White Flag

The crowd cheered as Park Hyung Sik took the stage to present the award for Rookie of the year. Seo-yeon and Eun-ha squealed in anticipation, clutching each others hands in a silent prayer. Jin and Yoongi smiled fondly at the women.

"You would think you two had never been to an award show," Yoongi playfully scoffed.

Eun-ha poked his side in retaliation, and he dramatically grunted. "Hey, this is huge!"

"Stop, I don't want anyone getting their hopes up," Jin brushed off their comments. He was aware that this was a large step in his career, but he didn't want to suffer from his own aspirations. The last thing he would want is to add to his friends' pain of being let down.

His internal thoughts were not missed on Jungkook and Yoongi who have been in the same situation before. They smiled in understanding at him, but still held onto the faith they had that he would earn the recognition he deserved.

"Thank you, thank you," Park Hyung Sik graciously thanked the cheering crowd, "I am here to present the award for rookie of the year. These actors amazed us with their ability to transform into character, and bring their films to life. Each adding their own skill to the art of acting, and making fans want to see what else they can do. I, for one, cannot wait to see what they will star in next. Now, here are the nominees for rookie of the year."

The audience clapped respectfully as each nominee was displayed on the projection screen. The fans of each actor cheered as scenes from their film were briefly highlighted. Eun-ha and Seo-yeon cheered as loud as they could when Jin's face filled the screen. His ears turned bright red, and he laughed at their fangirling. Jungkook and Yoongi joined the women in clapping for him, which made him blush even more.

"The winner for rookie of the year is," the crowd hushed in expectancy. Seo-yeon clutched Jin's had, Eun-ha clung to Yoongi's arm, and Jungkook childishly folded his hands in prayer. "Kim Seok-jin..."

The room boomed with applause. Seo-yeon hugged him, caught in the moment, which caused louder cheering from avid fans. The others cheered him on, as he walked up the stage. They unabashedly wiped tears from their eyes.

The noise came to an end as Jin took his trophy and stood in front of the microphone. He waved to fans, and bowed in thanks before finally speaking. "Thank you. All the actors up for this award were wonderful, and I am truly blessed to be placed into the same category as them. When I first went on set, I was nervous that my acting wouldn't be up to par with the others on site. They were so welcoming, and always offered advice and praise when warranted. I really want to thank everyone that worked on the film. From the producers, technicians, make-up artist, actors, everyone, thank you so much. Thank you, Big Hit for assisting me my entire career and staying by me on this new experience. My family, thanks for supporting me when I chose to pursue acting in college. For loving me and every life choice I've made. Jimin, Tae, Hobi and Namjoon, I miss you guys and can't wait for your return, my biggest fans."

The audience cheered at the mention of his bandmates. Their presence felt all over. "Yoongi, my roommate for years, and fishing partner. You have been there for me in so many ways, and I'm looking forward to your producing skills. Lastly, Seo-yeon," the crowd erupts into screams at his wife's name, "This new experience would not be as easy if it hadn't been for you. Thank you for your unconditional love and support."

Seo-yeon wiped at her tears as Jin was escorted back stage. The others cheered for their friend.

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~After party~

Eun-ha and Yoongi stood together with Jungkook while Jin and Seo-yeon greeted eager guests. His win had grabbed the attention of eager directors and producers. The stood watching as anyone in the film business wished to speak with Jin.

"So, do you think you'll get this much attention when you release Lovee's album?" Jungkook asked.

"I don't see why it would. It's her album, so I'd think the attention would be aimed her way," he shrugged.

"Not true, Yoongi," Eun-ha protested, "It will be your first album as strictly a producer. This is as much your masterpiece as it is hers."

"Speaking of Lovee," Jungkook suddenly switched topics, "How is it working with her now? After the press conference, I don't hear much about her. And I'm assuming her clinging ended."

Yoongi chuckled at his choice of words. Aera took his confession hard, and seeing them as close as they are, added salt to her wound. They treated her kindly while maintaining their professional stance. She in turn childishly replied in short, clipped responses. If she had something to say about the production of the album, she used Manager Ji-hoon as the messenger. The passive aggressive wasn't missed by staff at Big Hit, but they all acted as if they didn't notice.

"We've had a few meetings regarding lyrics and sound. She attempts to avoid them, but she has no choice but to attend the recordings." Yoongi smiled at Eun-ha knowing she felt some guilt at hurting the younger woman. He had reassured her numerous times that Aera would get over it. No matter what he said, she still felt bad.

As if being summoned, Aera approached the three of them. To their surprise, she wasn't using Manager Ji-hoon as a buffer. She confidently greeted them, giving a show of unconcerned.

"Good evening, Miss Song," Yoongi greeted, holding back a smile at her look of irritation. They had been working together for months, yet he still refused to call her anything other than her formal name.

