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Chapter Text

14 hours before impact:

"Oppa! Why are you not packing your bags? Aren't you excited? " Jungkook's little sister is overly hyped about tomorrow's trip to Seoul and it was her first time to be on a plane, even though it is just a one-hour domestic flight. Jungkook shrugged at her energy, wondering how much candy the 7-year-old ate after dinner while trying to focus on his PS4 games.
"Dami, could you stop for a moment?! You are disturbing me." Dami jumping in front of the TV screen blocking off Jungkook's aim with his rifle in a combat game. Dami is so into her jolly imagination about the family trip to Seoul that she totally ignored her brother. Jungkook's father smiled looking at their little daughter's happy dance while trying to finish off his work so that he could spend the weekend peacefully with his family on their short getaway.
"Mom!!! Dami is disturbing me! Could you just get her out of the way?!" Jungkook clearly annoyed.
"Dami! Stop jumping in front of your brother! Go wash up, is time for bed. You don't want to miss the flight." Jungkook's mother shooed little Dami to wash up for bed, after tucking Dami into bed, his mother turns to Jungkook: "Jungkook-ah, you better stop your game and pack your bags, it's getting late." Reluctantly, Jungkook turned off his games and proceed to pack his luggage bag and head to bed.
It's not Jungkook's first time to be on a plane, so it does not excite him as much as it did to Dami, however, he does look forward to the trip, it's been a while since his busy dad has actually planned a family trip. He would love to take loads of pictures of their trip just to boast it to his classmates.

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"Hwijoon-ah! Kim Hwijoon!"
"Yes?Hyung?"
"Erm... Did you see my passport?"
"OMG...Hyung! Not again!" Hwijoon wasn't trying to sound annoyed or be rude to his elder brother Namjoon but it was like the 3rd time Namjoon seems to misplace his passport ever since they arrived in Korea for their brotherly backpacking trip. The brothers are planning to take a flight back to Seoul from Busan and probably stay a few more days before they travel back to the US. So far, their trip had been amazing without a hitch, only a few times Hwijoon is close to having a heart attack that they might need to go to the US embassy because Namjoon misplaced his passport.
"Oh...I found it!" Namjoon exclaim with joy.
"See... I should have known." Hwijoon is just so done with his clumsy brother.

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11 hours before impact:

Jimin: Hey hyung. Asleep yet?

Hoseok: Nope. Why?

Jimin: Can't sleep.

 Hoseok: LOL. Nervous?

Jimin: Ya.
Jimin: Do you think we can make it through the first round?

                                                     
 Hoseok: Have confidence! We have been practicing for months!

Jimin: I know. Just ....

Hoseok: C'mon Minnie. You are a dancer! You have been dancing for years now. You've got skills. You just need to show them what you've got.

Jimin: Thanks hyung.

Hoseok: We're in this together, our dance crew is the best! Have faith!
Hoseok: Sleep early, we have a flight to catch!

Jimin: Sure. Good night hyung!

Hoseok: Good night Jiminnie!

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"Mom! I'm not going to Seoul!" Taehyung shouted.
"What do you mean you are not going? Didn't we agreed?." Taehyung's mother was in shock.
"Please, mom. Must we really do this?" Taehyung almost on his knees pleading as his eyes start to tear up.
"Taehyung honey. Mommy is really sorry that things turned out this way, I know you have been very upset ever since me and your dad go our separate ways and I know how much you will miss your friends. But could you just try for once to be in mommy's shoes? Your dad didn't want to care about us anymore and we need to live. It's fortunate that I got a job call in Seoul and it will also be better for your education over there." Taehyung's mom also begins to sob.
"Mom. I...I really..." Before Taehyung could say further, his mother pulled Taehyung into a tight hug, and Taehyung started crying into his mother's embrace.
"We need to be strong, baby. Just for now, I promise we will come back when things get better."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"I love you mom."
"I love you too."

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4 hours before impact: 

"Wake up! For goodness sake! When did you sleep last night Yoongi? Didn't I told you to sleep early last night?" Yoongi still in his deep slumber was woken up by his girlfriend's violent shaking. Yena, pulling up all the blinds from Yoongi's bedroom windows allowing the soft sunlight of the morning to penetrate the dark bedroom that almost never sees daylight throughout the year.
"Mmmmnn" Yoongi mumbling under his breath, slightly irritated by the bright light that could be seen even through his tightly shut eyelids.
"C'mon we are late!" Yena giving a last and forceful yank on Yoongi's butt, almost causing him to fall off his bed.
"Alright.Alright! Am up! Am up." Yoongi jumped up in surrender to his girlfriend's aggressive morning wake-up call and moves swiftly into his bathroom to get ready.
"I'm giving you 10 minutes, I'll be waiting in the parking lot. I've got your guitar and bags." Yena lifted her voice to notify Yoongi while she drags all the luggage out of the apartment. Yena might be misunderstood as a dominant person but to Yoongi she is the kindest and sweetest girl he could ever get in his life. Yena came into his life when he was at his lowest and never left him even when everyone else did. She was the inspiration of his music and the inspiration of his life.
Yoongi is anxious about his trip down to Seoul because of an arranged audition and contract that very well could be the turning point of his life if things worked out as expected. Yena knew how much Yoongi wanted this opportunity and how much doubt sometimes Yoongi had in himself thus she brought upon herself to cheer and support Yoongi. Yoongi is grateful to have Yena by his side. 

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3 hours before impact: 

"Hey Jihwan, where are you?" Seokjin was staring at his watch waiting for his college buddy to show up at the airport, slightly worried his friend might not catch the flight back to Seoul for their new semester.
"Chill man, I am already in the Airport. Coming in a bit."
"You better be. Else, I'll just have two seats for myself."  Seokjin slightly relieved.
"You worry too much man, there's still time." Jihwan was laughing over on the other end of the phone.
"We need to check in the luggage you know." Seokjin's motherly instinct is causing Jihwan to crack up even more making Seokjin's eyes roll in annoyance, though never in a bad way, Jihwan was Seokjin's best friend even during high school, going to the same college in Seoul made them even closer, almost inseparable.
"Hey you worry nerd !!" watching Seokjin standing alone at the waiting lobby rather miserably, Jihwan couldn't help it but sneak up behind Seokjin and had his arms around his friend's shoulders almost doing a headlock, making Seokjin flinch and almost choke at his friend's sudden attack.
"Oh fu..."
"Jin-ah.. did you just cursed?" Jihwan was almost rolling on the floor laughing.
"Would love to." Seokjin was pissed for a moment but then he too couldn't stop laughing at the whole silly scene. They have always been a weird combination, almost the opposite poles of the personality spectrum. However, like magnets, their friendship is strong, clicking in the most peculiar way.

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40 minutes before impact:

"Oppa! Look! I can see the wings of the plane from my window! Oppa! Look!" Dami just could not contain her excitement, however, Jungkook who was more absorbed in his phone app game could not be bothered.
"Jungkook-ah. You better put that phone of yours away and switch it off, it will affect the take-off of the plane." Jungkook's father reminded his son. 
"Yes, Dad." Jungkook answered almost robotic, eyes still glued to his phone screen while he goes on with his game.
"Oppa! Look! Look!" Dami now pulling Jungkook's sleeves to gain his attention, wanting to show him her new discoveries.
"Shut up Dami! Stop it!" Jungkook snapped. Slightly taken aback, Dami let go of her brother's sleeves and sat back into her seat, pouting and sadden but the bad emotions were instantly forgotten when she saw a bird standing on the wings of the plane just outside of her window seat, fascinated. Dami could not stop smiling the whole morning. Both her parents laughing over their daughter's expression. 

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"Man! aisle again?" Seokjin let out a sigh. 
"Thought you knew when I bought the tickets. Sorry, pal." Jihwan chuckle at Seokjin's annoyed face. 
"I'll switch with you after take off. Okay?" Jihwan trying to make up a little to his irritated friend for not checking the seats properly when he purchased them online. Seokjin had mentioned before his dislike of an aisle seat, his introverted personality makes him uncomfortable when people are constantly walking past his seat and the emptiness and the feeling of being exposed it give him, something that the extroverted Jihwan don't even care. Thus it's never a big deal for Jihwan to take the aisle seat, in fact, he might even get a better chance to flirt with beautiful air stewardess on the flight.  

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"Taehyung-ah, are you alright?" His mother looking at her son seated by her side being extra silent the whole morning. 
"Yeah." Taehyung still can't get his mind off the fact he is going to leave the place he once called home, the happy memories of his once perfect family, his gang of buddies at school, his neighbours; but then he remembered how much that place also reminded him of the days his parents would shout at each other, beer bottles flying across the living room shattering their TV and mirrors, how his mother would cry alone in her room and how his dad would not talk to him and eventually never came back. It's a mess in his head, he is just so caught up in all the conflicting emotions he has. His mother seems to understand what is going on with him, silently, Taehyung felt his mother's hand hold his hands and squeezes them softly, reassuring that they have made a right decision and the future ahead will be a brighter one. 

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"Hyung, I'm still afraid about the turning part and the 3rd transition part of our choreo." Jimin seated beside Hoseok was constantly questioning his own abilities.
"Jimin, look here, I want you to stop thinking of our choreo for once, just relax. You've done enough practice!" Hoseok trying his best to assure Jimin that he had nothing to be worried about.
"I'm just afraid that I might mess up and let the whole team down." Jimin still extremely nervous about his dance competition tomorrow in Seoul.
"You've said it, it's a team thing, not just you. We are all in this as ONE. Stop thinking that you would let everyone down. It will not happen!OK?!" 
"o..okay..." Jimin is a great dancer but the huge hurdle that he always had with him was his self-confidence, it took Hoseok almost a whole year to convince Jimin that he is capable of dancing and should join their dance crew. Hoseok did not want Jimin to back out last minute, not after he had put in so much effort, Jimin has the potential. Hoseok just wanted to see Jimin come out of his shell and shine. 

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"Phone?"
"Checked."
"Wallet?"
"Checked."
"Passport?"
"Hold on.....................................CHECKED!" Hwijoon almost had another heart attack with his brother as Namjoon holding his passport turning towards Hwijoon beside him beaming like a silly idiot. 
"Hyung. Seriously. One more time I am going to just leave you here." 
"Sorry dude." Namjoon smiling brightly, showing his dimples, although slightly apologetic. 
It is almost their yearly ritual that the Kim brothers would spend some time traveling the world together. They love exploring new places, and this year they finally made up their mind to visit the home country of there ancestors. 

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"Hey Yena, I think I... ermm..." Yoongi clutching tightly to the handles of his seat, seemingly uncomfortable.
"Yoongi. Seriously? We have not even left the ground yet!" Yena was in shock that Yoongi's acrophobia was this serious. Half laughing at how afraid Yoongi was, Yena moves slightly over to Yoongi's side and gave him a peck on his forehead and smiled, though Yoongi was terrified, Yena's little moves does bring peace to him and magically comforting him, soothing his fear. 
"You better don't puke on me later, here is your paper bag." Yena waving the paper bag in her hands teasing Yoongi. 
"It'll be ok silly." Yena assured Yoongi. Yoongi finds himself falling even deeper for this girl. 

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30 minutes before impact:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome on board flight KZ108. This is your Captain speaking. ...." 

After the safety demonstration that only got Dami excited. The plane took off. 

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15 minutes before impact: 

"Hyung. Did you smell something?" Jimin sniffing into the air around him.
"What?" Hoseok was reading.
"Smell, hyung. Doesn't it smell like something burning?" Jimin still sniffing. 
"What smell?" Hoseok wasn't paying attention. 
Just as Hoseok is trying to register what smell was Jimin talking about, they saw a few air stewardess with troubled expression walking rapidly past their seats towards the direction of the cockpit way in front of the aircraft. It was slightly weird, both Jimin and Hoseok thinking to themselves, is there something wrong?
The smell is getting stronger, now even some other passengers started to notice it. Noises of whispering and talking start to fill the deck. 

"Honey? Is there something wrong?" Jungkook's mom getting slightly worried asked her husband but receive no affirmation. Nobody knows what is going on. 

"Jihwan, wake up!" 
"Urgh...what?" Seokjin shaking Jihwan to wake him up.
"Something is not right." 
"What?" Jihwan still blur from his sleep.

Just as everyone was questioning either the smell or the abnormal behavior of the cabin crew. The seatbelt lights went on. And then a strong jolt across the aircraft was felt. It is getting alarming. But just as everyone trying to be optimistic assuming that it was just turbulence, another strong jolt was felt. 

"Dami!Jungkook!Put on your seatbelts!" Jungkook's mother ordered.
"But why mom? What's going on?" Jungkook stopped his game and realized the tense atmosphere. 
"I'm scared mom." Dami almost crying.
"Shh...is ok dear. Don't worry." Jungkook's dad trying to calm the little one down. 

"You ok?" Yena was extremely concerned as Yoongi kept throwing up and the unsettling atmosphere in the plane.
"I'm fine." Yoongi tried to take deep breaths to stop his urge to puke. 

"Taehyung-ah, put this on." Taehyung's mother following the instructions pulled over Taehyung's seatbelt and strapped it firmly onto his son. 
"Mom. What happened?"
"I don't know. Let's just put this on. I'm sure they will announce." 

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10 minutes before impact: 

Sure enough. Not long after the seatbelt lights came on, there was an announcement and it wasn't a clear one. The only information they got was there are some technical difficulties and the passengers are required to remain seated. 

Then, 

"MOM!!!! FIRE!!!!" Dami and Jungkook yelled as they saw sparks and smoke coming out from under one of the wings just outside of their window. Before they even finished their words, screams and shouting erupted inside the plane, many have seen the fire from their windows.

The announcement came on again, the Captain announcing in a shaking voice that they are going to do an emergency landing and everyone on board are to take cover. The situation inside is chaotic, screaming, yelling, crying can be heard from every direction. The sound of prayers filled the air. It was supposed to be just a short one-hour domestic flight, what on earth is this?

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5 minutes before impact:

A strong jolt causing everyone that isn't properly strapped down to be thrown out of their seats, the oxygen mask from the ceiling was ejected down, the lights start to flicker, emergency alarm went off. The next minute, the aircraft starts to dip and plunge, the plane is shaking and spinning so much no one is actually sure where is the ground and where is the direction of the sky anymore. 

"Mayday!Mayday!..." 

Sound muffled. Then it was silence. Darkness. 

Chapter Text

A slight inhale of air choked Hoseok, coughing out what seem to be dust and dirt in his throat, jerking his still strapped down body causing a sudden sharp pain across his chest and his abdomen where the seatbelt seems to have grazed through his skin, awakening all his sensory receptors. The pungent smell of kerosene and smoke fills his nostrils, choking him awake yet again. There was a throbbing pain in his head and his eyelids are heavy, but a sudden wave of fear run through his spine when he starts to push himself to open his eyes. Hoseok had no idea how long that he was out, opening his eyes to only realize the predicament he is in.

Hoseok is still strapped to his seat, there was no sound, though he is not sure if it is just him or is it really that silent. nothing is moving beside the constantly oozing smoke that seems like angry dark clouds approximately 40 feet in front of him and visible dust particles floating in the air.Hoseok's vision is blurry and it was dark, the only lights are the daylight that managed to shine through the windows, however, he is pretty sure there was a huge opening around the 40 feet mark in front of him because there is where the strongest light comes from. Did the plane just snap into half upon impact? Hoseok was too afraid to even think about anything logic at the moment, nothing seems to make sense. Then another sharp pain spread across his chest, this time trying to move his limbs to reach for his chest. After the pain started to fade into a dull sting, Hoseok realized something was missing.

'Jimin! Where is Jimin?!'

Hoseok starts to panic, turning to the seat beside him that once belonged to his dear friend, it was empty.

'NO! This can't be!' 

Hoseok was horrified, he tried to free himself from his seat to search for Jimin, aiming for the aisle from his middle seat he tripped on something, causing him to fall to the ground. Much to his horror, he finds himself tripping over Jimin's body, now face down lifeless on the aisle walkway.

"JIMIN!"

Hoseok shouted while trying to position Jimin and check on him. Tears were spilling out of Hoseok's eyes as if the dam just broke after he finally discovers a faint pulse on Jimin.

"Wake up! Jimin! Wake up! Please!" Hoseok desperately trying to wake his friend. But Jimin remained unconscious. Hoseok was so lost he did not know what to do, he wanted to reach his phone from his pocket but it was no longer there. In a panic, Hoseok stood up from his initial kneeling position beside Jimin only to hear a very soft cry from a distant corner in front of him. Without realizing, Hoseok was advancing forward to where he presumed was the source of the soft crying voice. Walking past dead bodies of people that were once smiling and alive with him just some time ago, Hoseok started to throw up, a dizzy spell overpowered him and he stumbled. His head is spinning but he tries to regain his control and push forward, finally reaching where he thought he heard the cry. It was all rubble in front of him, and there was the cry again. Hoseok pushed the rubble away with his bare hands, digging through pieces of fallen boards, plastic, and other materials to find a teenage boy and a little girl still strapped in their seats. The girl was pale and not moving while the boy is bleeding heavily from his head, the boy opened his eyes slightly to find Hoseok standing in front of him.

"h..help..." That was the softest audible word Hoseok has ever heard, almost not catching it. Before Hoseok knew it, his hand has already begun to unstrapped the two child and releasing them from the rubble as they are pretty much stuck and buried under. Hoseok held the boy and the girl one at a time with all his might and carried them towards the walkway where Jimin was still lying unconscious. Staring at the boy barely keeping himself conscious from his head injury while grabbing tightly to his sister's motionless body and back to Jimin. Hoseok could not help but break down in tears. It was a mess and he prayed that it was just a nightmare.

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Yoongi woke up to a sharp pain in his head and shoulders, the pain was so intense he was instantly gasping for air, only to realize what had just happened. Yoongi was flooded with fear and started to panic, causing him to suffocate from the effects of a panic attack.

"Hey!Hey!Hey! Don't move! Relax. I got you!"

A young guy that seems to be of similar age as Yoongi was trying to free Yoongi from a seat and a metal bar that was pressing onto Yoongi's body. With that, Yoongi tried his level best to calm himself down, however, his mind didn't seem to want to cooperate with his body, Yoongi was fearing for Yena as he could not spot her whichever direction he moves his eyes.

"Hey!You need to stop moving!You are going to hurt yourself."

"Yena! D...Did you see a girl? Sh..she was just beside me!Please! Please help me find her."

Yoongi was begging in tears and shaking, the young man knew what he meant and held Yoongi's hands.

"I do not know where she is. It's a mess here. Listen. We will try to find her. But I need to help you get out of this. Do you understand me?"

Still in tears, Yoongi nodded and relaxed his muscles but his heart is still palpitating fast. Looking up to see the young man trying his best to break the seat apart to free Yoongi, he realized the young man had been crying too. There were tear streaks staining his dirt covered face.

While helping Yoongi out, both guys heard another cry, or rather a sob in the wreckage. Without much hesitation, both guys approach the source of the sob. To their horror, they found a teenage boy covered in blood still strapped to his seat and a body of a woman on top of him, hands wrapped around the boy, seemingly using her body to protect the boy from the impact.  Carefully, they removed the tight grip of the woman on the boy and moved her body to the side to check on the boy. Although he was covered with blood, he did not seem to have suffered any serious injury. Those were the blood of the woman.

The boy did not stop crying. He cried so hard before he loses consciousness.

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Namjoon knew Hwijoon was gone the moment he opens his eyes. Hwijoon's unnaturally twisted and distorted body lying just 5 meters away from where Namjoon was himself lying, covered in dust and blood. Namjoon wants to move towards his brother's body but he couldn't move his body.Slowly, Namjoon was once again engulfed in darkness and silence.

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4 hours after impact:

The news of the plane crash broke out in all media outlets in the country and even abroad. The tragic plane crash of KZ108, a domestic flight aircraft Seoul bound that crashes into an agricultural field just halfway through their one hour course. There were witness accounts of fire on the plane before impact, however, the truth is still under investigation. Out of 113 passengers and crew onboard, only 22 survivors with a majority still in critical condition, 3 still yet to be found.

Chapter Text

"Hyung...Hyung...HYUNG!!"

Panting to catch his breath, Hoseok woke up drenched in cold sweat to find himself lying on a hospital bed. Jimin's voice still ringing in his head. 

"Mr.Jung, you need to relax. Don't move. Your ribs are fractured." A doctor or a nurse told him, whichever he did not bother. All he wants to know is how was Jimin.

"Wh-Where is Jimin? I need to go see him." Despite the pain and the warning, Hoseok ignores and tries to struggle himself up from his bed which was instantly caught by a medical staff before he stumbles across the room to make his injury worse. 

"Sir. You cannot leave your bed. Sir!" 

"Hold him down."

A few more medical staffs came rushing into the room to secure Hoseok from his sudden fit, where he starts kicking, pushing and yelling.

"Please... Please let me see Jimin. Please!" After losing all his strength to fight back, Hoseok slumps to the ground crying and pleading to the medical staffs to allow him to see Jimin.A doctor kneels down in front of him to comfort him. 

"Mr. Jung. Patient Park Jimin is still in a coma in the ICU right now. I'm afraid we can't let you see him for the time being."

"Wh-What happened? Is-is he okay? H-he wasn't moving at all..." Flashes of Jimin lifelessly lying on the walkway displayed in Hoseok's mind, his heart went cold, it was graphically so clear in his mind that he swears he could still smell the smoke and blood. 

"He...erm..."

"TELL ME!!" Hoseok shouted, demanding an answer.

"Jimin has severely injured his spine, sustaining punctured lung with multiple bone fractures. He is on life support. We are sorry that we cannot guarantee if he will make it through. But he is a strong boy, and he is trying his best." 

The news came crashing down on Hoseok. In addition to the news of the death of his other team members of his dance crew, he was in such a huge shock that the medical team had to sedate him to calm him down. It was too much to bear. 

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Namjoon woke up with a broken arm and legs in a cast. There is nothing more painful than the picture of Hwijoon's body crumpled in front of his eyes. A sharp pain in his head causing him to throw up. It is normal to throw up upon sight of some horrifying bloody scene, however, this is different. This was his brother, his beloved brother. How could he throw up thinking about his own brother? The sudden guilt made him scream, yelling at the top of his lungs. His parents that had just arrived from US upon receiving the devastating news came running into his room. 

