1. Think of Him
a/n: (Removed author note – extraneous meta-commentary.)
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Y/N’s POV
I slammed my ass against the floor rolling off the bed when I heard someone frying eggs early in the morning.
"Ow, my butt!"
I hauled myself up, rubbing my tailbone, checking my phone.
8:16 a.m.
I groaned. More kitchen noises. Hae Na or Jinyoung. No one else has the code to my apartment.
Ruffling my hair, I dragged myself toward the kitchen, not bothering to change or wash my face.
“Morning, hun. Go wash up and come eat breakfast. You’re going to be late for your sixth interview.”
Jinyoung flashed a cheerful smile, but his hands were shaking with the eggs. He was trying to look calm, but I saw the worry lines around his eyes.
“Shoot, my interview! Thanks, Jinyoung. I owe you one.”
I slapped his arm playfully and bolted for the bathroom.
Jinyoung and Hae Na were my best friends since I was four.
We grew up together in Busan. Our families were close, lived in the same neighborhood. We went to the same kindergarten, middle school, high school—different classes, though. We couldn’t afford college. We weren’t smart enough, and our families weren’t rich.
The three of us moved to Seoul together for a better future. We lived in the same apartment building, different floors. Our parents helped at first, but we got part-time jobs. We could at least stand on our own feet.
We were inseparable. In high school, we were called the Golden Trio. There were four of us, but he left. It’s just the three of us now. Still awesome, though.
Jungkook’s POV
“Thanks for the hard work, everyone!”
I bowed to the crew after finishing the commercial shoot. I had to be an idol to support my family, but…I kinda like being an idol now. No, I love being an idol.
My youth was with these six awesome guys—Namjoon, Jin, Yoongi, Hoseok, Jimin, Taehyung hyung. They took care of me. They were basically my family.
Now we’re worldwide famous, dominating the world with our music.
I was nothing before debut. I feel like I’m on cloud nine when I hear the fans cheer. I’m happy. I’m satisfied.
I’m glad I could help with my dad and brother’s business. Everything is perfect.
“Good job, guys. Nothing scheduled tonight, so maybe you guys should rest. You haven’t had a night to yourselves in a while.”
Our manager smiled reassuringly. He was right. It had been a long time.
Yoongi sighed, almost falling asleep on the floor.
“Get up, hyung. Let’s celebrate. I feel like chicken and soju.”
Jimin wrapped an arm around Yoongi’s shoulder.
“Alright then, let’s go to our old place.”
###
We went to our familiar hangout—a private bar with a small stage. It was originally owned by Jin’s dad, who gave it to us. It’s on a quiet street, perfect for a hideout.
“One more glass for you, Kookie~”
Hoseok sang, pouring another glass of soju.
I couldn’t take it anymore. My alcohol tolerance wasn’t high, and I was embarrassed about it. I was always the first to pass out.
“Ah, hyung. I can’t. I feel like throwing up.”
I slumped on the table, already nauseous.
“I’ll drink for you—”
Taehyung reached for my glass, but I snatched it back, downed it in one gulp. My body burned.
“You crazy muscle pig!”
Y/N’s POV
“I think I failed my interview. I’m sad.”
I rested my chin on my palm, sighing heavily. Hae Na patted my shoulder. She and Jinyoung were having a sleepover at my place. We were all bored.
Jinyoung’s apartment was below mine, Hae Na’s above. I was sandwiched between them.
What am I doing? Hae Na works as a makeup artist at a fancy salon. Jinyoung manages a famous cafe. I’m…nothing.
I’m still jobless. I try. I interview. But I never get the job.
I’m grateful Jinyoung lets me work part-time at his cafe. But I want a real job. Something so me, Hae Na, and my family wouldn’t worry.
It’s hard to find work because I don’t have a dream. I don’t know what to do with my life. I don’t have a goal.
“Did they tell you that you failed?”
Hae Na’s eyes were glued to her phone, but she was listening.
I shook my head, frowning.
“I thought being a receptionist at a mall would be easy. But there were so many qualified applicants. They all had degrees. I felt so small. One of them will get it, for sure.”
Jinyoung heard me ranting. He walked over, grabbing a bag of chips.
Hae Na and I made space for him. He plopped down beside me, Hae Na on my right.
“Jinyoung, I’m sad. Can I have a chip?”
I opened my mouth for him to feed me. He ignored me, focused on the TV.
I rolled my eyes, then froze. My heart clenched. I saw a familiar face on the screen.
Jinyoung cranked up the volume. Hae Na set her phone aside.
“BTS is back with another album, BE, and their latest MV, Life Goes On!”
The interviewer smiled, high-pitched and fake.
“This time, the music video was directed by Jeon Jungkook, our golden maknae?”
The said boy nodded shyly. His cheeks flushed pink.
“Director-nim? Would you like to say something about—”
I grabbed the remote, turned off the TV. My hands were trembling as I set the remote back on the coffee table.
Jinyoung and Hae Na noticed. I stayed silent, shifting uncomfortably on the couch.
“Lee Y/N,” Jinyoung nudged me nervously. I raised a brow.
He cleared his throat.
“Do you still…you know…think of him?”
To Be Continued.
(Removed author’s closing note – extraneous meta-commentary.)