Saeran had been to all three of the previous RFA parties so he knew exactly what to expect. It starts with some mingling and drinks, idle chitchat between wealthy funders, party attendees and the RFA. Then there's an introduction, usually given by Jumin, to talk about why they have these parties and to thank everyone for attending. More mingling before the silent auction starts, an assortment of high-end items and services donated to them, including V's photos. And once that was over, the fun part of the party began. The part that would go late into the night, everyone having fun as they danced and let loose, the RFA members being no exception.
Saeran always found himself seated to the side at this time of night. He would have a fun time with his fellow members, but feeling a sense of loneliness in a room full of people and leaving a little earlier than the rest. He always claimed that he was getting tired, but never admitted to feeling so isolated.
Though the hand holding his squeezed tight as they got close, reminding him that this party was going to be different. It was going to be different because he was with you. And he was set on making this a night you'll remember because he had a plan. He was going to ask you to dance, hold you close in his arms, look you in the eyes as you two swayed to the music and finally, he was going to kiss you. He was going to make sure you knew how he felt. It was much easier said than done he realized as he looked over to you, meeting your gaze and feeling his nerves spike at the thought of doing that. With how easily you fluster him, he knew this was going to be a long night.
As soon as you two got to the door, you noticed all the reporters and flashing lights right outside the door. The building from the outside looked regal in it's height and details. You looked over to Saeran, who seemed unfazed by it all, holding your hand that much tighter as he made his way through the bustling crowd.
"Just how big is this party?" you had to ask.
"Oh, it's just a small, very intimate setting," he responded, a teasing smile on his face as you let out a small laugh.
Once you two reached the entrance, you noticed a woman with clipboard in hand with what you assumed was a guest list. Her long blonde hair bounced as she turned, green eyes that almost glittered with joy, and a smile that felt inviting and warm. She almost felt like an old friend with the way she greeted you two, offering a hug to you before moving onto Saeran. Though something about their demeanor seemed off, almost forced.
"MC, I'm so glad that you were able to come! Saeran has talked a lot about you," she said, making Saeran's face turn red, "I'm so happy I finally get to put a face to the name!"
You were a bit surprised to hear your name, but you quickly realize who this is, Saeran had mentioned her before. He talked so highly of her, and you could easily see why with the way she welcomed you. This was Rika, head of the Rika Fundraising Association and the reason this party exists in the first place.
"It's really nice to meet you too," you replied, smiling back at her in hopes that it seemed sincere, "Saeran and Saeyoung have told me a bit about you as well."
"All good things, I hope," she laughed, turning to Saeran, "I know you said she was pretty, but I don't think your words compare."
"Yeah, words just don't really do justice when it comes to her beauty," he said, meeting your eyes with a small, genuine smile and flushed cheeks.
"Well go ahead in, everyone's been dying to meet you MC," she said, stepping aside to usher you two in. As you made your way passed, Saeran felt a tug on his arm from the other direction, Rika looking at him with concern.
"Remember what I told you. Be careful," she said quickly, releasing him before you noticed. He felt that same unnerved sense from her that he did after the chatroom, still unsure of what she meant. He never got the feeling that he had to be wary of you since he knew that you genuinely cared for him, and he genuinely cared for you. It showed in every little action towards him, every little word he held onto that felt sincere. He quickly shook the thought, lacing his fingers back into yours with a reassuring smile.
The look of absolute awe on your face had to be evident, mouth agape as you took in the intricate decorations and surroundings. Crystal chandeliers hanging from the tall ceilings, cascading the entire room with its reflective gems. Red curtains that draped along the walls, correlating with the tables. The most impressive were the floral centerpieces, tall and extravagant with an assortment of colors that coordinated with the rest of the room. It made you wonder just how much time Saeran had put into each piece. The place looked like royalty belonged there, and you wondered how you even got through.
"What do you think so far?" he asked, pulling you out of your awestruck state. You truly were at a loss for words, looking at him with wide, doe-like eyes as you still tried to take in what was around you. He found the look on your face captivating, thinking about how he wanted to always be the one who leaves you speechless like this.
"It's…really something," you said, "and you did this?"
"Well, I helped," he said, hand moving to rub the back of his neck, "All my efforts really went into the centerpieces."
