#shopping mall advertising

[khushiambient]

Shopping Mall Advertising Ideas

The footfall traffic at shopping malls has just increased after the wake of the pandemic. Therefore; now known as the best place for advertising and grabbing the attention of a large pool of people. If you are interested in learning about shopping mall advertising strategy, then read this blog carefully. With modern printing techniques and a creative mindset, brands can launch impactful and memorable campaigns that will help their brand get noticed. There are various ways that can be used to make your brand visible in front of a crowd. Let’s look at some:

Use Negative Space: 

There are various unused spaces in malls that are left out when it comes to advertising, such as high ceilings and airy atriums. This can be used by savvy marketers and forward-thinking brands to advertise their brand in such a competitive market. If you want to create a positive effect from your print advertising in the minds of the customers, then you must use a tension fabric system as it can be beneficial to make it happen. Furthermore, this technology can be used to create installations in a variety of sizes and shapes, including cylinders and cubes.

If you are looking for advertising and marketing solutions for your brand, then get in touch with Khushi Ambient Media Solution immediately. They have a variety of platforms and strategies that will help your brand grow nationally.

Get in Front of People in Their Downtime: 

There are various brands and advertisers that prefer to advertise in areas that are not highlighted just to grab the attention of the people in their downtime. When people are there in that place, they are more likely to read the text and naturally look around them. Shopping malls offer the same opportunity to marketers and advertisers seeking to capture the attention of shoppers. For instance, lift graphics and branded escalator step graphics can be fantastic platforms for presenting your brand in front of people and gaining their attention. Furthermore, you can also consider those people who are less interested in retail therapy or waiting for their friends or family by placing an advertising banner in front of them.

Consider every surface: 

There are different architectural features in shopping malls that are being used as an advantage by the marketers and advertisers. For instance, escalator graphics can be installed on both the sides of escalators to grab the attention of people. On the other hand, window graphics and printed floor graphics are also getting used to using the floor in every possible way. Hence, it proves that shopping malls provide a canvas for unlimited creative potential. If you are also looking for ambient advertising for your brand, then get in touch with us today. 

Make it experiential: 

Whether you are going for retail branding or one-piece wall graphics, make sure you make it as experiential as possible to convey your message to the audience. Whether you are creating something unexpected and striking or conveying an incredible sense of style, the use of effective print media marketing with a visual landscape can help you take your marketing campaign from the mundane to the memorable. This advertising can also create a buzz of conversation around print graphics and social sharing.

Promote your social: 

Social media marketing an+d advertising is also beneficial for gaining the attention of a large pool of people since people are active on social media platforms. It would be best if you used all social media platforms to promote your brand. It creates a sense of anticipation and makes followers feel they are the first to receive the latest news and guarantees a positive reaction. Here, you can also engage website visitors through a social media widget.

Khushi Ambient Media Solution has years of experience in collaborating with shopping malls, cinema malls, and so on. They are helping their clients bring their most creative ideas to bear on their organization.

[creativeadagencyadzze]

Targeting people as they shop for groceries can be a good way to get more people to know about a brand. If we compare billboard ads to other traditional advertising, ads in grocery stores get more people’s attention. But the costs of grocery store advertising will be lower than most other kinds of advertising. Shopping mall advertising is declining and will no longer be needed. Advertising in homes is quickly taking the place of shopping mall advertising. Those who would ordinarily go out and about have stayed at home due to the spread of COVID-19.

The Benefits of Displaying Advertisements on Shopping Carts

Advertisements on shopping carts provide several benefits, including the following: ● An Approach to In-Hand Advertising That Is Successful ● A method that won’t break the bank to reach your target market ● Approach to Advertising That Is both Unusual and Creative ● Specifically Aimed at Customers Who Are Prepared to Make a Purchase

Grocery Store Advertising Costs Compared to Shopping Mall Advertising

Mall advertising costs more than grocery store advertising. Printing and deploying a large banner at certain locations is too expensive. Small and medium businesses may be unable to afford billboards and subway banners. Thus, grocery store advertising would be cheaper for startups and small enterprises.

Grocery shop ads target a high-quality audience. If you’re targeting local customers, you can negotiate a low ad charge with the grocery store management. Select local grocery stores.

Build with Us

Adzze makes appealing ads that help people raise awareness of their brand and reach their final goal. It is also putting more effort into making new, creative ads about health care. At Adzze, we’ve made it possible for our customers to get the best ads.

To Wrap Up

Grocery store advertising is a type of retail marketing common in grocery stores. Advertising is popular in grocery stores among food retailers, manufacturers, and brands selling goods to grocery stores. So, advertising in grocery stores is a good way to get your brand into the hands of the people you want to buy from you.

[mecha-frankenstein]

[thepopculturearchivist]

LIFE, December 8, 1958

[stone-cold-groove]

The Gap circa 1979.

[aneverydaything]

Day 1654, 2 January 2023

[hsundholm]

Hamburg Central Station by Henrik Sundholm Via Flickr: I spent half a day in Hamburg, Germany and got to visit the central station.

[elhowe]

it used to be so easy to not buy things. like the things were all outside the house so you could just stay inside the house and then no purchasing would happen. but now the things are on the phone and you get to see pretty pictures and imagine what that would look like in your hands and then you have made a purchase. honestly let’s just get rid of phones i need to shop exclusively at malls

[commercecatalog]

[pulsesday]

Display the World Pulses Day poster.

Pro-bono advertising is a great way to increase the impact of World Pulses Day even beyond 10 February – pulses contribute to a healthy diet and planet all year round. Approach municipalities, outdoor advertisers, transportation companies, such as city metro, buses or trains, shopping malls, cinemas or airports now to display the World Pulses Day poster.

[pravinkumarpk7865]

Branding in Myntra stores across India Myntra stores Branding

Advertising in retail stores like Myntra stores Branding is a common marketing strategy used by brands to increase their visibility and reach a targeted audience. Myntra has offer advertising space to brands and businesses looking to promote their products and services to Myntra’s customers.

Myntra stores Branding across India

Typically, advertising in retail stores can take various forms, such as :

Product Placement: Brands may pay to have their products prominently displayed within the store to attract the attention of shoppers.

In-Store Signage and Banners: Advertising banners, posters, and digital displays can be strategically placed throughout the store to showcase promotions or new product launches.

Sponsored Events and Experiences: Brands might collaborate with Myntra to host events or experiences in-store, providing a unique opportunity to engage with customers and create brand awareness.

Digital Advertising: If Myntra incorporates digital screens or interactive displays in their physical stores, they could offer digital advertising slots to interested advertisers.

Sampling and Sampling Stations: Brands may have the chance to offer product samples or set up dedicated sampling stations within the store.

Collaborative Campaigns: Myntra might collaborate with brands on joint advertising campaigns, both online and offline, to amplify brand messages and reach a wider audience.

Co-Branded Merchandising: Myntra could partner with brands to create exclusive co-branded merchandise available only in their physical stores.

Targeted Audience: Advertising in Myntra stores could help brands reach a highly targeted audience of fashion-conscious shoppers. Since Myntra specializes in fashion and apparel, the customers visiting their physical stores would likely have a genuine interest in fashion products, increasing the relevancy of advertisements.