"Mom!Dad!... I am so sorry! I'm so sorry!" Namjoon could not stop apologizing. 

"It-It's okay dear." Namjoon's mom said in a shaking and sad voice, tears rolling down her face.

"Hw-Hwijoon is...he is...." His mother held him tight in her arms.

"It's not your fault...It's not your fault."

"I-I can't save him. I can't." Namjoon sobbing in his mother's arms. 

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"Mr. Kim? .. Taehyung-ah? Kim Taehyung?" The nurses had been calling him for hours now, the boy, however, did not respond. All he did after he arrived at the hospital was staring into distance not uttering a single word, neither did he cry. Although he did not suffer any serious injuries other than some scratches or bruises sustained from the impact, his behaviour was worrying. 

"Doc. We really can't get him to talk or respond to us. He has been ignoring us for a whole day now. Do you think we need to call for a therapist from the Psychiatric department?" Taehyung's nurses were all very worried for the poor boy. 

"I will get the Psychiatric department to send someone down to check on him. He has not been eating or drinking too." His doctor shook his head, not knowing how to deal with Taehyung. 

"Hello. Kim Taehyung? I'm Dr. Yang. I am your therapist, so do you mind if I join you?" Dr. Yang smiled, although knowing very well Taehyung would not respond. Pulling a chair over, he sat down near the room window where Taehyung is staring outside into spaces, almost not blinking his eyes. Silently, Dr. Yang observed the boy. 

Taehyung is experiencing severe post-traumatic stress disorder. It's common for survivors of tragic disasters to experience different symptoms and post-traumatic responses, such as panic attacks, depression, breakdowns etc, but Taehyung is a much more rare case where he shows absolutely no response whatsoever as if he is in another world of his own. Dr. Yang is determined to help Taehyung, but he knows it would not be easy after knowing from reports that Taehyung had witnessed the whole ordeal, especially his mother's death in front of his very eyes.

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Beep~Beep~!

"DOCTOR!! He is having another seizure!" A nurse yells as doctors rushes to Jungkook's side.  Jungkook underwent surgeries for his head injuries as there are internal bleeding discovered within his brain. Fortunately, they managed to stop the bleeding before it worsens, but there are so many damages that has caused to the brain, it is hard to tell if it would have had any life-changing effects on the boy. 

Ever since his surgery, Jungkook had been slipping in and out of coma and experiencing seizures. His sister, on the other hand, was also on life support. 

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"Mr. Min. Are you sure you want to do this? You don't need to force yourself." Said a staff nurse.

"Yes." A firm answer, although Yoongi knew he will never be ready to see this. 

In front of the mortuary door in a wheelchair, Yoongi knew Yena is just behind that door. How much in his heart that he hopes as he opens that door Yena would just come running and jumping onto him with her signature sweet smile as she did so many times before. 'It's all just a nightmare. Yena will be coming home.' Yoongi wished he was dumb enough to deceive himself that all these did not happen, but it is never clearer to him that Yena is never coming back. 

Holding his breath, Yoongi held out his shaking hands, the door pushed opened. 

It's cold inside, almost eerie to anyone that set foot in a mortuary, but for Yoongi is a conflicting emotion of longing and despair. His heart sank beyond retrievable as he saw what he did not want to see, Yena, that once beautiful and energetic girl was lying there, pale and cold, cuts and bruises covered her once healthy tan skin. Yoongi could not hold in his emotions anymore, he cried and cried and cried until he was having trouble breathing. The staff nurse had no choice but to forcefully get him out of the mortuary.

'Why did you leave me? What should I do now? How should I live?'

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Staring at his IV drip dripping for hours, Seokjin remained silent on his hospital bed before he decides to wash his face. Heading to the bathroom while rolling his IV drip stand along with him. Splashing cold tap water on his face while watching the water swirl in the sink like a little whirlpool before disappearing into the tiny holes in the sink. Taking in a deep breath, Seokjin walks back to his bed, now watching the ceiling fan turn. 

Seokjin did not want to close his eye. For the first time in his life, he hates seeing Jihwan's face. 

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24 hours after impact:

All flags in the country are now flying at half-mast. 

Chapter Text

The rain has been pouring for days, just like Yoongi's tears flowing in his heart, it sees no end. Standing at a far away distance in a black suit with his crutches, out of anyone's sight, Yoongi sob in silence whilst the burial ceremony of Yena took place in a family cemeterial ground. Yoongi could not bring himself in front of Yena's casket, Yena would still be alive if it weren't because she had wanted to accompany him to Seoul. It was all his fault. 

Yena's family had always been against her relationship with Yoongi, displeased that Yoongi was a college dropout and an underground musician without proper future prospect. Defying her parents and all odds, Yena had never once given up on their relationship. 

'What shit decision have you made Yena? Look at you now? How could I forgive myself?' 

By the time the ceremony ends, Yoongi had completely drenched, his faded blonde hair soaked and bangs covering his eyes. The heavy raindrops seem like bullets falling from the sky hitting Yoongi as a punishment from the heavens. Hours of contemplation, yet Yoongi could not muster his courage to go forward to whereYena was laid to say his final goodbye. No. Not yet. Yoongi is just not worthy. 

Yoongi turned and left.

After weeks of treatment in the hospital, Yoongi was discharged and returned to his own apartment. Everything in his apartment stood exactly the same as the day they left, the blinds in his bedroom are still up, the pile of dirty laundry, the beer cans he had the night before they left... everything. But the sight appears to be so foreign to Yoongi now as if he'd just walked into some random strangers' apartment. This place doesn't seem to belong to him anymore, all he can feel is the void within the walls of his apartment slowly creeping onto him. It's almost suffocating to be in that house, at some point Yoongi began spending his nights in the underground basement that his band uses for practice instead of sleeping in the comfort of his apartment bed. But things did not seem to get any better, Yoongi would wake up each night to the same horrifying dream of the crash, shaking and crying. Yoongi couldn't focus on his music anymore, life is slowly falling apart for Yoongi. 

One night,

"What the f*** is this band? What shitty music is this?" A rather annoyed pub customer yelled.

"Sir! We are so sorry. Our original band soloist is down with the flu. So we had to get this band to cover them just for the night, we promise we will not have this issue again. My sincere apologies." The manager of the pub gave Yoongi and his two other band members a death stare, he was furious. 

"I am not paying you guys! You guys messed up my business with your shitty songs and you call yourself musicians? Get out of here!" While the other two band members tried to negotiate with the pub manager, Yoongi just stomped out of the pub, kicking over a chair along his way out.

"Yoongi. What's wrong with you?! How many times do we need to screw things over and end up in shit just because of you?!"

"Exactly! We know you are upset about your girlfriend, but c'mon! We've been careful all these while to not hurt your feelings and let all of your childish crap slide, but wake up, will you?! Yoongi, she is not freakin' coming back!!" 

"SHUT UP!" Yoongi almost threw a punch towards his bandmate's face but held back.

"If you're going to be like this, then we will end it here tonight, Yoongi. Let's all go our separate paths." 

"Fine!"

Sliding his guitar over his shoulder, Yoongi walked off and returned to his apartment. The suffocating feeling came to him like a wave, it is just too hard to stay in that house, closing the door behind him, Yoongi went and sat down on the rooftop of his apartment building. Lighting a cigarette before staring into the distant night sky. 

'Yena.. you saw that? I'm such a worthless piece of trash. I'm good for nothing. I can't even do music now. I guess this is my punishment.' 

Yoongi gave his cigarette a drag before he starts to sob. Tears fell like rain, just as the day when the last farewell was not made. Staring at the night sky polluted by lights rather than stars that he wished he would get to see, Yoongi passed out from his exhausting cries. 

'It'll be ok, silly." 

Yoongi woke up to a vibration from his phone, indicating a received email. 

Dear Mr. Min Yoongi,

Hi. I hope you are doing well for the past months. I'm not sure if you remember me, but I definitely remember you. I'm the one that got you out from your seat that day. I've wanted to meet you after all those things that happened, but unfortunately, I did not get the chance and you left. It took me awhile to get your contacts, I hope this email actually reaches you. I know this is random and probably does not make any sense but I've got a house in Seoul, I wonder if you would like to join our meetup next week for all the survivors and probably spend a few days over at my house? For vacation perhaps? It's up to you though, just thought that you might want to come. This is my personal email, you could always drop me an email. 

Take care. 

- Kim Seokjin

Chapter Text

"Mrs. Lee, We are really sorry that we could no longer keep Taehyung with us. We understood his situation when we took him in that he needed extra care and love but things are going out of hand. We just have to terminate and withdraw our involvement in this foster care program." 

"Mr. and Mrs. Son. We sincerely apologize on behalf of Taehyung and on our part as the Orphanage. .."

"Taehyung dear. We are sorry we cannot have you with us anymore, please take care." A pat on Taehyung's shoulders and the Son couples left. This was the 4th time Taehyung has been returned by his foster parents to the orphanage care facility that the government had placed him under after he was discharged from the hospital, it has only been a few months. 

"Kim Taehyung! Why must you make things so difficult for everyone? It's not easy to find a placement for a teen like you in our foster care system. You are being fortunate that people out there heard about your story and wanted to help. Don't you want a home?" Mrs. Lee, the director of the orphanage facility was trying her best not to vent her frustration on Taehyung, but despite being mute, Taehyung had been acting out. Fighting in school, vandalizing, stealing, tantrums, running away... everything a stuck up rebellious teen would do. Or worse. 

His therapist Dr. Yang worked a whole month just to get Taehyung to respond to simple conversation. The only thing Taehyung did was a nod or to look straight into the person with his soulless ghostly eyes. When he is not acting out, Taehyung will spend most of the time being in his own world, almost similar to a child with autism. 

Returning to his bunk bed in the facility. Taehyung curled himself in his blanket. Silent tears damped the pillow. No one had ever seen him cry, not even Dr. Yang. 

'Mom. I'm scared.'

Taehyung: Hyung! 

Seokjin: Hey Tae. How are you doing?

Taehyung: Alright I guess. I am back in the facility again. 

Seokjin: Oh no. Why? Did your foster parents treat you badly?

Taehyung: No. It was my fault. 

Seokjin: Want to tell me what happened? 

Taehyung: I fought in school again and I broke one guy's nose. 

Seokjin: Why did you do that? 

Taehyung: They are saying bad stuff. Really bad stuff.

Ever since Seokjin contacted Taehyung. They have been communicating through text messages fairly often although they have not met in person since that unfortunate day. No one knew Taehyung had been communicating with someone other than the people around him, it's a secret Taehyung wants to keep. 

"Hey, dumb (mute) boy! So you are back here again? Told you no one wants you. Heard you fought someone again. You have some guts huh?" There are always bullies and people like that everywhere you go. Taehyung would just ignore them most of the time unless things get physical or words get harsh and Taehyung might just lose it and lash out his anger. Sometimes it's frustrating for Taehyung, ever since he lost his ability to speak, his disability had become a cage that held in all his emotions without a place to release. Taehyung wanted to shout, to yell, to curse back, or to just tell someone how he felt inside but he just couldn't. 

"Stop glaring at me, dumb boy. Come! Curse at me! I know you want it. What's the matter? You can't?" Those bullies again, slapping Taehyung across the face and laughing. 

"Oh wow. Look at his eyes. They are on fire! Ouch! Hahahaha... wanna fight? You have guts don't you?" 

Before another boy could say more degrading words to him, Taehyung threw a forceful punch into the boy's face and kicked another in the guts. Although that boy was seemingly taller and larger in body size than Taehyung, perhaps it's just like the story of David and Goliath, Taehyung took him out cold with just one punch, accidentally the boy's head hit the metal bars of their bunk bed, blood starts to seep through the boys hair and to the flooring he laid. 

Other boys were stunned by what just happened, Taehyung knew he could stay no more, he ran, took his rucksack and head straight for the secret escape route out of the facility that he discovered a few weeks ago. It wasn't difficult, without much hassle Taehyung was out in the open. 

Taehyung knows he needs to get away before the authorities or the people from the facility comes after him, but he has nowhere to go, there isn't a place called home anymore after that day that took his only family away. Taehyung, sprinting through the dark alleyways, the only person that came to his mind was Seokjin. The only person he could talk to. It has been decided. Taehyung is going to Seoul. 

Taehyung: Hyung. 

Seokjin: Oh hey Tae. What's up? 

Taehyung: I am in Seoul. 

Seokjin: WHAT?! 

Taehyung. I ran. 

Seokjin: Where are you? 

Taehyung: I don't know. In the bus terminal. 

Seokjin: Stay there. I'll come get you. 

It was late at night, probably the last bus that came up all the way from Busan. It must be a long ride, almost 5 hours. Seokjin is a little worried for the boy. What had Taehyung got himself into? It wasn't difficult to spot Taehyung, there haven't been many people at the terminal at this time of the day, a lonely and rather miserable figure stood leaning against a pillar with a rucksack across his shoulders. Seokjin pulled over his car and approached Taehyung.

"Hey. Tae?"

Taehyung lifts up his head and turns his eyes from staring at his own feet to Seokjin. It was a long moment of silence. There were so many unsaid words in the boy's eyes and Seokjin could see the tear that Taehyung held in but never let out. Seokjin gave Taehyung a hug, wanting to calm the tsunami of emotions inside the boy.

"It's ok, Tae. It's ok." 

Seokjin held Taehyung's rucksack and led him to his car. 

"Had your dinner yet?" It sounds stupid to ask such question, Seokjin wanted to laugh at himself for foolishly asking that, he was pretty sure Taehyung never had food after he ran, but probably he just wanted to break the silence and awkwardness between him and the teen. Taehyung shyly shook his head.

"Let's get something to eat shall we?" Taehyung nodded.

Seokjin pulled over at a noodle shop and both sat down for a meal. 

"You can order anything." Seokjin smiled at Taehyung, assuring him he could pick whatever he wants to eat. But something felt weird for Seokjin, the boy had never uttered a word since he picked him up from the bus terminal, all he did was nodding or shaking his head in reply to all his questions. And when the waitress asked if he wants any drinks, Taehyung would point at the glass of water the neighboring table's customer is having. Seokjin is puzzled, Taehyung 'talks' a lot in their exchange of text messages but this doesn't seem to reflect the image of the boy he had in his mind. Something seemed to be off. 

The trip back to Seokjin's place was also silent, although the boy fell asleep halfway through the drive, it was rather bothering for Seokjin. 

"Hey Tae. We're here." Seokjin gently woke up the sleeping boy, tapping on Taehyung's shoulders. Taehyung rubs his sleepy eyes and found himself in front of a rather nice house, though not huge per se, it was of decent size, way better than any of his previous foster family's household. The house was neat and decorated with basic furniture, but it was empty, Taehyung did not see anyone there, and Seokjin seem to have caught Taehyung's curious expression.

"I'm the only one living here. It's my uncle's house actually. His family migrated a year ago and so they let me have it. Technically is still his though." Seokjin explained and laugh. 

"You can have the empty room over there. I'll get you a blanket and pillow." After setting up the bed for Taehyung, Seokjin went for a shower, the question regarding Taehyung still lingers in his mind. He knows he needs to talk to Taehyung, or at least know what happened that caused him to come all the way on his own to Seoul. Just as Seokjin pushed opened Taehyung's slightly ajar room door, he found Taehyung soundly asleep on the bed and his pillow dampened. 

'I guess I'll talk to him. Maybe another day.'

Chapter Text

Clash!

"Jimin stop! Please! " Jimin's mother was trembling as Jimin started grabbing anything that his hands could reach and flinging it across his bedroom, shattering mirrors and windows.

Clash! Clash!

"Jimin No! Please stop!" Despite his mother trying to stop him with her tearful plead, he continued.

"Hello! Hoseok? Could you please come over? Jimin.. H-He is throwing things again. I'm sorry." Jimin's mother's only resort is Hoseok, the only one that could calm Jimin down and that Jimin actually listens to.

"It's ok Mrs. Park. I'll be over in a second. Please don't say sorry." Hoseok grabs his car keys and head for the door.

It was a miracle after multiple times that they thought they've lost Jimin when his heart stopped, and that he finally woke up two months later. Just as they thought nothing could have been better than that Jimin survived, it was pronounced that Jimin would likely be paralysed waist down for life and that a wheelchair would be his only means of movement. It was a death sentence for Jimin, he will never be able to walk again not to mention his dream of being a dancer. Hoseok knew better than anyone how Jimin felt.

"Jimin! ENOUGH!" Hoseok held onto Jimin's hand stopping him from throwing a thick hardcover dictionary towards the TV set. Jimin was breathing heavily from his vigorous movements and emotions. At the feel of Hoseok's grip, Jimin burst out into tears. Hoseok knelt in front of Jimin's wheelchair hugging him tightly, Jimin buried his head and crying into Hoseok's embrace. Hoseok did not say anything but held onto Jimin for a long time until his cries turned into sniffles.

"It's not a dead end, Jimin."

"But I'm already dead."

"You are breathing."

"No difference."

"You survived. We did."

"I'm scared hyung."

"Me too. But we've came this far didn't we?"

"But hyung. I can't even get to the bathroom without help. I wanted to feel them, but they are not there!" Tears kept rolling down Jimin's cheek.

"Life is more than that. Things will get better."

"You always say that, but nothing changed." Jimin is getting annoyed at all those positive things others said. It is easy to say these kinds of words where you are not the one suffering. Even though Hoseok is also a survivor of the tragedy but Jimin did not consider Hoseok as someone that could truly understand him because Hoseok could still walk. They are still different in Jimin's eyes.

A week later. Another episode of tantrum. This time, enough is enough, Hoseok couldn't take it anymore.

"Jimin! Good morning!" Jimin was surprised to find Hoseok beaming brightly in front of his bed one morning.

"Hyung? Wh-What are you doing here?" Jimin still trying to grasp the situation.

"I'm here because we are going somewhere today." Hoseok's arms around and under Jimin's arms, slowly and carefully lifting Jimin up to a sitting position.

"Where?"

"Secret." Hoseok smiled.

Chapter Text

With a white bouquet held in his left hand and a Hello Kitty doll on the other, Jungkook stood in front of his parents' and his little sister's portrait hung among others that lost their lives on that unfortunate flight, in a memorial hall set up by the country at the crash site. 22 survivors were down to 21 after Dami fought hard for a week in intensive care but did not make it through. Jungkook himself was in a coma, he did not get to be with his sister in her final moments, only waking up a month later to learn that he was the sole survivor of his family.

"Jungkook-ah, we should get going, it's getting late." Jungkook's aunt, his mother's sister, now his legal guardian softly called out to Jungkook. They have been there for several hours now.

"Just... three more minutes." Jungkook replied. His aunt did not rush him again, she didn't have the heart to interrupt Jungkook.

'Mom. Dad. Dami. I'll come back and visit.'

Carefully placing the bouquet and the doll at the foot of the wall of portraits along with many other bouquets, some withered, some still fresh, sticky notes with messages, ribbons, candles and many other items. Jungkook did a silent prayer before walking away.

"Are you sure you want to go back to schooling so soon? You are still healing, you can use some more rest." Jungkook's aunt wasn't quite sure if this is a good idea but Jungkook has been pestering about going back to school for weeks now.

"Don't worry. I can take care of myself." Jungkook gave his aunt an assuring smile. There is a valid basis for his aunt to be worried though, ever since the head injuries and the surgery, Jungkook was constantly experiencing seizure episodes and sometimes losing control of certain body coordination, it seems these side effects of his injury will follow him throughout his life, only able to be kept at bay with proper care and medication.

"Ask your teacher to call me if anything ok?" Jungkook's aunt kept reminding Jungkook as she drives him to school for the first time after the incident. Jungkook could not use a phone, a panic attack happens everytime he touches one. His aunt finds it weird but Jungkook knows perfectly why that happened. At the back of his mind, Jungkook was guilty of not switching off his phone as the plane took off that day, although it is clearly not his fault that the accident happened, he could not stop blaming himself. He should have listened to his parents. 

Students are staring at him as Jungkook walked through the front gate of his school. Maybe they pitied Jungkook for his lost or maybe just the unnatural way Jungkook walks, slightly limping and slanted to one side, whichever, Jungkook tried his best to ignore. 

"Good morning Jungkook! Nice to have you back" His homeroom teacher Ms. Kwon greeted him warmly, much more than he'd last remembered she did. She was the teacher that sent him to detention months ago. Irony. Classes went fine for the morning and recess came.

"Hey Jungkook. Ermm..how are you doing?" One of his classmates seated himself beside Jungkook on the lunch table. 

"Alright." Jungkook was munching on his bread and he could feel all eyes were on him. 

"Ermm. Sorry about your....your..." His friends just couldn't find the proper word to describe the incident. Maybe they were too afraid to hurt or offend him in any way, it seems to them Jungkook is too fragile and vulnerable as if a wrong move would break him. At least not from the outlook, Jungkook was a strong boy. 

"It's fine. Thanks for your concern." Jungkook casually answered. Jungkook could feel the relieve on their faces. 

"Ms. Kwon said we should help you with your school work. So ... ermm... if you need our help... just..just let us know." 

"Sure. Thanks." Again, so careful with their words. It's pretty obvious to him that the school might have had a prep talk with his classmates so that they know 'how' they should be acting around him. Jungkook wasn't a fan of this kind of attention, all he wishes was to get as much of the broken pieces of his life back into place as soon as possible. The way they are acting is burdensome. 

Even though they are technically teenagers but kids will always be kids, a little joke and fun and everyone tend to forget about being caution around Jungkook, which in fact Jungkook liked it that way, just like the good old days how everyone used to treat him. The only time all of them were being reminded of was during PE lessons where Jungkook had to sit out of it because his doctor wouldn't let him. It's hard to sit on the sidelines and watch others play, so most of the time Jungkook would spend his PE lessons in the library to catch up with his school work. 

Weeks went by, it was still bearable until one day.

"Jungkook, are you okay? You look tired." Ms. Kwon asked Jungkook with concern eyes as Jungkook looked rather pale and spacing out during class.