"They turned out amazing. Now I'm really looking forward to that bouquet for the second date," you laughed, your hand gripping his a little tighter as you met his eyes. He felt himself getting lost in your gaze, smiling as he slowly leaned in, ready to capture your lips in his.
"Saeraaaaaan!" a voice getting louder as it got closer, making Saeran pull back before you noticed. You two looked in the direction of the source, seeing a blonde-haired, younger looking man approach. His wide smile and eager bounce made him just that much cuter, a boyish charm to the way he greeted you two.
"Is this MC?" he asked, looking at you the way you must have looked at the room, jaw slacked and in awe. His cheeks tinted, switching to a bashful expression as he realized how he was coming off, instead extending a hand out for a shake, "I'm Yoosung. I'm not sure if Saeran has mentioned me, but I'm apart of the RFA as well."
"Yeah, he's told me a bit. It's really nice to meet you," you said, taking his hand in a shake.
"Really? What has he said?" his curiosity getting the best of him as he leaned in without truly realizing it. You could only let out a small laugh at his eagerness, seeing his expression shift to a pouty one at that.
"MC!" you heard a familiar voice call before responding to Yoosung, turning to see Zen approaching with someone you didn't recognize, though she had a small smile that felt friendly. As he approached, he greeted you with a kiss to the cheek.
"It's really nice to see another familiar, lovely face among the crowd," he said. You felt the hand intertwined in yours move to your side, pulling a little you closer.
"Great to see you too," Saeran responded. You didn't take him for the jealous type, but the way he held you, almost protectively, made you wonder.
"It's good to see you again, Zen," you said, hand coming forward to shake his. Though as soon as he took it, he brought it up to his lips, pressing a light kiss to your knuckles. Saeran's hold on you tightened just a bit more.
"Not as good as seeing you," he said with a wink.
"Jaehee, this is MC," Saeran practically blurted out, gesturing to the woman beside Zen. His interruption caught you by surprise, though you noticed the smirk on Zen's face at this.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Jaehee smiled, extending her own hand for you to take.
"The pleasure is all mine," you smiled back. Her eyes had a soft gaze which only surprised you to feel such a tight grip.
Out of the corner of his eye, Saeran noticed the usual teal hair he could recognize from a mile away, excited to finally introduce you to someone very important to him.
"V!" Saeran called out, gaining the attention of a tall, mint-haired man within earshot, "I want you to meet MC."
As he approached, you reached your hand out for him to take, wondering whether he was making eye contact or not behind his sunglasses. Sunglasses that were dark in tint, making it impossible to tell. And maybe it was your imagination, but you could see the smallest hint of purple just off the visible part of his cheekbone.
"It's nice to finally meet you," he said, "I've been looking forward to seeing who Saeran has been gushing about in the messenger."
You noticed the hold on your side get tighter, Saeran trying to hide the growing blush on his face. It only made your face flush as well, wondering what he could be saying in this messenger, finding it cute how easily flustered he can get. Though, once you looked back up to V, you felt uneasy once again. Worried for him in a way you didn't fully understand, but you could only smile in return.
"It's nice to meet you too, V," you said, "Saeran gushes about you too, but in a different way."
He let out a laugh, seeming almost carefree and relaxed in his demeanor. A friendly smile that felt warm and welcoming. Nothing about him held some sense of animosity, which only made you worry more for what he hid behind those glasses.
"Unless he's said that I was most beautiful person he had ever seen, then I'll take your word for it," he teased, making you laugh in return.
"Saeran really said that about me?" you asked, turning to see your date's face flushed in crimson, "Well it's a good thing I think the same of him."
Before he or V could respond, you felt a hand brush against your shoulder. The other hand came up to V, making their way in the circle that formed with a patient smile. Rika's hands weren't necessarily cold, but you noticed V tense up at the touch. The genuine smile faltered a bit to one that looked almost forced, scared even.
"We should start taking our seats," she said, "MC, Saeran, will you be joining our table?"
You couldn't quite place why, but you didn't really want to sit with her. There was something strange about the air around her, you just had to ask Saeran about it aside. The hesitant look on your face evident as you turned to Saeran for him to answer.
"Uh, you'll have to give us a minute," Saeran replied, picking up on your reluctance.
