood as a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

you opened the window and leaned out. “what are you doing here?” he glanced up, a smirk playing on his lips. “i'm not here to propose again, if that's what you're worried about. i'm here to pick you up.” your eyebrows shot up in surprise, “why?”

“isn't it so ordinary of me to go with my coworkers?” he replied, clearly pleased with himself. you shook your head, amusement dancing in your eyes. “yes, well done, vice chairman. give me a minute.”

you grabbed your bag and headed downstairs. as you stepped outside, you noticed his attire—an expensive suit that screamed high-end fashion. you stifled a laugh, knowing he would stand out like a sore thumb at the spot you had all agreed on. nonetheless, you entertained his gesture and got into the car. the drive was filled with light conversation, mostly about work and the upcoming transition. despite the casual nature of the evening, you could sense his effort to blend in, which you found oddly endearing. when you arrived at the restaurant, the familiar scent of grilled meat and beer wafted through the air, making seokjin's face contort in mild disgust. you chuckled at his reaction. “welcome to the real world, vice chairman.”

inside, your colleagues greeted you warmly, their eyes widening in surprise when they saw their boss. he maintained his composure, though you could see his discomfort. at the table, he attempted to take charge. “what's everyone drinking?” he asked, clearly expecting a sophisticated answer. “perhaps an old variation of whisky?”

a stunned silence fell over the group, everyone staring at him in disbelief. you nervously laughed. “they only serve beer and soju here, vice chairman.” for a moment, you expected him to bristle at the lack of his preferred drink. instead, he stifled a sigh and nodded. “beer it is, then.”

as the evening progressed, you found yourself reminiscing. it had been nine years since you first joined kim enterprises, and you vividly remembered celebrating your first day in this very spot. you were drinking beer when a younger seokjin had approached you, his demeanor confident and slightly arrogant. “do you know who i am?” he'd asked, and you'd honestly had no clue. little did you know back then just how egotistical he was.

now, years later, you watched him attempt to navigate this ordinary setting. as the night wore on, you noticed the subtle signs of him getting tipsy. his cheeks flushed, his laughter louder and more uninhibited. eventually, you decided it was time to call it a night. “i think i should take him home,” you said, standing up.

your colleagues protested, but you promised to make it up to them. they relented, and you guided a slightly unsteady seokjin to his car. the drive to his house was quiet, his head leaning back against the seat, eyes half-closed.

when you arrived, you helped him inside, supporting his weight as you guided him to his bedroom. you gently eased him onto the bed, intending to leave as soon as he was settled. but just as you were about to turn away, he grabbed your wrist, pulling you down onto the bed. you fell on top of him, your faces inches apart. his eyes, though slightly glazed, held a seriousness that made your heart race. “pretty ordinary of me to get drunk off beer, right?” he slurred, a lazy smile on his lips. your breath caught in your throat. “yes, very ordinary.”

“thank you, secretary (l/n),” he mumbled, his eyes closing. he fell asleep almost instantly, his grip on your wrist loosening. you stayed there for a moment, your heart pounding, before carefully tucking him in. you watched him for a few seconds longer, your emotions a whirlwind. finally, you tore yourself away, quietly leaving his house and heading home, your mind a jumble of thoughts and feelings you couldn't quite name.

the following morning, you arrived at the office early, keen to begin the handover process with keulgi. the usual hustle and bustle of the workplace greeted you, but today there was an undercurrent of anticipation and anxiety. it was the beginning of your final month at kim enterprises, and you wanted to ensure everything transitioned smoothly.

as you were explaining the intricacies of the office dynamics to keulgi, seokjin entered, looking visibly worse for wear. he massaged his temples, clearly nursing a headache from the previous night. you couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. you followed him into his office, where he promptly sank into his chair, wincing slightly.

“good morning, vice chairman,” you greeted, trying to keep your tone professional despite your concern. “morning,” he muttered, barely looking up.

despite your concern, you exited the office, re-joining keulgi in order to show her around. “so, these are the folders you'll need to keep track of—client files, project updates, and financial reports. everything is color-coded for easy access. emails are prioritized into high, medium, and low urgency. make sure to flag anything that needs immediate attention.”

she nodded, absorbing the information. “got it. and what about his schedule?” you handed her a tablet with his meticulously planned itinerary. “his schedule is very tight. make sure to coordinate with all department heads and external partners. he's very particular about his meetings being on time.”

as you continued the walkthrough, keulgi mentioned, “oh, by the way, i noticed one of the legs on his chair was falling apart, so i put it together with some cables.” your eyes widened in shock, “what kind of cables?”

“rubber cables,” she replied, confusion etched on her face at your reaction. your heart sank. without another word, you rushed into seokjin's office, your pulse racing. the sight that greeted you confirmed your worst fears. he was on the floor, shaking, his head in his hands, his entire demeanor shattered.

“vice chairman!” you cried out, rushing to his side. “i'm so sorry, she didn't know—” he didn't respond, his breathing erratic. you quickly reached for the chair and cut off the rubber cables. the moment they were gone, his shaking subsided, though his face remained pale and his expression haunted. keulgi, realizing the gravity of the situation, joined in the apologies, her voice frantic. ”i'm so sorry, vice chairman. i didn't know—“

seokjin's gaze was ice cold as he finally looked up at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and something you couldn't quite place. “is this how you're carrying out your duties, secretary (l/n)?” you stood there, stunned and silent. the warmth and camaraderie of the previous night seemed like a distant memory. his words cut through you like a knife, and for the first time, you had no response.

seokjin struggled to his feet, regaining his composure with great effort. “leave,” he commanded quietly, the tension in his voice unmistakable. you and keulgi hurried out of the office, the weight of the incident heavy on your shoulders. outside, you tried to reassure her, but the shock of your boss's reaction lingered.

inside his office, he sat down once again, burying his face in his hands. he mentally cursed himself for his harsh words. his eyes fell on the rubber cables now discarded in the trash can, and a shudder ran through him. memories he'd fought to bury resurfaced, and he struggled to push them back down. the trauma, long kept at bay, clawed its way to the surface. he knew he had overreacted, and he hated himself for it. he had to apologize to you, but the thought of facing you after what had just happened seemed insurmountable. how could he explain the depth of his fear, the reason for his reaction? for now, he could only sit there, the remnants of his vulnerability on display, hoping he hadn't irrevocably damaged the fragile relationship he had with you.

he sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, its polished surface reflecting the ambient light filtering through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. the cityscape of seoul lay sprawled out behind him, but his attention was far from the view. instead, his eyes were unfocused, staring blankly at the stack of documents in front of him. his mind was elsewhere, fixated on the conversation he'd had with his intern just days ago.

jungkook, seated opposite to him with his laptop open, was discussing the final preparations for the launch of their new art gallery. the young intern's enthusiasm was palpable, his voice animated as he detailed the latest developments, the artists who had confirmed their participation, and the final touches needed for the grand opening. but despite his energetic briefing, seokjin's mind kept wandering back to a single, pivotal point in their earlier exchange.

“you can't just propose out of the blue,” jungkook had laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “you need to take it slow. ask her out on a date first.”

seokjin's usually sharp mind was dulled by the weight of those words. proposing had seemed like a logical solution to him. a clear, decisive action to keep you from leaving. but now, in the wake of jungkook's advice, he realized how absurd it must have seemed. how uncharacteristically rash and desperate. the thought of asking you out on a date, a simple date, felt strangely daunting.

“vice chairman? are you listening?” jungkook's voice cut through his reverie, pulling him back to the present. he blinked, forcing his attention back to his intern. “yes, jungkook. i'm listening. the gallery—” he trailed off, struggling to find the thread of their conversation.

he raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “the gallery launch is on track. but you don't seem very interested today. is something on your mind?” he sighed in response, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. he prided himself on his composed and unflappable demeanor, but today, he felt anything but. “it's nothing. just some personal matters, as some would say.” he couldn't bare to focus on the project at hand. no, in fact, he was ready to execute a project of his own.

the soft hum of conversation and clinking of cutlery filled the air as you and your friends settled into a cozy corner booth at a chic restaurant. the atmosphere was relaxed, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that made it perfect for a catch-up lunch. your girlfriends were animated and full of news, and you found yourself caught between genuine happiness for them and a pang of wistful longing.

one of your friends, jiho, was regaling the table with stories about her recent wedding. her eyes sparkled with joy as she described the ceremony, the heartfelt vows, and the beautiful reception. you smiled and applauded her enthusiasm, but inside, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. the idea of finding such happiness seemed elusive, and your heart ached slightly at the thought.

“you're going to love being married,” jiho said, her voice full of contentment. "it’s just wonderful." you nodded, offering a supportive smile. “i'm so happy for you, jiho. it sounds like it was a perfect day.”

as she continued sharing details, your other friend, minji, leaned in, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. “speaking of perfect days,” she began, “i have something to tell you. my husband’s friend saw your profile on social media and, well, he’s been asking about you.”

your heart skipped a beat. minji's husband had been a close friend of yours for years, but you had no idea who the friend in question was. the idea of someone from his circle showing interest was both flattering and daunting. “what’s he like?” you asked cautiously. minji grinned. “he’s a nice guy, charming and successful. i think you’d get along. how about we set up a blind date?”

you hesitated. the idea of a blind date was daunting, but the prospect of meeting someone new, especially someone vetted by friends, was appealing. you glanced at your friends' eager faces and took a deep breath. “okay, i’ll do it.” minji clapped her hands excitedly. “great! i'll set it up and let you know the details.”

just as the conversation shifted to wedding anecdotes and dating possibilities, a cheerful waitress approached your table with a friendly smile. “excuse me, ladies,” she said. “we’re conducting a survey to improve our service and, in exchange, we’d like to offer you a free appetizer. would you be interested?” your friends, always up for a little extra perk, agreed enthusiastically, and you followed suit. the waitress handed over a clipboard with a short survey and left to fetch the appetizer.

thu looked over the questions with mild curiosity. the first asked, “ideal date spot with your significant other?” the second, “ideal activities with significant other?” and the last, “ideal gift given by significant other?” you answered thoughtfully, trying to balance your idealistic dreams with the reality of your current situation. as you finished filling out the survey and handed it back to the waitress, you felt a slight nagging sense of familiarity with the tone of the questions. they seemed familiarly bosay and demanding, almost like they were trying to gauge your relationship ideals with a hint of urgency. but you brushed off the feeling, focusing instead on the excitement of the impending blind date and the lively conversation with your friends.

in the dimly lit rec room of seokjin's luxurious house, the soft clack of pool balls punctuated the otherwise quiet evening. jungkook lounged on the leather sofa, his gaze fixed on him, who was confidently taking shots at the pool table with practiced ease. the game seemed to serve as a backdrop for their conversation, but jungkook's attention was focused on the stack of papers spread out on the coffee table.

