Hermione went ahead into the conference room for final checks. She memorized entrances, exits and possible blind spots. Once satisfied, she went to the holding room to get her charges.
When she reached the room, all the members were huddled in one corner discussing their roles and how to answer specific questions.
"When you're ready." Hermione caught their attention.
The Event's Managers all sat at the opposite side of the members. Hermione was reminding them of what to watch out.
"Honestly, these are sweet guys. I doubt that the threats are even real." Ginny was deeply invested in the Fandom.
"Most of them are, but Jimin and Suga are a different story." Hermione shared her observation.
"We have to adjust at least with Jimin." Ginny retorted.
"Are you okay with Jimin?" Hermione checked on Paul.
"I've been in this kind of job for a long time and I learned not to take things personally. I've protected worse."
The two girls exchanged knowing looks.
"Ron said he'd much prefer babysitting to stakeouts. Honestly, at least I don't have to be pleasant with my targets."
"Put him in this type of mission and he'll say otherwise." Ginny knew that her brother would most definitely want to fight than act like a guard.
"There are perks for this type of missions." Paul was offended.
"Agreed. It's a matter of preference." Hermione tried to dispel the creeping awkwardness. She noticed that the members were done with their discussion. "Shall we?"
...
They arrived in the conference room and had arranged their sitting arrangement with J-Hope and Jimin sitting at opposite ends. This was strategically done to determine which of the two is the target if any.
From left to right, J-Hope is at the end. Next to him was Suga, Jungkook, RM, Taehyung, Jin and lastly Jimin.
Ginny was standing close to J-Hope and Paul was next to Jimin.
Hermione stood at the back to be able to see the media and fans at a different angle. She trusted and didn't need to worry about Ginny. She shifted her attention to Paul. She had not worked with Paul. Though he was highly recommended in guardian missions, she was still uneasy with him.
She sighed and forced her gaze off of him. She watched as the group introduced themselves and thanked everyone who attended the presscon. They began talking about how excited they were to perform in front of London Army. When all of a sudden she felt goosebumps rising. She began frantically looking at everyone's hands. She then captured Ginny's attention and stared with desperation.
Ginny stepped closer to J-Hope who was talking about how different the temperature was from his homeland. She inconspicuously drew her wand from her bag and scanned the room as well.
Hermione was turning to Paul when she saw a glimpse of light escaping a reporter's phone. She drew her wand and mumbled a spell which resulted to the fire alarms going off.
People started panicking and began rushing to the doors. Ginny pulled J-Hope up and motioned for the rest of the members to come with her.
However, the witch was quick to stand and started chanting louder. A fireball grew from the tip of her wand concealed as phone growing with her every chant. She was controlling the fireball and was aiming it to the right corner of the room.
Hermione disapparated from the back and apparated in front of Jimin with her back to the witch. She felt her left arm sting making her turn. Her nice hair bun came undone with the quick action.
Jimin saw Hermione's stern face quickly turn to a pained expression and then into anger. He couldn't understand how beautiful she was with every change in expression.
Hermione turned to the fireball and created a shield to give Jimin and Paul time to leave.
Ginny on the other hand returned inside and blew the witch off balance. She quickly got to her side and magically cuffed her hands.
However, the fireball was released and was flying freely in the room.
"Paul!" Hermione shouted. "Get him out of here."
Jimin was transfixed and was watching in awe as Hermione tried to control the fireball. He wouldn't budge to Paul's instructions.
The fireball was fighting against her spell. He saw her hand trying to direct the fireball. It came close to her hand and he could see her grimace from the pain. He watched helplessly as her stance changed.
"Ginny, I can't control it. I'll try to contain it but if it doesn't work, get those two out!" Hermione nodded to Jimin's direction.
Ginny nodded and took a button from her pocket and pressed on it. She jogged to Jimin's side and tried to force him out but he stood still.
Hermione closed her eyes, her wand hand outstretched while the other was making circling motion.
The remaining three watched as the fireball began shrinking as if being compressed by a force. They watched until it disappeared.
Hermione, with her left sleeves burned off, her fingers slightly darkened, her chest heaving and her hair cascading all over back, turned to Paul. "You and I will talk later." She took a deep breath and turned to Jimin. "You're with me."
Ginny stepped to Hermione's side offering her shoulder.
