mafia's promise

72

"Business keeps me occupied," Namjoon explained. "I don't go to many social events unless it's important."

A half-truth. The real reason? He avoided places where enemies might be... because it wasn't safe for jin.

But now? Here with Rose... maybe attending more would help his mission.

Rose nodded, understanding.

Of course-Namjoon was a mafia king. His time was spent making deals, handling power struggles... not attending ballrooms for fun.

She took another careful sip of whiskey, her fingers wrapping around the glass.

"...I understand," she said softly. "But it's nice seeing you here."

The compliment slipped out-gentle and sincere. Not flirty or bold... just honest admiration from someone who had liked him in silence for years.**

Namjoon's gaze softened-just a fraction.

He didn't reply with some smooth line or flirtatious comment. Just... a quiet, appreciative glance at her.

A small acknowledgment.

Then, without thinking too hard-he lifted his glass slightly toward her in a mini toast:
"To seeing each other more often."

It wasn't romantic. Nor deep. But the first real gesture of connection he'd ever made with Rose.

Rose's eyes widened slightly---he toasted to seeing her more?

That was... unbelievable.

But she hold herself together, not wanting to be appear as an loveseek teenage girl infront of namjoon.

She quickly lifted her glass too, clinking it gently against his.

Her heart raced. Was this the beginning of something? Would Namjoon actually start showing up at these events now... just for her?

"Maybe we can go to the next one together," she dared, voice hopeful but careful-not pushing too hard.

Namjoon didn't say no-which obviously was basically a yes for her.

He took another sip of whiskey, considering her words.

Attending the next event with Rose? Not impossible. In fact... it could be useful for his mission: more time to build trust, get close to her family's inner circle.

So he nodded once-firm but not cold:
"Sure."

Just a single word. But meaningful coming from a man like Namjoon.

There was a long moment of silence, as namjoon and rose continued to talk about small things.

But it didn't last long.....

The room's atmosphere shifted instantly, when the main door opened again, and ji-hyun walked inside the room,

A few eyes turned towards the grand entrance-where Ji-hyun stood, her face cold as ice, blood staining the sleeves of her white tailored suit, which clung to her figure just right.

Two guards flanked her-not protective... but like enforcers. Like she was a threat.

And maybe she was......

But only for her enemies.

A murmur rose through the crowd. Whispers: "Ji-hyun? Here?" "Is that blood?" "What happened?"

Namjoon froze-his body tensing on pure instinct.
Seeing the blood painting his sister's clothes.

Jin was still dancing with Jimin-surrounded by music, laughter, and the sway of other couples.