Exes and Superher-o's

Epilogue

"Next question."

Namjoon wears his polite, no-nonsense smile which has become a familiar sight. Once you defeated ISA and exposed Operation Made, public condemnation was swift and strong. Multiple nations pulled their support from the super program to the point where nearly all agents and handlers were fired.

Namjoon was appointed head of ISA. It was a role he balked at, but eventually accepted because there was no one else. Privately, you feel he was made for the role. Most people who actively seek power shouldn't have it. Namjoon simply wants to do the right thing.

Since then, the weeks have been a blur of late nights, working sessions and a complete overhaul of the system. Every made super was freed when you stormed ISA, but the details which followed have been more difficult to hammer down.

Hence the weekly press calls Namjoon insists you hold.

"Hello. Dana Siphon, the City Herald." A tall woman with blunt bangs stands near the entrance. "Our readers want to know when you're opening the Academy again."

Namjoon nods at the question, although you suppress a scowl. After overturning the world authority on superheroes, you've had more pressing matters to address.

You suppose this is why Namjoon is in charge at these conferences, and not you.

"Thank you for your question," he says, sounding like he means it. "Our goal is to open the Academy as soon as possible, but to do so, we'll need experienced trainers. Newly appointed head of the Academy, Jeon Jungkook, is hard at work on this task."

At the other end of the table, Jungkook inclines his head.

His position as head of the Academy is temporary, but one of unanimous agreement. Personally, you've decided to step back from the superhero business. It's time to discover more about Y/N, the person and not Minutia, the super.

Until, of course, the world needs you again.

"Next question," says Namjoon, a bit firmer.

A man stands from his chair. "Rumor has it there's been pressure from various foreign powers to absorb the ISA into their national programs. Care to comment?"

Namjoon pauses and, after a moment, folds his hands on the table. Although you've taken a step back from saving the world, you did accept Namjoon's offer to join his council of advisors. The council is comprised of yourself, Seokjin, Hoseok and a few others. Katie represents all made supers and has developed quite a following in the outside world.

It's almost enough to make Roa jealous. Almost.

One of your most recent concerns is exactly what the reporter asks. Long before Operation Made began, other governments have tried – and failed – to create their own supers. Recent reports suggest several of them are close though, a fact your council finds extremely concerning.

"ISA will remain independent of foreign influence," Namjoon states. "We will continue to cooperate with other powers when necessary, of course, but it's essential our superheroes remain unbiased in order to support the world's population."

"Unbiased according to you," the reporter states before sitting.

A ripple of unease travels the room. Although somewhat petty, the reporter isn't wrong. The only reason you're holding these press conferences is because the entity before you made terrible decisions. Decisions which broke public trust in ISA.

Namjoon doesn't falter. "True," he allows. "We each have our own individual biases, but ISA needs to start somewhere. As always, we'll continue to seek input from our stakeholders and adjust our model as we go along. Next question."

"My question has to do with Operation Made." This comes from a reporter near the back. "Lately, there's been criticism that the disbandment of the program was too hasty. Our adversaries continue to grow stronger while we remain stagnant. Crime has been on the rise, and Operation Made could offer us an advantage."

The reporter pauses, allowing this to sink in.

Seokjin leans forward. "Do you have a question?"

Ducking your head, you hide a smile. If you've become more cautious through this experience, Seokjin has become the opposite. Staring the reporter down, he refuses to blink and eventually, the reporter is forced to look away.

Not that you blame him. Having been on the receiving end of that stare, it's nothing to laugh at.

"Uh, yes." The reporter coughs. "What are your plans for ISA moving forward?"

Before Namjoon can speak, you turn on your mic.

"I'll take this one," you say.

Namjoon nods and sits back.

Every eye in the ballroom moves to you, close to one hundred reporters gathered in one space. Not too long ago, the sight would have paralyzed you but now, you know there are worse things than public speaking. Kind of.

Beneath the table, Seokjin takes your hand.

"Part of the briefing materials you received includes a full report on the future of ISA,'" you say, focusing on the reporter. "But those are just words, I know. Your trust in this agency has been broken, and rightly so. All we can do is work to rebuild that trust, step by step. You ask how we'll stay ahead of our adversaries? We'll do it because we must, and because we're the only ones who can. What we won't do," you say, your expression hardening, "is protect some people at the cost of others. We'll work to rebuild ISA, and hope that one day, you'll be proud to call us your protectors. Until then, we'll keep trying."

A lone person claps at the back of the room – probably Jimin, or maybe Yugyeom – as you sit back in your chair. Namjoon smiles proudly, turning to face the crowd.

"And with that," he says. "This press conference is adjourned. Feel free to join us next week for more questions – coffee and pastries are served in the adjourning room."

The room breaks, dissolving into easy conversation as reports stand to stretch their legs. Despite the questions, the atmosphere is different than what it was at ISA. Namjoon's changes have been subtle, but solid. You're certain that eventually, he'll put things right.

"You ready to go?"

Turning around, you find Seokjin waiting and smile.

Gathering your papers, you nod and follow him out. Exiting through the back, you wave goodbye to Jungkook, who chats at the water with Zephyr. With supreme effort, you suppress your need to comment. Jungkook and Zephyr have been spending an awful lot of time together lately, although Jungkook insists things between them are only business.

Exiting the facility, you squint in sunlight. Pulling out sunglasses, you slide them on and find Seokjin waiting with open arms.

"Hell no," you say, automatic.

"Come on," Seokjin laughs, glancing up at the sky. "Flying is the fastest way, Y/N! Do you really want to sit through traffic again?"

You attempt to walk past. "Yes. That'd be far preferrable to the last time we flew, and you decided to do loop-the-loops."

Grabbing you by the wrist, Seokjin pulls you closer. Swallowing your protest, you glance up and forget your train of thought. Soft, dark hair falls across his forehead, making your stomach do funny flips.

Trying to keep your voice steady, you tilt your chin up. "Yes?"

Seokjin smirks. "Fly with me," he says in a low, velvet voice which caresses your spine. "I promise to make it worth your while."

His words, coupled with that tone of voice, make you shiver. Utterly helpless against such devious tactics, you reluctantly nod.

"Fine," you say, arms wrapping around his waist. "But you owe me."

Laughing softly, he presses a kiss to your hair.

"Always," Seokjin says, and shoots into the sky.

And like that, the whole world at your feet, he flies you into the sunset.