Beneath the City ✔️

Eyes

Three hours later, and I'd been given a gorgeous silk dress to wear. I'd never seen anyone wear anything so lavish, and the crimson silk felt completely alien against my skin. It fit like a glove, and I was beginning to wonder if CL had intended all along for me to get this job. She's always had her ways with people, I wouldn't be surprised if this was some long thought out plan of hers. Either way, as I looked at myself in a mirror that stretched from floor to ceiling, I looked stunning. I was beginning to wish Jimin was here to see me.

I walked over to the vanity dresser, and picked up a mask, in matching red with gold ribbons either side. It had a small recording device and microphone fitted inside. I tied it tightly behind my head. Then I looked at my feet. I was still in my battered trainers. Honestly I was a bit apprehensive about wearing high heels. I knew they'd look elegant, but I was terrified of tripping down the stairs and embarrassing myself in front of a crowded room. I slipped them onto my feet, leaning heavily on the wall next to me, wiggling my toes to get used to them. I stood up, and took a few steps, gradually straightening my posture, and getting myself to a normal speed.

I reached into my rucksack, to find Hoseok's business card. I stopped as my hand brushed something unfamiliar. I pulled it out. I smiled to myself. It was the shell clip. I held it in the palm of my hand, then clipped it onto my hair.

Then I heard a sharp knock on the door. I stepped over to it and opened the door. There was a man in a midnight blue mask and suit.

'Zico?' I asked

'That's me. You look stunning, by the way.' He told me. I felt myself turn a shade of red, to match my mask.

'Thanks' I mumbled. He offered me his arm, and I took it, glad for something to balance with.

'I think you're expected downstairs.' He said, walking me out the door.

As we reached the top of the staircase, I looked down into the vast hall. It was filled with well over a hundred people in an incredible spectrum of colours. The deepest blues, greens, pinks, and blacks that I'd ever seen; it was as though the dome on it's busiest day had been draped in purple silks and red velvets and put them all in one room. Fear flared up inside me. I was completely out of place here.

I felt a tug on my arm, then realised I had stopped moving. I looked at Zico.

'You don't need to be nervous.' He said soothingly. 'I'm taking you to Hoseok first, then we introduce you to some guests, then later, when you're comfortable, you do your job.' I nodded and smiled.

'Yep.' I replied. 'Easy peasy.' I put a smile on my face, hiding my nerves. We walked together down the steps. My heels tapped loudly on the marble. When we got to the bottom of the steps, we began to make our way through the crowd. We reached a group of  about six elegant looking people, and a man wearing a forest green mask and waistcoat turned to greet me. I relaxed as I saw his familiar heart shaped smile. Zico placed his hand on the small of my back and pushed me forwards, before walking away. Hoseok reached out and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

'Now this,' he said, 'is my girlfriend.' I looked up in shock and as I turned my head he gave me a quick peck on the lips. I felt myself flush a violent shade of red. The rest of the group we were standing with all laughed.

'Bless her, she's all embarrassed now Hoseok.' Said an older lady dressed in violet with a silver mask. 'How long have you two been together dear?' She asked.

'Honestly not long, it feels like we just met.' I said with a laugh. It wasn't a lie. 'But I couldn't be happier.' I continued smiling up at him. Behind the mask, his eyes had crinkled into a smile, he looked both relieved and amused.