"Probably just a little tired but I'm fine." It is true that he was tired as he spent the night before rushing a project. Probably a power nap during recess might solve the matter just fine. Jungkook wasn't feeling unwell or anything so he just let it slide. Come recess and Jungkook tried to catch up on some sleep on his desk, as recess goes by, he was woken up by a tap on his shoulders, as he opens his eyes, his vision all of a sudden starts to blur, a floating almost dream-like sensation came, the next second... THUD. Jungkook fell over his chair and was twitching on the floor uncontrollably, eyes rolling behind his eye socket, he was having a seizure episode. His classmates were screaming, they've never seen Jungkook this way before, it was always horrifying for people seeing it for the first time, the school nurse came rushing to Jungkook's side and helped him into a recovery position. after a while, the seizure subsides and Jungkook was beyond exhausted. He was taken to the infirmary and his aunt was contacted. 

Seizures are no new thing to Jungkook but it never ceases to fear him. 

"Your aunt will be here in a moment. Everything will be fine." The school nurse passed him a cup of water and tried her best to calm him as Jungkook is still trembling and shaking. 

That day at home, Jungkook cried in the corner of his room, not so much of the fear of having a seizure but the terrified looks on his classmates and teachers. It wasn't a side he wanted to show them, he had tried so hard to be the Jungkook he used to be, but he failed, he is no longer himself. 

Chapter Text

"Tae! Breakfast is ready!" 

"..." 

"Tae?....Taehyung-ah?" Seokjin calls out from behind the kitchen island towards the direction of the bathroom adjacent to the kitchen and opposite of the guest bedroom Taehyung slept in last night. Seokjin was pretty sure Taehyung was up and had gone into the bathroom while he was preparing breakfast even though he wasn't facing it. He could recognize the sound of the bathroom door closing.

"Tae?" There was no response other than the sound of the water turned on from the shower even when Seokjin sticks his ears close to the door to listen. Taehyung was in the bathroom for almost an hour now. That was unusual, Seokjin starts to worry after he remembered Taehyung crying himself to sleep last night. Seokjin tries to knock and twist the locked doorknob while raising his voice calling out Taehyung's name, and the flowing water is the only sound that greeted Seokjin's ear. Seokjin didn't want to risk it so he quickly found the spare key to the bathroom door and unlocked it. What Seokjin found was a soaked Taehyung, still in the clothes he came in with last night, hugging his knees curled up at a corner while the water from the showerhead mercilessly pouring unto Taehyung. The heater was not on, Taehyung must be shivering under the cold flowing water. 

Seokjin immediately turned off the shower and grabbed a towel, not caring if it was his and wrapped around the shivering boy. 

"Oh my god, Tae! Are you okay?" Taehyung, now pale and blue from the cold water looked up into Seokjin with watery eyes, teeth chattering. 

"Let's get you out of here." Seokjin wasn't that strong per se though he was taller than Taehyung and he did work out in gyms, as for Taehyung himself, though seemingly underweight, he wasn't as small as you would think, considering he is of the sprouting age. With a slight hassle, Seokjin carried Taehyung up from his curled up position, almost bridal style and got him out of the bathroom and onto a chair near the kitchen table. Seokjin ran to his own wardrobe and pulled out some dry clothes and returned with speed so that Taehyung could get changed from his drenched clothes, not wanting the boy to catch a cold. 

Seokjin helped the boy changed and Taehyung did not protest and allowed the elder to change him. With another towel to dry off Taehyung's hair, Seokjin starts to speak.

"Why did you do that? You could get sick you know?" Starting off with a gentle tone, trying to invite Taehyung to speak up. Taehyung kept his silence while Seokjin finishes off drying his hair. Putting away the towel in a laundry basket, Seokjin held onto Taehyung's rather cold hands and looked at him in the face.

"Hey Tae, you know you can talk to me about stuff right? It's ok, I wouldn't be mad at you or anything." Seokjin trying to sound as gentle as he could be. After much contemplation, Taehyung lifted his head and tears starts to roll down his face, but this time he starts to gesture something, and it became like a guessing game similar to those everyone plays during some camp ice-breaking sessions. 

"I-I? ... clap? hit? ... head?" Seokjin became more confused and Taehyung more frustrated. A quick thought, Seokjin went and grab some papers and pen and Taehyung started to write. 

I killed someone. 

"What?!" Seokjin almost fell over his chair staring back and forth from the paper and to Taehyung's face. 

"Hold on Tae. You know this is not a joke." Taehyung nodded and went on to write.

I am not sure. But I think I killed him. There was blood. 

As Taehyung finished writing the last word, he burst out into a loud cry with heavy breathing, there is fear in his eyes. Seokjin trying to be reasonable did not want to jump into conclusion, thus he made Taehyung tell and confess to him everything that happened which led to him running away. As Taehyung could only communicate by writing, it took some time for Seokjin to gather enough information for him to make out the story. 

"Tae listen. I know you are scared that's why you ran. From what you told me, we won't know how badly injured that bully boy you were talking about is unless we go check, and he might not have died at all. So don't start thinking negatively. But Tae, you need to face it, whatever the outcome is. You know that." Seokjin's tone is serious but not intimidating. Taehyung nodded, still sobbing. Seokjin couldn't help it but give the shaking boy an assuring and comforting hug. 

"I am going to make a call ok? I'll let you know later. I want to you to have your breakfast and take a rest. You did well in telling the truth." Seokjin shot Taehyung a warm smile and to this Taehyung nodded. The breakfast was great in every aspect but Taehyung can't even have a second bite after his first, all that is in his mind was what if he really did kill that boy? So is he a murderer now? Is he going to prison? When he does some of his petty crimes like stealing gums and chocolate bars in convenient stores, there wasn't any concern if there are huge criminal consequences like this one, but this time he thinks he really went overboard. 

"Tae?" Seokjin pushed opens Taehyung's room door softly, not wanting to startle the boy. Taehyung quickly sat up straight on his bed anticipating something he actually did not want to hear, he was afraid how he should face it if it was bad news.

"That boy, he's not dead." A sign of relief could be felt in Taehyung's weary gaze.

"There was a slight concussion, and he got a few stitches but it was nothing serious. Looking into your case, they did not want to bring any charges or punishment on you, but they want you back there because you should not be running away. Mrs. Lee, the director expressed that they are worried for you." Taehyung rushed to grab his pen and papers and wrote with teary eyes.

Please don't send me back. I don't want to go back. 

Seokjin sigh, really not knowing what he should be doing with Taehyung. 

"I told them you came all the way to Seoul, they are rather shocked by that. I told them you are currently safe with me and I have to provide my details for them, or else they might think I kidnapped you." Seokjin laughed a little.

"I said you are emotionally not stable right now, but they will contact you very soon, probably tomorrow or so. I'll have to send you back." Taehyung teared up again upon hearing that he needs to go back to the orphanage. 

"Tae. I'm sorry to ask this but have you been unable to talk since... that day?" Taehyung did not see it coming but nodded to the question. Taehyung could see Seokjin tearing up himself and then he pulled Taehyung into his chest and hugged him tightly, Taehyung could hear Seokjin's rapid heartbeat. How much did witnessing his mother's death scarred the boy, Seokjin did not want to think any deeper, it must be so painful that words could no longer express it, that's why Taehyung is mute now. 

'What should I do with you?'

The call did not came until three days later and Taehyung's eyes widen upon hearing Seokjin instructing him to take the call. 

"Taehyung-ah?" Taehyung tapped twice on the receiver.

"Mrs. Lee here. Are you doing alright over there?" Taehyung tapped again.

"I know what you've been through, and it's hard for such a young lad like you and I am sorry we could not give you the home you wanted, it's really unfortunate. And you know how many kids we have here with us, every single one of you needed and deserved to be loved. I just want to apologize if there is any lacking on our part." Taehyung listened on. 

"But today, I wanted to deliver you a news." Whatever ever the news is, Taehyung's heart drops. He didn't think it would be any good news at all, not from all the things he had done. 

"You will be placed under the care of a new foster household. There will be a probation period of 3 months for both you and your new foster parent, considering the special circumstances of your case. If this time, everything goes well then you can stay until you are of legal age, you won't need to come back here anymore. I hope you are truly happy at where you are right now. Your foster parent is really determined to care for you at the best of his ability, so don't disappoint him ok?" Why must Mrs. Lee speak so vaguely that Taehyung almost did not catch it? After putting down the phone, all Taehyung could see was Seokjin beaming brightly at Taehyung, almost waiting for his reaction like a parent waiting for the smile to appear on their kid's face when they open their Christmas presents on Christmas morn. 

Taehyung broke down in tears. 

"You are such a cry-baby huh?" Seokjin teasing the crying mess in front of him and remembering Taehyung crying even when they first encountered. Though Seokjin hopes Taehyung will never need to cry that way anymore. It's a memory both of them wants to erase. 

"By the way, I am still your hyung in all aspect, you better don't call me dad or anything, I'm gonna kick your ass for that." Taehyung smiled for the first time. 

******************

There are so many paper works to do for just taking a kid in into foster care, not even adoption. Seokjin did not realize how much things he needs to settle for Taehyung. School transfer, Taehyung's therapy for his speech and psychiatric therapy, even getting clothes and school supplies for Taehyung. Thank goodness he had a pretty wealthy family background and his parents are supportive of his decisions for taking Taehyung in, though mostly because after the tragedy, they also wanted Seokjin to heal mentally thus letting him do whatever pleases him. Seokjin is having headaches over all these new responsibilities that seem way too early for a college final year student, that's barely legal to take on but the smile on Taehyung's face makes it worth. 

"Hello?" Seokjin's phone vibrated in his pocket while he is dozing off in the library one evening.

"Is this Kim Seokjin-ssi?" 

"Yes. Who's speaking?" 

"We're calling from the Seoul police station. Are you the legal guardian of Kim Taehyung?" Upon hearing 'police station' and Taehyung's name, Seokjin jumped up awake, eyes wide opened.

"D-Did something happen? Is Taehyung ok?" Seokjin is worried for his little foster care brother. 

"Kim Taehyung is fine, just a little bit worked up because he lost his way. We wanted to help but since he had some issues with his speech, and he doesn't know where exactly he lives, so maybe you would want to come over to get him?" Despite being the rebel that Taehyung somewhat is, he is really bad at directions, it is almost a miracle the last time he actually made it safely to Seoul on his own. Seokjin is still amazed how that is possible. 

"Sure. I'll come get him." Seokjin looking at his watch only to realized he was late to pick Taehyung up from his school, an academy for the deaf and dumb (mute) children. Taehyung had just started attending that school for a week as Seokjin with the advice of Taehyung's therapist thinks it is a better idea for Taehyung so he could learn up sign language to help him express himself in the future, also to help him gain his confidence and open up. Besides Seokjin which Taehyung could comfortably interact with, Taehyung is still acting somewhat autistic to everyone else, dwelling about his own world most of the time.

"Hey Tae. Really sorry to be late. Are you alright?" Taehyung smiled in relief that his beloved hyung is here for him. 

"You should have stayed at the academy and waited though. Don't go wander off next time." Seokjin held Taehyung close and ready to leave the station before they heard a loud argument happening at the other end of the police station, causing all heads to turn. 

"Please Officer! You've got to believe me! I said I've my ID and passport back in my apartment room. I've just forgotten to bring it out with me, and I am not with them!" A young guy saying loudly with a frustrated tone and pointed at a group of thugs handcuffed at a corner. 

"I don't care about that mister, all I know is that you've been caught with them during the fight, so I'll have to put you under custody with the rest for now until we can prove that you are not involved." 

"But Sir!"

"Unless you have someone to bail you out I can't do anything. These are orders." 

"Name?"

"Namjoon Kim."

"D.O.B?"

"12th September 1994."

"Hometown?"

"California."

"US citizen?" The police officer raised his eyebrow in suspicion.

"Yes." 

The name caught Seokjin's attention. It was so familiar and Seokjin even thinks he'd seen him somewhere before. It takes Seokjin a moment before he realizes who this person is. 

"Excuse me sir? What do I need to do to bail this person out?" Seokjin smiled at a confused Namjoon.

Chapter Text

It took Seokjin more than 4 hours to settle Namjoon's case, from calling his father's lawyer friend to almost landed himself a punch in the face from confronting the thugs and arguing with the police officers. It was just an hour away from midnight when Namjoon is allowed to leave after some paperwork, at least the case came to a close. Looking down at a fast asleep teenage boy curled on top of a platform made from three chairs pulled together which was obviously uncomfortable to sleep in, Namjoon is even more confused why the pair of brothers (he assumed) went this far in helping a stranger like him. Seokjin handed over some documents to Namjoon before the three made their leave from the long night in the police station and Seokjin even went on to offer Namjoon a ride home.

"I-I couldn't thank you more. Mr. Kim S-Seo..Seo..." Namjoon trying hard to remember his savior's name.

"It's Seokjin." Seokjin remains his smiley face all these while while facing Namjoon.

"Thanks Mr. Kim Seokjin.... I err.... May I ask why did you help me? Because you really don't need to do all these." Namjoon was a little guilty for making strangers help him in such way, it was a little too much. 

"Why not?" was Seokjin's answer. Namjoon almost thinks the two brothers are insane right now. 

"You really want to know why?" After Seokjin reads Namjoon's confused expression. 

"Yes." 

"KZ108." There was a moment of silence in the car ride where Namjoon protested not to take but gave in after Seokjin insisted. Taehyung is still asleep in the backseat. 

"H-How did you..." Namjoon was rather shocked. 

"Because I am also one of you, so is the boy behind you." Namjoon turned to look at the boy peacefully asleep behind him and turned back to face Seokjin, jaw falling open.

"I find your name familiar then I remembered. 21 names wasn't a lot to remember anyway." Seokjin still has a really outstanding memory as far as Namjoon is concerned, he doesn't even remember his neighbor's name after living side by side for years. 

Pulling up to the parking lot below Namjoon's apartment, Namjoon thanked Seokjin for everything before closing the car door which was immediately stopped by Seokjin.

"Hey Namjoon. Do you wanna come over to my place someday? When you are free? Taehyung could use some company other than me though, I'll email you my address. Don't hesitate to call me if you need any help. Seriously." Seokjin said casually but the tone in his voice is sincere as if he could read the yearning in Namjoon's eyes. Namjoon felt a little prick in his heart, touching the sensitive part of his deepest scar that he almost thought he had forgotten but still bleeding. 

**************

"Hyung! Where are we going?" Jimin kept asking while Hoseok carried Jimin onto the front passenger seat of his car and buckled Jimin up, adjusting the position of the seat to make Jimin comfortable. 

"Hyung!!" Hoseok only smiled and continued packing the wheelchair into the car boot and stacking luggage bags that Jimin did not remember himself packing. Closing the car boot behind, Hoseok waved goodbye to Jimin's mom which was obviously also in this 'secret' thing together with Hoseok. 

"What the hell is this hyung? Even my mom knows?" 

"Don't worry. You'll see. Just enjoy the ride." Jimin knows he won't get anything out of Hoseok unless he starts a fit, but that would be stupid and childish, so Jimin kept quiet and submit to Hoseok's plan. They are driving up north from what Jimin could make out, but nothing else until Hoseok pulled over at a beach. They drove along the coastline from Busan, it has been half a year since both of them had been outside beside places like the hospital and home for Jimin and in addition of college for Hoseok. Life had been so repetitive that it is becoming suffocating for both of them, not to mention Jimin with all the suffering. 

"The sea, it's nice isn't it?" Hoseok said while facing the sea. rolling the car windows down to feel the breeze gently touching their faces. Jimin did not answer but too stared into the open sea.

"I'm sorry I made this selfish decision Jimin. But I can't bear to see you torturing yourself like that every day. I might not be in place to speak as if I know all your pain but I wanted you to see beyond all these, there's something you are missing on. We are going to be in Seoul for a bit." The rest of the few hours drive past in silence, only the music from the radio station that Hoseok tuned in accompanying them. Both lost in their thoughts. 

**************

"Hyung! Do you think we need to get extra juice and ketchup?" Namjoon asked Seokjin while he clumsily stuffing the refrigerator with all sorts of food, snacks, and drinks they've got from the supermarket. After that night, Namjoon kept in touch with Seokjin, visiting their place once in a few days or during weekends, they spent so much time together even Taehyung starts to get fond of Namjoon's company. There is this indescribable bond among the three of them that they can't quite make out exactly what it was, maybe it's because all of them lost a part of themselves along with that plane on that unfortunate day. Seeing how the three of them enjoy each other's company, they became curious how the other 18 survivors were doing, and so they came up with an absurd idea of a 'gathering' among all the survivors. Seokjin and Namjoon both did a lot of work and eventually got all 18 contacts that they wish their invitation might reach. 

It's this weekend that they would have the so-called 'gathering', but until then there was no reply from all of the 18 contacts, however, the three of them remains hopeful. At least one will show up, right? Maybe? 

The morning of the 'gathering'. Namjoon had stayed over in Seokjin's place the night before, both of them are up early to get ready. They did not set a specific time for the gathering, if any of the invited guests are to come, they could be coming at any time. Taehyung too was excited, though he did not expressly show them, waking up early staring into the front yard watching birds chirping on trees probably was the best evidence. 

12pm.

3pm.

6pm.

"Hyung. Do you think anyone would show up?" Namjoon already looking disappointed.

"Well. I dunno. We'll see." 

It wasn't until Namjoon and Seokjin were putting away their dishes and cleaning up after their dinner that the doorbell rang. All three boys stopped and looked up at each other. 

"Go get the door." Seokjin told Namjoon. Namjoon rushed over to the door, took in a deep breath and opened the door. 

Chapter Text

"Hello!" Namjoon was surprised to see a young teenage boy beaming brightly at him and greeted him when he opens the door. Behind the boy stood a lady, Namjoon deduced at a glance that she was probably in her late forties or early fifties.

"H-Hello. You are?" Namjoon wasn't quite sure who the boy is.

"Jeon Jungkook. Nice to meet you!" Running through the guest list in his head in high speed, Namjoon finally arrived at 'Jeon Jungkook', one of the youngest survivors besides another 3-year-old girl that the media deemed the miracle baby that survived the crash.

"Ah! Yes. Jeon Jungkook. Welcome!" Namjoon led both Jungkook and the lady into the house. Namjoon then turned to the lady.

"And you are?"

"I'm Yoo Mikyung, Jungkook's aunt and his legal guardian."

"Oh. I see. Thanks for letting Jungkook join our gathering." Namjoon not sure what to say because he could see she was somewhat uneasy or perhaps worried.

"Are you Mr. Kim Seokjin?" Jungkook's aunt asked.

"Oh No no. I am Kim Namjoon. Kim Seokjin is him." Namjoon pointing at Seokjin that have just came out from the kitchen to greet them.

"Kim Seokjin-ssi. You are the organizer of this event?"

"Yes ma'am."

"May I have a word with you?"

"Sure." Both of them went to a quiet corner of the kitchen and started to discuss something that Namjoon was curious of but refrained himself from intervening while Jungkook, excited as he could be, stares at Taehyung sitting on the couch in the living room. Taehyung looked up and met Jungkook's eyes but quickly turned back to the little whiteboard that Seokjin got for him so that he could use it to write what he wanted to say or simply for him to doodle whatever he wants with it. And Taehyung is just drawing circles on the board as Jungkook approaches him.

"Hello. Ermm... I am Jeon Jungkook." Taehyung did not respond, more circles forming on the whiteboard.

"What are you drawing?" Jungkook asked again, wonder if the other boy would respond this time. Again, no.

"What's your name?" Third try.

"Kim Taehyung." Namjoon answered instead.

"Oh." Jungkook turned to Namjoon.

"Don't worry. Taehyung is just a little shy. He's two years older than you." Namjoon introduces Taehyung to Jungkook.

"Oh. Taehyung-hyung." Jungkook turned back to Taehyung and called out, smiling. Jungkook almost happy to make a new friend although Taehyung did not respond to him at all.

Meanwhile in the kitchen corner,

"I have to be honest with you, I wasn't in total agreement to send Jungkook here for this gathering thing, but Jungkook insisted he wanted to come. I know it must be hard for all of you and probably you guys might think this gathering is something that might help encourage all of you, but Jungkook isn't stable, both mentally and physically. I'm not sure how much you know about him, but by the way he walks I guess you can somewhat guess. That poor boy lost his whole family and has been through multiple surgeries for his head, I just don't want any more harm to be caused. If you understand where I am coming from."

"I understand."

"I just wanted him to be healthy and happy."

"Jungkook is a strong boy and there must be a reason why he wanted to come. I believed Jungkook knows what he is doing. Everyone here has been through hell, none of us would want to hurt anyone further."

"I'll leave Jungkook in your hands. Please contact me if anything happens."

"I will. Thank you for trusting us and trusting Jungkook."

Jungkook's aunt left after hugging Jungkook goodbye and reminded him to take his medication.

"Ok boys! It's getting late, let's all wash up and have some rest. We can have more fun tomorrow!" Seokjin announced, especially directing it to the two young ones.

"Namjoon, Tae. Go wash up and get some rest, I'll help Jungkook settle." Seokjin, being the eldest of the bunch instructed.

"So... Jeon Jungkook right? How are you doing?" Seokjin turned to Jungkook after sending off the other two.

"Good." Jungkook replied with a smile.

"That's great. Your aunt told me about your condition, so I just want you to know that if you are not feeling well, you can always let any one of us know. Ok? I hope you enjoy your stay here." Seokjin ruffled the boy's hair.

"Ok." Jungkook was a little stunned, the last time someone ruffled his hair was his mom. It felt warm.

"Alright, you can have your shower after Taehyung is done, I'll make your bed." Seokjin carried Jungkook's baggage into Taehyung's room which the two boys will share because there is an extra bed in that room. Jungkook was left standing in the living room still slightly taken aback by the hair ruffling gesture until he was snapped out of his daze when the doorbell rang for the second time that day.

"Don't worry. I'll get it." Seokjin came rushing past Jungkook and headed for the door.

"Hi. Is this Kim Seokjin's place?" A young man almost Seokjin's age or perhaps younger asked politely.

"Yes. This is."

"I am Jung Hoseok."

"Oh Hi! Welcome!"

"Thanks. But could you help me for a bit? I need to get my friend Jimin out of the car." Hoseok and Seokjin both turned to a car parked just in front of the house and saw a boy asleep in the front passenger seat.

"Sure."

