20 Clarity

**BTS dorm**

The group of men sat exhausted in the large living room in their shared dorm. They had been busy all day with interviews, dance practice, and various promotions. They had to eat in the van on the way to each event. With their upcoming album, they were in high demand. Networks were requesting interviews and entertainment industries were itching to promote for them. The past three weeks had been a whirlwind of events, with very little stopping. Each were grateful for the booked events, but also enjoyed the solitude of their dorm. Today was the one time that all of them were able to rest for the remainder of the day.

Tae-hyung glanced at Ho-seok who was sitting with Yoongi on one of the couches. Not holding back now that they were alone together, they launched the questions they had been holding back.

"Did you already know Ms. Park?"

"When did you meet her?"

"How long have you known each other?"

"Are you secretly dating?"

Both laughed out loud at how in sync their questions were, but especially at Yoongi's look of horror. Jungkook, Jimin, and Namjoon instantly became alert. Their postures straightening and their eyes focused in on Yoongi. Jin's mouth opened in shock at the questions being asked. He remembered Seo-yeon's comment about Yoongi not questioning her. 'What happened between them?' Yoongi glanced at Jin, who was staring at him with both eye brows raised.

"Who's Ms. Park?" Jungkook asked Tae-hyung.

"She's the photographer for the recreation images. The younger one."

"Hobi, why would you two ask Yoongi those kinds of questions?" This from Jimin.

"Did something happen, Yoongi-yah?" Namjoon turned the questions back at Yoongi. He had hoped that Jin would have jumped in to clear some of these questions, but Jin sat quietly in his seat. Frustrated to be put in this situation, Yoongi silently thanked Seo-yeon for giving him permission to tell the group the truth.

"It's not as interesting as what you are probably creating in your heads," he directed the statment towards the two that started this conversation, "We met during our vacation. Hyung and I went fishing, and had a run in with her."

Twelve eyes were suddenly aimed at Jin. Jin wasn't expecting Yoongi to tell them that they knew her, but she must have given him the "go" to be honest with the members. Knowing how much Yoongi hates misunderstandings, he must have requested that she be up front about how they knew each other to avoid any future issues. He frowned when he realized that he doubted her, when she was trying to protect them from scandals.

"Hyung, you knew her too?" Tae-hyung's deep voice came out full of awe. This new bit of information was intriguing to the other members. Jin is usually openly friendly with all his friends, so they were curious why he didn't acknowledge that he even knew her when they were introduced.

"It's like Yoongi said. We hung out while on vacation a bit. She was the owner of her studio when we left. Seeing her today was surprising for both of us." Jin was battling with himself on how much to tell them. He didn't want to lie, but he wanted to respect Seo-yeon's privacy. He didn't want to hurt her more than he already did.

"I don't know, Yoongi. You guys seemed real close." Ho-seok seemed skeptical.

"It only seems that way because we had a secret to keep at the moment. We saw you two whispering nonsense, and she was ok with me telling you about how we met. She's a good girl, so let's not overwhelm her with these accusations." Yoongi stood up, and headed to his studio. Everyone watched him walk away. He obviously didn't want to discuss this further, and left to avoid any other questions.

"Jin-hyung, was it really just that?" Jungkook was the one to ask what the others were wondering. Although dating would be difficult, and frowned on by a numerous amount of people, they would've supported Yoongi.

"Yeah." Jin smiled as if to reassure them. He excused himself, and left to talk with Yoongi.

The remaining five stared at each other in doubt. Something felt off about their explanation. Seo-yeon was definitely not just a run in during vacation. Yoongi and Jin seemed to be trying to protect her privacy, which made them even more curious.

"You guys didn't see him with her today. Yoongi looked like he was reuniting with a close friend, or old love." Tae-hyung sat forward with his hands cupping his chin. He was disappointed at the turn of events. He didn't know why, but he had hoped Yoongi and Seo-yeon were more than acquaintances.

"They said it wasn't more than a brief meet. Let's not anger him by fishing for something that's not there," Namjoon stated, "It's late. Get some rest, we have to be up at four for fittings and then rehearsal." Accepting their leader's end to the topic, they headed to their rooms.

***Yoongi's studio***

Jin knocked on the door. He expected Yoongi not to answer. Everyone knew when Yoongi escaped to his studio, he rarely came out, and didn't like to be interrupted. Jin was relieved that the door opened on the first knock.

"Thanks for opening the door."

"Well, I kind of expected you to come."

Jin stood in the center of the studio, while Yoongi slouched in his chair. He didn't know what to say. He owed a lot to Yoongi for keeping his secret, and protecting Seo-yeon when he didn't.

"Did she seem alright when you spoke with her?" Yoongi looked confused by this question, and Jin's hurt expression. 'Something must have happened between them.'

"Nervous, and very embarrassed."

"I asked her if she knew us after all..." Jin looked at Yoongi to see what he thought. Yoongi shook his head, and laughed.

"So, I can assume that you two are no longer on good terms."

"I'm sure she'd rather beat me with her camera than have to photograph me."

Yoongi sat up straighter, "What possessed you to ask her that?"

"It just seemed odd that she'd be in the position she was, given where she was when we left. You know how hard it can be to get a job in the entertainment world."

"Hyung! You told me you sent the pictures you took together to her," Jin blinked in astonishment. It wasn't like Yoongi to raise his voice at him, "Not once since we left did any of those personal pictures appear on any source of media. I don't know about you, but that proved to me that she could be trusted."

Jin blankly stared at Yoongi. He was too flabbergasted to speak. 'How the hell did I not think of that?!' It became clear to him that Yoongi had a explicit view, and handled the situation logically. He had been too emotional, and forgot that important detail.

"What am I supposed to do now?" Jin dejectedly asked, sinking into the nearest chair.

"I don't know. First, figure out what you want. Think about what SHE may want. She gave me permission to share how we met, but I don't think she wants to be connected to any of us romantically."

Yoongi respected Jin, and wanted the best for him. He wanted to support his friend, brother and band-mate if he chose to pursue the woman he may love. He didn't know the details of their relationship, but he knew Jin's feelings for Seo-yeon were strong. He wanted to help him in this journey as much as he could.

But the worried expression on Seo-yeon's face kept replaying in his head. From the little they talked today, it was evident that she learned about their fan-base, and popularity. She learned enough about them to know what being in a romantic relationship with a kpop star would consist of. He didn't want to ruin Seo-yeon's chance to help her family. He knew what it was like to be from a low income family, and scratching your way to financial stability. Staring at Jin, who was in his own thoughts, Yoongi felt his emotions being pulled in two places.