A Taste Of Midnight

13

Seokjin leaned over Jimin's shoulder, watching with mild amusement as his assistant tapped furiously on his phone, scrolling through various search results. Though Seokjin was perfectly familiar with modern technology, he enjoyed observing Jimin's slightly overenthusiastic approach to every task. Today, they were on a mission: to find the perfect outfits for the 100th-anniversary celebration. And given the masquerade theme, it called for attire that was both striking and refined.

"Hmm... let's see," Jimin murmured, his brows furrowing as he examined the list of high-end boutiques. "We'll need something with... character. Something that'll suit your look. Ah, here's a promising one!"

Seokjin chuckled softly. "I'm sure anything will suit me, don't you think?"

Jimin shot him a look, suppressing a smile. "True, but we're aiming for something a little more unique. It's not every day we get to attend a masquerade as guests." He tapped on a boutique's profile, holding his phone up for Seokjin to see. "This one's exclusive, high-end. They specialize in custom pieces and have a fantastic selection of masks as well."

"Perfect," Seokjin replied, his eyes glinting with interest. "But let's make sure we get there after lunch. I don't intend on mingling with humans unnecessarily, especially with the sun out." He glanced toward the tall windows in the room, where sunlight poured in, casting a warm glow that felt entirely too harsh for his tastes.

Jimin nodded. "Right, the shop closes at 5 p.m., so we have time." He gave Seokjin a look of mild exasperation. "You're lucky I keep track of these things. It's not exactly easy to cover up in daylight."

Seokjin smirked, patting Jimin's shoulder. "That's why I keep you around, Jimin. Efficiency and a keen sense of timing." He walked over to a wardrobe, pulling out a long, tailored coat with a high collar, perfect for shielding himself from the sun's harsher rays. "Let's get ready, then. I'm curious to see what modern fashion has to offer."

By early afternoon, they were on their way to the boutique, both dressed in full-coverage attire. Seokjin wore a long coat and gloves, his face shadowed by a broad-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses that gave him an almost regal air. Jimin, similarly covered, walked at his side, casting wary glances toward the sky as they moved from shadow to shadow until reaching the entrance of the shop.

Inside, the boutique was quiet, elegant, and richly decorated, with racks of luxurious fabrics and glass cases displaying intricate masks. The dim lighting was a welcome relief, allowing both Seokjin and Jimin to shed their outer layers slightly as they stepped further inside, taking in the opulence surrounding them.

A shop assistant approached, her polite smile faltering for just a moment as she took in Seokjin's unusual elegance. "Good afternoon. How may I assist you both today?"

"We're looking for something... striking," Seokjin replied smoothly, his voice carrying a warmth that masked his true intentions. "It's for a masquerade, and we need to make quite the impression."

The assistant nodded eagerly, guiding them toward a display of suits in rich, dark colors-velvet, silk, and other materials that shimmered faintly under the light. Seokjin's gaze drifted over the fabrics, his fingers brushing over them with the faintest hint of approval.

"Something like this," he murmured, admiring a suit in deep midnight blue with an almost imperceptible sheen to it. He could already envision himself in the ensemble, hidden behind a mask that would add to the mystery he intended to cultivate at the event.

Jimin, meanwhile, was rifling through a selection of masks, each one more elaborate than the last. He held up a delicate, filigree mask in silver, examining the details closely. "What about this one?" he asked, glancing at Seokjin.