SEOL AH : This was where we were coming? (-looking around while following Namjoon-) BigHit entertainment?

NJ : Ah huh. (-calls for a lift-)

SEOL AH : But, why am I tagging along?

NJ : (-enters the elevator-) Because, you're my manager.

She didn't word further and followed him into the lift while her inner sides pulled a discussion on the weird factor.

Rational SA : Wasn't the rule something else? You were not supposed to go anywhere together.

Sensitive SA : Now, I feel a little anxious. What is he planning?

Rational SA : We are trying to find that, SenFairy.

Sensitive SA : Sen-? Then, that makes you RatQueen.

Seol Ah, unconsciously, grinned quietly to herself, but didn't realize the ambience inside the lift has been quieter. Hence, Namjoon looked at her in wonders.

NJ : You're laughing?

SEOL AH : (-makes a funny face trying to control-) Am I?

NJ : Rat. (-looks ahead chuckling-)

SEOL AH : (-eyes wide-) What!?

Both her sides in a hair-tug bickering were struck by his sudden comment. Namjoon, choosing to ignore her question, took the advantage of the floor being reached and exited the elevator.

Seol Ah, now like an obedient manager with attentive senses, followed him boldly as he led the way.

The corners had BTS posters and of other current artists as well. She roamed her curious gaze at each and by the time she registered entering a room, Seol Ah quickly read the tile fixed outside which read 'BTS lounge'.

Rational SA : Wait, so they have retired as BTS. But, they still have their own lounge in this building?

Sensitive SA : How fancy!

Totally unaware of what was coming, she entered the room after him. Her eyes widened with pure fascination. There were pictures of BTS recieving awards; pictures from concerts. A few pool games on the right, the straight view from the entrance had BT21 toys and plushies with an Army bomb centering the showcase. Side to that was a wall carrying all BTS albums arranged neatly into rows and columns.
Getting a full eye of the room, her gaze turned to the left where Namjoon had headed, the sitting area of the spacious lounge.

NJ : Taehyung-ie?

There were two males leisurely seated around the large and comfortable couches. Upon Namjoon's call, she identified one of them as Taehyung. So, she looked at the other whose characteristic smile introduced himself as 'HoSeok'.

Both of their attention drawn to Namjoon, their eyes lit up with an obvious delight as Taehyung reached him first.

TH : (-hugs Namjoon-) Joon hyung! Yaah, how long has it been since you came to the agency!

NJ : (-hugs Ho Seok after-) Yeah, have you both been well?

HS : (-pleased-) You tell us.

NJ : Well, I guess reporters know that better.

Seol Ah was keenly watching them laugh and settle around to his remark, not wanting to be the least bother to them. Even if it was the members, she was not expecting them to be so easily conversed and genuine at the first glance.

NJ : What's up with you two? Waiting for shoots or something else?

TH : Yes, it's a shoot. We were waiting for the unit shots of the concept photos.

NJ : Oh, right. You two are collaborating alongwith Jin hyung, right? How's it going?

HS : (-bursts laughing pointing at Taehyung-) Taehyung messed up bad this time.

TH : (-laughs goofily-) I didn't intend to do that.

Even though, Seol Ah had zero idea of their words, she was laughing to herself contagiously. Just watching them have the giggles was amply amusing. Hoseok narrated the story in between heavy laughters with inputs from Taehyung as well. In a moment, Namjoon was also under the influence of the guffaws as he walked down the nine yards.

NJ : (-settling down the laughs-) Ah, that was fun. Where are others though?

HS : Jin hyung just went to get himself some snacks. He skipped breakfast today, that's taking a toll on him now.

TH : (-notices Seol Ah-) She is.. your manager, is it?

It was weirdly funny that Namjoon was so immersed in the meet that he left her standing all the way long. No offense taken, Seol Ah was rather busy observing Namjoon's relaxed and unrestrained spirit in their company. Something she had never seen in the three months, put together.