Brand Exposure: Having an advertisement in a physical store can significantly increase brand exposure. Shoppers who visit the store, whether to browse or make a purchase, are likely to notice and engage with in-store advertisements, thereby enhancing brand visibility.

Cross-Promotion: Brands can leverage the partnership with Myntra to cross-promote products and collaborate on joint marketing campaigns. Such collaborations could lead to increased brand recognition and customer engagement.

In-Store Experience: In-store advertisements can enhance the overall shopping experience for customers. Well-designed and engaging ads can create a positive impression of the brand, leading to potential future purchases and increased customer loyalty.

Local Marketing: If Myntra’s physical stores are located strategically, brands can use these locations for localized marketing efforts. They can promote products or deals that are relevant to the specific demographics or preferences of the local customer base.

Digital Integration: If Myntra incorporates digital displays or interactive technology in their stores, advertisers may have opportunities for more dynamic and personalized advertising content, enhancing the overall impact of their campaigns.

Data Insights: Depending on the setup, Myntra’s physical stores could provide valuable data and insights to advertisers regarding customer behavior, foot traffic, and purchase patterns. This information can be used to optimize future advertising strategies and product offerings.

It’s important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of advertising in physical stores would depend on various factors, including the store’s location, foot traffic, advertising placements, and the creativity of the campaigns. Before considering any advertising partnership, brands should conduct thorough market research to ensure that the target audience aligns with their brand and that the advertising strategy aligns with their overall marketing objectives.

[creativeadagencyadzze]

Augmented reality (AR) has become an increasingly popular technology in recent years, and it is now being used to enhance the shopping experience. One application of AR in the retail industry is through shopping mall advertisement

.As the world becomes more digitally advanced, so do the ways in which businesses advertise their products. One of the most innovative forms of advertising today is through the use of augmented reality (AR). Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes digital information onto the physical world. This allows consumers to interact with virtual objects and environments, creating a more immersive experience.

By using AR technology, shopping mall advertisements can become more interactive and engaging for consumers. With the help of a smartphone or tablet, shoppers can scan an advertisement and access additional information or virtual features. For example, an AR advertisement for a clothing store might allow shoppers to try on virtual outfits or see how different items of clothing would look on them.

In recent years, shopping malls have adopted augmented reality marketing to connect with customers in a fresh and thrilling way. This involves developing immersive experiences that merge the physical and digital worlds. By doing so, shopping malls can offer their customers one-of-a-kind and unforgettable shopping experiences. Such experiences can leave a lasting impression on the customers, thereby increasing brand loyalty and driving sales. his blog post will discuss the advantages of shopping mall advertising using augmented reality. It will also delve into how it can elevate the shopping experience for consumers.

Overall, shopping mall advertisement with augmented reality have the potential to revolutionize the retail industry by creating a more personalized and immersive shopping experience.

Enhancing the Shopping Experience with AR

Augmented reality can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the shopping experience. For example, by using AR-enabled kiosks, customers can scan a product or display and see additional information about it, such as pricing, availability, and reviews. This not only provides customers with more information about the product, but it also allows them to make more informed purchasing decisions.

[omgthatdress]

An Analysis of the Ubiquity of Mall Brands in the late 1990s to early 2000s, or

I Fucking Hate These Guys

by OMG!thatdress

If you were a tween to teenager from roughly 1997 to 2004, chances are, you were left with profound life-long trauma caused by someone wearing Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ralph Lauren, Nautica, American Eagle, The Gap, Old Navy, or, if you were came along a little later, Hollister or Aeropoastale.

I cannot overstate to my young followers how over-saturated these brand names were in teen culture at the turn of the millennium, the extend to which EVERYONE was wearing them, and yet, in a weird way, how light the imprint they actually left on fashion history was.

Watching iconic teen shows of the era, you don't see any of them because a.) TV teenagers tend to be way cooler and more stylish than awkward and desperate real teenagers actually are, and b.) these brands were all copyright protected, which kept their names and logos off the airwaves.

Look in a middle school yearbook, however, you'll see it. Look at your aunt and uncle's high school photo albums, you'll see it. Ask any late Gen X or early Millennial. It was real and it was fucking awful.

The big question is why? Why? WHY, GOD WHY?! There's a lot of answers to that question.

First of all, I'm going to cite this absolutely wonderful article from Collector's Weekly about why everyone's grandma had a hideous orange couch in the 70s, and give the most simple and straightforward answer: it's what was available.

This is when the concept of online shopping is still very much in its infancy, and the hub of American consumer culture was still your local mall. If you needed new clothes, you went to the mall. And guess what stores were at every local mall? You guessed it.

For the second answer, I'm going to dig up this utter relic from the early days of internet meme-ing, that has nonetheless stuck with me and had a profound impact of my understanding of how popular fashion works:

I'm pretty sure that the reason Abercrombie & Fitch manages to survive as a brand today rests solely increasingly middle-aged Millennial men whose sense of style has refused to evolve past the shit their mom bought them in high school.

And why the hell would they? Nobody wore Abercrombie because it made them stand out or feel special. I'm still pretty convinced that nobody actually *liked* the aesthetic or thought the clothes actually looked good. You need not look past the basic color palette to understand these were not brands meant for uniqueness or self-expression.

While Britney Spears pranced around stage in her iconic neon colors and body glitter, American teenagers existed in a never-ending hellscape of washed-out neutrals, faded denim, and American flag primary colors.

All of which served its exact purpose: it was safety. It was a way to appear cool if you didn't want to go through the ordeal of actually having a personality or a sense of style. Which, of course, goes back to point number one: it was just shit you bought at the mall because you needed clothes.

It wasn't enough to save you once the school bully caught that whiff of autism and/or queerness on you, but it was enough that you could blend into the herd and pray no one ever noticed you.

Underneath it all was a very subtle undercurrent of class and classism: to wear mall brands was to declare to the world that you could indeed afford to shop at the mall. It meant you weren't, god forbid, poor.

Status symbol clothing goes back to the invention of clothing itself. The concept of brands as status symbols is still very much alive and well, its just more limited to actual luxury brands nowadays. One need look no further than your favorite high-end children's clothing website to see that rich parents still very much think it important that you know their five-year-old is wiping its boogers on Versace.

None of these brands were actual high-end luxury brands, but they still advertised and presented themselves as such. Their ads featured signifiers of "all-american" (read: White) wealth: yachts, skiing, horses, beaches, shirtless dudes with chiseled abs playing verious sportsballs.

The color palettes and cuts mimicked the preppy "Ivy" style of the New England old-money elite, along with their hobbies and lifestyle. You may not actually own a horse, but you can wear a polo shirt. You may not be able to run without breaking your ankle, but you wear the same shirt as the dude holding a football in the ad.

It was an elitist, White and skinny image that didn't age well into the diversity and body-positivity of the 2010s.

In 2003, a lawsuit was filed against Abercrombie & Fitch alleging systematic racial discrimination. People of color were rarely hired, and if they were, they were given jobs in the back, away from customer view. In 2005, the U.S. district court approved a settlement of $50,000. A few years ago, Netflix released the documentary White Hot: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch which admittedly I haven't watched yet because my hatred runs too deep to remind myself of its existence.

