Man in Dreams

Standing Guard

As they moved into the dining hall, the atmosphere was filled with the pleasant hum of conversation and laughter. The dining hall was beautifully decorated, with tables laden with delicious food and drinks. Maya, still beaming from her award, found her seat among the BTS members.

Jiah followed closely behind, and Maya took the opportunity to introduce her. "Guys, this is Jiah," Maya announced, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "She's a reporter for the Seoul Korean Times and a dear friend."

The boys greeted Jiah warmly. "Nice to meet you, Jiah," Jin said, offering a friendly handshake.

"Welcome!" Jimin added with his trademark bright smile.

"Great to have you here," Hobi said enthusiastically.

As Jiah settled in next to Namjoon, he suddenly added, "Oh, by the way, Jiah and I are schoolmates. We just recalled it."

The room fell silent for a moment as the boys processed this information. Their eyes widened in surprise.

"Really?" Taehyung asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

"That's such a coincidence," Jungkook remarked, still looking a bit shocked.

Namjoon quickly regained his composure. "Yeah, we just realized it. Small world, right?" He gave a casual shrug, trying to downplay the significance.

The boys, still a bit stunned, quickly adapted and welcomed Jiah with happy faces. "Well, that makes it even better!" Jin said, raising his glass in a toast. "To new friends and old connections!"

As they clinked glasses and began to eat, Maya and Namjoon exchanged knowing smiles. Yoongi, ever observant, noticed the silent exchange and leaned closer to Maya. "What's going on with you two?" he asked quietly, his curiosity piqued.

Maya quickly winked at him, a playful glint in her eye. "Nothing you need to worry about," she teased, her smile widening.

Yoongi chuckled, shaking his head. "You're always full of surprises."

The conversation at the table flowed easily, with laughter and teasing filling the air. V and Jungkook shared stories about their latest antics, while Jin and Hobi kept everyone entertained with their jokes.

"So, Jiah," Jin said, turning his attention to her. "How did you end up in journalism?"

Jiah smiled, glancing at Namjoon before answering. "I've always loved writing and storytelling. Journalism felt like the perfect way to combine those passions and make a difference."

"That's amazing," Jimin said, clearly impressed. "We need more people like you out there."

Maya felt a surge of happiness as she watched her friends interact. The evening was turning out to be perfect, filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

The boys then turned their attention back to Maya, the award winner. "Maya, you looked amazing on stage," Taehyung said, grinning.

"Yeah, you totally owned it," Jungkook added.

"Thanks, guys," Maya said, blushing slightly.

Jiah, noticing Maya's saree, commented, "Maya, you look stunning in that saree. It suits you perfectly."

"Thank you, Jiah," Maya said, smiling warmly.

Just then, a crowd of people started gathering around BTS, wanting to congratulate them and take pictures. Realizing they were drawing too much attention, Maya and Jiah excused themselves to have a moment alone.

"Thank you for asking me to join you tonight," Jiah said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Maya smiled. "It's nothing, Jiah. I wanted to see you both happy," she said, glancing at Namjoon, who was talking happily with the people around him.