His Bodyguard || K.TH.

28. New Future

The event is held in the luxurious hall near the back of the Blue House, wide space filled with polite chatter and masked smiles that don't crack when they're far too practiced. 

Each person displays a surface level perfection, mute laughter filled with small talk as glasses of champagne are passed around, waiters and waitresses weaving in and out of groups of people.

But then it's broken with obnoxious laughter coming from the corner.

In the midst of the bustle, you're holding your palm against your mouth, trying to muffle your own giggling sounds. Jimin's in a similar state, teeth sinking into his bottom lip to prevent more people from looking over. 

Jungkook rolls his eyes, but his grin is still spreading into his face. "God, can you not try to make such shitty jokes? It really makes you uncool and this event's supposed to be for you."

"Aw... Lighten up, Kook." Jin grins. "It's not every day we get to drink champagne in my honor."

It's the first time you don't have to keep yourself alert. Your arms aren't behind your back. You're not standing straight and looking forward with an impassive expression. There's no need to pretend you're a stone statue or that you're part of the wallpaper or decoration. 

It's freeing to actually be part of the crowd, to be invited and not blurred in the background to observe others. 

"Yeah, but it's every day that I have to hear you try bad jokes. Should've never given you that joke book."

"Please. I think I've discovered a great skill in comedy." He motions to him with his flute of bubbling champagne. "When it's your turn to get a promotion, I'll let you make the rules."

"That's a done deal. But it might take a while."

"Okay, but what does that badge and certificate even mean, Jin?" you pipe up and point out, asking the question everyone's been meaning to ask. "What does the promotion exactly entail?"

"Well, it's a pay raise and now I got bigger teams to manage, more of them too, chickpea."

"So we're gonna see you less in the field?" Jimin inquires. 

"I mean, I'll still be around. But maybe less."

Taehyung grins. "You're going for Y/n's dad's job, huh?"

"Maybe." Seokjin shrugs playfully despite you knowing that it's what your dad already intends.

Seokjin is the groomed successor and a good one at that. The event was held to congratulate him and solely him after all. 

After so many years of working hard, he deserves every bit of recognition. Everyone had to admit it, even both Jungkook and Taehyung who were a bit petty in their jealousy.

Sooner or later, Jin will take your dad's job when the old man retires and Jungkook will be promoted to Seokjin's current position. 

As for Jimin, you're sure he'll climb the ladder too, find a place especially made for him. He has the best temperament of all of you and he's the most pleasant. You're not worried about any of them. You're excited for their prospects.

All of them continue to banter and bicker with one another, disregarding the strange looks from people eavesdropping and nearly causing your temples to start throbbing.