It was a hatred of Abercrombie & the (white, thin, neurotypical, heterosexual) conformity that it represented that drove me screaming into the loving arms of Hot Topic and Linkin Park. Jordan Calhoun wrote an excellent article for the Atlantic about his experience growing up poor and Black and not fitting in to the Abercrombie aesthetic.

I would be very remiss if I didn't bring up the "urban" mall brands of the early 2000s: Fubu, Sean Jean, Ecko, Baby Phat, among others. They were favored by Black teenagers and White teenagers who wanted to be Black. I know there's a lot to be said about these brands, but I'm too Caucasian to really be able to talk about them with nuance. Maybe someone else will, and I will be very happy to listen.

As much as I hate Tommy Hilfiger, I really do have to give him credit for recognizing the incredibly lucrative "street wear" market and selling power of hip-hop. While most of these mall brands kept their image sparkling White, Tommy made Aaliyah his brand ambassador and regularly appeared in the wardrobes of popular rap and R&B artists of the time.

It'd be very easy and very reductive to say that the changing ideology of the 2010s was the downfall of preppy mall brands, but really, the thing that truly killed them was the downfall of the mall itself. Shopping habits changed, and logos and brand names no longer held the power they once had.

The moral of the story is that being a teenager is fucking hell, and these popular brands both offered the safety of conformity and a status symbol to hold over the heads of the poor and uncool. The irony is that everyone who hated them as teenagers (read: ME) and the freaks who grew up to truly love the power of self-expression through personal style (read: ME) became the truly cool people. If you wore Abercrombie you grew up to vote for Donald Trump.

GO GOTH. PREPS SUCK. THE END.

[tarjapearce]

For Science Purposes

Pre! Soccer Family Miguel x Reader

WARNINGS: Smut, oral (M! receiving), mild exhibition kink, established relationships. Fluff.

Summary: Miguel turns into your quality tester of beauty products.

AN: I was cleaning my makeup up supplies and jsksj this came to mind.

Months had waded in between you and Miguel. Dating a man like him was often a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the six months you had decided to actually give it a try and see where things took you, not a single day was wasted with him.

And soon a new milestone approached. The six month mark anniversary.

Knowing the man, he'd have reservations done in a place he refused to tell, no matter how many times you asked, and you were set to find out.

"How am I supposed to know what to wear if you don't tell me where we're going?" You mumbled while sitting on his lap as he worked in his office.

He'd only chuckle and kiss your temple, while tucking you closer to hid chest.

"Whatever you wear, will look good."

"A clue?" You kissed his cheek, trying to melt him down enough to give at least a bit of information, "Anything, please?"

"Formal wear."

Your eyes widened and blinked, "Ooh, fancy it seems. That means I'll have to go shopping."

"Shopping?"

"Yes, I just got paid, and have some budget to splurge. And I'm looking for something super special."

Miguel pursed his lips and nodded while cupping your cheek.

"You'll wear it for me?" A smirk stretched on your lips as you kissed him.

"Obviously." A soft purr rumbled through his chest and his hands squeezed you against his frame.

"Will I be able to take it off?"

Another laugh and kiss from your end. "We'll see."

----

His fingers entwined yours against his while walking with you through the endless halls of the bustling mall. As his other hand carried your shopping bags.

Another busy weekend if anything.

You suddenly stopped at a makeup store, and Miguel had to mentally prepare himself for long stay.

He and makeup had a rocky relationship, specially when he had to ask for your help to remove the lipstick stains from his clothes.

"Oh my goodness! Look! They have it!"

Miguel quirked a brow as you pulled him to a shelf, full of different shades of a lipstick brand.

"I tried get this on pre order but it sold out. Didn't know they'd have it back in stock this soon!"

"A lipstick?" His hands took a sample and his eyes immediately scanned the ingredients.

"It's not just a lipstick! This one actually stays, no matter what and can only be removed with thid special oil." You took another translucent tube with said product.

"No matter what?" His tone skeptical.

"No matter what." You took a little sample from the vendor and applied the gorgeous shade of red on your lips, to them smack them.

Your hands motioned to blow some air towards your mouth to let the creamy and matte shade to dry faster.

"Thought you liked the glittery things?" He kept reading the ingredients, sniffing and watching the products. Brain in working nerd mode.

"They're cute, but not my thing. Too sticky and my hair gets stuck in it. So nope. I rather creamy ones actually."

After correcting the uneven lines with a tissue, you turned to him.

"How does it look?"

"I like it, makes your lips look even more kissable."

"Oh?" You smirked and kissed him, surprised that the formula remained on your lips, leaving zero traces on his skin.

"Shut up! It actually stays!"

"I don't believe it. the ingredients would wear off a couple of hours later."

"It says here, no matter what, mi amor. Besides for it to last more than a couple of hours is enough for me."

"Alright, alright."

"See? It says you can literally eat whatever and it stays!." You pointed at the advertising board above the shelf with excitement.

"It's a contradiction since you need oil to remove it, food has oil, depending what you're having, sure-"

His voice died when realizing the stare you were seizing him with.

"What?" A nervous tingle ran through his spine as you pulled him to a more secluded dressroom area. and closed the door with a lock.

"¿Qué estás haciendo?" (What are you doing?)

"Proving you that it stays." you took the bags off his hand and put them on the door hook. Hand immediately cupped his crotch as the other one pulled him downwards, towards you in a breathtaking kiss.

His tongue collided and twisted against yours, to then nip gently at every inch of your lips, and still the ink remained on your mouth.

Your hands unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, to then slid half your hand past the elastic band of his briefs. This alarmed him greatly and he broke the kiss.

"W-What are you doing!?" he hushed as you kneeled before him and took him gently by the base. A tinge of pink spreaded through his sharp cheeks while you pulled out his hefty cock from his confinements.

"Is for science purposes, I promise." 

"Canija..." He breathed as your tongue flattened against the base and dragged it upwards, filling your taste buds with his delicious taste.

A shaky breath came out of his plump mouth as your hands roamed his hips and firm glutes

"We'll... We'll get in trouble if we get discovered." He heaved through dragged growls.

"Then you better not make a noise."

Your smirk had already put that need within his body on the burner. He was in trouble. Only cause-

Oh~

He gulped and his hands by instinct, reached to your head, caressing your hair and slowly tangling his fingers in it, softly.

" Fuck..." He groaned as your mouth took his broad head and delivered a swirl on the slit of his tip, teasing and tasting.

Miguel had to support on the walls as you eased another inch deeper.

"Ay, Por Dios, mi reina..." His voice husked, completely swirling with the arousal that ran specifically to the tip of his cock.

The suckling sounds coming from your pretty and red lips made his head feel dazed in such need, a hand of his tangled at the base of your nape, fingers caressed softly your scalp as he begun guiding you through, up and down on him.

With every bob of your head, you took him deeper and deeper on your mouth, throat constricted against him and he bared his teeth and breathed laboriously.

"Mi amor" he whimpered when your throat pulsated around him. He didn't know how you did it, or how such thing was possible, but you were sucking all his willpower, all his rational and coherent throughts, all his words from his panting mouth.

