Famous personalities in the fashion world attended the New York Fashion Week at Skylight Clarkson Square.

Among the attendees were Taehyung and his friends, Jimin and Seokjin, who were all excited to witness another fashion event for a cause.

"You look gorgeous in that cream suit, my dear." Jimin uttered, complimenting Taehyung who could only smile.

"You do, too."

He was trying his hardest to uplift his spirits, not wanting to worry his friends at such an amazing event.

They were all looking forward for this occasion, and Taehyung did not want to ruin it just because he could not keep his emotions in check.

"Where's Jin?" Namjoon suddenly entered the room as he went looking for his boyfriend.

"Still in the powder room."

"Still? We'll be heading out in 5. What's taking him so long?"

The two shrugged in response just in time for Jin to appear, looking beyond perfect.

"I heard my name. What's up?" Jin asked which made Namjoon sigh.

"You'll put other models to shame with how beautiful you look."

The compliment made Jin blush while Jimin and Taehyung could only groan at the sight of them flirting.

"Can we just go?" Jimin commented as he rolled his eyes, earning a laugh from the group.

"Sorry. Shall we?" Namjoon offered his hand to Jin who immediately took it and intertwined their fingers.

"Wow. Excuse me? What are we here? Your bodyguards?" Jimin blurted as the couple headed towards the door, totally enjoying the look of jealousy in his eyes.

"I'm calling Yoongi."

His outburst had them laughing once more, and finally, Taehyung was able to forget his worries as he ended up laughing with them.

As they approached the runway, they were recognized by a few reporters and fashion critics and were asked for an interview.

Namjoon handled the press quite well while the three models found their way to the front seat where their names were written for reservation.

"I feel like a VIP." Jimin sassily uttered, running a hand over his hair.

"You are a VIP." Jin indulged, earning a flying kiss from the other.

Taehyung, on the other hand, could only shake his head as a small smile crept on his lips.

He told his friends to sit after noticing the people around started to settle down.

"What are we going to do after this?" He asked as soon as they were properly seated.

"I don't know. Should we go bar hopping?" Jimin suggested in enthusiasm.

"Namjoon won't agree, I tell you." Jin retorted, earning a pout from the latter.

"We don't have any schedule for tomorrow, right? It's going to be all right." Jimin continued to persuade.

"Still a no."

"Don't be such a spoilsport. Taehyung, you're coming with me, okay?" Jimin had his eyes on Taehyung and was practically urging him to say yes.

"Let's ask Namjoon."

His answer had Jimin groaning in frustration.

"The both of you should chill, really. It's like I'm in the wrong group."

Jimin was sulking as the two continued to tease him when suddenly, his eyes grew wide in panic.

"What the fuck.. Tae..."

His gaze darted to Taehyung and as if on cue, he traced where his gaze had been and immediately stiffened at the sight.

From the opposite side of the runway, where VIPs were seated, Taehyung saw faces he didn't want to see at the moment.

"Oh shit.." Jin said, throwing a concerned look his way.

"Why is he here?" Jimin asked, but Taehyung could not answer.

How would he know? He's also shaken by the mere sight of Jungkook.

It's been almost two weeks since he had last seen him and it felt like forever.

"Is the woman next to him 'the fiancée'?" Jimin continued to pry with an obvious disapproval in his voice.

"Even if she is, let's not pay them attention." Jin said, wanting to divert the attention to something else.

"She's not even that pretty." Jimin whispered, earning an eye roll from the older.

"Chim..." Jin's voice was threatening, wanting Jimin to get the hint.

"Okay! I'll shut up." He said in surrender.

"But still not so pretty."

Jin could only shake his head as he discreetly glanced at Taehyung who was looking at the runway and seemed unaffected.

"You okay?"

Taehyung smiled, nodding his head a little.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

————

"That was fucking sick!"

The fashion show had ended with all of them in awe. Each piece spoke of freedom from oppression, a rather revolting theme which left an impact to spectators.

"Have you seen the final piece? Damn! I want that one." Jimin said, totally engrossed with the show.

"Me too. That's my favorite among everything else." Jin agreed.

The two were discussing their favorites when Namjoon approached them, bearing an invitation.

"Francis Jacobs wants to meet you."

"What? Really?!" Jimin shrieked in excitement.

"Yes. He's waiting backstage."

"Oh my fuck! You're kidding?"