"Could you take out the wheelchair from the boot while I carry him?" Seokjin quickly moved to get the wheelchair out of the car boot and placed it in front of Hoseok as he gently carries Jimin out of the car and placed him in the wheelchair. Jimin is still asleep when Hoseok pushed him into the house and Seokjin follows behind with their bags.

Hoseok's eyes met Jungkook's and recognize the boy almost instantly.

"Oh my gosh. It's you!"

"You guys know each other?" Seokjin too was surprised.

"Of course! I found him and his si.... I found him on the plane after it happened." Hoseok almost forgot the news about Dami's death. Jungkook, however, doesn't seem to remember Hoseok, judging from his puzzled expression.

"But I guess you wouldn't remember me, you are severely injured at that time." Hoseok smiling and assuring Jungkook is fine if he doesn't remember.

"Is your friend alright?" Seokjin whispered, not wanting to wake Jimin up.

"Ya, he is fine. He gets tired easily, and probably because of the meds he took. We had a long day on the road." Hoseok staring at his sleeping friend. He wished with this 'secret', Jimin will get better.

Chapter Text

The night went by peacefully. It was peaceful until the sun rises that is. A loud scream pierced through the quiet and still morning air waking up almost everyone in the house.

"Jimin! It's ok! Look at me! Jimin!" Jimin freaks out when he finds himself awaken in a foreign place. Hoseok tries to calm Jimin down. Ever since Jimin was paralyzed, he became really sensitive to his surroundings, probably because he could not move freely as he wishes, everything seems to be a danger threat. He is defenseless.

"It's alright Jimin. Hyung is here. You're safe." It took Hoseok some time to finally calm Jimin down and make him realize he is safe and let him know this is the 'secret' that Hoseok was talking about. Namjoon and Seokjin were the first to come and check on them, followed by Jungkook, still half-asleep.

"Hey. It's everything alright?" Seokjin walked into the room where Hoseok and Jimin are still lying on the bed.

"Ya, Jimin is just confused where he is, since he came in asleep last night." Hoseok said to Seokjin and turned back to Jimin.

"Jimin, this is Seokjin-hyung, and hyung, this is Park Jimin.That over there is Namjoon and also Jungkook." Hoseok doing all the introduction while Jimin busy eyeing everyone and taking in all the information.

"Hi there. Jimin." Seokjin warmly greeted the boy with a smile. To this, Jimin doubtfully nod in reply

"Since we are up. I'll make something for breakfast.You guys can sleep on if you wish, it's still early. I'll let you guys know when breakfast is ready." Seokjin retreating from Hoseok and Jimin's room while shooing Jungkook back to bed. Namjoon then follows Seokjin to the kitchen.

"Hyung. I really don't know about this. And you said they are all survivors?" Jimin asked after the room door closes behind them.

"Yes. Don't worry. Just take it as a holiday trip. Those guys are a nice bunch." Hoseok assures Jimin.

In the kitchen,

"Hyung. Do you think Jimin is fine? He seems really ... " Namjoon asked, while they start washing out ingredients for breakfast.

"I'm sure he is alright. I would freak out too if I were to just wake up one morning in someone else's house." Seokjin laughed.

"It must be hard for Jimin." Namjoon thinking how he himself would feel if he were to end up in a wheelchair like Jimin.

"Ya." Seokjin too was thinking the same.

***************

"Hey! Wake up!" Yoongi opened his eyes to find a middle-aged man in a uniform standing in front of him.

"Young man. You can't sleep here like that!" The middle-aged man was an officer in the bus terminal that Yoongi slept through the night on a bench after arriving at Seoul late last night. Yoongi didn't have the money to call a cab and it was late, he didn't feel like he should call Seokjin either so he thought he might as well just stay the night in the bus terminal and find his way to Seokjin's place when daylight comes. It wasn't such a big deal for Yoongi, he had tried sleeping on a park bench at one time when he could not pay his rent.

The chilly morning air in Seoul is welcoming despite it being slightly more polluted as compared to where Yoongi came from. Yoongi counted his baggage not wanting to lose one from being stolen while he was asleep, it wasn't much anyways, a rucksack, a guitar, that's about it.

Holding Seokjin's address in one hand, Yoongi tries to hitchhike his way to Seokjin's place. It was a good start, he got a ride after just two tries. To Yoongi's surprise, it wasn't exactly such a long ride. In fact, Seokjin's place was quite near to the bus terminal, although not within walking distance per se. Waving a grateful goodbye to the friendly old lady that offered him the free ride, Yoongi arrived at the doorsteps of Seokjin's place. He is getting nervous, he didn't know what to expect. Yena's voice ringing in his ears.

'It'll be ok, silly.'

Mouthing to that under his breath repeatedly, Yoongi rang the doorbell.

"Who's there?" Yoongi heard footsteps from the inside and a voice he thought he'd heard it before, and the door swung opened.

"Min Yoongi?!" Seokjin was so surprised to see Yoongi that he actually hugged Yoongi without a second thought. Yoongi though shocked at Seokjin's actions did not pull away but let Seokjin embrace him. Something made Yoongi wanted to cry, but he held back his tears. It felt like he is finally home after a long and lonely venture in a faraway land.

"Oh my god. Min Yoongi! I thought you weren't coming!" Seokjin overly excited.

"Well. I was caught up with something." Yoongi is a liar. The real reason? He took too long contemplating.

"Come in, the others are waiting." Seokjin took hold of Yoongi's hands and almost dragged him into the house. All he knew the next minute were many pairs of eyes staring at him. The attention he's getting is much more than the audience he sang for at the pubs back in his hometown. That's a whole new experience for Yoongi. 

"Hey guys! Meet Min Yoongi!" Seokjin introduces, while the others all having their breakfast at the kitchen table looked up. 

"H-h-hi." Yoongi stutter.

"Hi! I am Kim Namjoon." Namjoon did a little wave with his hands and shows his dimple smile. 

"Hello! Yoongi-hyung! I'm Jungkook." Jungkook's mission is to get close to everyone in the shortest time. 

"Hi. You can call me Hoseok." Hoseok saying with his mouth still full with his big bite of toast.

"Jimin." Jimin said in a really soft voice.

As expected, Taehyung did not answer, although everyone was looking his way. Of course, it's not like Taehyung could say his name, but Taehyung continues chewing on his food while staring at his own plate. 

"That's Taehyung." Seokjin added on. 

"Oh. H-hello. I'm Yoongi." Yoongi shyly made a light bow to everyone. Awkward.

"Breakfast?" Namjoon asked, inviting Yoongi to join them. 

"S-sure." Yoongi is hungry, the breakfast on the table is way too tempting to reject even though he is so shy at the moment that he wishes he could just get out of all the attention. 

None of them talked much over the breakfast, only occasionally Seokjin or Namjoon would question some of them about what are they currently doing, Jungkook would say some weird things that everyone would take it as what a curious teen does best and Seokjin cracking up some silly jokes to lighten the mood. Overall, it wasn't that bad, they are trying to get used to each other's company.

"Since some of you had never been to Seoul. I say why not we have a little tour around the city?" Seokjin suggested. Most of them welcome the idea or simply did not disagree, except for Jimin. After the breakfast, Jimin pulled Hoseok to aside.

"Hyung. I don't want to go on the tour." Jimin lowered his voice, not wanting others to hear.

"Why?" 

"I don't think I should..." 

"Because you don't want to trouble others or that you are afraid of the stares the public will give you?" Hoseok could read Jimin's mind. The answer, both.

"Listen Jimin. You are never a trouble to anyone, and there is nothing to be afraid about even when people stare at you. Who cares if they think negative of us, thoughts don't bite." Being together since they were kids, Hoseok knew Jimin all too well. 

"But hyung. I..." 

"He's right you know." Namjoon's voice from behind almost made Hoseok and Jimin jump.

"Sorry for eavesdropping, but you guys are still kinda loud. Hoseok-hyung is right though. Let others say and think what they want, it just shows how shallow they are from their actions. And I love having you guys with us. Our tour would be so much fun!" Namjoon pat on Jimin's shoulders and walked off in a happy mood. 

"Jimin-hyung!Hoseok-hyung! Aren't both of you getting ready for the tour?" Jungkook already in his jacket and jeans looking at the both with a cheery smile.

Jimin is defeated. 

Chapter Text

Two cars, seven boys, one-day city tour. That's the plan. Hoseok had Jimin and Jungkook in his car and Seokjin had Yoongi, Taehyung, and Namjoon in his. It wasn't a surprise that none of them made any request or joined in the planning of their tour itinerary except Seokjin, Namjoon and Jungkook occasionally, considering all of them have just known each other less than a day or two and were still pretty awkward and a little too polite around each other, not to mention all of them have different things going on in their minds especially when they are all at a city they didn't get to make it the last time. They aren't in a bad mood, just slightly heavy somewhere inside, all trying their best to push things aside and welcome the vacation mood in them. With Jimin's wheelchair in mind, they tried to avoid any places that are difficult to access for the disabled, they did not make it a bid deal, but Jimin knew. 

Historical sites weren't something that seems to interest them, being Koreans themselves, places like Gyeongbukgong, Namdaemun gate, or the statue of King Sejong only reminds them of boring History classes in school, so they just drove past them for a quick glance or probably just for the sake of a few photos taken from their car window. Namsan Tower was a hassle, too much tourist and people buzzing around, they did not stay long, too much attention for Jimin's liking. The weather was great and Seokjin suggested they do a lunch picnic with takeouts by the Han river. It wasn't an uncommon practice, it's the weekend and people love to gather and hang out around the grassy fields and slopes along the Han river. It even surprises Seokjin himself that there are delivery services straight to them in the outdoors. 

They planned to have lunch there, all of them needed some fresh air out in the open, the past months had been suffocating for everyone. The breeze was pleasant, Seokjin with the help of Namjoon and Yoongi spread the mat over the grass where they all sat in a circle, much like their college or school MT sessions (MT is a Korean abbreviation for Membership Training, it is a get along session). Jimin was uncomfortable, they could all tell. It's weird to be the only one in a wheelchair, sticking out in the crowd like a sore thumb if Jimin would put it. Along the river, there are a few people in wheelchairs too, but all of them elderly, Jimin was young, way too young to be in a wheelchair. Reality is cruel.

"This chicken is great! We don't have these back in Busan." Hoseok munching his chicken with a crispy crunch sound with every bite, expression almost looking like what actors do for a fried chicken ad, satisfying. Those actors might not be acting after all.

"I can't remember the last time I had something like that. It would go great with a little beer." Yoongi admiring his food almost religiously. With minors around, they opt for beverages without alcohol, Coke, while Jungkook and Jimin were forced to just take juice instead.

"That's not fair!" Jungkook pouting while watching Taehyung gulped down the bottle of Coke that could very well be his if not for Seokjin stopping him. They can't help but laugh.

The lunch picnic was great, they had fun chatting and joking, though it didn't stop them thinking about something else with the sight of families happily eating, couples taking photos, kids playing around. There's a void somewhere inside of them. But they need to do this, to face it, to overcome it, they can't be avoiding and escaping it forever. Turning back to each other in a circle, there seems to be warmth in the void. Somehow.

"Where shall we go next?" Seokjin started picking up the used paper plates and food crumbs that had fallen on the mat.

"Anything you guys want to do? Or places you wished to visit?"

"Shopping?" Namjoon suggested.

"That could do too." Seokjin calculated the idea in his head.

"Won't mind that." Hoseok replied with Jungkook nodding in agreement. Hoseok shot Jimin a look, Jimin did not reply, that means no disagreement. Everywhere is crowded anyways, better be in the indoors than the outdoors since the air is getting colder by the hour.

"Fine with me." Yoongi, still chewing on his last bite of chicken. Taehyung, on the other hand, is playing with his phone while others stare his way, though they came to know Taehyung most probably won't react at all, after repeating similar scenario so many times that day.

While heading back to the car, Jungkook walked up to Seokjin.

"Seokjin-hyung." Jungkook almost whispering while walking beside him.

"Yes?Jungkook."

"Why is Taehyung-hyung not talking to us at all? He-He..ermm can't talk can he?" Jungkook seems to be really concerned, his 'mission' is stuck because of Taehyung.

"Yes. He can't speak. But he is fine. You'll get to know him better, just give him some time." Seokjin gave Jungkook a warm smile and a pat on the shoulder. Jungkook wants to sit with Taehyung somehow, trying his best to complete his 'mission', which he ended up swapping car seats with Namjoon. 

The shopping went smoothly with most of them just window shopping rather than really purchasing any item. Even with window shopping, time flies, their tummy grumbling a little and it is almost evening. 

"How about we go get some drinks or light snacks before we get back for dinner? There's a famous shop somewhere around here that sells really nice cream puffs." Seokjin was tiptoeing, turning in all directions and stretching his neck as if it helps him to locate the shop he remembered sighting some time back.

"I could use some caffeine." Yoongi mumbled while scrolling on his phone. Namjoon agreed, nodding. 

"Cream puffs sounds great, coffee would be good too." Hoseok was already running through his own imaginary menu in his head. 

"How about you guys?" Seokjin seeking the response of the others. 

"I don't think I need anything." Jimin said softly, showing a slight grin as a courtesy as he rejects.

"I'll get you some hot chocolate." Hoseok pat Jimin's shoulders and made a decision for him. Somehow Jimin did not seems to be against the idea. 

"I think a few of us could go get the food and drinks, others can stay here and rest for a bit, I think there will be a long queue in those shops." Seokjin analyzing the crowd flow around the area. 

"Tae?" Taehyung looks away from his phone and stared at Seokjin as his name is being called. Others are in awe how Seokjin is able to get the boy to respond. Taehyung pondered for a moment and typed on his phone.

Bubble tea.

Taehyung is really one special boy that Seokjin constantly being reassured that he had made the right choice in taking him in. Seokjin smiled.

"Jungkook?....Jungkook?" Upon hearing his name, Jungkook was snapped out of his daze as his mind was drifted off somewhere while the others were in the conversation, returning to his senses. 

"Jungkook. You alright? Anything you want? Drinks? Snacks?" Seokjin asked, noticing the boy had been looking tired from all the activities.

"Yes. I'm fine. I'll .. I'll just have what Jimin-hyung is having." 

"Alright! Hot chocolate that is. So, who's coming with me?" After a show of hands, just like how kids do in school, it was decided. Hoseok and Namjoon will go get the cream puffs while Seokjin, Yoongi, and Taehyung (Somehow insisted to tag along) will get the drinks, split up into groups to be more efficient. This left Jimin and Jungkook as they did not want to follow along, and so they stayed in a corner where there are benches for shoppers to rest. 

"Ju-Jungkook, you look tired." Jimin tried to break the silence between both of them.

"Just a little, too much walking around I guess." Jungkook said casually and turned to Jimin with a grin. 

"How old are you?" Jimin figured that he only knew Jungkook's a teen, which is obvious, but the cute and innocent look on Jungkook's face, coupled with large round eyes really got Jimin puzzled if Jungkook is 13? 14? or 15? 

"Fifteen. How about you hyung?" 

"Seventeen."

"Wow. I really wish I could graduate middle school soon. " 

"Why?"

"Ermm... I just don't like it there." Jimin never pushed further to ask why he did not like being in his middle school.

"High school wasn't that great either. I didn't like being there too. High school calculus sucks. No jam." Jimin jokingly shared Jungkook some harsh reality. Both of them started laughing. 

"I think high school would be fun, as long as I can get into any school that is not the school that I might go to along with my other classmates." Jungkook was thinking, he was at a point that he didn't enjoy seeing all his friends and teachers anymore. They did him no wrong and he felt a tinge of guilt for hating them without a reason. There is a need to clean the slate and start over again, perhaps. 

"Hyung. Do you have something you like to do?" The question caught Jimin off-guard. Perhaps Jungkook shouldn't have asked such a question, but nonetheless, Jungkook asked out of innocent intent, probably just wanting to talk to him or just curious for some unknown reason.

"I err...I dunno. I don't think I have.... Not anymore." It's almost weird how Jungkook just nodded and never asked further. Jimin was thankful for that. He knows clearly what he likes to do, but it will be too painful to give that more thoughts now, he needs to concentrate to forget it. That's his current goal. 

"Hoseok-hyung really cares for you, hyung. I wish I had a friend like that." Jimin went silent for a moment before opening his mouth.

"I know." 

Jungkook really looks exhausted, Jimin himself too. Probably their bodies are not completely healed yet, or maybe it is just a coincidence of the medication they both had that drains them easily. Jimin watched as Jungkook almost dozed off but tried to keep himself awake. It's rather cute how Jungkook would shut his eyes for a moment and suddenly jolt back into awakedness. It was all cute until Jimin noticed Jungkook's eyes seems to become dull and out of focus in a way that didn't seem right, even when Jimin was talking to him. Just as Jimin wanted to ask Jungkook if he was alright. Jungkook fell from the bench to the ground hard and starts twitching. 

It's a seizure. 

For a second, Jimin was stunned and didn't know what to do, he wanted to reach Jungkook from his wheelchair but it was too risky that Jimin himself might lose his own balance and tip over his wheelchair too. Jimin wanted to shout for help but no one was in the vicinity, they have chosen a rather quiet and secluded corner to wait for the others, which now seems to be a huge mistake. Jimin quickly pulled out his phone and called Hoseok. 

"Hyung! Help! Jungkook..Ju..Jungkook is having a seizure!" Just before he even finished his sentence, Hoseok and Namjoon had came sprinting towards them, fortunately, they are already on their way back to them before the seizure started. 

It's not like both Hoseok and Namjoon knew how to deal with a seizure episode, witnessing it for the first time themselves, Hoseok held on to Jungkook so his head would not hit the ground and continue to hold him until the twitching and muscle spasm subside. Jimin was already crying, although he did not realize until the seizure stopped. Jungkook looks extremely disoriented in Hoseok's arms, pale and frail. It wasn't until he fully gains control of his body again that tears started falling like rain. Hoseok hugged him tightly, trying his best to assure Jungkook he is fine and it's over. Hoseok can't help imagining how terrifying it would be for Jungkook. Jungkook was still slumped on the floor with Hoseok hugging him from the back when Seokjin, Yoongi, and Taehyung came running after Jimin phoned them immediately after the seizure subsides. Namjoon still in shock. 

"H-hyu-hyung, I'm s-sorry." Jungkook, still shaken up and in tears.

"It's ok. Let's go back." Seokjin said with an assuring smile, though it would seem rather forced for any bystander, whilst Hoseok carried the boy on his back and head to their car. 

The whole journey back, Jungkook kept apologizing and begging Seokjin not to call his aunt. 

"Please! Seokjin-hyung! Please don't call my aunt. Don't tell her! I'm sorry." 

"Jungkook. Stop apologizing. It's not your fault, it's just.. just you not feeling well, that's all. But your aunt should know, she will be worried. "

"No! Hyung! PLEASE!" Jungkook was pleading and sobbing so hard, eventually, Seokjin gave in. 

"Fine. I'll not call her this time. But you need to tell us if you are feeling the slightest discomfort." 

"Thank you. Hyung." Jungkook muttered in his tired and hoarse voice feeling relieved and fell asleep.

Back in Seokjin's place, Jungkook was carried to his bed to rest while the others gathered in the living room still shocked from the incident but did not say a word until Seokjin came back after checking on Jungkook.

"How's the boy?" Yoongi asked.

"He's sleeping now. Just tired."

"That's was one hella seizure." Hoseok finally letting out a sigh, recalling the horrific event. 

Seokjin with the help of Yoongi and Hoseok made simple dinner for all of them, they decided to let Jungkook have his rest and left Jungkook with some soup and porridge if he happens to wake up later and gets hungry. 

The next morning was as peaceful as it always had been in Seokjin's place. The chopping and dicing with the sound of hot pan sizzling gently woke up Jungkook and the others. 

"Hi there Jungkook. How are you feeling?" Seokjin turned from his kitchen stove towards Jungkook, still rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Better." Jungkook smiled. 

"Great. Would you mind to go get the others for breakfast? It's almost ready." Seokjin is pretty sure the others are already up and they will be happy to see Jungkook back on his feet all smiling. 

With Jungkook as their 'morning angel', everyone was up and have gathered around the dining table in no time. But someone's missing. 

"Where is Namjoon?"

Chapter Text

"hyung...........Hyung.............Hyung!"

"Hwijoon?"

"Hyung!"

"Where're you? I can't... I can't see you." It was dark, in fact, pitch black that Namjoon could not make out a single thing, as if he was blind. That voice, faint but clear, it belonged to his brother. The sound of laughter, giggles followed and echoed from a distance. 

"Hwijoon? Are you there?" Namjoon called out in darkness. Then, a dim glow revealed a figure at a distance in front of Namjoon, back facing him. The figure wasn't moving, just standing, frozen.

"Hwijoon, is that you?" Namjoon mustered the courage to walk towards the figure. The figure slowly turned to face Namjoon. It was Hwijoon.

"Doh-Don't come any nearer hyung. No." Namjoon halted his steps, still a little far from close.

"Why not? What's going on?!" Namjoon is frustrated as he sees Hwijoon's tear-streaked face. Hwijoon then retreats his steps and sirens sounds grew loud in the background, only a matter of seconds the sound grew so loud it begins to hurt Namjoon's ears, sharp pain spread from his ears to his head, blurring his vision. Namjoon tried hard to focus on Hwijoon, but like a TV tuned on to a wrong channel, images started to flicker, static distortion. 

"Hyung! HELP! HYUNG!!!!!" Hwijoon screamed, Namjoon tried to reach out, but before he could even touch Hwijoon, Hwijoon fell to the ground, crumpled, body distorted, disfigured, and blood started bleeding from his body and dyed the ground with a rapidly growing pool of crimson fluid. 

"NO!!!!!!!!!!!"

Namjoon's eyelids flipped open, fear ran through his whole body like an electric current, creeping even to the tips of his fingers and toes, making stand every single strand of hair on his body. Namjoon choked, he could not breathe, coughing, as if someone just strangled him by the neck. Namjoon is shivering beyond control, warm or cold, he couldn't make out the temperature anymore, his body's homeostasis mechanism went haywire. It took him a moment to realize where he was, and what's reality and what's not. Staring at his apartment's ceiling tiles, Namjoon tried to catch his breath but was overwhelmed by a sudden urge to throw up. Namjoon stumbled across his apartment room towards the bathroom, just in time to not puke all over the floor but into the toilet bowl, the next 10 minutes or so, Namjoon was throwing up and retching out every single content in his guts. His abdominal muscle hurts, but his heart hurt even worse. Drenched in his own sweat, Namjoon could not stop his tears falling.

