Namjoon sat quietly, his fingers steepled beneath his chin, eyes focused on the floor of the dimly lit lounge. He had been at it for hours-analyzing, dissecting, trying to piece together the secret that was you. What was it about you? How have you managed to break through the carefully maintained barriers around Jungkook's world?

This wasn't jealousy. No, Namjoon wasn't petty like that. It was frustrating.
Why you?
You weren't a professional; you weren't part of their team, and yet here you were, an uninvited element on their tour. Jungkook promised that you wouldn't be in the way. But you were in the way. Or at least, that's how it felt.

Still, as Namjoon observed you from a distance-laughing softly at Yoongi's dry humor, leaning closer to hear him better over the hum of the jet engines-he wondered if he had been too harsh. You weren't obnoxious or demanding. In fact, you tried to stay invisible most of the time. But wasn't that even more suspicious? What was your game?

Sighing, Namjoon rubbed his temples. Maybe he was overthinking. Maybe he should just let things play out and see where they lead. He leaned back in his seat, resigning himself to temporary peace as he glanced across the aisle.

***

You thought that at least with this 14 hours long flight you will have some peace. Your eyes were heavy, you didn't have good sleep. You couldn't be even excited for a trip to Europe in this state. So you sink into your seat and finally close heavy lids. But your happiness and peace was disrupted by a sudden move near you. Yoongi claimed the seat next to you, pulling his hoodie over his head as he settled in.

"Don't take this personally," he said, voice muffled. "I just trust you not to talk my ear off."

You chuckled, adjusting your blanket. "Noted. I'll save my life story for later. I was trying to sleep anyway."

„So there are two of us." He murmured with closed eyes.

You smiled at him and fell silent. And for a long moment pleasant silence was lulling you to sleep. His voice again broke the happiness.

„Look where we are, Y/N. Do you remember the day I stood at your doorstep and asked for one chance for Jungkook?"

You laughed. „You have the thing with remembering weird stuff in weird moments, Yoongi-ah."

„Nope. Just happy it turned out this way. You are where you are supposed to be. You made him happy and you look happy as well."

Your thoughts flew to that time, when your world was shattered into pieces and when giving Jungkook a chance was the last thing you wanted. But wounds healed and scars seemed to vanish. You were grateful that Yoongi talked you out of giving up on this love, you were grateful for his friendship.

He shook your arm, waking you up from nostalgia. It wasn't a good time to dive into painful memories. He removed his headphones and he literally just talked and talked and talked. And you listened, enchanted by the moment.

Jimin, sitting a row behind, leaned over with an exaggerated pout. "Am I being replaced? Hyung, I thought I was your flight buddy!"

Yoongi rolled his eyes. "Go back to sleep, Jimin."

„Can't do. You and your monologue are worse than an alarm." He rested his chin on your seat and teased, "Yoongi-hyung's not usually this chatty. What's your secret?"

You smiled. "I think it's just the lack of competition for his attention."

Yoongi rolled his eyes but didn't protest.

Somewhere over the Pacific, the cabin lights dimmed. The gentle hum of the plane became a lullaby and you, fighting off exhaustion, eventually leaned your head against Yoongi's shoulder. He didn't move, his body stiffening only slightly before he let out a quiet sigh and adjusted to make you more comfortable.

Jimin snapped a photo, barely holding his laugh. "This one's going in the group chat!"

***

Jungkook was trying-though failing-not to glance at you.
His seatmates, Taehyung and Jin, noticed immediately.

"You're staring again," Tae teased, nudging him lightly. "She's not going anywhere."

Jin chuckled. "Not that you'd let her, anyway."

"What's that supposed to mean, Hyung?" Jungkook grumbled, clearly annoyed.

"Oh, come on. You don't let her out of your sight for even five minutes. Is she your prisoner of love or what? Even the prettiest bird needs to stretch its wings once in a while, you know? And you? You're like a lovesick puppy. It's cute, but honestly hard to watch."

Jungkook groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Can we not do this here?"
Their laughter echoed around the place.

