I'm sorry for not updating this fic. I rarely get comments for this fic unlike my other fics and didn't know there are people eagerly waiting for it. I'm mostly writing this complex plot for fun.

I'll try and post at least one chapter a week. Sorry to keep you waiting.

*** 

When Hoseok walked out from backstage to get to the main area, he was guided to the most guarded section of the hall. His seat was at the front as opposed to his initial seating arrangement which was at the fourth row. Perhaps, it was because Vinora was one of the hosts.

The security guards at the entrance hadn't even asked for his name when he approached them. He had noticed the others being subjected to the security check and being made to walk through the metal detector. It surprised him to see the amount of security in the place. This was never the case before. Not that he attended that many shows, but today there was a different air around him.

He shrugged and sat down at his designated seat, ignoring Eunji who was trying to wave at him from the fourth row, probably to invite him to sit with her. He saw Jungkook and Katy taking their spots closer to the slightly elevated stage. The maknae of the house looked excited, chatting animatedly with Katy, who replied with the same enthusiasm yet eyes fixated at her camera lens with determination.

He was lost in her once again. It was entertaining to watch her work. The way she focused and forgets about her surrounding was endearing.

Suddenly the atmosphere around them changed. Everyone around him jumped to their feet and more security guards dressed in black poured in. Several whispers reached his ears. One of them stood out.

"It's the Mins."

Hoseok looked to his left to see an elegant woman he'd only seen on television entering the hall surrounded by security guards. Behind her was Min Yoongi. He sucked in a breath. He'd met the man himself a few times when he attended trade shows in Western countries. They only shared a few words out of respect.

"It's the crown prince." The whispers grew louder as their gazes met.

Hoseok blinked as he stood before bowing his head in a greeting. The people around him followed suit, bowing in their direction. Hoseok was floored when he realized he was seated next to Min Yoongi.

Damn.

Yoongi was dressed in all black, looking nonchalant and responding to the greetings only with a curt nod. His lazy gaze flicked around before he sat, crossing his legs elegantly. To Hoseok's surprise, he turned toward him. "Nice to meet you again, Hoseok-ssi," he greeted, extending his hand to shake.

"The pleasure is mine." Hoseok shook his hand which was cold for touch.

Beside him, Yoongi's mother asked him something and Hoseok watched as her warm gaze turned to him. She reached over to Yoongi to shake his hands and Hoseok was on his feet immediately. It was an honor to just be in the presence of the royals. At least that was how he felt compared to his father or Uncle Jeon, who despised the royals with a passion. In his point of view, they were just jealous and thought the Mins had everything handed out to them, unlike the others who worked for it.

"It's an honor." He bowed deeply, shaking her hand.

"Jung Hoseok, isn't it?" she asked and he once again stared in surprise. "The CEO of Jung group."

"You know me?"

"Of course." She smiled. "It's hard to miss you considering how much you have achieved in the recent years. My children often speak highly of you."

Hoseok's gaze flicked toward Yoongi who sported a calm smile. Once again he was taken back because the Min heir was well known for his poker face and he hardly smiled for cameras. He looked stunning when he smiled. There was this aura that surrounded him that felt so regal. His phone was already buzzing in his pocket and several flashes confirmed their interaction was gaining attention.

"Thank you. It's really an honor." He bowed before returning to his seat with a smile.

The show began shortly and inadvertently he had been in the spotlight the entire time with flashlights flashing his way because of the royals. He swallowed the discomfort and tried his best to act nonchalant. While Hoseok was no stranger to the cameras, having everyone's attention on him was unsettling. He tried to focus on his wife who was moving as if she was on wheels.

The surprise of the crowd was evident when the western artists took the stage with their latest hits. But Hoseok's eyes stayed glued to his wife who was fluttering around like a butterfly. He did pay attention to the models. The designs were just so good and he could see why Vante garnered so much attention. He felt pride bloom in his chest when he realized this was his wife's world.

Yoongi made light talks and Hoseok was only happy to entertain him. The older was thoughtful and had a lot of in-depth knowledge. He spoke as if he knew the story behind each design and there was a certain fondness when he spoke about the designer, Kim Taehyung.

He didn't realize how much time had passed but soon Porshiya was walking on stage along with Taehyung, bowing toward the audience at the end of the show.

