⤷MASQUERADE || Jeon Jk FF ♡

part; ¹⁰

Jungkook stood tall amidst a group of high-profile businessmen, his demeanor poised and calculated. The dim lights of the grand hall reflected off the expensive fabric of his black tuxedo, enhancing the dark aura of power and mystery he exuded. His father, a man whose presence commanded respect and unease in equal measure, stood beside him, offering introductions with his usual authoritative tone.

"Mr. Choi," his father said, his voice even and composed, "meet my son, Jungkook. He's the one handling the overseas expansion. I'm sure you'll find his insights quite impressive."

Mr. Choi, a portly man with a salt-and-pepper beard and an impressive lineage of wealth and influence, extended his hand toward Jungkook with a polite smile. "Ah, I've heard quite a bit about you, Jungkook. It's a pleasure to finally meet. Your strategies have been a topic of discussion in many circles. You've made quite an impact in a short span."

Jungkook accepted the handshake, his grip firm but not overpowering. He offered a small, courteous smile-a practiced smile that hinted at polite acknowledgment but lacked genuine warmth. "Thank you, Mr. Choi. I've only been able to do so because of the foundation laid by my father. But I'm glad to hear that our work is being recognized."

One of the other men in the group, a silver-haired tycoon from Japan, leaned forward with a conspiratorial grin. "And I hear you've been making waves in the tech industry as well. Branching out into AI and automation-it's a bold move. But you seem like the kind of man who doesn't shy away from risks."

Jungkook's eyes flickered with a spark of something more-a hint of amusement or maybe a glint of ambition-as he inclined his head slightly. "Calculated risks, Mr. Takahashi. The markets are ever-changing, and I believe it's essential to stay ahead. Innovation is what drives progress, after all."

The men murmured in agreement, nodding their heads, clearly impressed with his words. The conversation flowed seamlessly from there, touching on market trends, investment strategies, and the volatile global economy. Jungkook navigated each topic with ease, his voice measured, his words articulate, presenting himself as a young but highly capable force to be reckoned with.

But then, mid-conversation, his attention shifted.

A flash of red caught the corner of his eye, drawing his gaze like a moth to a flame. It was instinctive-the way his eyes moved, seeking out the source, the way his focus sharpened, the way everything else seemed to momentarily blur into the background.

There, at the top of the grand staircase, stood Y/N.

Jungkook's breath hitched imperceptibly as he took in the sight before him. She was a vision in red, a stark contrast against the muted tones of the hall. Her shoulders, previously covered by the sleek red coat she had worn, were now bare. The crimson fabric of her strapless culotte hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her delicate frame and flowing gracefully down to her feet. The soft glow of the chandeliers above highlighted the smooth expanse of her skin-the porcelain-like fairness of her shoulders, the elegant slope of her neck, the sharp yet feminine cut of her collarbones.

Her hair, dark and cascading like an inky waterfall, framed her face and fell in loose waves, some strands brushing gently against her exposed skin. It provided a stark contrast to the red of her outfit, making her look even more ethereal. The minimalistic design of the culotte, coupled with the boldness of the color, spoke volumes about her confidence and defiance of conventions.

She moved with an easy grace, her gaze fixed straight ahead as if she owned the world she walked in. It was a walk that demanded attention, a presence that couldn't be ignored. Her eyes-cool, detached-swept over the crowd before momentarily locking with his.