***

The loud laughter naturally caught Namjoon's attention. He couldn't help but notice Jungkook's dreamy expression, and with a small scoff, he turned his gaze away.
That's when his eyes met yours. Your big, bright eyes were looking right at him, and before he could react, you smiled. He felt frozen in place, unable to look away.

"Can't let her out of your sight, huh?" Hoseok teased as he slid into the seat beside Namjoon.

"You should know all about that," Namjoon retorted, his tone sharper than he intended. The words hit Hoseok like a slap.

Am I that obvious? Hoseok thought, panic bubbling in his chest. I need to pull back. This could get uncomfortable.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he finally said, forcing his voice to stay steady and indifferent.

Namjoon smirked knowingly. "Deny it all you want. You're not fooling anyone, least of all yourself."
The bitter truth of Namjoon's words stayed with Hoseok, lingering like an aftertaste he couldn't shake.

***

By the time you landed, everyone was drained. The icy air hit you like a slap as you stepped off the plane. You pulled your coat tighter around yourself, trying to keep up with the group. The airport was almost empty, but not for long.

A huge group of fans had managed to get info about their arrival. Something that boys never could understand. The screams started before you all even made it through customs. Security hurried to form a barrier, but it wasn't enough to keep you completely anonymous.

"There she is!" one girl shouted, pointing at you.

You froze. For every excited smile you saw, there was a scowl to match. The crowd surged, some shouting questions, others hurling not-so-subtle insults your way. So you kept your head down, heart pounding, as the group pushed forward toward the awaiting cars.

But the dam broke.

The crowd pushed like a living tide, screams cutting through the air, their force slamming into you like a wall. Everything turned into a blur of white light and shadows.

Hands reached out before you could react-grabbing at your coat, your arm, even your hair. You stumbled, the ground beneath your feet suddenly unsteady.

"She's here! I told you she'd be here!" someone shouted.

The icy air of the airport was suddenly thick and suffocating. You barely managed to keep moving as the shouts got louder, angrier. For every hand trying to touch you, another jabbed at you with words.

"Who even are you?"

"Look at her! She doesn't even deserve to be here!"

"Hey, over here!" someone yelled, shoving a phone into your face. You flinched and tried to look away, but another hand tugged at your sleeve, dragging you off balance.

You pushed forward, trying to stay close to the group, but they were just shapes now-blurry outlines through the chaos. Security fought to hold the crowd back, but it wasn't enough.

"Stay with me!" someone called out. One of the boys. You didn't know which one, your mind was too scattered to make sense of the voices.

You tried to move toward him, but a sharp pull on your coat sent you stumbling sideways. A girl was glaring at you, her nails digging into the fabric. "Do you even care about him?!" she yelled, her face twisted in anger.

Your heart was pounding so hard it hurt. You shook her off and forced yourself forward, but every step felt harder, heavier, like the floor was sinking beneath you.

The car was just ahead, but it might as well have been miles away.

You jumped in like scared deer. Even inside the van, you could still hear the chaos outside. Your hands trembled as you clutched the strap of your bag. Jungkook reached over, placing his hand over yours. "You're okay," he said softly.

You nodded, but the weight of the moment lingered for much much longer.

***

You finally reached the place. Everyone was groggy from the long flight, but there was a buzz of excitement. For you, this was your first time in this city, and your eyes lit up as you drove past the ornate buildings and cobblestone streets.

The hotel was luxurious, with suites offering views of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. You collapsed onto your bed, letting out a sigh.

"This is heaven," you murmured.

Jungkook leaned against the doorframe, watching you with a sneaky smile. "Don't get too comfortable. We're going out in an hour."

"No rest for the weary?"

"Nope. We have a city to explore. But I guess...I could give you some time."

You groaned in response, too exhausted to argue. But instead of joining you in bed and cuddling to make this day worth of the long trip, he simply disappeared into the bathroom, preparing a bath for which you even didn't have power. But thinking of the warm soothing water and amazing smell escaping from the bathroom you eventually gave up and crawled out of the comfy place to jump in.

When you finally came back, hair damp and skin warm from the water, Kook was gone. You frowned, looking around the room. He had left his phone behind, a clear sign he was off with the others. Slightly disappointed, you flopped onto the bed, grabbing your own phone to call Sang-hee. The conversation was long and comforting, a much-needed balm against the whirlwind of concerts and chaos outside.

