𝓚𝓲𝓶 𝓙𝓲𝓷𝓱𝓮𝓮

ғᴏᴜʀ ᴅᴀʏs ᴘᴀssᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʀᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ǫᴜɪᴄᴋʟʏ with the boys struggling with their dance choreography and school works, while it was quite slow and blurry for me because I was still suffering from my high fever.

It was frustrating because I couldn't decide whether I feel cold or hot. One minute, I felt like using the comforter to cover all of me, or even doubled it because it was freezing, but as the time passed, I would feel extremely hot and kick off the comforter, and the cycle started over again.

Not to mention, it was quite boring and tiresome too, because most of the time, I would only be lying on the white bed, staring at the white ceiling and doing nothing and looking like a dead corpse while waiting for the school hours to end because I knew Suzy and Soojung would come to visit me.

First thing after I passed out from the high fever, I told Jungkook not to inform Chang Wook about my sickness, because I knew he was busy with his meetings and jumbled paperwork in the company, and also I knew that it he would definitely reject the idea of me going to the audition place with the boys.

It was already hard enough to convince Taehyung to agree, and knowing Chang Wook's personality, I was sure he wouldn't even listen to my plea and would make his own final decision. So to avoid that, it was the best thing to just keep him out of this matter.

"You guys don't have to do this, you know?" I smiled weakly when I saw my best friends came into my room with cheerful smiles. Just from their mere existence, instantly, I could feel the difference in the atmosphere — it was much more vibrant and pleasant to my heart.

"No, Jinhee. We already promised to someone that we'll be taking care of you until you're fully recovered." Suzy insisted, winking mischievously at me while I caught a meaningful smile formed on Soojung's lips.

"Though we'd take care of Jinhee even without all the being-forced-of-making-childish-pinky-promise with him." Soojung told Suzy as her face grimaced in slight annoyance.

I stared at the both of them with a questioning look, expecting them to enlighten me as to whom they meant by that someone. Was it Chang Wook? Or Jungkook? Or someone that I expected much, Taehyung?

But before I could even open my mouth, they already stepped outside of my bedroom and I internally groaned, not because I couldn't ask, because I knew the girls will start on the recipes, creating their own poisons in my kitchen — Well, to me at least.

Suzy was probably preparing my usual colorful medication, while Soojung was enjoying the time to make my day more suffering with her specialized remedy — the Ginger Tea. The only thing that actually made me relieved was that it's not the color of devilish purple.

In the meantime, I had to admit that I kinda missed the boys because I didn't get the chance to see the them for the whole four days. It was weird for not having them around now, hearing their crazy screaming and their constant calling for my name because of small ridiculously matter.

Sometimes, I'd find myself smiling because of those hilarious moments with them, but it will end up with my smile faded away as I thought about the future, not knowing if the boys will be in the picture of my future, or they will eventually disappear.

I hated this. I hated that I had to think about it in my sensitive state, but I hated more on the circumstances that have separated me and the boys—the circumstance of me being sick and their frequent dance practices. How I wished I was healthy and I'd be the one to visit and support them in the dance studio.

Because for now, I could only hear stories from my best friends, telling how the boys were practicing so hard and they would end up going back looking drained and exhausted as hell.

And though I wanted the boys to come over so badly, with all the strength that I had, I tried to hold back from saying so because I know I'd just turned out to be the selfish prick, when everyone was giving their all, so I don't expect them to drop by at all.

Except there was one, who would come during midnight or dawn when I was sound asleep and he would whisper some words languidly, and if I heard it right, it almost sounded like 'please get well soon, my baby girl,' then he would touch my forehead to check my temperature and left after he fixed the comforter on me. Though I didn't get to see his appearance, but I think I knew who it was by his familiar fragrance and gentle touch, and also his pleasant warmth.

On the clear evening of Friday, after school hours, I finally got the chance to meet the boys back and without any words needed, they immediately enveloped me into a bear hug, saying how much they missed me and how they were truly sorry that they couldn't visit me.

Because of the sincerity that shone in their eyes and their authentic words, and also because I was in my unstable condition, I couldn't help but to feel emotional that I felt waters started to form in the corner of my eyes, but Taehyung appeared and managed to stop me from breaking down any further.