Soon the show was over. The shows ran all day, but Vinora's slot was toward the end of the day and he attended only their show. Jungkook engulfed Jeoni in a bone-crushing hug and lifting her off the floor while twirling her all the while she giggled. His gaze zeroed in on them, mostly on Jungkook who was all smiles.

He twisted his lips thoughtfully. As he watched both turned at the same time, their eyes widening at something that was being said to them before both broke into a fit of laughter. Something clicked in Hoseok. It could be a trick of his eye, but... their smile is so identical.

There was something different about the way Jungkook behaved around her. He had never seen Jungkook like this. Protective.

Min Yoongi and his mother bid farewell leaving the show and everyone got around mingling. But Hoseok's gaze followed two people in particular.

***

Unknown to Jungkook and Katy, Hoseok wasn't the only one paying attention to them throughout the show. Jungkook's mother stood from her seat, smiling gently at the people who were familiar to her and waving at her friends who smiled outward but she knew better. They didn't expect to see her here at all. She once again turned to Jungkook and the woman with him. They looked so close.

Who is she?

***

Hoseok decided it was safe to approach when he saw Jungkook's mother approaching the youngest. When Jungkook told him she would be there, he was surprised. His mother should be here in the crowd as well. Also, he wanted to escape Eunji, who was now pushing through the crowd to reach him in his peripheral vision.

"That's an amazing show, Katy. Vante's designs are always the best and you have the best models." One of the photographers at the venue fist pumped. He saw more people flocking her, wanting to have a word with her.

Jungkook moved closer when someone got too close, throwing an arm around her shoulder, his face an impassive mask. His jaw was tight with tension. Hoseok smiled. Jungkook only got protective with a few people. He was glad the youngest got along well with his wife, but there was something about them he still couldn't put his finger on.

"Jungkook?"

Jungkook whipped around. "Mom!" He grinned, opening his arms to hug her. "Mom, this is Katy." He turned to his sister who seemingly froze in her spot. He put a comforting hand on her back. "Noona..." his voice softened. "This is my mom."

Katy forced a smile and extended her hand. "Hello, ma'am. Nice to meet you."

"You must be Jungkook's employer," his mother smiled, returning the handshake. "Jungkook speaks highly of you."

"Oh, thank you." She smiled shyly. "He's very talented. I'd be a fool not to use his talent." Her Korean accent was so thick and she pronounced the words with a certain difficulty.

"Oh, Hoseok..." Jungkook's mother greeted.

"Hello, auntie." He caught Jungkook's eye as he greeted her with a kiss on her cheek.

"Where's Eunji?" she asked. "I thought you were going to the show with her. You sat with the Mins instead."

Beside her Jungkook's smile deflated and he threw a hand around Katy's shoulder, squeezing gently before leaning to whisper in her ear.

"Auntie, I don't know what bullshit my parents are feeding you." He frowned, pushing his hands into his pockets. "I'm not seeing Eunji and we were never together."

"Hoseokie!" He cringed at the sound and clenched his jaw when he felt her dainty hands grip his elbow. "I saved a seat for you beside me. Why would you sit with the Mins?"

He wrenched his arm free and moved to stand beside Jungkook's mother. "I didn't ask you to save a seat for me."

"Eunji..." Jungkook's mother intervened, smiling warmly, her gaze flicking to Hoseok once. "You look lovely."

"Thank you, Mrs. Jeon." Eunji grinned.

"I see you're here with your friends," Mrs. Jeon pointed behind her.

"Yes. We never miss a show," Eunji beamed, beckoning them closer. "Oh, Jungkook, so it's true you're a photographer now. Does this mean you're not interested in taking over the company? And who's that?"

"I'm very capable of handling both, Eunji." Jungkook narrowed his eyes at her, his hold on Katy's shoulder tightening. "And, I've always been a photographer. This is my noona, Katy." His smile was completely wiped off and Hoseok didn't miss a beat. "Noona, this is Eunji."

"Jungkookie is a double major, Eunji," Jungkook's mother piped in. Displeasure was written all over her face, but she masked it well with a tight smile. "You should see his works sometime. He's wonderful. He worked with popular photographers when he was in college."

"Yes, you definitely should. He shot the majority of Vante-Gucci campaign," Katy chirped switched to English. "He's simply the best."

