18 We meet again

The room filled with applause, and the staff stood in awe. The seven members bowed in union, and the crowd cheerered. Seo-yeon stood hidden behind other staff, staring at the group, mesmerized. Once both managers calmed the staff, the leader, Kim Namjoon stepped forward to speak.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for having us here. We are beyond excited to be working with a mazagine, that like us, started off small, but pushed themselves to get recognized for their skill, and talented staff. We have heard wonderful things about the creativity, and art that goes into each issue you distribute, and we are honored that you will share our adventure, and love for each other with ARMY. I know that together, we will create a memorable issue. Treat us well."

All seven members bowed again, which was lead by more cheering, and clapping. The managers continued on with more information regarding policies, and expectations for the following week. BTS were escorted out of the room to the main conference room, where the planning team intended to introduce themselves. Jin Ae called for the main staff on the project to follow her into the conference room to begin introductions. She reminded them that it was just introductions, and that actual work on the magazine would begin Monday.

Seo-yeon followed the group of staff. She could hear the pounding of her heart in her ears. She quickly wiped her sweat off her forehead. They would be walk in with their team members once Jin Ae told the seven members, and Manager Sejin the team and member names. Once introduced, they would briefly say something as welcome, and then proceed to pair off with members assigned for Monday as a way to prep them for that day.

Ae-cha and Seo-yeon would be introduced together. She stood next to her waiting for the moment she had lost sleep over. "Next, we have our extremely talented photographers. Choi Ae-cha will be over looking the profile, and main group pictures. Park Seo-yeon will take on responsibilites for recreating the timeline pictures, and other images you wish to include. Ladies..."

Seo-yeon walked in with her hands clasped together, and her head down. "Thank you for having us," both said together while bowing. She stood up and slowly smiled at each member. Yoongi's smile slipped for a split second, and although his surprise was evident, he kept the smile. Jin's eyes widened in recognition, and was immediately replace with a look of disbelief. Seo-yeon knew her smile did not reach her eyes, but she kept it plastered on. She and Ae-cha moved aside for the last group. She could feel Jin's eyes follow her, but did not look towards him.

After the introductions, Jin Ae went over the the schedule and groups for the first day. Jin and Yoongi exchanged looks of surprise. With nothing to say, and now not being the appropriate time to discuss it, Yoongi simply shrugged his shoulders. Jin was thrilled to see her, but full of questions. Why was she here, and not in her hometown at her shop? When did she start working here? Did she always work here, and was the shop all a lie? Was she a reporter after all? His heart told him she would never betray him like that, but his brain couldn't stop forming these questions.

"Suga, J-Hope and V," Jin Ae was saying, "You will go with Seo. She will work with you three on Monday. She will escort you to her studio, and go over expectations and plans for the project."

Seo stepped forward, and gestured for them to walk out first. Avoiding Jin's eyes, she stepped out of the room. "This way." Ho-seok and Tae-hyung admired the pictures on the wall, and how nice the building's interior was designed. Yoongi didn't speak, but she could feel his curious glances.

"This is my studio. You are more than welcome to add to this planning board. I just ask that you inform me of the changes. I'd like us to be on the same page."

"Wow, you're very detailed." Tae-hyung said leaning into the board.

"I like this idea!" J-Hope pointed at fan-art that they had shared, or commented on over the years, and the notes attached stating that they would recreate it. She smiled in appreciation to both of their compliments. They carried on with their observations, and conversation.

"What happened?" Yoongi quietly asked her from behind. She turned around to face him, expecting his glare. He wasn't glaring when they came eye to eye. It was difficult to read his face, so she stopped trying.

"What happened with what?" She whispered, matching his volume.

"Didn't you have your own shop? Next to the coffee shop."

"I couldn't afford it. I applied here not too long after you left. I haven't been here long."

Yoongi stared at her. He didn't know her full story, but he could tell that having to sacrifice her shop for a big company obviously was a touchy topic. He remembers the night at the beach house. She spoke of her shop and photography. It didn't take a genius to realize how much it meant to her. Having struggled financially before finding success, he understood how giving up her dream must still hurt.

"You're very talented to have been given so much responsibilty. Who knows what you will be able to do when you are financially set." Seo-yeon was stumped by the words of encouragement, and even more surprised that he was so understanding. She expected him to interogate her like he did when they met. She sighed in relief.

"Thank you. And I'm sorry I had no idea who you were. I didn't find out until I was assigned this project. It was very shocking." She laughed, remembering that day.

"I'm sorry we couldn't tell you. It's really hard to trust people we just meet."

"Having been doing this for a few weeks, I can understand that." They sheepishly smiled at each other. She felt a little closer to him having cleared up those misunderstandings. Her fear that it would be awkward vanished. 'Maybe I don't have too much to worry about with Jin. Maybe we can at least be friends.'

Tae tapped J-hope's shoulder, and gestured towards Yoongi and Seo-yeon. They were standing near the couches, and they were unable to hear their conversation. The coffee table stood between them, but they seemed close.

"What's going on over there?" Tae questioned. It was a rare sight to see Yoongi open up to others this fast. It was not often that he was this close to women. J-hope was about to say something, but was silenced at the sight of Yoongi's gummy smile. He had no clue what they were discussing, but he was very interested in finding out. Both continued to talk and smile at one another. Tae and Ho-seok exchanged looks of curiousity.