After all the dramatic and emotional moments, with Jin's black pickup truck, we finally started our long journey with the ever so excited and high jinks Bangtan boys along with the music blasting loudly inside of the truck and the melody flew out passed the road, leaving a mark of our enjoyment.

As always, Jin would be the gentleman to drive the truck and Suzy called shotgun to accompany Jin so that he wouldn't fall asleep from boredom. Now, after an hour of the journey, I could tell that Jin was having fun talking to Suzy because he was laughing for real and his face had gone red, that for a second, I couldn't help but to laugh along because his laughter was kind of contagious. It was hard to explain, but in the meantime, it was pure and hilarious.

On the other hand, the rest of the boys and Soojung were chilling comfortably and peacefully in the open cargo area of the pickup truck. The blustery wind brushed past their hair along with their worries and nervousness. But the thought only held for a while because the next second, I could hear those familiar screaming and yelling from the back, and the peacefulness flew by, just like that.

Still, I smiled to myself because I would prefer moments like this and I guess I was already accustomed to it. I assumed they were doing their daily routines: Jimin and Hoseok wrestled around each other or Yoongi swore at the both of them for bothering his peaceful nap, or Namjoon and Soojung were quarreling over small matters again, though they just got back together and fixed things a few days ago.

While everyone was enjoying their time with the road trip, I was partially enjoying mine as I was sat between Taehyung and Jungkook in the enclosed cab. But that wasn't the actual reason that I was unhappy, it was more to because I was being treated like a kiddo by a handsome nurse—Kim Taehyung.

"Let's check your temperature." Taehyung took out a digital thermometer out of nowhere and slightly turned in his seat to face me.

I furrowed my eyebrows and attempt to glare at him, so that he knew how uncomfortable I was when he treated me like this, but when I took a glance at him and saw that he was waiting patiently for me, and also the sincerity in his dark brown eyes, I couldn't help but to exhale out a silent sigh.

After a moment of hesitation, I decided to face him. And the moment I did, I saw the corner of his lips tilted into a winning smile. Then, he placed the thermometer on my forehead but his eyes still looking at me so deeply. I swear I could just faint because of the intensity.

The thermometer beeped, and at the same time, I let out a breath because Taehyung backed away a little when he was reading the thermometer.

"Better, 37.9 Celsius." Taehyung reported, and there was a slight gladness in his voice while my eyes slowly widened in surprise because I didn't expect my temperature to drop. Not that I don't want to get any better, it's just that...

"What's wrong?" Taehyung asked when he noticed my stunned expression.

I looked at him long enough to do some thinking, and when I couldn't find the reason behind of it, quickly, I put on a forced smile.

"N-nothing." I dropped my gaze and acted all nonchalant, though I was aware of Taehyung's doubtful gaze that was still looking at me.

There was a moment of silence until a thought suddenly crossed my mind. "Wait, does that mean I don't have to take my medicine anymore? Ooh yea– "

"No, you've to finish the antibiotics, Jinhee." It was Suzy who cut me off with a smile and destroyed my palace of happiness.

I dropped my smile unwillingly while shooting her a childish glare, but she just shrugged it off as I noticed her sweet smile had secretly turned into an evil one. She then handed my medicine to Taehyung and I gasped in return.

"Let's take your medicine now," Taehyung said, taking my medicine from Suzy. And for some reason, it sounded like a command from him.

But instead of obeying Taehyung's instruction obligingly, I found myself scooted away towards Jungkook while silently giving him puppy eyes, hoping that he would understand and save me from this misery.

It was always the hardest part to make me eat my medicine, and because Suzy's had went through a mountain for the past few days because of this, she thought that it would be a great idea to pass the job to Taehyung now. But I'm going to prove her wrong, no one's going to pass this, not Chang Wook and not even Taehyung.

I felt Jungkook patting my head, and then he let out a soft laugh. "Noona, come on. You're not a baby anymore, eat the medicine okay?"

"Are you crazy, Jungkook? You know how much I hate–"

"Jinhee," Taehyung called me, an edge of warning in his voice signaling the end of his patience, that I had no choice but to open up my palm for Taehyung so that he could place the colorful tablets on it.