And then... Kook appeared in the doorway.
"Ready?"
Were you? You'd sell your soul for sleep. But he was so stubborn.

***

An hour later, the group stepped into the crisp afternoon air. Jungkook, determined to show you the magic of Prague, took the lead.

Your first stop was Old Town Square, where a massive Christmas tree glittered against the Gothic spires. A street musician strummed softly in the corner, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts filled the air.
"Is this even real life?" you whispered, spinning slowly to take it all in.
"It is now," Jungkook said, brushing his lips against your cheek.

The group wandered through the square, laughing and snapping photos. Jin insisted on trying every food stall, while Taehyung bought a ridiculous souvenir hat that sent everyone into fits of laughter.

At one point, Jungkook grabbed your hand and tugged you toward an artist painting portraits.
"Let's get one together," he suggested.
You hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"I insist," he said, already handing over the money.

As the artist worked, you found yourself relaxing, watching Jungkook instead of the painting. He was your masterpiece-your man, your lifeline. When the portrait was finished, it was stunning, capturing a magical connection between you. You knew instantly it belonged in your bedroom, a daily reminder of this moment. It was as though someone had painted your love.

"Frame it," Yoongi deadpanned when he saw it, earning a round of laughter.
"Will do!" you practically shouted with joy, drawing the amused attention of an older woman nearby, who shook her head in disbelief.

Your next stop was Charles Bridge, where the city lights danced on the Vltava River. Jungkook leaned closer to you.
"You're quiet."
"I'm just... overwhelmed," you admitted. "This is all so surreal."
He smiled, his hand brushing yours as you walked. "I'm glad you're here."

Your cheeks warmed, and you looked away, shy and flustered like a little girl. Jungkook's heart melted on the spot.

***

"Let's split up," Taehyung suggested, suddenly appearing beside you, his eyes darting around excitedly. "We'll meet back here in two hours." He took a few steps away but paused, as if already scouting his next adventure.

Yoongi drifted toward a street musician performing near the Astronomical Clock. The man's voice was raw and soulful, the kind that stopped you in your tracks. Yoongi lingered, hands in his pockets, letting the music wash over him.

You joined him, watching how utterly absorbed he seemed.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" you asked softly.
He nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving the musician. "It's moments like this that remind me why I started making music."

You smiled, touched by the vulnerability in his voice. It was the real Yoongi-the one you'd seen for the very first time.

***

Taehyung's eyes lit up as he spotted a carousel at the edge of the square. Without a word, he appeared beside you, grabbed your hand, and began pulling you toward it.
"Come on, you can't say no to this!" he grinned, his excitement practically radiating.
"Really, Tae?" You couldn't help but laugh. "A carousel? Aren't we a little old for this?"
"Yes, a carousel. Trust me-it's magic," he said with absolute confidence.

Moments later, you were climbing onto one of the painted horses, trying to hold back your laughter. As the ride started to spin, Taehyung leaned back dramatically, shouting, "Yah-hoo!" loud enough to turn heads. You couldn't stop giggling. The cold wind in your hair, the cheerful music, and the shared laughter-it felt like being a kid again.

Jin, of course, had his camera out, snapping photos left and right-one of you, one of Taehyung, and even one where the two of you somehow managed to squeeze onto the same horse. It was chaos, but the kind you'd never forget. You mentally made a note to ask for those photos later; they were definitely wall material.

When the ride slowed to a stop, Jungkook was waiting, an amused grin on his face.
"You two are ridiculous," he said, shaking his head.
"Ridiculously fun," Taehyung shot back, throwing an arm around you like the world's proudest kid.

You couldn't help but think, Could this day get any better?

***

The group strolled across Charles Bridge, the city lights shimmering off the Vltava River like something out of a painting. Taehyung's steps slowed as his gaze caught on a street artist near the center of the bridge.

She was painting the bridge itself, her long, curly hair falling over her face as she worked. There was something enchanting about her-the soft curve of her smile, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the quiet focus in every brushstroke.

"Hyung, are you coming?" Jungkook called, already a few steps ahead.

