Jimin: Hyung! We miss you!
Seokjin: Jimin-ah, hyung miss you guys too...
Jimin: Its been too long. When is Hyung's next vacation?
Seokjin: Hmmm... Hyung training the new batch right now. So it will be next 6 weeks?
Jimin: Great! Let's plan for a meet up! I'll ask the rest to take one of the day off!
Seokjin: Hahas. Jimin-ah, no need to ask the guys to take leave. We'll meet whoever that is free...
Jimin: Hyung, I miss all of us.
Seokjin: Yah! How dare you said that, when you're outside! Hahas. You guys can meet up on your own.
Jimin: Hyung! Not the same without you. Fine. How's life over there? Are you doing good Hyung?
Seokjin: Its tiring going through blind dates in batches every six weeks.
Jimin: Hahahs! Hyung!!! Stop making me laugh!
Seokjin: Time's up. Jimin-ah. Send my virtual hugs to everyone!
Six weeks painstakingly went by, and Seokjin is on his way to meet with his members. Jimin was already there with Taehyung, Yoongi and Hoseok waving and calling up his name the moment he entered. While they get too engrossed catching up, and feeling up Seokjin's new build muscle, they all turn after hearing slight commotion from the corner. Seokjin smiles as he looked at Namjoon, who is now apologising for the accidental bump.
Seokjin: One of you guys really need to enlist with Namjoon. I'm genuinely worried for him. He is too smart for his own good.
Namjoon: Hyung! You're back! For now at least!
Taehyung: Joon-hyung, I thought you're coming with JK?
Namjoon: Last minute he can't make it. But he told me to invite you guys for his upcoming listening party.
Yoongi: When is it?
Namjoon: Tentatively in 2 months time?
Hoseok: Finally he is releasing his new album. Shucks! I don't think I can make it though, I'm enlisting soon.
Yoongi: Me too. Hobi-ah, let's plan to find a day to meet JK.
Jimin: Jin-hyung, you can make it?
Seokjin: Hmmm... I'll see if I can take leave.
Namjoon: Great!! So Hyung, how's your blind date going? I need inspiration!
Seokjin: You better put me on credit!
Everyone in the team knows about their break-up. The members, however, had the impression it was a mutual separation. With how the two, was able to get along and Seokjin being his usual self of joking around with the others, no one thought it was an issue.
Seokjin, felt the enlistment helps in masking their relationship. Its difficult for others to detect any animosity or awkwardness as there has never an opportunity for them to observe, as they rarely meet up now that they are in Chapter 2 phase, also its long known of Jungkook's lack of response in group chat. So technically, the two have never been in touch be it online or offline for quite a while.
Seokjin looks at the mirror, inspecting his outfit for his attendance to Jungkook's pre-listening party. He took time to dress up and styled his hair. Though he was pleased by his outlook, his nerve is getting on him.
Jimin: Hyung! You look great!!!
Taehyung: Hyung you're the definition of true brotherhood! Can't believe you took leave for today!
Seokjin: Hello? I took time off for Hobi's enlistment!
Namjoon: Sadly Hoseok and Yoongi-hyung couldn't make it. Else we could've gotten another group photo!
Jimin: We'll make do with whoever around. Hyung how long are you taking leave this time?
Seokjin: Just today and tomorrow.
Taehyung: Jin-hyung have you met JK? He was here briefly before he got dragged to meet the others.
Seokjin: I saw him from afar. I think he saw me, since he waved back at me? Its okay, when the crowd died down, I'll go over. Anyway you guys can go ahead and interact with others. Not necessarily have to stick with me.
Jimin: Will you be okay though? I know you're too introvert.
Seokjin: Hey, I'll figure it out. Now, excuse me, I'm heading to the buffet side. Am hungry.
Namjoon: Okay Hyung. Do call us over if you feel awkward!
Seokjin: Yah! I've trained many soldiers! What's another batch of new people!
Taehyung: Fine. In case you're bored, attack of titan just came out Hyung!
The members knows Seokjin well enough. He's at a corner, again, like Hobi's listening party and instead of taking Taehyung's recommendation, he read Jujutsu Kaisen on his mobile phone.
???: Hey, why are you hiding here alone?
Seokjin: Hi... Its kinda loud out there, just want a quiet space for awhile. Sorry, I didn't catch your name.
Ian: I'm Ian, from DPR. You're Jin right?
Seokjin: Yes. Sorry, don't get offended. I'm very bad with this. Trust me, I don't really know 90% of the people here.
Ian: Its okay. I came here cause I got curious. You seem engrossed with what's you're reading on your phone.
Seokjin: Oh. I've been reading Jujutsu Kaisen. Since I'm on leave from army, I'm trying to speed read all the recent episodes.
Ian: You're such a nerd.
Seokjin: I'll take that as a compliment.
Ian: You're funny. How long more are you going to stay here?
Seokjin: Till the party ends? Or at least after I've met Jungkook? He's been busy.
Ian: Why not we go meet Jungkook together, then after that we can go back together?
Seokjin: Together?
Ian: Well, this is not my kinda scene. So, it's rather awkward being here.
Seokjin: Sure, why not. Let me adjust my clothes, then we can go.
The two head back in to the function room. Well, the party was still going strong, despite it being 1am. They managed to spot Jungkook who was seen with his 97s buddy, and squeeze through the crowd to meet him.
Ian was expecting for Seokjin to just barge in and catch Jungkook's attention. But that didn't happen. Ian can see Seokjin's contemplation, as though he was rehearsing on how to approach Jungkook, his own teammate.
Ian: Hey bro! Thanks for the invite. Fyi the songs are lit. Its going to be a big hit!
Jungkook: Hyung! Hopefully so! You came alone today?
Ian: Yeah the rest can't make it. Thankfully Jin is here to accompany me.
Jungkook: Jin?
Seokjin (appeared from behind): Erm... Hi JK! 👋