“you did what?” his voice was a mix of incredulity and disbelief as he stared at the surveys before him. the questions and answers were neatly recorded on the forms, and jungkook couldn't believe what he was seeing. seokjin, with a proud smirk, took another shot, his movements graceful and deliberate. “i paid the restaurant to hand out those surveys,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. “i wanted to see what kind of answer i'd get. and now, i need you to find the one with her name on it.”

jungkook’s eyebrows shot up in shock. “you’re seriously crazy, this is way over the top.” ignoring the incredulous glares from his elder, he picked up the stack of surveys and began sifting through them. his hands moved quickly, flipping through each paper as he muttered under his breath. “this is insane. what are you trying to accomplish?”

seokjin, meanwhile, remained focused on his game, the smirk never leaving his face. his confidence was unwavering, but jungkook could sense a trace of anxious anticipation beneath the surface. after what felt like an eternity to him, he finally spotted the survey with your name. he held it up, slightly hesitant. “here it is. this is the one.”

his eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and triumph. he rushed over, snatching the paper from his hands with a deft movement. his gaze was fixed on the survey, and as he read through your answers, his smirk broadened into a genuine, if somewhat smug, smile.

“how childish,” he remarked aloud, his voice laced with a blend of amusement and satisfaction. he began reading your responses aloud with a playful tone. “ideal date spot: an amusement park. ideal activities: rides, very charming. ideal gift: a teddy bear.” jungkook watched, his initial skepticism replaced by bemused curiosity. “seriously? you’re actually taking this seriously?” he had never been more serious.

the call came just after you wrapped up your brief lunch with your friends, the sound of seokjin’s voice crackling through the speaker, urgent and commanding. “you need to meet me immediately,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. he gave you the coordinates, and you found yourself driving across town with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. arriving at the amusement park, you were surprised to see it eerily quiet and closed for the night. you sat on a bench near the entrance, trying to piece together what he could have possibly wanted in such an unconventional setting. the minutes ticked by slowly until seokjin finally appeared, stepping out of the darkness with his usual confident stride.

“what’s going on?” you asked, rising from the bench to meet him. “why did you bring me here?” his eyes twinkled with a secretive glint. “we’re going to be here for the night. i have a ‘free pass,’ so to speak.”

you blinked, puzzled. “a free pass? but the park is closed.” seokjin simply smiled, taking your hand and leading you towards the entrance. “just follow me.”

as you walked through the empty park, the moonlight casting long shadows across the deserted grounds, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. he guided you to one of the rollercoasters, and despite your protests, he insisted on riding it first. the rollercoaster roared to life, and as you climbed higher and higher, your heart raced with a blend of thrill and terror. when the ride finally came to a stop, you were visibly shaken, your hands still gripping the safety bar as if it were your lifeline.

he turned to you, his face stoic but his eyes searching. “did you have fun?” you hesitated, your voice trembling. “it was fun, i guess.”

he raised an eyebrow, sensing your unease. “why do you seem so hesitant?” you sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. “it was too scary. i wasn’t expecting it to be so intense.” he looked at you with a mixture of concern and amusement. “then why did you go on it?”

“because you asked me to,” you admitted. a smile curved his lips, and he quickly shifted gears. “alright then, let’s go on rides you want to enjoy.” your face lit up with relief and excitement. you led him towards the merry-go-round, and as the ride spun in gentle circles, you felt a wave of childhood nostalgia. you waved enthusiastically, feeling the pure joy of the moment. he watched you, his gaze softening as he took in your happiness.

the merry-go-round went around seven times, and as you disembarked, you couldn’t stop smiling. seokjin then guided you into the park’s restaurant. to your surprise, the place was completely empty.

“what’s all of this?” you asked, glancing around in awe. he shrugged casually. “i rented everything out for the night. consider it a going-away present.”

your heart fluttered at his gesture. “thank you, vice chairman.” he smiled, slicing a steak and placing it in front of you. as you dug into the meal, he glanced at you with genuine interest. “why did you enjoy the merry-go-round so much?”

you hesitated, then opened up. “it was one of my favorite rides as a child. i used to watch it from afar, because my parents never had the money to let me actually ride it.” hiw expression softened, a shadow of sadness crossing his face. “i'm sorry to hear that.”

the meal continued in a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional clinking of cutlery. after you finished, hw told you there was one more surprise. “just be patient,” he said with a hint of mischief in his eyes. curious, you followed him outside to a spot overlooking the sea. As you waited, the crackling sound of fireworks filled the air, bursting into vibrant colors against the night sky. your eyes widened with delight as you watched the display.

“isn’t it pretty?” you asked, turning to seokjin. his gaze was fixed on you, not the fireworks. “beautiful,” he replied, his voice low and sincere.

the car ride back was filled with a charged silence. as you stared out the window, a memory of the survey and its bossy tone flashed in your mind. you turned to Seokjin, your eyes wide with realization. he looked at you with a smug smile, clearly enjoying the surprise. before you could ask more, the car pulled up to your home. he exited and opened your door, handing you a large, stuffed teddy bear from the trunk. you were overwhelmed with gratitude and, in a moment of pure joy, you hugged your boss tightly.

to your astonishment, he hugged you back, his embrace warm and reassuring. as you pulled away, both of you were so close. too close for comfort. you knew better, stopping yourself as you glanced at the time. “it’s getting late,” you said softly. he nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. “good night. i'll see you in the morning.”

the morning sun streamed through your bedroom window, casting a gentle glow over the room as you prepared for another day at work. you had almost forgotten about the stuffed teddy bear seokjin had gifted you the night before. as you reached for it, something shifted inside its pocket. curiosity piqued, you reached in and pulled out a small, elegant box.

opening it carefully, you found a delicate silver necklace inside. the intricate design and glint of the metal took your breath away. you were momentarily stunned, not expecting such a thoughtful gift. after a moment of hesitation, you decided to keep the necklace. you slipped it into your pocket, planning to wear it later.

at the office, you settled at your desk, the necklace still weighing on your mind. as you worked, you fished it out of your pocket and admired it, the silver catching the light. unbeknownst to you, he was watching from his office across the hall. his gaze softened as he observed you, a small, admiring smile on his lips. the sight of you, glowing with a mix of wonder and appreciation, made him think how gorgeous you were.

you finished adjusting the necklace around your neck, and as you headed to the bathroom, your phone rang. it was minji, her voice excited and insistent. “hey, i was just wondering if you’re still up for that blind date with my friend today? i know it’s short notice, but he’s really looking forward to it!”

it took a moment for the reminder to hit you. the blind date slipped your mind amidst the whirlwind of yesterday’s events. you agreed, albeit with some reluctance. “sure, i’ll meet him. just let me know the details.” as you entered the bathroom, keulgi emerged from a stall behind you, startling you. she had apparently overheard your conversation.

“are you going on a date?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise and curiosity. caught off guard, you nodded, glancing around to make sure no one else was within earshot. “yes, but please keep it quiet.” keulgi, ever enthusiastic, promised to keep it to herself. however, her enthusiasm got the better of her. as soon as you left the bathroom, she couldn't resist sharing the news with the rest of the office.

when you returned to your desk, the atmosphere in the office had noticeably shifted. colleagues whispered excitedly and shot you curious glances. the office buzzed with the news of your impending date. seokjin, who had been outside his office listening to the commotion, seethed with jealousy. his earlier soft smile had vanished, replaced by a scowl that betrayed his irritation. he paced back and forth, trying to control his frustration.

the excitement and chatter from your colleagues did nothing to ease his anger. his mind raced with thoughts of the date and the implications of your newfound interest. he couldn’t shake the feeling of possessiveness that gnawed at him, and the thought of someone else taking you out only fueled his frustration. the more he listened to the enthusiastic reactions of his staff, the more he felt his grip on his emotions slipping. he knew he needed to act, but he was caught between his pride and the undeniable feelings he had been trying to cast away.

the date began at a quaint, upscale café, where you met your blind date, taehyun. he greeted you with a polite smile and an amiable demeanor. as you made small talk, discussing interests and hobbies, taehyun seemed genuinely pleasant, though his compliments caught you off guard. “you look absolutely gorgeous tonight,” he said with a warm smile.

you blushed slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and surprise. “thank you,” you replied, attempting to refocus the conversation. as you chatted, you noticed that his tie was hanging loose and uneven. it irked you more than you expected, and you reached over to fix it, hoping to tidy up his appearance. he watched with a smile as you deftly adjusted the tie, clearly appreciative of the attention to detail.

just as you were about to continue the conversation, a loud, urgent yell interrupted the moment. “secretary (l/n)!”

you and taehyun both turned to see seokjin striding toward your table, his expression stormy and his eyes locked onto you with barely concealed anger. your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. “vice chairman?” you asked, confusion mingling with concern. “what’s going on?”