Jungkook visibly relaxed but never loosened his hold on Katy as he translated it for the others. Hoseok tilted his head to the side. He'd never seen Jungkook protective of someone like this. His entire body was tense and his jaw was clenched as he glared at Eunji apprehensively.

Eunji looked Katy up and down, being judgmental as ever. "You're a photographer," she said after a while.

"That I am." Katy frowned.

"Is that...Is that La Perle you're wearing?" one of her friends asked.

"Yes." Katy folded her hands against her chest and leaned more into Jungkook.

"That's a limited edition. There's only one piece. I saw it on their Instagram page," Eunji continued to which Katy shrugged.

"Do they make duplicates now? It looks so similar. I'd have been fooled if I didn't know better." Eunji's friend should really watch out because she was getting on Hoseok's nerve. He never liked Hanuel or Bae.

Jungkook burst into laughter. He bent clutching his stomach as he cracked up. Beside him Katy looked away fighting her smile.

"What?" Eunji asked offended.

"Oh, sweetheart, I don't do duplicates nor I go for seconds...unlike some people," Katy crooned, a smirk lifting the corner of her lips as her gaze flicked to him. "For someone who knows so much, you still made a fool out of yourself."

Jungkook translated it for Eunji and her friends whose faces turned red.

"I've been buying La Perle for the past three years. I know about every single piece of Posh." Eunji notched her chin, glaring defiantly.

"Don't think I didn't notice your little Vante outfit. Vante only has a men's collection. You may fool the others, but not me." Hanuel moved closer to Eunji staring down at Katy who looked amused more than annoyed.

"You know nothing. Every piece she owns is custom-made for her use." Jungkook stood his ground.

"Huh? Stop fooling us, Jungkook-ssi," Hanuel snickered. "She's just a photographer."

"Am I?" Katy cocked a brow.

Jungkook was about to retort when someone intervened.

"I was summoned?" They all turned around at the deep sound coming from behind them.

Taehyung stood in all his glory, looking elegant like a prince. The man was even more handsome up this close. The photos did no justice to his beauty. His jaw looked sharp and his gaze even sharper. Hoseok was in awe. He was just stunning.

"Oh, Taehyung-ssi..." Hanuel beamed. "Your collections are amazing. My boyfriend loves them."

"Thank you." Taehyung inclined his head.

"Your photographer here is misleading the crowd. Everyone knows that you don't design women's clothing lines." Bae pointed a finger at Katy, who rolled her eyes.

"Oh, is it?" He lifted a brow going to stand at the other side of Katy, who snaked an arm around his waist. "I do design women clothing line, but there are only three women in this entire universe that actually gets to wear them." He pushed his hands deep into his pockets. "And all three are in this room. Also, for your information, she's isn't my photographer. She's one of the owners of Vante and La Perle. If you were really following our page like you claim to be, you should have known that already." He tutted his tongue.

Eunji and his friends blinked, a blush creeping onto her chin as she averted her gaze.

"He even designs my lingerie," Katy egged on. "They're simply the best. Too bad you'll never know."

Hoseok had to clear his throat to cover the cough.

"I'm not translating that," Jungkook grimaced.

Taehyung chuckled. "That's enough, little bubble." He kissed the side of her head as if to placate her before narrowing his eyes at them. "Disrespect her one more time and I'll ban you from all my future shows."

"Ah...I'm sorry." Eunji bowed. "We weren't aware."

"Still that doesn't give you the rights to look down on anyone, especially not here," Taehyung berated.

Hoseok's respect for Taehyung grew deeply and his shoulders relaxed.

Katy hugged him from the side. "I love your mother bear mode, but you can stop now. You scared them enough."

Taehyung slanted a glance at her, lowering his voice. "You know we can sue her for this, right?" he switched to English with a scowl. "I'm kicking them out of the venue. They should learn their place."

"Hoseokie...are you going to the after-party?" Eunji tugged at Hoseok's sleeve unaware of what was being spoken. Hoseok could hear it clear since he was closer to them.

"No." He moved out of her reach.

Suddenly two security guards approached the small group. "Excuse me, ma'am. You shouldn't be here." One of them said to Eunji and her friends. "Please leave."

Eunji looked at the others. "What? I have tickets. I—"

"Apologies, ma'am. It's a security protocol. You aren't allowed to stay after the show." This pointed his hand toward the entrance. "This way please."

Eunji turned to Hoseok. "Okay." She started to walk away frowning when Hoseok didn't follow them. "W-What about him?"

