A Taste Of Midnight

12

Seokjin reclined luxuriously in his private spa room, his face covered in a rich, mineral-infused mud mask that he and Jimin were indulging in together. He leaned back, letting out a contented sigh as the cooling sensation settled over his skin, a rare moment of relaxation in his otherwise calculated existence.

Jimin, seated beside him with a matching mud mask, was flicking through a magazine, attempting to distract himself from his usual duties. But then, a sudden movement caught his eye. He glanced up and immediately froze, his eyes widening in shock.

There, coiled elegantly on the floor beside Seokjin's lounge chair, was the massive black mamba. Odeng had returned.

"Wh-What... Odeng?!" Jimin stammered, nearly dropping his magazine. He shifted nervously, his discomfort with the snake surfacing as he watched Odeng settle down, his dark eyes locked onto Seokjin with that familiar, piercing gaze.

Seokjin opened his eyes, a lazy smile tugging at his lips as he gazed at his pet. "Ah, Odeng," he murmured, reaching out to pat the top of the snake's head with a familiarity that sent a chill down Jimin's spine. "It's about time. Two weeks-following someone must have kept you busy."

Odeng lifted his head slightly, his eyes glinting with an intelligent light as Seokjin's expression turned thoughtful. The vampire closed his eyes, allowing himself to tap into the snake's mind, connecting to the impressions and memories Odeng had gathered over the past two weeks.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across Seokjin's face as he read the news telepathically. He could sense Jungkook's reaction to each encounter-the fear, the curiosity, the eventual boldness that had led him to confront the snake head-on. Jungkook's determination and fearlessness had left a distinct impression, and Seokjin could almost feel the pulse of excitement Jungkook had experienced in those moments, the thrill of the unknown pulling him closer.

He chuckled softly, his voice a low murmur of amusement. "So, Jungkook is more interesting than I'd expected. Seems he's as daring as I'd hoped."

Jimin looked between Seokjin and Odeng, a mixture of confusion and exasperation on his face. "Are you telling me Odeng was out there following that man? For two weeks?"

Seokjin glanced over, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, don't look so appalled, Jimin. It's been rather productive. Jungkook's curiosity has been stirred, and he's taken the bait exactly as I'd intended. I dare say he's quite ready for the next step."

Jimin frowned, his wariness evident. "I don't know if that's a good idea, Seokjin. He's already starting to look into you, even before Odeng began trailing him. And now... if he finds out more, if he digs any deeper..."

Seokjin waved a hand dismissively, his confidence unshaken. "Let him dig. What he'll find will only intrigue him further. Humans have a penchant for chasing what they can't have, for seeking answers to questions they should never ask. And Jungkook? He's no different."

Odeng, as if in agreement, coiled himself around Seokjin's arm, his dark scales glistening as he settled contentedly. Seokjin stroked his pet's head with a gentle touch, feeling the satisfaction of a plan well underway. Jungkook was daring, indeed-a trait Seokjin admired, and one that added a delicious edge to the unfolding game.

As Seokjin settled back, a chuckle escaped him. "Soon enough, he'll come looking for me, Jimin. And when he does, we'll give him the welcome he's been asking for."

Jimin sighed, casting one last wary look at Odeng. "Just... be careful, Seokjin. Jungkook may be human, but he's not someone to be underestimated."

Seokjin's eyes glinted with anticipation, his voice a low, dangerous whisper. "Oh, I know. That's what makes this so enjoyable."

Seokjin was reclining in his parlor, idly flipping through a leather-bound book, when he heard footsteps echoing down the marble hallway. He glanced up, mildly intrigued, just as Namjoon appeared in the doorway, holding a small folder and wearing his usual composed expression.

"Ah, Namjoon," Seokjin greeted, setting his book aside. "To what do I owe this visit?"

Namjoon offered a polite bow before stepping further into the room, his hands deftly opening the folder he held. "I wanted to update you on the preparations for Kim Heritage Corp's 100th anniversary celebration."

Seokjin's eyes lit up with faint interest as Namjoon continued. "The event will be held at the Heritage Grand Hall in the city, as planned. We've decided on a masquerade theme, a tribute to the elegance and secrecy the company has upheld for a century. There will be guests from all over Asia-industry leaders, public figures, and the elite... and of course, our investors."

Namjoon's gaze shifted subtly, a flicker of something hesitant in his eyes. "That includes Jeon Jungkook."

Seokjin's mouth curved into a smile, a glint of amusement in his gaze. "A masquerade, you say?" He leaned back, his fingers steepled thoughtfully. "I must say, that adds a certain... thrill to the evening."

Namjoon nodded, though he seemed wary. "Yes. We've kept the guest list selective and, as requested, your name won't be disclosed. Only the public face of the company, myself, will be acknowledged openly."

"Perfect," Seokjin replied smoothly, his mind already racing with possibilities. The idea of a masquerade was almost too perfect. A gathering of masked faces, anonymity concealed behind silks and mystery... It would be the ideal opportunity to test Jungkook's resolve, to see if he could sense him in a crowd, find him without knowing what he truly sought.

As if reading his thoughts, Namjoon cleared his throat. "You intend to attend in person, then?"

Seokjin's smile widened, a touch of mischief glinting in his eyes. "Oh, absolutely. I wouldn't miss it." He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he spoke, his voice low and laced with intrigue. "I think this masquerade will be the perfect setting for a little game between myself and Jungkook. I'll give him a chance to find me, if he can... though he'll have to work for it."

Namjoon's expression remained neutral, though Seokjin sensed a flicker of concern beneath the surface. "And if he does find you?" he asked carefully.

"Then he'll have proven himself more than just a curious human," Seokjin replied, his voice soft, almost contemplative. "He'll have earned a glimpse into my world. After all, one doesn't chase the unknown without expecting to meet it face to face eventually."

Namjoon's gaze remained steady, though his jaw tightened slightly. "Are you sure this is wise, Seokjin? Jungkook has been more persistent than most, and you've already caught his interest. This game could lead him closer to answers than you intend."

"Precisely why I'm intrigued, Namjoon." Seokjin's smile softened, though the edge of danger in his eyes remained. "If he manages to find me at the masquerade, he'll be deserving of the discovery. And if he doesn't... well, he'll spend the evening haunted by a mystery he can't solve."

Namjoon hesitated, then sighed, nodding in reluctant acceptance. "I'll ensure all preparations are ready by the evening. The guests will arrive promptly at eight, and the venue will be secured. No one will know of your attendance except me."

Seokjin inclined his head. "Excellent. Make sure Jungkook's invitation is enticing enough to keep his curiosity piqued. I want him to feel the pull of this mystery."

Namjoon nodded, though his gaze lingered on Seokjin with a mixture of loyalty and quiet unease. "Very well. I'll take care of the arrangements."

As Namjoon departed, Seokjin's smile lingered. He could already imagine the evening's allure-the flickering candlelight, the whispered conversations hidden behind delicate masks, the tension in the air as Jungkook searched for him in a sea of strangers. It would be a game of shadows and secrets, and Seokjin, hidden in plain sight, would savor every moment of it.

In a final act of preparation, he glanced over at his reflection in a nearby mirror, considering the mask he'd wear for the occasion. After all, if Jungkook truly sought him, then this masquerade would be the ultimate test of his resolve-and the beginning of a game Seokjin knew he would enjoy far more than his young pursuer could ever anticipate.