he stopped in front of your table, his demeanor tense. “i need to see you urgently,” he said, his voice firm and unwavering. you glanced at taehyun, apologetic. “i’m so sorry, it seems to be an emergency.”

you followed him outside, where he led you to his waiting car. the drive began in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. the car came to a sudden stop in the middle of the road, and you turned to seokjin, your anxiety growing. “what’s the matter?” you asked, trying to keep your voice calm despite the unease you felt.

his gaze was cold, his usual confident demeanor replaced by a stern, almost menacing composure. “never do that again,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality.

you frowned, confusion clouding your expression. “what do you mean? what did i do?” his eyes locked onto yours with intensity. “never let me see you with another man like that again.”

you didn’t respond immediately, and his jaw clenched as he seemed to wrestle with his emotions. finally, he added, “i don’t want to see you with anyone else. it’s not something i'm willing to accept.” the confession left you stunned. you stared at him, a mixture of surprise and realization dawning on you. the implications of his words were clear, and the protectiveness in his tone was undeniable. the car ride continued in silence, with the weight of his words lingering between you.

back at home, you went through your evening routine, attending to various tasks around the house. the day's events had left you both physically and emotionally drained. you found solace in a small ritual that had been a comforting presence throughout your life—your diary. sitting down at your desk, you pulled out the well-worn book, its pages filled with a mixture of memories, dreams, and sketches. as you flipped through the pages, you came across a series of drawings. they depicted a younger you and a boy, playing and laughing together. the accompanying writing read, “i miss you, brother.” the words tugged at your heart, and you felt a pang of sadness.

the drawings were a testament to a bond that had once been a central part of your life. as you closed the diary and set it aside, you felt the ache of missing something—or someone—important. the day’s events had stirred up memories you weren’t quite ready to confront.

later that night, as you drifted off to sleep, the familiar haze of dreams enveloped you. in your dream, you found yourself in a dimly lit basement, a place filled with shadows and echoes of the past. the little boy from your diary appeared, standing before you with a stern expression. you felt tears streaming down your cheeks, overwhelmed by a mixture of regret and longing. the boy began to scold you, his voice echoing with an authority that seemed to pierce through your sorrow. despite the scolding, you felt a deep sense of gratitude.

“thank you, kim soo—seo—” you started, trying to recall his name. but before you could finish, the boy cut you off with a tsk. “no, stupid. my name is kim seo—” the name was just on the tip of your tongue, but you couldn’t quite grasp it. the dream began to fade, and you woke up with a start, heart racing and breath uneven.

sitting up in bed, you felt the weight of the dream pressing on you. the name “kim seo” lingered in your mind, but it was elusive, slipping away before you could fully remember. the dream had left you with a deep sense of loss and confusion, and you were left grappling with the fragments of a memory that seemed to evade your grasp. as you lay back down, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something significant you were missing, a connection that was just out of reach. the memory of the dream and the name echoed in your thoughts, haunting you as you tried to find solace in sleep once more.

seokjin arrived at work the following day with a heavy air of exhaustion surrounding him. he trudged through the office, his usual confident stride replaced by a sluggish, disoriented gait. as the morning wore on, it became increasingly clear that he was struggling to stay awake. his head bobbed with fatigue as he sat at his desk, his eyes slipping shut despite his efforts to remain alert.

concerned, you approached his desk, gently shaking his shoulder. “vice chairman, are you alright?” when there was no response, you shook him harder, your worry mounting. his body felt unnervingly heavy, and it became clear that he was deeply asleep, his breathing uneven. panic surged through you as you realized the severity of the situation. without hesitation, you grabbed your phone and dialed for emergency services.

the paramedics arrived swiftly, their professional demeanor a small comfort amidst the chaos. you watched anxiously as they wheeled him into the ambulance. your heart pounded in your chest, and despite knowing it was likely nothing serious, you refused to leave his side.

in the hospital, as the medics prepared him for further examination, they reassured you that his condition wasn’t critical. “he’s just exhausted,” one of the paramedics said. “it’s likely just severe fatigue. you can go in once we’re done.” when you were finally allowed in, he was still asleep, his face pale and drawn. you took a seat next to him, trying to steady your breathing as you buried your face in your hands. the sight of him, knocked out cold, was deeply unsettling. It reminded you of something from your past—something too familiar.

as you stared at him, your thoughts drifted back to the boy from the basement. the way he was unconscious on the floor when the lady had taken you—the same position, the same labored breathing, the same pale complexion. the memories came rushing back, painful and vivid. the name “kim seo” echoed in your mind, but it didn’t quite fit. then you remembered the boy’s full name, “kim seohyeon.” the realization came with a jolt. “kim seohyeon,” you whispered to yourself, the name feeling strangely natural as it rolled off your tongue.

your relief was fleeting, however, as a chilling thought struck you. seokjin’s mother had asked you not even a couple days ago, “what do you think about my hyeon?” it wasn’t just a fragment of a bad memory—it was a piece of a puzzle falling into place. hesitantly, you turned your gaze back to him, who remained motionless. your heart raced as you said, “kim seohyeon.” your voice was shaky, trembling with the weight of the revelation.

for a moment, the room was silent, and you felt a brief sense of relief as though your words had broken the tension. but then, he stirred, his eyes fluttering open. his gaze was bleary, and he blinked at you in confusion. “what is it?” your heart sank as you saw his groggy, disoriented expression. the name you had just spoken had clearly registered with him, but his response was laced with irritation and confusion. you were left grappling with the enormity of the realization that seokjin—kim seohyeon—was more deeply connected to your past than you had ever imagined.

you took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions surging within you. “kim seohyeon,” you repeated, your voice trembling as you looked at seokjin. his eyes, which had been closed in exhaustion, flew open at the sound of his name. the shock and recognition dawned on his face as he fully grasped the situation. “it was you,” you said, your voice laden with disbelief.

your heart pounded as you pieced together the fragmented memories that had haunted you for so long. “i remember now,” you began, your voice quivering. “there was a boy—you were in the basement with me.” his expression shifted from confusion to horror as the realization sank in. “the dreams i’ve been having,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “a black-haired woman, a basement—i’ve been dreaming about it for weeks.”

the pieces began to fall into place for you. “the boy i kept searching for, the one i couldn’t remember clearly—it was you. we were together in that basement. i’ve been trying to find you all this time, but i didn’t know it was you.” the enormity of the realization hit you like a tidal wave, and you began to sob uncontrollably. you had spent your entire life searching for the boy from the basement, the boy whose memory had haunted you for years. to discover that he was right under your nose all along, that seokjin was the one you had been seeking—it was overwhelming.

the flood of emotions surged through you, and the connections you had been struggling to piece together suddenly fell into place. the cables, the fear, the strange sense of familiarity—all of it made sense now. the sobs wracked your body, and you felt a deep, raw anguish as you realized how close you had come to losing him without ever knowing.

his gaze softened as he watched your breakdown. his usual composure and egotism crumbled in the face of your distress. weakly, he reached out to you, his hand trembling slightly. “it’s okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a tender concern that was rare for him. “i’m here.” you hesitated for a moment, but then, seeking solace, you moved into his embrace. his arms wrapped around you, providing a comfort that felt both foreign and deeply familiar. you continued to cry, each sob a release of the pent-up fear and sorrow that had built up over the years. he held you close, his own breath shaky as he struggled to process the gravity of the situation. he stroked your hair gently, his touch soothing and steadying. the warmth of his embrace provided a sense of security that you hadn’t felt in a long time.

as your sobs began to subside, he pulled back slightly, tilting your chin so that you looked up at him. his eyes were filled with a mix of empathy and resolve. “you found me,” he said softly, his voice trembling with the weight of the moment. his words, though simple, carried a profound meaning. the realization that you had finally found him, the person you had been searching for, was both a relief and a heartbreak. in that moment, the intensity of your emotions reached a peak, and he leaned in, closing the gap between you.

his lips met yours in a kiss that was gentle at first, but quickly grew more passionate. it was a kiss that spoke of the pain, the longing, and the deep connection that had been forged through shared battles. you responded, kissing him back with equal fervor, allowing the years of separation and anguish to dissolve in the intensity of the moment. when the kiss finally broke, you both pulled back slightly, breathless and awestruck. the weight of the past had been acknowledged, and the connection between you was solidified in a way that was both profound and healing.

he looked into your eyes, his expression a mix of vulnerability and resolve. “we'll be okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a newfound determination. you nodded, feeling a deep sense of relief and hope.

the weeks following the revelation passed in a strange, uncomfortable silence. despite the deep bond you and seokjin now shared, an unspoken tension lingered in the office. the connection between you had shifted, but neither of you quite knew how to bridge the gap between your past traumas and your present reality.

he had revealed to you the reason behind his name change to seokjin. his parents had insisted on the new identity as a protective measure, believing that if seohyeon no longer existed, the woman who had once terrorized him would never be able to find him. this revelation, while reassuring, had also created a chasm between you two that was hard to navigate.

one afternoon, as the silence in the office grew increasingly heavy, he called you into his office. his demeanor was serious as he gestured for you to take a seat. you entered, your heart racing slightly, unsure of what to expect. “thank you for coming,” he began, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of something you couldn’t quite place. “i need you to do something for me.” you straightened in your chair, adopting a professional tone. “what is it?”

seokjin looked at you with an intensity that made your breath catch. “i need you to be my girlfriend.” the words hung in the air between you, and you were momentarily stunned into silence. “what?” you managed to ask, your voice betraying your shock.

his gaze softened as he continued, his expression vulnerable. “i’ve been thinking a lot about us. after everything we’ve been through, i realized how much i care about you. i need you in my life, not just as my secretary, but as my girlfriend.”

