HER

pt. 30 Special

Seokjin looked down at me regretfully, then towards the stage he was called to.

"Go." I encouraged him.

He frowned, obviously not wanting to leave.

"We'll talk later." I promised, smiling.

He nodded, releasing me before turning to leave.

I watched him make his way to the end of the ballroom, the music subsiding.
His father stood on the platform, microphone in hand, next to an obnoxiously large decorated cake.

The band began to play the birthday song, so we all chimed in.

After Seokjin blew out the single candle lit, his father made a speech.
"We thank you all for participating in this special evening. What you don't know is that it is an even more special occasion."

I made my way further to the stage.

"As you all know, my son has been working on a project that will set our company above all the others in this business. He has proven to be worthy so the board and I have decided to name him official chair holder at last."
The room began to clap and cheer.

Seokjin suddenly didn't look as happy.
I saw him say something to his father, who ignored him.
"We all look forward to his contribution as board member and thank you all for your support." His father made to hand Seokjin the microphone, gesturing to make a speech.

They went back and forth in what was clearly an argument before Seokjin stormed off.

His father was outraged but held his composure.
He said, "Enjoy the rest of your evening." before handing the microphone off.

He tried to follow Seokjin, but he had disappeared.

I pushed my way through the crowd as the music picked back up.

Where did he go?

I left the ballroom, searching the hallways for him.

I came across a couple kissing in a corner, tucked away from anyone who was just passing by.
I almost kept walking when I noticed who it was.

Jungkook broke away from Chaeyoung, turning a bright red.
She looked to see what caused the disturbance, our eyes meeting. She wiped at her lipstick, blushing fiercely.

"Um... Have either of you seen Seokjin?" I asked them, looking away.

"N-no... Sorry, Jo." Jungkook answered, bashfully.
I grinned.
"No worries. Carry on." I laughed, turning away.

I glanced over my shoulder as I left them.

Well they certainly are carrying on...

I laughed again, to myself.

They make an especially beautiful couple.

I searched down what seemed to be a labyrinth of halls, almost giving up until I heard a soft piano playing.

I stopped in my tracks.

It was coming from upstairs.
I took the nearest staircase, carefully holding my dress up from tripping over it.

As I got closer, I realized a voice was singing along to the medley.

Both were full of sorrow.

I wondered if I should intrude, when I realized the voice was familiar.

The music led me to a door that was slightly ajar.
I peeked in.

It was a spacious room, designed for acoustics. A beautiful grand piano was amongst various instruments and seated before it was an even more beautiful man.

Seokjin had removed his jacket, it draped over a chair nearby. His back was mostly towards the door, his broad shoulders slightly slumped as he played.

His voice is so... Heavenly.

I stepped in, careful to being quiet.
As I approached him, I noticed his face, glistening with tears.
My heart ached.

I sat on the bench next to him, facing the opposite direction as he was.
He faltered, obviously surprised at my appearance.

He lowered his hands from the keys.

"You sing beautifully, Seokjin." I told him, placing my hand against his shoulder.

"Please. Call me Jin." He told me.

I looked at him, tears still falling down his perfect face.

"Okay... Jin." I said softly, as I leaned my head against him.

We didn't say anything else.

There was nothing to say at that moment.

He cried as I held his arm, my head resting on his shoulder.
I just didn't want him to feel alone.

I wanted him to know I'd be there, always.