"Alright, well we'll save you two seats next to us, just in case," Rika said before walking off, hand in hand with V. The rest of the group followed, leaving you alone with your date.
"What's going on?" he asked.
You couldn't shake the uneasy feeling, the sense that something was going on. Something you weren't even sure Saeran was aware of. His questioning look only adding to that thought, and you couldn't bring yourself to say anything about it.
"Nothing, let's go join them."
He only felt more confused by your answer, watching as you walked ahead and to the group. The smile you gave him felt faked, knowing that something was probably occupying your thoughts. Though his mind wandered back to what Rika said to him, about having to be careful. And it made him wonder whether that caution wasn't necessarily of you, but of what could possibly be making you so nervous.
As soon as you two took your seats, the introduction began. Jumin looked cool and collected, not a stutter in his speech as he talked about the RFA. Why they created the organization, the party's purpose, and just who the RFA are. You had already heard all this from Saeran, but it still impressed you to see just how dedicated they all were to making such an extravagant event for a good cause, especially when you could see how hard they worked on every detail. And with a huge turn out, their efforts weren't in vain.
You flashed a quick smile to Saeran next to you, a silent way of letting him know that you were proud of his efforts. He obviously had a lot to do with helping, but you knew he wouldn't admit it. He could only smile in return, a small blush forming at the unspoken support.
His focus wasn't at all on what Jumin could be saying, considering he heard this same thing every party, but it was fixed on you. How eagerly you watched him talk, the smiles and glances you'd exchange with the rest of the group, and the very specific way you looked at him. It was different from the way you looked at everyone else, it felt like they were full of love and admiration. He found himself nervous and hesitant to make any attempt at contact, letting his hand settle on the back of your seat.
He didn't expect you to notice, nonetheless lean into him. The warmth you radiated felt comforting, so secure. And it brought him a certain peace of mind to see how comfortable you were in his touch, letting his hand rest on your shoulder and bringing you closer. He studied every little detail, taking in the sweet scent of your hair, leaning down to leave a kiss at the crown of your head.
Gaining your attention once again, you looked up, beaming smile at his action. The look in his eyes indicated he was caught off guard, stunned to see such a wide grin from that. It was almost enchanting to witness so up close, the small bounce as you let out a small laugh and a breathless 'what?' stopped all his thoughts. He wanted nothing more than to press his lips to yours, leaning a bit to do so until he felt a tap from the other side of his shoulder.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Rika asked that you assist me with the auction," Jaehee said. He then noticed a few more of the RFA members missing from the table.
"Yeah, I'll be back to help. Give me one minute," he said to Jaehee before she walked off. He looked back down at you with an apologetic look in his eyes.
"Go, I'll still be here when you get back," you interject just before he could say anything. He felt warm at the thought of you waiting for him, giving you a quick kiss on the cheek before getting up.
"I won't be long," he said, leaving you with Saeyoung, Zen, and Yoosung. The blush that crept on your cheeks and the smile you were trying to bite back was much more noticeable than you expected.
"Awww, MC's blushing!" Saeyoung exclaimed, flustering you further.
"But did you see how much Saeran was blushing too?" Yoosung practically gushed, "I didn't even think he was capable of that."
"That's nothing, did you see how protective he got when I greeted her," Zen laughed, the other two snickering along.
"Knock it off! Saeran's probably nervous about the party, that's all," you retorted, only for them to laugh even harder.
"MC, no party before this has he been so wound up," Saeyoung replied once he regained his composure, a teasing tone replacing his previous one, "Besides, that doesn't explain why you're equally as anxious."
Your face only deepened in color. You didn't think Saeyoung could be so observant, but you hated how accurately he seemed to read. You only gave him a roll of the eyes before returning your attention to the event, the silent auction starting shortly after. Saeran and Jaehee were up on the stage, introducing item after expensive item. As the auction went on, you felt your eyes drawn to Saeran almost the entire time. Studying the little habits he seemed to have, a smile gracing his face every time he looked over at you from his spot.
Soon enough, they introduced V's work. He joined the other two on stage, talking about his collection titled 'The Sun.' From what you can see, it was beautiful. Appearance-wise, it was radiant and warm, but you couldn't understand the chill that ran down your spine as you looked at it. Unnerved by how seemingly perfect it was, yet it had an unfamiliar sensation.
