Open Road

The next three weeks passed in a blur of events. Seo-yeon has turned in her badge at K Magazine with some reluctance. She hugged Eun-ha tightly, each holding back tears. They laughed at their dramatic scene.

"Unnie, we're acting like we're never going to see each other again," Eun-ha giggled.

"We're being silly," Seo agreed, "We'll still hang out on our free time."

They knew the time consuming responsibilities that were to be handed down to Seo. She would have to adjust to the hectic schedule BTS follows. Jin had attempted to comfort her, but knew his hands were tied when it came to her job duties.

After grabbing a few of her personal belongings, she bid farewell to the staff she worked with frequently. She gave Eun-ha one last tight hug. A white truck was waiting for her at the entrance of the building. A tall, relatively handsome man, stood next to the passenger side, holding the door open.

"Miss Park," he spoke, "I'm Noh Yo-han, I'll be your assistant. Manager Sejin said you would be joining us today, and sent me to pick you up."

"I really could've just taken a taxi," she said awkwardly. She had hoped to arrive alone, and with as little attention as possible aimed at her.

"It's really our honor," he sheepishly smiled at her sour expression, "I haven't been photographing long, but I have seen your work. I was impressed with the issue, so I looked into other pictures you've done. Your skill is beyond simple fashion, and idol shots."

"Thank you for that," Seo-yeon said as she entered the truck. He continued to discuss her work as they made their way to BigHit. She half listened to his rampant talk of her skill, and his excitement of working with her. Her mind was focused on her new co-workers, and what they heard about her quick switch to the company. 'Surely, Bang PD, or Manager Sejin came up with something.'

"We're here, Miss Park," Yo-han happily stated as he hopped out to open the door for her.

They entered the building that intimidated Seo-yeon enough to slightly shake. Yo-han began to talk to her about anything that came to his mind. During his dialogue, she was able to learn that he was her age, and originally worked at a small company that specialized in brochures, and other means of advertisement. He wished for a change, and was hired as an assistant until he gained more experience. He shared that the photographer she was replacing, was excellent but had a family so couldn't continue to travel with the bands. He smiled at her and said, "It's a miracle Bang PD was able to convince you to switch to us. I was worried that I would get stuck with an inexperienced, eager to please photographer."

"Convince me?"

"I'm sorry," he quickly froze, and frowned in disapproval of his slip, "I heard that you were so loyal to K Magazine that Bang PD had to practically beg you!"

"I don't think I'd say I begged," Seo-yeon and Yo-han jumped at the sound of Bang PD's powerful presence, "Whatever I did worked, and she's here."

"My apologies, sir!" Yo-han bowed.

"Take Miss Park's items to her studio. I have forms for her to fill out in my office."

Yo-han quickly took her things, and sprinted out of sight. Seo-yeon followed behind to the main office of Big Hit. She respectfully nodded in greeting to others that she passed by. They curiously stared at the new photographer they heard was highly looked upon by the CEO of the company. Seeing her being escorted to his office was confirmation that she was viewed as a great asset to the business.

"Have a seat," He gestured to a large table used for meetings. She sat in front of the forms she would have to fill out. "That's just simple employee forms. I'm sorry if my presence put you on guard. That was not my intention."

"I'm sorry. I didn't expect to fill out these sort of forms in the office of Bit Hit's CEO."

He laughed at her honest response. "I admit I don't normally do this, but we started on the wrong foot. I didn't want you to come to Big Hit scared, and constantly worried that you're being watched by management."

She skeptically stared at him, not sure how to comprehend what was happening. She was basically sold off from K Magazine, and force to work here. Although she was thrilled to be closer to Jin, she had difficulty easing her anxiety that this would all go smoothly.

"I truly had you moved here to help Jin. Of course, I also don't want the risk of your relationship being exposed, but he's at the age where it's harder to forbid him from dating," he sighed as he took the forms she completed, and sat across from her. "At least this route, you two being around each other will be expected. In the event it becomes known, we will deal with it."

"I will do everything in my power to make sure I do not become a burden to Jin, or the others. They've worked so hard to get where they are, and it shouldn't be over because of me."

"It wouldn't be ruined. They have worked hard to get where they are, and even if a dating scandal happened, they'd continue to prove to everyone that they deserve all that they have. I have faith and trust in all of them that they would continue to push themselves regardless of who doesn't approve of their life choices. That's why ARMY supports them. They turn their pain, love, stress, all of it, into music, and share it with others. I don't see the true fans turning their backs on them for loving someone."

Seo-yeon smiled at his kind words, and the devotion he had to the seven men that continue to amaze people all over the world. She would hold onto the hope that her relationship would not be Jin's downfall. That fans would love that one of their idols had found their special person. There would be those that do not approve and begin to demand an end to their happiness, or worse, the removal of the band member. Not knowing what would happen, she choose to take on Bang PD's words and live her life with Jin as best she can.

"Alright! Now that you're done with the paper work. Go get your badge, and head to your studio. The previous photographer will go over responsibilities, and Manager Sejin and the other managers will began discussing tour plans so that you can become situated."

