Shadows of desire : SVT

(77) Kim Seul

As they stood before the crowd, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The guests, all prominent figures within the mafia world, looked at them with a mixture of curiosity and respect. Jimin handed the mic over to Jin, who straightened his posture and addressed the audience with his usual commanding presence.

“Everyone, thank you for coming tonight,” Jin began, his voice calm and authoritative. “We’ve gathered here for this important event, to not only solidify alliances but to also introduce someone very special. Someone who hasn't been with us for a long time but we have her now , our family, Tonight, we formally present her to you all.”

He paused, letting the room settle, before continuing. “As many of you know, our family has always been a symbol of strength, unity, and loyalty in this world. And now, it’s time to introduce the one person who completes our family.”

Jin’s eyes scanned the crowd, making sure everyone was paying attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to present... the youngest sister of Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, and Kim Taehyung—Kim Seul.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, their eyes now fixed on Yuri, standing gracefully beside Jimin. The name "Kim Seul" hung in the air, a new identity, a new role in this dangerous world.

Yuri felt her heart race as she realized the significance of the moment. This was it—the moment where she would be publicly acknowledged, protected, and yet placed directly in the line of danger. Her brothers had announced her to the mafia world under a new name her birth name, "Kim Seul".

Jimin gave her a subtle nod of reassurance, his grip on her waist tightening protectively. The guests continued to stare, assessing this new addition to the powerful Kim family.

Namjoon stepped forward, his deep voice cutting through the murmurs. “From this moment on, Kim Seul will be under the full protection of our family. Any harm that comes her way will be met with swift and unforgiving consequences. She is not only our sister, but the newest member of the Kim legacy.”

Taehyung, standing tall and composed, added, “And just like us, she will be respected and feared. Remember her name. Remember her face. Kim Seul.”

With that, the crowd slowly began to applaud, acknowledging her position, while Seventeen stood in silence, their emotions carefully concealed, though the tension between them and BTS was undeniable.

As the announcement echoed through the grand hall, people began to mingle, congratulating each other and forming alliances. Yuri stood among them, feeling a growing sense of isolation. Her brothers surrounded her, protecting her, but with her new identity as "Seul," she couldn’t shake the fear that she was losing herself. Would she still be Yuri to those who mattered most?

Across the room, Seventeen was deep in conversation with NCT, working to strengthen their connections. Yuri’s gaze kept drifting toward them, wishing she could break away from her brothers and speak to them, but they hovered too close.

As the music began to play, the atmosphere shifted. The dance floor buzzed with movement, and Jimin turned to her, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Shall we dance?" he asked, taking her hand before she could respond.

Reluctantly, Yuri followed him onto the floor. The lively rhythm soon gave way to a partner-changing dance, and soon she found herself in the arms of Hoshi. His eyes lit up as he saw her, though his smile was tinged with sadness.

“Yuri,” he murmured softly, careful not to draw attention. “It’s good to see you.”

Her heart raced at him. “You too, Hoshi,” she replied, trying to keep her emotions in check. “I wasn’t sure I’d get to talk to you tonight.”