Gauntlet Thrown

"No," Yoongi growled, "There has to be someone else at the company. Someone with more experience. Someone that won't drive me insane."

Everyone surrounding the conference table remained silent. They had been summoned to meet with Bang PD first thing in the morning following the night of Jin and Seo's dinner. Given that PD, himself, had been the one to demand the spontaneous conference, no one had declined. Each person cleared their previous plans, and made sure to arrive five minutes early, some earlier.

Eun-ha feeling optimistic after the drive home with Yoongi, greeted everyone with a warm smile. She and Seo-yeon sat next to one another. Those in attendance were four managers, including Euh-ha, Seo-yeon as head of photography, with her assistant, two of the company lawyers, head of PR, Jin, Jungkook, Yoongi, and Bang PD.

Once everyone had settled down, Bang PD announce the purpose of the impromptu meeting. Anxious eyes followed his every move. He stood, a towering stature of power. He commanded attention without requesting it, and everyone permitted the order.

"In two weeks, Jin and Seo-yeon are to wed. Given the impending date, we agreed that this would be the perfect time to discuss what the next step would be for Jin and Yoongi." The remaining members of BTS nodded in agreement, having discussed with Bang PD their initial plans for the next two years.

"With the others still in active duty, and Jungkook joining at the end of the year, this is a wonderful opportunity for Jin and Yoongi to work on projects that they were never given time to do while performing as idols. Jungkook will collaborate with them, and continue with his own projects. Manager Hobeom, you will overlook Jin's schedule and proceedings. Jin will begin discussing with directors, and screenwriters about starring in his first film, or television program."

The room filled with shocked conversations. Seo-yeon smiled proudly at Jin from across the table. He flirtatiously winked at her, having shared the news with her the night before. As always, she vowed to support him. Eun-ha excitedly clapped, knowing how Jin's fans would be thrilled at his acting ability finally being used in a possible drama. Manager Hoebeom began jotting down notes, prepping for what was to come. Bang PD shushed everyone to continue with the announcements.

"Seo-yeon, when a project is chosen, you will collaborate with to promote the film. Work with the director in bringing in viewers. We'll assign Yo-han to work with Yoongi on his project to eliminate burn out on your part." Seo-yeon nodded in agreements. Yo-han was no longer her assistant, but one of their lead photographers. He learned from her, and was given multiple opportunities to grow in the business.

The room's atmosphere grew in anticipation. Everyone awaited the career path for Yoongi. He had been quiet during the entire presentation, occasionally whispering to Jin. Given his talent in music, each person in attendance was curious as to what he would venture into. Directing? Composing? Rapping as a solo career? Managing? The list was endless with his skills.

"Now, we spoke in depth regarding Yoongi. His passion is music, and he does not wish to stray from it. He doesn't wish to limit where or how he contributes his skill. In other words, he will venture into many projects. From working on his solo album to writing/composing music for other artists. We will support Yoongi as he expands on his musical career. Now, for the manager that I felt would be suitable," the room became still. Even Yoongi sat up eagerly. During the discussion, they never mentioned who would be his manager. It had slipped his mind, and he didn't see it as an urgent matter to contact Bang PD so late at night.

"Euh-na," Bang PD's booming voice called to her. She jumped in her seat. Jin and Seo-yeon exchanged looks of surprise, neither expecting this announcement. The others were also surprised, but knowing her professionalism, accepted the responsibility being bestowed to her. Jungkook's mouth opened in astonishment, then closed in an attempt to hold in his laughter.

Yoongi's icy glare aimed at Eun-ha and declaration that someone else be assigned to him, instantly silenced the room. With the exception of Jungkook, the others uneasily squirmed in their seats. Not one to question Bang PD's orders, everyone were flabbergasted that he spoke so disrespectfully. Of course, the words were aimed at Eun-ha, but it did not stifle the tension.

"Everyone leave," Bang PD demanded. No one hesitated to leave the tense room. "Kook, Jin and Se-yeon, stay."

The other staff practically tripped over one another to escape the conference room. They feared that Yoongi was about to be given an earful. Counting their blessings that it wasn't them, they all headed to their designated areas to work harder than they ever had.

"Now that the room is cleared, Yoongi, what is the issue?" Bang PD demanded. It was evident that he was frustrated with the outburst, but would give him the chance to explain his issue with the order.

"There are other managers. Why assign me someone that's still 'wet behind the ears?'"

"She has years of experience in the entertainment industry, and about three years of management. Three officially in two months."

"Exactly. She doesn't have enough experience," Yoongi stated, pointing an accusatory finger at Eun-ha.

She had been respectfully quiet, allowing Bang PD and Yoongi to hash out the assignment. She felt herself becoming angrier the longer she listened to Yoongi's words. Each like a slap to her face. His words discrediting the demanding effort she had placed into her career the past two years in his absence.

