Chapter Text
“I’m sorry your first party has been so chaotic, they’re not normally like this.” Yoosung sighed, taking a sip of his soda
“I don’t mind, this whole week has been a bit like that.” Mi-Rae smiled. Her eyes drifted over to where Jumin was talking to another group of reporters, Jaehee dutifully taking down their details to forward them the information on Sarah and Glam Chow.
“That jerk, he’s just done whatever he wants all week, and still ended up with everything he wants.” Zen muttered, also watching Jumin.
“If you don’t stop scowling soon, you’ll end with wrinkles.” She teased “How is Jaehee going to cope with this mess if you let something happen to your face?”
Zen smoothed out his features into a grudging smile
“Sorry sorry. Are you sure you’re okay? He kind of threw you to the wolves out there. You’ve only known each other a few days and he’s publicly declaring his love to you and that he wants to be your life companion, isn’t that moving too fast?”
“Nothing with Jumin was ever going to be conventional.” Mi-Rae laughed “When he knows what he wants, he works out the most efficient route to get it. It’s one of the things I love about him.” She blushed slightly on that last part
“You two are too cute.” Yoosung said, blushing as well “When am I going to find a girlfriend like that…”
“Maybe when you stop playing video games all the time and work out what it is you want.” Zen muttered “Set a goal and work towards it like me.”
“You’re still single as well though.” Yoosung pointed out
“Well, it’s harder when you’re not a Trust Fund kid who’s been handed everything his entire life. But when I do get a girlfriend, I’ll be ready to treat her like a princess. Rather than a villain locking her up in his lair for days.”
“Those were exceptional circumstances.” A cool voice said, and Mi-Rae became aware of a hand being lightly placed on her shoulder. She looked up to see Jumin, who gave her a soft smile. He looked at her with such pure affection, as though she was something lovely and precious, that all the noise of the party was forgotten in that instant.
“You’d probably have done the same thing anyway, even if there wasn’t the threat of the hacker.”
“Perhaps. I will admit that once I saw Mi-Rae in person, I didn’t want anything to separate us. I’m glad that she felt the same way.”
“So after the party are you moving back into Jumin’s house?” Yoosung asked
“Under normal circumstances, I do not approve of an unmarried man and woman living together. I am arranging a separate apartment in my building for her to live in until the wedding.”
“There’s a few things I need to sort out back at Rika’s apartment first though.” Mi-Rae said, gently pulling on Jumin’s sleeve to guide him into the seat next to her “I’m going back there after the party tonight to make sure that I have everything I’ll need for planning the next party. After that, I probably won’t need to go back there.”
“As V and Luciel still won’t allow us to know the apartments location, it is best you spend as little time there as possible. Especially now the world knows who you are.” Jumin said, a small crease of concern appearing between his eyebrows. Mi-Rae gently placed her finger upon it
“Seven will be keeping an eye on things, and it’s only for one night. Nothing bad is going to happen.”
“Where did Seven go anyway?” Yoosung asked
“I last saw him with V, apparently they still have some concerns to discuss.” Jumin said “I’d like to speak with both of them. Mi-Rae wouldn’t need to stay the night if they would just let some of my people empty the apartment.”
“I already made a start packing last night, if you brought in a bunch of people now you’d ruin my system. V and Seven have already explained to me what needs to stay in the apartment and what can be moved to the new office.
“I’d still prefer knowing that you were safe…” Jumin said, and Mi-Rae squeezed his hand
“It won’t be for long. Seven is coming by tomorrow morning to help with moving and resetting the security system.” She smiled, but she didn’t mention V’s concerns that once she was no longer living in the apartment, the Hacker might try to send someone else there to access the information that remained there which was why he’d been so keen to move her out permanently. Deep down, everyone knew that the worst was far from over. Seven had been odd the last few days, and V had been avoiding him. They’d discovered something new about the hacker, but even Yoosung wasn’t sharing. That could only mean that this was a serious secret.
She still didn’t know who had sent her to the apartment in the first place or why. She’d agreed with Jumin that, if he was found to have no ill intent towards her or RFA then she would want to thank him. Without his input she’d never have met and fallen in love with Jumin or anyone in RFA. She couldn’t stop worrying though about why she’d been the one who was sent to Rika’s apartment. Had it been some form of prank? Someone who admired RFA’s work who wanted it to restart? Or, as a mysterious message had hinted one night, someone intent on destroying RFA and its members?