"He stays," the guard replied. "He's listed as a family member, you're not."

"Family?! But I'm his fiancée!"

Hoseok clenched his jaw. "She's not."

"Please don't make us remove you by force." They escorted the women outside.

"Ah..." Mrs. Jeon shifted from one foot to the other. "I'll take my leave then. It's getting late."

"I'll walk you out," Jungkook volunteered.

"It's okay, son." She patted his arm. "The driver is waiting outside. You worked hard today. I'm proud of you." She smiled at him. "Enjoy your time with your friends." She turned to Katy and Taehyung. "It was nice meeting you both today. Thank you for taking care of my son."

"The pleasure is ours." Taehyung nodded curtly, which Katy followed with a smile.

Once she left it was only Hoseok, Jungkook, Katy, and Taehyung. He looked around to notice all the others have already left, which was surprising. Usually, they always stayed to chat and mingle around.

"Sorry about that," he said to his wife. "Some people cannot take no for an answer."

"Don't worry. We are good at handling those types of people." Taehyung rewarded him with an evil smile. "Kim Taehyung." He offered a hand. "I'm the brother-in-law. Couldn't say hi in the morning. It's nice to officially meet you."

"Why do you have to stress that 'the' every time?" Katy huffed. "I have one more brother-in-law, you know?"

"Because I'm your best friend and I'm also representing your brother tonight," he replied. "So I have an added weight on my shoulders."

Hoseok chuckled when Taehyung turned to him again. "Nice to meet you too, Taehyung-ssi. The show was great. Your collections are mind-blowing."

"Thank you." Taehyung shook his hand. "I'll be sure to send a few your way."

"Oh, I wasn't expecting that." Hoseok was genuinely surprised.

Taehyung waved his hand. "You're family now. I'll be offended if you wander around in anything but Vante."

"Hyung, what about me?" Jungkook pouted, tugging at his sleeve.

Taehyung swatted at his arm. "Brat, you already stole five pieces this morning."

"I didn't steal. Jimin hyung gave them to me," Jungkook defended.

Hoseok couldn't help but notice how comfortable Jungkook was with them. That was an awfully short amount of time for a person like Jungkook to get used to someone. No offense because Jungkook was the king of introverts and showed physical affection to only a handful of people. However, he was grateful that the youngest had finally made friends of his age. Someone he could joke with and play around with. It made him really happy Jungkook was finally out of his shell.

"Those are not even released yet," Taehyung grumbled. "You're worse than her." He pointed at Katy.

"Hey, I'm your model. I get to choose whatever I want." Katy notched her chin.

"Yeah, noona asked me to be a model for your unisex collection this morning. So I get to choose too."

Taehyung stared at both of them in disbelief. "Spoiled brats. Both of you. Don't get anywhere near my closet or studio. I'm changing my locks."

"I know how to pick locks." Jungkook huffed.

"Don't worry. I know where he hides his keys." Katy stuck her tongue out.

Hoseok shook his head, laughing whole-heartedly at their banter. "So are you going to the after-party?"

"Nah." Katy waved her hand. "My brother is home, so we are ditching the party. What about you?"

"I'm going home I guess." He looked at Jungkook. "What about you?"

"I'll also go home. I just need to help with a few things here and then I'm off."

"Ah, Jeoni... Hyung leaves early morning so we are off to dinner and some private time. Posh is headed to Jin hyung's place. It's only you, Jimin, and Aera. Why don't you invite Hoseok hyung and Jungkookie home?" Taehyung suggested and Katy beamed.

"That's a great idea." She turned to Hoseok. "Will you come?"

"You haven't invited me yet."

Katy huffed. "I'm inviting now."

"When have I ever said no?"

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. It'll take us a while here. Then we can leave together."

"Okay."

Backstage was busy with the staff buzzing around and packing their stuff.

"Jungkookie! Can you help Jimin? He's in room 13," Aera called out as she helped the model out of his suit, carefully removing the pins that held the piece in place.

"On it."

Jungkook jogged toward this said room.

"You lost too much in a month. How many times do I have to tell you this isn't healthy," Aera chided at the model. "You're meeting our nutritionist first thing in the morning tomorrow. I'll have a word with your manager."

"I'm sorry, miss."

