If This Isn't Love

67: JUNE 2023: Back to Square One

"I really don't want to go," Seokjin reiterated, perhaps for the fifth time, after Yoongi mentioned a business social scheduled for the weekend.

"Our clients really expect your presence," Yoongi said gently, his voice carrying a note of persuasion.

They sat in a cozy bar and grill near Yoongi's home. Seokjin had opted against meeting at the house, apprehensive about how Selina might react to him. He was acutely aware that he wasn't exactly on her good side after his separation from Luisa. He shook his head, trying to dispel the troubling thoughts. Although they were not living together, they were not legally separated either; they were still married. She was still his wife.

And he missed her terribly.

"How am I supposed to show up alone?" Seokjin grumbled, his gaze fixed on the ring on his finger. He contemplated whether he should take it off. As much as he wanted to be angry at Luisa for her lies about the baby, he couldn't maintain that anger. He loved her—deep down, he always would.

"Listen," Yoongi began, his tone firm yet understanding. "You can simply say your wife is visiting her family for the summer. That's just in case anyone asks. If no one does, then it's best to keep it under wraps. They know you're married, so you won't need to worry about any awkward assumptions. You just need to show up and be seen by the big clients. You won't even have to stay long." He paused, his expression serious. "You can't keep dodging social events just because Luisa isn't there."

"I know."

After a long pause, Yoongi cleared his throat. "So...when are you going back?"

Seokjin narrowed his eyes at him. "Why not ask when she's coming back?"

"Well, you're the one who left," Yoongi countered, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, and she's the one who got another apartment," Seokjin shot back defensively. "She probably thinks she's single now."

"No," Yoongi replied, shaking his head. "She doesn't. Just talk to her. Clear the air about everything that's still unresolved. I've heard from a reliable source that she loves you and is waiting for you to come back."

"Really?" Seokjin's dark eyes sparkled with newfound hope. Then he averted his eyes. "Yeah. Well, I guess I'll go, but I don't plan to spend more than two hours there."

Yoongi hid his smile at his friend's attempts to hide his feelings.

On Saturday, Yoongi and Selina left their home to attend a bustling business social.

"I asked Luisa to meet me there at 8:30," Selina said, a spark of excitement in her voice. "She's going to look incredible. If we can get her and Seokjin talking, everything will fall into place."

Yoongi nodded thoughtfully. "I hope I didn't make a mistake by inviting her tonight. I'm just not sure how Jin will respond."

"It'll be fine," Selina reassured him with a confident smile.

Upon arriving at the venue, Selina spotted Luisa waiting in the lobby of the opulent hotel. A wave of satisfaction washed over her; she was thrilled that Luisa had let her style her for the evening. Her friend looked stunning—dressed to the nines, she had never been more radiant. Seokjin wouldn't stand a chance against her charm.

"Are you sure about this?" Luisa asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice as she greeted them. "I don't want to be a third wheel." She cast a shy glance at Yoongi.

"No worries," Yoongi replied with a reassuring nod. "I'll be busy chatting with several music executives, so you can keep Selina company."

Selina reached out to smooth a strand of Luisa's chestnut hair. "It'll be a blast, I promise! When was the last time you got to dress up like this? Now let's head inside and see who's around." She linked her arm with Luisa's and gently guided her forward.