"Could she handle the demanding schedule, and various tasks that will come with jumping from project to project? I want someone that won't interfere with my creative ability, and won't require I hold their hand throughout each project," he pleaded with Bang PD, who glanced at a fuming Eun-ha. Jin and Seo-yeon nervously watched their two close friends, one verbally bashing the other, while the other clearly held their tongue. Jungkook, sat back in his seat, enjoying the "show."

"Mr. Bang, can I speak freely?" she requested as calmly as she could.

He gave a curt nod, approving her wish to speak with no reprimands. Yoongi faced her, challenge piercing her through his glacial eyes. Jin, Jungkook and Seo-yeon held their breath, knowing how their shouting matches could intensify. Never had they engaged in verbal battle at work, so they were uncertain how Bang PD would react to the heated argument.

"Although, I don't agree with anything that Mr. Min has just said, I will request that one of the other managers be assigned to assist him."

"Mr. Min?" Yoongi scoffed. Her tranquil voice, and demeanor irritated him. He felt like a child throwing a tantrum, and her "request" to be reassigned him infuriated him.

Ignoring his mocking comment, she continued, "I know the other managers have worked with him before his enlistment, and would adjust much easier with his needs. I also do not wish to part with TXT."

"My needs?!" Yoongi slapped the table to the surprise of the others, "You're making it seem like I'm some overbearing diva!"

She glanced at him, but didn't disagree, nor clarify his comment. Jungkook covered his mouth to stop his giggle that almost broke through his lips. Seo-yeon cringed at the exchange. Jin glared at Jungkook, having seen his grinning throughout the disagreement. Bang PD continued to observe the interaction.

"I resent you treating me as if I'm a primadonna, Eun-ha!"

"And I resent you treating me as if I'm some amateur not worthy of working with you!"

"Spare me! I know you don't want to work with me as much as I don't want to work with you!" he spat out.

"That's enough!" Bang PD cut in. He had never witnessed Yoongi become so agitated by a staff member. He had witnessed him become frustrated with himself, one of the maknaes, and even journalists that disrespected those he cared for. This was the first time he'd seen him become so angry at a woman.

"Yoongi, I understand how you're feeling, but I choose Eun-ha because she's young and driven. She learns fast, and has great management skills. While you were gone, she took over management of TXT, and her sharp attention to detail made transitions, paper work, and scheduling a breeze for the group. Her firm handle on the press was another reason I want her to represent you. You hate dealing with journalists, and Eun-ha has a reputation for ending attempted interviews, or scandals before they even begin. You would have freedom to work as you please, while she keeps the press at bay, and manages your busy schedule."

The other three attendees shared Bang PD's reasons for choosing Eun-ha. She already knew Yoongi, and would be able to adjust to his needs, even if he couldn't see it now. The press already knew they would not get anything from Big Hit's idols if they were under her care. These reasons were only a few to note, but they all knew that Yoongi valued his time to creatively work.

"Strictly from a professional perspective, she is the perfect fit," Bang PD said, facing a defeated Yoongi, "Will your personal feelings towards her interfere? I have no idea what she did to earn this disrespect, or what you did to have it thrown right back, but I'm trying to run a business here."

Eun-ha and Yoongi exchanged looks of guilt. They pride themselves on being professional, yet here they were having an argument in front of their superior. The looked away in shame.

"I apologize, PD-nim," Yoongi bowed. "I'll respect your opinion and work with her, if she's willing."

She curtly nodded her head as a response.

"Could I speak with Eun-ha alone?" Yoongi asked.

Bang PD consented, and gestured to a gawking Jungkook to leave with him. Jin gave a sympathetic smile to Eun-ha, and escorted Seo-yeon, who waved to her friend, out of the room.

"Was your praise yesterday all fake?" Eun-ha asked in a hushed voice.

"What?"

"You said I did good yesterday. 'You did good, kid.'" she frowned at him, "Was it only good as long as I wasn't working with you?"

"I know you're a diligent worker. I'm sorry for acting otherwise, but you know we never agree on anything. How will we get anything accomplished? We don't share the same views."

"Personal views that apply to our friends, or interests, maybe. But I take my job very seriously, Yoongi. When it comes to my clients, I place their best interests firsts. I do all I can to support those I work with."

"You're serious?" he walked around the table, to stand in front of her. She didn't cower away. She faced him without hesitation. "You really think we can push aside our differences, and past? You think we can peacefully work together?"

Her heart raced at how close he was. Sometime during his questions of doubt, he stood uncomfortably close to her. She had to tip her head back to meet his searching eyes. Never backing down from Yoongi's dare, she placed one hand on her hip, and the other she used to point a finger to his chest.

"I know I can be professional."

He glanced down at the small hand with it's finger jabbing his chest in acceptance to his challenge. He felt his heart give an unusual jump at the sudden contact made. Ignoring what he told himself was a normal reaction having just engaged in a confrontation with her, his eyes once again met hers.

"Ok, Eun-ha. We'll see how professional you can be."