NJ : Oh yes! I am so sorry, suit yourself anywhere.

Before any of the actions could take place, a voice from her behind made it through the gather.

??? : (-offering Seol Ah-) Do you want a cookie?

SEOL AH : Ye? It's okay. Thank-

??? : (-cuts her off-) Don't. It's unfortunate.

TH : Ay, Jin hyung. You look in a bad mood.

J : Can you believe this? There was no fortune cookies. (-takes a seat-)

NJ : (-grins-) Hyung, they might have run out of it.

J : (-munches one casually-) Imm.. Wait. Did I just hear Namjoon's voice?

Jin was so occupied sulking in an empty stomach, that he didn't realize Namjoon seated next to him. His eyes went wide at the instant of his discernment.

J : YAH! (-hugs him-) When did you come here?!

NJ : Just a while ago~

While Jin and Namjoon carried out their talk, Taehyung offered Seol Ah to seat next to him- pushing himself further as he made some room for her.

SEOL AH : (-quietly-) Thank you.

Taehyung nodded with a smile and Hoseok drew everyone's attention.

HS : Shouldn't we have like a reunion with others? It's been long.

TH : Right, lemme call Kook-ie.

As he dailed the same, after a tedious wait, he was embarrassed at the other not answering.

TH : He doesn't receive my call. (-awkward laugh-)

HS : (-chuckles-) Try Jimin then.

TH : Neh. (-dails Jimin-) Jimin-ie please..

*Over the call*

TH : ONH JIMIN-AH!

JM : (-lazy voice-) What's wrong? Why are you shouting?

TH : Nothing, just happy. Anyways, where are you?

JM : (-chuckles-) I am home, currently. Why?

TH : Come to the agency, quick! Namjoon hyung is here.

JM : (-gets energized-) For real? I swear if this is one of your prank calls.

Taehyung, putting him on speaker, projected it towards Namjoon. The latter knew exactly what he was supposed to do.

NJ : Onh, Jimin-ah. I am really here. It would've been great if you could come by though. I could get to meet you all.

JM : (-from the speaker-) Of course, hyung! I am already on move. Don't leave before I come. Okay?

NJ : Onh, I won't. Be careful.

TH : (-takes the call back to his ears-) Heard, right? Now tell me, if you know where's Jungkook. He isn't taking my calls.

JM : Onh? Jungkookie? (-thinks-) Ah, he might be at the gym.

TH : In this broad daylight, he is working out?

JM : You know how this kid is. Lacking inspiration, spends most of his time in the gym.

TH : Oh right. He has been quiet lately.

JM : Don't worry, I will pick him up on my way. He would also love to get some cheers from Joonie hyung.

TH : Okay! Don't take too long. See you.

JM : Onh. Ta Ta. (-hangs up-)

HS : What did he say?

TH : He's going to bring Kookie along too.

HS : That's good. Now, only Yoongi Hyung is missing then.

J : (-recalls something-) Oh, he is in the agency, I suppose. (-sees the time and nods-)

NJ : Ah, really?

J : He said, he also has a shoot today. He might be busy with that now.

HS : Ah, then he won't be taking calls too.

NJ : Let the other two come. Yoongi hyung might be done by then.

J : Right. (-looking at Seol Ah-) So, tell me.... (?)

SEOL AH : (-reads his expressions-) Ah, it's Kim Seol Ah.

J : (-continues-) Seol Ah-ssi. Do you know, what did the ocean say to the other?

SEOL AH : (-nervously-) They only waved(?)

J : (-looks at others shocked-) Did you hear that?

Others, while having little grins, just played along to let him have his fun.

J : (-forwards for a handshake-) That's absolutely correct! This is the kind of humor I look for in a conversation. Let's know more about you.

SEOL AH : (-smiles-) Ye. I like your humor too.