You wondered whether you were the only one to feel that as you saw hands spring up with every piece that was presented. Every price that was thrown out was met with a sea of hands, desperate to pay any price for one of the many photographs. V seemed unfazed by the overwhelming amount of bidders, casual in the way he looked off into the crowd that was eager to obtain something he made. Not in a way that felt smug or proud, but rather truly unaware. Unaware of the seeming impact and feelings they brought forth or the beauty they had.
Photograph after photograph, you could easily see why they were so desirable and why V had such a high reputation in the photography world. Though as the last piece was presented, you felt that same unnerved feeling grow. The sun pictured was bright, but the silhouette against it wasn't. You could barely make out features, but the figure looked familiar, easily figuring out it was Rika. The only thing that stuck out from the shadows were her green eyes, glowing in a way that looked unnatural and piercing.
You couldn't bear to look at it any longer, averting your gaze to meet Saeran's. He offered a sincere smile that calmed your nerves, making you smile in return. Even with how far he was, you were captivated with those mint eyes of his.
"With that, we will conclude our auction. Thank you for your time and participation, the party will resume shortly," Jaehee said, gaining your attention once again. You weren't sure how long you two had been looking at each other, but with the way Saeyoung eyed you with a smug look on his face, you'd guess it was a noticeable amount.
"What?" you asked, biting back your smile.
"Nothing, I've just never seen two people look at each other so much," he goaded.
"It's not like that, I just-"
"Just think he's so dreamy? Could get lost in his eyes? Want to kiss those lips that look so irresistible?"
"Saeran was right, you really don't seem to have boundaries," you laughed, "I'm gonna go look for him."
With that, you got up, leaving the three men to watch as you disappeared in the direction you suspected Saeran to be. You just couldn't sit through their scrutiny, wanting to see him as soon as you could. Though you left them all with one thought sitting on their mind.
"Awww, they must really like each other," Yoosung mused, "Do you think they're going to kiss by the end of the night?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if they kissed right now," Saeyoung replied.
"I would, have you seen how tense he's been? It's gonna take him a few hours and drinks before he gets the guts to," Zen chimed in.
"You wanna bet?" Saeyoung said, eyeing the other two with a sly smile
You made your way through the guests, maneuvering between the sea of people. It was hard to see over them, eyes darting around you to find the white hair you could usually pick out from a crowd. A few minutes of looking, you didn't realize how distracted you were until you felt yourself slam right into someone. You tried to apologize hastily, looking up to notice the mint hair that you knew could only belong to one.
"MC, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, sorry V," you replied, though you couldn't read his expression, making you anxious in his presence.
"It's alright, are you looking for Saeran?" he asked. Even behind those glasses, he could see how eager you were to find him.
"Yeah, do you know where he went?"
"He actually went that way looking for you," pointing to the direction you just came from.
"Thanks V," flashing him quick smile before turning and taking a few steps.
"And MC," he said, making you turn back to see him, "I really like you with Saeran. I can tell he's really happy around you."
"I really appreciate that," the smile on your face widening at his genuine words. Just as you turned, you felt one question burn in your mind that you had to turn back around and ask.
"What's 'The Sun' about?"
"What?"
"'The Sun,' your pictures. I just assumed that they maybe had a subject to them besides the sun. If there is, I'd like to know."
"Yeah, they're centered around the light of my life and the almost all-consuming warmth it's brought me," he paused, "Much like the sun, they've given me life. I know that I should look away sometimes, but I just can't bring myself to do it."
"Well you should at least blink once in a while," you said. Though it made you wonder whether he wore those glasses because of his 'sun.'
"Beside that, I really liked them."
"Thank you," he said, though he seemed taken aback at the compliment. You offered him a small smile and nod before turning to continue your search for Saeran.
"And MC?" he said, gaining your attention once again, "Take care of yourself."
With that, he continued on his way, leaving you with those four words. Never has there been a set of words more unsettling or nerve-wracking than those. You could tell they weren't ill-willed, more of a genuine concern than anything. But you wondered just exactly what he meant, what sort of warning he was giving you. And yet, you had a feeling you knew exactly what he was referring to.