Your hands squeezed the firm slabs of his ass and pulled him closer, making your nose nuzzle on his happy trail.

Another gagging sound and his eyes rolled back. He guided your head and you his hips, ebbing him to move.

Your moan rumbled through his skin, rewiring his breathing pattern into short, desperate gasping. His chest heaved and rose.

"God, your mouth is so Hnng- good"

He hiccuped as his thighs trembled, your bobbing had increased and your tongue kept on swirling, having a proper taste of him.

"Soclose-" He slurred and he finally managed to take a hold of your front bangs softly, keeping you still as his hips fucked your mouth in firm but gentle plows.

With half lidded and needy eyes, he watched every single muscle of your face twitching. Your lush lips expertly wrapped around him, made his brain a liquid goo.

A surprised yelp flew his mouth as you returned your merciless attention to his tip while your hand pumped his base.

You weren't only giving him one of the best blow jobs he's ever gotten, but going to these extents as to prove your point, made him wonder if he should question everything you said, if that meant to have you like this.

He didn't know what made him harder, you sucking the life and processing skills out of him in a dressing room, in a shop full of people, or you sucking his cock to prove the product's endurance, like a scrumptious lab test he was more than willing to participate again and the many times you saw fit.

Taking and devouring him like only you knew how. The red on your lips was a sinful sight, but oh so worth it. Specially when your nose rubbed against his skin and your throat got him in a vice like grip. Your eyes twinkling and watching him melt didn't help in the slightest.

His mouth continued giving your ears delicious and languid moans after chanting your name, pronouncing it in such a delicious way it only made your swollen nub between drenched folds to throb and move your head viciously. Obliterating his train of thoughts in a go.

"Fuck- Dios... P-Princesa... I'm-" he whimpered and his legs trembled again, "I'm coming-" he whimpered, "I'm coming!"

His mouth opened to exhale, instead, his teeth clenched as his cum spurted warmly down your throat. A gutural and shaky moan echoed in the dressing room. Pleasure drowned him in tidal waves, impossible to keep him afloat and standing any longer.

He slumped like a melted goo against the dressing room's seat. Panting like he had performed a ten miles marathon. Wheezing his pleasure out in every paused exhale.

Your tongue relished under the constant pulsations and his taste. Drinking and slurping the last of his drops to quench your thirst.

His cock twitched, like he did. Beautiful sunset red eyes remained in the back of his lids, trying to process the overwhelming pleasure, set to make him feel and experience the complete bliss.

You released him with a gentle pop, as much as you wanted to have him a begging mess for more, your main focus returned with a surprised gasp.

"I told you it'd stay no matter what" You spoke in between giggles, and he chuckled tiredly and gathered the strength to look down at his glistening cock.

His eyes blinked with surprise

"Huh..." There was not a single smear of red on the base, or anywhere really.

"Let's go"

With a deep breath, he stood and wobbled, his cock was tucked back into place and he helped you stand.

"What? No! we gotta pay for the lipstick!"

"I know. Let's go pick some more."

You watched him and he smooched your lips, loving his taste on your mouth.

"More?" you smirked and bit his lip. "You'll have to buy them then, mi amor."

"I'll get you a dozen. C'mon."

With a squeal, you were dragged out of the secluded and private space. Straight to the shelf of wonderful lipsticks, waiting for their future quality test.

[kookslastbutton]

Those Eyes Chico ༓ myg (m) | chapter one

✑ Summary: As the new marketing director for Min Yoongi’s upcoming D-Day album & tour, you’re expected to bring your expertise to the table. This shouldn’t be a problem—you’re the best in the business and you’re used to drawing a strict line between your professional and personal life. But what happens when the lines you’ve fought to keep as separate blur for the first time?

pairing: idol!yoongi x plus size!poc!reader

genre/AU: angst, fluff, smut, slowburn, coworkers2friends2lovers, winter setting, forbidden love,

word count: 6.5k+

warnings: oc is 28, Yoon is 30, oc is not originally from South Korea, oc has light brown eyes, swearing, mentions of alcohol consumption, mentions of anxiety, panic attacks, body insecurities, fear of being blacklisted, emotionally restrained yoon, unstable parental relationships, conservative parents, rude Hybe executive that should be fired, bestie!tae is wonderful support 🥹, and cute yoon and oc interactions bc yeah....its thier first time actually meeting so it must be cute!

now playing: Sweet Dreams by The Last Shadow Puppets

a/n: YAHHH chapter one!! Ok i apologize if the meeting is so long and drawn out...I really tried to make it fun but so much info is needed too haha. Anyway this series is dedicated to my wonderfully crazy friend and sorta beta, Gloom @theuselessdaydreamingidiot, and to all our fellow Yoon lovers bc we miss our sweet man SO MUCH 🥺 Enjoy! 🥰 Also huge thank you to @itaeewon for designing this beautiful series header! Love it!!

Series Masterlist | next chapter >>

Winter in Seoul feels like stepping onto the set of your most beloved holiday film.

As the brisk air wraps around you, delicate snowflakes gather atop your head, urging you to cocoon in your finest wool trench coat. Yet, despite the chill, the sight of frost-bitten trees basking in the morning's golden rays offers a source of warmth and delight. Perhaps the most radiant tree of them all is the towering Christmas tree that sits proudly in the heart of the city. Adorned with shimmering red and gold baubles, the giant evergreen catches the eye of every person that walks by–both tourists and locals alike.

Nearby shopping malls buzz with holiday fervor too as shoppers scour for treasures, couples engage in friendly competition to find the ultimate gift, and children line up to take their picture with Santa. But the best part is when night falls. The whole city comes alive with joy and laughter as loved ones meet one another on the ice-skating rinks, while karaoke bars echo tipsy renditions of timeless songs sung by overworked professionals, each with a bottle of soju in hand.

Yes, Seoul is a place for making memories and you’re in the thick of it.

Having been in the city for three years, one might assume you’ve become well accustomed to the energy of the season. You've really grown to love it here. But adjusting to the new environment is still proving to be a challenge, the most outstanding being the prevailing beauty standards.

Massive billboards featuring stunning models serve as constant reminders of the type of beauty one should aim to achieve as you commute to work. Impossible to miss are the shining examples themselves – iconic k-pop groups Seventeen, Red Velvet, EXO, BlackPink, Mamamoo, TXT, and of course BTS plastered on the side of every flat surface imaginable. You’re not exactly complaining about that aspect as you’ve helped design a good handful of them as a top marketing and advertising professional. But the strict image of what constitutes a beautiful and worthy individual weighs on you more than you’d like.

While a conventional body type isn’t what you’ve been given in this life, you don’t consider yourself to be completely unattractive either. Having high cheekbones, a strong jawline, striking light brown eyes, good enough ass, and a full chest shouldn’t classify as undesirable. Still, you wish you’d adopt this more body positive mindset rather than your current overthinking one. It’s easier said than done, being that you not only see idols everyday on the streets in digital form but at work as well.

You continue further into city until a set of tall, glass doors meet you mere steps away. You tilt your head back to catch the name of the skyscraper before nearing the building’s sturdy, silver handle.

