Prologue
“Ughhhh,” you mutter, a familiar wave of morning discontent washing over you. You’ve never been a morning person, but your grandmother’s voice echoes in your memory: *make me proud*. That single directive is why you still endure the daily grind of high school.
This place—a polished facade of teenage drama—felt more like a holding pen than a school. Most girls flocked to it for friends and boys. You didn’t. You had one friend, Jisoo, who was everything you weren’t.
Jisoo was brilliant, athletic, stunning. The complete package, as everyone said. Your parents had known hers since high school; you two had practically grown up together. She was an amazing best friend, always offering help without hesitation. Honestly, you couldn’t fathom how someone like her could befriend someone like you. You never bothered to ask.
As usual, you ran through your morning routine and donned your uniform. Entering the living room, you found your parents already seated at the table, enjoying breakfast.
“Morning, darling,” your mother greeted you warmly.
“First day of school, huh?” Your stepfather said, his voice thick with emotion. “I remember walking you to class in kindergarten.” He dabbed at his eyes.
Your parents were incredibly kind. Your biological father left when you were a baby, and your mother remarried years later. You didn’t mind. He treated your mother with tenderness, always ensuring her happiness. You never called him “stepdad” or by his name; he *was* your father.
“Ugh, Dad, calm down. I’m not aging that fast. It’s only my fourth year! I have so much more to do,” you sighed, trying to sound annoyed but secretly touched by his sentiment.
“Yeah, I know, I know, but watch—you’ll start dating, then leave me all alone,” he lamented, tears welling again.
“Honey, don’t say that! She’ll give up on dating altogether. I want grandkids!” Your mother exclaimed.
“Mom! Stop it. I’m going to be late picking up Jisoo. I’ll see you guys later!” You finished your breakfast, kissed your parents on the cheek, and headed out the door.
“Bye, darling! Find a nice boy this year!” Your mother called after you.
You sighed as you climbed into your car, heading to Jisoo’s house. She was waiting outside, beaming as you pulled up. She practically launched herself into the car, screaming with excitement.
“Y/NNNNN! Oh my gosh, we’re finally seniors!”
“Okay, okay, I know. Stop yelling,” you said, amused.
“Think of the boys! Oh my gosh! Let’s pray for some new hotties. I heard Jennie’s dating Taemin now. Ugh,” she said, scrolling through Instagram.
“I couldn’t care less. But DID YOU HEAR BTS’S NEW COMEBACK?!” you exclaimed, turning to her with excitement.
“YESSSS! They looked so good! Why can’t guys in *our* school look like them???” Jisoo said, her eyes sparkling as you approached the school.
“Well, it’s our last year in this hellhole. Let’s make it as good as we can!” Jisoo said, and you nodded in agreement.
As you entered the school, everyone stared…not at you, of course, but at Jisoo.
“We only have two classes together this year. I’m going to be aloneeee,” you lamented as you reached your lockers.
“Don’t worry! You’ll be fine. Just look at that photo album I bought you, and you’ll forget about all this bs,” Jisoo said, pointing to the album tucked into your locker.
For your last birthday, Jisoo had compiled a photo album filled with photocards from every BTS album. It was the best birthday gift ever.
“Yeah, at least I have Tae and my other babies,” you sighed as you closed your locker and began walking to class.
“Yeah, they’ll always be with you, so don’t worry. Anyways, I’ll see you later! I love youuuu,” Jisoo yelled as you entered your class.
The school day continued uneventfully.
During lunch
You and Jisoo sat at an open table. As Jisoo began eating, you noticed BTS had posted on Twitter.
“OMG LOOK!” you yelled, showing Jisoo the photo.
“BTS came back to Korea after the world tour!” Jisoo yelled, then immediately realized her mistake.
Jennie and her friends began running towards your table, eager to see. *Why can’t they look at their own phones?!*
“Omgggg, look at Jungkookie Oppa!” Jennie exclaimed, trying to grab your phone.
You decided to take your lunch and Jisoo somewhere quieter, away from the prying eyes of the others.
“Do you think we might meet them?” Jisoo imagined, her eyes wide with hope.
“I don’t think so. They’re probably too busy, catching up on their own stuff. They won’t notice me anyway,” you said, resigned.
“Girl, stop it. You don’t know how much you’re worth. Even a Kpop idol wouldn’t be good enough for you!” Jisoo insisted.
“Yeah, yeah, just eat,” you said, and the two of you continued your lunch.
On the way home
“Alright! Bye Y/n! See you tomorrow!” Jisoo yelled as she headed toward her house.
You drove off, and a BTS song came on the radio. You cranked up the volume and hummed along to Taehyung’s part. For some reason, you could only memorize his vocals.
As you parked your car, you remembered your parents telling you they’d be busy with work for the next few days. It happened once a year, and during those days, loneliness descended like a shroud.
But as you stepped out of the car, you noticed someone walking down the street. You froze in fear—the person looked deranged. Disheveled hair, clutching their head as if in pain. Wait…
They were hurt.
You ran quickly towards them.
“Are you okay?” you asked, but before they could answer, they stumbled and fell *onto* you.
“Ugh, they’re heavy. Sir! Sir! Hey, wake up!” you said, nudging the man who had collapsed on top of you.
You moved his hair out of the way to get a good look…
…and there he was.