his confession touched you deeply, and you felt a swell of emotion rise within you. “vice chairman” you began, struggling to find the right words. “i didn’t expect this.”

he nodded, his gaze never leaving yours. “i know. it’s sudden, and i understand if you need time. but i wanted to be honest with you about how i feel.” the sincerity in his voice, combined with the gravity of his words, made your heart ache with a mix of relief and hope. you were touched by his honesty and the way he had finally allowed himself to be vulnerable with you.

he then leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting to something more earnest. “there’s one more thing,” he said, his voice lowering. “i need you to kiss me.”

your eyes widened at his request. the gravity of the moment, coupled with your feelings for him, made your pulse race. you nodded slowly, feeling a surge of emotions—affection, longing, and a deep connection. you stood up and walked over to him, your heart pounding in your chest. his gaze followed you, his expression a mixture of anticipation and tenderness. as you reached him, you leaned in, closing the distance between you.

the kiss was tender, filled with the emotions you both had been holding back. It was a sweet, unspoken promise of a new beginning. he responded gently, his hands resting on your back as he deepened the kiss. when you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your faces flushed with the intensity of the moment. he looked at you with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting the vulnerability and affection that had been building between you.

his voice was soft and teasing as he traced his fingers gently along your back. “this means you’ll be my girlfriend, doesn’t it?” the playful tone in his voice, combined with the tender touch, made you smile despite the whirlwind of emotions you were feeling. you nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and affection. “yes, it does.”

his eyes lit up with a genuine smile, his teasing demeanor giving way to something more heartfelt. “i’m glad to hear that. i’ve been wanting to ask you for a long time, but i didn’t know how.” you laughed softly, shaking your head. “you didn’t need to wait so long. i think we both knew how we felt about each other.”

his smile widened as he pulled you into a gentle hug, his arms encircling you with a sense of relief and contentment. “i guess it’s true,” he said, his voice warm and sincere. “sometimes, the things you’re looking for are right in front of you.” they really were, as it seemed.

the next few days at work were marked by an underlying tension that neither of you could quite shake off. seokjin was noticeably less cold and demanding, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor. the change was subtle but significant. he found himself taking more interest in your presence, often waving at you from across the office with a grin that was almost boyish. each time you waved back, his smile would widen, and a look of genuine joy would light up his face.

the change didn’t go unnoticed by your colleagues, who observed the shift in seokjin’s behavior with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. however, no one dared to comment, respecting the unspoken agreement that something had clearly shifted in the office dynamics.

as the days passed, his new feelings for you started to manifest in ways he hadn’t anticipated. while he relished the sweetness of your new relationship, he found himself increasingly aware of the more physical aspects of your presence. he couldn’t ignore how his pulse quickened when he noticed the way your tight skirts accentuated your figure, or how the sight of your bare legs and hair pulled back made him sweat in the middle of meetings.

he tried to maintain his composure, but the intensity of his feelings became difficult to manage. his attempts to focus on work were often disrupted by thoughts of you, and he struggled to keep his desires in check.

one afternoon, unable to ignore his escalating emotions any longer, he called you into his office. his voice, usually commanding, now carried a hint of nervousness. “can you come in here for a moment?” you nodded, entering his office with a sense of anticipation. seokjin closed the door behind you and gestured for you to lock it. his eyes were intense as he watched you comply. he then moved to pull down the blinds, casting the room into a more private, dimly lit atmosphere.

“what’s going on?” you asked, your voice tinged with concern as you approached him. he looked at you with a mixture of longing and hesitation, his gaze fixed on yours. “i need you to understand something,” he said softly. “it’s not just about what we’ve been through, or about being together. i—”

he paused, taking a deep breath as he reached out to pull you closer. the seriousness in his eyes gave way to a softer, more vulnerable expression. “i need you to know how much i care about you. and right now, i can’t help but feel…”

before he could finish, he leaned in and kissed you. the kiss was different from before—less tender, more urgent and needy. it was filled with the intensity of emotions that had been building up inside him. you responded to the kiss, your own feelings mirroring his. the kiss deepened, and the world outside the office seemed to fade away as you both lost yourselves in the moment.

it was a kiss that spoke of months of unspoken yearning, a kiss that shattered the professional façade you had both so carefully maintained. his hand found the small of your back, pulling you closer. his other hand cupped your cheek, his thumb tracing the outline of your mouth as you kissed him deeper. his tongue slipped past your lips, tasting, exploring. you gasped, your body responding instinctively to his touch.

that was it. the moment you had both been waiting for, the moment that would change everything. you could feel the tension in the room, a tight coil winding tighter with every passing second. the sound of a zipper echoed through the room as seokjin stood, lifting you onto his desk. your legs wrapped around his waist, and you could feel his erection pressing against you, hot and insistent. your breath hitched as he kissed along your neck, his teeth grazing your skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

he stepped back for a moment, looking into your eyes, searching for permission. you nodded, unable to form words, and he took that as his cue. his hands found the buttons of your blouse, deftly undoing them one by one. your bra was next, revealing your tits to his hungry gaze. He took one in his hand, squeezing gently, and your moan filled the room.

he leaned in, taking your nipple into his mouth. you arched your back, the sensation shooting straight to your core. he sucked, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak, and your hips rolled against him. he groaned, his grip on your hip tightening. the anticipation was palpable as he reached for his belt, his eyes never leaving yours. you could see the need in them, the same need that was building within you. as he stepped closer, you felt his hardness pressing against your thigh, and you knew there was no turning back.

he whispered something in your ear, something filthy and thrilling, and you could feel your cheeks flush with arousal. his hands found the zipper of your skirt, sliding it down with a sound that seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet office. your skin prickled with excitement as the fabric fell away, revealing your lacy underwear. his hand slid under the fabric, his fingers finding your wetness. he groaned again, his breath hot against your neck. “you're so wet for me,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

you nodded, your eyes closing as he began to stroke you, his touch tentative at first, then growing bolder as your moans grew louder. your body was on fire, every nerve ending alive with sensation. you knew you were his, and he was yours, in this every stolen moment of passion.

with a final tug, his hand found your bare skin, and you gasped as he touched you, his fingers exploring your folds with an urgency that mirrored your own. you could feel your core tightening around his touch, desperate for more. he pulled back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched your reaction. “you like that, don't you?” he asked, his voice a low growl. you nodded, your eyes glazed over with desire. he leaned in, capturing your mouth again in a bruising kiss as his thumb began to circle your clit. the sensation was overwhelming, and you felt yourself getting closer and closer to the edge. you didn't know if you could hold on much longer.

suddenly, he stopped, his hand moving away from your panties. you whimpered in protest, but he just chuckled, a dark sound that sent shivers down your spine. “patience,” he murmured, “we're just getting started.”

with surprising strength, he flipped you over, so that you were now lying face down on his desk, your ass in the air. he stepped back, and you could feel his eyes on you, taking in the sight of your exposed body. you felt a thrill of exhibitionism, knowing that he was seeing you in such a vulnerable state.

he leaned over you, his breath hot on your ear. "you're so fucking beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with lust. his hand came down in a firm smack on your ass, and you yelped in surprise. the sting was quickly replaced by a warmth that spread through your body, making you wetter than ever.

he smacked you again, harder this time, and you moaned. the sound seemed to spur him on, and his hand began to move in a steady rhythm, alternating between gentle caresses and firm slaps. you felt yourself getting wetter with every hit, your body begging for more. “do you like that, baby?” he asked, his voice strained with his own need. “yes,” you managed to gasp out, your voice shaky. “more.”

he complied, his hand coming down harder and faster, each smack echoing through the room. you could feel yourself getting closer, your body trembling with the effort of holding back. and then, with one final, brutal slap, you shattered, your orgasm ripping through you like a storm. he leaned down, his breathing ragged, and kissed the back of your neck. “you're mine,” he murmured, his voice possessive. “mine to claim.”

and with that, he reached for his own pants, his hands shaking with desire. he freed himself, and you could feel the tip of his cock brushing against your wetness. without another word, he pushed inside you, filling you up in one swift, agonizingly sweet motion. you yelled, the pleasure overwhelming as he claimed your virginity, your body stretching to accommodate his size.

he didn't stop there, though. he began to move, his hips pistoning into you with a relentless rhythm that had you seeing stars. you could feel every inch of him, and it was more than you had ever imagined. each thrust was a declaration of ownership, each moan a promise of more to come. you pushed back against him, meeting him halfway, your body moving in perfect sync with his. you were lost in the sensation, the pain and pleasure melding into something indescribable. your hands gripped the edge of the desk, knuckles white, as you held on for dear life.

“fuck, you're tight,” he grunted, his voice strained. “so tight.” your response was a whimper, your throat too tight to form words. all you could do was moan and arch your back, taking him deeper, letting him fill you completely. the room spun around you as he picked up the pace, his hands digging into your hips as he drove into you. you could feel his climax building, his breaths coming in harsh pants against your neck. and then, with a final, guttural groan, he came, his warmth flooding into you.

you collapsed onto the desk, your body spent, as he pulled out and leaned over you, his chest heaving. he kissed your shoulder, his breathing slowly returning to normal. the room was silent, save for the sound of your ragged breaths.

for a moment, you both just stayed there, basking in the afterglow of what had just happened. but reality began to seep back in, and you felt a sudden rush of self-consciousness. you were his secretary, and you had just had unprotected sex on his desk. the implications of your actions were just beginning to hit you.

seokjin must have noticed the change in your demeanor because he leaned in, whispering in your ear, “don't worry, i've got you.” his words were soothing, but they didn't entirely ease the anxiety coiling in your stomach. he helped you sit up, and you both began to straighten your clothes, trying to erase the evidence of your passionate encounter. your heart was racing, and you couldn't help but steal glances at him, seeing him in a new light. “we can't do this again,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “what if someone finds out?”

he turned to face you, cupping your cheek. “they won't,” he assured you. “this is our secret.” his eyes searched yours, and you could see the determination in them. “but if they do,” he trailed off, a smug smile playing on his lips. “well, then they'll just have to deal with it. you're my girlfriend, after all.”

you couldn't help but smile back, his confidence infectious. but deep down, you knew that this was just the beginning. the line between professional and personal had been irrevocably crossed, and there was no going back.