****************

"Where is Namjoon?" Seokjin finding his friend not at the dining table. And then, it came to him that he did not actually saw Namjoon on his bed even when he woke up that morning.

"I'll go check." Yoongi volunteered to search around the house, thinking Namjoon would probably be in a corner doing something and did not hear them gather for breakfast. As Yoongi walked off, everyone at the dining table exchanges weird glance, not knowing what is it all about.

Then Yoongi returned without Namjoon.

"Hmm... He never just runs off like that. Probably there's something urgent from his academy. No worries, I'll call him later. Dig in guys!" Seokjin smiled for the sake of the others. Namjoon is not living in Seokjin's place, he has his own apartment, although he hangs out in Seokjin's place most of the time and was supposed to sleepover for the period where they have the 'gathering' event going on. But Namjoon never left without letting Seokjin know, it was unusual. But like Seokjin mentioned, it might be possible that there is an emergency in the language academy that Namjoon works as an English language tutor, knowing that his boss wasn't such a nice man to his employees. Namjoon always complains, whether forcing him to work for extra classes without proper pay or just plain being mean to him.

Without giving much thought, the six others dug into their breakfast.

Jungkook was feeling a lot better after all the sleep but he was still afraid if Seokjin would keep his promise and not tell his aunt about his episode. He really did not want his aunt to appear at the doorstep and drag him back home. Well, it's not like he has a 'home' anymore, but for his aunt coming and bringing him back is the last thing he wants to see happening. Jimin, on the other hand, was still traumatized by Jungkook's episode, he just couldn't brain how one-second Jungkook was just perfectly well in front of his eyes and the next Jungkook was almost as if he was dying on the floor. Jimin just could not shake that image off his head, worse, he felt utterly useless that he couldn't do anything for Jungkook. But then, he begins to realize something, realizing he is starting to take pity of that poor boy instead of himself.

After the satisfying breakfast, the boys begin to have some leisure time of their own, Taehyung started playing video games on a PS4 in the living room where Hoseok joined in using the extra controller they had and surprisingly, Taehyung just let Hoseok join the game, even passing the controller to Jimin to try out. Jungkook sat on the couch watching them play but also not watching at the same time.

'Dami.'

****************

"Call him again," Yoongi told Seokjin, seeing Seokjin walking around the kitchen in circles, troubled. Yoongi was chilling at the dining table sipping his coffee.

"I don't know if I should do it again, he might be busy."

"He'll not take your call if he is SO busy. No harm trying." Yoongi is going dizzy with Seokjin pacing back and forth in front of him.

Seokjin tried dialling Namjoon a second time after the first fail an hour or so ago. Again, there was no answer.

"Busy," Yoongi said, concluding. Seokjin could only force a bitter grin and left the matter for the time being.

****************

"Jimin-hyung. Hoseok-hyung. Thank you." Jungkook mumbled out of the blue from the couch behind the two. They both turned to Jungkook, rather surprised.

"Thank you? What for?" Hoseok now got up from the floor and sat beside Jungkook on the couch and an arm over Jungkook's shoulders, staring at him gently.

"For yesterday... and sorry for scaring all of you." Jungkook was a little guilty and embarrassed as he did not return Hoseok and Jimin's gaze but constantly fiddling with the corner fabric of the throw cushion pillow on the couch that he is hugging.

"That's nonsense. Don't apologize. We should be apologizing for not able to help you much." Hoseok didn't like how Jungkook was apologizing for something he had no control over.

"But still ..." Jungkook looked up to the two older boys. Jimin did not say a word, Jimin could not decide what was that strange feeling inside him, struggling to make up his mind if he should be consoling Jungkook along with Hoseok, but he didn't know how, he'd never taken such role, it's always Hoseok's. Without hesitation, Jungkook stood up from his couch and wrapped his arms around Jimin, Jimin was taken aback by sudden affection displayed by the younger.

"Jimin-hyung, sorry for making you cry, and thank you for calling my name." Jimin returned the hug but was even more confused. What had he done for Jungkook? He was just panicking and uselessly crying and screaming throughout the whole process.

Jungkook is really not listening to them for asking him to stop his 'thank yous' and 'sorrys', even Taehyung got a thank you from Jungkook which Taehyung himself too got surprised but did not show as he continues playing his games. After lunch, they continued chit-chatting with Seokjin and Yoongi joining the rest on the couch.

"Seokjin-hyung. Do you know any apartments rooms around here with cheap rents?" Yoongi asked.

"Why? You planning to stay in Seoul?"

"Yeah. There's nothing much for me back there. Thinking about getting a job here."

"Oh. What's your budget? Housing here isn't cheap but I guess I could still work around your budget and get you something decent though not the best. Maybe you could ask Namjoon too, he's renting an apartment, it seems affordable." Yoongi was nodding away, calculating his options, 'affordable' in the common sense is not his level, he is really on a tight budget, he's worry if he will even be able to pay for the down payment for the cheapest room in town. He needs to get a job fast. He can't go back anymore, he had had enough back there, there's nothing worth reminiscing anyway, no friends, no family, no music, no Yena.

It was around the evenings when Namjoon finally appeared, walking past the busy kitchen with an exaggerated smile that he thought he did a great job faking it.

"Sorry guys! Urgent stuff came up. Work stuff." Namjoon trying his best to brush off the doubtful gaze of everyone there. He's the centre of attention the moment he set foot into Seokjin's place.

"Oh. I see." Seokjin sounding casual but he knew Namjoon was lying. Namjoon's eyes are puffy and skin paler than it used to be. It's pretty obvious that Namjoon was either crying or that he was sick.

"I'm taking a shower." Namjoon rapidly walking pass all the stares from the kitchen and living room, wanting to escape so badly.

"Dinner will be ready in a moment Joon! Barbeque!" Seokjin called out as Namjoon disappears into the hallway.

"Okay!" Namjoon replied while he hurried through the hallway and almost smashing himself into Jungkook that just happened to walk out of his room.

"Hi hyung." Jungkook was surprised and happy to see Namjoon appearing in front of him, however, Namjoon walked pass Jungkook with rapid footsteps without sparing him a glance. "hi." and slams shut the bathroom door behind him.

He's probably having a really urgent toilet business to take care of, Jungkook thinks to himself as the sound of flowing water was heard immediately after the door closed. "Oh well."

They are having a barbeque party for dinner, most of the more complicated dishes are already pre-prepared, they've just got to barbeque the beef and pork as well as the vegetable skewers, just for the sake of a little fun. They took it out in the little veranda by the side of the house where it faces a small garden compound, the fragrance of grilling meat fills the chilly evening air.

"Yoongi hyung. You play the guitar do you?" Jungkook asked as he stuffed himself like a hamster.

"Ermm.. Ye-yeah."

"Play us a song?" Jungkook requested.

"Well ermm.... I err... I don't think I ...." Yoongi notices everyone was staring at him now.

"Please?" Jungkook said with a smile and eyes resembling those of Puss in Boots.

"Jungkook, don't do that." Seokjin wasn't scolding the younger, just jokingly trying to stop Jungkook from forcing Yoongi.

It's been a while since Yoongi last touched his guitar, though he always had it by his side. The singing also stops the day he ceased playing music. He didn't think he will be able to get back into music anytime soon, even if it is just for leisure. But now, he was given a stage to perform, he wasn't even sure if he could manage. "I can play a song or two." Yoongi didn't even realize he said that, too late to chicken out now. Yoongi stood up and went to his room to get his guitar.

All six pairs of eyes are on Yoongi now, even the grilling halted. It was silence until Yoongi took in a deep breath and plucked the first string of his guitar, fingers gliding through the frets gracefully not showing any bit of rust in his skills even though he hasn't been doing it since that night he left his band. And ... Yoongi sang.

그대를 생각하는 것만으로
(Just the thought of you)
그대를 바라볼 수 있는 것만으로
(Just the sight of you)
그대의 음성을 듣는 것만으로도
(Or just the sound of your voice)
기쁨을 느낄 수 있었던 그날들
(Made me feel joy in those days)
그대는 기억조차 못하겠지만
(I bet you don't even remember)
이렇듯 소식조차 알 수 없지만
(And I have no idea where you are now)
그대의 이름을 부르는 것만으로도
(But just saying your name to myself)
눈물이 흐르곤 했었던 그날들
(Made me shed tears in those days)
잊어야 한다면 잊혀지면 좋겠어
(If I must, I hope I can forget)
부질없는 아픔과 이별할 수 있도록
(So that I can break up with worthless pain)
잊어야 한다면 잊혀지면 좋겠어
(If I must, I hope I can forget)
다시 돌아올 수 없는 그대를
(The you that will never come back to me) 

.... [Lyrics: 그날들 Those days (1991) - Kim Kwang Seok]

When Yoongi finished, there was no clapping or any applause, just Hoseok's hand giving Yoongi a squeeze and a pat on the shoulders and Yoongi smiled in return and turn to Jungkook, ruffling the boy's hair where the boy still stunned from Yoongi mesmerising voice. After the song, Yoongi felt that he could breathe a little better, a little weight lifted from his heart. 

'Yena. You're listening right?'

****************

Namjoon was being extremely quiet throughout the whole barbeque, sitting at a corner all by himself. Most of all he is avoiding Jungkook and Jungkook noticed, Seokjin did too. 

"Hey Namjoon. You alright?" Seokjin pulled a stool over and sat beside Namjoon. 

"Of course I'm alright. Why do you ask?" Namjoon's heart sank a little and tried to deny that he wasn't fine at all. 

"Just... a feeling. Like I told you, you can always talk to me, you don't need to hold it to yourself." 

"I'm fine." 

"Ok." Namjoon never once mentioned about his own story from the day they first met at the police station, though Seokjin knew there is more to the story as to why a foreigner would want to stay in Korea all by himself especially after that tragedy. Seokjin wants to believe that Namjoon will open up when he wants to, same goes for everyone under the same roof.  

Few days went by since they first gathered at Seokjin's. It was all great weather and sunshine the past days but not the next morning after the night of their barbeque party, heavy rain came and a storm. 

Chapter Text

The rain has not shown sign of ceasing anytime soon since it started around 2am in the early hours of the morning. It's a really great time to snuggle in the comfort of your bed at a time like that, the best time to sleep most people would agree. Seokjin disagrees.

5am, still too early. Seokjin got up and walked out of his bedroom, leaving Namjoon still asleep on his extra mattress in the bedroom. Seokjin almost jumped when he sees Yoongi alone on the couch watching the early morning news on TV without turning on the volume. Weird. Perhaps Yoongi just needed a little company of the TV.

"A storm huh?" Seokjin reading the running captions at the bottom of the screen where the news anchor was announcing some other political news. It seems a Typhoon initially thought to spare the peninsula of Korea apparently changed its mind. Seokjin seldom watches or reads the news these days, nothing good comes from the news anyway, it's just a constant reminder to the public how shitty our society is in every aspect possible.

"Yeah." Yoongi gave a quick glance over his shoulders to Seokjin that is standing beside the couch, both staring at the TV screen.

"Can't sleep?" Seokjin asked.

"Mm. You too?"

"Yeah." Seokjin replied and grin while headed to the kitchen. "Coffee?"

"Sure. Thanks." 

The rain got heavier by the minute, the sound of roaring thunder and lightning filled the city sky. Both Seokjin and Yoongi flinched a little when a flash of lightning like camera flash coupled with a loud bang was heard. Seokjin could feel the ground shaking a little, though he is doubtful whether if it was just his imagination. The thunder continued angrily and then both Seokjin and Yoongi rose from the couch simultaneously as they heard the sound of someone crying echoing from the hallway. They immediately rushed to the source of the crying. 

It came from Taehyung and Jungkook's room. Both Seokjin and Yoongi exchanged a worried glance before they pushed open the room door. It was dark, the room was not lit. Seokjin speedily went to switch on the room light. The first thing that came to sight was Taehyung curled up in a corner of the room with knees near his chest and both hands covering his ears and head down, trying his best to muffled or block something away. The thunder? Jungkook's cry? Or something else. Jungkook, on the other hand, was totally hidden under the blanket, also curled up like a dumpling. But Jungkook was shaking under the blanket and letting out sounds of sobbing. Seokjin headed for Taehyung and Yoongi went straight to Jungkook's side. The others heard the cries as well, Hoseok and Namjoon both stood at the door staring into the room.

"Tae-yah? You alright? It's just thunder. It's ok." Seokjin knelt beside Taehyung and tried to pull his hands down from covering his ears, wanting the boy to listen to him. At the contact, Taehyung flinched and pulled back, not letting Seokjin grab his hands. 

"Hey Tae. look! It's me. You are in your room, there's nothing here." Taehyung ignored Seokjin and kept his hands on his ears and head down, mumbling something without sound under his breath. Seokjin went on to hug the boy and he could feel Taehyung trembling in his arms. 

"Jungkook?" Yoongi didn't know how should he approached the shaking and crying boy under the blanket. He tried to slowly and gently pulled the blanket down, not wanting to startle the boy, but before Jungkook's head could even be revealed, he was met with the same situation as Taehyung, Jungkook grabbed hold onto the blanket and not allowing Yoongi to pull it away. Without a choice, Yoongi sat down on Jungkook's bed beside the shaking dumpling with one arm over Jungkook's hunched back, moving his hands in soothing circles. The cries died down after some time and Yoongi attempted to pull down the blanket again. This time, Jungkook did not resist. The boy was in tears no doubt but what Yoongi also saw is that Jungkook actually wet his bed. Jungkook was not shaking anymore but still sobbing silently and face blushed with embarrassment when Yoongi found out the mess he did on his bed. 

Jungkook looked at Yoongi with teary eyes. "I-I.." 

"Shh... it's nothing buddy." Yoongi smiled warmly ruffling Jungkook's messy and sweaty hair. Yoongi noticed Hoseok still standing at the door.

"Hoseok, could you get me a towel?" Hoseok upon hearing the instruction went straight into action. 

"Let's get you change shall we?" 

"Yoo-yoongi hyung. I-I'm sor.." Jungkook's intended apologies were cut off by Yoongi signalling him to shut up. 

"One more word about you being sorry, I'm going to get really pissed," Yoongi said to Jungkook, though crude but never threatening, Jungkook, without a choice just nodded and held his tongue and let Yoongi and Hoseok took care of the cleaning. In no time, Jungkook and his bed were as clean and fresh as ever. 

Taehyung did not cry. The last time he cried was the day when Seokjin took him in. But Taehyung never once cried after that. He won't. Seokjin helped Taehyung up from the corner and led him back to his bed, tucked him in. Giving Taehyung a gentle peck on his forehead before Taehyung falls back into his sleep. 

It took Yoongi and Seokjin quite an effort to put the two boys back to bed, turning off the room light once again and finally closing the room door softly behind them. Letting out a sigh, the two plopped onto the couch in exhaustion. 

"How's Jungkook? He wet the bed?" Seokjin asked, eyes staring at the ceiling of the living room.

"Yeah. I think he was just too scared. He was crying and shaking a lot. How's Taehyung?" Yoongi too was staring at the ceiling above.

"He's ok I guess. Will talk to him later." 

"Are you scared too? Thunder." Yoongi asked, now with his eyes closed.

"Lately. Yes." Seokjin was being honest, though he could control his fear better than the younger ones, the sound of the thunder still frightens him, he would have cried too if not for Yoongi being there with him. 

"Me too." Yoongi too admitted. 

****************

'Calm down you idiot! Huuuuu huuuu..... Calm down KIM NAMJOON!' Namjoon squeezes his eyes shut and tries to equalise his breathing.

'Oh C'mon! Not now!' Namjoon, alone in the bathroom could not catch his breath, it's getting shallow and his heart is palpitating so fast he wonders if it would just breakthrough his ribcage any moment. He is out of breath and his vision starts to blur and blackout, probably the lack of oxygen, then an urge to throw up came. He has been throwing up for a whole day yesterday now. Not again. 

Hunched over the toilet bowl, almost hugging it, Namjoon was at it again, involuntarily letting his abdominal muscles take control of him, trying hard to breathe between every gap of his vomiting. Mucus from his nose, tears, sweat, vomit, a mess. 

Just as Namjoon was trying to catch his breath again, he felt a hand rubbing his back. Wait! Did he not locked the bathroom door? He couldn't recall. He was too focused on his breathing that he did not notice Seokjin has entered and was squatting down beside him in the bathroom. When Namjoon realised, he was waiting for Seokjin to question him, perhaps to ask if he was sick, but Seokjin kept his silence and continued his hand movement on Namjoon's back. When Namjoon was done, Seokjin helped him stand and brought Namjoon to the kitchen table. Namjoon was sitting there blankly while Seokjin almost ransacked the whole cabinet for medications that stops vomiting and made Namjoon a warm cup of ginger tea. 

"Take these. You'll feel better." Seokjin pushed the pills towards Namjoon. 

"Aren't you going to ask me what's wrong?" Namjoon now looking up into Seokjin's eyes. He is sure Seokjin is curious and dying to know why the sudden behaviour change. 

"You'll let me know if you want to." Seokjin returns Namjoon's gaze. "Drink your tea before it gets cold."

Seokjin was almost in the hallway heading back to his room when Namjoon starts speaking. Seokjin turns back to face Namjoon.

"I saw him. My brother. I could see him dying in front of me when Jungkook had his seizure that day." Tears starting rolling down Namjoon's face as he speaks.

"It keeps coming. Those images. I just... I just..." Namjoon had his face buried in his palms. "I-I didn't mean to avoid Jungkook on purpose." 

Seokjin returned to the kitchen table and sat in front of Namjoon. Namjoon wiped his tears away with his sleeves and took a sip of the ginger tea.

"Do you know why I stayed in Korea? ... It's because I couldn't take the plane... and ...." None of them could take the plane, at least not in the near future. 

"and.... it's my fault that we came to Korea for vacation in the first place, it's my idea, Hwijoon never wanted initially." More tears came rolling down.

"and... I can't save him." Guilt is eating up Namjoon inside. "I can't go back because I don't know how to face everyone there. My parents, my family, Hwijoon's friends. I took away Hwijoon from them." 

"Namjoon. It's not just you. WE can't save them. But then, it's not our fault, even if we wanted, we can't save them. It's just.. just fate." Seokjin also tearing up. 

"Your brother will never blame you for anything, and I believe he wants you to be happy and move forward." 

"You don't understand. His body, all messed up in front of me. It's scary. I'm scared." Even if Namjoon is able to come to terms with his guilt, that image of his brother dead before his eyes will forever be there to haunt him. 

"I understand." Seokjin hugged Namjoon as he sobs silently. 

From that day on, Namjoon tried his very best to not avoid Jungkook, although sometimes he might still end up in the bathroom. But it is getting better. 

************

"What're you doing?" Namjoon was eyeing Seokjin as Seokjin was gesturing into the mirror on his own.

"Practicing." Seokjin smiled. There's no point in Taehyung learning sign language but none in the house understood sign language. Seokjin, for the sake of Taehyung took up classes so that he could communicate with Taehyung.

"But Taehyung can hear you, you know?" Exactly. Taehyung is not deaf, Seokjin doesn't need to gesture to him, he only needs to understand it. Namjoon shook his head. 

"By the way, isn't Taehyung's birthday two days from now?" Namjoon remembered.

"Yup. It is." 

Chapter Text

"Hello? Jungkook-ah? How are you doing? Everything fine?" Jungkook finally returned a call (landline) after one week being at Seokjin's, away from home.

"Great!"

"Good to hear that. When are you planning to come back? I know you are allowed to take a break from school and return the next term but you will be missing your hospital appointments too."

"Aunty. Just one more week. Please." Jungkook trying to beg his aunt to let him stay.

Jungkook was grateful that Seokjin kept his promise, a little begging and 'agyeo' and he is allowed to stay another week. He knows his aunt has a weak heart for him, he feels a little guilty using her weakness that way but he does not want to go back yet.

"You are skipping school?" Jimin asked as Jungkook ended the call.

"Technically, No. I got permission." Jungkook let out a cheeky grin.

"That's still playing hooky to me." Jimin laugh and Jungkook shrugged.

"You don't have a phone?" Jimin asked.

"Used to. But not anymore." Jungkook replied while turning on the TV.

"Why?"

"Just. I couldn't. Panic attack happens when I use it."

"Oh. I see." Jimin wheeled himself nearer to the couch where Jungkook sat. Both watching some variety shows when Seokjin walked into the living room towards the duo.

"Guys. I have a favor to ask."

"What is it hyung?" Jungkook asked.

Trying to lower his voice, Seokjin gave a quick glance at his surrounding before he started. "Today is Taehyung's birthday, and we are planning a little surprise for him."

Both Jimin and Jungkook's eyes widen and sparkled with interest. "So here is the plan, both of you and Hoseok is going to take a walk with Taehyung. There is a park just down the street, you guys can have some fun over there, drag the time a little while myself, Namjoon and Yoongi set up for the surprise."

"What kind of surprise?" Jungkook is extremely curious now.

"Well... cake, dinner? You'll see." Seokjin smiled at Jungkook's enthusiasm. "So you guys alright with the plan?" Both Jungkook and Jimin nodded innocently.

"Great!"

***************

3, 2, 1 Action!

"Guys. Where are you going?" Seokjin asked from the kitchen while Hoseok pushing Jimin in his wheelchair towards the door and Jungkook putting on his jacket and sneakers. Taehyung is sitting on the couch.

"We are going to the park!" Jungkook sounding excited.

"Wow. Nice. Hmmm... maybe Taehyung could join you guys too." Seokjin looking over to check for Taehyung's reaction. No reaction yet.

"Taehyung-ah!" Taehyung turned to Seokjin. Yes! He is looking now. Seokjin clears his throat a little, trying to act natural. "Taehyung-ah, do you want to go to the park with them? Have some fun or fresh air? You need some vitamin D." Taehyung wasn't really into the idea but others are looking at him now, even Jimin on his wheelchair too. Taehyung reluctantly nodded. Taehyung is responding a little more towards everyone now, better than the first day they met. Seokjin is really happy with the improvement.

