Jungkook entered the practice studio with Nayeon and Yeji, his eyes immediately catching sight of Sumin and Jaemin, who were already seated in the chairs near the front. They appeared relaxed, their smug expressions making it clear they hadn't forgotten the earlier confrontation.

(Jungkook : It's better if I don't get involved with people like them.)

They walked past Sumin and Jaemin, ignoring their glances, and sat on the chairs as they waited for Jimin to arrive.

After about five minutes, Jimin finally entered, his presence immediately drawing everyone's attention. By his side was his secretary, Nancy, holding a tablet in her hand.

The five of them-Jungkook, Nayeon, Yeji, Sumin, and Jaemin-bowed slightly as Jimin approached. As Jimin scanned the room, his gaze landed on Jungkook, and his expression softened into a warm smile. He acknowledged their gesture with a subtle nod before taking a seat and gesturing for everyone else to do the same.

Jimin : Good morning, guys!!

Everyone : Good morning Jimin-sunbaenim!!

Jimin : I'm sorry for being a little bit late. I got caught up with some work. I hope you all are ready for today's practice!

Everyone : Absolutely!!

Nayeon : (Excited) We've been waiting to get started!

Jimin smiled at their enthusiasm and glanced at Nancy, who nodded and distributed some papers to all five of them.

Jimin : Those are your practice schedules starting from tomorrow. It outlines our warm-up exercises, group routines, and the individual training routine from me that we'll focus on. Make sure to take a good look!

As Jungkook unfolded the paper, he noticed it was filled with detailed timings and specific goals for each section of their practice. There were group dance sessions and vocal practices.

What caught his attention the most was the one-on-one training session with Jimin scheduled for every evening. That means each member would get personal feedback and tailored guidance from Jimin. Jungkook's session was on Sunday, right at the end of the week.

Jimin : Your first round for the competition starts in two weeks, and we have so much time before that. So, since today is your first day, we'll just start with a simple task for all of you.

Sumin : Task? What kind of task, Jimin oppa?

The term 'oppa' caught Jungkook's attention and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. He glanced at Nayeon, who seemed to cringe at Sumin's use of that word. The familiarity Sumin displayed made Jungkook wonder just how close she and Jaemin were to Jimin.

(Jungkook : (Pouting) Are they that close with Jimin hyung?)

Jimin : I just want you all to introduce yourselves properly to one another. It's important for you to understand each other, especially when you'll be working closely as a team.

Jaemin : A team? Isn't this more about competing against each other?

Jimin : I get that, but this competition is about more than just individual talent. You guys need to understand that this competition reflects not only your musical talent but also your ability to work as a team. Sure, you're competitors, but you'll be working closely together, and understanding each other will make you stronger.

Sumin : I'm not sure how learning about someone's background is going to help me beat them.

Jimin : (laughing softly) It's not about beating anyone-it's about growing together. Competitions are more than just about winning. It's about the journey and the connections you make along the way. And since I'll be your vocal coach, I need you guys to trust each other-and me. We're all in this together, and the stronger the bond, the better you'll perform. If you're too focused on beating each other, you might miss out on valuable lessons along the way.

Yeji : I guess that makes sense...

Jimin : Remember, you'll only be competitors on stage. Here, you'll work as a team to develop and nurture your talents. I don't want anyone feeling jealous of another's abilities. If someone is better, learn from them to become your best self. I may not always be here, but you'll have each other to help. Understand?

Everyone : Yes, Jimin-sunbaenim!!

Jimin : Okay! Now, let's start with the introductions. You can share your name, family background, and anything else you'd like to share.

Sumin went first, introducing herself and mentioning that her father is a businessman and one of the shareholders in the company, while her mother is a composer under BigHit. Jaemin followed suit, revealing that he shares a similar background-his parents are also shareholders in Kim Companies, and he is actually Sumin's cousin.

Jungkook couldn't help but think that this explained their close connection to the Kims. Another unfortunate detail was that Sumin and Jaemin were both seniors at Jungkook's university. Since they were in their final year, they had opted for internships instead of attending classes, which is why Jungkook hadn't crossed paths with them before.

Next, Nayeon and Yeji took their turns, briefly discussing their families and backgrounds. Nayeon came from a modest upbringing, while Yeji shared that she is basically a trained dancer and has Korean-Chinese roots and hails from a well-off family in China.

Jimin : Next... Jungkook, you're up!

Jungkook : Huh... Yes... I'm Jeon Jungkook. I'm 18 years old. I was born and raised in the USA. My parents are... um... they are lawyers. I can speak Korean, but I can't read it yet, but I'm learning. And I attend Seoul University. Please take care of me!! (And bowed)

As he spoke, Jungkook felt nervous. He didn't want Jimin to have any doubts about him, so he fabricated details about his parents' professions. He noticed Sumin and Jaemin exchanging glances when he mentioned the same university they attended. He just hoped to move past the moment without drawing too much attention.

Jimin : Great! It's nice meeting all of you. I hope we'll get to know each other even better as we spend time learning. And today, you can go and explore the company-it's your first day, and I don't want to overwhelm you right away. Take your time, get familiar with the place, and we'll jump into training tomorrow.

Jungkook : Why can't we start practicing now?

His voice came out as a whine, and he instantly regretted it, biting his tongue in embarrassment. He just wanted more time with Jimin, maybe to start a conversation or find a way to get closer to him.

Jimin : (Chuckling) I appreciate your eagerness, Jungkook. But trust me, it's better to ease into things, especially when you have a big journey ahead. We'll have plenty of time to practice starting tomorrow.

Jungkook : O..Okay, Jimin-sunbaenim....

