"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

Never has Jungkook ever been to a celebrity event before. Sure, he has participated in fashion events recently and gone to certain shoots, but this is different. This is a day where various of celebrities will come together for a single occasion, and not for a GALA.

Today is Jungkook's birthday, so they're celebrating it as a big party.

Various of artists from around the world are coming for this occasion, and to be fair - Jungkook was not expecting for such a big event on this day. He'd usually spend it in his room, eating cupcakes and drinking wine while playings on his game console, to then end the night talking to his parents since they're so far away. 

He never complained about the simplicity, but now as a star, things are different .

His birthday now has changed.

This morning, instead of waking up in the emptiness of his room, he woke up to a blow job from a female model he met in Lisa's Celine event, and then had a quickie in the bathroom by the male model he also met that same day. Something casual due to the attraction. They left that same morning, encouraging promises for this to be a reaccuring thing.

Ever since Namjoon's little prep talk that day at the dressing room, Jungkook made sure to complete the task he was assigned.

Since that day till now, which has been two weeks, he has slept with probably more people than he ever has had before fame. Who knew having casual flings would be so much fun?

No explanations, no questions, just sex and moving on.

Headlines were made of him being seen with multiple people during these events or gatherings, but as Namjoon said, it didn't affect him so negatively.

They expected it, afterall, he sings about it.

It fitted his image after all.

Now his birthday is here, and he's going to enjoy the night just as much as he's been enjoying fame.

Apparently Namjoon stated that the area is loaded with people and with more to come, only waiting for his grand arrival. To say Jungkook is nervous would be an understatement, since he honestly didn't know many people would be so willing to just be around him. 

He's not much of a party or wild person so to say, it never gave him much attention to live his age. Back then, he enjoyed more going to bookstores or going to music shops to practice his music. So he was never a pary person, but guess for tonight he'll just have to play as though he knows what he's doing. 

Who knows, he might get something good out of it.

Just as Jungkook was scrolling through twitter, seeing the trends going on about his birthday party and seeing all the birthday wishes, his ear twitches to the sound of the radio station; hearing a preacher go off about the gospel, which doesn't surprise him by this point. His driver just had to be religious, and he'd always play this station on whenever he drives with Jungkook alone. Not like he does it purposely, perhaps he feels comfortable enough being around Jungkook to play whatever he pleases.

Not like Jungkook has a made a preference on what he'd prefer to listen to.

Jungkook doesn't tell him anything, since he didn't have the heart to, but he dwells it by drowning in his own music with his earphones. 

This time he just had to have left his earphones at home, now being forced to listen to this. 

"You must wake up ladies and Gentlemen! Satan is always lurking, ripping God's children away from the salvation in Jesus Christ! Now we live in a time where people are greedy for fame and being known by people, the Lord says, in Proverbs 11:28 "Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." If you trust in your own greed, that'll be your own downfall, but if you trust in being righteous, you will thrive as new. The only attention you should be wanting and validating for is our Lord, since he's provide everything we need and more."

Evidently Jungkook tried not to roll his eyes. 

He's going to a party right now, he should be pregaming in the car as they speak, not wasting his time listening to a preacher about the sins of the world. 

This is where the preacher is flawed, trusting in money is a guarantee - at least in this economy. 

If you have money, you have everything. 

You won't be struggling. 

That's the truth.

Never seen a poor person being so happy being poor. 

Jungkook could testify to that.

Without validation from superiors, you won't make it anywhere, and that's just the brutal reality.

Jungkook sits up, about to tell the driver to change the station for the sake of his sanity, but then he pauses when his eyes focused to the side of the old man's face. Ever since Jungkook grew to his level of fame, he never really engages with those who work for him now. Well, besides his manager. Jungkook doesn't dive into a deeper relationship with his bodyguards nor with his staff in general. He has a driver now because he doesn't drive as it is, and for his image, Namjoon urged for him to keep it classy instead of being a distraught kid riding a bike everywhere. 

Since his fame, he has had this driver pick him up and drop him off his apartment every day, wherever he'd go to. He usually doesn't talk much, unless it's to ask Jungkook where he's headed to - which nudges one to assume that he's quite professional about his job to not ask too many personal questions. 

Jungkook never really dug any deeper with him, but now as he looks at him, he truly sees just how exhausted he is.