"Taehyung-hyung, how long have you been staying with Seokjin hyung?" Jungkook asked, as the group of four walked down the street.

"More than 2 months." Taehyung typed on his phone. The three other boys are really excited that Taehyung actually replied Jungkook's question. It's a great day.

"Wow. That's nice. Seokjin hyung is really kind."

It took them just minutes to reach the park. Like Seokjin said, it's really near to their place.

"This park is huge! I didn't even realize there was a park around here." Hoseok was amazed to find such a nice park in the neighborhood.

"Guys! Look! There's even a lake here. Wow." It's not a huge lake per se, probably even a manmade one but it still amazes the boys. They walked around the park, Jungkook picking up leaves, rocks, branches and even tiny bugs that almost scare Jimin out of his wheelchair and Hoseok nearly jumped for the lake, screaming and running away from Jungkook.

There's a playground too inside of the park. There are exercise facilities, swings, and slides for children. Maybe for adults too.

Jungkook and Taehyung went for the swing once they spotted the swing seats' empty.

"Hyung. Can I try that?" Jimin pointing at the bars people used for exercising.

"That one?" Hoseok was surprised and need to confirm with Jimin again to make sure he heard him right. "Yes. That one." The bars that Jimin intended to try on was horizontal bars, the lowest one. Jimin wants to try getting up from his wheelchair.

"You sure about that?" Hoseok is doubtful if Jimin has the upper torso strength to support himself up yet. Nonetheless, he was there with him, nothing could really go wrong. Hoseok will just need to keep an eye on Jimin just in case. The height of the bar barely even reaches Hoseok's chest, it's just slightly over Jimin's head as he sat in his wheelchair.

"Alright. If you're sure about it." Hoseok wheeled Jimin towards the bar. Taking in a deep breath, Jimin lifted his arms, grabbing hold of the bar and tried to push himself up. Hoseok could see Jimin's hands shaking and his face going red and veins on his neck starts to show. Jimin is struggling but working really hard on trying. Jimin failed several times before finally lifting himself up a little, holding on to the metal bar for dear life, Jimin's feet touches the ground for the very first time without anyone's help. He still couldn't feel his legs but knowing he did that by himself even if it is just for a few seconds is more than happy for Jimin. Jimin beamed at Hoseok.

"Hey hyung. Want a lollipop?" Jungkook pulled out two lollipops from his pocket and gave one to Taehyung.

Taehyung stares at the lollipop in his palm and kept it in his pocket.

"Aren't you gonna eat it?" Jungkook sucking on his lollipop and swings back and forth, enjoying the wind created from the momentum.

Taehyung signed something to Jungkook, and Jungkook is pretty sure it meant 'later' or something similar. Jungkook continues going back and forth.

They dragged on for a long time in the park, so that the others have time to prepare for Taehyung's big day.

"We are going back, guys. Coming?" Hoseok calls out, it seems Jimin is a little exhausted from all the exercise he is doing.

"You guys can head back. I'll come later." Jungkook still not finished with his swing. Hoseok is not going to leave just one of them there and so both Jungkook and Taehyung stayed for a little longer. It's also a good thing, the longer Taehyung is out, the more time for the others.

"Alright! Don't be too late. Call us if anything. Be careful."

"Sure hyung!"

Another half an hour went by. Now Jungkook is done. "Hyung let's go back."
But this time Taehyung didn't seem to want to leave as of yet. Taehyung typed.

"You go. I'll catch up. I'll have another 10 minutes." Jungkook didn't think it was anything unusual, plus, the park is just a few minutes walk away. "Ok. See you in a bit." Jungkook hops off from his swing in a jolly mood and headed back.

When Jungkook is out of sight, Taehyung stood up and left. Taehyung is walking further down the street instead of heading back home, arriving at a convenient store. Taehyung enters, took a chocolate bar and paid at the counter with a few coins he had with him, turning towards the door after paying.

"Hold your horses kid!" Taehyung froze.

"I don't think you have done paying for everything in your pockets yet."

*********

"Where's Taehyung?" The sky is getting dark yet Taehyung is not back. Seokjin is searching for Taehyung in the house. "Jungkook! Didn't you say Taehyung will be back in 10 minutes?" Jungkook checked the clock, it has been way overdue and Taehyung is not back yet. Jungkook starts to panic. "I-I thought he will follow just behind me. I didn't... I..."

"Don't worry Jungkook. I'll go find him." Seokjin grabs his jacket and went out. Taehyung is nowhere to be seen in the park, now almost empty. Taehyung is not answering his phone either. Seokjin might look calm but he is panicking inside. Shit, Tae where are you?

Seokjin searched further down the street and a group of onlookers surrounding something in front of a convenient store caught Seokjin's attention. Seokjin moves closer to the crowd.

"Kid! Did you just cursed at me! You gestured something bad at me didn't you!"

"If I can't call your parents, I'll just call the police then. You lil' thief!" The shop owner is holding onto Taehyungs collar, then to Seokjin's horror, Taehyung was being slapped across the face.

"Stop! What are you doing!" Seokjin ran and stood between Taehyung and the angry shop owner. "What are you?! Get out of my way!"

"I'm his brother! How dare you slap my brother!" Seokjin almost ready for a fist fight.

"Nice! So you are here. Your lil' thief brother over here stole my goods. A pack of candy and a lollipop and he thinks I don't know he sneaked it up his sleeves?" The shop owner spat. Taehyung signed something and Seokjin turned to him.

"Cursing at me again you brat!"

"He is not cursing at you! He said he only took the candy and not the lollipop!"

"How would I know if he is telling the truth. He is a liar for stealing anyways!"

"I'll pay for the candy double or even triple the price! But you need to apologize for slapping him! That's assault!" Seokjin held firm his grounds.

"Taehyung! Apologize now!" Taehyung refused but Seokjin forced him, pressing his head down to a bow. Upon bowing, Taehyung got up pushed through the crowd and ran. Seokjin threw more notes on the shop owners face than the price of a whole box of candy and ran after Taehyung.

Taehyung did not slow down, running further down the street. Seokjin is having a hard time catching up with the teen. That boy sure can run! Seokjin was out of breath.

"KIM TAEHYUNG!!" Seokjin shouted.

"Kim Taehyung! You stop right there! Taehyung halted.

"Face me! Don't you dare run!" Seokjin commanded, sounding angry.

After a few seconds of contemplation, Taehyung turned his back to face Seokjin, eyes looking elsewhere.

"Look at me!" Taehyung rolled his eyes in annoyance before staring straight into Seokjin.

"What do you think you are doing Tae?" Seokjin speaks as he walks towards Taehyung and grab the boy's shoulders and gave him a nudge. "What have you done?! Stealing?!" Seokjin's voice was shaking but it didn't sound angry anymore but rather desperate and frustrated. "Do I not give you enough pocket money? Why Tae? Tell me!"

Taehyung is staring into somewhere else again not focusing. "I said look at me!" Seokjin gave Taehyung another nudge. Taehyung slightly pushed Seokjin's firm grip on his shoulders away and took a step back, then he signed.

"Don't you hate me? Don't you want to scold me? Do it! Beat me! Yell at me!"

"W-what?" Seokjin wasn't expecting Taehyung to say that. "No! Why would I hate you?"

"Just tell me I am bad. Please!" Seokjin could see Taehyung's eyes are getting red and tears welled up eager to fall.

"No Tae. It's not like that." Seokjin is confused where is this conversation headed to. Did he read Taehyung's sign language right?

"I am bad. I am. Tell me hyung." Taehyung now kneeling on the ground, tears falling, darkening patches of dry dirt on the ground.

"Oh no, Tae. No." Seokjin tried to get Taehyung to stand but he refuses to budge. Taehyung lifted his head and looked up at Seokjin.

"I-I miss her."

Seokjin stared at Taehyung, knowing very well what he meant.

"I don't know. I thought maybe if I did something bad, she would come scold me like she used to be. Smack me hard, yell at me... I know I am stupid to think that."

"I just wanted to hear her voice one more time. Just one more." Taehyung is choking at his own hysterical sob, gesturing with shaking hands.

"I'm sorry hyung."

"Stand up Tae. It's ok." Taehyung's legs almost gave way but Seokjin held Taehyung's arms, stabling him, brushing off the dirt from Taehyung's pants. Seokjin then took hold of Taehyung's hand into his like how mothers would do.

"Let's go home."

Seokjin shot all the others a 'Not now' look, shaking his head slightly as Taehyung went straight to his bedroom when they finally returned. The celebration was called off that night.

***************

Someone is touching him. Taehyung felt something soft brushed across his face. Then warm breaths were felt on his skin, followed by something ticklish and ... wet. What's this sensation? Taehyung tried to open his eyes, the moment he opened them, a black figure appeared in front of him, he jumped almost falling off his bed. He quickly turned and make sure what he saw again. Now he sees it clearly.

A black puppy.

Sticking out its tongue and wiggling its tail. For a moment, Taehyung was frozen. How on earth is there a puppy in his bedroom? Then he moved forward and slowly stretched out his hands to touch it. Fingers running through the soft fur of the puppy. It felt so fluffy, so warm. Taehyung didn't even notice he had let a smile slipped through his lips.

"Do you like it Tae?" Seokjin is standing at the door. Beaming.

"Happy Birthday."

Chapter Text

Seokjin is jealous. He is jealous of a dog. Yes, you've heard it right. A dog. Poor Seokjin is lonely because six other people in his house are busy spending time with Taehyung's new puppy. Taehyung named it 'Yeontan' (Coal briquettes) because of its gradient black fur. But jokes aside, Seokjin is really happy to see Taehyung smiling a lot more these days, the atmosphere in the house seems much more livelier too with the puppy around. Seokjin did a lot of research on Taehyung's case, reading through tons of books and articles and discussion with Taehyung's therapist. It's not easy, in fact, it's not even guaranteed if Taehyung will ever be able to speak again, but Seokjin felt the need to try for Taehyung's sake, or else no one would. The puppy was an idea he'd gotten when he read through a book by Rebecca A. Reynolds on Animals as Intermediaries, named 'Bring me the ocean', depicting real-life cases that people start speaking again after their interaction with animals. Seokjin knew he had to give it a try. So far Seokjin is happy with the results, but it all takes time.

*************

With a red pen in hand, a phone indicating 23% battery life, a sandwich clenched between his teeth, and a newspaper job classified section filled with red bold 'Xs' and circles, Yoongi sigh deeply as he sat on a bench in a subway platform. Seoul is no better than his hometown, job searching was hard, in actual fact even harder and more competitive in the big metropolitan. Papers, qualifications, language abilities, soft skills, special field experience, etc, all the flowery things that employers require of a 'perfect' employee, however, Yoongi has none of those. He has worked a lot of different odd jobs in the past, but they don't count, the only thing he is good at is music, even that, he is technically not qualified. Passion and undocumented talents don't count.

"Hello sir, do you have a qualification in music education? A degree or diploma is music?"

"No."

Yoongi capped his red pen, folded his newspaper and closed his eyes, trying to push away the dull pain in his temple. The subway is buzzing with people, all too busy and occupied with life that no one even pays attention to a soft melody that subtly fills the subway platform like a background music to the endless buzz of footsteps. Yoongi heard it loud and clear. He opens his eyes, turning left and right to find the source of the music. Yoongi got up from his bench without even realizing, almost like children being lured by the sound of the pied piper's magic pipe in the famous legend story. Yoongi walked to a corner and found a man playing the violin, he is a busker. There are only a handful of people actually listening to the performance but the audience did generously donate or tip the busker. Yoongi stood there for almost half an hour listening to the performance, memories and flashbacks run through his head, happy ones, sad ones, Yena.

Yoongi only has a few bucks in his pocket, but he generously gave it to the performer which to his surprise, the busker refused to take as he packed up his musical equipment before he left.

"I don't take money from people that truly understands music." Weird enough, that was what the busker answered when he refuses Yoongi's tip. As Yoongi headed back to Seokjin's place, his weird encounter continues to linger in his mind. Most people might tip a busker either out of benevolent motive or just a general feeling that the busker is talented and should be rewarded, but Yoongi could somewhat understand that music is just like a story, a message, a testimonial, a person's life in the format of melodic notes or lyrical word depiction and that's not equated to any monetary value. The busker no doubt makes money out of his performance because he needs to survive too but in all honesty, he might just want to tell his story and he is brave enough to do so. Can Yoongi still tell his story? Is his story even worth telling?

"Yoongi hyung! You are back!" Jungkook is getting clingier by the day towards Yoongi ever since he took care of him during his breakdown on that stormy morning. Yoongi is not the affectionate type of guy, a little more reserved, even though Jungkook's affection could be a little too much at times but Yoongi would not deny he did enjoy the younger's company a lot more than he thinks he would.

"Oh hi there Kookie." Yoongi tried his best to force a smile for Jungkook, not wanting the younger to think otherwise. Yoongi's head is still throbbing with a dull pain and he is exhausted from his job hunting.

"Did you get a job today?" As innocent as Jungkook could be.

"Well. Not yet." Yoongi tried to sound casual. "I'll go take a bath." Yoongi raised his voice a little, just so that others heard him as he went through the hallway.

After dinner and some bonding activities together with the others, Yoongi went into his room, shut the door, unzip his guitar bag, taking out his guitar and pulled out his music score journal. Yoongi took in a deep breath and flipped to a new empty page with clean rows of lines waiting to be filled with music notes. He tries to strum a few random chord patterns to get himself into the mood, then closing his eyes to feel the lingering echo of the key he played. Nothing came. Hours went by, still nothing, his page still clean and empty. It's now deep into the night, he had tried writing something but all ended up being tore, scrunched and tossed away. Some ended in the trash bin, some around it on the floor.

Yoongi desperately wanting to get something out. Perhaps, a little too desperate. Yoongi lay his head on top of his empty page on the desk, tears start to fall, dampening and wrinkling the paper beneath. It's frustrating, one second you feel you are all better and hopeful, the next you are back to square one, is this what people called 'depression'? Yoongi wasn't even sure what is he thinking right now, he just felt useless. He remembered the day he sang in front of the others, it felt great, as great as a mirage could be. All placebo.

"Yoongi hyung? You alright?" Namjoon was walking to get a cup of water from the kitchen when he notices Yoongi was sitting outside on the veranda smoking a cigarette all by himself in the middle of the night.

"Ye-yeah. I'm fine. Just insomnia." Namjoon now sat beside Yoongi drinking his cup of water, both looking into the little garden and listening to the sound of cicada filling the silent night. "I heard music from your room."

"Oh, did I wake you up?"

"No no. Actually, your music. It was nice."

"Nah. Those aren't even fit for a song. Just...just trash."

"But I really think those were great." Namjoon is sincere. Yoongi just smiled, though a little bitterly.

"Hyung. You should really sing, do music. I really can't tell how much you've inspired me that day when you sang for us."

"It's not that easy Namjoon."

"You aren't giving up aren't you?" There was a moment of silence. Music is Yoongi's passion, but then there are countless times he wanted to give up. Every time it was saved by Yena, but now only by his own weak will, he is not so sure anymore.

He is always counting on Yena to save him, to pull him back up from his slump, now he is like a baby eagle being pushed off a cliff to learn how to fly on its own, but the only difference is there is no more safety net that he could depend on anymore. If he fails, he dies.

"I don't know." Yoongi replied.

*************

"Yoongi hyung!" Jungkook is standing at Yoongi's room door as happy as always, smiling brightly as if there's no one bit of evil in this world.

"Can I come in?"

"Sure."

Jungkook sat on Yoongi's bed, almost bouncing on the spring of the bed. It's a bed, not a trampoline! Yoongi almost wanted to stop Jungkook.

"What're you doing?"

"Nothing, just writing some stuff." Jungkook was obviously peeping over Yoongi's desk to see what he is doing and replied with an 'o' shaped mouth before retreating toward the bed.

"Hyung. Can you teach me how to play the guitar?"

"W-What? No."

"Pleaseeeeeee.?" Yoongi hates this. He had fallen for Jungkook's trick the last time and he is determined not to fall for it again. Jungkook's 'agyeo' is poisonous and deadly. Must avoid.

Approximately 16 minutes and 9 seconds later. Min Yoongi is dead.

"Just ONE song. No more!" Yoongi glared at Jungkook.

"YES SIR!"

"So, what song do you want to learn?" Yoongi now positioning and tuning his guitar.

"Erm... Justin Bieber, Nothing like us?"

"Huh? You have some crazy taste for music kid." Yoongi laughed. The song wasn't too hard a song. The chords are easy and repetitive, probably just one or two chords a little harder for first timers but it was an alright song to try out. To Yoongi's surprise, Jungkook is a fast learner, he picked up faster than he had expected him to. That night, Jungkook was already able to play the song rather smoothly. Yoongi was even considering if Jungkook was a genius in disguise. What more surprising is how well the boy can sing. Jungkook sang the song in the living room with Yoongi's guitar and everyone's jaw dropped.

"Oh my god! Jungkook, that was amazing!" Hoseok can't stop staring at the boy.

"Seriously. Yoongi, Jungkook. Both of you should just perform already, just go busking or whatever! You guys need a stage!" Namjoon was also sincere this time and others are nodding violently in agreement.

And just so, Namjoon's idea became a reality. Not long after that night, seven of them are gathered at Hongdae, with Yoongi holding his guitar and Jungkook holding a mic. Panicking.

Chapter Text

"I-I don't think I can do this, guys." Yoongi had no idea how he ended up in Hongdae with his guitar and a long list of songs in his hands.

"C'mon Yoongi hyung! You practiced with Jungkook countless times for the past few days. A month ago weren't you still doing the band? You are the pro here, hyung." Hoseok helped set up an amplifier for the mic and guitar which they borrowed from a friend of Seokjin's.

"I.. err... I never had a crowd of more than 20 people. I don't think I..." They are not even started yet but the crowd is already pilling up around their corner, probably curious of what performance the duo will bring about. Hongdae is famous for its street performances, singers, dancers, bands, artists, actors, magicians, you name it. It's a haven talented young people would gather to showcase their talents to the public, it's a good place to start for aspiring underground musicians like Yoongi and they could even earn a living if they are good enough.

Yoongi had no idea why he was freaking out, it's not the first time he performed, although never so many audiences in the past, but he never once cared if people are even listening to him perform, it's probably a habit he developed while playing in pubs as the majority of pub goers are not there for the music. Most of the time, he would just enjoy himself on stage regardless of the cold responses from the audience, but not this time.

"Seokjin-hyung, I really can't do this." Yoongi's voice is shaking, or rather he himself is shaking all over. His hands are going extremely cold, his face looks paler than he already is and his breathing turns rapid. Yoongi had a bad feeling that he could just pass out any moment.

"Yoongi, you... you alright?" Seokjin immediately noticed how pale Yoongi is, the ragged breathing and the alarming wheezing sound Yoongi is producing.

"Yoongi come here." Seokjin pulled Yoongi to aside, the five other boys are staring at both of them. "I think you are having a panic attack right now, Yoongi. You need to relax, it's ok, you don't need to do this if you don't feel like it, we can just go back, it's not a big deal anyway, it's for fun, remember?" This is the second time Seokjin witnessed Yoongi having a panic attack, the first time being in the plane wreckage where they first encounter.

"Hyung. We can just go back. It's ok. We can still do it next time if you want to." Jungkook too was concerned with how sick Yoongi looked right now.

It's getting hard to focus now, Yoongi is getting nauseous, and he sat down on the pavement trying to catch his breath. Namjoon is fanning Yoongi with a cardboard trying to give him some air and space instead of the stagnant air from the crowded street. Hoseok is passing Yoongi a bottle of water, and a plastic bag for him to breathe into, Seokjin is holding Yoongi's shaking hands, afraid that Yoongi might really pass out.

Yoongi closed his eyes, taking slow and long deep breaths into the plastic bag. 'You can do this Yoongi! You can do this! You are a pro at this!' Yoongi trying his best to motivate himself.

"It's ok, Yoongi. I think we should just go back. No need to push yourself for something like that." Seokjin making a decision, signaling others to pack up their stuff. Just as others are ready to abort their plan, Yoongi put down the plastic bag.

"I'll do it."

"No. Not today. Maybe next time Yoongi." Seokjin insisted.

"NO!" Yoongi shouted. The others are stunned. "Let me do it! I want to do it! I have to." None of them knew how to react, they've never seen their calm and collected friend acting this way before. "I want to try. Hyung!" Yoongi now almost pleading with Seokjin.

"Ok. No forcing. If you have had enough even after just one song, is fine, we can leave."

"Thank you, hyung. Thank you, guys. Sorry." Yoongi tries to steady himself and when his breathing got smoothed out. Both Yoongi and Jungkook got into their positions, while the others stood at the side or behind them, giving them silent support.

"Ah..ah.. Mic test." Yoongi speaks into his mic, his voice still slightly shaky but almost unnoticeable by now.

"Hello! Ermm... I am Yoongi, and this is Jungkook. This is our first time performing here tonight, and we hope you all enjoy our performance! Have a great time!" Yoongi smiled, others are all eyeing Yoongi closely, afraid if things would go wrong, but to their relieve, Yoongi and Jungkook almost nailed all their performance flawlessly, Yoongi is indeed a pro, the others just have to agree, the way he lifted the atmosphere of the crowd and builds the hype, and most of all guiding and leading first timer Jungkook in his performance. Rounds and rounds of applause came their way, money too.

After their final song. It was a wrap. A successful one. It's hard to tell just three hours ago, Yoongi was actually suffering a really bad panic attack. When the audience dispersed and left, Yoongi sat down on the pavement again, blank, and it almost scared the shit out of the others yet again when he started to cry.

Jungkook was the first one that went up to Yoongi and gave him a hug which Yoongi surprisingly sob even harder into Jungkook's embrace. Jungkook didn't know what to do, so he just smiled, hoping it will calm his hyung down. Seokjin too approached Yoongi and had his arm around his shoulders, rubbing the sides as a sign of assurance and comfort. No words needed, they all knew.

'I-I think I did it, Yena.'

"Hyung... Hoseok hyung!" Jimin called out to Hoseok that seems to be staring at something, too focused to even realized Jimin had called him multiple times. "Hoseok hyung, we need to get going already, you done packing those wires?" Jimin's voice snapping Hoseok back to reality. "Oh yeah, sure."

