1. I Will Not Be Afraid. Introduction.
Jungkook’s POV
Nervous didn’t begin to cover it. Understated, even. Terrified was more accurate. That was the only word that fit the knot twisting in my stomach as I stood before the Bighit Entertainment building. This wasn’t my first time visiting, of course. I’d gone through a grueling audition process to be considered for a new group, Bangtan Boys – BTS, as they called it. I’d had offers from other major companies after a talent show, but something kept drawing me back to Bighit. An instinct, a pull in my heart. It felt…right.
RM, Kim Namjoon, the leader, was a huge part of that pull. I’d been so impressed by him, and I wanted to emulate his cool, confident energy. Today was the day I officially joined them, agreeing to live with the other members. There were six others, and while I knew their names, this would be my first time truly interacting with them. I was the youngest, and I worried I wouldn’t be taken seriously. Despite my age, I was designated the main vocalist and center of BTS. They were all incredibly talented and experienced, and I felt a pressure to prove myself.
The problem was, I wasn't a naturally social person. I was introverted, shy, and struggled to connect with others. That’s why I’d asked our manager and Namjoon Hyung to stay by my side when entering the dorm. A big step for a fifteen-year-old.
Suddenly, two figures emerged from the office, noticing me lingering outside the entrance. They looked surprised I hadn’t gone inside. Bighit wasn’t a huge company yet, still trying to break into the mainstream. Funds were minimal, so newcomers like us had to share rooms with other artists. That was the reason I’d frozen.
Namjoon Hyung ran toward me, understanding my hesitation. He knew I was nervous. He simply took my hand and led me towards the dorm.
“Hey, Jungkook. Why are you standing here? Come on, I’ll introduce you to the others. They’re waiting.”
“But…Hyung…what if they think I’m not good enough, or that I’m just a kid? What if they don’t want to work with me…” I rambled, my anxiety spilling out.
Hyung cut me off, placing his hands on my shoulders.
“Don’t overthink it, Jungkook. You’ve earned your place. You worked hard, and you chose us. Don’t hesitate now. You deserve to be here, and they’re going to love you, okay?”
“Yes…yes, Hyung. I believe you.”
We entered the dorm together, our manager leading us to a practice room where three other members were goofing around and laughing. The room wasn't large, certainly cramped for seven people, but it would have to do.
The first member I saw was small in stature with a cute face and pale skin. He had brown hair and wore a black cap. He looked cute, but the most striking thing about him was the permanent frown etched on his face, a clear “I don’t care” expression. He didn’t smile with the others, sighing with obvious boredom. I knew his name – Min Yoongi Hyung. I felt intimidated by him immediately.
The other two seemed like the jolliest people in the world. One was built like Yoongi, small but muscular, with fair skin and chubby cheeks. He wore an all-black outfit with cool-looking hand accessories. I’d forgotten his name, but I knew the other was Hoseok Hyung, or J-Hope. He radiated joy, and his shining eyes instantly relaxed me. He seemed genuinely cool.
Namjoon Hyung coughed to attract attention. They all turned around, and their gaze settled on me. I felt uncomfortable under their scrutiny. They stared in silence.
Suddenly, J-Hope whistled.
“Isn’t he pretty? Oh my god, you’re so cute.” J-Hope cooed, and I wanted to disappear. My face flushed red, and I looked anywhere but at them.
“My god, he’s blushing too! Wow, Jungkook, you’re the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I want to pinch your cheeks.” J-Hope threatened to do just that.
“Stop it, Hope, he’s already nervous. Don’t make him more uncomfortable.” Namjoon Hyung said sternly.
“But–”
“I said stop it.”
“You’re no fun, Joonie.” He sulked.
J-Hope huffed, then turned back to me, smiling.
“Hi. I’m your hope, J-Hope. It’s nice to meet you, Jungkook.” He extended his hand.
I hesitated, then accepted his handshake. His grip was firm and warm, surprisingly comforting.
I smiled back. Then the other shorty stepped forward.
“Hey! I’m Jimin, Park Jimin.”
I was amazed by his energetic introduction and megawatt smile. He was cute, but his muscles were intimidating too.
“Hello, Jimin Hyung. I’m Jeon Jungkook. Please take care of me.” I replied politely.
But I heard a smirk from behind Jimin Hyung.
“Huff. I don’t know if we have a kid with us. I just hope we don’t have to babysit him all the time.” Yoongi rolled his eyes in disappointment.
I froze. My insecurities flooded back, and I felt sweat prick my skin. Namjoon Hyung saw my reaction and glared at Yoongi Hyung.
“Oh, please, Suga Hyung! Don’t be like that. He’s scared of reactions like that. Even if he’s young, he earned his place with hard work. You should welcome him warmly, not with your cold attitude.”
Yoongi Hyung seemed to understand. He stood up and approached me.
“Hey, kid, don’t panic. We’re not going to eat you. I was just teasing you to ease your nerves. By the way, I’m Suga, Min Yoongi, and welcome to BTS.”
I was still shaking, but I extended my hand. He smiled faintly and shook mine, then patted my back.
“Get used to our teasing. You don’t need to be conscious all the time. We’re sharing a dorm together, right? So try to relax, okay?”
“Yes…yes, Hyung. I…I’ll try my best. Thank you for accepting me.”
“Ahhh! Don’t let his ego inflate too much. His attitude is already barely tolerable.” Jimin Hyung sarcastically pointed at Suga Hyung, who scoffed.
I was trying to process everything when Namjoon Hyung tapped my shoulder.
“Jungkook, you must be tired. Let me show you our shared room. Rest, then unpack your things, okay?”
“Okay, Hyung.”
We walked to our room. It had seven single beds and four cupboards. It would be tight, but I wasn't thinking about that now. I threw my luggage on the floor and slumped onto a bed. I cried, burying my face in a pillow. My body trembled as I released my frustration and fear.
“I’m not a kid. I’m not a kid. I have to prove myself. I won’t be afraid. I’ll prove myself, Mom, Dad. I’ll make you proud. Yes, I will.” I mumbled to myself.
Who knew this was the start of my journey with BTS?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Author's note removed as per instructions.)