I stared at the tablets, then to Taehyung, to Suzy, and to Jungkook before went back to the tablets, and I shuddered at the thought of it. Closing my eyes, I quickly swallowed the whole tablets before grabbing the glass of water from Taehyung.

"Aigoo, our Jinhee is such a good girl." I looked at Taehyung again, and he was stroking my head gently. The scary Taehyung has now gone, replacing with the childlike Taehyung as he was smiling ever widely, like he was so proud of me, when it was just me, eating my medicine.

I was in a stunned silence because of his gentle touch, and because of too much embarrassment, instinctively, I slapped his hand away and frowned. "Stop treating me like a little kid, Taehyung. You're such a meanie."

There's a reason why I was being so defensive, and that's because I was only pretending. I pretended to eat the medicine, and ended up sliding it into my pocket bag secretly. The pocket that has now piled up with the medicine given by Suzy in the past few days. That's why I was perplexed when he said that I was getting better when I didn't take any of the medicine at all, other than an injection on the day that I fainted and the evil Ginger Tea.

I heard Taehyung let out a small chortle as his voice laced with amusement. I glanced at him, and he had his elbow propped up against the window as he was looking straight at me with one of his irresistible smirk, "Gosh Jinhee.. how can you be so cute even when you're sick?" He teased.

I couldn't seem to reply him as I felt my cheeks heated up, and I'm sure if I was to check my body temperature again, it must have exceeded a ridiculous number that it doesn't even make sense. I quickly turned away from him, but this time I met the nervous gaze of Jungkook who slightly flinched when I looked at him.

"Hey, Jungkookie, what's wrong?" I asked. But Jungkook just shook his head, saying nothing.

"Jinhee! Which hotel are we staying again?" I heard Yoongi asked loudly from the back.

"Hyung, I told you that Jinhee needs a rest right now." Taehyung reminded, acting like my babysitter while sticking his head out from the window and turned around, frowning at Yoongi.

"We'll be camping outside, hyung." Jimin answered him playfully before I could say anything.

"Don't fuck with me, I can't live without a bed, okay?" Yoongi slapped Jimin's thigh quite loudly, even Jin and Suzy could hear it because they slightly turned, wondering what's with that slapping sound.

"Ouch!" Jimin winced in pain. "I'm just kidding, hyung!" Jimin rubbed his thigh while shooting a glare at Yoongi because of the impact he had left.

"Shut up." Yoongi scowled.

But that did not stop Jimin from whining out at Yoongi because I still heard continuous shouting from the back. I chuckled again, because I didn't need to look to know what was happening. Just merely hearing their voices I could tell what they were doing. It was fascinating because it showed how I had grown closer to them.

"Jinhee, I'm still mad at you, you know?" Taehyung's voice made me stop my train of thoughts.

I turned to look at him and saw him glaring at me. Then he turned away, looking out of the window.

"Because I didn't tell you that I was sick?" I guessed.

"That was one of it, but I meant for that day." Taehyung shook his head, and he casually pulled me closer to him, making me lean into his chest.

"Which day?" I asked, this time in a low voice because of our close proximity.

"The day that we cuddled and almost kissed, but you pushed me down the couch," Taehyung said, and there was a hint of sulk in his voice.

I looked up at him and was surprised to see that he was slightly pouting. And boy... It was the most adorable thing ever that I couldn't help but to smile from ear to ear.

"Sorry Tae, I didn't mean to do that, really." I apologized genuinely.

Taehyung then paid his attention on me, and I continued, "It was because of Chang Wook. I'm not ready to tell him about us." I smiled at him, though it was a weak one.

"You still want to keep our relationship from your brother? I think he'd be okay with us being together now," Taehyung reasoned out nonchalantly. But I just blinked at him a few times, couldn't believe what he just said.

"Taehyung, are you out of your mind? If you want to know how much he still hates you guys, you should ask Jungkook about it," I told him seriously. Taehyung then looked at Jungkook for an answer.

Jungkook rubbed his neck, looking hesitant, but he warned anyway, "Hyung, just don't talk about it if you want to survive for the rest of your days."

But Taehyung just rolled his eyes, didn't seem to be afraid of the warning.