Heavy eyelids, face drained of any color with not a twitch of a smile or tranquility on his expression - he just appears..... Tried. 

For a moment it reminded Jungkook of his own grandfather, who always worked to hard driving people around as a Taxi driver back when he had more energy, sometimes even for late hours of the night. 

Right now he's someone's grandfather, working late hours for who knows what kind of pay, just to drive this kid around as though he was his son. 

It subtly settled in for Jungkook that this man really hasn't had a proper night since the two have formally met. Jungkook has been out and about consistently, whether that to photoshoots or events, sometimes to other gigs or even after parties late at night. He's rarely every going home early or even having proper sleep to say the least, and if that's him, most likely that's the same life his driver is going through at the moment.

But at least Jungkook can take it, he's still young. This man should rest, far more than how he is.

Pressing his lips tightly together, Jungkook leans back on his seat, "Hey, um... Driver?"

He never even got his name either.

The man seemed to have snapped awake from his exhaustion, immediately on alert as he looks to Jungkook from the review mirror, "Yes sir? Anything you need?"

Even his voice is such a humbling tone to listen to, so gentle.

Reminds one of those audio book readers.

Jungkook frowns, "You don't have to pick me up tonight."

"What? Am I not doing my services well sir?"

He calls him sir so much, and it tingles Jungkook in the wrong ways.

He should be the one to formally address him like that, not the other way around. 

"Please don't call me sir, you're older than me," Jungkook interjects quickly, softening his tone, "You're doing your services well, but you need your rest. I'll be fine, maybe I'll ask someone to take me home."

The man's eyes practically bled into his, nudging Jungkook's heart, "You can't just trust anyone si- I mean um... Jungkook-ie," That's better, "It's not safe out there these days. I'll take you back."

Jungkook refused, shaking his head, "You haven't had good rest in a while, you need it. I'll be fine. Don't want to tire you out either."

"You won't tire me out," He waves off, "Besides, this is the only time I ever get to listen to the pastor preach, so I'm not complaining. Promise."

Only time?

Now this perked Jungkook's eyebrows together, confused, "You don't listen to this stuff at home?"

The man takes a turn, arriving to Hongdae - where Jungkook's party is located, "No, my wife isn't religious and she doesn't like to hear it either, so I just don't put it on."

Jungkook's ears perked, "But you're married? Shouldn't she have expected for you to do... What you gotta do?"

This had the old man laughing, nodding, "Yeah but I don't want her to feel uncomfortable, so that's why I enjoy these moments driving you, since you let me listen to it."

Now Jungkook felt like an asshole.

Not too long ago was he going to tell this man to turn that string of preaching off, only to find out that this is the only time he ever gets to hear it. The only time he gets to listen to the word of God. 

Its like being home is the only time Jungkook gets to practice his own music, since no one outside seems to enjoy it.

So in some way, he feels for him.

Jungkook shouldn't be feeling so deep into it, but it did nudge a piece in his heart upon his words and he remained silent throughout the entire trip, up until the car finally arrived at its destination. 

That's when everything snapped back to its reality, as if what happened in that car didn't occur.

A broad smile stretched Jungkook's lips, seeing all the paparrazi's by the entrance of his party building. The entrance is guarded by two buff men, not letting a single soul be able to squeeze inside no matter how hard they'd try. 

Well except for one. 

"Have fun sir," The driver beams, "May God bless you-"

Jungkook was out the car before hearing the entire sentence, greeting the crowd with his presence alone. The main event to the party. Instantly he was flashed with bright lights, bombard with questions and compliment as they pour in praises to his appearance - especially his attire for the night. Many wished him their birthday wishes, others gawk over his looks, and Jungkook was sniffing into it like heavy drugs. 

It made him feel so powerful and alive. 

He has craved for this moment all his life, where he'll finally be recognized for what he is. 

A singer.

An artist.

Someone worth listening to, and he's going to make sure it stays that way.

Moving through the walkway red carpet to the entrance, the guards immediately bowed to him quickly and let him through. Every step he took inside from here on out is felt within his heart pounding hard in his chest, anticipated and perhaps a little nervous. The vibration of the music echoed the walls, recognizing his song right away and the sound of people talking or singing along to it. 

Time for the main event to make his entrance. 

This is it.

His moment.

His birthday.

And he's going to live it up.