J : (-being cocky-) I am a fan myself. Anyways, I like to tell dad jokes often. What do you like to do? Or hobbies kinda?

SEOL AH : Um.. I have recently turned into shooting vlogs and such videos. And I found that I enjoy doing that alot.

J : Waah, how about having your own channel? Or do you have one already?

SEOL AH : Well, I 'did' have one. My Boss apparently wiped out its entire existence. He deleted it.

J : (-expressing umbrage-) WHO is that jerk? How could he do that to someone? Didn't you try punching him in the face?

Seol Ah's eyes diverted to Namjoon mockingly but hid it under her casual expressions. He was having anxious gulps and she wished to pull his leg further.

SEOL AH : Well, I did have such thoughts. Punch him right on the eye.

Namjoon choked focusing everyone's attention to him. To his unawareness, he wasn't expecting a cough to force out from him in that moment and mostly everyone to get distracted by that.

HS : (-passing him a bottle of water-) Are you okay?

Namjoon greedily drank some water as he nodded while the other three just watched his nervous and awkward actions.

J : Joonie. (-straight face-) Why do I get a feeling that it was you?

TH : (-nods-) I agree too.

Before Namjoon could attempt any cover or reply, Jimin's loud voice entered the room before his body—causing everyone to look at that direction.

He came in, marching towards Namjoon with open arms.

JM : Hyung~

Namjoon voluntarily proceeded to recieve his hug with a big and welcoming smile. He noticed Jungkook, walking towards them behind Jimin. He had gleams in his eyes and an infectious smile on his lips, seeing his hyung after a long time.

NJ : Jungkook-ah, (-hugs him-) how have you been?

JK : Good, hyung. (-releasing the hug-) "Words" is just phenomenal. (-claps in tiny-)

NJ : Onh, did you listen to it? Thanks, Kook-ie.

While they had a brief talk, Jimin eased into others.

JM : Where's Yoongi Hyung?

HS : He is in a photoshoot.

JM : Oh, here?

HS : Yes.

JM : So, are we waiting till he is done?

While he got some nods in response, Jin was already lit with an alternative.

J : Hey, what I think is we should all go to his set instead of waiting here. He doesn't know Namjoon is here; he might just leave after he's done.

TH : That's actually great, we can watch his shoots after a long time. He would be so annoyed. (-excited smile-)

J : Seol Ah-ssi too, come with us. You'll be too bored alone here.

Her eyes only looked for Namjoon's permission who nodded with his eyes quietly without gaining much attention. And slowly, they were all heading to the set of Yoongi's shoot.

On the way, as they all walked in groups of three. Taehyung shed light on the female character the two recently arrived males were curious about. The older hyungs walked just behind them in another trio. While, Seol Ah quietly followed them maintaining a distance.

It was not a employee-employer distance. Neither was it a height of any superiorism.
It was the space of safety. The safe distance, synonymous to a space a guardian would keep while watching their child play with other kids.

It was watching his back as she set him free to explore his happiness. All the times, that she attempted to bring a smile on his face. The genuine ones which were missing.
Namjoon generously flashed out such smiles in that hour as he rejoiced among the others. Among the members. Among the old environment.

.

.

Seol Ah stood with Namjoon's phone camera stretched out to their pose in Yoongi's green screened set.

It was, what seemed like a millennium, after over a span of two long years that they were once again attuning and adjusting to one frame.

Although, she was uncertain if she could call herself an Army or a fan of BTS. She was also unsure if it was because she had learned about them through the eyes of Armys. That- the sole moment appeared emotional enough for her to glisten her eyes with tears while lips were untiringly curved into a gleeful smile.

It was an uncanny and surreal moment for everyone. For BTS themselves to be so unexpectedly coming together at such an hour. And for the admirers as well to have their long unheard plea of watching them as one- to suddenly sing them a lullaby of comfort.

The seven boys, huddled away from the chaos of the sets, chatted for a while.