But Taehyung didn't answer. He drifted closer to the artist, his fingers twitching nervously.
"Excuse me," he said, his voice soft, almost hesitant.

The woman looked up, her warm brown eyes meeting his. "Yes?"

Taehyung fumbled, his English awkward and unsure. "Your painting... it's, uh, very... good. No-beautiful!"

She tilted her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you."

"You... paint very good," he repeated, flustered. "Like... magic?"

Her laugh was light, almost musical, and Taehyung felt his cheeks go hot.
"Magic?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. "That's a new one."

He rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry. My English... not good."
"It's sweet," she said, her smile softening. "Are you an artist too?"

"Me?" His eyes widened in surprise. "No. I... sing. Dance. But paint? No idea."

She paused for a moment, then held out a spare paintbrush. "Want to try?"

Taehyung froze, unsure, but when she gave an encouraging nod, he took the brush. Dipping it into the palette, he made a shaky, crooked stroke on the canvas. He winced.
She laughed softly, guiding his hand with hers. "There. Now it's magic."

For a moment, it felt like the world around them disappeared-just the two of them, lost in a quiet bubble of paint and possibility.

"Thank you," Taehyung said quietly, his voice uncharacteristically soft.
She smiled. "Come back and visit sometime."

He nodded, his heart pounding as he walked away.

Yoongi, of course, didn't let it slide. "You should've asked for her number, dumbass."
"What? Are you crazy?" Taehyung shot back, his voice rising an octave. "I can't just ask a stranger for her number!"
"So you're saying you felt nothing?" Yoongi smirked. "You stared at her like a lovesick puppy for no reason?"
"Shut up, Yoongi!"
"She literally said to come back. How are you going to find her again? Think this is a drama and fate will handle it?"
"Why are you like this? I know I messed up, okay? What do you want me to do-run all the way back and hope she's still there?"

Without a word, Yoongi handed him a folded piece of paper. "Here, idiot. You can thank me later."

Tae unfolded it carefully, his heart racing. "+42..." He skimmed the number quickly, his eyes catching on a name written at the bottom. "Lena."

His heart fluttered, and he couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face.

***

Later that night, your group gathered by the riverbank, the quiet lapping of water a soothing contrast to the day's chaos. It was one of those rare moments when they could be themselves, away from the blinding lights and roaring crowds.

Jin sat with Jimin, a little apart from the others, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"This feels... freeing," he said aloud, breaking the comfortable silence.

You sat down beside them, careful not to intrude. "Do you miss feeling like this?"

He was quiet for a long moment before nodding. "Sometimes. But moments like these remind me why it's worth it."

You didn't press them for more, knowing they weren't the type to bare their soul easily.

One by one, the others drifted closer, drawn by the stillness of the night.

"We should do this more often," Hoseok said, pulling his scarf tighter against the cold air.

"Another Bon Voyage season!" Taehyung screamed with excitement.

The idea was met with a ripple of laughter, and soon, they were all buzzing with ideas for their next adventure. Jungkook suggested somewhere with lots of nature, while Jimin joked about taking a break on a private island.

You watched them, a warm smile spreading across your face. At this moment, they weren't global superstars-they were just seven friends, dreaming and laughing together. And somehow, you felt like you belonged.

For the first time that day, the tension in your chest eased. Maybe things weren't perfect, but moments like this reminded you why you stayed.

***

But the morning greeted you with loneliness. You should've been prepared for this- Kook's life didn't allow for the kind of time you wished you had together. Could you blame him? No. You'd signed up for this when you gave him a second chance. This was his life, the life he loved, and now it was becoming yours too.

But you loved him to the point of madness, so you'd learned to look the other way about a lot of things.

The suite was eerily empty, and he hadn't even left a note about when he'd be back. You decided you weren't going to waste your day cooped up in the hotel. It had been so long since you'd been in Europe-even if it wasn't the familiar comfort of Germany, it still felt like a piece of home.

Wandering the streets wasn't enough. You wanted to do something, to give the boys a piece of yourself. Jungkook must have worked hard to convince them to let you come along, and you wanted to repay that somehow.