"Let's just go!"

The three immediately followed Namjoon backstage where the models earlier had been getting their makeup removed.

"Why did he want to see us?" Jin asked.

"He said he's a fan." Namjoon whispered, making them laugh.

"Shut up." Jimin giggled as they headed in front of a door with the fashion designer's name on it.

They knocked for a couple of times before it opened, revealing the man of the hour sitting in front of a vanity mirror.

"There you are!"

He rose from his seat and greeted them with the warmest smile.

"I'm glad you were able to attend my show." Francis said, eyes lingering on Taehyung who could only smile.

"We're honored to be invited." Jin uttered.

"Oh no, the honor is mine. I've been really amazed by the three of you." Francis said, giving everyone a soft pat on the shoulder.

"But I must say, I've been captivated by you." He added, stopping his eyes on Taehyung once more.

The look he's giving him kind of feel uncomfortable, but he chose to brush it off.

"Say, do you want to model for my next line?"

The question had everyone turn silent as he addressed Taehyung alone.

"I'm planning to have another show in six months. Won't you like to be a part of it?"

"Uh.. I'd have to discuss it with my manager and my agency." Taehyung finally responded, throwing a glance at Namjoon who immediately intervened.

"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Jacobs. We'll look through our schedule and see if we could come up with an agreement." Namjoon said, maintaining professionalism.

"I really hope you could join me." Francis whispered, taking Taehyung's hand which made him too uncomfortable.

"Thank you for this opportunity." was all Taehyung could say as he awkwardly retracted his hand.

"Are you all going somewhere after this? Would you mind joining me for dinner?" Francis asked.

"Sorry, but we have plans after this." Jimin was quick to answer.

"Too bad. Maybe next time?" Francis gave Taehyung a smile which he returned awkwardly.

"We should get going. Congratulations for your successful show." Namjoon said, urging the three to leave.

As they were heading for the door, a few knocks suddenly erupted before it opened.

Taehyung froze as his eyes immediately made contact with the ravenette's own. He could see the surprise on his face which mirrored his own.

Next to him, with her hand around his arm, Yeri also looked taken aback.

"Mr. Jeon and Ms. Kim! Pleasure to see you two looking fab." Francis beamed.

"Oh.. I didn't know you still have visitors." Yeri said, her eyes fixated on Taehyung whose eyes were on Jungkook.

"Yes, I know you're familiar with them. I heard Mr. Jeon bought shares from their label." Francis meaningfully said.

"You're updated. That's surprising." Yeri retorted as she smiled.

Her tone could be mistaken for sarcasm which had the designer looking away.

There was an awfully heavy tension in the room as Namjoon finally broke the silence as he cleared his throat.

"We should get going." He uttered.

However, before they could leave the room, Francis called out once more.

"Wait, Taehyung."

He rushed to him as he slipped his business card in the pocket of his suit.

Taehyung almost flinched in the way he touched him as it brought back that uncomfortable feeling.

"Call me if you happen to agree." Francis whispered too close to his ears, sending shivers down his spine.

"T-thank you." Taehyung responded, forcing a smile.

He was creeped out, but decided to keep everything professional.

As they rushed out, passing by Jungkook, Taehyung almost felt his breath got knocked out from him when Jungkook suddenly stopped him, grasping his wrist.

The audible gasp that left Taehyung's lips from that contact and his wide eyes could tell how surprised he was.

Even before he could say anything, Jungkook slipped his hand in his pocket, taking the business card.

Everyone gasped the moment Jungkook tore the card, letting its remains fall down the floor.

"If you wish to work with our models, directly send a proposal to the management."

His voice was low yet firm, full of authority and disapproval towards the man who could only laugh in panic.

"Of course... my bad." Francis responded, turning his gaze away from them.

For a long moment, Taehyung was just standing there with his eyes fixated on Jungkook.

If not for Jimin who grabbed him by the arm and pulled him out of the room, he might have remained staring at no one but Jungkook.

It's foolish to hope from just a simple action, but Taehyung could not help but think that after everything, Jungkook still cares.

That even after all these years, Jungkook would still protect him.

It's foolish to hope, but Taehyung's heart did hope.

But only for a short time because reality came knocking, waking him from his delusions.

———
Had a very much needed vacation with my friends last week before getting bombarded by workloads 🤧 Sorry for the long wait.

Love you 💜