Jimin : (Smiling) Then, we'll meet tomorrow for practice. Be prepared to give it your all.

Meanwhile in New York....

Jung-hyun had just completed a long surgery when he got a call from his wife, Gyu-Young, telling him that Jin was at their hospital to see them. As soon as he heard his nephew was there, his thoughts immediately went to Jungkook. A wave of fear washed over him-had they discovered the truth about Jungkook? Was that why Jin was there?

His mind raced with all the worst-case scenarios as he hurried down the hallway to meet Jin. Even the hospital staff were taken aback, seeing the usually calm Dr. Jeon Jung-hyun so anxious and tense.

When he finally reached his wife's office, he took a moment to catch his breath and regain his composure before opening the door. Inside, he found Jin and Gyu-Young sitting together, chatting and smiling.

Seeing Jin happy eased Jung-hyun's mind-it seemed they hadn't found out about Jungkook after all. What a relief!

Jin : Oh...Uncle's here.

Jung-hyun : (Embracing Jin warmly) How are you, son? It's been a long time since we've seen you.

Jin : I've been fine, uncle. But I should be asking you that. You look like you just ran a marathon.

Jung-hyun : Uh... I just completed a six-hour surgery.....

Gyu-Young stifled a laugh, fully aware of why her husband looked so worn out. She had felt the same way when she learned Jin was here.

Jung-hyun : Enough about me. Tell me how your business is going. I heard you've won the Best Businessman of the Year award three times in a row now and your company is now in the Fortune 5 worldwide. I'm so proud of you!

Jin : It's all thanks to the hard work of our employees, Uncle.

Jung-hyun : You sound just like your father. A true leader-always giving credit to others. So, are you here for any conference in New York?

Gyu-Young : (Pouring coffee) Yeobo, we can discuss that over coffee. Let him rest for a bit. The poor guy just traveled all the way here, and you're already bombarding him with questions!

Jung-hyun : My bad, my bad. (Whispering) Let's have coffee first, or your aunt is going to kill me.

Jin : (Teasing) You're still afraid of aunt, uncle?

Jung-hyun : Me? Afraid of your aunt? You're underestimating your uncle, Jin. I'm still the boss.

Gyu-Young : (Handing coffee to Jin) What was that?

Jung-hyun : Huh? N...Nothing. I was just saying...

Gyu-Young : (Raising an eyebrow) I heard what you said.

Jung-hyun : (With a sheepish smile) I was just saying that I'm the boss... most of the time. You know, when you let me.

Gyu-Young shook her head with a smile. Jin, holding back his laughter, took a sip of his coffee.

Jin : It's always entertaining watching you two bicker.

Jung-hyun : Enough about us, Jin. How are things at home? The last time we visited, Namjoon mentioned you were busy with work.

Jin : Yeah, it's been pretty hectic. We've had a few big projects going on, and I've been trying to keep everything on track. (Pausing) Actually, I came here today to discuss something important with you both.

Jung-hyun : (Concerned) Oh? What is it, Jin?

Gyu-Young : (Sitting up, sensing the shift in tone) Is everything okay?

Jin : (Taking a deep breath)Yoongi told me that you wanted us to reconsider him. Why now, after all these years? How did you even think we could forget what happened back then?

Jung-hyun : Jin, that time was different. You were all kids back then, and now you're proper adults who understand the consequences of your actions. We just want to think rationally about...

Jin : What do you mean by 'think rationally', Uncle? I....we don't regret the decision we made 18 years ago. We were, are, and will be happy without him. We don't want him in our lives.

Gyu-Young : But still, he's your brother.

Jin : He's not my brother. I have only five brothers!!

Jung-hyun : (Sigh) Life is too short to hold onto that much anger. We should learn to accept things and move on.

Jin : It's not just anger. It's about protecting my family and what I've built since then. Allowing him back into our lives could tear everything apart. I don't want that. I don't want my brothers to suffer because of someone you call my brother-a person we don't know anything about. Heck! I don't even know his name. He's a complete stranger to us, and it would be best if it stays that way in the future!!!

No one spoke anything for a while.

Jin : (Deep sigh) The main thing I wanted to tell you guys is that whenever you visit me or any of us, please don't bring up the matter about him. The last time you did, my brothers were really upset. And you know I don't want any of them to be sad. Please, I'm asking you-don't ever try to reconcile us. We're much better off on our own.

Gyu-Young : But....

Jung-hyun : (Cuts her off) We won't bring it up again, I promise.

Jin : Thanks, Uncle. And sorry for my sudden outburst.

Jung-hyun : (Small smile) It's okay...

After a while, Jin said his goodbyes and left.

Gyu-Young : Why didn't you let me speak with him? If we talked more, we could've convinced him. Even Jungkook is trying to get close to them. This could've been our chance, yeobo!

Jung-hyun : You really think he would be convinced this easily? We've tried for so many years, but they're so adamant about hating him. What can we do? Jin....He was practically begging us not to let Jungkook into their lives, but that's exactly what we did. Their scars from the past run so deep. Jin's reaction shows just how protective he is, and that's not something to take lightly. It could take a long time for them to open up....Even though I've given Jungkook time to get close with them, but....

Gyu-Young : (frustrated) But what? You think we made a mistake? Jungkook is trying his best, and we should support him. He deserves a chance to know his brothers.

Jung-hyun : (Sighing) I'm not saying we shouldn't support Jungkook. I just think it's more complicated than we realize. If they ever find out about Jungkook, it could end really badly. I just hope that whatever Jungkook is doing goes well.

Gyu-Young : Don't lose hope. Change takes time.

Jung-hyun : (nodding) You're right. We can just hope for the best... and that in time, they'll all heal.