30 Comeback Party pt. 2

The music's bass filled the room, and the guests danced on the dance floor. Everyone was in high spirits, and engaged in conversation. People dined on the open buffet, and drank to their heart's content. Some people attended to "rub elbows" with the right people, in hopes of making connections. Some more obvious than others. Others simply wanted to have a good time and converse with anyone and everyone. Everyone had their reasons for attending the party. Social obligations, music in general, social butterflies, food/drinks, or the glamour of the night, and the guests present. They all picked their poison and indulged in their night's choice.

Seo-yeon stood, frozen at the sight of Jin and Mr. Lee facing off. They each had a smile to keep other guests at bay. Jin greeted Mr. Lee, after his first statement, and they shook hands to keep the pretense that they were acquaintances.

"BigHit never ceases to amaze me. Great party, Mr. Kim," Mr. Lee said with a tightened smile.

"I'll pass the compliment to PD-nim," Jin replied.

"Is Miss Park also your 'sister?'" Mr. Lee challenged. Seo could not believe that he would be so bold to ask that in this environment. She wasn't oblivious to the mounting tension even if they continued to smile as if they were sharing some close moment.

Jin glanced at Seo-yeon, who was attempting to plead with him through her eyes. Realizing how uncomfortable she was, and the fact that this could severely effect her career at K-Magazine, he plastered on another fake smile, and faced Mr. Lee.

"No. But she is a good friend to us, so I'm sorry if I came off as rude earlier," it killed him to bow in apology to Mr. Lee, but he did it to avoid any speculation. Seeing Seo-yeon relax her shoulders, he accepted his actions as the right call.

Sensing Jin's withdraw from the silent duel, Mr. Lee cleared his throat before speaking, "I didn't realize that Miss Park had 'brothers' and close friends watching out for her. I apologize if it seemed like I was being pushy. I should continue greeting others," he said to Jin, then faced Seo, "Miss Park, it's been a pleasure. I hope to get to know you better."

Seo-yeon awkwardly waved bye to a departing Mr. Lee. Jin didn't even bother saying good-bye, and his jaw clenched at the thought of Mr. Lee getting to know Seo-yeon better. He wasn't new to pretending to be alright, even when in discomfort, for the sake of others. He hated that he had to act so formal and polite given the situation.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'll be mindful in the future," Jin murmured.

Seo's heart jumped at the word "future." She knew they would only run into each other for professional reasons, and at most just on friendly terms. She still couldn't stop her heart from getting over excited.

"No need to apologize. You got me out of having to drink," she smiled broadly at him, truly grateful for his interference.

Jin couldn't help the loving smile that spread across his face. Briefly glancing to the side, he caught a few stares from other guests. He suddenly became aware of the attention slowly being drawn their way.

"Uh, I should join Kookie, and RM," he curtly said.

Thrown off by his change in tone, Seo nodded as he walked away. Turning around in pursuit of Eun-ha, her eyes caught Jin Ae with some of her friends. They whispered among each other, having witnessed the short conversation between Jin and Seo. Although they didn't know what was said, it didn't stop them from throwing daggers with their eyes at Seo. She became aware of the curious glances from other guests. It became clear why Jin quickly cut their interaction short. However, it was still enough for people to question what exchange occurred between Korea's "World Wide Handsome" and the unknown woman.

Growing uneasy with the unwanted attention, Seo looked around for Eun-ha. She walked through the crowd, and avoided other's eyes. Needing to escape, she exited through a pair of double doors. With no destination in mind, she walked further away from the crowded party. She approached a door that was labeled "Balcony: No guests allowed." Looking around cautiously, she opened the door and entered.

The balcony was much bigger than she expected. It was full of patio furniture and lights were strung across, giving off a welcoming vibe. She approached one of the long patio couches facing away from her. Her footsteps echoed into the night.

Unexpectedly, someone sat up abruptly from the couch, having been hidden while laying down. Seo-yeon paused in astonishment. Her first thought was how embarrassing it was going to be to be kicked out of the party for trespassing. Her second thought was wondering how fast she could make it to the door before being caught.

Choosing the second option, she quietly turned in preparation for a quick sprint. Before she could lift her other leg, the person spoke.

"Seo-yeon?"

Her eyes widened, 'Oh no, they know who I am!'

"What are you doing up here?"

Having no other choice, she turned around.

"Yoongi?!" She gasped in relief. He sat with his arm lazily hanging off the back of the couch. One earbud still in his ear, while the other hung off his shoulder. His hair was messy from laying down, and cheeks were red from the cold air. His face was a mix between annoyance at being disturbed, and surprise to find that it was Seo-yeon who was the intruder. Even though his eyebrows were pulled into a frown, and it looked like he had been sleeping, Seo thought at that moment that she had never seen such a welcoming face.