"Are you sure want me to go with you?" Kira asked hesitantly. Her fingers fiddled with the soft silk of her elegant dress.

"Of course. Why do you ask?" His voice seemed somehow smoother that night.

"From what you just said, this sounds incredibly important. I'm not sure charm speaking is one of my abilities. Wouldn't Jungkook be better at this?"

"You've got to be kidding me. Aren't you the one who sways all the clients with your presentations?"

"But that's different." Kira argued timidly. "Out there, I'm not a girlfriend conspiring to promote a sales pitch."

He chuckled out loud. "You make it sound like some sort of murder plan when you put it like that."

Gong Wook was the head of one of the most prestigious companies in Asia. Being invited to his close-circle parties was overwhelming in itself. Despite that, Taehyung had told her about an ulterior motive. He was planning to subtly sneak in an offer worth million. This was the perfect moment to get an opening; he had explained.

"In there, I don't have to pretend. I'm just being me. But this..."

"So, do that. Be you. I don't want you panicking about an outcome. I want the real Minjee who is just enjoying herself. Okay?"

Kira nodded meekly.

"Besides, I'll be there right next to you." He said, taking her hand in his. "And I know damn well how much better we are together."

The corners of her lips tugged upwards in affirmation. "I wish Jungkook was here. He charms people without even trying."

"I know." Taehyung smiled wearily. "He has something more tedious to do. I hope he's alright." He said the last part mostly to himself as if trying to ease his own mind.

***

Kira's eyes wandered inspecting the lush décor of the house. Each corner of the mansion was colour coordinated to the point. The guests took turns talking to the host and they had eventually gotten their chance. It went much better than she expected. Her father had described Mr Wook as the humblest being he had met in his entire career; and the middle-aged man fit it perfectly. He politely greeted Kira as Taehyung introduced her. Taehyung was a lot closer to him than he had let on for the man smiled warmly at him; even pulling him in for a light hug.

Taehyung was right, they did work better together. Something about their choice of words, gestures, subtle points and effective persuasion had an unsaid synchronisation to it. A perfect balance. Every sentence they enunciated seemed to go harmoniously; supporting each other. Kira was always better off working alone but something about this certain combination; it might be the similar tinge they shared while exhibiting speech or the confidence which helped them coordinate; whatever it was, it had a unique way of presenting themselves and their ideas as exquisite.

"Set an appointment with my secretary next Monday. Perhaps we can discuss it more elaborately then?"

"It would be my pleasure, Sir." Taehyung smiled back.

They bowed politely to the host and the hostess and set off on their way to the other varied dignitaries gathered there.

"Wow." Said Kira breathlessly, daring not to give away too much expression.

"I know right." Taehyung said biting his lips from smiling widely.

"What exactly is this for?"

"Oh, you'll know." He winked. "I can't tell it to you yet but it's going to be great."

"In that case, I'll stay ready for a surprise." Said Kira matter-of-factly.

"I think I've found my next good luck charm." He said, pecking her cheeks. Kira's cheeks flushed at the sudden public display of affection.

Taehyung's bright smile suddenly dimmed and his oncoming words were stuck in his throat. Kira furrowed her brows and followed his fixed gaze to that of another middle-aged man. She instantly knew who it was. It was the very man she was trying hard to get information on. Standing apart with a glass in one hand was M. Kira was surprised but she masked it perfectly with trained poker face.

"What is it, Tae?" she asked cautiously.

"It's nothing. We have to get out of here." He said softly.

"What? But why?" Taehyung was already leading her away from the man but she knew it was futile.

"Leaving already?" Asked a deep voice.

Taehyung turned wearily. They locked eyes and Kira could feel the intensity it bred. There was a silent communication; one which Kira could never decipher. And just like that, Taehyung smiled. She knew exactly what that smile harboured: masked hostility. Taehyung looked at her, as if checking weather, she was still with him. Kira smiled innocently back at him concealing anything that might seem suspicious.

"I was feeling a little nauseous but I guess all I had to do was see you." Taehyung laughed.

"That's my little charmer." M smiled. "Its about time you introduced me to your lovely companion." He said, his gaze falling heavily on Kira.

"Of course." Taehyung smiled. "This is Minjee. And Minjee, this is Mr. Lee. He is basically my mentor."

Kira greeted him pleasantly. Lee Yeongjin was once a reputed entrepreneur who had to shut down his company after a major scandal. He had waited for the flames to die out by keeping a low profile. The general public had forgotten all about him and they knew nothing about his underground charades.

His ability to keep everything hidden perfectly well amused Kira. He was so exceptionally good at it that most of his own clients failed to know who their actual trader was. There were only a few who knew him and even few knew him closely. She had found it odd that he was one of Mr Wook's close associates but even the oddest of friendships had their own story. Kira guessed this was how Taehyung got acquainted with Mr Wook as well.

"I didn't get a chance to meet you the last time we met." He said, throwing a sideways glance at Taehyung. "Tell me Minjee, what do you do?"

Kira hesitated a little before replying. She felt Taehyung watch her as she uttered every word.

"Mirai, huh? You must be Haein's daughter then."

Kira blinked as she heard her father's name. "Yes."

"Don't look so surprised." He chuckled. "We are contemporaries."

A richly dressed woman approached Taehyung and soon dragged him into a long conversation. M found this as an opportunity and Kira found herself in his company for a longer time than she expected. She could instantly make out that he was a manipulating conversationalist. Kira had to remind herself from not giving too much away under his current. She had tried sneaking in her own questions but they were all replied to with unsatisfactory answers.

It had been a while before Taehyung returned, his expression weary. Kira could feel his gaze burning into her face for any signs.

"I'm afraid we have to get going." He said to her, protectively wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Thank you for keeping her company, Mr Lee." He smiled, the light barely reaching his eyes.

"Of course. It was nice meeting you, Minjee." M addressed her. He smacked Taehyung on the shoulder and Kira saw him wince lightly. "I'll see you around." As M vanished into the crowd, Taehyung stood still as if the gesture had nailed him to the ground. He seemed lost in thoughts, staring meaninglessly at the floor.

"Tae? Let's go?"

He nodded lightly before walking out of the tall doors with her.

***

They stood by his car at her apartment's parking lot. The wind was remarkably chillier and she waited patiently for him to get out of his trance. His mind was elsewhere and he stood rigidly with his hands in his pockets.

"Hey." Kira said slowly. "Everything alright?"

He hummed a yes in reply. She touched the collars of his shirt. "Are you sure?"

His finally looked at her and chuckled. "I am sure."

"Good." She leaned closer to him for warmth. "I love you." She said, her voice almost a whisper. She felt his breath getting uneven like it did the first time she had said it. His eyes were wide and he looked uncharacteristically vulnerable and timid.

He gently cupped her face in his warm hands and delicately pressed his lips on hers. He kissed her slowly for an agonisingly long time. Even when they parted, his face was inches away from hers and his hot breath tickled her nose. He seemed to simply stare at her as if relishing one last view from up close. He let a huge sigh and tilted her face. Kira closed her eyes as he gently kissed her forehead.

Without a word, he let go and dragged himself inside the car. He looked at her again and nodded a goodbye. She watched as the car rolled smoothly onto the road, joining the sea of cars.  

A/N: Current Mood: Crying over concert pictures and videos knowing that I'll probably never get to attend one.