But what could you give to people who already had everything?

Food. That was something they could never get enough of. The idea struck you like lightning-an elaborate European dinner. They didn't know the cuisine the way you did, and you were sure you could impress them with something special. Maybe a small part of you wanted to show off, but who could blame you?

The supermarket was your first stop, and you strode in proudly, pulling a big shopping cart behind you. You were picking out chocolates when you noticed two girls staring at you from the end of the aisle. At first, you brushed it off, but when they started following you-through the alcohol section, the fresh produce-you knew you'd attracted too much attention.

Before you could slip away, they cornered you.
"Are you Y/N?" one asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

Your stomach dropped, and you stammered something noncommittal, trying to edge away. But they weren't letting you go that easily.
"You're so lucky to be with Jungkook," the other said, her tone a mix of envy and curiosity. "How did you get his attention? Why did he choose you? Can we take a selfie?"

The questions came too fast, too sharp, until your chest tightened, and all you could think about was escaping. You shoved your cart toward the checkout, paid as quickly as you could, and bolted outside-only to run straight into one of the BTS security guards. He swept you away like you weighed nothing, muttering something about "breaking protocol."

Back at the hotel, the stress hit you full force. The entire group was waiting in the suite, Jungkook pacing anxiously. The moment you walked in, he practically pounced on you, wrapping you in a hug so tight you could barely breathe.
"Where were you? I was losing my mind! Do you know what could've happened?" he scolded, his voice a mix of fear and relief.

The guard set your bags down at the door and left quietly, leaving you to face the storm.

"I just..." you began, but Namjoon cut you off.
"What were you thinking?" he snapped.

"I just wanted to do something nice for you guys," you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper. "You weren't here, and I didn't want to waste the day, so I thought-"

"Waste the day?" Namjoon's voice rose. "Do you have any idea how much we already have on our plates without having to worry about you wandering around and putting us at risk?"

You glanced at Jungkook, shocked to see his face tight with guilt.
"Don't worry," he muttered, his voice strained. "It won't happen again."

You couldn't believe what you were hearing. "You know, it's not me they care about," you said, your voice trembling. "I didn't think going to the store would cause this much of a problem."

"Not you?" Namjoon's tone was sharp. "What about those girls at the store? If the security guard hadn't been there-"

"Enough," Jungkook interrupted. "You heard her, Joon. She was trying to do something for us."

"And you said you'd make sure she wouldn't cause trouble," Namjoon shot back.

The weight of his words sank in like stones. The rest of the day passed in silence. You stayed in your room, skipping dinner, avoiding the others. You didn't want to see them, didn't want to hear more of what they thought of you. Coming here was a mistake.

That night's concert felt like a blur. From the VIP section, you could feel the weight of the fans' stares, a thousand unspoken judgments. Backstage was a whirlwind of energy and excitement, but you couldn't bring yourself to care.

You stayed hidden in a corner, counting down the minutes until you could retreat to the safety of the suite. Jungkook found you, a bottle of water in hand, his smile dimmed by concern.
"Thank you for being here," he said quietly, barely audible over the chaos.

You forced a smile, but he could see right through it.

***

The sunlight streamed through the blinds, soft and warm, as you stretched under the blankets. Reaching for your phone, you scrolled through notifications, the huge volume of messages making your stomach flip.

Pictures of the concert were everywhere. Fans had dissected every angle, every moment-and every shot of you. Speculation ran wild, some questioning your presence, others praising how the group seemed so much more "grounded and real" with you around.

Still, in the middle of chaos, there were positive comments that caught your eye. Fans loved the album, saying it was their most authentic work yet. That's what mattered, you thought. The music, the effort-it was being recognized.

A soft smile tugged at your lips. This was good news, and you were eager to share it with them.

You made your way to their suite, the muffled sound of raised voices filtering through the hallway as you approached. You hesitated, your hand hovering over the doorknob.

"You don't get it!" Namjoon's voice was sharp, the edge cutting through the door like a knife. "She's everywhere! People aren't even talking about the album-they're talking about her!"

"She's not doing this on purpose!" Jungkook's voice, usually calm and easy, now was furious. "She's just trying to be supportive."

