Every Rule Has an Exception

"I'll go look upstairs. The landlords said we would have a box of necessities somewhere around here. Excuse me, ladies."

Mark took Jo's handbag to put it in the luggage area upstairs. Sam grabbed her friend by the hand, tugging her into the crowd. There was not an excessive number of people but, apart from the rest of the Got7 members, there were some unfamiliar faces in the group. To Jo, at least.

"I'm so happy you could make it! I meant what I said. I can't imagine how tired you must be."

"Ah, I can't compare to you, Sam. I'm not operating people in double digit times. Have you given Mark the present yet?"

Jo dipped her head in a bow when she noticed Jinyoung in the crowd. He returned the gesture.

"Not yet. Bambam said he had some fireworks going on? I don't really know; I have the feeling he's hiding something. By the way,"

Sam leaned in closer to Jo's ear and hid her lips with the back of her hand. "Someone was eagerly waiting for you."

For a moment, Jo was clueless. "Oh, why, is Johnny regretful about something? I don't see him here."

"Come on, Jo. I think you know better than that."

"I... don't?"

Samantha noticed Jinyoung making his way through the crowd. "Well then, I'll leave you in good hands with Jinyoung. Maybe he'll give you a hint if he's nice enough. I must go talk to the cake delivery!"

Before she had the chance to protest, Samantha made her way swiftly towards the kitchen area. Jo was left hanging with her arm in the air. Jinyoung chuckled when he heard her sigh.

"Trouble in paradise?" he dared and showed a path to where Jaebum and another unfamiliar figure were talking.

Jo had to mentally adjust to the change of language. She forgot she had spoken to the other in Korean when they met backstage at the concert. "Oh well, sometimes you just have to give up with that woman."

Jinyoung introduced Jo to some of the foreign people in the house, and he helped her with leading the conversations. It did not take long for Jo to ease into the atmosphere, quickly reminded of her older college days. A sworn extrovert, as Samantha would say. Jo was happy to join their company, as the tumult of the past day was slowly easing into a celebratory atmosphere. At some point, she picked up the growing rhythm of the music, only to notice Bambam had also contacted a DJ for the night. At some point, someone had offered her a paper crown to put on her head, but she never noticed who had given the accessory to her.

"It suits you." Jinyoung gestured to the party headpiece. "And somehow works with the suit as well."

Jo knew he was joking. She appreciated the gesture. "Thanks! I just hope Mark returns with those slippers soon because I cannot feel my feet at this point."

Jinyoung dipped his head in a small motion. "Don't worry, your slippers are here."

Jo turned her head and noticed Jackson approaching through the crowd. A smile flourished on her features, and it was certainly not meant for the slippers. Maybe Jackson noticed, as he did not hesitate to smile right back at her. He was wearing a crown party headpiece of his own, fitting for his last name.

"Someone called for a special delivery?" Jackson chuckled and proudly displayed the so-called delivery. "This house really does have everything!"

"Why don't you help her change her shoes?" Jaebum taunted, taking a sip of his drink. He was closer to Jackson, so Jo could not figure out his words entirely. Jackson showed a surprising look and was faster to act. He offered his hand to the woman.