Riannon's POV

Jinyoung kept a firm grip on my arm, never letting me go even for a second as we made our way through the mass. He stopped from time to time to greet people politely as they approached him. A few curious ones boldly spoke to me as well and asked questions but he somehow always managed to steer their attention off me because he knew I'd feel uncomfortable and I'm glad he understood me so well.

We were standing at the bar area, looking for a pair of non alcoholic beverages and Jinyoung ordered a Arnold Palmer while I took a simple Citrus soda. As we both stood there sipping our drinks, I couldn't help noticing the constant stares we were receiving from everyone around us and I recognised a few dirty looks here and there from a few women as well, making me feel a little uneasy as I tried my best to ignore them. They didn't even try to make it subtle as they passed foul comments my way.

As if sensing what I was feeling or maybe he noticed them too, Jinyoung stepped a bit closer, maybe too close and he wrapped one arm around my waist as he brought his lips closer to my ears.

'Don't let them get the best of you. You are better than anyone else, so remember what I told you earlier, keep your chin up. Everyone is looking because you are the most beautiful woman they've ever laid eyes on. Everyone is talking because they cannot accept that. So listen only to my words because I will never lie to you,' He whispered softly making an involuntary shiver run down my spine as he ran his hand across the bare skin on my back. He retreated a little, finally enabling me to breathe again as I seemed to have forgotten how to just a while ago.

I was at a complete loss for words and all I could do was send him a nervous smile. But he was right about one thing, I shouldn't let anyone get the best of me. His words somehow calmed my mind and I felt more relaxed as we continued talking. Halfway, someone interrupted our conversation and I almost choked on my drink when I realised that it was none other that the CEO of JYP himself.

'Jinyoung, glad to see you at least present for this dinner. I was afraid you would have cancelled again or ran away with another excuse.' He came forward and patted his shoulder before his gaze drifted towards me. 'My, and who might this beautiful lady be?'

'This is Riannon. My..close companion.'

'Well it's always a pleasure to meet a friend of Jinyoung's. It's high time this boy found someone. He's always wandering off on his own, maybe now he'll stay put with you around.' He shook my hand and gave me a warm smile, his statement making me feel awkward and I didn't know how to correct him, to let him know that we were just friends. He looked over at Jinyoung again before he spoke, 'By the way, there are a few people I'd like you to meet. They are a few good friends of mine from other companies. You might know them. Maybe you'd be interested to work with them later, it'll be a good experience for you too.'

'Alright. That sounds like a good opportunity. Lead the way sir.'

'Great. Right this way! You know, we couldn't stop talking about your performance in Italy. It was magnificent. They wanted to immediately sign you up for a collaboration project with their artists, the moment they laid eyes on you. And you probably will have many offers for a few movie roles as well. Believe me, they were so captivated by your charming visuals.' The CEO kept rambling on as he walked ahead of us.

Jinyoung looked at me and smiled as we followed after him, his arm linked around mine, 'You don't mind right? It won't take long.'

'Of course not. It's part of your work after all. It's important.'

'We can leave after a while, and maybe go have some hot waffles and ice cream. Sounds good?' I laughed at his suggestion and nodded my head. My smile faded instantly though when I spotted where the CEO was headed. A group of people were standing by the snack table and all I wanted was to turn back the way I came but it was too late, we were already in front of them. Standing next to four men and their wives,all of whom I didn't recognise were Jackson,Jiyeon,Yugyeom and the rest of the four guys of the band I saw the other time at the concert. This wouldn't turn out well. Yugyeom gave me a smile and I could feel Jackson's eyes on me but I averted mine away from his and focused on the people who were now talking to Jinyoung.

'Aah there you are Jinyoung. We were just talking about you. We are pleased to finally meet you in person. It's been long overdue. I'm Yang Minsuk.' A middle aged man greeted Jinyoung the moment he saw him and pulled him in for a friendly handshake. 'And these here are my other close business partners.' He started introducing the other three men beside him one by one. I was slightly feeling relieved since they were too engrossed in their conversation about new business ties prospects to notice me but that relief didn't last long either.

'And gentlemen this here! May I add is his..ahem.. companion.' The CEO suddenly steered me forwards from behind, winking at them as I turned my head to look at him.

'Really now?!' One of the men exclaimed. 'Well, well, well my boy, you certainly are very lucky! And what is your name dear?' I could hear Jiyeon's huff of annoyance at his comment but everybody didn't seem to have paid any attention.

