While Hanbin has never been present at these sorts of meetings prior to this very one, he's heard how they go. He knows it's the senior-most leader present at any given time to extend the offer. That it's Eunji who asks for his acceptance (and that no one seems remotely fazed by him taking control) not only surprises him, but it also tells him everything he needs to know about the situation.
Eunji is a much more important person in their hierarchy than the rank and file know. It's a secret he'll keep, whether told to or not. It seems to be implied that he should.
Whether stated outright or merely implied, Eunji's importance is a secret Hanbin will be expected to keep. Considering the contrast between how Eunji conducts himself out among the others, and the way he is here, in private, should show that his importance is not something everyone is meant to know. It's expected that he keep the secret, but Eunji will also appreciate that he does as well.
Hanbin is being trusted with this information. Eunji is trusting him.
"I'm grateful that you've decided to join us," Eunji says with a quick nod, then reaches out his hands for Hanbin to take. The question is will Hanbin take them, or will he notice the expression on a few faces behind Eunji warning him away? Whether Hanbin decides to take Eunji's hands or not, the meeting continues. Eunji takes a half step to the side so he's no longer blocking Hanbin's view of the other leaders as they explain to him what will be expected of him moving forward. His new duties and responsibilities. All of that is delicately and expertly interlaced with compliments and reminding him of his importance to the organization and what they stand for. Complimentary statements among the increased expectations, kind words interspersed with warnings.
It's only once they're certain of Hanbin's understanding (they'll be watching him in the early days of his new role anyway, and ready to step in to correct as necessary) that they get up to begin filing out of the room. They offer him no opportunity to ask questions (they don't allow for themselves to be questioned) but rather leave once all they've had to say is said. Eunji remains, however. He continues to stand before Hanbin, eyes locked on the young man's face. A silent expectation that Hanbin will remain here with him. Him and no one else aside from two men left standing in the front corners of the room. As much as they speak of trusting in Hanbin's loyalty to the cause, they're not so trusting as to leave him completely alone with their messiah.
"I've been watching you." 'I' not 'we'. No more speaking as the group. The group is gone. It's just the two of them now. Eunji is speaking for only himself now. "I've seen you prove your loyalty and dedication time and time again. Some people join us with good intentions, but you can easily see their doubts. As much as they want to believe, they don't trust that we're capable of what we say we are. We have to prove ourselves to them." Eunji shakes his head again, this time an almost shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I don't believe you've ever doubted me or what I'm capable of."
Silence follows. He lets the words hang in the air, giving Hanbin the time to process the subtle yet not so subtle reveal of Eunji's true place in the organization before he says it outright.
The others are suddenly of very little concern with the revelation before him. While it isn't outright stated, Hanbin can make the logical leap that Eunji true role in the cult is that... he is the extinction entity they all revere. Why else hide his leadership status? It makes sense with how he takes the initiative among all the highest ranking leadership.
That must be it.
That knowledge (hope?) shines in his dark eyes as he takes Eunji's offered hands with reverence. A light squeeze as if he can convey that the secret is safe with him. He'll do nothing to endanger Eunji's privacy. As long as only a small circle of people know who and what he really is, Eunji can still have a normal life, still walk among others. Hanbin understands the weight of the responsibility being entrusted to him. He understands the honor he's been granted.
Of course, their moment of understanding is brief. He lets Eunji's hands slip away when he moves so the meeting may proceed. He nods in solemn understanding each time a new detail of his new role is revealed. It's as expected. New duties, new responsibilities. All of which he'll work hard to achieve and maintain.
Once everyone files out, Hanbin sees Eunji still there. Even with a leadership role, now, he's the lowest among them. It's not his place to leave until everyone has or until Eunji gives him permission to go. Instead, he speaks directly and personally to Hanbin. No longer is he speaking for everyone. Only himself. And, oh, what he says solidifies what Hanbin thought when they first spoke today.
"Belief is a tricky thing. In some, doubt can be used to make their faith stronger. In others... Very few come into the fold as true believers. I think we, humans, want to believe, but we've grown cynical. It's easier to let doubt in. It simply has to be addressed on each individual's level."
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no subject
Eunji is a much more important person in their hierarchy than the rank and file know. It's a secret he'll keep, whether told to or not. It seems to be implied that he should.
"I accept whole-heartedly."
no subject
Hanbin is being trusted with this information. Eunji is trusting him.
"I'm grateful that you've decided to join us," Eunji says with a quick nod, then reaches out his hands for Hanbin to take. The question is will Hanbin take them, or will he notice the expression on a few faces behind Eunji warning him away? Whether Hanbin decides to take Eunji's hands or not, the meeting continues. Eunji takes a half step to the side so he's no longer blocking Hanbin's view of the other leaders as they explain to him what will be expected of him moving forward. His new duties and responsibilities. All of that is delicately and expertly interlaced with compliments and reminding him of his importance to the organization and what they stand for. Complimentary statements among the increased expectations, kind words interspersed with warnings.
It's only once they're certain of Hanbin's understanding (they'll be watching him in the early days of his new role anyway, and ready to step in to correct as necessary) that they get up to begin filing out of the room. They offer him no opportunity to ask questions (they don't allow for themselves to be questioned) but rather leave once all they've had to say is said. Eunji remains, however. He continues to stand before Hanbin, eyes locked on the young man's face. A silent expectation that Hanbin will remain here with him. Him and no one else aside from two men left standing in the front corners of the room. As much as they speak of trusting in Hanbin's loyalty to the cause, they're not so trusting as to leave him completely alone with their messiah.
"I've been watching you." 'I' not 'we'. No more speaking as the group. The group is gone. It's just the two of them now. Eunji is speaking for only himself now. "I've seen you prove your loyalty and dedication time and time again. Some people join us with good intentions, but you can easily see their doubts. As much as they want to believe, they don't trust that we're capable of what we say we are. We have to prove ourselves to them." Eunji shakes his head again, this time an almost shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I don't believe you've ever doubted me or what I'm capable of."
Silence follows. He lets the words hang in the air, giving Hanbin the time to process the subtle yet not so subtle reveal of Eunji's true place in the organization before he says it outright.
no subject
That must be it.
That knowledge (hope?) shines in his dark eyes as he takes Eunji's offered hands with reverence. A light squeeze as if he can convey that the secret is safe with him. He'll do nothing to endanger Eunji's privacy. As long as only a small circle of people know who and what he really is, Eunji can still have a normal life, still walk among others. Hanbin understands the weight of the responsibility being entrusted to him. He understands the honor he's been granted.
Of course, their moment of understanding is brief. He lets Eunji's hands slip away when he moves so the meeting may proceed. He nods in solemn understanding each time a new detail of his new role is revealed. It's as expected. New duties, new responsibilities. All of which he'll work hard to achieve and maintain.
Once everyone files out, Hanbin sees Eunji still there. Even with a leadership role, now, he's the lowest among them. It's not his place to leave until everyone has or until Eunji gives him permission to go. Instead, he speaks directly and personally to Hanbin. No longer is he speaking for everyone. Only himself. And, oh, what he says solidifies what Hanbin thought when they first spoke today.
"Belief is a tricky thing. In some, doubt can be used to make their faith stronger. In others... Very few come into the fold as true believers. I think we, humans, want to believe, but we've grown cynical. It's easier to let doubt in. It simply has to be addressed on each individual's level."