"See, I told you. He'd tell Jungkook everything, even something that he didn't tell me," I complained to Taehyung while frowning.

When Jungkook heard it, he chuckled in amusement and teased, "Aw noona, don't be jealous."

I looked at him and scrunched up my nose in annoyance. "Please, I don't have time to. I have Taehyung with me anyway." I proudly brag and linked arms with Taehyung.

Taehyung was a bit surprised as he looked over at our linking arm, and soon when he'd recovered, he let out a disbelief chuckle. "Jinhee... Are you trying to seduce me?"

"No, I was just–"

Taehyung suddenly leaned closer and pecked me on the lips, while I had my eyes widened and my whole movement froze, because I was caught off guard again by the unexpected kiss. Then, he pulled back with a smirk stamped on his face.

"Jin hyung! Tae hyung and Jinhee noona just kissed in front of me!" Jungkook whined out playfully that I had to smack his chest.

"What?! Guys.. Please, Jungkook is still young." Jin scolded with a motherly voice while his eyes widened dramatically through the rear-view mirror. I smiled cheekily at him before both Taehyung and I burst out laughing.

✿ ✿ ✿

After what seemed like another hour, we decided to stop in the middle of the open field. Since everyone had been complaining about their growling stomach, they finally decided to make barbeque in the open field.

Taehyung had insisted me to stay in the truck because of the wind that had picked up its pace. I had the intention of arguing with him, but I decided not to because I knew that he would win anyway. Besides, I didn't have the energy left to fight, so I just sat at the back of the truck with a warm blanket covering me. Believe me, it wasn't fun at all because I was sitting alone, when everyone had their own duties to do.

And because I was too bored, I took out the HD camera and recorded all of them haphazardly, wouldn't want to miss those precious moments with Bangtan boys and also my best friends.

I watched how Suzy and Soojung were mixing the ingredients for our dinner, while the boys were setting up the barbeque grill. But they kinda dropped all the things and blaming each other and making a ruckus.

But they immediately stiffened and freaked out when Soojung suddenly yelled at them for being noisy and messy. I laughed a little and the camera started shaking because of my laughing fit.

"What are you doing?" Suddenly a voice approached me and I moved the camera together towards the owner of the voice.

"No, stay away," I told Taehyung when he was coming closer. He rolled his eyes and tried to cover the camera but my quick hand managed to avoid.

"I said stay away, Taehyung-ssi." I warned with full of authority and he immediately dropped all his movement, standing effortlessly like a model with his hands inside his pocket.

"Back away." I ordered, and he frowned at me, but still he slowly stepped back until we were at least six meters away.

"What now, Jinhee?" He sounded mad and his sharp gaze looking straight at me as my eyes fixed into the camera, deep inside admiring the handsome young lad inside the camera.

I smiled as I asked, "Please, introduce yourself, Kim Taehyung-ssi." I said as I pressed my voice into a serious one, acting like one of the judges.

Taehyung was confused for a moment, and when he had caught up what I was trying to do, he shifted his weight to his left foot, but he still looking at me with his intense gaze while his fingers brushed through his soft brown hair mindlessly.

"Kim Taehyung, 17 year old, 5-foot-10, 135 pounds, and... charming." He finished off with his boyish smirk. But soon after that, he let out a chuckle when I rolled my eyes at his last remark.

"You sound confident, Kim Taehyung-ssi. I like that. So, are you nervous for the audition?" I continued asking while zooming the camera on him. But his reaction was immediate as I heard him scoffing while shaking his head.

"No, why would I be? I know they'll fall for my angelic voice the moment they heard it." Taehyung replied as he ran his fingers between his soft hair again, looking all proud with his infamous smirk.

While I found myself unable to say anything because his answer was too unexpected. I mean, he sounded so confident that it contrasted too much with his behavior on the day that he learned about the audition.

"Okay, no, I'm just bluffing." He suddenly admitted and I looked up at him in wonder. "Just like others, I'm nervous like hell right now." His smirk slowly faded and it turned into a nervous smile as he was rubbing his neck awkwardly.

"It's been one of my dreams to be a singer, and not just merely a singer, but a soul singer." He slowly revealed as he bent down, picking up something in his hand while I moved the camera around, following and only focusing on him.