✧.*

a/n: literally no one asked for this idc this is so funny to me i based the name off one drama and the plot off another goodbye

[mollysunder]

Viktor's such a funky guy. He really thinks with enough engineering controls he can solve the systemic inequalities Zaunites suffer from. Sure, a certain level of automation not only improves safety but can straight up save lives and that's desperately needed for industries like the mines, but only to a point. Machines are and always will be a tool, and it is up to the user(s) to ensure that all tools and resources are used equitably.

Viktor can make as many labor saving devices he wants with Jayce, but it's existence alone doesn't mean that the working conditions of those who will use them will actually improve. There's no laws in the books that makes sure industry applies the correct safety standards to this new equipment. There's nothing forcing industry to not overwork their employees now that they have a new means to increase productivity at the same rate of time.

The way Viktor builds out solutions to what are complex social inequities really highlights how much he's been affected by and actively removed from the socio-political facets of society. Viktor's largely been alienated by his peers whether it was because of his class or his disability or both and could only advance by genuinely believing he was the best. Of course his solutions are so mechanically pigeonholed, because Viktor never had the luxury to doubt himself and his capabilities.

It's such a slam dunk in irony for Viktor's source of strength that elevated him in life to also be the thing that prevents him from actually changing things. There's also the underlying possibility that Viktor's arc would have him double down on his own point of view. Where Viktor convinces himself that he isn't wrong, everybody else just isn't listening to him or using his gifts right. "When you're going to change the world, don't ask for permission", becomes a lot more ominous when you think about it through that lens.

[morgan-va]

Chapter 1: Late to the Party (Serial Designation J x Reader)

Masterlist

The steady hum of the ship's engines reverberates through the cabin, a constant reminder of the delay that’s brought you to this point. You glance at the dashboard, the blinking lights a subdued mockery of your frustration. "Finally," you mutter under your breath as the ship’s voice announces, “Approaching Copper-9. Estimated arrival: two minutes.”

Late. You hate being late. You can practically hear J's biting remarks already, her sharp voice cutting through whatever excuse you might muster. Not that you'd get much sympathy—faulty engine or not, she’d find a way to make it your fault.

With a sigh, you lean back in your chair and peer out the viewport. Copper-9 looms ahead, its icy surface gleaming under the dim light of the sun. Once a thriving industrial hub, now a frozen graveyard. You’ve seen the photos in the briefings, but the reality is something else entirely. Endless sheets of ice, jagged peaks, and deep crevasses stretch as far as the eye can see.

Something catches your eye. You squint, leaning closer to the glass. The planet… has a ring around it? That’s new. And what’s that on the surface? A massive, dark symbol sprawled across the ice, its edges sharp and unnatural, as though carved with precision. You don’t recognize it. That definitely wasn’t in the briefing either.

“What the hell happened here?” you murmur. Your fingers hover over the controls, an instinctive urge to rerun the ship's scans and confirm what you’re seeing. But the engine’s whine shifts as the ship begins its descent, autopilot engaged. You don’t have time for curiosity right now—landing comes first.

And then? Then you face J.

You adjust your seat harness, ensuring it’s secure as the ship’s automated voice chimes again: “Landing coordinates updated. Rerouting guidance system.”

“Wait, what?” you say, blinking at the monitor. The map displays your updated trajectory, veering away from the original landing zone. You tap a few buttons to bring up the details. The new coordinates are… odd. You’d been briefed to land near the site of your comrades’ initial touchdown. This new location is a fair distance from that spot.

Frowning, you shake your head. “Doesn’t matter,” you mutter. Orders are orders, and you’re not about to start questioning them. Maybe there’s been a new development since your departure. Not like you can do much about it now.

The ship trembles slightly as it begins its descent into Copper-9’s atmosphere, the sound of thrusters shifting tone to counteract the pull of gravity. You grip the edges of the console as turbulence rocks the vessel, a familiar yet uncomfortable sensation. The flashes of fire and plasma outside the window obscure the icy surface below, but your mind stays focused.

“Brace for atmospheric entry,” the voice drones, a little too calm for the chaos rattling through the cabin. You lean back in your seat, tightening your hold. The airframe creaks and groans, but the ship holds steady.

Moments later, the shaking eases, and the flames outside die down, revealing the frozen expanse of Copper-9’s surface. You exhale a breath you didn’t realize you were holding, watching as the ship banks toward the updated landing site.

“Alright, Copper-9,” you murmur, staring at the jagged horizon. “Let’s see what you’ve got for me.”

The ship jolts violently as the landing rockets fire, the sound of their roar filling the cabin. You grip the edges of your seat tightly, feeling the strain of the forces pressing against you. Outside, crumbling skyscrapers loom like silent sentinels, their icy surfaces reflecting the ship’s thrusters.

Then it happens. A sharp lurch throws you sideways as the ship clips the edge of a building. Alarms blare, and you barely have time to react as the vessel spirals into a chaotic roll. The world outside becomes a blur of jagged steel and ice, and you groan, the centrifugal force threatening to rip you from your seat.

“Stupid… engine!” you mutter through gritted teeth, bracing yourself as best you can. For a moment, it feels like everything might come apart.

Just as suddenly, the ship steadies. The thrusters scream as they fight to correct the descent, and the spinning slows. Your teeth clench as the craft begins a controlled descent, the ground rushing up to meet you.

With a deafening thud, the ship finally lands. The impact sends a jolt through the cabin, and for a moment, everything is still.

You sag against the harness, breathing heavily. The alarms have silenced, leaving only the faint hiss of the cooling systems and the distant groan of stressed metal. Your hands tremble slightly as you release the harness, taking a moment to collect yourself.

“That… could have gone better,” you mutter, rubbing your temples. You glance around the cabin, noting the disheveled state of your supplies and equipment. It’ll take time to get everything back in order, but first, you need to find the others.

With a deep breath, you sit up straight, forcing your body to shake off the remnants of the chaotic landing. “Alright,” you say, steadying your voice. “Let’s see what mess I’ve landed myself in this time.”

With a hiss, the ship’s door pops open, a rush of cold air spilling into the cabin. Snow drifts lazily through the opening, carried by a gentle breeze that contrasts sharply with the chaos of your landing. The biting chill is a stark reminder of Copper-9’s frozen desolation.

You pull yourself upright, peering out into the wintry expanse. A ruined cityscape stretches before you, skyscrapers jutting skyward like skeletal remains of a forgotten age. The silence is almost unnerving, broken only by the faint whistle of the wind.

Stepping to the edge of the ship, you leap down, the wings on your back flaring briefly to slow your descent. You land softly in the snow, the crunch under your boots oddly satisfying.

Your optics adjust to the dim light, scanning the area for any signs of movement. The buildings are quiet, their shattered windows dark and lifeless. It feels like no one’s been here in ages.

Then, something catches your attention. A faint glow, flickering against the icy backdrop. It’s coming from a building a few hundred yards away, the light weak but unmistakable.

You narrow your eyes, instinctively unsheathing your claws as a sense of curiosity mingles with caution. “Well, someone’s still home,” you mutter, taking a few steps toward the light. The snow crunches underfoot, each step deliberate as you weigh your next move.

Whatever’s out there, it’s your first lead. And right now, it’s the only one you’ve got.

Taking off, you fly low toward the light, the icy wind biting at your chassis. As you approach, the source of the glow becomes clearer—a faint radiance spilling out from a window of a crumbling, decrepit building. Landing softly just outside, you carefully step toward the entrance.

The door creaks as you push it open, the sound echoing faintly in the still air. You step inside, your optics scanning the dimly lit interior.

The place is clearly lived in. A generator hums softly in the corner, powering a string of lights that cast uneven shadows across the room. A table sits near the center, covered in blueprints, scattered tools, and half-disassembled machinery. Off to one side is what looks like a makeshift sleeping area—a cot with a blanket neatly folded at its edge.

But there’s no one here.

You frown, your optics sweeping the room again. Whoever set this place up can’t have gone far… but there’s no sign of movement, no sound other than the low hum of the generator.

Deciding not to linger, you turn and head back outside, flying up to the roof for a better vantage point.

The rooftop is blanketed in snow, the thin layer crunching softly under your feet as you land. You glance around, scanning the frozen cityscape. The towering ruins of skyscrapers surround you, their skeletal frames stark against the dark sky.

Your gaze sweeps the area, searching for any signs of life. For a moment, there’s nothing—just the faint whistle of the wind and the eerie stillness of the frozen wasteland.

Then, a shadow flickers in the corner of your vision.

Your attention snaps to movement in the distance—a figure, flying rapidly in your direction. Relief floods you as you recognize the silhouette of a Disassembly Drone. Finally, someone familiar!

You smile, lifting a hand in greeting. “Hey—”

Before you can finish, the figure accelerates, closing the gap with terrifying speed. In the blink of an eye, you’re slammed to the ground, claws gripping your neck like a vice. The force of the impact sends a plume of snow into the air, your systems jolting under the pressure.

“Wait—!” you sputter, instinctively trying to raise your hands in surrender.

The shadowed figure looms above you, and for a moment, all you see are jagged teeth and a glowing yellow X staring down at you with deadly intent. Then recognition flickers across her face.

“…You,” she mutters, her voice dripping with equal parts surprise and annoyance.

You cough as the pressure on your neck lessens slightly, though her claws remain poised, ready to tighten again at a moment’s notice.

