One last request

**Beach house**

Jin walked into the living room of the beach house and sat on the nearest couch. He let out a deep breath as if he had not taken a normal one since the moment Mrs. Park spoke those ill-fated words. He lay his head back and stared blankly at the ceiling.

He parted with Seo-yeon, telling her to stay with her family. He didn't want to cause a strain between her and her mother. He understood Mrs. Park's concerns, and shared them as well. He hated that Seo would face the judgement of angry fans, those that felt he was theirs and not allowed to date. Her mother was in every right to demand that they end things before events escalated.

He closed his eyes to ward off the anxiety and pain. The thoughts of what would come of him and Seo, and the press conference he was still expected to hold, continued to haunt his mind. The hurt at being rejected by the mother of the woman he holds dear added to the pounding in his brain and heart. He wasn't sure where to go from there. He felt lost.

"Hyung?" Yoongi worriedly placed his hand on Jin's shoulder. He had intended to grab a drink but paused when he spotted an exhausted figure on the couch. He could see the play of emotions on Jin's face as he approached him.

Jin sat up in alarm. The others hadn't been in the house, so he had assumed they had ventured out to see the beach, or local shopping areas. He was relieved to be given a short period to think to himself. He need to gather his thoughts, and determine what his next route was. He weakly smiled at Yoongi, who held his stare.

"What happened?" Yoongi sat across from him.

"Where is everyone?" Jin tried to divert from the conversation.

"They went out to the beach earlier," he brushed off, "Now what happened? It's obvious things didn't go as we all hoped."

"Her mother doesn't approve," he said in a hushed voice. Yoongi had to lean over to hear him clearly, but he was able to understand. "We told her everything, and how we planned on handling the situation. She won't allow the safety of her only daughter to be at risk."

"What did you say to that? Did you explain that we would go to great lengths to keep her privacy?"

"No. Seo-yeon was about to plead with her, but she cut her off, and thanked me for visiting, and wished me all the best. She walked out right after, not leaving room for argument," he pushed his hair back off his forehead in frustration, "Seo-yeon was so heartbroken. I would have brought her with me, but I didn't want to go against her mother's wishes. I told her to stay, and spend some time with her family. That we'd pick her up tomorrow morning to head back to Seoul."

"You're not thinking of breaking up, are you?" Yoongi accusingly asked.

"You're breaking up with Yun-yun?"

The two looked up to a startled Jungkook. The others awkwardly walked into the living room. The sliding door had been open, which explained the quiet entrance. They heard Yoonig's question upon walking into the room.

"Hyung, what's going on?" Tae-hyung asked in a worried voice.

The others placed their belongings on the kitchen table and joined them in the living room. They had not expected the outcome of this family meet to be the end of Jin's relationship. They had been optimistic and thought any family would be thrilled to welcome someone as successful as Jin. Most families would give anything to have their daughters date a wealthy, and successful man. They were at a loss for words as Jin retold the events at the Park family household.

"Poor Yun-Yun," Tae mumbled.

"But we'd be there to keep her safe! We'd make sure no one hurts her!" Jungkook argued.

"Kookie, we couldn't always be there," Jimin cut in, "Not to mention the trolls online that won't hold back when this is made public."

"We'll sue them for defamation!" Jungkook determinedly said.

"Yeah, but that won't stop the hurt Seo-yeon will feel when she reads them," Namjoon said, "It took us time to learn to stop reading those hate comments. But it still hurts when we get criticized."

"I would worry for my sister's safety if she was in Seo-yeon's position. And I know my parents would be scared for her if someone hated her as much as Ae-cha does Seo-yeon," Ho-seok calmly stated.

"Hobi, has a point. It's not just virtual trolls, but Seo had someone she worked with hate her so much that she tried to expose her and Jin," Namjoon stated matter of fact, "All this aside, I don't think we're helping Jin any."

They all glanced a Jin who had been following he conversation. He hunched over and placed his face in his hands. They had voiced every concern he had been internally dealing with. Hearing it from others made it even harder to confront.

"Hyung," Yoongi calmly said after glaring at the others for causing him more grief, "What do you plan on doing now? We'll help in any way."