Namjoon scoffed. "Supportive? Do you know how many articles are speculating about her and you? It's distracting, Jungkook. For us. For the fans. For everyone."

"That's not her fault," Jungkook shot back, his tone low but furious. "Why are you blaming her for how other people react?"

You pushed the door open cautiously, stepping inside with your phone clutched tightly. The room went quiet.

"Hey," you said lightly, trying to inject some normalcy into the charged atmosphere. "I just saw some comments about the album. People are saying it's your best work yet, and-"

"Enough." Namjoon's voice was cold, cutting you off mid-sentence. His eyes burned into you, and for the first time, you felt small.

"No one cares about your opinion or your presence here," he snapped, the words landing like daggers. "You're a distraction-nothing more."

The air seemed to shift, your chest tightening as his words sank in.

"I didn't mean to-" you started, but your voice cracked.

Namjoon's glare hardened, and you couldn't even finish. Instead, you bowed deeply, your voice trembling. "I'm sorry."

Before anyone could respond, you turned and left.

The door barely had time to close behind you before the argument resumed, louder this time.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Jungkook exploded, his voice echoing through the walls. "How could you say that to her?"

Namjoon pinched the bridge of his nose, his frustration boiling over. "I said what needed to be said. This isn't just about you, Jungkook. We're a team. Her being here puts us all under a microscope."

"She's not here to hurt anyone!" Jungkook's voice cracked, raw and angry. "She's here for me-for us. And you're treating her like she's the enemy!"

"She's not the enemy," Namjoon said through gritted teeth. "But she is a distraction. And distractions get us nowhere."

Jungkook stepped closer. "The only thing hurting this group right now is you. She's done nothing but support us, and you tore her down like she doesn't even matter."

Namjoon's jaw clenched. "You think this is easy for me? Keeping us together? Making sure we don't lose everything we've worked for because of one-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Jungkook interrupted, his hands balled into fists. "If you can't see how much she cares-how much I care-then maybe you're the one who doesn't belong here."

The room fell silent. Was it too much?

***

Your sobs were muffled against your pillow. The room was dim, curtains drawn tight. You didn't hear the knock at first-soft, hesitant. Then again, louder this time.

"Y/N?" Hoseok's gentle voice came through the door.

You froze, hurriedly wiping your face even though the tears kept coming. Before you could respond, the door creaked open, and he stepped inside, his eyes immediately finding yours.

"Hey," he said softly, closing the door behind him. His expression shifted when he saw your tear-streaked face. "I heard... Are you okay?"

The question broke whatever fragile resolve you'd been holding onto. The tears spilled over again, and you shook your head, unable to speak. In two steps, he was beside you, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling you into his arms.

"I'm sorry," you choked out against his chest, your voice trembling. "I didn't mean to cause trouble. I didn't want this to happen."

Hoseok's hand moved in soothing circles on your back. "You didn't cause anything," he murmured, his tone reassuring. "Namjoon was out of line. He's just... stressed. That's on him, not you."

You pulled back slightly, just enough to meet his gaze. "Maybe he's right, though. Maybe I don't belong here."

Hoseok frowned, his warm eyes searching for yours. "Don't say that," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "You've done nothing but support Jungkook-support all of us. You shouldn't feel guilty for that."

"But I'm making things harder," you whispered, the words cracking under the weight of your emotions. "I don't want to be the reason you all fight."

"You're not. You're not the reason. And about the Kook... If I were him..." He paused, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before he continued, "If I had someone who cared about me the way you care about him, I'd fight for that, too. Every single time."

Your breath hitched, his words cutting through your chest. You looked up at him, tears still clinging to your lashes. "If I'd met you first..."

The words slipped out before you could stop them, fragile and full of a truth you hadn't dared to acknowledge.

Hoseok stilled, his hands resting lightly on your arms. For a moment, he said nothing, the quiet between you charged with everything left unsaid. But he knew his place. He knew he had no rights. And he knew, you are just heart-broken, not thinking sober.

Then he laughed softly, though there was a sadness to it that made your chest tighten. "If you had..." He trailed off, his smile fading. "I would burn this world for you."

In another life...