"Am I late to the party?" Harry's voice broke the silence. He was standing by the door with his wand drawn.
Ginny motioned for him to come closer.
Harry understood and put his arm around Hermione's waist. "What was it that you said? Don't be a hero?" He teased trying to help her relax.
Ginny moved to the witch on the floor. Holding on to her until some other Auror take her away.
"You're a bad influence." Hermione closed her eyes and blacked out.
Jimin saw her slipping from Harry's arm and came to catch her. However, Harry caught her carried her in his arms. "Get your members here to get the story straight." He ordered.
Jimin reluctantly nodded and left the room. He was followed by Paul.
Harry turned to ask Ginny. "What happened?"
"Delayed exit. I don't know what was going through Paul's mind. It would've been a fair fight if Jimin got out earlier."
"I'll get her to the healer. You wait for backup. Will pullout Ron for today. Cancel the group's plans for tomorrow until Hermione's back in shape." Harry fixed his grip on Hermione.
"Why are you inserting in my mission, Harry?" Hermione opened her eyes.
"You need to rest." Harry stared at her.
"These men always trying to get credit for your accomplishments." Ginny teased from the floor.
"Put me down." Hermione wiggled from his arms just as the whole group of artists re-entered the room. "I can't be seen like this by them." Hermione freed herself but leaned her back at her friend and boss.
"Are you okay?" RM looked in horror at her state.
The group walked closer to her.
"Why? Is my hair out of place or something?" Hermione asked jokingly.
Jimin frowned at her. "I'm sorry. You got hurt by protecting me."
"I was also saving Harry from a media disaster. Imagine if we blew up the place." She turned her face up to his.
"I'd prefer dealing with the media mess." He squinted at her.
Jungkook walked towards her. "You can lean on me."
Hermione smiled sweetly at him. "I'm fine. We'll talk later on changes in groupings. Harry let me go."
"Are you just going to walk around with that huge gash in public?" Harry argued.
Jungkook started removing his jacket but was shocked when Jimin was already offering his.
Hermione took it and draped it on her shoulders. "I'll have the bloodstains removed." She promised.
"You can keep it." Jimin averted his eyes.
"Thank you." She smiled and turned to Harry. "You can come tonight and heal me. It will be fine."
Harry shook his head.
Hermione arched an eyebrow daring him to argue some more.
"We'll be fine." Ginny seconded her friend.
Harry frowned and conceded. "I'll come over tonight. How's your carpool going to look like? Hermione's not at her best."
"I'm fine." She was getting irate.
"I'll ride with Jimin, J-Hope and one more." Ginny. The rest is with Paul."
"Gin, if the threat for both J-Hope and Jimin come at you, it won't be good. Jimin's got serious threats."
"I'm not that helpless." Paul whispered.
"We need duelers each for J-Hope and Jimin." Hermione was exasperated.
"Gin can stay and talk to you the authorities, I'll take over." Harry suggested.
"I'm not playing politics for you." Ginny glared at him.
"Can you stay until Ron comes?" Harry asked Paul. He was doubtful of his capabilities but couldn't think of any other way.
"Harry, you have to contain and be on top of this. You know this." Hermione was getting lightheaded again.
"Do you have another idea?" Harry didn't like where the discussion was going.
"Like I said, Jimin stays with me." Hermione started hearing a lot of buzz from everyone. "J-Hope stays with Gin, with RM and Suga. Everyone else with Paul."
"And you can protect Jimin?" Harry was getting angry. She was hurt and that last spell she did drained her.
"I'll take him straight to the bungalow if needed." Hermione stood firm.
"I won't be able to change your mind, won't I?" Harry stared at her and noticed the ferocity in her eyes.
"There's no other way."
"If you stay here..."
"How convincing will I be with a huge wound on my back? They won't believe it to be an electrical issue." Hermione cut him.
"Fine. You should all head out now." He looked to Ginny. "Leave her to me." When he saw her nod she looked to Hermione. "Retreat and don't fight." He instructed.
"Got it." Hermione agreed. She nodded to Jimin and started to leave the room. She turned and looked back to the group. "Follow the orders of your assigned Events Manager, no questions asked." She waited for them to nod or say yes before leading Jimin out of the room.
Jimin jogged to her side ready to support her if needed.
...