NJ : Jungkook-ah, it's not that we always have inspiration and that we are always filled with ideas. You have known about it so well. Why are you letting it get on you?

JK : (-sulky-) I feel like I am making people wait for too long.

NJ : (-dabs his shoulder-) It's okay. Take as much time as you need. Good music will make any long waits worthwhile. Bring out the best of the present. Take a break and comeback with your full strategy.

His words, although not entirely, did cheer him up. Having told that a brief rest was not the worst thing, he felt a little relieved.

JK : No doubt, your words would help me. Thank you, hyung.

NJ : Always chin up. (-flickes his chin-)

Taehyung tickled the youngest to pull out a laugh from him. Jungkook giggled, tossing his hands away while others passed on a few cheers, in an attempted to lighten the mood.

NJ : (-to Yoongi-) Also, Hyung, your recent single was really great. Seeing it break our records, had me thrilled and elated. I was so proud to know that we once worked together.

YG : Thanks.

Namjoon was well fed by his reply as the former never had much expectation from his side to begin with.

YG : Also, the ban on yours was really upsetting. Good that it's back now. Nice and meaningful, the album is. You sounded cool too.

His compliments had everyone ooh in pure surprise and rapt.

NJ : (-smiles-) It's a lot coming from you, Hyung. I really appreciate it. (-attempts to hug him-)

YG : (-receives a forced hug-) Yah, yah. Forget it. I take it back. (-gives in and stands still-)

Others laughed at them and soon Jin, HoSeok and Taehyung were called upon for their unit shoot. With a brief bid, they were on their way.

A minute apart, Bang PD made through the sets looking for Namjoon.

BANG PD : Oh, you are here.

NJ : Ye, I was catching up with the members.

BANG PD : Met everyone already? Jungkook, Jimin are also here, I see.

NJ : Yes, others just left and I was heading to you now.

JK & JM : (-in sync while bowing-) We are leaving.

They, like identical robots, marched away and waved to Namjoon behind Bang PD's back. Namjoon chuckled out lightly at their sign language.

JM : (-leaving-) Did you have lunch?

JK : Not yet.

JM : Let's eat then~ (-door closes-)

Yoongi, next, resumed the shoot after the short break taken at the sudden arrival of everyone earlier.

• At the terrace •

Bang PD and Namjoon stood side by side along a boundary with their sights thrown at the busy city presented before them. Seol Ah, meanwhile, waited along the doorway of the terrace—looking around and enjoying the breeze.

BANG PD : The case being settled, how do you feel about it?

NJ : Uh..How do I phrase it? The feeling you get after the last exam in school(?) Somewhat like that. Relieved and restful.

BANG PD : (-eyes Seol Ah-) Standing there, is she your manager? You never brought anyone here.

NJ : Ah, yes. She is.

BANG PD : Weren't you wanting to show her around how it is like inside an agency? Preparing her for future sort?

NJ : (-chuckles-) Well, I will admit it to you. But, I don't know if I should ask her to stay. Her contract ends in about a week.

BANG PD : I see. So, does she manage you well?

NJ : Great, actually. Everyone make mistakes once in a while. But, more than doing that in her work. She tends to help me with stuffs that doesn't even concern her.

BANG PD : And, that makes you uncomfortable?

Upon his deliberate question, Namjoon realized just in that instant that her kind nature never costed him any fortune. He only disliked the needless bother she would be weighed with during such attempts.

NJ : It isn't discomforting. Sometimes even, I feel grateful.

BANG PD : That says, she is indeed a great manager.

NJ : (-smiles to himself-) I guess, she is.

BANG PD : Namjoon-ah.

NJ : (-snapped back-) Neh?

BANG PD : Actually, I called you here today, to tell you something.

NJ : Ah, ye. What is it?

BANG PD : (-looks at Namjoon-) . . .

______

Pt.2 :- 8-9 p.m KST

One chapter for the members! ;)