𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 | JUNGKOOK

69. The Dinner

Alba's POV

The car pulled up outside an exclusive-looking hotel, valet attendants in sharp uniforms waiting to greet the guests. Jimin stepped out, opening your door and offering you his hand to help you out of the car. As you emerged, you couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious about the upscale surroundings and the elegantly dressed people entering the hotel. Jimin's hand was warm around yours, grounding you as he led you up the steps towards the entrance.

The hotel lobby was grand and opulent, a massive crystal chandelier illuminating the space, and potted plants in the corners adding a touch of vibrancy. People in suits and eveningwear mingled in small clusters.

You noticed a few people glance in your direction as Jimin guided you through the lobby, and a part of you wondered if they were wondering who you were. He led you towards a pair of elegant double doors, through which faint music and hushed conversation could be heard.

"Ready?" he asked, pushing open the doors to reveal the beyond.

You stepped into the large dining room , your breath caught in your throat. The space was vast, white walls adorned with numerous tables, in soft, white lighting. A small crowd was already gathered, sipping champagne and talking. As you looked up to take in the grandeur of the space, you caught sight of Taehyung's paintings, arranged in a semi-circular formation on the far wall.

Jimin guided you through the maze of tables, the clinking of glasses and low murmur of conversation providing a fitting atmosphere. He led you to a large table in the centre and you took a seat, as you reached you saw some familiar faces already sitting there while some unfamiliar faces. Jimin leaned in close to your ear as he pulled out your chair. "Just act natural." he whispered. As he took the seat next to you, his arm resting casually along the back of your chair.

You settled into your seat, glancing around at the people gathered at the table. To your right, sitting beside the grand chair at the head, was Namjoon, deeply engrossed in conversation with J-hope. They were so focused that they didn't even notice you had arrived. Beside Namjoon sat Jin, who caught your eye and offered a sweet welcoming smile, and next to him was a blonde woman you hadn't met before. Further down, Suga sat between two other women, and on the right side of the crown chair was Kai, the man who had asked for your assistance during his party in the suite. Next to Kai was another unfamiliar man, followed by Taehyung, and then Jimin beside you. The chair on your other side remained empty, its vacancy somehow making you feel more aware of your surroundings, on the other side was J-hope.

As they continued to chat and joke amongst themselves, you couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. Jimin seemed comfortable, fitting seamlessly into the conversation, as he interjected with a comment here and there or laughed at one of his friend's stories. You tried to join in where you could, but found yourself mostly listening, your mind somewhat elsewhere. The other guests at the table were engaging enough, but there was an undercurrent of familiarity amongst Jimin and his friends that you couldn't quite seem to break into.

A murmur went through the group as a figure pulled out the empty chair beside you, settling into it. You glanced up, mildly surprised, and found yourself face-to-face with Jungkook.

He looked different from the last night you saw him. Bruises marred his jaw, nose, and lips, hints of purple and blue standing stark against his skin. He was dressed in a dark suit, the look completed by an unbuttoned shirt and a casual tie. His hair was slightly messy, but it only added to the roguish charm that somehow made the bruises seem like a deliberate accessory rather than a recent altercation.

As he sat down, you noticed him glance at Jimin, who gave him a knowing look. A hint of a smile played at the corner of Jungkook's lips as he looked at you. "Sorry I'm late." he said, his voice deeper and more velveteen than you expected. Everyone chuckled, their reactions suggesting this wasn't the first time Jungkook had made such an entrance. It was clear that lateness, perhaps even arriving in less-than-perfect condition, was typical for him.