As Raven.

Jungkook felt this overjoying presence flow within his body, feeling like that same man who'd perform his lewd and lustful moves on stage, now stepping through the open double doors to where the event has begun for him. Almond black eyes are met with a crowd of people - celebrities from all around not only in Korea but abroad as well, many to which he has only had the privilege to listen to on the radio or see charting, but never like this in person. The decoration appears just like how it did in the album - dark and sinister, just as the theme.

It'd give anyone of faint heart a fear to clutch onto.

But of course, that's the theme, and Jungkook - Raven loves it. 

Show time.

A spotlight suddenly is casted over to him, followed by cheers and hollers within the crowd just for him.

Oh he can get used to this alright.

"And our birthday boy has finally made his grand entrance! Everyone give it up for Jungkook!"

Louder cheers and hollers echoed the ballroom, by now Jungkook's smile stretching so wide on his face as he respectfully bowed to the crowd -

"What are you doing? Don't do that," Namjoon voice suddenly reached his ears, an arm around his shoulders, "Image remember? You own the place, they bow to you."

Right. 

Quickly Jungkook stands upright, nodding briefly to him as he gives a halfhearted wave to the crowd in disinterest before Namjoon guides him to the side, "We got celebrities from all over Korea and a handful from the states here," His voice got more enthusiastic now, "You did it kid."

Jungkook tried hard to conceal his excitement, which worked wonderfully thanks to his training in acting professional in crowded places, only managing to briefly nod to his manager - who extended a glass out to him. Excitingly taking the glass, Jungkook clings it against Namjoon's and takes a sip. 

He used to hate the taste of champagne, but ever since this new life has begun for him, that's all he's been wanting to drink.

He has grown to love alcohol, just as much as he loves sex.

This champagne taste particularly better than the rest he has tried prior, and he can already feel that anticipation to how this night will turn out for him.

"By the way, we have someone performing for your birthday tonight," Namjoon starts off, leading Jungkook farther more within the ballroom, "He's not known, but our production team saw his cover for your song Unholy on TikTok and we believe it could be a good step for him to sign into the agency."

Jungkook drinking more of the champagne, nods as he listens, "So, this performance here is his test run?"

"Yes, but you'll love him," Namjoon boasts suggestively, "His name is -"

"Ah! Raven!"

Both males snap their heads to the voice, seeing three girls approaching Jungkook. Two foreign women and one Korean, who he recognizes as Somi. He had the honor of meeting Somi not too long ago during a fashion event, and they definitely got to know each other well alright after that night passed by. As for the two foreign women, he only recognizes one of them well, Ariana Grande.

World class star and famous singer worldwide, standing in front of her alone feels like a dream come true for him since he always admired her so much. 

The one besides her is someone Jungkook has seen partially, well in a collab with J-Hope. 

Becky G. 

Having these three women standing in front of him felt like a fatal stab to his heart by such power the three hold together. To say he's overwhelmed by such beauty in front of him would be an understatement. He can feel himself getting cocky by such gazes in their eyes, knowing they find him incredibly attractive for their taste.

What he didn't expect was for Somi to immediately latch onto him in a hug, followed by a peck to his cheek. He grins to the affection, placing a hand on her hip as she eases back with a broad smile, "Good to see you again."

She's such a sight for sore eyes.

Any man would be easily at her mercy. 

That's why Jungkook feels confident, since he knows her attention is only on him.

"You too," He purrs and peers his eyes to the two celebrities, "Going to introduce me to your friends?"

Somi must've remembered that she came with two other people because she quickly eases back, a flustered smile on her lips, "Sorry, how rude of me, Raven this is Ariana Grande and Becky G. They've been wanting to meet you."

Just as he has practiced over various of times before his debut on how to swoon women, he takes their hand and presses a kiss to their knuckles, flashing a charming smile to them. Ariana clearly was not expecting that, but she was flattered by such manners. Meanwhile Becky, on the other hand, held onto a tight smile, eyes subtly narrowed to him.

That sparked an intrigued nudge to Jungkook. 

Hmm, playing hard to get huh?

Jungkook narrows his eyes back to her, a curious smile on his lips, "Something you don't like sweetheart?"

Becky's expression remained unfazed, but she gives him a one eye over and shrugs, "Congrats on the album and happy birthday."

"You don't seem impressed?"