When they reached their SVU, Jimin got to the door first and opened it. "Sit in the back with me. It'll be easier and faster to leave with me already by your side."
Hermione nodded, knowing this to be true. She even let him help her into the vehicle.
He got in after her and closed the door. He heard Hermione tell the driver to head back to the hotel.
She was breathing heavily from the mixture of pain and exhaustion.
"You can lean on me if it makes you feel better." Jimin was guilty that he caused her so much pain and all within the first 24 hours they met.
She smiled but refused the offer. "I didn't think your kindness had a price."
"Well, seeing that I was the cause of your pain, I thought I'd better ease up on you. Especially since you claimed me as your responsibility."
"Jimin, would you know anyone who would have a huge dislike of you? That witch earlier was obviously a mercenary and a skilled one at that." She changed the topic.
"I don't remember anyone who'd have that bad intention in my life."
"My team is uncovering your secrets as we speak. I'll know everything about you till then."
"Will there be additional you know, events managers soon?" He had nothing to hide.
"There are, you just don't see them."
Jimin nodded and kept silent until he heard soft moans. He looked to her and beads of sweat were forming on her forehead. "You're looking worse."
She had her eyes closed trying to keep herself quiet and let the pain pass.
He noticed that she had her wand drawn ready to cast a spell. 'She must be in so much pain. It seems like she's doubting her capabilities.'
Hermione couldn't stop her moans escaping her lips.
Jimin wanted to distract her from the pain and stop her from moaning which is stirring something within him. He cleared his throat started to sing one of their songs, Butterfly.
Hermione stared at him in awe. She got goosebumps at how high and soft his voice got. She barely realized that they reached the hotel when he finished singing. She reached for the door, but Jimin's hand was already on the handle. She immediately pulled her hand back blushing at the quick contact.
Jimin opened the door and went down first. When he noticed that she was struggling he put his hands on her sides and lifted her from the vehicle and down next to him. He noticed the blush creeping on her face and decided not to embarrass her any further. He went to driver and bowed his appreciation and pay his respect.
Hermione's flushed face thankfully subsided quickly. She watched Jimin return to her side. He offered his arm but she shook her head thinking it would be unprofessional.
Jimin shrugged then led the way to the elevator.
Inside, Hermione felt awkward at the silence between them. "What was the name of the song earlier?"
"Butterfly. You should hear it with the members. It sounds better."
"I can't imagine it to get better."
"I'm flattered." Jimin smiled unknowing that his smile reached his eyes. He had a way of letting his eyes pierce your soul. This is coming from years of working the camera, flirting with them even.
Hermione licked her lower lip. 'It makes sense now why they have a lot fans. They're all huge flirts.'
"I do want to apologise for being rude earlier." Now he was smiling with that boyish charm.
She bit her lower lip at his character duality. "I must've offended you in some way. I apologise."
The elevator shook a bit before stopping on their floor. Hermione grabbed his arm to steady herself. "Sorry."
Jimin put his hand on hers. "Lean on me. It's the least that I could do."
Hermione smiled but her vision started to blur. "Can you help me to my room? I need to recharge."
Jimin was worried seeing the beads of sweat again on her forehead. "Let me take care of you."
"This floor is the safest place for you now. Gin and the others will be arriving soon. I just need to rest a bit." She quickly reassured him and gave out instructions. She dropped her wand and suddenly blacked out.
Jimin was quick to catch her. He carried her in his arms. Due to his flexibility, he was able to fish out his wallet were the key card was. He fumbled with using the card to the door.
Once he accomplished getting inside, he placed her on the sofa thinking she might get upset if she ended up on his bed.
"What do I do now?" He started peeling of his jacket on her. He stared at her face. He wondered how something so innocent can look so scary in a single breath.
He remembers how amazing she was earlier. 'She stood in front of me, protecting me without regard for her safety.'
'The way her hair fell from her bun was so mesmerising.'
He closed his eyes and rembered her hand touching his, an electricity coursed through him. His heart started to beat faster. 'This is wrong. I am in a relationship.'
He couldn't peal his gaze on her. 'She's amazing.'
'No, no, no. I am in a relationship.' He argued with himself.
'Most likely she's also in a relationship.' He shook his head and walked away from her. But he was pulled back by his instincts to come to her side. He watched her and memorized every part of her face.
After a while he sighed and decided to wash her face when he heard a knock on the door.