For Keeps

"It's my fault. Don't take it out on Seo-yeon," Jin pleaded in an almost whisper tone.

"Jin, I'm not punishing her," Jin and Seo-yeon remained focused on the powerful man who held their relationship possibilities in the palm of his hands. He didn't shout, or fill with rage as both had feared his reaction would be. Instead, he continued to sip from his glass of wine, while watching both squirm in their seats.

"Then why take her away from a company that treats her well, and she's continually excelling in?" Jin questioned.

"Miss Park," he switched the focus to her, "Jin's right. I haven't once asked what you want."

"Given the circumstances, I really have no other options. Jin Ae signed a contract, so either I work with BigHit, or I'm unemployed."

"Contract?" Jin exclaimed, "PD-nim, if this isn't punishment, then what else could it be?"

"Do you love each other?" Bang PD surprised them by suddenly asking this question. Manager Sejin shrunk into his seat becoming uncomfortable. "Well? I need to know how serious you two are about each other. Is this potential marriage, or a simple fling?"

Jin and Seo-yeon became increasingly embarrassed. They knew they loved each other, but they had never mentioned marriage. It was all still new, and they were enjoying getting to know one another. Having someone else broach the subject was awkward for everyone.

"If I didn't love him, I would have used our relationship for self gain months ago," Seo-yeon finally spoke, breaking the unbearable silence. All eyes focused on her. "As I'm sure you were made aware, Mr. Bang, I met Jin on his vacation."

He nodded in agreement. She smiled gently at Jin, trying to comfort him. She didn't want any harm to come to him, and she hoped to prove to everyone that she truly did care for Jin.

"From the day I found out his true identity, I never once thought to share with any news outlet what happened between us. I didn't even plan on getting involved with him again. I had every intention to stay away from him," she glanced at Jin, who grinned at her, proud of her for speaking up for herself. Bang PD didn't miss the exchange. "Things just didn't work out that way. The next thing I knew, BTS was walking into my studio, and I was face to face with the man from the lighthouse. Mr. Bang, I truly do care about Jin, and will continue to show how much I care for him, even if that means giving each other space."

Bang PD glanced at Jin who continued to stare at Seo-yeon with all the adoration he could muster into his eyes. Manager Sejin smiled at Bang PD in satisfaction. He had shared that she was not attention seeking and was willing to walk away if it was best. She once again proved this to them all.

"There's no need for space," the room silenced again at Bang PD's words, "Sejin spoke highly of you. Professionally and personal. Yoongi also vouched for you. I'm sorry for taking extreme measures, and interfering with your career, but it would be best if you joined BigHit. It'll eliminate the sneaking around, and questions if you two are photographed together."

"You're not opposed to this, PD-nim?" Jin asked in awe.

"I won't lie, I was angry at first. But having Sejin and Yoongi give insight on Miss Park's character calmed me. Seeing her now, I can see she loves you," he smiled at her. She shyly smiled back. "As long this doesn't interfere with Jin's performance and responsibilities, I'm ok with you two dating."

"PD-nim," Jin bowed in thanks, "thank you."

"Thank you," Seo-yeon exclaimed in gratitude.

"Having you on tour as our photographer is less suspicious. I still ask that you two are cautious. The others are aware too, and are told to be careful as well."

"Of course," Jin and Seo-yeon said in union. The smiled sheepishly at each other, feeling as if they were given permission from their parents to date. 'One step at a time,' Jin told himself.

"Miss Park, I'll see you at BigHit tomorrow morning. You still have the necessary paperwork, and then we can move into preparing for tour," Bang PD stood with Manager Sejin, "Jin take Miss Park back to K Magazine. I'm sure she has things to finalize given the sudden resignation."

Both men left the room. Jin and Seo-yeon flopped back into their seats in exhaustion. They felt emotionally drained by Bang PD's methods. It was all in the best interest of Jin's career, but his style was melodramatic.

"Shall we?" Jin asked. She looked at him and laughed. He had a huge grin, as if going into battle for her.

***Back at BigHit dance studio***

Jin walked into the dance studio as the other members slowly walked in one by one. He had dropped off Seo at K Magazine and had fought the urge to hold her before she left. Working with her during entire tour was going to be difficult. He never imagined he would work with the woman he loved. It was going to be a big challenge.

"Hyung?" Jungkook shook Jin's shoulder having been trying to get his attention.

"Sorry, what's up?"

"I asked how your lunch went," he leaned in to see if Jin was ok. He knew what the meeting had been about, and was worried how stressed Seo and Jin may be now.

"Why didn't any of you warn me?" Jin stomped his foot childishly making the younger members laugh.

"PD-nim said not to mention it," Jimin said matter-of-factly while stretching.

"He wanted to see for himself how you felt about her," Yoongi said sitting on the floor, playing on his phone, "I think he was worried that it's only infatuation."

"Yoongi, I didn't think you'd keep it from me," Jin whispered dramatically.

"Sorry, hyung, by I fear PD-nim's anger more than I do you," Tae said before hiding behind a laughing Jungkook.

"What did Bang PD decide on after all? He only told us that he would meet with you two, and that we need to continue to assist you in keeping this quiet," Namjoon said.

Jin filled them in on the events of lunch. Each of them gasped in amazement at how composed Seo-yeon was facing Bang PD. The maknae line gleefully cheered when it was shared that Seo would be the new photographer on tour with them. The others, more serious, promised to help make her feel welcomed.

"How do you feel about having her so close? Aside from us and Manager Sejin, no one else knows. You still have to be extra cautious," Ho-seok asked.

"I'm beyond happy to have her around. It was going to be hard being away from her while on tour, so this is a blessing," they all 'awed' to his dismay. Yoongi shushed them so he could continue, "I'm worried that we might give ourselves away though."

"That's why you have us, hyung," Jungkook wrapped his arm around Jin's shoulders, "We will make it so everyone knows she's our sister, and shouldn't be messed with."

"I'm not sure that will help, Kook," Ho-seok laughing pointed out.

"He's right, Kookie," Tae said, "At least at first. We should accept her as the new hire, and slowly make it known." He said while aiming a thumbs up at Jungkook, who returned it.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but Tae-hyung might be on to something," Yoongi said. The others laughed at Tae's pout at the doubt cast at him. "Hear me out. She's going to be a new employee, but everyone knows that she came from K Magazine. She's already known for the pictures she took, and Kook already made it known that she's his sister. So if we welcome her like we would anyone new, it wouldn't be unusual. After spending more time with her on tour, it wouldn't be shocking if we all become friends. Besides, we already knew her previously."

"What do you think, Jin?" Namjoon asked him.

"It will draw less attention to her. We're close to our staff anyway, so building a friendship with her through this period would be normal. I'm for it," he happily nodded in agreement.

"Alright!" Jungkook cheered, fist pumped into the air, "This is going to be one of the best tours. Not only will we be with ARMY, but Yun-Yun will be a part of it. She's never seen us perform live. She always seen Jin out of the spotlight, but now she'll see a whole new side of him."

The others concurred with this thought. It would be a big step for their relationship, and they were estatic to be a part of it. After a little teasing aimed at their hyung, they became serious and focused, and began their rehearsal. Each set for the upcoming tour.