Where there's smoke

2 months on tour

Seo-yeon lay in her hotel room, reluctant to begin the day's activities. She had a list of things she had to do. She had to check in with the managers to see what BTS had planned today, aside from performing later that evening. She would then check on equipment and purchase anything that may need to be added. She would work with Yo-han to edit the images that had been captured thus far during the tour. The past two months, they had captured dozens of images, to which Yo-han suggested they add to BigHit's website a section for behind the tour pictures, for fans viewing. Bang PD connected them to the person in charge of their PR, and worked to make it happen.

Yo-han would manage the website, and work with Seo-yeon to post tasteful, yet fun pictures. PR approved of the idea, taking into consideration ARMY's that could not attend the concerts, but wished to be a part of the tour in some way. The addition to the website was a success, and ARMY loved each picture that was posted. Of course, Seo and Yo-han agreed that the pictures that would not be placed into the special addition magazine/booklet for fanclub members, were the pictures that would be posted onto the site.

Having this new task kept Seo-yeon busy while the members went to interview, or perform to other engagements. She and Jin continued to text during the days that they would venture out to other locations. When they were finally able to reunite for the next performance, they would use their free time to hang out with all the other members, and then slip away to be alone.

Seo-yeon wasn't too sure in the beginning if it was possible to be together given how often he would need to be away, but she was relieved that they were still able to share some time together.

"Seo?" Yo-han knocked on her hotel door, snapping her out of her memory of the past two months, "Are you up? Let's go grab breakfast before we meet with Manager Sejin."

"Give me fifteen minutes. I'll meet you in the lobby," she said as she hopped out of bed.

"See you down there."

Seo-yeon rushed through her morning routine hoping her fatigue would shake. The sound of her phone slightly buzzing drew her attention. She grinned when she read the name of the sender.

[Text] Jin: Have you eaten?

[Text] Seo: I'm about to. Have you?

[Text] Jin: I had a quick breakfast. Don't worry, Jungkook is making sure I'm keeping up with my meals. He says Yun-Yun won't like a sickly, weak man. 😅

[Text] Seo: lol! You guys sound like you're having fun.

[Text] Jin: We always do.

[Text] Jin: I miss you, though.

[Text] Seo: I miss you too.

[Text] Jin: I need to get back. I'll see you soon.

[Text] Seo: See you

Sighing at the short and quick conversation, she grabbed her things and left to join Yo-han downstairs.

**Cafe**

"Did you stay up late again?" Yo-han worriedly asked as Seo-yeon covered a yawn.

"I had to finish the final editing for the website."

"You could've asked me to help. No need to over exert yourself," he reprimanded.

"Sorry for stressing you out," she apologized.

"You're not stressing me out. I'm just concerned for your health," he said as if calming a child.

"I'll be better about it," she brushed off his comment.

Yo-han frowned at her unconcerned reply. The past two months, they worked so close together, and he felt himself becoming attracted to her within the first month. He wasn't brave enough to confess to her, as he knew that she didn't see him that way. It was obvious in the way she spoke to him. He suspected that she had a boyfriend, who she constantly messaged. Her face lighting up each time her phone buzzed. No other staff member knew who he was, nor did they talk about her personal life. She was close to the managers, and BTS, so he reckoned that she was either a family member of someone at BigHit, or...

He shook his head in frustration. He didn't dare let his mind stray towards the unthinkable. He didn't think much the first night of the tour when Jungkook pulled her to the tour bus. Jungkook is known for his caring attitude towards any and all his friends. Yo-han simply pushed any questions away and carried on with what was needed. Her unavailability when they were around, and change in mood were the most suspicious. Working so close with her was the only reason he noticed any of this. To others, she was just their close friend, but Yo-han was beginning to doubt that.

[Television] "Breaking news! Kim Seok-jin of popular K-pop group, BTS is suspected of dating an unknown woman."

Seo-yeon's face drained of color at the sound of the news anchors announcement. She faced the screen, as did others in the cafe. Yo-han glanced at her face, taking note of her reaction. His heartbeat quickened at that same nagging thought.

"Excuse me," he addressed a waitress, "Can you raise the volume?"

[Television] "An unknown source mailed in this picture of Jin in an intimate embrace with the woman. BigHit has yet to make a statement in regards to one of their members dating. Fans are hurt and demand an explanation. Some fans are taking to social media demanding the woman come forward and issue an apology for the pain caused. Others wish to hear from Jin, himself."

Seo-yeon stopped listening. The picture was captured the day of the picnic at the beach. The night she and Jin had shared the dream of going public some day. The picture had blurred her face, but she worried that the staff on tour with them would recognize her. Her phone suddenly began to buzz. She glanced at her phone, and closed her eyes in defeat when "Manager Sejin" flashed on her screen.

"Hello?" she meekly said. Yo-han watched every movement. He knew the woman was her the moment it flashed on tv. He pushed his own heartbreak aside, knowing she was going to need support from here on out.

"You need to report to the hotel conference room immediately."

"What about the concert tonight?"

"It's been postponed..."

"I'm so sorry..."

"So you've seen the news. We knew this could happen some day. Now it's time for damage control," Manager Sejin sighed, "We need to figure out what we're going to do now. It's too risky to have them perform tonight."

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

She took her eyes off her phone, and faced Yo-han. She knew instantly that he knew. He smiled sadly, and gently took her hand. It was a small gesture of support from someone that wasn't already in the loop. She bit her lip to keep from crying in gratitude.