"So you said he's reached out already?"
⠀
⠀

Namjoon nodded, gazing over rows of CD's. Surprisingly, there was a small shop near the sea that carried things like that still along with cassette tapes and records. He plucked a Childish Gambino album off the rack. "Did Yoongi-hyung ever mention about his liking for music."
⠀
⠀

"Nuh-uh," Brooke replied, watching as the boy skimmed over the back of it. "Is this important?"
⠀
⠀

Namjoon smile seemed to be one of reminiscence. "I don't know... he just appreciated a lot of rap artists." He turned to me. "As teenagers, we'd have rap battles against each other."
⠀
⠀

Brooke chuckled, folding her arms. "Not surprised, he's a clever guy."
⠀
⠀

The boy began to walk slowly, still holding the CD to purchase as a gift for Yoongi. "Yeah, he's gone through a good bit. Not gonna lie... I'm not surprised he's still here."
⠀
⠀

Brooke paused for a moment, eyebrows together in questioning. "Why d'you day that?" She only asked because his voice seemed to get softer, as if what he spoke was intended to be heard.
⠀
⠀

Namjoon looked over at her. "He didn't say, huh?"
⠀
⠀

She was only more confused. "Say what?"
⠀
⠀

He knew he wasn't the one to tell, since it was only a one time thing. However, Namjoon felt Brooke might be able to understand more. "Well, before he decided to try and sober up, he tried overdosing." He gently bit his lip. "He said he felt like he was being controlled, and that it took him away from Kimri."
⠀
⠀

"You mean Kimmie?" Brooke asked.
⠀
⠀

Namjoon's eyes crinkled when he smiled tightly. "The way he pronounces things gave her that nickname." He went back to focusing on his speaking. "Anyway, he's a strong guy, no doubt. I've never seen an addict so successful on giving up something they grew accustomed to."
⠀
⠀

Brooke began to walk with him again. "Yeah, surprised me." She waited patiently while Namjoon bought the album. Her heart began to race.
⠀
⠀

She couldn't believe she was doing this. Going behind Yoongi's back and talking to the one person he made her promise not to speak to about him. In a way, she was disappointed with herself.
⠀
⠀

Maybe he would understand. After seeing Brooke still unwilling to give up her liquor, perhaps it was time to go back. He was determined to regain his old self back, he thanked Brooke for that.
⠀
⠀

Brooke only considered herself toxic to him. No matter how much she cared for Yoongi, she knew she'd only bring him down.
⠀
⠀

They left the shop, Brooke's anxiety only growing as the time began to grow nearer to the agreement her and Namjoon had settled on.
⠀
⠀

"Brooke?" She felt a gentle grasp on her elbow when she began to walk quicker in front of Namjoon when heading back to the bus. It was settled they would take the bus back to Brooke's car before going back.
⠀
⠀

Together.
⠀
⠀

She looked over her shoulder to the boy who was studying her features. "You good?"
⠀
⠀

"I'm just..." she began, eyes falling shut before breathing in through her nose. "Nervous, ya know?" She swallowed before speaking slowly. "I'm breaking a promise, an important promise." Brooke looked back up to him. "'S'not personal."
⠀
⠀

"You know, I've come to realize," Namjoon began, leading Brooke forward with his hand on her mid-back. "Some promises we make when under the pressure of someone we love, get what I'm saying?"
⠀
⠀

"I guess?" Brooke croaked out, watching the pavement move beneath their footsteps.
⠀
⠀

Namjoon let out a breath of a laugh. "I'm gonna need more than a guess here. We put our trusts into those we love, or— should I say in your case, care about, right? You weren't sure why, but you trusted Yoongi when he made you promise to not call me, correct?"
⠀
⠀

"Uh huh..."
⠀
⠀

Namjoon spoke firmly. "You know something about yourself that Yoongi doesn't right now, how you're not ready to make the big change he's going through right now. There's no other way you believe he'll get through it, and no one should ever be alone."
⠀
⠀

Brooke bobbed her chin up and down.
⠀
⠀

"I really do believe you've done the right thing, Brooke," Namjoon reassured her as they continued to walk lazily. "I feel like I'm the future, hyung will thank you. He may not be happy about it now, but he'll have seven of us for support." He stopped in his tracks to speak to her.
⠀
⠀

"You're still here for him, right?"
⠀
⠀

Time seemed to stop as Brooke thought about Namjoon's question. She didn't wanna leave him, no. Of course not.
⠀
⠀

But just Yoongi and Brooke, it was a recipe for his downfall, to her eyes. For others' eyes, just the two of them seemed like the future would be promising. Their future.
⠀
⠀

Who's wrong in this case?
⠀
⠀

Brooke looked up to Namjoon. "Of course, but I can't do it alone."
⠀
⠀

The boy beside her beamed bright like a refreshing ray from the sun through a grey, cloudy sky. "Thank you, Brooke."
⠀
⠀

Eventually, they made it to the bus stop. The vehicle that would lead them to the destination back to Yoongi.
⠀
⠀

Brooke was borderline afraid, fearing his wrath for bringing the one person she swore to stay away from right to her apartment. She hated to surprise him like this, but if she simply asked, Yoongi would never agree to it.
⠀
⠀

The brakes of the bus squealed as it halted slowly to stop in front of the two. Namjoon looked down from his tall stature to the girl. "Ready?"
⠀
⠀

Brooke gathered her composure.
⠀
⠀

"Ready."
⠀
⠀

-
⠀
⠀
A/N

I hope the lack of interaction between Yoongi and Brooke isn't boring you guys ❤️

⠀