BigHit Music.

Feeling its cool metal under your fingertips, the door swings open with an easier pull than imagined to welcome you into the bustling lobby. You feel a rush of confidence return to you upon entering– this is your domain, this is where you truly shine.

“Did you get the files I sent to you?”

The woman nods her head in affirmation while sweeping a few pieces of her long, silky hair behind an ear. To strangers, she appears to look about 24 which is only four years younger than yourself but nonetheless she’s the same age as you. Hei-Ran is her name, meaning “graceful orchid” according to Korean translation.

Hei-ran is one of Hybe’s newest hires and based on her experience, a near perfect fit to being South Korean boy group Tomorrow X Together’s new marketing manager. Until about three months ago, this had been your job.

You never imagined giving up the position after three years of working in the role. But with December right around the corner Hybe had other plans for you.

"Graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors degree in BTech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a MBA in Marketing from NYU Stern. You worked two years as a brand manager for U.S record label Atlantic Records immediately after graduating, and are now working at BigHit Music as a marketing manager for TXT including liaison with their global marketing team.”

You recall Bang PD's voice vibrate in the back of your mind from mid-August. You thought you were called into his office to discuss details of TXT’s latest promo, so having your resume read back to you was a sweeping curve ball. Your determination must have far exceeded the heaviness you felt in your chest because before you knew it you, you were shaking hands with your boss in acceptance of your role – the new marketing director for Min Yoongi’s upcoming D-Day album & tour.

The tedious knot that’s formed in the nape of your neck reminds you that as surreal as the situation might be, it’s undeniably real.

Months spent drafting a comprehensive marketing proposal for D-Day; often until the wee hours of the night, inevitably takes its toll on even the mightiest of warriors. An entire new team of fifty people, all of who you’ll be in charge of orchestrating for the next eight months, doesn’t provide much to relief either.

You’re excited nevertheless. Working with one of the most respected artists in the music industry is an opportunity you couldn’t let slip by, especially since the album’s rock-inspired genre aligns closely with your own music taste.

“Thank you so much for helping me get settled __,” Hei-ran’s gentle voice returns you to the present. “I appreciate the time you’ve taken these last few months to train me despite the tight deadlines you have.”

Smiling, you shake your head. “It’s no problem at all and if there’s anything you need in the future, feel free to give me a call or stop by my office.”

“On the 16th floor right?”

“1656A. Take a left off the elevator and walk to the end of the first hallway. The door on the right is mine.”

Referring to any room on the 16th floor as your own is something you don’t take lightly. For one the offices are double the size of any other office spaces in the building. Yours in particular has a giant skyscraper window draped with heavy white curtains. Secondly, the floor above is the 17th floor which is exclusive to Hybe artists only.

"How's the proposal coming along, by the way?" Her curiosity is palpable, genuine in its nature. You’ve always appreciated that in an individual.

“It’s done,” you respond. “Only thing left to do is to prepare for our meeting with C-suite executives next Monday. It’s nearly perfect as is, but the presentation could use a bit of refining in terms of organization.”

Hei-ran is silent for a moment longer than usual before her next inquiry, which is undoubtedly the question on both of your minds. “I can't help but wonder what it'll be like to meet him for the first time,” she muses.

You don’t bother asking for clarification on who the “him” is; you’re already well aware that it’s Min Yoongi. The same subject has managed to intrude your own thoughts more and more as the date of meeting him draws closer. It's peculiar honestly, considering you’ve encountered him before.

Granted, it was only a small handful of times the hallway, both heading in opposite directions. Min Yoongi typically greeted you with a hoarse 'Good Morning' those instances, along with a curt nod of his head. You would nod back with a brief 'Morning' yourself. Deep down you feel he'd make a quality friend, though it's only a premonition. It’s not like you actually know much about him beyond those small exchanges.

"I'm not sure what to expect, honestly," you admit. "I imagine it'll be similar to previous professional collaborations—composed, focused, and intense. D-Day is poised to become a global sensation for the next year, so it's going to need our full, undivided attention."

Hei-ran gives a knowing nod. “Good luck __,” she wishes you well as you head towards the elevator doors. Breaks over, back to work.

After another late-night prep session for Monday’s D-Day proposal, you trudge through your apartment door well past 8:30 pm with an empty stomach and a throbbing headache. Good news is that your graphic design team seems to be well on track with their album mockups ready to present.

The same can’t be said for your U.S. promo team however, who required additional guidance on their projects. The social media team was in a similar boat. Somehow several of their members lost track of time and were convinced the proposal was still two weeks away.

Despite the hiccups, you managed to tie up the loose ends, but it meant that none of you got to leave early.

When you finally get to curl up in your fluffy sofa, a loud, exasperated sigh leaves your lips. Your lids flutter shut too as you rest your head against the soft cushion. Silently, you make one last mental rundown of all the tasks you checked off today.

Did you miss anything?

D-Day is the most crucial project you’ve ever taken charge of—you need it to be flawless.

When nothing pressing comes to mind, you grab the tv remote from your dark oak coffee table and aimlessly flip through the channels. You’ll unwind for an hour and then call it a night.

Ten minutes into an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and the light chime of your phone's notification bell catches your ear.

Tae 💚: Haven’t heard from you all day. Everything alright?

Taehyung, your best friend. You smile fondly at his message as your thumbs hover over the reply button. He's always checking in on you. You and Taehyung have been friends ever since you first moved to Seoul and started working at Hybe. You didn't expect your friendship to become this strong, but both of you are sociable individuals, which led to discovering several unexpected commonalities. One of those is a shared love for jazz, which has been one of your all-time favorite genres for as long as you can remember.

You: yeah, I’m good. Just tired. Been working on D-Day's proposal for months and finally got it fully prepped for.

Tae 💚: Well, that's amazing news! You feel good about it?

You: I don't know. I’m definitely ready for this project but I’m also starting to feel a little burned out. The proposal is only the beginning you know, and it's already taking the wind out of me.

Tae 💚: Sorry to hear that 😞 I'm sure it must be draining, but I also know this is your territory. No one is more fit to head this project than you. Everyone thinks so. How about you take the weekend to rest?

You: Yeah...I'm watching B99 rn

Tae 💚: B99?! Without me?

You can't help but giggle. Somehow over the course of three years you've roped your best friend into becoming obsessed with your mindless sitcoms. You've done more than a handful of binge watching together, until all hours of the night.

You: Wanna come over for an hour?

The company might be nice.

Tae 💚: Be there in 20 🏃

Your door bells rings exactly twenty minutes after you and Taehyng finish exchanging texts. He's so prompt it scares you sometimes.

“Hey.” His deep, baritone voice greets you first, along with a friendly hug. Taehyung slips his snow covered boots off upon entering your apartment and hangs his wool jacket on your coat rack. His limited edition Gucci scarf is next. Taehyung loves the winter as it’s the time he can wear his most luxurious clothes.

“What’s this?” You peak inside a brown paper bag that Taehyung has conveniently set on your kitchen countertop. He flashes you a playful grin and gestures you to open it. Naturally, you're suspicious but it all washes away when a new, unopened bottle of whiskey presents itself. “Oh my god, you didn’t!" You swat his arm in a rush of excitement.