*************

Back in Seokjin's house, Jungkook phoned his aunt, eager to share his experience which almost gave his aunt a heart attack, and now Jungkook is pestering his aunt to let him learn singing and guitar. Good luck aunty Mikyung! The others just have to laugh.

That night wasn't the last night Yoongi performed, since then, he had been heading to Hongdae by himself almost every day even during the day, one other night, Jungkook and the others had again joined him for fun.Yoongi seems to have found his motivation again. There's still a little block that he hasn't overcome when he does his composing, but it is fine, he believed he will eventually find his inspiration again.

*************

It was like any other nights that all seven of them gathered together in the living room after dinner, it has become almost a habitual thing for them to have some bonding time, whether just to chat around, movies, or games. After almost two weeks together, they are getting fond of each others' company. Two weeks isn't a long time for the seven of them, but so many things happened in that short duration of time, it's a rather crazy experience for all of them. They had never cried so much or laughed so much since the incident. It's almost as if they had all saved up their crying and laughing quota just so they could spend it all during their two weeks together.

"Hyung! (not particularly directed to anyone but everyone in general) What should we do tonight?" As always, Jungkook initiates the conversation.

"Movie." Taehyung gestured. Taehyung surprised everyone as that was his first time making a suggestion.

"Oh my god. Taehyung-ah!" Namjoon almost jumping onto Taehyung hugging him, Taehyung shrugged without even looking at Namjoon.

"Hahaha ... ok Tae. Nice. Let's go with a movie then." Seokjin starts to go through his collection of movies.

Yoongi noticed Jimin was not in the living room yet as the movie starts to play. "Hey Hoseok, where's Jimin? He's not watching?"

"Oh yeah, he's taking a nap just now, I'll go ask him." Just as Hoseok was about to get up from the couch to get Jimin, a loud bang was heard from the hallway, particularly from Hoseok and Jimin's room. Hoseok immediately rushed to see what had happened, the others followed behind. Hoseok's blood immediately went cold when he saw Jimin on the floor with his wheelchair overturned and a corner shelf had also fallen to the ground with books and other items scattered everywhere. Hoseok went to help Jimin up without hesitation but was stopped by Jimin yelling at him.

"Don't touch me!"

"W-What? Jimin what's wrong?" Hoseok was taken aback by Jimin's response.

"Don't bother, just leave me alone!"

"Leave you alone? What are you doing?... Were you trying to stand and walk?" Hoseok is confused.

"Just go!"

"Jimin, at least let me help you up ok?"

"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"Jimin! What's wrong with you?!" Hoseok's blood is starting to boil.

"Get out!" Jimin is trying to push himself up off the ground but failed and falling once more.

"Jimin! Stop!" Jimin is so close from landing on a broken mug as he falls yet again. Everyone's heart skipped a beat.

The other five boys all stood at the door staring in shock and silence, not knowing how they could interfere. Despite Jimin's yelling, Hoseok approached Jimin and grabbed Jimin under both his arm, forcefully lifting Jimin up to settle him back on his wheelchair, but before he could do that, Jimin was starting a fit, pushing Hoseok away from him.

"NO! GO AWAY!... NOO! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Jimin was screaming and crying so loud even Yeontan ran and went into hiding.

"Jimin! What's going on?! Please!" Hoseok was frustrated as he couldn't calm Jimin down.

Jimin, now crying on the floor. "I can't do it. I can't do it! I CAN'T DO IT! HYUNG!!"

"YOU CAN! But not now Jimin. It takes time, you knew it!"

"It's been more than six months hyung! Even if you cut me on my legs, I can't feel them!"

Hoseok had no idea why Jimin acted this way all of a sudden. Wasn't Jimin getting better already? What happened? Hoseok is extremely puzzled.

Jimin suddenly let out an eerie laugh. "I guess I am as good as dead. Hyung, you should just leave. You don't need to pity me you know? Why waste your time on me, hyung? You should be enjoying your life, college, get yourself a girlfriend, you know. Don't spend your precious youth caring for a hopeless piece of shit. I should have just died that day, it would be great if you just left me on that .." Before Jimin could finish his sentence, Hoseok slapped Jimin hard across his face, so hard, his hand turned red and numb and Jimin was shocked with eyes wide opened. There was a moment of silence, everyone was holding their breath. Then, Hoseok stood up, pushing through the others crowding the room door, headed down the hallway for the main door, slamming it shut behind him and left the house.

Chapter Text

A burning sensation was felt in every inch of the lining of his throat, almost like his whole throat was on fire, his tongue lingers with an ugly bitterness that reminded him of his grandma's disgusting herbal tea. Was Soju always this bitter? It felt different from the last time he had it, but he liked it somehow, a little masochist if you would like to call it. Hoseok smirk.

Hoseok dislikes those tiny Soju glasses, it's a hassle to pour it out of the bottle into the tiny glass where it was all down in just one go, Hoseok doesn't see the point to it. He preferred to just drink it from the bottle, like a man. He felt his face burning up, he is pretty sure he must be looking red by now, like a tomato, but who cares. There was a mixture of disappointment and excitement when one bottle empties and he get to move on to a whole new bottle. He wasn't even counting how many time he had repeated that process, the only thing he knows is that it was still not enough, he was still way too sober.

"That's not how you drink." A rather gentle voice broke Hoseok's drinking flow. A hand came and grabbed the bottle he was gulping down and took it away from his grip. He saw the hand swiftly poured the Soju into those tiny shot glasses that he hated and a glass was pushed in front of him.

"Why do you care?" Hoseok blurted out, now gulping down from the shot glass instead.

"You are abusing your drink, that's why." The voice still as gentle as it is. Hoseok let out an empty laugh as he down the next shot.

"Hyung."

"Mm?"

"I'm tired." Hoseok starts to tear up, staring into the empty green Soju bottles lined on the table.

"I don't think I can fight anymore." Hoseok now swirling his shot glass with a tiny bit of Soju left in it.

"It's not a war. You don't need to fight." Yoongi was drinking from his glass as well, closely looking at Hoseok in front of him.

"I-I hurt him. I slapped him." Hoseok with tears streaming down in silence.

"He hurt you too. If you really want to put it this way."

"I shouldn't have slapped him."

"That's because you care."

"No. I was ... I was angry, it pains me everytime he was like that. He had suffered enough already. If I can, I wish it was me that was in that wheelchair."

"You don't need to carry the burden alone like that, I'm not saying you shouldn't care for him, but it is not your responsibility, you don't owe Jimin anything, Hoseok."

"You know, I got him into dancing. I gave him empty hope."

"You never knew, it's not your fault. You are a victim yourself, you've done your best. Jimin is really lucky to have you." Hoseok shook his head.

"I don't know what to do anymore, hyung. I'm scared, I'm worried... I don't want to lose anyone anymore."

Hoseok was totally knocked out when the conversation somewhat ended (though not quite), Yoongi had to drag the drunken mess back to Seokjin's place. Yoongi was exhausted and sweating profusely when they arrived at the doorstep, Namjoon and Seokjin quickly took over from Yoongi before Yoongi's legs gave way.

"Oh my god. How much did he drink? Where did you find him?" Seokjin taking off Hoseok's shoes and socks as Hoseok slumps on the couch, mumbling things that no one could understand.

"Found him drinking on his own at the hawker stand two blocks down the street. How's Jimin?"

"Should be asleep by now, he was just crying and crying for the past few hours when you guys are out... Thanks Yoongi." Seokjin gave Yoongi a warm smile.

"Don't mention." Yoongi smiled.

Hoseok was reeked of alcohol, and they had to put a trash bin by the side of the couch because he was throwing up too, it was a sleepless night for everyone under that roof.

The next morning, as expected, the hangover sets in. Hoseok woke up with a throbbing headache and he just feels like he was down with some flu or something, it's just pure torture. As Hoseok opens his eyes, what came into focus was Jimin staring down at him.

"Ji-Jimin, y-you alright? I'm so-sorry I-I... yesterday, I didn't mean to..."

"Hyung."

"Y-yes?"

"Can you promise me something?"

"Promise? Wh-what?" Hoseok with the pain in his head and Jimin saying weird stuff to him was utterly confused.

"Just promise me."

"O-okay."

"Promise me don't give up on your dreams. Dance. Hyung."

Hoseok wasn't expecting this to come out of Jimin's mouth. Hoseok's eyes grew wide and stare blankly at Jimin.

"I saw you watching those dancers dancing in Hongdae that night, you were so engrossed I've never seen so much longing and passion in you for a while, but you look sad... Then I realized, I just ... I just can't be so selfish tying you down from your dreams like this."

Hoseok holding back his tears. "Jimin, you are not tying me down. It's not because of you that I stopped dancing, it's because I couldn't. You had no idea what I saw in the plane wreckage and what happened the weeks that followed, you are in a coma, but I... Jimin, knowing that they (dance crew members) are dead and seeing them dead before your eyes are different. Every night, every time I tried to dance... I saw... saw... they... It's never the same anymore." Hoseok let loose his tear faucet.

Jimin didn't know Hoseok had nightmares, Jimin felt guilty not knowing Hoseok had his own sufferings too.

"Hyung, I'm so sorry, I didn't know. I'm so stupid, how could I..."

"Jimin, don't... you are the one that held me together, you helped me to live on."

It was an emotional morning for the duo, thanks to Seokjin's hangover soup, everyone felt better after a satisfying breakfast, and that episode came to an end, they left the tears in the past. Today will be a brand new day.

*************

Jungkook is sulking. He's been upset the whole day now. Jimin had tried to cheer him up, but Jungkook just couldn't get himself in the right mood.

"Oh Kookie. Don't be like that, we can still meet up in the future." Jimin's not sure if he should be laughing at the younger boy, the way he is angry and pouting is just hilariously adorable.

"I hate her. She won't listen to me!" Jungkook crossing his arms sitting on the couch.

"Well, in fact, she did listen to you. She had let you stay another week the last time you called her, remember?"

"I just don't want to go back!"

"Jungkook, we all need to go back to our homes eventually. Seokjin's place is not your house. We are just here for this 'gathering', a vacation."

Two weeks ended in a blink of an eye, Jungkook's aunt is coming in two days to bring Jungkook home and he is not happy about it. Hoseok and Jimin are leaving too, Jimin needs to carry on his physiotherapy. All three are leaving in another two days. As an old idiom goes: All feasts must come to an end. They meet and they part. Perhaps this is just how life is.

*************

Yoongi was packing his guitar when a man approached him in Hongdae.

"Mr. Min Yoongi?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Lee Deukchang from BH entertainment..."

Okay, now for some facts. Yoongi never gambles, he does not believe in his own luck, luck had never been on his side as far as he could remember, meeting Yena being the only exception, of course. But that too did not last. But he might want to change his perspective on that now. It's an audition call, just like the one he had before the incident. He didn't know if he should take the chance, but the others ensured Yoongi that it was probably a once in a lifetime chance and that he should go for it. He had got nothing to lose anyway. He had let the opportunity slipped once, though not intended at all but he should not let himself regret again.

Yoongi did not believe his ears when he received a call from the company the next day after his audition, he's in. Shit. Yoongi struck the lottery for real this time.

"Guys. Oh my god." Yoongi went pale. The other boys hate seeing pale Yoongi, it just reminds them when Yoongi had his crazy panic attack.

"What? What happened?" Seokjin jumped off the couch, eyes wide, preparing himself for some bad news.

"I'm in."

"In what?........ Wait! You mean you got IN?"

"Yeah."

The next second was as if Korea just won 4th again during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Cheers erupted in the house, with all of them jumping in joy.

"This calls for a celebration! Future Star!!!!" Seokjin announced.

"C'mon guys, I will be just a trainee, I don't even know if I will get to debut or even just stay and do music."

"Yoongi hyung. You are the most talented person I've ever seen. You'll surely make it!" Jungkook gave Yoongi a thumbs up.

"Since we had great news today and we have another day before Jungkook, Hoseok and Jimin goes home, let's go somewhere and have some fun shall we?"

"Where?" All of them asked in unison.

"Everland?"

Chapter Text

"Hyung! Why are we doing this? Nononononono...HYUNG!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Jungkook-ah! You are the one who dared us to try this! No one is forcing you!"

"Hyung! AAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!" Jungkook is now a crying mess on a 'flying elephant', a supposed kids' ride with little elephant carriage seats for two that spins around a pole that it is attached to, mechanically lifting the seats up and down as it spins, however, their maximum height? Probably just 10 feet above the ground.

"Kookie chill! The kids are all looking at you!" Jimin was watching from the ground as Jungkook, together with Taehyung, Seokjin and Namjoon went on the ride. Roller coasters and other fear and adrenaline-inducing rides were off their itinerary, none of them could take those kinds of rides now, but kids' rides are fine, at least, but not for Jungkook, a lesson for getting a little too overconfident. Thus, Jungkook became the joke of the day after that ride, and he swore never to ride it again.

Next stop, Safari World. This time is Hoseok's turn to scream, shouting for dear life when a tiger came up to his side of the car window, licking the glass and bars. However, Taehyung seems to love it so much, fascinated by the big cat, constantly snapping photos of it. Totally mesmerized. 

"Jungkook, you alright?" Namjoon spotted the boy rather quiet throughout the whole Safari World ride, wonder if he was still bothered by the 'flying elephant' ride earlier or if their joke about him went overboard. "Yup. I'm fine." Jungkook staring out at the animals, "Still afraid? You're not mad are you?" Namjoon testing the waters. "Nah, why would I? Just thinking about mom, and dad ... and my sister. Dami would love to see these animals." Namjoon with an understanding heart ruffled Jungkook's hair and had his hands on Jungkook's shoulders, giving Jungkook a comforting smile, which Jungkook too smiled meekly in return.

"Man! this place is huge, even if we skipped 'those' rides, I still don't think we could cover everything in one day." Hoseok checking out his theme park map before it was snatched away by Jimin.

"There's no need to cover everything, just pick the ones you like and enjoy," Yoongi said while licking and biting into his ice-cream and conveniently passing it to Jungkook and Taehyung to share. Jimin, on the other hand, had a huge fluffy cotton candy that Hoseok insist on buying for him, Jimin now complaints that the huge cotton candy is blocking his view from the wheelchair and he is going to get diabetes from eating all that, their endless bickering is a rather pleasant sight for the others, casting away the shadow of that night where they fought.

"Let's grab lunch, there's a pirate parade around 3pm, let's watch that!" Seokjin suggested while checking his watch for the time.

"Sure. What do you guys wanna eat?" Namjoon's the first to agree.

"Burger." Taehyung signed. These days, Taehyung have been more active in voicing out his opinions, everyone is happy to see that. Especially Seokjin.

"Any disagreements? Other suggestions?" Seokjin asked, democracy is what they practice. 

With everyone agreeing, all seven of them ended up chewing on burgers for lunch. Jungkook's aunt hated fast food, deeming them unhealthy for consumption, but Jungkook is not going to let her know, he loves his fast food. It was a hearty meal for all. 

Then comes 3pm, the highlight of the day, the pirate parade. As most of them are huge fans of Pirates of the Caribbean, any pirates theme related events would fascinate them. All of them along with other theme park visitors are all gathered along the sides of the street, excited for it to start. It was truly thrilling, with music and all the costumes, boots, swords, buccaneer hats, the dancing. It's been a long while since the seven of them has ever participated in any public events, the experience is so new to them, at some point rather overwhelming, but in a good way. Jimin is trying his best to not be negative about the stares he would get; picking up and returning a fallen balloon (non-helium) that had rolled near his wheelchair to a little girl and getting a thank you kiss on his cheek by the toddler really made his day. It wasn't that bad after all. 

By the end of the parade, Jungkook, Taehyung, Hoseok and even Jimin is getting into a 'sword' fight, literally. They are selling soft foam pirate swords, and the younger ones of the group just have to get their hands on them. Namjoon and Yoongi, however, called that effective marketing, seeing how their maknaes fall for the gimmick, but nonetheless happy to see them having fun. 

"Hyung, tired?" Namjoon sat down on a bench where Seokjin is seated. 

"Kinda." Seokjin gave Namjoon a tired smile. 

"Me too." Namjoon couldn't agree more. It's already evening, the sun is setting, palettes of orange, yellow, pink and purple painted the evening sky. They've spent the whole day now having fun in the theme park, their exhaustion is a sign for them to call it a day and head back home. 

And so, with lots of screams, laughter, junk food, jokes, chats, photos and selfies, their last outing comes to an end, and is time to say goodbye. 

Jungkook was 'dragged' home by his aunt after breakfast the next day, reluctant and almost tearing as he left, they had to assure him he is always welcome to visit anyone one of them and they will stay in touch. By noon, Jimin and Hoseok too left for home, thanking Seokjin and the others for their kind hospitality. Only Namjoon, Taehyung, and Yoongi were left at Seokjin's place. 

Over dinner, "Hyung, I erm.." Yoongi had something to say. "Yes, Yoongi?" Seokjin passing around the egg rolls while looking at Yoongi. 

"Hyung, I'm moving out in two days, the company wants me to stay in their provided trainee dorms." there was a few seconds of silence before Seokjin speaks. 

"Oh! That's great! The apartment renting problem all solved!" Seokjin was happy for Yoongi, sincerely.

"Hyung, really thank you for everything. Namjoon and Taehyung too. I've never been so happy after 'that' day until I came here, these few weeks here changed me I guess. I'll drop by whenever I'm free." They could tell Yoongi was being a little emotional as he speaks because his voice is a little shaky and breathy. 

A week later, Seokjin is the only one left in the house (if you exclude Yeontan of course), as empty as it once was. Namjoon was back in his own apartment and back to his busy teaching post in the language academy while Yoongi had moved into his company's dorm. Taehyung, on the other hand, had gone on a week-long training camp organized by his school. The quietness of the house is familiar yet foreign to Seokjin, hearing only his voice echoing the hallway when he calls out for Yeontan is rather lonely, Seokjin has to agree on that. 

************

"Hello? Namjoon?"

"Oh hey! Yoongi hyung! How's things going?"

"Not bad, still bearable."

"So, what's up?"

"Oh yeah, I was trying to call Seokjin hyung since last night, but he did not answer my calls, just wondering if you know if he is busy or anything, since you drop by his place fairly often."

"Erm I see. I was kinda busy these few days though, anyway, I'm dropping by today, probably just his phone, he dropped it in the toilet some time ago. Haha."

"Oh my. Haha. okay. Ask him to call me when you meet him later."

"Sure bro."

************

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Seokjin hyung!" 

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Seokjin hyung! Open the door! It's me, Namjoon."

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"SEOKJIN HYUNG! ARE YOU THERE?" There's no answer. Namjoon is sure Seokjin does not have any college lectures that day, Seokjin could have gone out, it wasn't anything unusual. It's not the first time Namjoon drops by an empty house, but today was different. Something inside Namjoon is giving him a bad feeling about this, he had no idea what it was, just it does not feel right. Namjoon wants to turn away and leave but he just could not brush away that weird feeling, he is curious, there's something he needs to urgently find out. Call it six sense whatever, Namjoon decides he needs to get into the house and see for himself. Seokjin always left a spare key inside of the mailbox and Namjoon was told about that, Seokjin does allow Namjoon to have access to his house. Namjoon went over to the mailbox and found the spare key where it always has been, retrieved it and opened the house door. 

When the door swung open, Yeontan was the first one to come meet Namjoon at the doorsteps.

"Hey there buddy!" Namjoon stroke Yeontan's fur, making the puppy extremely happy. It's a warm welcome. But then when he looks inside the house, his weird feelings about it amplified. Yeontan's water bowl and food bowl were overturned, bits and shreds of newspaper litter floor of the living room. It's clearly Yeontan's doing but the odd thing is, knowing Seokjin so well by now, Seokjin will never let the puppy dirty the house to that extent and leave it uncleaned. Looking at the mess, it's definitely not done in just a few hours, Yeontan won't be capable of doing that, there is a clear lapse of time. How long was Seokjin away? 

Namjoon went into the house, his heart beating fast for unknown reasons. Namjoon starts to check the house, as he reaches Seokjin's room, the room door was slightly ajar, Namjoon pushes it open. Then, Namjoon's blood went cold. Seokjin was lying on his bed, though at first glance it would look like he was soundly asleep, but his complexion was pale, way beyond what is healthy and normal. Namjoon rushes over to Seokjin, to his horror, Seokjin was unconscious, there were bottles of unknown pills at his bedside table. Namjoon panicked, he bends over to quickly check for Seokjin's pulse. It's there. faint. But it's there. Namjoon almost burst into tears, he couldn't remember if he himself was actually breathing right, because he is gasping for air, he is shaking with fear. 

"Oh my god! Hyung! Wake up! Hyung!! No!!" Namjoon tried to shake Seokjin, to wake him up, but Seokjin was pale, cold and not responding. With shaking hands, Namjoon pulled out his phone and dialed the emergency number (119).

**********

"Hello. What's your emergency?"

"P-please send help, someone ju-just .... su-suicide."

Chapter Text

"Are you kidding me? Suicide? Why would he do that?" Yoongi wasn't convinced at all with Namjoon's answer.

"Even if it is an overdose on whatever pills he is taking, it does not mean he is taking his own life!" Yoongi is both worried as hell and in denial. Seokjin was never such a person that would kid around with life like that, not in a million years.

"B-but hyung, I saw ... I saw..." Namjoon holding back his tears, trying to act composed. Both arguing in the hospital corridor in front of ER without any news of Seokjin.

"What the hell you saw?!"

"Marks, cut marks, scars on his wrist. I've never noticed that until now. They are not new marks but definitely cut marks."

"What?!" Yoongi was beyond shock to learn that. But just as they both continue their argument, they came to a sudden halt. Taehyung is standing at the corridor, still in his school tracksuit and backpack staring at them.

"Oh no. Taehyung-ah. " Namjoon rushed over to pull Taehyung into a hug.

"It's not what you think. Seokjin hyung will be fine." Namjoon and Yoongi knew the boy heard what he shouldn't be hearing, they did not intend for Taehyung to know the details as yet but blame the bad timing, Taehyung heard every single word. Taehyung is violently pushing Namjoon's arms away from him, whimpering noises escapes Taehyung's throat. They have never heard noises like that from Taehyung before, the boy must be distress, worried and shocked.