"I admit I'm still clueless of my own voice, though Jungkook and Jimin kept saying that my voice is really one of a kind. So, I hope that one day, people will love my voice and learn to appreciate it, and it would be great if people can find my voice as something meaningful in their life." He smiled and he played around the Dandelion flowers between his fingers.

"But more importantly, I hope that my voice can save someone when they're in their darkest time." Finally, he blew out a breath on the flower in his hand. The white flowers flew away, dancing around in the wind.

"Of course you will." I said positively as I smiled at him. He slowly brought his sharp gaze back on me, looking straight into the camera lens as if to find mine in it.

"Remember how your voice was one of the reasons that lead us to the us now?" I smiled widely and tilted my head so that the camera will be out of my view.

When he finally saw my eyes, slowly, his lips quirked up into a warm smile and I found my heart raced a little upon seeing that, as I remembered the time I broke into the music room, following his soulful and deep voice.

I cleared my throats and fixed my expression into a serious one again, "Okay next.. do you have any other specialty, Taehyung-ssi?" I proceeded with the questions.

"Hmm.." He rubbed his chin in wonder while looking down. After minutes, he looked up at the camera again when an answer had crossed his mind.

"Do you really wanna know?" He asked, and the way he said it sounded so cryptic that I couldn't help but to feel curious.

"Yeah, why not?" I tried to sound nonchalant, hoping that he wouldn't notice my curiosity because if he did, he would find a way to tease me.

He smirked as he slowly made his way towards me, and he placed his both hands on the truck, trapping me in between. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion because I couldn't record him anymore, but I just let him be because I wanted to hear his answer anyway.

"My specialty is.." He whispered into my ear while locking gazes with me because we were in the same level now, "...kissing Kim Jinhee like there's no tomorrow."

I gasped in surprise when suddenly I felt a light nibble on my earlobe, that I almost dropped the HD camera but Taehyung managed to catch it before it hit the ground.

"Oops, careful sweetheart." He teased as he placed the camera gently at the side and stared at me impishly, while I had my mouth falling open and my breathing hitched, couldn't believe what he just did.

"D-did you just.. bit me?" I asked as I touched my ear in shock, and it was hot, maybe because I was blushing furiously right now.

Taehyung looked down as he was biting down on a smile, then he looked back up at me and whispered seductively, "It's a special service only for my beautiful girlfriend." He ended with a wink.

"Yah, Kim Taehyung!" I smacked his chest, but it only came out weak because Taehyung looked nowhere hurt — his lips bear the semblance of a laughter, just enough to show that he was enjoying the moments with me as his face aglow with the last orange rays before twilight beckons the stars.

It was during dinner, everyone started to feel chilly and they all had their sweater on. In the midst of cold, they enjoyed savoring the fresh-cooked meats while talking and delighted in the breathtaking canvas of sunset.

"Guys! Let's take a group picture!" Jin called out to the boys who were running around freely in the open field.

As soon as they heard Jin, they immediately gathered up in front of the equipped camera, but not before pushing each other to get to the center position, while Taehyung opened wide his strong arms, shielding me from the brawl.

"Back off. I'm full of swag so I need to stand in the middle."

"Oh yeah? I thought only people with chocolate abs deserved that position better?"

"Shut up. Genius needs to be in the center, everyone knows that."

"Guys.. It's just a picture." Jin sighed out in defeat but he just ignored them, "In 10!" Jin clicked on the button and ran towards us.

I was situated between Taehyung and Jungkook as everyone had their own pose while waiting for the camera's flash to come. But I couldn't focus on the camera as I was more attracted to see Jimin and Hoseok standing beside the truck at the end of the line.

There was something that I forgot but I couldn't find out what was it. But as soon as Hoseok and Jimin placed their palms on the truck and put their whole weight on it, the puzzle finally solved.

The hand-brake!

"Woah woah woahhhhh!" Jimin and Hoseok freaked out in shock when their weights ended up pushing the truck down the curvy road and they fell to the green ground with a thud. Now everyone had their jaw dropped as their eyes widened in panic at the moving pickup truck.

"The truck!"