“I had to!" Taehyung opens a kitchen cupboard and grabs a glass from the top shelf. He's been in your apartment enough times that he’s grown comfortable with your place. That and he's also your best friend.

"With all the recent events you've had going on, I think it calls for a celebration." Taehyung expertly pours you a glass of the smooth, rich liquor and offers it to you.

“Thank you, Tae," you say, taking the glass from his hand. "Come sit down. Jake's about to sing I Want It That Way with the police lineup.” Taehyung pours himself a glass of Pinot Noir and follows your lead.

After about forty minutes of sitcoms and booze with your best friend you begin to feel yourself relaxing. Whatever challenges lies ahead, you know you'll be able to handle them one whiskey at a time.

All stream of thought is interrupted when your phone dings off again. It's now half past 9, who on earth is trying to reach you?

Fuck.

You tighten the grip on your phone as soon aa the message appears. Taehyung, previously occupied by the end credit scene, catches the sudden shift in your demeanor and calls your name but he's inaudible to you.

Mom: It’s been almost two weeks since we last heard from you. We know you're busy but your father and I want to know if you’ll be coming home. The holidays are coming up right? Why don't you use some of that time to come see us? There's someone we want you to meet.

"__, who is it?" Taehyung's voice manages to break your intense concentration.

“Just my mom.” You answer briefly, still averting eye contact.

“What’d she say?”

“She wants me to come home for the holidays.” You shut your phone off in an effort to calm yourself.

Unlike Taehyung your relationship with your parents has always been rocky. Expectations are set high from birth and you never see eye to eye. Likely, the only accomplishment that's earned genuine praise from them was when you accepted your initial job proposal with Hybe. A respectable career is only second to health to them after all. Your father was more torn with the news that you’d be moving hundreds of miles away than your mom however, not that you’re surprised.

Of course while having a healthy and respectable career is priority for your parents, there is no mistake that their greatest wish is to see their daughter married. A stable man with ample resources to provide her a secure home and healthy children is preferable.

You love your parents and you'll always be there for them, but you must admit that their traditional outlook is one you can never live up to. They tried setting you up dozens of times before, and tonight's request to have you come home "for the holidays to meet someone” is simply another attempt to marry you off.

Yes, you would like some sort of companionship in your life and you hope if you find it that they’ll approve. But giving your hand in marriage to the first notable suitor isn't your forte. You consider yourself to be an independent woman with a tender heart, and you'd rather be single for the entirety of your life than be forced into another obligation.

Preserving your independence is highly important to you. So no, you draw the line when it comes to relational affairs.

If only you could be firm and repeat all the above to them aloud, rather than within your own head— if only.

“So are you gonna go?"

You don't respond immediately, still weighing out your options. "Not sure," you murmur. "I don't really want to but maybe I should. I haven't gone home to see my parents since last year."

Taehyung recognizes the growing tension in your voice as well as the flushed expression playing on your face. He wishes he could take it all away but instead he moves closer to your side of the sofa and lets you rest your head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry." He's silent for a moment before continuing. "Why don't you tell them you can't go because of work? There must be a number of things you'll need to get ahead of for Yoongi's album."

"True. But it's too easy, they won't buy that. I have to go."

"What if you say I invited you to celebrate with my family this year? We're going to a nice, cozy cabin a few hours north of here for Christmas."

The offer is temping and you know he means it but it's also not enough.

"No," you reject. "They'll think we're dating and ask to meet you."

"I'll do it!" Taehyung's voice lifts into a more playful tone, earning a soft chuckle from you.

"Very cute Taetae, but no. Neither of us are going to say 'that was a good idea' in the end, trust me. I'll have to make this decision on my own."

Taehyung grimaces slightly at your last choice of words. "I really think you should consider telling them you can't due to a full schedule. We don't get that much time off at the company any way. Don't your parents live at least 7-10 hours away? Come on, spend the holidays with me and the guys. Plus, it'll be my birthday soon. I want you there at my party."

When you look at your best friend to gently scold him for not so sneakily using the guilt tripping technique, he's pouting. Like a baby. Not even you can resist him with that face on.

"Fine. I'll think about it."

"Good," Taehyung chirps and snatches the tv remote to flip through episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. "I want you to be around those closest to you, especially around the holidays. You're my badass best friend who deserves more than some stupid forced marriage to a guy with an unhealthy alpha male complex. Should we top the night off with one more episode by the way?"

You nod and Taehyung hits play on the remote. "Thank you," you coo, feeling a tad better.

The weekend is a blur at best and you’re back at the office before you realize. Of course this is no ordinary work day however, given that today signifies the day you officially start work as D-Day’s marketing director. You’ve been perfecting every detail of the proposal like a madman since the beginning, meticulously obessing over every element. Your new team members must have a pretty eye-opening understanding of what it’ll be like having you as a lead for the next year–you pity them to be honest.

Between your fingers clutches a small tube of lip balm, berry flavored with a faint tint to match. You love chapstick for some odd, inexplainable reason and you felt the need to apply a generous amount of it on your lips for good luck.

“No one’s here yet,” Yi-joon, one of the members of your graphic design team, speaks first upon stepping foot into your assigned conference room. Others hum, unsurprised. Being the ones leading the presentation, you’d be startled if anyone actually arrived beforehand.

A grand mahogany table, seating up to 14 individuals, boasts itself to you in the middle of the room with every chair lined in genuine black leather. Traditional seating arrangements have one chair at the head of the table, but today’s meeting has two, both positioned to face the wide presentation screen at the opposite end.

Undoubtably, they’re reserved for Bang PD and Min Yoongi.

A momentary shiver courses down your spine, yet fades quick when one of your team members asks if anyone's seen the remote to the projector. There’s no time for nerves to be acting up, you remind yourself calmly. Only 15 minutes remain until every C-suite executive in Hybe congregates into the room.

With a composed demeanor, you swiftly gather your thoughts and respond, "Try checking inside the podium. It's likely close by, but if not, we can always power it on manually." You then start delegating tasks to the rest of your team, mentally rehearsing key points of the proposal between each instruction.

Time appears to have vanished in the blink of an eye because in a matter of seconds a gentle breeze slips through the conference door, accompanied by the arrival of several Hybe executives. You offer a polite "good morning," which is briefly reciprocated as they take their respective seats around the conference table.

You count twelve at the table in total, including your own team.

"Sajangnim should be here in about–"

Hybe's Chief Finance Officer doesn't get to finish his sentence when an older gentleman in a freshly pressed suit walks through the door, fully immersed in conversation. The person following close behind him is none other than the man of the hour himself–Min Yoongi, fitted in a clean white dress shirt that's unbuttoned at the collar and sleeves rolled to the elbows. His soft, raven hair falls gently in front of his eyes, framing his face a little too well.

Unexpectedly, both your gazes shift from Bang PD and onto one another. His dark, intense eyes pierce through you as they observe you from the opposite side of the room. You're certain he recognizes you from your previous shared encounters, though you don't have the slightest clue what he's thinking. Min Yoongi has been known to be many things, but an open book isn't one of them.