She hadn’t spoken with anyone in RFA either about any of the bad luck she’d experienced before downloading the messaging app, things that led her to follow a stranger to an unknown apartment in the first place. The college assignments that seemed to vanish from her computer as she went to submit them, the shift calendar at the café she worked at seeming to change suddenly and randomly which lost her the job as she was deemed unreliable. Her phone blocking the numbers of friends and colleagues. The bizarre texts from her number that had appeared on her roommates boyfriends phone, along with the explicit photos. The money that vanished from her bank account. Before the RFA, all of it had seemed an awful pile of bad luck, some sort of cosmic punishment. But now knowing Seven, how accomplished he was and how shocked he’d been to have someone able to hack the secure messenger, it made her wonder if it was all somehow connected. She’d had no money, no friends, no where to live and was about to lose her place at college, when suddenly a stranger guides her to a place where she’ll be housed, given a purpose and a new group of friends?
If her suspicions were correct, someone had orchestrated all of this. Ensured she’d have so little to lose that she’d risk following the instructions from a stranger in a dodgy app. Ideally, she’d want to tell Seven her suspicions, see if he noticed anything odd in his background checks. To see if he had any theories about why someone would want her of all people to join the RFA. But Seven was anxious and withdrawn at the moment she didn’t want to bother him with paranoia. He might have already noticed and not thought it worth mentioning, or was dealing with everything privately. Jumin was just starting to relax after the last few days of panic. If she told him now that she suspected the Hacker hadn’t just messaged her randomly, he’d never be comfortable letting her go back to the apartment alone. Even now he was watching her with concern, trying to read her thoughts as she worried, work out what he could do to make sure she never needed to be anxious again. She pulled her chair closer to him and rest her head on his shoulder. It wasn’t worth mentioning. She’d speak to Seven tomorrow, and then decide it Jumin needed to know.
“Are you feeling tired?” He asked, running his fingers through her hair, gently easing apart a tangle that was forming near the ends
“Just a little, but I’m okay. I should probably be mingling more with the guests shouldn’t I?”
“I’m think what you’re doing right now is perfect.” He said with a smile
As party coordinator , Mi-Rae knew that eventually she would need to meet with people if she wanted any of the guests to return for the next party. It was already quite different from the small photography auction that she’d described. Thankfully Jumin kept his hand on her waist the entire time, guiding her through the crowd with their prying eyes and whispers. After the days in his home, she was comfortable with him and felt that they understood each other. However the quiet days of solitude had not prepared her at all for the world of Jumin Han. She kept flinching when she’d spot a dark shadow out of the corner of her eye, only to breathe a sigh of relief when it was a security guard preventing someone’s camera from getting too close. The security guards had seemed so much more human when they were guarding the door to the apartment and checking in on her. They were scarier now, quietly communicating with each other in their headsets and eyes covered by sunglasses. Huge black bodies that worked to separate her and Jumin from any perceived threats.
She tried not to flush when Jumin introduced her to people as his love. A few people approached them to offer congratulations. She let him do most of the talking to some of the fancier guests, but he was content to just stand by her and listen when she was talking with the more ordinary people. She’d downloaded LOL during her time at his house and so was able to talk with Yoosung’s guild about the newest item gacha. She’d watched clips online of Zens performances and collected recommendations of which of his performances she should watch the DVDs of first. Jumin’s hand had tightened a bit upon her during that particular conversation. It felt like the people she needed to speak to never ended, and she began to droop slightly against Jumin, gradually speaking less and less to each guest. She contented herself with watching him, never failing to be impressed with how he remained polite and engaged with every person who came up to speak with them, or how he seemed to know all of their names and businesses. He’d had an even busier day than she had, yet showed no signs of tiring.
“How long did it take you to get used to all this?” She asked near the end of the evening, finally getting a moment to sit down and ease the edge of her shoe. Of course since Jumin had chosen them, the fit was perfect and they weren’t rubbing. But it had been a long time on her feet.
“I don’t think I ever ‘got used to it’ as such, events such as this have just always been a part of my life.”
“Then in 27 years then I’ll have the hang of it.” She groaned and he smiled
“I think you are doing a wonderful job.”