"Aera, are you enjoying the party? Your OST won, you must be over the moon," Eun-ha praised.

"Yes, thank you. Eun-ha, could I speak with you," Aera hesitated, "alone?"

Jungkook worriedly glanced at Yoongi who instantly stiffened. Although she had been silent on the issue, he still did not trust her. Eun-ha's safety was his number one priority. Jungkook calmly tapped Yoongi and shook his head and privately spoke to him.

"Hyung, let's not get involved in noona's fight. If she needs us, she'll let us know. Leave it up to her," he whispered.

Yoongi grinned at the wise words the maknae said. It always amazed him at how mature he could be. Even with all his joking, he would switch to adult mode when it mattered. Nodding, he waited for Eun-ha's reply.

She glanced at the two men and nodded in consent to Aera's request. They nodded in response, Yoongi lovingly patting her back before leaving. They went to an area that would be out of hearing distance, but still provided a good view. Even with Jungkook's wise words, they felt safer being within view in case they needed to intervene.

"Aera, is there something you needed?" Eun-ha politely asked. Aera sighed, and glanced towards Yoongi. His worried glance occasionally meeting hers.

"I must really be a pain," she laughingly said. Eun-ha followed her gaze, and bit her lip in an attempt to hold back her laughter. The two men were leaning against the wall barely holding a conversation. They looked more like security than guests at the party.

"They mean no harm," Eun-ha grinned.

"Unnie," Aera uttered to Eun-ha's surprise. She had stopped calling her that months ago. The sisterly calls ended the moment Yoongi and Eun-ha left Big Hit together and arrived holding hands. Even with the press gone, they carried on with the affection. It was no longer for show, and anyone could see that it was genuine. It hurt her to witness it, and she began to distance herself. Refusing to torture herself, and not wanting to make anyone uncomfortable.

She was aware that everyone thought she was jealous and that's what caused her to send Manager Ji-hoon to relay messages, and avoid face to face conversations with Yoongi. The truth was that she was hurt to be rejected, and extremely embarrassed for attempting to be more than a friend to him. Witnessing their interaction made her feel like a fool for not noticing ahead of time that there was more than friendship, or business between Eun-ha and Yoongi.

"I'm sorry," she whispered out of shame. Eun-ha gazed at the other woman in awe. "I acted very childishly. I shouldn't have pushed myself onto Yoongi. I'm also sorry for making things awkward for him and you by avoiding him whenever possible. It's out of embarrassment and not envy. I won't interfere when it's clear you two love each other."

"You don't have to apologize, Aera," Eun-ha gently grabbed her hand. She squeezed it to stress her words. "In all honesty, if you hadn't done what you did at the wedding, I would've continued to second guess Yoongi's every word and action. Yes, we were put into that situation but I look at it as a blessing. Thank you. We were able to be open about our feelings if it hadn't been for those events."

Aera shyly looked down at their clasped hands. She hadn't expected this to be Eun-ha's response. She expected resentment and to be unforgiven. She could understand how Yoongi could fall for her.

"If you really are sorry, stop distancing yourself. Yoongi respects you for your talent, and values your musical ability. And I would like for us to become friends. Seo-yeon and I would love to have another girl join our hangouts. It's not easy when all seven of them are here."

Aera laughed at the known chaos the seven men cause when together. She nodded in agreement, and willingly accepted Eun-ha's hug. Yoongi and Jungkook let out a relieved breath of air at the peace that they assumed had just been made. They relaxed and laughed at their in sync actions.

The women approached them, holding onto each other's hands. They both had smiles and a friendship was defined.

"Yoongi, Jungkook," Eun-ha said, "I think you remember Aera."

Jungkook politely smiled at the younger woman, and greeted her in welcome. Yoongi catching Eun-ha's pleading stare. He smiled at her knowingly. He could already read what she was mentally asking. 'Be nice. I know you can be.'

"Welcome back, Aera," he said in a friendly tone. Her eyes widened in shock, and she covered her mouth. The formal greeting was gone. No longer was his tone harsh and distant. She had ever been on the receiving end of his cordial words. The others laughed at her baffled expression.

"Hyung, you need to work on being friendlier. Her face shows that you obviously are lacking in people skills," Jungkook croaked between laughs.

"He does take a while to loosen up. It only took about three years for him to soften around me. This must be a new record," Eun-ha giggled. He frowned in annoyance at them. He suddenly regretted doing as she had telepathically requested.

Without another word, he walked away. Jungkook and Aera laughed at his clear end to the conversation. Their laughter grew as Eun-ha chased after him, trying to win him over again.

"I can't believe I was so blind to how much they love each other. Look at them. She has a way of making him let his guard down. I'm still amazed when I see him this playful. I don't know if I can get used to this," Aera declared in awe.

"Stick around, kid," Jungkook grinned, "You'll get used to it."