'Riannon Sir.' I replied politely.

'Awww..don't they make the cutest couple darling? What do you do Riannon?' One of the ladies asked me.

'I'm a medical student ma'am.'

'Oh my. I always knew Jinyoung would find himself a smart young girl one day. And a beautiful one at that too. No wonder he was always single till he met you Riannon,' another woman commented.

By then, I was already mortified beyond explanation. I felt my face heat up in embaressment and I wanted nothing more but to crawl away and hide somewhere but on the outside, I had to put on a smile as they continued to tease the both of us,the other guys from the band joining in the fun. I took a peak at Jackson and he looked like he was trying his best to keep a straight face but I could see his grip on his glass of wine tightening to the point that I expected it to break any second. What was his problem?

Jinyoung, on the other hand, was calm as usual, throughout the whole situation and I wondered how he manages to maintain his composure at all times. Finally after a few minutes, they had to leave after they were all requested to join the CEO of another company for a drink at their private lounge.

'It was wonderful to meet you dear. Hope to see little Riannons and Jinyoungs running around soon!' The second woman gleefully said as she kissed me on the cheek.

My mind was definitely scarred. Didn't need to hear that one.

'They really are a loud and funny bunch aren't they?' A guy with light brown hair asked us with an amused look on his face. 'I'm mark by the way. This here is Jaebum, Youngjae, Bam bam, Yugyeom, Jackson and the lady is Jiyeon. We're all from the same company as Jinyoung.'

'Nice to meet you all.' I put on a smile, dreading for how long would I be have to play pretend.

'So! You guys are a thing huh??!! Ooh Jinyoung, never knew you had it in you bro!' The guy with bright red hair said excitedly, I think his name was bam bam? At that moment, Jackson took one long look at me and excused himself, walking away towards the bar. My heart still ached for him as I watched him but I knew that I had to stick to my resolutions and I kept reminding myself that what he did wasn't right so I needed to forget him. My attention shifted to the group again as I heard Jiyeon's high pitched voice.

'Oh please, I thought you would find someone better, with higher standards Jinyoung. You deserve so much more than this. . thing.' Jiyeon said, with disdain as she shot a dirty look at me.

'Well I know for a fact that she has higher standards than you.' Jinyoung retorted back in a firm tone.

'Ooh burnnnn!!!' Bam bam started laughing hysterically. 'You really need to calm your tits woman. Especially in front of Jinyoung bro, he won't be afraid to cut you down by a few feet everytime you speak something against his girl,' He said casually as both Yugyeom and him tried to control their laughter.

'Hmmph! Immature little brats as usual.' She muttered as she stomped away, probably searching for Jackson.

'That woman is crazy. I have no idea what he sees in her. Am I right?' He looked at the rest of the members.

Jaebum was scratching his neck, unable to find a suitable response while Youngjae look thoughtful as he replied, 'Yeah I can't disagree with you there for once Bam bam but I suppose we can't really do anything if it's his choice.' Yugyeom only nodded sadly and looked at me, sharing a knowing glance.

'Still screwed up if you asked me. Anyways Jinyoung bro! Please tell us more about your tour to Europe. We've been dying to hear the details since we are also planning one this fall.' Bam bam asked as he jumped up and down, looking at Jinyoung with pleading eyes.

Jinyoung laughed and shared his experiences with them as they all listened attentively. I was trying my best as well but my mind was zoning in and out of their conversation, probably because of the stress and lack of sleep so, after informing jinyoung, I decided to make a quick trip to the restroom to refresh myself.

I made my way through the swarm of people, to find one when I noticed the directions written on silver plates leading to it. I opened the doors of the hall and entered a less crowded room with a flight of stairs to the right where I was supposed to be headed. I climbed up the staircase and just stepped foot on the top landing when I was roughly pushed through the first door on my left and into a dark room

Whoever it was shut the door and pinned me hard against the wall. I couldn't see who it was and I started to panic, frantically kicking and pushing the person away but they only held me even tighter and I felt myself being smothered between the hard wall behind me and a solid chest.

'Riannon. It's me.' The struggling instantly ceased and I felt my mind stop working as I recognised his painfully familiar voice.

Jackson?

Sometimes I lack the motivation to write but a big thank you to everyone who keeps encouraging me to continue. I'm really grateful ❤