"Taehyung calm down. Seokjin hyung will be ok, he is fine. Calm down." After the almost endless struggle in Namjoon's arm, Taehyung managed to broke away, his tears too, scaring Namjoon and Yoongi because, for them, a crying Taehyung is also a first time. Taehyung had only shown his tears to Seokjin and no one else.

Namjoon and Yoongi stood frozen and watched the younger cry. Seokjin is his only family now, what else could they expect from the boy? It's almost like living the nightmare yet again. Oh Lord, have mercy on the boy.

The three sat on the corridor bench in silence, waiting for the news of Seokjin, hoping it was nothing but a very bad prank. Then, the doctor came.

"Family of Mr. Kim Seokjin?"

"Friends, but yeah."

"Alright, We manage to stabilize Mr.Kim, and as what you guys might have already guessed, it's an overdose on sleeping pills, which was suspect to have happened due to his alcohol consumption along with the pills. He is stable now but because of the delay in treatment, he wasn't in a really good condition, plus he is malnourished and seriously sleep deprived. We need to monitor him further. He will come around soon enough." The doctor was calm in his explanation, seeing how white his hair is, he must be very experienced. At least Seokjin is in good hands.

"Is-is it a suicide?" Yoongi has to confirm his doubt, he just needed the answer badly.

"Suicide? Well, I can't be sure with the patient's state of mind but all I can say is that it is true Mr. Kim took more than the prescribed amount of the medication however it is just borderline, most suicides, in my opinion, will exceed the amount Mr.Kim took, I would not conclude but there is a likely possibility that it's just an unfortunate accident. Sleeping pills nowadays are not lethal as it is years back for an overdose but he consumed alcohol along with the pills, that probably caused it... But for him to take sleeping pills and alcohol, I would say is best you all could pay attention to the patient's mental state." The doctor took his leave after done explaining to the three of them.

"So... so he might not have the intention to kill himself? But then the scars? And why is he on sleeping pills anyway?" Yoongi is beyond confused now, worse for Taehyung, trying his very best to understand what exactly are the 'adults' going on about.

There's no answer. All they could do is wait, for Seokjin himself to tell them what exactly is going on.

*******

The school bell rang 15 minutes ago, Seokjin had excused himself to the washroom for more than half an hour now ever since Mrs. Song's Biology class started. The class ended, the school day ended, yet no sign of Seokjin's return. Seokjin's bag and belongings still scattered over his desk, untouched.

It must be them again.

Jihwan stood up from his seat just two rows behind Seokjin's in a now pretty much vacant classroom and head for the washroom. 'I swear, I am going to kill those bastards!' Jihwan pulls his fingers into a fist, loosen his tie and stomped out of the classroom. Seokjin is a quiet kid, a nerd for all Jihwan knew, they are classmates but not that close per se, the 'hi-bye' type, perhaps. It's been a while that Seokjin's behavior caught Jihwan's attention, well, not just Jihwan, the whole school, in fact, only teachers are stupid enough to not noticed his change. A 'Bbang Shuttle' they called him, Seokjin's new nickname.

Jihwan sprint rapidly through the long school corridors reaching the secluded boy's washroom at the far end of the school building. It has always been this washroom, all the crap that happened in there since the school was built decades ago, it's a horrible schools history, a history silently kept that only students knew. Jihwan wonders why is the washroom even there in the first place, the architecture is just plain weird.

Jihwan enters the washroom with a racing heart, it's strange, Jihwan was always cool and calm, he could still enjoy his gum during a fist fight, no problem. The eerie and silent washroom, however, gives him goosebumps, Jihwan is borderline considering calling himself a coward, a sissy now. Jihwan pushes the washroom stalls' door open one at a time, the first five yield an empty cubicle and then he arrived at the last one. It's locked, from the inside.

Jihwan knocked. "Hello?" No answer. "Kim Seokjin?" Silence. Then the sound of something light falling on the floor tile was heard, a sound almost like a pen rolled across the floor. Jihwan's heart skipped a beat, there is definitely someone inside. Kim Seokjin. Jihwan starts pushing and knocking on the door hard, but the door won't budge unless he plans to just forcefully tear it down. But no way, too many consequences of doing that, the teachers will be after him for vandalizing school property. Jihwan went into the cubicle beside it and climbed on top of the toilet bowl, pushing himself over the partition to get a glimpse of what is inside of that locked washroom stall from above.

There he is. Kim Seokjin. Slumped sitting and leaning against one side of the wall with a blood pool around the floor he sat, his once grey school pants soaked with his own blood. A blade was seen laid just inches beside his right hand and an angry cut lined through his left wrist. It's just like a crime scene, bloody and terrifying. Jihwan almost fell off the toilet bowl he was standing tip-toed, choking on his own spit. A surge of panic rushed through his spine, Oh my god! What is this?

Snapping back to reality, Jihwan forces himself over the partition, now inside of Seokjin's cubicle.

"Kim Seokjin! Hey!" Jihwan called out, miraculously, Seokjin opened his eyes, dully staring into Jihwan's eyes.

"Ji-Jihwan?" Seokjin was surprised to see Jihwan, because he was never expecting to be seeing anyone except God, or maybe the devil. He's probably going to hell for killing himself anyway, so it's the devil then, Seokjin thinks to himself. But why Jihwan?

"Hey buddy, hang in there. I'll get you out of here." Jihwan took the toilet roll and pressed it against Seokjin's bleeding wrist, ignoring the weak hiss escaping Seokjin's throat. Jihwan then took off his tie and bound it over the toilet roll pressed on top of the wound. A temporary measure to stop the bleeding.

"Wh-why...wha.." Seokjin wanted to ask something, he is very confused. This isn't what he was planning, Jihwan shouldn't be in the picture. But everything was so fuzzy for Seokjin, he had no idea what's going on.

"Stay with me ok? You'll be fine." That's the last sentence Seokjin heard before waking up in a hospital bed.

"Hey, you're awake. Need me to get you the doctor?" The first sentence Seokjin heard when he came around to his senses. Jihwan. Why is he here again? Wait! Where am I?!

Jihwan seems to be able to read Seokjin's mind before he could even spell it out with his tongue. "You're in the hospital, you...ermm you attempted suicide in the school washroom." Jihwan was looking at him with sad but gentle eyes. There's a sudden shame built up inside of Seokjin, Jihwan must have thought how pathetic he is to try taking his own life.

"Don't worry, No one except our school nurse Miss Choi and our homeroom Mr. Park knows about it. We'll keep it a secret, no one will know. Don't feel bad about it, you've just made a wrong choice. We all do sometimes.Just...Just don't do it again." Seokjin didn't really know how to react, he was so ashamed of himself, he desperately needed a hole to crawl into.

"Seokjin... it's them right?" Jihwan asked. Without himself realizing, tears have been falling mercilessly from Seokjin's eyes. "Why do you keep it to yourself? You could have told the teachers, and they can put a stop to those bastards, they have hurt so many people already." That's what Seokjin hates about himself, hating how weak he was to not have the courage to stand up against the bullies.

"The teachers won't care." Seokjin finally spoke, convincing himself believe it was a legit excuse. "They do. Even if they don't, there is still someone that cares about you, you are not alone."

"No. You don't understand. They will keep coming, they won't let it slide."

"I'm going to make a report tomorrow to the principal."

"No. Jihwan, please! They will come after you! They have some gangsters backing them."

"Oh yeah? Let them come then. I wanted to punch that disgusting soul out of them so badly already." Among all people that Seokjin knew, there hasn't been anyone that holds justice and integrity as religiously as Jihwan, he was just the kind that would not stand at the sidelines to watch others being bullied, just like his police brother that Jihwan loves to brag about, a good man that Jihwan resembles so much without knowing.

It wasn't easy for Seokjin. Depression was what he was diagnosed with after months of bullying and low self-esteem. Seokjin and Jihwan had became the best of friends after that incident, and that wasn't the last time Jihwan came to Seokjin's rescue. There had been a few suicides attempts, but every time, Seokjin was lucky enough to have Jihwan stopping him before things get worse. Jihwan had always lookout for Seokjin, even getting into fights with the bullies. When the police start to get involved, that's when the school bullying stopped and Seokjin can finally breathe. It took a painfully long period for Seokjin to get to terms with himself, but thanks to Jihwan, all Seokjin's bad memories with the bullying, beating, insulting, threatening, humiliating, torturing, all gone, and most of all, he's no longer the emotional and physical slave to his depression anymore. They graduated high school happily like any other youth and went on to chase their dream together in Seoul, attending college, making friends, embracing life.

Seokjin knew deep down if it wasn't for Jihwan that day. He would be dead in that disgusting washroom stall, end of story. He won't have a chance to feel the freedom he had, to display the confident side of himself that he'd never knew he was capable of, and the joy life brings. Jihwan, his best friend saved his life.

*******

Seokjin felt heavy. Heavy on his eyelids, his lips, his chest, his head, his limbs, every single part of his body. There's a force pulling him back to slumber again, but also the urge to wake up as he can hear voices and movements of people shuffling around him. Fighting back the heaviness on his eyelids, he opened his eyes with much effort.

"Oh my god! Hyung!" The first figure that came to sight was Namjoon, staring at him with watery eyes. Seokjin squints and blink his eyes to adjust himself to the brightness of the lights that came his way to realize Taehyung and Yoongi was also staring at him.

"Hyung, don't move. Just stay there." Yoongi gently pressed Seokjin back to his pillow when Seokjin attempts to push himself up.

"Where am I?" Seokjin asked with a hoarse voice, rusty from not using his vocal chords for too long.

"In the hospital." Yoongi replied.

"What happened?" Seokjin asked innocently while others stared at each other and back to him, troubled.

"You ... you... ermm...."

"I what?"

"Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" Seokjin is seriously confused. What's with the three of them?

"Su-Suicide."

"Suicide?" Seokjin clearly does not remember himself doing that.

"Hyung. Do you not remember?" Namjoon asked.

"Of course I don't remember because I did not kill myself." Seokjin almost going to crack up.

"You..you didn't?" Namjoon had his eyes wide staring down at Seokjin.

"Why would I commit suicide? What gives you the idea I did?"

"The sleeping pills, alcohol and.... and ... the scars on your wrist." Namjoon spilled all his evidence of proving Seokjin is suicidal.

Seokjin laughed weakly. "I couldn't sleep so I took the pills, and the alcohol... well, I was having some really bad nightmares so... I thought a few cans would help. As for the scars ... I'm sorry you get to see them, I did some really stupid things back when I was younger, but I've never had a single thought of doing it again."

Seokjin could tell how relief the three are after hearing his explanation.

After a moment for Seokjin's words to sink into them, Yoongi speaks up. "Hyung, you were overdosed with the pills when Namjoon found you, we were all so worried something bad might happen to you."

"I'm really sorry guys. I should have taken more precaution when I took the pills, I was desperate to just doze off, I wasn't thinking straight. I'm sorry."

"Hyung, is there something bothering you? It's just... it's not like you to take pills and alcohol, I've never seen you like that." Namjoon asked with concerned eyes.

"I-I dunno. Ever since that day we went to the theme park, the nightmares about the plane crash kept coming. I just can't get it out of my head. It.. it hurts."

"The theme park? Why?" Shit. Why are they asking him? Seokjin wasn't prepared to tell anyone about it. To be honest, Seokjin was pretty proud of himself to be able to block himself away from all those painful images of the tragedy for so long that he was convinced that he had successfully overcome whatever scars that incident has caused him. He was doing such a 'great' job on recovery, why now? Seokjin felt like all his efforts are just seconds away from crumbling down now. And he didn't notice, he was shaking.

"Hyung. Relax. Look at me! Hey. Hyung!" Yoongi had moved nearer to Seokjin and held his hands.

"Ji-Jihwan." Seokjin called out before bursting into tears. It was alarming for the three of them, it was the first time Seokjin, their kind and strong hyung brokedown in front of them like that.

"Jihwan?" They dare not push further, considering Seokjin was already weak from the overdose and his violent cries, afraid that Seokjin might pass out again. It took hours before Seokjin manages to calm himself down and he is ready to tell them his story for the very first time.

"Jihwan was my best friend." Seokjin started. "He's one of the casualties of that plane crash, I was with him that day."

"I was supposed to be sitting in the seat beside the aisle, but I hated seats like that, Jihwan knew, and he volunteers to swap with me after the plane took off, if we did not swap the seat, he would still be alive." Tears came rolling down Seokjin's cheek once again.

"Jihwan had a metal rod punctured through him from behind his seat." Seokjin buries his face in his palms, trying to wipe away all the tears but they kept coming.

"When I came around and found him in that state, I-I really don't know what I should do. I can't help him, I can't save him. He was barely holding on to his last breath, I was just uselessly crying, he turned to me and ...and t-told me to 'live' before his passed away."

"Live. That's was the last thing he told me. To 'live'... Why must he always play hero to save me? He should have saved himself, he should have lived, not me, I should have been dead so many times."

"That day in the theme park, when Jungkook and the few of you are playing with the foam swords and pretending to get pierced, the scene of Jihwan before he died just... came... it's not your fault, Taehyung-ah please don't cry. It's just me remembering it."

"Then, the nightmares follow, I couldn't sleep, I really wanted to forget it, I tried, but..." Seokjin noticed the others are all crying. He felt bad for them, he still wonders if he did a right decision to tell them.

"Guys. Don't worry. I would never take my own life, Jihwan gave me his life, I owed him my own." He wanted to assure the three and comfort them.

"Hyung. Why are you so stupid!" Yoongi's words took Seokjin by surprise. "You've always told us to tell you about our problems yet you suffer on your own! How stupid is that?!"

"I-I just .. just.." Seokjin lost for words. Indeed, Seokjin had always kept things to himself but told others to share their worries with him. Such a hypocrite.

"Listen hyung. You'll have to tell us all your problems from now on, we don't care how petty it may be, but we have the rights to know since you've known ours' already. It should be fair." Yoongi demanded but trying to sound less serious, wanting to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, I agree with Yoongi hyung. Don't think we won't understand what you've been through, we are on the same plane! And what I saw was nothing better than yours anyway." Namjoon remembering his brother.

"Hyung. Please tell me when you are hurt." Taehyung too signed.

Seokjin was touched.

*******

ONE AND A HALF YEAR LATER

"Oh my god!!! 3 minutes and 33 seconds!!!" Jungkook looking at his stopwatch shouted.

"Jimin hyung! You've just broken your record again for the third time this week! Namjoon hyung please pay up!"

"What the hell Jungkook! When was this a betting game for you guys?!" Jimin snapped. Jimin was improving on his muscle strength and nerves reflex on his back and legs, he is able to hold himself to stand up with the help of a walking frame for a longer duration now, without the help of anyone of course. They are all hopeful that Jimin may really get to walk again in the near future.

"Are you guys ready yet? And Yoongi, stop wearing those mask and cap, no ones' gonna recognize you ok!" Seokjin shouted from the kitchen, making them breakfast and eyeing a full black all covered up Yoongi appearing in front of him.

"Tae-ah! It's breakfast time!" Seokjin shouted again. Another five minutes went by, still no sign of Taehyung yet. Seokjin then approached Taehyung's room and found the boy doing his homework, Seokjin had only came to realize not long ago that Taehyung is actually a really studious kid, the amount of time he spends on studying sometimes even worries Seokjin, but it could just be the KSATs approaching, Seokjin was happy that Taehyung finally had goals he is aiming for, unlike the other two high schoolers Jimin and Jungkook that are more laid back in their studies.

"Tae? What're are you doing? Homework?" Seokjin quietly approached the boy, when Taehyung realized Seokjin was behind him, he flinched and tried to hide what he was doing.

"Kim Taehyung! Are you hiding something? Show me!" Before Taehyung could get 'it' out of Seokjin's sight, Seokjin snatched the book away from Taehyung. The cover of the book reads 'High School Calculus Part I' with the name scribbled underneath 'Jeon Jungkook'. Again! Taehyung had been doing Jungkook's homework for him. Seokjin shook his head. 'That brat!'

"Where's Hoseok?" Everyone had gathered at the dining table, except for Hoseok.

"Oh, Hoseok hyung went to the dance academy this morning to collect something and ask for a day off today. He'll be back any minute now." Jimin answered while chewing on his breakfast. Sure enough, Hoseok appeared not long after. It has been three months since Hoseok started dancing again, but this time he took up the post of a hip hop dance instructor for kids and teens. He is really enjoying his job and Jimin was really happy for him, same goes for the others.

It's weird yet amazing how all of them came back to Seoul and ended up living together again, this time for good. Jungkook get to convinced his aunt to allow him to attend high school in Seoul and Jimin too transferred to Seoul for his last year of high school, partly also because of a reference to a specialist doctor in Seoul that could help Jimin with his physiotherapy. Of course, his best buddy Hoseok just have to come along. Yoongi debuted a month ago, with a single that was steadily climbing up the charts, since he told the company he wanted more privacy and space for his inspiration to make music, he was allowed to move out of the cramped dorms. Namjoon, on the other hand, had quit his job as an English language tutor and now works as an editor for an English Korea-based magazine, and most of all, he moved in to stay with everyone else. All of them insisted to pay Seokjin rent, though Seokjin initially refused, but he reckoned it would allow all of them to have a sense of belonging where they too contribute to the 'family', as they now call themselves. Seokjin graduated college and works for a huge firm now, juggling work and home as he always was. Sometimes he's tired but the happiness and content with his current life is enough to chase all the bad things away.

*******

"All set? Let's go!"

It's the second anniversary of the tragic KZ108 plane crash that shocked the nation, claiming 92 lives, leaving 21 survivors, and 7 of them are on their way to the crash site memorial.

*******

"Dad, Mom, Dami. I'm back. I'm living in Seoul now, guess what! I am a high school student now, finally! I really hope all of you could come to my orientation and my graduation... But I know you all are watching over me. Aunty Mikyung and my hyungs here all came for my orientation, I'm really happy." -Jungkook

"Mom. I'm sorry I couldn't come here so often, I really wish I could see you again. I'm doing well, Mom... did you sent Seokjin hyung for me? I've never thought I'll ever get a home again. Thank you mom. I love you." -Taehyung

"Our crazy dance crew, how we missed the days where we spent countless hours drenched in sweat but drowned in laughter practicing. We hope you guys are happy, and happy for us too. Hoseok hyung is dancing again, isn't that amazing? And Jimin, he can stand! He will be able to walk in no time!" - Hoseok, Jimin

"Hey Hwijoon, it's your clumsy hyung here. I missed you so much man! I'm doing great. I guess I'll just see your handsome face now, I'll be sure to remember how good looking you are, I'm jealous though. Haha. By the way, I've never lost my passport once in two years now. Cool huh? Will see you again. Love yah!" -Namjoon

"Yena..... I guess you weren't lying at all when you told me 'It'll be ok'. I ermm... I made it. I'm sorry I was such a coward back then, I didn't even have the courage to send you off, to face you, to tell you how much I love you. Please forgive me. I love you Yena." -Yoongi

"Jihwan-ah. I really thought I would die when I lose you. You're always there for me. I really owe you big time man! 'Live' ... I'll remember what you say. Thank you pal." -Seokjin

*******

"Okay! Time to go! ... Where's Taehyung?"

"That boy loves to wander off on his own, I'll go get him. You guys can head for the car, we'll catch up." Seokjin sigh and went on to search for Taehyung.

The weather is great, flowers are blossoming, the birds chirping. Seokjin found Taehyung kneeling down on his knees underneath a huge tree not far away from the memorial hall, blowing puffs of wild dandelion he found, plucking up one and held it in his hands blowing it lightly, watching the white feathery seed pods being carried away by the wind. Taehyung turned and saw Seokjin, Taehyung beamed brightly.

"Huuong (Hyung)"

Chapter Text

Hi guys! It's me again. This is not a chapter for 'Mending Our Hearts'. Because I don't have a clue how to update you guys on some new stuff coming, so I just reckon to use this platform instead. I might delete this later on though.

Okay. First thing first. I would like to thank all of you that had been so so patient reading through the whole of 'Mending Our Hearts' and thank you for the very encouraging feedback. I was so happy reading all your comments.

There might be a possibility that there could be a one-shot spin-off for Taehyung, since some of you are interested to see Taehyung's interaction with the others and how he improves in his speech. I can't promise I will write this but I am definitely giving it a thought, if I can't get things right for a one-shot then I will not write it, I really don't want to spoil the ending of the story or spoil the characters. In short, I don't want to screw it up without proper planning. Let me know if you guys really want to see this happen.

The next news is I'm going to upload a new BTS fanfic called 'Trapped'. This is more like an experimental work for me, it's sort of a different genre, but I guess you will get the gist of it if you read. I really hope you guys will like it too.

Once again thank you <3

Updates as per 16 March 2019 :

"Trapped" --- completed
"Anthem In The Wind" --- completed

"Covet" --- completed
"Beacon Bright" --- completed
"My Hyung's Converse" --- completed
"A Boy Can Cry" --- ongoing
"The sound of our bugle call" --- ongoing
"Have you seen my mommy?" --- ongoing (slow updates)
"Room 2485" --- ongoing (slow updates)

Chapter Text

Hello to all my dear readers, I was brought to attention by one of my really kind readers that my work was plagiarised by a person that was going by the the name of "Sweetest_Dreamer" on AO3. I checked and I was shocked and taken aback that it was nearly copied word for word.

It's been awhile since I've completed this work on AO3. This story is very dear to me despite it being an amateur work with countless flaws. This story was the beginning of my fanfiction writing journey and my first ever work being published online after gathering all my courage.

I remember drafting this work on a bus home from college and crying half way through my writing on certain chapters. While the characters heal fictionally in my work, I was healing too from my own depression. Mending Our Hearts mended my own heart in a way so magical I still couldn't believe till this day. So, it is rather sad to find out people are plagiarising this story, and this wasn't even the first time something like this happened. It's a pity, really. (Especially if ARMYs are doing illegal stuff like this)

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the love and support for this work eventhough it's been published for years now. And, please do not plagiarize any work out there. All works are blood, sweat and tears of their respected authors.

Love ya'll, and please stay safe.

Yearning_Rumbles 2020

Updates as per 5th October 2020: It seems the plagiarised work has been taken down.