“Serial Designation J, we meet again” you croak, a mix of relief and wariness in your voice.

Her narrowed eyes bore into you as she tilts her head, a sneer creeping across her face. “Why are you late? Don’t tell me you’ve been slacking off. Corporate’s definitely going to love hearing about this.”

You wince, holding up your hands in a gesture of innocence. “It’s not my fault! The ship’s engine was faulty. I was knocked off course and barely made it through entry. I almost crashed, J. It’s a miracle I’m even here!”

She stares at you, her claws still at your throat, though her grip slackens further. Something flashes in her eyes, a fleeting shadow of emotion—concern, maybe? No, that can’t be right.

“Excuses,” she huffs, shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts. “JCJenson Employee Safety Guidelines don’t cover near-death experiences. They care about results, and that includes actually dying.”

You suppress a sigh, biting back a retort. The sharp edge of her tone is familiar, but there’s something… off about her. She’s all bark, sure, but her usual smug energy feels dulled, like she’s running on autopilot.

“Are you going to let me up?” you ask cautiously, keeping your tone respectful.

She seems to realize she’s still holding you down and abruptly pulls her claws back, standing upright with an air of forced composure.

“Fine. Get up,” she says curtly, crossing her arms. “You’re here now. Don’t make me regret it.”

As you push yourself to your feet, brushing the snow off your coat, she turns sharply and gestures toward the building. “Come on. You’re going to help me with something. If you’re lucky, I might not file a report about your tardiness.”

You fall into step behind her, glancing at her back as she leads the way. Something about this reunion feels wrong, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.

You follow J as she strides ahead, her feet crunching through the thin layer of snow. She doesn’t say much, her glowing visor casting faint light across the frozen landscape as she leads you to the edge of the roof. You keep pace, eager to make up for lost time—and to avoid giving her any more reason to berate you.

She flies up to an adjacent roof, motioning for you to follow. You soar up after her, landing softly as the wind bites through the air. On the roof sits a large, rusted air conditioning unit, covered in frost and leaning at an odd angle.

“Help me get this thing off the roof,” J says without preamble, pointing at it aimlessly.

You blink, glancing between her and the hefty piece of machinery. “Uh, sure. Any particular reason?”

“It’s in the way,” she replies curtly, as if that explanation should suffice. “And it’s useless. Unless you think Corporate wants me to file a requisition form for a replacement?”

“Nope, not at all,” you reply quickly, stepping toward the unit. “Let’s get rid of it.”

You plant your hands against the icy metal and start pushing. The machine groans as it scrapes against the roof, but it doesn’t budge much. J rolls her eyes, stepping in to help.

“Pathetic,” she mutters, planting her hands firmly on the other side. “On three. One… two… three!”

With a combined effort, the two of you shove the unit, which finally starts to slide. It screeches as it moves, sending a small avalanche of snow cascading off the roof’s edge.

“Almost there!” you call out, adjusting your grip as you lean into the push.

J doesn’t respond, her focus entirely on the task at hand. Together, you shove it once more, and the unit tips over the edge. There’s a brief pause before it crashes to the ground below with a thunderous boom, sending a plume of snow and debris into the air.

You step back, brushing your hands off. “Well, that’s one way to clear space.”

J crosses her arms, looking down at the wreckage below. “About time. If you’d shown up when you were supposed to, this would’ve been done already.”

You bite your tongue, forcing a polite smile. “Happy to help, J.” Although you do wonder why she didn’t have either of the others help her.

She huffs, turning on her heel. “Come on. There’s more work to do.”

You follow her back down, still trying to gauge her mood. Something about the way she’s acting—brisk, detached, like she’s on autopilot—sits uneasily with you. Whatever’s going on here, it’s clear there’s more beneath the surface than she’s letting on.

You follow J back into the base, stepping through the door as she strides over to the workbench. Without a word, she pulls out a stool and takes a seat, picking up a screwdriver from the scattered tools. Her neon yellow eyes flicker slightly as she studies the piece of machinery in front of her.

It’s only when you get closer that you realize what she’s working on—a rocket engine, its outer casing already partially dismantled. She starts unscrewing a set of components, her fingers moving with precise efficiency.

“Is that a rocket engine?” you ask, tilting your head as you watch her work. “Why are you taking it apart?”

J pauses for a split second, her visor flickering again before she resumes. “Don’t question me,” she snaps, her tone as sharp as her claws. “Just grab the toolbox from the corner. Now.”

You nod quickly, backing off. “Got it.”

Turning away, you head to the far corner of the room. The toolbox is heavy, its metal sides worn and dented from use. As you lift it, the tools inside clatter together, breaking the tense silence of the room.

You carry it back over, setting it down beside her. “Here you go.”

J doesn’t look up, already switching to a different tool. “Good. Now stand there and be useful.”

You plant yourself nearby, watching as she works. The way her fingers move—quick, deliberate—suggests she’s done this a hundred times before. But there’s something about the way she’s focusing so intensely on the engine, as if trying to distract herself, that makes you curious.

Still, you decide to keep your questions to yourself. Whatever’s going on with her, it’s clear she’s not in the mood to talk about it. At least, not yet.

You stand quietly, watching J as she works, the soft clinking of the tools in her hands filling the space. After a few moments of silence, you can’t help but ask, “So, how’s everything been? Things going smoothly?”

J doesn’t look up from her work, but her voice remains steady and rehearsed, almost too perfect in its corporate tone. “Everything’s fine. Quotas have been met. Productivity is at an all-time high. No setbacks. Everything is in optimal condition.”

You nod, trying to hide your curiosity. Her words are comforting, but something about them doesn’t sit right with you. She sounds so… disconnected, almost like she’s giving a rehearsed report more than talking to you.

“Good to hear,” you say, though a part of you wonders if she’s really telling the whole truth. “And… you’re managing everything without problems, then?”

There’s a brief pause before she responds, her voice almost businesslike. “Yes. No issues here. I’m doing just fine.”

You watch her for a moment, fiddling with a tool as she continues dismantling the engine. It’s odd though. What about N and V? They would’ve been here, right? They’ve always worked alongside her, so where are they now?

You open your mouth to ask, but something holds you back. It’s not your place to question her like that—not yet, anyway. And so, you stay quiet, brushing the thoughts aside.

You know J well enough to know she doesn’t like to talk about personal matters. Her focus on the task at hand is as sharp as ever, and you choose not to push her further.

Instead, you watch her work in silence, knowing that anything more would only make her more distant. Whatever’s going on with her, you’ll find out in time…

But for now, you’re just happy to be here, doing what you were made to do.

J sets down the tool she’s using and glances over at you. “Hand me the flux calibrator,” she says, her voice sharp with authority.

You nod quickly and start rummaging through the toolbox. “Right away!” you reply, eager to follow her lead.

You grab what you think is the correct tool and hold it out to her. J takes one look at it and raises an eyebrow. “That’s a wrench, idiot” she says, her tone laced with exasperation.

“Oh! Uh, right. My bad,” you stammer, fumbling through the toolbox again. Your hands are moving quickly, but the tools seem to blur together in your rush.

J sighs, crossing her arms. “You’ve been here for all of five minutes, and you’re already testing my patience. Corporate really sent me this as backup?”

You finally pull out the correct tool and offer it to her with an apologetic grin. “Here! Flux calibrator!”

She snatches it from your hand and gets back to work, muttering under her breath. “About time. Honestly, you’d think they’d train Disassembly Drones to at least know tools before shipping them off to an active site.”

“Hey, in my defense, my ship nearly killed me on the way here,” you point out, bending down to pick up a screwdriver you accidentally knocked to the floor.

“You dropped the screwdriver too?” J spins in her chair, leveling you with a glare. “Bozo.”

You rub the back of your head sheepishly. “Fair enough. But I’m a bozo who’s ready to work!”

J rolls her eyes, but you swear you see the faintest hint of amusement on her face. “We’ll see how long that enthusiasm lasts,” she says, turning back to the rocket engine. “Now hand me the torque driver.”

“Yes, ma’am!” you reply enthusiastically, rummaging through the toolbox once more.

She continues barking orders as she works, and you’re more than happy to oblige. Despite her sharp tone and constant corrections, it feels good to have direction, to be part of her operations again.

Even if she does call you “bozo” every other minute.

J lets out a frustrated sigh, tossing the tool in her hand onto the workbench. “Missing the regulator,” she mutters, more to herself than to you. “Figures. Of course, it’s the one part this stupid planet doesn’t have lying around.”

She stands up abruptly, brushing her hands off on her dress before turning to you. “Alright, that’s enough for tonight. Pick a spot and get some rest,” she orders, gesturing vaguely around the room.

You glance around the cluttered base of operations. It’s not exactly cozy—tools, parts, and blueprints are scattered across every surface, and the single cot in the corner is clearly hers. There’s no sign of any other sleeping arrangements.

“Uh, no spare cots or anything?” you ask hesitantly.

J gives you a flat look. “Do I look like I’m running a five-star hotel? Make do. You’re a Disassembly Drone, not a Worker Drone. You can handle a little discomfort.”

“Right,” you reply quickly, not wanting to test her patience further. You spot a relatively clear area near the wall and start clearing some tools out of the way to make a space for yourself.

As you settle in, you can’t help but glance toward J’s cot. It strikes you as odd—shouldn’t there be at least two more sleeping areas for N and V? Are they off on a mission or stationed somewhere else? You make a mental note to ask J about it when she’s in a better mood.

For now, you keep your questions to yourself, arranging a makeshift bed out of some spare fabric you find lying around. It’s not much, but it’ll do for tonight.

J, meanwhile, takes a seat on her cot, her back to you as she flips through a worn-looking manual. The hum of the generator fills the silence, accompanied by the occasional creak of the decrepit building around you.