Jin sat up, and gave a weak smile. He appreciated their attempt to help. They meant well, and he knew they would step up to assist him in any way.

"I think I should head back to Seoul tonight. I'll schedule to meet with PR and have the media gather tomorrow evening," he faced Yoongi, "Can you pick up Seo-yeon tomorrow, and drive her back?"

"Of course, but what are you planning?"

"I need to gain the public's trust back. They feel betrayed that I hid this from them. I need to fix that before I can promise Seo's mother that her safety is my main concern."

"I'll go back with you," Namjoon volunteered, "I can help with your statement."

"I'll go too," Jungkook chimed in, "For moral support!"

"Me too, hyung!" Jimin announced, "You need all the support you can get."

"Thanks," Jin humbly thanked them, "Tae, Hobi, and Yoongi. Keep her distracted. I don't want her to worry."

"Of course. We'll take her for a nice breakfast and distract her with plans for the tour," Tae said, "I'll make sure she has no time to think about anything else while on the road back."

With the plans set, Jin, Jungkook, Namjoon and Jimin gathered their things and headed out. The sun was already beginning to set. It would be late by the time they arrived in Seoul.

"Hey, Jungkook," Jin said from the passenger seat. They had agreed that Jungkook would drive back, allowing Jin time to collect his thoughts, and work with them on the press statement. "Stop by Park's Goods."

Given the address, they arrive at the dimly lit store. It was late, and would be closing soon. The others knew this was Seo-yeon's mother's store, but didn't question why he wanted to stop here first. They watched as his face was set with determination, and there would be no delaying him. He stepped out and entered the small building.

Mrs. Park was at the counter, staring at the small television screen playing above her. Hye was sweeping, but froze when the signal indicated a customer, and revealed Jin instead. He quickly looked at his mother, however she was still dazing off. Jin gently smiled at the younger man, letting him know he didn't intend to cause more strife.

"Mrs. Park?" Jin calmy, politely and cautiously called out.

She reflectively stood up. She had been thinking about the exchange between her and the man her daughter loves, and she hurt for them. She hadn't spoken with Seo-yeon since that morning, and wasn't sure what to say to her. She never imagined that she would be the cause of Seo-yeon's first heartbreak. She didn't know any other way to spare her daughter from being publicly scorned, so she would rather be the one to cause this moment of pain.

"Mr. Kim," Jin slightly grinned. He was demoted from "Seok-jin" to "Mr. Kim" in her way of showing she wasn't going to budge on the issue. He respected her even more for this.

"I'm heading back to Seoul, but wanted to speak with you before I go," he kindly spoke.

Hye stood to the side, staring in awe Jin. He had looked into him, and was amazed to find out that he was not only a star for South Korea, but that he was globally loved. The extent of BTS' popularity was phenomenal. Hye wanted his sister to be happy, but he couldn't deny the hardship that would come with dating someone as idolized as Jin.

"I have nothing more to say to you," Mrs. Park said in a firm voice.

"I understand, but could you please listen to what I have to say?" he requested.

She simply nodded her consent. She lifted her chin proudly. A silent prayer to not give in to this young man's words. She knew he meant well, and could see in his eyes how much he loved Seo-yeon. That alone was becoming a challenge for her to overlook.

"I respect your opinion, and the last thing I want to do is offend you. That being said, I wish to prove to you that Seo's safety is my number one priority," she blinked rapidly, unsure how to reply, "Yes, I am an idol. I love what I do for a living. I worked hard for years to get where I am. I love ARMY and value that bond. But I love Seo-yeon too. I will do everything within my power to show you that she will be safe. That our fandom does want us to be happy, and is not full of hate, or possessive behavior as it's being made out to be. Seo-yeon has witnessed that kind and family oriented love while on tour with us. Please, give me this time to show you that it'll be ok. That we can be together and maintain our privacy."

She didn't speak for a few seconds. She stared at Jin, who was now bowing in respect. His words were full of hope and confidence. It was also full of desperation. He wasn't ready to give up on them, and she had to admit that that fighting spirit was winning her over.

"Ok, Jin," his eyes widened at the nickname. It was a simple change in how she addressed him, but the meaning meant so much more. She held his stare, then challengingly stated, "Prove it to me."