The A.I

Chapter 4

The party is in full swing when Taehyung arrives, even though he's only a few minutes late. The light reflects off the large chandeliers, crystals twinkling like diamonds. Bubby champagne flutes rimmed with gold circle the floor with D class servers dressed in snazzy black vests and plane black ties. Platters of beautifully plated appetizers pass by, making his mouth water. The ballroom is grand, with tables placed at the edge of the floor for tired feet to rest. The rest of the floor is wide open space littered with various SS and A classes. A small C class string ensemble fills up the front of the room, beautiful harmonies weaving in perfectly between the chatter, pleasant to his ears. The gentlemen are finely dressed in well-fitting tuxedoes, black bow ties stark against the white dress shirts. The ladies hanging off their arms, like beautiful, glittering jewels in their various colorful gowns. Taehyung loves it. It reminds him of the ancient fairy tales he stumbled upon in an antique bookstore a few years ago. Filled with stories of kingdoms and epic parties in faraway lands when individuals discovered true love. While, he not sure about the love part, he thinks this is what his ancestors thought the balls in the story should resemble. He looks around the room, wandering aimlessly, recognizing the various faces of government officials, fellow researchers, board members, and more with their wives and daughters on their elbows.

Another plate of what looks like mini sandwiches and champagne crosses his path and his stomach lets out an embarrassing rumble.

"May I offer a drink and snack, Sir?" The pretty droid bows slightly, offering a napkin. It would seem his father enlisted only the prettiest decorations for the party, including the service staff.

"Yes, thank you." Excitedly, Taehyung grabs a few sandwiches and a glass, noting the smile the droid returns at his pleasantries.

"You're most welcome, Sir." With that the droid moves onto the next person. As emotionally draining today has been, Taehyung is happy that something as simple as a thank you and a smile can make someone's-or in this case something's- day.

"Tae!" He turns around at the loud call of his name, cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk as he smiles with the food in his mouth. Jimin and Hoseok walk up to him, giving him a quick hug, talking over each other with the pipers following close behind. The all look good, as always. Hoseok's hair is dyed blonde with pink and grey streaks, making him seem sweeter. Jimin's hair is bright pink as well, entirely and Taehyung's captivated. The elder looks sweet but sexy and once again, Taehyung is confused at how one can embody both. If Hoseok's possessive hand on Jimin's back is any indication, he agrees wholeheartedly.

Taehyung just smiles at their excited chatter as Jimin pokes his stuffed cheeks. The pipers join their litter group and Taehyung directs another wide smile in their direction. Jimin and Hoseok giggle at the unimpressed look Yoongi sends them.

"Swallow Taehyung." Taehyung swallows painfully, rubbing his chest when his eyes water at the painful pressure. Yoongi still looks unimpressed and moves to stand between Jimin and Hoseok, face still blank but softer as the two bicker. He can see the corners of Seokjin's lips twitch into a small smile as he comes up to pat his head in amusement. "You could have chewed it first, idiot." Taehyung pouts at the android but smiles at the cute giggle he receives. Both Seokjin and Yoongi are also dressed up, black satin tux outlining their lithe forms, hair styled perfectly. Seokjin's broad shoulder are highlighted, looking impossibly wide and Taehyung wants to jump on them, hang off them like a monkey. Yoongi still looks like a doll, even more so dressed in black. The suit fits him perfectly, making his body look longer than it is, highlighting his narrow waist.

"You know, it's a black tie event." Jeongguk's breathy voice reaches Taehyung's ears, instantly releasing the last of the tension he wasn't aware he was holding. His hand goes up to touch his glittery red bowtie, enjoying the rough texture under his fingertips, self-consciously covering it up. Jeongguk leans into his space and Taehyung feels his face heat. Jeongguk is dressed as well as the other two, the suit showing off his long legs. His hair is styled off his face, bangs framing his delicate face, highlighting his strong jaw. Jeongguk smirks at the blush tainting his cheeks, blowing air softly into his face, making him close one eye with a pout.