The thick of the crowd only seemed to increase as you made your way out, going in the direction of where Saeran had supposedly went. Your eyes were darting left and right, trying to find some sign of him. You were growing impatient and frustrated the longer you went, making your way back to where you had started your search.
You noticed Saeyoung, Zen, and Yoosung had gone off, probably to enjoy the party that just begun. Though you found Jaehee by herself. She had a drink in hand, a tense demeanor you could feel from far away. Once she noticed you approaching, she perked up. That same soft smile returning and melting away her tension, or at least hiding it.
"Hey Jaehee, have you seen Saeran?"
"He was actually just here," she said, her smile faltering a bit, "He was looking for you, but Rika needed some assistance with some of the guests. I offered to help, but she insisted on him. Though I'm sure he'll be back shortly."
"I see," you said, pulling up the seat beside her, "Then I'll keep you company, if you don't mind."
"Not at all," she beamed, taking a sip from her glass. You noticed the dark amber of the liquid, watching her drink without so much as wincing. Saeran had told you about her schedule and the stress she undergoes working with Jumin. In this moment though, she seemed laid back and at ease.
"I've actually been curious about the person Saeran has been talking about in the messenger," she said, setting her glass down before looking at you.
"Oh, there's not much to tell."
"From the way he talks about you, I would say otherwise," she laughed, "He hasn't even told us how you two met."
You bit back the smile that threatened to spread. The thought of what he could be saying about you made you anxious, but in a good way. It made you curious to see just how he described you to others. But with the way everyone teased him about it, you guessed it wasn't bad.
Pushing those thoughts aside, you told her all about your first encounter. The way it felt like you knew something deeper was going to happen from it. All the days that followed and how close you two got.
You were having a good time talking to Jaehee, easily comforted by the way she listened to your tales patiently and chimed in with her own. Though you couldn't help but wonder just when Saeran would be coming back. Ten minutes easily turned into almost an hour as you two talked away, occasionally taking a glance around to try and find white hair among the crowd.
Once Saeran finished up his task, he made his way back over to where he hoped you would be. He felt bad for being pulled left and right practically all night, having almost no time with you. But he wasn't going to let anything stand in his way now, ready to practically sweep you off your feet and implement his plan. His plan to finally make you his, in the best way he knew how.
His eyes landed on an arrangement nearby, hand grazed over the viscarias, thinking for a second before pulling it from its vase. Toying with it in his hands, he finally found you at the other side of the room, talking to Jaehee as you watched the center of the room fill with couples pairing up as the music slowed down. He noticed you looking around slightly, and he felt his heart swell at the thought that maybe you were looking for him. Smiling to himself, he made his way over, eyes never leaving your sight. The knot in his stomach growing tighter as he got closer.
Just as he reached you, you noticed him and flashed the widest smile at the sight and in that moment, he was sure his heart had stopped. His throat felt dry, hands clamming up and the words he wanted to say didn't form. His thoughts came to a halt, only focused on the nerves that surfaced.
"Saeran! Do I finally get to have you for the night?" you asked teasingly, gaze falling to the bundle in his hands, "What's with the flowers?"
"Will you dance with me?" he asked, though it was almost blurted out from his nerves, extending the flowers out for you take, "That's, um, what these flowers mean."
The smile on your face only seemed to grow, a rosy tint to your cheeks that made you glow in his eyes. You carefully took the flowers, observing them before your eyes met his.
"I thought you'd never ask."
Taking his hand in yours, he led you into the crowd. The instrumental of the music filled the room, drowning out any outside noise and in one swift movement, he pulled you close to him. One hand resting on the small of your back, the other in your hand as he took the lead. Your hand moved to rest on his shoulder, twirling the flower between your fingers as you two moved.
Though you weren't focused on the plant, only on the mint eyes that were fixed on yours. You could almost read every thought that ran right behind them and how unsure he truly was. You could see every doubt he had throughout the night, every hesitant attempt that never panned out. He was a nervous mess, but he didn't want you to see that.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," he replied.
"Are you nervous?"
"To be honest, a little bit," he admitted, letting out a nervous laugh.
"Why?" you asked with a small tilt to your head and questioning look. He could only stare for a second before averting his gaze. He wasn't sure whether you were looking at him with curiosity or scrutiny, but it felt scorching. He wasn't sure how to answer you, only falling silent.