As you settle in, you glance at her once more. She seems… different. The J you worked with before was all business, but this version of her feels sharper, colder, like something has worn her down.

You sigh, lying back and staring at the ceiling. Whatever’s going on, it’ll have to wait until tomorrow. For now, you just hope you don’t accidentally do something to violate corporate policy in your sleep.

You adjust your position on the cold, hard floor, trying to find a modicum of comfort. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than standing at attention all night. The faint hum of the generator and the distant howling wind outside are the only sounds, creating an oddly eerie atmosphere.

As you lie there, your gaze drifts to J’s cot. The faint yellow glow of her visor reflects off the wall she’s facing. She’s completely still, lying on her side, but it’s clear she’s not sleeping. She just… stares at the wall, unblinking.

It’s unsettling, to say the least. Even for a Disassembly Drone, that kind of stillness feels unnatural. Something about it tugs at the back of your mind.

What’s really going on here? you think to yourself. Her avoidance earlier, the absence of N and V, the way she carries herself—it all feels off. You make a mental note to dig deeper tomorrow, to try and figure out what’s wrong, even if it means risking another scolding.

For now, though, there’s little you can do. You allow yourself to power down, the dim glow of J’s visor lingering in your thoughts as the room fades to black.

[wolfliving]

It starts with him

What was once a promise of technology to allow us to automate and analyze the environments in our physical spaces is now a heap of broken ideas and broken products. Technology products have been deployed en masse, our personal data collected and sold without our consent, and then abandoned as soon as companies strip mined all the profit they thought they could wring out. And why not? They already have our money.

The Philips Hue, poster child of the smart home, used to work entirely on your local network. After all, do you really need to connect to the Internet to control the lights in your own house?  Well you do now!Philips has announced it will require cloud accounts for all users—including users who had already purchased the hardware thinking they wouldn’t need an account (and the inevitable security breaches that come with it) to use their lights.

Will you really trust any promises from a company that unilaterally forces a change like this on you? Does the user actually benefit from any of this?

Matter in its current version … doesn’t really help resolve the key issue of the smart home, namely that most companies view smart homes as a way to sell more individual devices and generate recurring revenue.

It keeps happening. Stuff you bought isn’t yours because the company you bought it from can take away features and force you to do things you don’t want or need to do—ultimately because they want to make more money off of you. It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and it’s discouraging.

And it has stopped IoT for the rest of us in its tracks. Industrial IoT is doing great—data collection is the point for the customer. But the consumer electronics business model does not mesh with the expected lifespan of home products, and so enshittification began as soon as those first warranties ran out.

How can we reset the expectations we have of connected devices, so that they are again worthy of our trust and money? Before we can bring the promise back, we must deweaponize the technology.

Guidelines for the hardware producer

What we can do as engineers and business owners is make sure the stuff we’re building can’t be wielded as a lever against our own customers, and to show consumers how things could be. These are things we want consumers to expect and demand of manufacturers.

Control

Think local

Decouple

Open interfaces

Be a good citizen

1) Control over firmware updates.

You scream, “What about security updates!” But a company taking away a feature you use or requiring personal data for no reason is arguably a security flaw. 

We were once outraged when intangible software products went from something that remained unchanging on your computer, to a cloud service, with all the ephemerality that term promises. Now they’re coming for our tangible possessions.

No one should be able to do this with hardware that you own. Breaking functionality is entirely what security updates are supposed to prevent! A better checklist for firmware updates:

Allow users to control when and what updates they want to apply. 

Be thorough and clear as to what the update does and provide the ability to downgrade if needed. 

Separate security updates from feature additions or changes. 

Never force an update unless you are sure you want to accept (financial) responsibility for whatever you inadvertently break. 

Consider that you are sending software updates to other people’s hardware. Ask them for permission (which includes respecting “no”) before touching their stuff!

2) Do less on the Internet.

A large part of the security issues with IoT products stem from the Internet connectivity itself. Any server in the cloud has an attack surface, and now that means your physical devices do.

The solution here is “do less”. All functionality should be local-only unless it has a really good reason to use the Internet. Remotely controlling your lights while in your own house does not require the cloud and certainly does not require an account with your personal information attached to it. Limit the use of the cloud to only the functions that cannot work without it.

As a bonus, less networked functionality means fewer maintenance costs for you.

3) Decouple products and services.

It’s fine to need a cloud service. But making a product that requires a specific cloud service is a guarantee that it can be enshittified at any point later on, with no alternative for the user owner. 

Design products to be able to interact with other servers. You have sold someone hardware and now they own it, not you. They have a right to keep using it even if you shut down or break your servers. Allow them the ability to point their devices to another service. If you want them to use your service, make it worthwhile enough for them to choose you.

Finally, if your product has a heavy reliance on the cloud to work, consider enabling your users to self-host their own cloud tooling if they so desire. A lot of people are perfectly capable of doing this on their own and can help others do the same.

4) Use open and standard protocols and interfaces.

Most networked devices have no reason to use proprietary protocols, interfaces, and data formats. There are open standards with communities and software available for almost anything you could want to do. Re-inventing the wheel just wastes resources and makes it harder for users to keep using their stuff after you’re long gone. We did this with Twine, creating an encrypted protocol that minimized chatter, because we needed to squeeze battery life out of WiFi back when there weren’t good options.

If you do have a need for a proprietary protocol (and there are valid reasons to do so):

Document it. 

If possible, have a fallback option that uses an open standard. 

Provide tooling and software to interact with your custom protocols, at the very least enough for open source developers to be able to work with it. This goes for physical interfaces as much as it does for cloud protocols.

If the interface requires a custom-made, expensive, and/or hard-to-find tool to use, then consider using something else that is commonly available and off the shelf instead.

5) Be a good citizen.

Breaking paid-for functionality on other people’s stuff is inherently unethical. Consider not doing this! Enshittification is not a technical problem, it is a behavioral one. Offer better products that are designed to resist enshittification, and resist it yourself in everything you do.

Nothing forced Philips to do what they are doing: a human made a decision to do it. They could have just as easily chosen not to. With Twine’s server lock-in, at least we chose to keep it running, for 12 years now. Consider that you can still make a decent living by being honest and ethical towards the people who are, by purchasing your products, paying for your lifestyle. 

We didn’t get here by accident. Humans made choices that brought us to this point, and we can’t blame anyone for being turned off by it. But we can choose to do better. We can design better stuff. And we can choose not to mess things up after the fact.

We’re putting this into practice with Pickup. (We also think that part of an IoT reset is giving users the creative freedom of a general-purpose device.) If you’re looking for something better and our product can fill a need you have, consider backing us. We cannot claim to be perfect or have all of the answers, but we are absolutely going to try. The status quo sucks. Let’s do something about it.

Published October 15, 2023 By Jeremy Billheimer

[almondenterprise]

The Difference Between Low, Medium, and High Voltage Switchgear

Switchgear plays a critical role in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. It ensures safe and efficient operation by controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical circuits and equipment. But not all switchgear is created equal — low, medium, and high voltage switchgear are designed for different voltage levels and applications.

Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for electrical engineers, electricians, project managers, and anyone involved in power systems. In this article, we break down what sets them apart in terms of voltage range, components, applications, design, and safety considerations.

What is Switchgear?

Before diving into the differences, let’s clarify what switchgear is.

Switchgear refers to the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. It is essential for de-energizing equipment for maintenance and for clearing faults in the power system.

Classification by Voltage Level

Low Voltage Switchgear (LV)

Voltage Range:

Up to 1,000V AC (typically 400V/690V in 3-phase systems)

Key Components:

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs)

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Contactors and relays

Busbars, metering, control panels

Applications:

Residential and commercial buildings

Data centers and office spaces

Light industrial automation

Control panels and motor control centers (MCCs)

Characteristics:

Compact and easy to install

High frequency of operation

Relatively simple maintenance

Often enclosed in modular panels

Standards:

IEC 61439

NEC (National Electrical Code)

Medium Voltage Switchgear (MV)

Voltage Range:

1kV to 36kV (sometimes up to 72.5kV)

Key Components:

Vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs)

SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) insulated switchgear

Current and voltage transformers (CTs, VTs)

Protective relays

Grounding switches

Applications:

Electrical substations

Large factories and industrial plants

Railways and airports

Renewable energy farms (wind/solar)

Characteristics:

Higher insulation and safety requirements

More robust protection systems

Often installed indoors or in compact outdoor enclosures

May use gas-insulated or air-insulated designs

Standards:

IEC 62271–200

IEEE C37 series

High Voltage Switchgear (HV)

Voltage Range:

Above 36kV (commonly 66kV, 132kV, 220kV, up to 765kV)

Key Components:

SF₆ circuit breakers

Air blast or oil circuit breakers (older systems)

Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS)

Disconnectors and earthing switches

High-end protection relays and SCADA integration

Applications:

National and regional power transmission networks

Power generation plants

Interconnecting large substations

Critical infrastructure (e.g., large data centers, airports)

Characteristics:

Complex installation and high-cost infrastructure

Requires rigorous safety procedures and specialized training

Often installed outdoors or in GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) format

Includes extensive monitoring and automation

Standards:

IEC 62271–100 (HV circuit breakers)

IEEE C37.06

ANSI C37 series

Safety Considerations

Always follow local electrical codes, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and conduct routine maintenance regardless of switchgear type.

Conclusion

Choosing the right switchgear type is critical for ensuring safe and efficient power distribution. Whether you’re designing a residential panel or a high-voltage substation, knowing the difference between low, medium, and high voltage switchgear helps you make informed decisions about equipment, safety, and performance.

Mastering this knowledge isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for anyone serious about a career in the electrical field.

