⤷MASQUERADE || Jeon Jk FF ♡

part; ⁰⁹

The moment the Godfather entered the hall, an aura of reverence and authority swept through the crowd, silencing all murmurs. Everyone present, from business magnates to government officials and top-tier celebrities, turned to face him, their postures straightening out of respect. The Godfather—a man in his mid-seventies, with a commanding presence and sharp, shrewd eyes that could still hold anyone captive—stood at the center of it all. He exuded power, his mere presence sending a ripple of tension through the room.

The consiglieri, an elderly gentleman with a calm demeanor and years of wisdom etched into his features, took his position at the podium. He tapped the microphone lightly, his gaze sweeping over the sea of people. When he spoke, his voice was low yet clear, carrying a weight that made everyone listen intently.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone respectful and measured. “Tonight, we celebrate not just a gathering of power and influence, but a legacy. A legacy built by the Godfather and carried forward by the next generation—the heirs of this grand empire.” He gestured to where the young heirs stood, and a murmur of appreciation fluttered through the crowd.

Y/N stood poised beside her father, her expression unreadable, her eyes devoid of any personal warmth yet holding a trace of acknowledgment. A silent communication passed between them—a wordless pact to maintain the mask of a united front. No one else in the room would ever guess the true nature of their relationship or the storm that simmered beneath the surface.

Her father’s gaze lingered on her for a second longer before they both turned to face the crowd, expressions impeccably neutral. Y/N acknowledged the polite greetings and admiring glances directed her way with a slight nod of her head. The men and women who approached her were a mixture of awe and admiration, but she responded with a detached grace that only heightened her allure.

To her left, Jungkook, dressed in an exquisitely tailored raven-black suit, stood like a statue—his face expressionless, his sharp jaw set in a firm line. His dark eyes were watchful, almost predatory, as he scanned the room with a silent, calculating gaze. Every line of his body spoke of restrained power, and the few people who dared approach him found themselves pinned under that icy stare.

Taehyung, on her other side, wore a charming smile that was carefully practiced, yet hollow. The red tuxedo he wore was striking, setting him apart, yet the mirth in his eyes didn’t reach the depths of his soul. He exchanged pleasantries with an ease that suggested he had mastered the art of small talk long ago, but there was no real sincerity behind it. He would laugh lightly at a joke, offer a disarming smile, and then move on, leaving the other person wondering if they had truly captured his attention.

Yoongi and Jaehyun stood a little apart, both more reserved, but their presence was no less formidable. Yoongi’s expression was serene, but his eyes held a sharpness that suggested he missed nothing. Jaehyun’s polite smile never wavered, but the slight narrowing of his gaze hinted at a sharp mind working behind the façade of congeniality.

The Godfather stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the gathered elite. A wave of silence followed in his wake as he took the microphone from his consiglieri.

“Good evening, everyone,” his voice, though aged, resonated with authority. “Tonight is a special night, not just because we are gathered here in celebration, but because we stand at the threshold of a new era.” He gestured toward the young heirs beside him, each one a pillar of the future that awaited them. “These are the faces of tomorrow. The men and women who will carry forth the legacy that I and my predecessors have built. They are not just heirs—they are the future.”

The crowd burst into applause, some nodding in agreement, others murmuring their approval.

“And so,” the Godfather continued, a faint smile on his lips, “I would like to take a moment to have the future stand beside me—for the world to see.” He turned to the photographer, gesturing for the photoshoot to commence.