"Yahh, someone stops the truck!"

Instinctively, everyone was running towards the truck in hope to stop it while I just stood there, unable to join them because of my weak condition. Not knowing what to do, I turned around to face the camera as my mind went blank. That was the moment I heard..

Click!

✿ ✿ ✿

I opened my eyes in a calm manner and saw an unfamiliar surroundings but by the fresh fragrance of the room, I could tell that we have probably arrived at the hotel.

"Soojung-ah, what time is it now?" I mumbled softly and closed my eyes, still feeling sleepy.

I stretched out my hand to my side when Soojung didn't reply me. I touched her soft hair but as I brushed down the length, it was so short. Since when did Soojung cut her hair?

Being a little confused, I trailed my hand down and felt the warmth when I touched her chest. Wait, why is her chest flat? Soojung's a C cup though.

When my hand finally touched her tummy and felt the popping abs, my eyes instantly flickered open. This is surely not Soojung!

"Ahhh!" I let out a shriek when I saw a half-naked guy beside me, and it only took me a whole second to figure out who it was.

"T-taehyung! What did you do, you jerk!" I yelled out in panic and pulled the white blanket to cover myself.

Taehyung still had his eyes shut but his peaceful expression slightly grimaced upon hearing my high pitch voice a minute ago.

"Morning baby girl.. Can you let me sleep for another 3 minutes.." His words tumbled out in his raspy morning voice, and instead of holding up his fingers in three, he showed five.

"Wake up, pabo-yah! I need an explanation! W-why am I here, in your– I don't know whose room but as far as I'm concerned, I didn't say that we can share a room together!" I smacked his chest a few times, hoping he would open his eyes.

"And–Oh my God, why am I only in a night robe? Did you undress me??" I asked as I hugged my body in disbelief.

Taehyung finally opened one of his eyes to look at me, frowning. "Geez Jinhee. I think you're cute when you're nagging and being all dramatic, but please, I just need a peaceful morning for today." He slightly pushed my hand away to grab the blanket and covered himself with it.

"Gosh, you're unbelievable." I scoffed in disbelief as I rolled my eyes, when suddenly my eyes fell onto the clock hanging on the wall, just in front of me.

1.01pm.

I completely froze as the information just registered in my brain. I rubbed my eyes, just in case and looked at the clock again. I shook my head, trying to deny the reality and checked the time on my phone. And it showed...

1.02pm.

The adrenaline suddenly flowed through my system like electricity and I shouted. "Taehyung, it's already two past one! We need to get going to the audition!"

That did the little trick, because I saw Taehyung instantly shot up from his sleeping position. "Fuck, you've got to be kidding me, Jinhee!"

In his groggy state, he dragged himself to the bathroom, but not before stumbling upon the blanket and fell flat on the bed. Despite that, Taehyung did not give up. Gritting his teeth, he quickened his steps to the bathroom but stopped at the door and turned on me, "You didn't see anything." He warned, then he slammed the door shut.

I chuckled but quickly composed myself to wake the others. I called Jimin, Hoseok and Jin, and thank god they picked up the call and sprinted to the bathroom to get all prepared. I called Soojung and she said she was with Namjoon so I don't have to worry about him.

Now, I was more worried about Jungkook and Yoongi. What was I supposed to do when these two sleepyheads slept together, knowing that they slept like the dead.

I knew that knocking the door would just be a waste of time, and I didn't bother to call their phones because they wouldn't even budge. So, I called for the hotel staff and asked for their key room.

With that, we managed to break in successfully. Like others, they woke up automatically like robot, cursing and rushing, and more cursing, and you know I meant for Min Yoongi.

✿ ✿ ✿

"Wait, wait!" I shouted when the staff in the registration booth already packed up their stuff and almost left the booth to enter the velodrome. But the moment they heard my desperate shouting voice, all of them turned to look at me in sync, some in wonder, some in rush while some in annoyance.

"Yes?" The annoyed older woman inquired as she placed one hand on her waist. She looked like the Chief of the staff.

"We have another group here. It'd be great if you can help to register them, please?" I pleaded with all my might with the perfect combination of fake tears, puppy eyes and clasping hands.

