Chapter Text
The party had been an absolute flop.
No, that was being too hard on their new coordinator. It had been alright. Maybe they had been wrong to expect a fundraiser with the elegance and number of attendees to rival the ones that they’d had while Rika was still in charge. Had their new planner even wanted to do this? She hadn’t know exactly what was expected of her, her objective had been explained vaguely at best, and she’d only had a week to prepare.
“I’m really sorry for how this turned out,” she said, speaking into the defeated silence that hung between them. They were sitting together in the venue that had been rented for the event. It seemed overly large now that the guests had all gone.
“It wasn’t really your fault,” V interjected. “I should have known that it wasn’t enough time. I’ve let everyone down again…”
Jumin immediately protested his friend’s self-degradation, and even Yoosung didn’t seem willing to place the blame entirely on the older man’s shoulders.
The party coordinator chewed on her lip, clearly weighing something on her mind. She seemed to reach a conclusion and, rallying her confidence, she spoke up.
“I don’t think that I should stay in the RFA," she told them softly. The other members started to contradict her, but she held out a hand to stop them and continued.
"This job was just too much for me. I’ve never been good at persuading people to do anything, and organisation isn’t really my forte. I’m grateful for having had this opportunity and truly enjoyed getting to know each of you. I won’t lie and say that it was easy. I still don’t understand how you can take the breaches in security that occurred so calmly.” She shook her head as if to clear it. They all knew she was thinking back to the bomb scare in Rika’s apartment.
“Not only am I not good at this, but I don’t know if I can continue to put my trust in my safety here. So… this is me doing you the favour of stepping down now.”
She stood and slung her bag over her shoulder, looking around at the group with a sad smile.
“Really though, thank you for all the good times.”
As she turned towards the door to go, Yoosung choked out the thought that was on everyone’s mind.
“D-does this mean that we won’t be having any parties anymore?”
At that, her shocked gaze snapped back to look him directly in the eyes.
“I hope you do! Please, please don’t stop trying because of me. I’m leaving because I don’t want the next time to be like this as well.”
Jaehee exchanged careful glances with Jumin, Seven, and V before nodding slowly and clearing her throat. “Thank you. I understand. We will likely hold the party again, but we will need to discuss this further.”
Their now ex-coordinator smiled that same sad smile again, gave them a quick wave, and slipped out the door. The room stayed frozen even after she had left.
***
Zen had watched the exchange almost passively. He hadn’t been that surprised by the low party turnout, and he doubted that anyone other than Yoosung had failed to see the warning signs leading up to the big day. He stretched out his back over the top of his chair, breaking the silence with a sigh.
“Well that’s that,” he said. “We should find someone else in time this time around. As soon as possible, really. I - “
“I will put out an ad in the classifieds and start interviews immediately,” Jumin interrupted.
“Like hell you will!” Zen snapped. “This is something that we should all decide on together this time, Jumin Han. Plus, you probably have terrible judgement. Your hiring record isn’t exactly the best. Jaehee’s the only good assistant you’ve had, and she’s too good for you!”
Jumin rolled his eyes at this outburst, while Jaehee coloured slightly before stuttering out a continuation of the discussion.
“My employment… situation aside,” she began, “we do need a way of finding a competent and trustworthy person soon. What other options would you suggest?”
707 had been rocking back and forth on his chair. He slammed his feet on the floor to punctuate the end of the assistant’s sentence, making them all jump to attention.
“I’ve got it! Eureka!” he gasped. “An internet… investigation!”
Before any of the other members could get a word in sideways, Yoosung piped up.
“What’s that?”
“Oh! I’m so glad you asked.” 707 had taken on a conspiratorial air. “Simply put: I’m sure that there’s someone out there somewhere who has mentioned and dreamed of wanting a job just like this one. Several someones actually. Maybe even one hundred someones!’
Zen sniggered, he couldn’t help it. Jaehee pinched the bridge of her nose. Yoosung looked enraptured.
“But Seven,” concern suddenly crept its way into the blonde boy’s features. “How do we make sure they’re trustworthy?”
“Or competent,” interjected Jaehee. Jumin sighed.
“Hoho! Again, what a pleasure to answer this question.” Seven was in his element now. “There’s nothing simpler in fact. Once I find these someones, I’ll just access their entire life story and check!”
“I don’t think we’re that desperate,” Zen scoffed over the redhead’s ensuing giggle. “We could just - wait, V. Where are you going?”
The photographer was putting away his chair and gathering his things together.
“I’m late for another meeting,” he answered their expectant glances. “I’ve stayed too long already. I do think that we should continue with the parties. Rika, she… Rika would have wanted it. As for finding a new coordinator to deal with the guests - leave that to me. Luciel, I’ll be calling you tonight. Sorry everyone, I hope to see you soon.”
He had crossed the room as he spoke, and was out of sight before anyone had the chance to stop him.
Seven smirked. “I’d best be on my way too. I’m glad someone liked my idea. I’ll see you-” he pointed to each of them in turn, “-in the chatroom.”
When he had left as well, Zen looked around at the remaining members.
“Maybe we should just all keep our eyes and ears open,” he said with careful optimism. He needed to distract Yoosung from V’s hasty exit, and reassure Jaehee. He didn't really care about that trustfund kid. Jumin would follow whatever his childhood friend decided anyway.
“There’s someone out there who’s a perfect fit for the RFA, we just haven’t found them yet.”