The invitation had come like a burning star that felt from the sky: abruptly, and beautifully but with much potential for repercussive damage. Jin had been rather pleased when he’d first heard from Taesu-ah that he’d met someone from the upper classes who had invited them all over for a meal. It meant he was branching out, getting to know someone— that was, until they realized they had to inform Abeoji of the impending owl. He’d taken it… well, from what Jin mostly overheard of the conversation. (He hadn’t meant to; his room was just so close to Abeoji’s office and it had been too sunny that day to go out very far.) He’d met the Carrows himself once at a ball— the eldest sister and mother, and only very briefly. They seemed nice though. Genuinely a family in very good reputational standing and wealth. Certainly one Abeoji could only encourage their ties with; a cousin was even said to work back home in the palace! If that wasn’t prestigious, Jin didn’t know what more they could be looking for. But as always, every interaction came with a warning. They’d left Joseon now. Their future was in England; his place was to be amoungst the ranks of the Wizengamot.

Still, Jin was pleased for Taesu. He was proud of his baby brother for reaching out and making a connection. Even if it was tenuous and superficial at best. It was a step in the right direction— for all of them— and he was the only one as yet who’d managed to secure any kind of invitation!

On this particular evening, there was another reason Jin was anxiously tugging at himself in the mirror however. He was, as always, determined to make a good impression— but also, it would be the first time seeing Ahn-Bo in almost a fortnight. His heart ached with the desire to have his best friend and his brother back, for a plethora of reasons (safety, longing, etc amoung them) but his jealousy vanity and pride also gave him an extra edge as he re-adjusted his waistcoat for the hundredth time. In the understatement of the century, Abeoji had not been thrilled with the implications of their little misadventure earlier in the month. Ahn-Bo had been sent away on a retrieval almost immediately and Jin… well. He’d been sporting a particularly bruised set of ribs even Eun-Ho could not help him set completely to rights for a few weeks now. He hadn’t shared this with his other brothers but they weren’t stupid. In fact, they were all the more present, alleviatingly so, or that was just Jin’s impression given how anxious he’d been running ever since.

The portkey was arranged and at 8pm sharp, the lot of them arrived at the Carrow residence. Each had brought along a small gift for the hostess, approved and/or selected by Abeoji of course, and Jin’s was wrapped in turquoise silks. (A lacquered box with mother of pearl inlay.) He shifted it from his left to his right hand subconsciously and forced a sober smile onto his face as they stepped over the threshold. Introductions were made— led primarily by an Ambrose Carrow, the eldest brother, Jin catalogued internally. The one who had prompted the invitation originally. He looked over his shoulder as the door went to shut hoping to see his own brother appear, but instead caught Abeoji’s eye. His look was intentional and Jin felt his side throb.

Turning back to their hosts as they all began to intermingle, he gave a polite bow and handed his little parcel to the mother— they’d met before. “Annyeong hasimnikka,” he greeted her formally. Still in Joseoneo, he continued on to add very politely, “Gamsahamnida for inviting us to your lovely home. We are honoured to be here.”

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