"I didn't know you fed off validation from others?"

This was like a brutal slap across the face for Jungkook, taking him entirely off guard by such snarky tongue. He was left with his lips parted, taken back by the sudden remark, but Somi was quick to laugh it off with an arm around Becky's shoulders.

"Oh so funny! I keep telling her to lay off the jokes since they aren't funny!"

"But I wasn't-"

"Becky!"

Pursing her lips with a suppressed eye roll, she looks at Jungkook, "Sorry, had a long day, nothing to do with you."

Jungkook stares at her, and this intensifying need to get closer to her overcame him, but not even in a lewd desire. He's not used to people being so snarky with him, since he's used to people giving him what he wanted. He rarely hears anyone telling him 'no' and now that he has in a way, for a moment it even humbled him.

She has this energy about her, and it's vividly strong.

Almost like -

"Oh! Jimin!"

For the first time, an illuminating smile stretched Becky's lips the second her eyes casted to the side, quickly dashing in that direction. Jungkook is caught off guard by her sudden switch in emotions, following her movements to see her suddenly wrapping her arms tightly around a familiar man. A hug so deeply moving that it shows such an intimate layer of care and affection laced within it.

Jungkook is frozen, studying the familiar man's face as he pulls away, glittering eyes moving over Becky's entire face and hair with such adoration. He didn't seem dressed up for the occasion, if anything he's way too underdressed with the oversized baggy black jeans and an oversized sweater. Yet even while being dressed as though he just rolled out of bed, that energy about him was still present.

Probably even stronger than before.

He didn't come alone though. There's a man standing beside him, hands in his pocket as he looks around with a deep monotone expression in his eyes. He didn't seem impressed, much less amused by the decoration, but he quickly flashes a smile when Becky goes to hug him too.

Yet Jungkook's gaze focuses back to him.

Jimin...

That same man.

"I don't recall having him in the guest list," Namjoon scoffs, his eyes slithering as he looks at him, "What is he doing here? He doesn't fit in."

He's right, Jungkook doesn't remember ever inviting him here. 

Not like he minded it at first, since after all, he was someone who did recognize Jungkook's talent before his fame. Even if it was one song. He wasn't rude or obnoxious towards him, if anything he was welcoming and tender when he spoke to him, as far as Jungkook remembered.

Yet something about seeing him here crawled his skin, and suddenly Jungkook wanted him completely out of the picture. 

He didn't want to see him, let alone hear his name. 

He doesn't fit in.

He shouldn't be here.

Jungkook chews the inside of his gums before finishing up his champagne and storms towards them, having Namjoon hot on his tail. Becky is giggling a storm with him by the time Jungkook arrived, all eyes on him once his presence was known.

Jimin's smile immediately drops the second he scans over his new physic, since it was such a drastic change since the last time he saw him. He took a subtle step back, but his friend only eyed Jungkook without a word or even nudging a muscle.

If anything, it's quite challenging.

"Sorry for the interruption," Jungkook says coldly, eying Jimin intensively, "But I don't think I remember inviting you here?"

This had Jimin looking at a loss of words, but Becky was quick in glaring at him, "As if he'd be willing to come to your cultivation party."

Jungkook's eyes gloomed in a heavy glare towards her, "Last time I checked, you're quite present here too."

"Not by choice."

 That left him without words, yet it also crushed his ego just to know some people are here not just for him, but for obligation to set a name.

To say they went to Raven's party, a top tier and new artist.

Who else are like her case here too?

Suddenly Jimin quietly steps forward, a polite smile on his lips as he looks at Jungkook, "I apologize, I didn't mean to start an argument. I just came to drop this off, here," The small fur coat he had on his hand caught Jungkook's attention, watching as he wraps it around Becky's shoulders, "It's getting quite cold outside, I didn't want her getting sick. I'll leave right away."

His voice is as colorful and filled with a smooth texture as Jungkook remembered, a voice that anyone could relax down to in a matter of seconds. Anyone except Jungkook. Yet when Jungkook's eyes shifted to the crucifix around Jimin's neck, something about seeing it around his neck pissed him off.

Everything about him now pissed him off.

His presence, his voice, his existence - It's riling him up.

His party is not about to get ruined because of a Jesus believing church boy.

"Get out," He snaps to him, "You're in the wrong crowd either way."