"Well you don't have to be, at least not with me," you said, a reassuring smile putting his mind at ease. Your eyes softened as he looked back at you, a sincerity in them that made him comfortable in your presence once again.
"I'm actually nervous because of you," he admitted, a bit surprised at his own confession. You gave him another questioning look, though the small smile you were holding back made him bold.
"I've never met someone as captivating as you. Someone that can make my heart race just by looking at them or put me at such a loss for words," he paused, "I've never met someone like you, and that makes me nervous."
The silence that fell between you two had him tense. He couldn't read your expression and his mind was racing through every possible outcome. Though seeing you crack a smile after that pause had him taken aback.
"Would it make you less nervous if I told I felt the same way?"
Those few words were enough to stop every thought going through his head. Looking at you with wide-eyes and trying to understand just exactly what you said. And once he realized, he was dumbfounded.
The hold he had on you tightened, pulling you just a bit closer. The proximity, setting, and feeling was just right, pondering if he could close the gap between you two with his lips. Your eyes were inviting, dilating under his stare. And he knew for a fact now, above any other thought that could intrude, you felt the same way.
The flutter in his stomach multiplying as he inched closer, noticing you do the same. He was nervous, but so sure that he wanted this. Your eyes were shut, waiting for the warmth of his lips to meet yours, only to feel a sudden absence. His eyes sprung open as he felt an almost aggressive pull on him. He could only see you getting further from him, hands instinctively reaching for you as he was dragged away.
"Saeran, I'm so glad I found you! I'm having a bit of an emergency," the voice that was pulling at him said. His eyes finally turned to see the bouncing blonde hair that had a tight grip on him. She seemed almost oblivious to what she had just done.
"Rika, what's going on?"
"I'm having a problem and I thought you could help," she said almost casually.
"Did you not see me with MC?" he asked, a hint of irritation evident in his tone.
"I did, but I knew she'd be understanding," she replied, "and don't you want the party to be a success? I thought you'd be willing to help with anything."
"I do, I really do, but-"
"But what?" she interrupted, tone almost venomous as she awaited his response.
"But I just don't understand why I have been the only one you've been pulling aside and asking for all night when there are six other members ready to help as well," he retorted, freeing himself from her grasp and taking a step back. She paused, tilting her head with a small smile.
"Because I trust you the most. Out of all of them, I see the most potential in you and I don't want to see you waste that," she simply said, though he knew in that moment what she was trying to insinuate.
"Do you have something against MC?"
"No, I just don't want her to suffocate what I see in you," she admitted, pausing as she thought over her next words, "I don't want to see you burned by your own sun."
He could only stare in confusion. The look in her eyes seemed vacant. Never had he seen such a distant look on her face, her words eerie and holding no significance. It was all too unsettling for him to bear.
"Rika, I'm going back to MC. I'll send Jaehee over to help you with whatever this task is," he said, turning to walk away.
"Saeran, you go and I will not forget this."
He had to look away, walk off before he could give into the guilt, but he could feel her stare burning holes in the back of his head. He knew she had been different lately, but this didn't seem like the Rika he knew. One thing that didn't sit right with him were her last few words, 'I don't want to see you burned by your own sun.'
Those thoughts quickly subsided once he saw you, sitting at a table close to where he left you. You were scanning the room once again, but he could tell it was different. You looked so disheartened, a small frown on your features that ached his heart. He wanted nothing more than to run to you, to make you feel better and to apologize for what had happened. Though, as he got close, he kept his composure.
"MC, I'm so sorry about that, I really don't know what that was about and-"
"It's okay, you're fine," you reassured, though the look in your eyes said otherwise.
"Well do you want to finish that dance?"
"It is getting late, I think I should get going."
"W-Wait!" he exclaimed, a lot louder than he expected.
He felt his nerves spike once again, his hands clammy as he tried to figure out how to word this. He wondered whether you'd take it the wrong way, but he just couldn't bare the thought of parting ways just yet. He couldn't wrap his head around having to go back home alone after tonight, especially when he felt like he was robbed of time with you.
"Do you wanna go back to my place?" he finally said, though as soon as the words left his mouth, he almost regretted them until he heard your response.
"I'd love to."
