Free to choose

The staff in the studio cleared up the props and other equipment. They cleaned the area and began to leave for other assignments. Jungkook and Jin assisted with what they could, even when the staff, and Seo-yeon brushed them aside, and offered them the couch. They eventually stopped trying to refuse their help and thanked them.

"Great work everyone. We will take the next set of pictures tomorrow with Namjoon and Jimin. Thursday will be the last set with the whole group. Prepare to work late that day and Friday. We need to make the final selections, and begin editing for the magazine, as well as what will be placed onto the virtual site. See you tomorrow."

Jin fondly gazed at Seo-yeon as she graciously bid farewell to her staff. The respect that each worker felt towards her was evident in the smiles, and willingness to work under her. The pride in her abilities and her skills as a leader throughout the day had amazed him. She had transformed from the awkward, self employed photographer, to a confident, team leading photographer. He knew she would excel in this profession once she ventured out of her small town.

"Hyung?" Jungkook smiled at Jin in a knowing way. He had been watching Jin watching Seo-yeon. It was all the clarity he needed.

"Oh, yeah?"

"We have to leave in a bit. We should say bye to Yun-Yun."

Having spent the entire day with her, Jin didn't want to leave. He had other engagements, and knew that he could not put them off. Nodding in agreement with Jungkook's suggestion, they walked to her. She and Eun-ha were looking over the virtual site, when both men approached them.

"I thought you two left with the crew," Eun-ha gasped.

Seo-yeon and Jin briefly made eye contact, but looked away instantly. Jungkook once again noticed the gesture, and internally laughed at the two.

"Yun-yun?" Jungkook wanted to get her attention before he continued speaking. Once he was sure she was all ears, he began speaking. "Saturday evening, BitHit will be throwing a party in celebration of our comeback. I know they invited upper management here, but it would be even better if you could come."

"Uh, I don't-" she began.

"Don't say no! We can invite whoever we want, and I want to extend mine to you. You can bring a friend if that will encourage you to attend." He pouted while positioned in a begging pose.

"Shouldn't you check with Manager Sejin first?" She didn't want to cause trouble for them, or herself. She didn't know what guidelines, or rules that they had to follow. She also didn't want to over step her new friendship.

"He won't mind. We're all friends," he nudged Jin, "Come on, hyung! Wouldn't you like for her to be there?"

Jin was both thankful and irritated with Jungkook. He did want her to be there to share this big moment with him. She would be able to see his surroundings and learn more about those close to him. The other part of him feared that she might distance herself from him when she becomes exposed to his world.

"Please join us," Jin gave in, and pleaded along with Jungkook, "Besides, when the issue is released, everyone will know who the photographer is. This way you can continue to build on clients."

Seo-yeon bit on her lower lip, thinking about what he said. He was right. Being there would expose her to potential clients, and the fact that she is the photographer for this issue would clear up why she is in attendance. Reminding herself that there was no law saying they couldn't be friends, she happily nodded her head.

"Yes!" Jungkook excitedly slapped Jin on the shoulder.

"Why are you hitting me?!" Jin pushed him back.

"Sorry, sorry! We better head out. See you Thursday, Yun-Yun!" Jungkook ran out of the studio to avoid Jin's wrath.

"Sorry. He can be very persistent. See you both Thursday." Jin included both Eun-ha and Seo-yeon in the departure, but he kept his eyes on Seo. She shyly smiled at him, and waved good-bye. Both women watched him leave the studio. Once he was gone, they sat down at their laptops to continue the work.

Eun-ha dramatically coughed to get Seo's attention. Glancing at her over her laptop, she met curious eyes. Seo-yeon laughed. She knew what Eun-ha wanted to asked, but refused to beg.

"Of course I'm taking you!" Eun-ha's face beamed in excitement, "You've helped me so much since I started. You are one of my closest friends here."

"Thank you, unnie. Um, could I ask you something though?

Seo-yeon had explained to her after the first run in with the group how she knew Jin and Yoongi. She excluded the intimate relationship, and left it as friends. She hoped that had been enough to explain why they were close, and any future interactions.

"Sure, ask away."

"Did you and Yoongi date?" Seo-yeon stared at her with a bewildered look. Her mouth opened wide, yet nothing came out. She did not expect that anyone would suspect Yoongi and she as an item. Especially with how much he distrusted her in the beginning.

"No." Thinking she didn't need to explain herself further, she gave a short answer.

"I didn't mean to offend you."

"I'm not offended," she assured her friend, "Just a little confused. Why would you even think that?"

"After lunch that one time, you, Yoongi, and Jin had all left around the same time. The others said things that made it sound like that."

"What things?" Seo-yeon asked. She had been worried that they would find out about her and Jin, and never put much thought to her friendship with Yoongi.

"They said he was trying to protect you, and that he only does that for those he's close with. They said he looks at you when you're not looking."

"That's just ridiculous! We're just friends. I'm sure he'd be furious if he heard them making up these things. Trust me, there is no truth to their comments."

Eun-ha squinted her eyes jokingly at her. Seo did it right back. Both laughed, and continued their work. Seo-yeon shook her head at the thought of Yoongi and her ever being together. It seemed outrageous that the others suspected this. Knowing how he hated rumors about his life, she relaxed knowing that he would shut down their claims.