Aera sighed. "It's okay, Woobin. I don't know how your previous agent treated you, but here we work differently." She offered a soft smile. "I know it's been only two months. We will get there, yeah?"

Woobin nodded with a smile. "Thank you."

"Talk to one of us if you need anything else. We are all family here." She patted his shoulder before moving onto the next model.

Hoseok took a seat on a chair laid out in one of the corners, crossing his leg as he waited for them to finish with a smile. It felt good to know the models all worked in a healthy environment. He realized how much less he knew about his wife. As he waited he vowed to change that.

***

Jimin was changing when Jungkook entered the room without another thought. The youngest flushed red at the sight of Jimin's exposed abs, his shirt rolled over his ribs. He had just zipped his tight jeans and was about to button them.

The model, however, looked unbothered as his head whipped up. "Oh, you're here." He smiled. "Come, help me. This shirt is a bit tight. I can't pull it off myself." He pulled at the hem of the black shirt he had worn for the ramp walk earlier.

Jungkook nodded and got to work, his gaze couldn't help but trace the 'never mind' tattoo across his ribs. Jimin was speaking the truth. The shirt was tight and he was stuck, unable to pull it off his head. Jungkook helped him out, his fingers touching more skin than necessary. He didn't know if it affected Jimin in any way but Jungkook was breathless by the time Jimin was out of that shirt.

He gulped at the sight of Jimin's bare torso. Though he had seen Jimin shirtless several times during the shoots, this was different. They were now in the privacy of his changing room and his heart was beating wildly in his chest.

Jimin's frame was slightly smaller than him, but it was well-toned and his muscles were taut. The jeans...fuck the jeans hang so low on his hips and with the button open, he was greeted with the deadly v line that caused his throat to go dry.

"Like what you see?" Jimin teased.

Jungkook's gaze jumped to Jimin's face and he shrank back in embarrassment. He blinked like a deer caught in headlights. "I...I didn't mean to...I-I'm —"

"You can look all you want." He slowly backed Jungkook to the door. "I don't mind." His voice had lowered, reminding him of Aera's warning.

Jungkook's heart felt like it was going to explode. "Y-you don't mind?"

"Not if you go out with me." His breath fanned Jungkook's face just as his back hit the door. He caged him with his hands on either side of him. His gaze sensual and his voice low with that husky tone. "Will you go out with me, Jungkook-ah?"

"A-as in a d-date?" Jungkook couldn't believe his years. Did he hear that right? The Park Jimin was asking him out. He needed to confirm for the sake of his sanity.

"Yes. Wining, dining, movie nights, and all that stuff," he confirmed.

They were so close. Their faces were inches apart and Jungkook's heart beat wildly in his chest. He wondered if Jimin could hear it.

Jimin leaned forward, running his nose along the column of his throat. Jungkook nodded vehemently, his words stuck in his throat as the warmth on his skin was the only thing he could feel.

"Words, Jungkook-ah..." Jimin pulled back, staring intently into his eyes. "Use your words."

"Y-Yes," Jungkook breathed. "I'd like that."

A small smile spread on Jimin's lips. He leaned forward again, his lips ghosting over the shell of his ear. "What else would you like?"

Jungkook licked his lips, trying to formulate his thoughts that were running wild at such close proximity. "I-I want kisses and cuddles too."

Jimin hummed and Jungkook jolted when his lips pressed a feather-soft kiss under his ear. "We will have to stay low though. Can't have people find out now."

"I'm okay with that." Jungkook was slightly shaking with anticipation. "I'm still in the closet actually." Jimin teased his skin with the tip of his tongue then and Jungkook forgot his vocabulary. "I-I need a bit time to c-come out." Warmth seeped into his skin from Jimin's body. How would it feel to have Jimin's body pressed against his?

"I will give all the time you need." Jimin's lips brushed his jaw, nipping his skin. Jungkook threw his head back, his breathing grew erratic and his chest heaved. Much to his dismay, Jimin pulled back with a soft brush of his lips on his cheek. "I should get dressed."

Just like that, the moment was broken and Jungkook blinked owlishly, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. The model, however, continued to change as if he hadn't caused a mini heart attack for the photographer.

Fuck.

Jimin was going to be the death of him.

As I said in my other fic notes, we are under lock down and I'm also busy with editing to publish my next novel. It's a hectic time for me.

Please stay all.

Check out my other completed fics while you wait for updates.