She grimaced, not quite believing him. He saw that she wasn’t convinced, and a small crease formed between his eyes
“I wouldn’t praise your if I wasn’t being genuine.” He assured her She knew this was true after watching how he spoke to Jaehee and about the other people he worked with, but she also couldn’t shake the feeling that he was slightly biased. She just smiled and leant against him, not wanting to try and force him to convince her now. The scale of everything they’d dealt with over the last week, in addition to how quickly the party had been organised was part of what was wearing her down. She felt her body relax at his touch as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Guests had been drifting out of the party for the last few hours and only a few stragglers remained. It started to really sink in that once the party ended, they’d both be going home alone. Amongst the stragglers, V’s mint green hair and Seven’s red stood out amongst the crowd. Seven still had his sad and serious expression but he still made a beeline towards her and Jumin. He forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Hey hey, let me know whenever you’re ready to shoot off.”
Her eyes flicked up to Jumin, who’d arranged his face into his perfect corporate mask.
“If you’d allow me to have the buildings address, then I could arrange taking Mi-Rae home personally. With my security guards, that would be the safest option.”
Seven was shaking his head before Jumin even finished his sentence
“V still says no about sharing the address. It’s safer for me to take her to the front door than it is for you to drop her somewhere around the corner, especially since your car stands out, so she’ll be easy to follow.”
“Your cars stand out far more than mine do.”
Seven pulled a set of keys out of his pocket, spinning them around his finger
“That’s why I’m using V’s car.” He smiled again at Mi-Rae “I’ll take you out for a ride in my babies another day.”
“Do we have to leave now?” She asked quietly. Jumin had an anxious look in his eyes that he was trying to conceal. She didn’t like the idea of him being alone and anxious in his penthouse tonight, she knew he wouldn’t be sleeping well.
“You can say your goodbyes and everything, but it’s best we leave separately from the rest of the members.” Seven said, and she nodded. She took Jumin’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze
“I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch.” She promised. He squeezed her hand back.
“I’ll collect you at 12. If you finish earlier, call me and I’ll be there.”
She nodded, then pulled herself up to her feet, lightly pulling him after her before turning to look at Seven
“I’ll just say goodnight to the rest of the members, then I’m ready to go.”
He nodded, still fiddling with V’s car keys “I’ll be here, come find me.”
Yoosung gave her a hug when they said goodbye, and they made a promise to meet for coffee at a café near his university. She asked Jaehee about when they could watch Zen’s dvds together and they pencilled in a date, Jumin promising not to make Jaehee work overtime that evening.
Zen went for a hug as well, but Jumin put his arm out to stop him. Mi-Rae pushed it to one side, giving him a look as she gave Zen a quick hug.
“If he ever does anything to make you uncomfortable, or tries to keep you prisoner again, call me. I don’t care how many security guards he has.” Zen muttered in her ear
“I’ll be fine” She reassured him, rolling her eyes “Thank you though, and make sure to let me know when tickets for your performance go on sale!”
They had to search for V to say goodbye. He was tucked off to the side of the hall, and he hung up his phone quickly when they called out to him.
“Mi-Rae, thank you so much for your help with organising the party. I’m sorry that I wasn’t around to help more.” He said, shaking her hand
“Thank you for welcoming me into the RFA and giving me the opportunity.” She said, then she added more quietly “And thank you again for your help the other day with Elizabeth.”
V smiled “Of course. I’m amazed by the transformation I’ve seen in Jumin this last week under your influence.”
“Hopefully we’ll be able to meet as a group under better circumstances next time.” Jumin said “It’s been too long, V, since we last properly spent time together.”
“It has, and I’m sorry about that. Unfortunately, as I had to cut my trip short this time, I am flying out again tomorrow. But when I return, we’ll meet and catch up.”
“You could join Mi-Rae and I for lunch tomorrow.” Jumin pressed, but V shook his head
“I’m afraid I’m flying out in the morning, and I can’t guarantee that I’ll have phone signal. I’ll call you as soon as I get back, and we can organise something then.”
V was still smiling, his eyes concealed behind his glasses, his emotions concealed behind a perfect mask. Jumin always seemed to drop pretences when talking to and about V, possibly one of the only people he wasn’t related to who had seen his true self. V’s rejections to meet were more than simply declining lunch, he was declining to let Jumin see behind his mask, refusing his help and friendship at the same time. An unimpressed crease formed between Jumins eyes.
