𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 | JUNGKOOK

83. Fashion Flair

Alba's POV

The café buzzed with laughter and conversation, the warm glow of hanging lights casting a soft, intimate atmosphere over the group. You sat at the table with Taehyung beside you, his laughter ringing out as he recounted a particularly ridiculous story about the time he and Jimin had gotten lost in Paris. Mina and Namjoon sat across from you, engaged in a playful argument over who was worse at navigating foreign cities. Jin was at the head of the table, playing the charming host, his jokes eliciting groans and giggles in equal measure. Suga and J-Hope were deep in conversation with a few of your team members from the fashion department.

For the first time in what felt like ages, you allowed yourself to relax, to bask in the collective joy. The proposal had finally been accepted, and you could see the relief mirrored in everyone's expressions. Claire's notoriously high standards had been met, and the tension that had hung over the office for weeks had lifted. You had done it. You had all done it.

Taehyung's hand rested casually on your shoulder, his thumb idly tracing patterns as he leaned in closer. "Remember that time we almost got kicked out of the Louvre because Jimin tried to recreate that stupid statue pose?" he murmured, his warm breath brushing against your ear. You couldn't help but laugh. It was bittersweet, recalling those carefree days with Jimin, but sharing the memories with Taehyung made it easier to bear.

"Yeah, you thought the security guard was going to have a heart attack," you chuckled, shaking your head, he had told you this story countless times. "Jimin really knew how to make an impression."

He nodded, his smile tinged with a hint of sadness. "He still does," he said softly, and you knew he was thinking of the same social media posts you had seen, Jimin with beautiful models, actors, always surrounded by a glamorous crowd that seemed worlds away from your life.

You and Taehyung had grown close in the wake of Jimin's departure. His absence had left a void in both your lives, but together, you found solace in the shared memories, the lingering connection to someone who still meant so much, despite the distance. Taehyung still kept in touch with Jimin, their friendship steady even across the miles. You, on the other hand, had watched from afar, your connection limited to the occasional glimpse of his life through a glowing screen. He was still there, but just out of reach, like a faded photograph that you couldn't quite bring yourself to put away.

Taehyung's laughter pulled you back to the present, and you joined in, letting the warmth of the moment fill the spaces that Jimin's absence had left behind. You were grateful for Taehyung, for his unwavering presence and the way he seemed to understand your quiet moments without you having to explain.

Just as you were about to make a snarky comment about Namjoon's sense of direction, when you spotted movement out of the corner of your eye. Your laughter faded as you turned, your gaze landing on Jungkook, making his way toward your table. He cut through the crowd with purpose, his expression carefully neutral. Jin had mentioned earlier that Jungkook had another meeting, a convenient excuse that had seemed all too fitting given the events of the morning.

You stiffened slightly, feeling Taehyung's arm tighten around your shoulders as if he sensed your unease. Jungkook's gaze lingered, dark and unreadable, as he took in the sight of Taehyung's hand resting comfortably on you. He didn't look angry, exactly, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that made your skin prickle with awareness.

Taehyung leaned in closer, his voice low as he spoke into your ear, "Looks like someone decided to show up after all." His tone was light, but you could hear the undercurrent of protectiveness. He had seen how hard you had worked to keep your distance from Jungkook. He had your back, and in that moment, you were grateful for his quiet solidarity.