He then walks in your direction until he's directly toe to toe with you for the very first time. Completely against your wishes, you feel all the tiny hairs on the back of your neck stand straight. You've never officially met before.

"It's nice to finally meet you __-nim. Those nods we give each other in the hallway hardly count as a proper introduction." He extends a hand to you, offering you a sturdy handshake which you accept.

"Absolutely, it's a pleasure to meet you as well Min PD-nim," you say, smiling warmly. "I'm looking forward to working with you on your new album. I truly appreciate the opportunity."

For a split second, Yoongi allows his professional demeanor drop. "I should be the one thanking you. You'll be the one leading this whole operation right? So I'll be in your care."

You want to respond with gratitude, but you're not given the chance due to an authoritative voice speaking up from behind.

"Min PD-nim," Hybe's Vice President calls out to the man in front of you, requesting his attention.

Yoongi is hesitant to leave you mid-conversation but you assure him that it's alright. "Please, feel free to take a seat," you offer. "The presentations will begin soon."

A small, subtle smile graces Yoongi's lips before he turns around to take his seat beside Bang PD at the head of the table. He engages in small talk with Hybe's Vice President who's conveniently seated across from him. Yet despite their conversation, he's only half focused; his eyes repeatedly wandering back to you. At this point, however, you've already stopped looking at him.

"Good morning, all," you address the room when the time comes to commence the meeting. "We'll be getting started now that everyone's here. I'm sending down samples of the album design our graphics team has created for D-Day. Please pass them along." You hand the stack of copies to Hybe's Chief Technology Officer who smiles courteously.

"On behalf of my team and me, I want to thank you for joining us today to discuss our marketing strategy for Min PD-nim's upcoming D-Day album. Our agenda will be as follows," you guide everyone's attention to the presentation board, which provides a rundown of all the points you plan to cover for the remainder of the meeting.

"Let's begin with introductions. My name is ___ ___, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from NYU Stern, as well as an MBA in Marketing. Over the past five years, I've worked in the music industry as a marketing manager. Three of those years were spent here at Hybe. The recent promotional campaign for TXT's The Chaos Chapter was lead by my previous team and me, resulting in a positive return on investment. Now, with a new team, I aim to achieve similar success with Min PD-nim's D-Day album."

Once you finish your introduction, you introduce each member of your team. This is soon followed by a brief introduction from each c-suite executive.

The whole room falls silent when you begin diving into the bulk of the proposal; every measurable objective, goal, and market analysis is shared for D-Day. When it comes time to present the brand guide and album design, you invite your graphics team to speak.

"You'll notice that we have two versions of Min PD-nim's albums on the sheet in front of you," Yi-joon refers to the mockups you handed out earlier. A few executives nod quietly as they study the proposed album packaging while Yoongi leans over to Bang PD. He's whispering something but you're far to distant away to hear. His expressions aren't telling either.

Does he like it? Does he not? You don't know.

Nevertheless, you give a subtle smile to Yi-joon as encouragement to continue.

 "We've opted for a sleek, pitch-black design for the first version, and a dusty brown for the second. The first version symbolizes the past, characterized by societal expectations and internal struggles, while the second represents the present and future, conveying a message of liberation. To complement these themes, we've selected a bold and daring font to exude the album's transparency. This design consistency extends to the album's contents; for instance, lyrical cards will reflect the respective color and style of the version they belong to."

Hybe's Chief Marketing Officer appears to be in approval with the entirety of the plan so far, yet it's short lived when a low voice interrupts.

"I think the vision of album's design aligns closely with mine, so I like what I see in front of me." Yoongi pauses and places the mockup on the table. "There's one aspect that I'd like to discuss in hopes of some insight however. I've been mauling over it for a while now."

"I'll do my best to–" Hybe's Chief Marketing Officer opens his mouth to respond yet closes it immediately when he notices Yoongi's gaze sharply shifts to you. It's a signal that it's your insight he specifically requests.

"Please go on," you reply.

"Regarding the name under which the album should be released, should it be 'Agust D' or 'Suga'? I'm personally biased towards Agust D because it holds more weight for me. It's close to my heart and the stories I have to tell as Agust D are heavier than those of Suga, right? The D even stands for Daegu, my hometown where I grew up and where my parents still live. Suga on the other hand is my stage name, which I have some identity in as well."

You don't answer immediately, preferring to carefully process everything he's said. Your team has already proposed to release the album under 'Agust D', yet he makes a valid point that 'Suga' is also a part of him.

"I understand that releasing the album under 'Suga' has its merit. However, I still support the original idea of releasing it under 'Agust D'. As you've mentioned, the name carries a deeper meaning, evoking memories, emotions, trials, and tribulations. I'd also like to emphasize that by releasing D-Day under 'Agust D', you can showcase who the real Agust D is. The collaboration with IU in People Pt. 2 already has you one step in that door."

Like you, Yoongi considers your words cautiously, weighing them in his mind. "Thank you ___-nim," he finally speaks. "Your perspective is reassuring. We'll proceed with releasing the album under 'Agust D'.

Following your short discussion, the graphics team continues presenting their design materials. Minor comments are made by Hybe executives, but Yoongi doesn't comment again until half-way into the social media segment.

"Why do we need to schedule this many Weverse Lives? People might get tired of seeing my face after so many in a row. ARMY will read, 'Min Yoongi started a live' and say to their friends, 'This is the fifth time in a row, is he in love with his own voice or something?'." His joke sparks a light in the room as Bang PD gives a chuckle.

"I don't think that's going to be an issue for you Yoongi," he replies. "Don't you know the strength of your own fanbase?" Bang PD's statement is undeniable. Everyone in the room is well aware of Min Yoongi's international fanbase who willingly stay up all hours of the night just to catch a glimpse of him. In fact, rather than seeing less of him, they hope to receive his live notifications more, as Yoongi isn't as active on Weverse as other idols.

It's clear that compliments like these aren't easy for Yoongi to take though, judging by the flushed look that subtly sweeps over his face. You'd react the same way to be honest.

"If I may Min PD-nim," you speak up, deciding to offer an alternative plan. "Leveraging Weverse Live to help promote D-Day will draw significant international engagement. We know that time differences pose to be a challenge which is why we proposed an increase of live sessions per week. However, we understand that going live this often might be exhausting. Would you consider reducing the frequency to once or twice a week instead?"

"I'm open to once a week but didn't we film the 'Suga: Road to D-Day' documentary for a similar reason? Won't it be too much to add more than two Weverse Lives throughout the entire promotional phase?" Yoongi's challenge is met with an unanimous hum of support from his fellow executives. You'd feel intimidated if you didn't already have a justification mapped out.

"The objective behind releasing 'Suga: Road to D-Day' on Disney+ differs from that of Weverse Lives," you rebuttal confidently. "While the documentary presents a structured behind-the-scenes view of D-Day's development, the Lives focus on building hype among your existing fans who know you well, will spread the word to their peers, and will likely pre-order the album. As you're aware, Lives are more personal and stripped down, allowing your fanbase to feel closer to you."