“You mean a lot to me V, and I value our friendship greatly. I can’t deny that I’m concerned that you are planning on leaving again while Mi-Rae is staying in Rika’s apartment. Shouldn’t you ensure that you’re accessible at least until it’s empty?” Jumin said
“Luciel already knows everything about the contents of the apartment, and he understands the security system better than I do. I’ve still never set foot in there. If Mi-Rae has any questions or concerns, he’ll be able to respond far more quickly than I can.” V replied
“I was there last night and everything was fine. There’s nothing to worry about.” She said quietly. Jumin did not acknowledge that he’d heard her.
“I’m worried about you V. I’m worried that you won’t seek treatment for your eyes, and I’m worried that your secrets are escalating beyond your control. I have been very concerned to see how Luciel has been acting since he returned with Yoosung…”
“I’ve already discussed Luciel’s…picnic…with him.” V interrupted “That situation is under control.”
“I’m merely saying V, that as much as I care about you, if I continue to feel that your secrets are putting the safety and wellbeing of Mi-Rae, or anyone else in the RFA at risk, then I will be forced to take action of my own.”
The two were caught in a stand off for a moment
“I’m glad to know that I can continue to rely upon you to take care of everyone even when I’m not around.” V said with a smile “Thank you, and I’m sorry for causing you and the other members so much anxiety. I’ll try and explain as much as I can when I get back.”
They stood in an another uncomfortable silence
“We should probably go back and find Seven…” Mi-Rae said “It was lovely to see you V, I hope we can meet again soon.”
“As do I”
She lead Jumin away. She’d been ready to head straight for Seven, but he guided her to the side, placing both his hands upon her shoulders. She looked up at him, the anxiety in his dark eyes as he began to spiral. She leant up on her toes and kissed him quickly
“I’ll call you if anything seems wrong, even if it means I have to reveal the apartments address.” She promised “But nothing is going to happen.”
“I wish that I could ensure that you were 100% safe, that everything was taken care of. There are still too many unknowns…” He sighed. She took his head in her hands, guiding his face down
“I love you.” She said. She saw how he relaxed slightly, leant a little bit more against her touch
“I love you.” He repeated.
“I’ll call you tonight, and tomorrow morning. You’re picking me up at 12, and I’ll call you if I’m able to leave earlier. Seven will drop me off at the door, and he’ll be keeping an eye on everything.” She made sure he was looking directly into her eyes “I’m not going to disappear.”
“It feels wrong that you always seem to be the one reassuring me. I want to be the one taking care of you.”
“I like taking care of you as well. That’s part of what being a couple is, looking after each other.”
He smiled, before leaning in and kissing her. She closed her eyes and let him lead, parting her lips and just focusing upon him. She could taste the white wine he’d been drinking earlier, an almost floral citrus flavour. Both their heads turned to the side, arms wrapped around each other. His hair was thick and soft. He was so firm and stable, yet soft and cautious. She peeked a glance at him from under her eyelashes and saw that he’d opened his own eyes to look at her. Ensure that she was enjoying their kiss as much as he was. Suddenly shy she broke it off and pulled herself as close to him as she could, arms wrapped around him as tightly as she could managed. Breathing in his scent as she hid her face in his chest. He held her as well, reasting his head upon hers. A part of her was embarrassed that she already felt so dependent upon him, so reluctant to leave him for even a few hours. The idea of him alone with Elizabeth tonight, worrying about her, made her chest tighten. It had only been a few days, yet nothing had ever felt like this.
“We probably shouldn’t keep Seven waiting much longer.” She muttered into his chest
“Probably not.” He sighed, placing another kiss on top of her head, and gently easing her arms off from around him, wrapping his own arm around her waist to pull her closely into his side again. She just seemed to fit there in where she’d never fitted anywhere before. Two halves who together formed a whole. They slowly drifted over to Seven. He’d been staring off into space but when he spotted them strolled over casually. Jumin reluctantly released her waist, his hand lingering for a moment as he gently pushed her towards Seven.
“I’m trusting you to make sure she gets home safely, and remains safe tonight.” He said seriously, looking Seven in the eye
“I won’t let anything happen to her.” Seven promised seriously, more serious than she’d ever seen him. Jumin replied simply with a nod.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mi-Rae promised again
“You’ll be in my thoughts always.” Jumin replied.