𝓑𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 (𝓙𝓲𝓴𝓸𝓸𝓴)✔

chapter 38

Author's POV

The grand ballroom of the luxurious hotel was a sight to behold, bathed in the warm glow of golden chandeliers that sparkled like stars, casting soft shadows across the faces of the guests below. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation, a perfect blend of celebration and sophistication. Tonight was special—Open Text Corporation’s 25th anniversary, an event that had everyone talking for weeks, and the atmosphere reflected it.

The guests, elegantly dressed in stunning gowns and sharp tuxedos, moved gracefully through the room, their voices blending with the delicate clinking of champagne glasses. The orchestra in the corner played a melody so smooth it felt like a dream, every note weaving through the air, adding to the sense of magic. The tables, adorned with delicate flowers and shimmering gold accents, framed a large dance floor that seemed to beckon with its quiet allure. Couples swayed together to the gentle rhythm, lost in the music and the beauty of the night.

As the doors opened, two figures entered, and instantly, the room seemed to hold its breath. Jungkook stepped forward, his presence magnetic. He wore a black tuxedo, its sharp lines perfectly tailored to his form, and every eye was drawn to him as if the room itself had been waiting for his arrival. His features were striking—dark eyes, a jawline so defined it seemed carved from stone. The confident ease in his stride made it clear he was a man accustomed to attention. But what stood out most was the way he moved, his every gesture purposeful and composed, as if nothing could shake him.

Beside him, Jimin walked with a quiet grace, his emerald-green suit hugging his frame perfectly, the color rich and deep, making his skin glow in the soft lighting. There was something ethereal about him, a delicate beauty that contrasted with Jungkook’s more commanding presence. His eyes, wide with awe as he scanned the room, softened the atmosphere around him. A soft, almost shy smile played on his lips, and there was an undeniable charm in the way he carried himself. Together, they looked like a dream come to life, effortlessly stealing the spotlight without even trying.

The two moved in perfect sync, each step an unspoken conversation between them. There was a connection between them so palpable that it seemed to alter the very air they breathed. As they walked, the crowd parted for them without a second thought, as if instinctively aware of the bond they shared. The room was no longer just a ballroom—it was their stage, their world for the evening.

Jimin’s gaze drifted over the grand space, his eyes wide in wonder as he whispered, “This place is incredible.” His voice, soft yet full of genuine admiration, barely rose above the hum of conversation, but it held a note of awe that was impossible to ignore.

Jungkook glanced at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. His eyes, filled with an emotion Jimin couldn’t quite place, softened as they met his. “It is,” Jungkook said quietly. “But stay close. These events can get overwhelming.”

Jimin nodded, his hand brushing lightly against Jungkook’s arm as they moved further into the ballroom. The touch, subtle and tender, sent a ripple of warmth through Jimin’s chest. It was comforting, the simple act of being near him, yet Jimin couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach—the unease that gnawed at him despite the beauty around him. The soft clink of glasses and the hum of conversations faded in and out of his awareness as he followed Jungkook through the crowd.

As they exchanged polite greetings with a few familiar faces, Jimin’s heart raced. He put on a mask of politeness, smiling when expected, nodding along to the conversations. But in his mind, a storm was brewing. The night, despite its elegant charm, felt like a carefully laid trap. There was tension, a subtle undercurrent that neither of them could ignore. It wasn’t just the crowd, the formality, or the occasion—it was something deeper, something personal. Something Jimin wasn’t quite ready to face.