Seo-yeon left and began her first day at Big Hit. The three weeks consisted of paper work, schedule planning. She caught small moments with Jin. Catching each others stares across the room during tour meetings, or a smile in passing. They spent time messaging each other to stay in touch. It wasn't much, but the moments made her heart rapidly beat. BTS continued to go to interviews, and other prior engagements that kept them away. She began to understand why they never dated. There wasn't time for "normal" dating. The small glimpses and occasional graze of his hand against hers in passing was enough to keep her floating on air.

Yo-han and her became good friends in the three weeks that passed. He was always eager to help, and jumped at the chance to grab his camera to assist her in various tasks. His knowledge on previous tours were greatly appreciated by Seo. They worked as a perfect team, and created plans for the tour.

Before she knew it, three weeks had passed, and they were loading the equipment into vans, busses, and other vehicles. Her mother had been thrilled when she shared her new position, and opportunity to see the world. She left out her relationship, not quite ready to share that news. With her mother's blessing, she had set out with the team assigned to the tour.

"Yun-Yun!" Jungkook ran to her.

"Jungkook, you should be on the bus. We're loading the last of the stuff," Seo-yeon said exasperated.

"I know, but you should join us on the bus!"

"What?!" she glanced around as the staff loaded the last of the equipment.

"Yeah, it's fine. Manager Sejin is there. Besides, you could take pictures while on the bus. It's part of the tour."

She thought to herself that this trouble-maker had a point. Perhaps the pictures could be used as a package for their fans to see them when they aren't performing.

"Seo?" Yo-han joined the pair.

Jungkook's smile slipped for a mili-second hearing another man call for her so intimately. He squinted his eyes suspiciously at the handsome man. 'Well, not as handsome as hyung.'

"Hi. Are you joining us on tour too?" Jungkook asked in a business like tone. Seo-yeon fought the urge to laugh at his now serious posture. She could see that he was sizing up Yo-han in place of his hyung.

"Yes. I'm Noh Yo-han. I'm Seo's assistant and second photographer."

"Yun-Yun's going to join us on the bus. She's going to capture behind the scene photos."

"Yun-Yun?" Yo-han stammered.

"She's my sister. We became close during the shoot at K Magazine. It's great PD-nim was quick to bring her over."

"I agree. She's brilliant. I'm learning so much from her."

Jungkook nodded in a formal, still all business, manner. Seo-yeon bit her lip to keep her grin from spreading. She knew he was in "brother" mode, and she didn't have the heart to cut him off.

"Kookie!" Jimin rushed over. Jungkook gave a small glance his way, then continued to watch Yo-han, who awkwardly glanced at Seo-yeon. She shrugged as if to say she had no clue what Jungkook was up to.

"Jin-hyung said to hurry up and get on the bus. We're ready to head out," Jimin sweetly smiled at Seo-yeon while he spoke to Jungkook.

"We'll see you at our next stop, Mr. Noh," Jungkook said as he pulled Seo-yeon by the wrist. Seo waved to Yo-han as she was lead to the large tour bus. Jimin laughed as he followed them. Manager Sejin looked up in surprise at the sight of a flustered Seo-yeon being dragged by the strong grip of Jungkook, while Jimin simply giggled behind them.

"Jungkook?!" Namjoon exclaimed. The other managers continued what they were working on, having already been caught up by Manager Sejin on the new photographer. Knowing the privacy that was needed, and not wanting to loose their jobs, they continued on as if this was normal.

"Jin-hyung, scoot over, so Yun-Yun has somewhere to sit," Jungkook demanded and completely ignoring the stares.

"Jungkook, she can just sit here at the table. There's space right across from me," Ho-seok pointed out.

"She would be facing the back, and you wouldn't want to risk her getting car sick, would you?" he tried guilting.

"Then why don't YOU sit next to hyung, and give her your seat?" Yoongi mumbled from behind his laptop.

"Hyung's shoulders are too big, and we wouldn't be comfortable," he whined while pouting and rubbing his shoulders. Seo-yeon looked at Jin, who was sitting quietly in his seat. He grinned at her and gestured to his seat, obviously welcoming her next to him.

"Welcome, Seo-yeon. Take a seat next to Jin, seeing how Kook will make up excuses as to why they aren't up to standards," Manager Sejin politely greeted her. He scowled at Jungkook who wasn't fazed, and "escorted" her to Jin.

Satisfied, he sat in his seat which was next their seats, diagonally. He gave them a thumbs up, and wink. They shook their heads and chuckled at his not so subtle attempt to keep them close. Taehyung, who was seated with Jungkook, approved and nodded at the maknae in solute.

With everyone settled, and everything loaded, the bus began to move. Jin checked that no one was looking and took her hand in a gentle clasp. He placed their entwined hands in his coat pocked out of sight.

"I missed you," he whispered.

"I missed you too," she whispered back while facing forward. They shyly smiled, hands still clasped as the bus drove towards their first tour stop.