Autumn Angel | JHS ✔

.twenty-two.

How could we have been so ignorant? So naive? So desperate and reckless? 

My lawyer hands me a tablet, opening up a news article. I don't even bother reading words; the pictures told enough. Pictures of Hoseok feeding me, us walking hand in hand together, and even all the way up to us putting on each other's bracelets are gathered together. The pictures are countless, seeming to have captured every moment of our date together last night. 

"Angel." 

I look up at the familiar voice and name and I can't even get out a word before Hoseok walks up to me with large, frustrated strides to tug me into his arms. "I'm so sorry," he whispers. "I'm so so sorry." 

I don't say anything. I don't tell him that it's not his fault because both of us were responsible equally. 

He leans back and looks down at me, his eyebrows pinched together and crease lines around his eyes showing his fatigue and concern. "How are you feeling? How are you holding up?" he asks softly. 

I sigh and rub my ear. "I don't even know. Everything has happened so fast, I don't think I've registered anything yet." 

He nods and lets out a sigh himself. "I wish I could tell you to relax but this is just the beginning, Angel. Regardless of what comes out of this, I can promise you that I will be here next to you to help you through this." 

I smile up at him. "Like always." 

He smiles as well, although there's a hidden sadness behind it. "Like always," he confirms. Hoseok's fingers entangle with mine. "Everyone else is waiting. Let's go." 

Hoseok leads my lawyer and me down a hallway and pushes open a door. In the room is a single large table. Conversation stops and the men and women stand up as we walk in. The tension and understanding is thick and heavy in the air. 

"I'm sorry you have to meet my members this way. This is Jungkook, Jin hyung, you already met Namjoon, Jimin, Yoongi hyung, and Taehyung." 

I bow but don't even bother looking up to meet the stares of his own members, afraid of the judgement and disappointment that might be there. More brief introductions are passed around with their lawyers, managers, and their CEO. Finally, we all take a seat at the table. 

"I'm sorry," I finally manage out softly. Hoseok's hand on my knee squeezes. 

Finally, Namjoon sighs and breaks the silence. "We know you're sorry, and yeah, I'm going to be honest, it isn't exactly the most ideal situation. But what are you going to do about it? The photos have already leaked and people are already brimming with questions. At this point, there's nothing we can do but acknowledge that it's happened and discuss how to deal with it. There's no point in continuing to pass around apologies and get nothing done." 

There's a brief pause and I finally lift my head to look at the people around the table. Everyone's eyes and filled with worry and confusion. They weren't judging me. We were in the same boat together. 

"Lift your chin, Noona. Continue to look forward. We're here to help each other," Namjoon finishes. 

I take in a deep breath and nod firmly. 

"I'm sorry if this seems like a lot of people to deal with such a personal situation," one of their managers speaks up, "but you have to realize this isn't purely a personal situation. This now affects the rest of the group, the company, everything." 

I nod. "I understand, and I'm willing to do anything to try and make the situation better." 

"We don't really have many options," another man says. His face is slightly rounded, and his hands rest on his stomach, fingers folded together. Round glasses rest on his nose and he looks at me with compassion. "We can't deny the dating rumours because of the way the pictures are portrayed. That isn't an option. We can make no comment at all and allow everything to die down on its own, but considering the content of the pictures, you two will probably not be able to see each other for about a year. A few months at least."