[altaqwaelectric]

Understanding the Role of Busbars, Circuit Breakers, and Relays in Switchgear

In the world of electrical distribution and control systems, switchgear plays a pivotal role in managing, protecting, and isolating electrical circuits and equipment. Within a switchgear assembly, components like busbars, circuit breakers, and relays are essential for ensuring efficient operation and maximum safety. Understanding the role of each of these components can help professionals and businesses make better decisions when designing or upgrading their electrical systems.

What Is Switchgear?

Switchgear is a general term that encompasses a wide range of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and associated equipment used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. These systems are critical for both high-voltage and low-voltage applications and are commonly found in industrial plants, commercial buildings, power plants, and substations.

1. Busbars: The Power Distribution Backbone

Busbars are metallic strips or bars — typically made of copper or aluminum — that conduct electricity within a switchgear or distribution board. Their main function is to distribute electrical power to multiple circuits from a single input source.

Key Functions:

· Efficient Power Distribution: Busbars act as a central hub for distributing power to various outgoing circuits.

· Compact Design: Helps in reducing the overall footprint of the switchgear.

· Heat Dissipation: Designed to handle high currents while minimizing heat build-up.

Applications:

· Power distribution panels

· Switchboards and MCCs (Motor Control Centers)

· Panelboards and switchgear cubicles

2. Circuit Breakers: Protection from Overcurrent

Circuit breakers are automatic electrical switches designed to protect electrical circuits from damage due to overcurrent or short circuits. Unlike fuses, circuit breakers can be reset manually or automatically after tripping.

Key Functions:

· Fault Interruption: Instantly disconnects the circuit during faults to prevent damage or fire.

· Manual Switching: Can be used to manually turn circuits on or off during maintenance.

· Safety Compliance: Ensures that systems meet international safety standards (IEC, ANSI, etc.)

Types of Circuit Breakers:

· MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): Used for low-power applications

· MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker): Handles higher loads than MCBs

· ACB (Air Circuit Breaker): Used for high-current circuits in industrial settings

3. Relays: The Sensing and Control Brains

Relays are electromechanical or solid-state devices that detect faults and send signals to circuit breakers or other control devices to disconnect the circuit. They are the “brains” behind the automatic protection mechanism of the switchgear.

Key Functions:

· Fault Detection: Monitors voltage, current, and other parameters to detect anomalies.

· Triggering Action: Sends signals to trip the circuit breaker when necessary.

· Automation and Coordination: Works in coordination with other protection devices to ensure selective tripping.

Types of Relays:

Overcurrent Relays

Differential Relays

Distance Relays

Earth Fault Relays

Why These Components Matter

Together, busbars, circuit breakers, and relays form the core of any switchgear system. When properly selected and configured:

· Downtime is minimized

· Equipment lifespan is extended

· Operational safety is enhanced

· Energy efficiency is improved

In an era where electrical reliability is non-negotiable, understanding these components isn’t just for engineers — it’s essential knowledge for decision-makers in any industry reliant on power.

Conclusion

Whether you’re designing a new electrical panel or upgrading an old one, choosing high-quality busbars, circuit breakers, and relays is critical to the safety and efficiency of your entire system. At AL Taqwa Oman, we specialize in premium-grade switchgear accessories that meet global standards and deliver unmatched performance.

Need help finding the right accessories for your panel? Contact our experts today and power your systems with confidence.

[beingharsh]

In the midst of a continual programme of demolition and reconstruction, we noticed, one summer, that our city had begun to replicate, via its infrastructure, the prohibitions of the mind. There were roadworks constricting almost every major thoroughfare. Buses were regularly terminated short of their destination or treated passengers halfway through their journey to the wearying and ominous automated announcement, ‘This bus is on diversion’. A number of these roadworks were connected to the development of a high-speed railway line whose viability had never been proven, now a pawn of warring factions of the government. Others looked temporary and unconvincing, as though they were only props intended to convey the impression of industry, but whether they were temporary or not, they remained. Our illusion of control, fundamental to whatever fragmentary sense of well-being we could cling to, became ever more illusory until it vanished completely. Several times I watched a man in a fluorescent vest roughly pry up a drain cover with a screwdriver, kneel down and start poking around inside it, something I took personally. You saw things like this every day in the city, where they were always digging. They would scratch and scratch with their tools at the surface of roads until they split them open because this was a necessary precursor to change, and change was intrinsic to growth. Anyone could see that the pursuit of perpetual growth was maniacal, but it went on all the same. Naturally the human body ceases to grow after a certain age; what grows after that are malignancies, like the growths one saw all over the city. It was unremarkable until you looked at it on the macro scale; in fact nothing ever changed, nothing of note, we had instead the sense that what was being uncovered in this relentless excavation was an advanced condition of sclerosis, a hardened and continually hardening rigidity, resistant to change. It was the same state we ourselves endured, were made hard by, in this city which had more and more holes where something had been dug up and never filled in (they could never be filled in, not really, even if they were filled in the city would still never be anything other than a collection of filled-in holes). On my route into town I passed buildings still standing that had been ripped half to pieces by bulldozers, looking desolate, bombed (though they had not of course been bombed, it had been arranged for all the bombing to happen elsewhere), their insides on show, like wrecked dolls’ houses atop a trash heap. Which is what they were, in a manner of speaking, to the forces of money that powered this city and destroyed it every day, except that they had not been cherished as a doll’s house is often cherished, they had been blighted and abandoned even as they stood intact. Torn-off wiring stuck out all over these blasted buildings like hair standing on end, and your hair did stand on end to see the remains of so many rooms that once enclosed people, providing, in the best-case scenario perhaps, the illusion of safety and permanence, if not actual safety and permanence, which was elusive in this city, even in this city, which was said to be among the world’s most important, this most powerful, most desirable, most influential, most visited, most expensive, innovative, sustainable, most, of course, investment-friendly, most popular for work city in the world.

"Holes", Emily Berry, Unexhausted Timed

[enzaelectric]

How to Choose the Best Low Voltage Switchgear for Your Project

Low voltage switch gears are significant to an industry, commercial or residential installation in ensuring the safe and effective power distribution. Selecting the right switchgear is key in making sure the system will be reliable, preventing electrical faults, and optimizing energy efficiency. Buying switchgear may appear challenging, given the number of options available in the market. The guide below will assist in grasping the vital aspects to consider in choosing low-voltage switchgear in 2025.

What is Low Voltage Switchgear?

Low voltage (LV) switchgear is an assembly of circuit breakers, disconnects, fuses, relays, and other protective equipment for controlling and protecting electric systems in voltages of up to 1,000V AC. It is commonly used in:

Industrial power distribution systems;

Commercial buildings;

Data centers;

Hospitals;

Renewable energy systems.

Choosing Low Voltage Switchgear: Important Considerations

1. Understand Your Project Requirements

Understanding your project requirements for assessing power distribution should include:

Voltage and current rating. This is for ensuring compatibility of load.

Type of application: For example, both industrial and commercial as well as residential and renewable sources.

The fault current rating: Ensure that it can withstand the maximum possible fault current.

Number of feeders and expansion requirements: Be sure to plan for possible future growth.

2. Safety and Compliance with Standards

As far as safety is concerned, the other critical consideration when selecting switchgear is to ensure that it has met the following:

IEC 61439 or ANSI/NEMA standards-Properly complying with international safety and performance standards.

Arc flash protection-Reduces the risk of being exposed to electrical hazards.

Short-circuit withstand capability-Makes sure switchgear withstands those high fault conditions.

3. Type of Switchgear Configuration

The correct configuration should be selected based on the size and complexity of the project:

Fixed Type Switchgear — Cost-wise, the cheapest and most suitable for small installations.

Withdrawable Type Switchgear — Provides ease of maintenance expected for an industrial facility.

Compartmentalized Switchgear — Offers improved safety and isolation of components.

4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Modern switchgear are also designed to optimize energy usage and reduce losses. Look for: Low power loss components — More efficient. Eco-friendly insulation materials — Leverage the environment. Smart grid compatibility — Include renewables.

5. Smart Features and Digitalization-

Soon after Industry 4.0 and IoT, digital switchgear became a standard. Consider: Remote monitoring and diagnostics-The predictive maintenance help. Automated fault detection-Reduced downtime, and increased safety. Data logging and analytics-Optimizes power usage.

6. Brand Reputation and After-Sales Support

Choosing a reliable brand ensures long-term performance and support. Some of the top low voltage switchgear Suppliers are:

Al Mayar Electric Switchgear Ind LLC is the new milestone in the mastering of Mayar Holding in electrical technology. The company is committed to cater quality electrical and switchgear products in Middle East, Asia, Europe & Africa ensuring high standards and reliability

Enza Electric stands out as the best manufacturer of electrical switchgear in the GCC countries, providing top-notch products that lead the market and offer reliable electrical solutions.

Al Daleel Electrical Switch Gear Trading LLC is one of the leading Supplier and Distributor of Electrical Switchgear Products in GCC.

Civaux Electric proudly stands at the forefront of electrical manufacturing, delivering a diverse range of premium products, including Panel Fans & Filters, Panel Heaters, Cabinet LED Lamps, Regulators, and Indication Lamps & Switches.

Stefan Electric based in Germany, specializes in manufacturing and distributing a wide range of switchgear products such as Current Transformers, Analog and Digital Meters, Relay and Timer Meters, and Door Limit Switches across the UAE, including Dubai, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Sharjah, and Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, check for:

Spare parts availability, thereby facilitating easy maintenance and repair.

Local service centers for a quick troubleshooting and support.

Warranty and possible extended service offerings would enhance long-term value.

7. Budget and Cost Considerations

The performance-to-cost trade-off is thus an important consideration. One could consider comparing:

- Initial costs versus future savings: Although more energy-efficient switchgear might entail higher initial costs, the operational expenses are going to be much lesser.

- Customization options: Some brands are more conducive to modular designs to accommodate specific budgets.

- Installation and maintenance costs: Include considerations for servicing and availability of spare parts.