Jimin pauses upon hearing this, his eyes staring at Jungkook as though he was searching for his soul through those dark eyeliner eyes.

That distaste on Jungkook's tongue only seemed to grow by such pure eyes staring back at him, hating that look so badly.

Right when Jimin whispers back to him, "So are you."

Namjoon was just about to take an aggressive step towards him in Jungkook's defense-

"How is everyone enjoying the party tonight!"

A break of cheers emerged from the crowd to the DJ, making him laugh, "Awesome to hear that! Now where's the birthday boy Raven!?"

The spotlight moves around the crowd before it stopped right on Jungkook, having the crowd holler in excitement. Quickly he flashes a tight smile, nodding around in appreciation to the reactions - despite still feeling fired up from the previous conversation. Jimin briefly looks around and then looks back to Jungkook, frowning in pity.

"Hope you're enjoying your birthday! The night has just begun, and we're starting it off with a performance from your own song Unholy. Give it up for Karma!"

The crowd claps and cheers again, just as the lights dim down to red, focusing on the small makeshift stage - where there's a chair and a circular table waiting there. The familiar tune of his song started, followed by a man smoothly emerging onto the stage dressed in tight fitted dressed pants and a black vest, bestowing his smooth long arms to his slim silhouette. 

Complimenting his blonde hair.

"Lucky, lucky girl. She got married to a boy like you."

Those words.

Just a simple sentence.

Caused an entire shift in the air.

What.... A.... Voice.

Jungkook's jaw drops the second he heard such deep and mellow voice escape from the man's lips, breathless even to give it a seductive touch to it. The second he looked up to the crowd, his dark eyes immediately captive every single person to him, specifically because of his intense make up. 

He had everyone hooked to him in seconds.

His body moves as though it's a fluid roll, smooth and graceful, yet so expressive. He's not doing anything outrageous, he's simply moving around the space while singing the song. Tracing his hands on the table, right before he takes a seat on the chair.

"Mommy don't know daddy's getting hot, in the body shop, doing something unholy."

He suddenly grabs the back rest of the chair while sitting down, and suddenly does slow and torturous hip thrusts up, head tilted back with an eye roll and a condescending smile as he sings.

The crowd went feral, and Jungkook is still frozen in place, completely entranced by such performance that even made his dick twitch in his pants. Jimin watches this with a hand tightly on his cross, not believing he's seeing this right now before his eyes.

Suddenly Karma made it down the stage, strolling seductively towards the birthday boy, gliding a hand on his jaw. Now Jungkook can see perfectly such beauty on his face, staying so intensively in character yet doing it so naturally as though this is who he is.

A seducer.

"Mmm, daddy, daddy, if you want it, drop the add'y. Give me love, give me Fendi, my Balenciaga daddy," He turns around, and glides his body down against Jungkook's, gliding up again, facing him again with a smirk, "You gon' need to bag it up, 'cause I'm spending on Rodeo. You can watch me back it up, I'll be gone in the a.m."

Jungkook is completely mesmerized by his presence, watching as he moves along to Namjoon but only glides a hand across his chest as he continues to sing the lyrics, his eyes sole trained on Jimin as he clasps a hand to his face, grinning to such eyes focused on him.

"And when you need it, baby, just jump under the covers."

Jimin immediately flinches back as though the man just burned him, seemingly in distressed as Karma smirks deviously at him. The man next to Jimin didn't see amused by the sudden attention he got, and quickly took action in leading him out through the doors without a second to waste. No one seemed to notice, not Jungkook that is, since they were too focused on Karma and his daunting performance as he makes his way back on stage.

His movements and vocals combined so well together; it was so hard to just look away.

He made it his own, the song at least.

Jungkook could use this stage as inspiration.

Hmmm.... Inspiration alright.

By the time Karma finished his stage, the crowd went chaotic in cheers and praises out to him, clearly showing his gratitude by such reactions, but his focus remained only on the birthday boy the entire time.

And Jungkook smirks back to him, raising another glass to him with a twinkle in his eye.

Thing are about to get real fun for sure.

______________________

A/N:

Oooooffff a lot happened in this chapterrrrr!

We doing alright?

If you guys have read my previous stories, Karma should sound familiar right? Haha yeahh love the crossover references!

Thank you so much for reading!

I PURPLE YOU!! <33