But the chief just scoffed away, scanning me from head to toe before saying, "I'm so sorry Miss, but you guys were too late and our CEO Bang just wouldn't accept late participants." She emphasized the word clearly in my face, and she glanced at the frowning boys who were standing behind me while having a face saying 'omg they're so handsome, but too bad.'

She was about to turn away but I took some desperate measures by pulling her arm, begging, "Please madam! Besides, we're just five minutes late, and they're very gold and talented that you will regret of not taking them in!" I was being persistence again.

Huffing out an angry sigh, she pulled away her arm roughly, "Rules are rules, Miss. If you don't mind, please just be part of the audience and support the other groups." She replied short and strict while eyeing me, probably judging my bad attitude.

But at this point, I didn't care anymore. We were already here and nothing can stop me. If pleading doesn't work, then I guess I have to use the rough ways.

So, I smacked the table hard and everyone flinched in surprise, "But, I mind! Look, just let the boys join this audition and I promise I'll shut up!" I continued to fight with the chief, and it seemed like I was the only eager one because the boys tried to pull me away and stop me from making a commotion but I resisted strongly.

"What's the problem here?" Suddenly, a chubby old man, probably in his early-forties asked with a worried expression. He looked at the chief with a grim face, then it turned a bit friendly when his gaze fell upon me.

Everyone lapsed into silence, and that applied the same to me too because I was already short of breath. The staff bowed ninety degrees to the old man, while we just stood there not knowing who was this sudden guest.

"B-bang PD-nim." The chief addressed him courteously.

My eyes slightly widened in surprise because it was kind of hard to believe the CEO himself was here, under the booth of such a sunny day, wearing a smart casual fashion. The chief then whispered something to CEO Bang and he just nodded in understanding.

"It's true, I usually rejected late participants." He started, placing both of his hands on top of his round belly in a polite manner. "So, with all respect Miss, maybe it was unfortunate for today and please support this audition as part of the audience." He finished off with a kind smile and I found myself couldn't argue anymore.

A moment passed as I just stood there, heaving out a long sigh and tried to accept this harsh reality that the boys were rejected even before entering the audition, and it was obviously my fault.

I didn't know what happened last night. I was so sure I'm not drunk, but it was strange that I couldn't remember anything, and judging from how I was energetically debating with the chief a while ago, I think I have fully recovered from my fever.

I exhaled out another sigh before I took the courage to look at the boys, and I could hear my heart breaking into pieces when I saw their eyes fixed on the ground, unable to meet mine.

But it was much worse when I saw Namjoon biting his lips in a regretful way, that I could feel my chest tightened. I promised that I will help him with this.. Were they disappointed in me? Did I break their hopes apart? Oh God.. This is too much to handle..

"Hey, little girl, can we talk for a moment?"

I turned around and saw the same old man was walking towards me in a brisker pace, with an expression that I couldn't understand. He was looking at me, as if he just realized something. In the meantime, everyone had their eyes widened when the CEO himself decided to approach me first.

"Y-yes, of course." I agreed, still in disbelief, yet curious as to why he held onto such expression.

CEO Bang invited me into the nearest café and ordered iced Americano for the both of us. I didn't know what to say, and I also didn't know what was the purpose of this meeting.

Even though the atmosphere in the cafe was cozy and full of warmth, I found myself couldn't stop fidgeting in my seat because the situation right now was pretty awkward, and it wasn't helping much when CEO Bang kept eyeing me and making me feel uncomfortable.

"It may sound so sudden, but I was just wondering.." He sounded hesitant as he looked at me, not knowing if he should continue with his question. But I nodded, giving him the signal to continue.

"Are you the daughter of.."

I felt the time stopped for a moment as my eyes slowly dilated at such sudden and random question from a stranger that I just met a few minutes ago. Slowly, I backed away and placed down the iced Americano onto the table with my trembling hand.

Who's this guy?

I have a lot of questions to ask, but as the time resumed, I was still muted. I couldn't say anything to this old man because I was so afraid of what was coming next.

"..President Kim Jong Pil?" He asked.

And I felt my heart dropped just at the mention of the name.

♡━━━━━━━━━━━━♡

𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻

"Namjoon hyung went missing!"