Thinking of no further objectives, Yoongi, still somewhat unsure, accepts your suggestion. "Once a week will be fine then. While we're still on the topic, do we know when 'Suga: Road to D-Day' is set to release on Disney+?"

"Our digital marketing and promo team will be reviewing the specifics of that soon," you inform. "Right now we have the documentary releasing April 23 of next year. The poster for the film will release a week and a half earlier on the 12th."

Rather than furthering the discussion, Yoongi sends an understanding nod your way which allows the social media team to resume their portion of the proposal. Recording more Weverse Lives than usual remains a pain point for him, but he's willing to move forward if it means connecting with his fanbase.

Alast, after what seems like three hours of social media; followed by financing & budget talk, the last team to present their material takes lead of the meeting.

"We'd like to provide a timeline for D-Day's promo schedule as a way to wrap up today's proposal," So-hyun from your digital marketing and promos team explains. "Promotions will begin April 10, 2023 and will run until April 25th. During this time the album's track list, concept photos, MV Teaser, and official MV will drop. As far as concert schedule, we're proposing April 26-June 24. These dates include U.S, Asia, and Korea Tours."

"We might need to rethink concert dates but for now I'm on onboard." Yoongi remains brief in his interjection, allowing So-hyun to continue.

"As far as other marketing channels, we plan to implement both print and digital methods including billboards, banners, paid search ads, and YouTube. We'd also like to reach out to a variety of magazines like Rolling Stones Magazine for interviews. If we want to extend our global reach even further, we can book a time slot on the Jimmy Fallon Show. Bare in mind that if we go this route, we'll need to decide fairly quick, as slots are in high demand."

You notice Bang PD whispering amongst Yoongi and his Chief Finance Officer when Jimmy Fallon is mentioned. Yoongi seems the least interested. Perhaps he isn't fond of being front and center of talk shows, you guess.

"When will we need a decision for the Jimmy Fallon Show?" Bang PD inquires for the group.

"No later than three weeks from now," So-hyun answers. "It's a tight deadline but it can been done if we get the official go."

Bang PD directs his attention to Yoongi who's chosen to be silent in this conversation. "What do you think, Yoongi? It's your call."

"Maybe," he says, "give me a day or two to think on it."

Another ten minutes of productive overview with your promos team pass and soon, you're standing up to adjourn the meeting. You have to admit that out of all the proposals you've given in your career, this goes right to the top.

Your team was phenomenal today, and despite the the fact that several Hybe executives are biting at the bit to finally go on their lunch break, you feel confident that everyone is leaving on the same page.

"Min PD-nim."

You're ears inevitably pick up the conversation in front of you as you make your way out of the conference room. Yoongi and his Chief Financial Officer are running through some quick numbers only a few steps steps ahead, but with everyone simultaneously rushing in the same direction, neither must have realized you were within earshot.

"There's no doubt that she's good at what she does," Hybe's Chief Financial Officer continues. "Still, it's hard to believe that she's only 27 or 28. A person should take better care of themselves don't you agree? Like our Eunchae for example."

If there was a way to erase what you just heard, you'd do so, because in an instant, all previous successes you felt from today's proposal shatters to the ground. You're no stranger to receiving these sorts of comments about your appearance, yet it leaves your confidence fleeting, along with any amount of resilience you've built.

Blinking back the tears that threaten to spill, you exit the conference room the first chance you get. You have no desire to stick around for Yoongi's reply.

Not long after you leave does you phone ring off.

Tae 💚: Hey! How's the meeting going? Still available to get lunch this afternoon? I'm heading to the cafeteria as I type this.

You: It went okay. But I don't think I'll be coming to lunch, just a lot to do. I'm also not that hungry.

You second-guess how convincing your message is, knowing that it's your best friend on the other line. Regardless, it's the only words you can come up with right now. You really do have a lot of work ahead of you though, at least that part is true.

Tae 💚: Are you sure? I was looking forward on hearing how the meeting went! Wasn't there something you had to give me too?

The meaning of the last line suddenly dawns on you as you make your way down the long hallway. How could you forget? You made Taehyung one of his favorite foods to surprise him for lunch; Japchae, a sweet and savory dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables.

You: Right, sorry it slipped from my mind for a second. I'll meet you in the cafeteria to give it to you.

"Why won't you stay and eat with me?" Taehyung devours the homemade Japchae you made for him with delight, a pair of chopsticks clamped in his hand.

"I don't have much of an appetite, Tae."

You've already told him this twice already, clarifying that you'd be heading back to your office once you deliver his food. Evidently, he's not letting you slip away easily.

"Then take a break with me instead, even if it's only for ten minutes." You watch as your best friend swiftly pulls out the chair next to him from under the table, gesturing you to sit. "Tell me what's got you down," he says. "Did Yoongi say something to you? He can be a bit too outspoken with his opinions sometimes."

Feeling defeated, you slide into the chair. "No, the meeting was fine. I'm just overthinking something that happened."

You then proceed to explain what you overheard Hybe's Chief Finance Officer say about you from earlier, that you didn't look healthy enough for your age and using Eunchae as an example. The scowl that appears on Taehyung's face as you retell the incident is unmistakable–he's clearly pissed.

"First of all," Taehyung starts once you finish, jaw clenched. "Eunchae is 17 and is a part of a Korean girl group. She has an entire team dedicated to making sure her appearance is flawless. It's the idol life; trust me, I'm well acquainted with it, so it's not a fair comparison. Secondly, Hybe's CFO is an asshole who I'd replace in a day. I don't want you letting him make you feel insignificant just because you don't conform to his narrow idea of how a woman should look."

You appreciate Taehyung's efforts to cheer you up, though you remain unaffected. Besides, he still isn't aware of Yoongi's involvement since you purposely left that detail out due to their close friendship.

"Yeah, I don't know. We don't have to talk about it anymore." You decide to dismiss the topic entirely and reach for your phone, along with a pair of earbuds bundled in your pocket. "Wanna listen to something?"

Music has always bonded you and Taehyung's friendship, as you've frequently found yourselves fully immersed in timeless songs from King of Leon and Led Zeppelin together. Taehyung nearly accepts the offer to listen with you once again, but then he freezes all movement. An eager grin follows close after.

"Hyung!" His voice echos though the room, earning the attention of Min Yoongi who's just entered the cafeteria. This time, you feel nothing but discomfort when the man looks your way.

"I have some material I need to review from my promo team. I'll text you later, okay?" You leave your best friend no time to reply as you quickly rise from your chair, stick your phone in your pant pocket, and head for the nearest exit. Yoongi attempts to make eye contact with you on your way out, but you avoid it completely.

When he approaches Taehyung, he acknowledges your semi-odd behavior. "I didn't mean to make her leave," he states, joining the younger at the table.

Taehyung offers a light shrug in response. "Don't worry, you didn't. She had other matters to get to. Something with her team members I think."

Yoongi grabs a fresh clementine from a nearby fruit bowl and beings peeling it little by little. "You two must be pretty close if you're having your lunches together."

It's not hard for Taehyung to read between the lines of what his member is insinuating.

"We've been friends for a while," he clarifies. "Just friends, nothing else."

a/n: Hope you enjoyed! Lmk what you think 🥰

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