****Following day (Wednesday)****

"It's nice to finally officially meet you." Jimin and Namjoon politely greeted Seo-yeon. They had only been around her on the first day at K Star Magazine, and were only exposed to the constant discussion the other members made in regard to her. Namjoon couldn't believe half the things that the others said, and believed that he had to witness it himself to take it serious. Looking at her, he agreed that she was indeed cute. He wasn't sure if she was Yoongi's type though as he rarely expresses his preferences in women.

Jimin was different from Namjoon. He didn't fully believe everything the others said, but he didn't want to immediately discredit them. Tae tends to get overly excited, and can exaggerate, but having Ho-seok calmly defend his observations made it hard to overlook. He had spoke to Jungkook, and he shared that he suspected that Jin-hyung might also be interested in Seo-yeon. Jungkook made Jimin vow not to say anything to the others. He didn't know what the story with the three were, and didn't want to drive a wedge between the two. He explained to Jimin that they should find out the facts first. Sharing the same thoughts, Jimin and Jungkook agreed to silently observe all three of them.

"You too. Shall we start?"

****Five hours later****

"Ok, let's break for now. I'm sure some of you are hungry. Let's meet in an hour." Seo-yeon dismissed everyone for a shorter break. She hoped to avoid working late, and decided to cut into lunch. Namjoon and Jimin extended a lunch invitation to her and Eun-ha, but she declined. After what she was told the previous day, she thought it'd be best to keep a safe distance for now. Fortunately, the two men were not persistent like Tae, or Jungkook. They respectfully bid her a temporary farewell, and went out. Eun-ha sighed at her chance to be with them, but understood that Seo had her reasons for not going.

"I'll go get us lunch." Seo volunteered. She grabbed her bag and headed out. The elevator was taking too long to suit her, so she decided to take the stairs. While walking down, she ran into Ae-cha. It had been a week since they worked together, and she had not asked for assistance once.

"Good afternoon, Ae-cha." Seo respectfully greeted. She intended to carry on her way, but Ae-cha raised her hand to stop her.

"Seo-yeon, are you trying to make yourself look good?"

"What?"

"You said you didn't know their work. Yet, I hear that you've basically become their 'sister.' What gives?"

Seo-yeon knew once Tae called her Yun-Yun that people would talk. She didn't think so much negativity of their friendship would travel so fast.

"I didn't lie. I really didn't know their work. Not that I owe you any explanation, but I met Yoongi and Jin as tourists of my hometown. I didn't know they were part of BTS until this project."

Ae-cha rolled her eyes, and stepped forward, to be at eye level. "Don't owe me an explanation? Regardless of how you met them, you should still know your place."

"My place?"

"Yes, your place. You think you have any right to be so close to them? They're too good for a small town girl like you. Do your job and don't delude yourself into believing you're special."

Seo-yeon stood speechless. The hate that Ae-cha had for her was astounding. She could not understand where this disgust was coming from. She not once overstepped any boundaries. She wasn't sure if this was because Ae-cha felt she wasn't being professional, or if this was hate from a crazed fan. This sort of conflict was new to her, and she did not know how to handle it.

"Who're you to say who WE can be friends with?"

Ae-cha and Seo-yeon turned towards the person they had not heard approaching. Ae-cha's eyes widened in surprise. Seo-yeon froze. Standing a few steps below them, Yoongi leaned on the railing. He had been hoping to work on his music alone in the stairway, when he heard Seo-yeon's voice. He was not sure what was being discussed, and was about to leave when he heard Ae-cha's verbal attack.

"Yoongi." Seo whispered.

"I apologize. I didn't intend to offend you." Ae-cha quickly bowed in apology. Her attitude changing instantly.

"I'm sure you didn't intend for me to hear this conversation. I can assure you that Seo is doing her job, and as her superior, you can check her work to verify that."

"Of course, of course." Ae-cha nervously agreed.

"Yoongi, it's fine." Seo-yeon tried to prevent any more speculations from Ae-cha. Having him defend her was not going to help.

"I have to get back to my studio," Ae-cha cleared her throat, clearly uncomfortable, "Seo-yeon, I will see what you have tomorrow." She hastily left the area, avoiding eye contact with Yoongi.

Yoongi sighed, and walked up to where Seo stood. Again, keeping personal space between them. He didn't plan to intervene. He had planned on leaving, he told himself to leave.

"You really shouldn't have done that." Seo said in a low voice. She was grateful, but also fearful of what Ae-cha would do now.

"Why didn't you say anything?" He demanded.

"I was about to."

"You just let her rip into you. Why didn't you get snarky with her like you did when we met?"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. You were ready to battle both of us for questioning you."

"This is different."

"How?"

"This is my career. She's the lead," she looked him in the eyes, feeling defeated, "This time my relationship with you all is on the line."

"We aren't going anywhere." He surprised himself having spoken out before thinking. Looking at her hurt expression, and knowing how much being friends with them meant to her, he wanted to reassure her. He also felt like he needed to hear these words of comfort. Yes, they were idols, and loved by millions, but he was tired of letting that dictate who he could be close with. They stood silently in the stairway. Not sure what else to say.