"I don't want to do it."

"It's a really good opportunity, Tae," Namjoon responded, barely paying attention to the blue haired boy as he glared at the producer.

"We modified my schedule for a reason. I can't just leave Jungkook," Taehyung argued, trying to keep calm and not let his irritation overtake his common sense.

His producer gave him a soft smile. "I'm really happy you've come to take mentoring Jungkook so seriously. But this is your career, Tae. You need to remember you're already an established artist who needs to keep his fans excited."

Taehyung knew Namjoon had a point. Ahead of his new album's release, he'd been invited overseas to do a series of interviews for some of the most important media outlets. It was yet another way for him to reach further international acclaim and he'd be stupid to turn it down.

But leaving Jungkook for two weeks?

"How about we let Jungkook come with me?" He asked tentatively, the plan slowly coming together in his head. "He could see what it's like to work with the international press and maybe it'd be good publicity for him as well."

"That's thoughtful of you, Tae. But you know that won't work. The final showcase is a week after your return. He needs that time to practice."

The end of the mentorship program, which culminated with the showcase, was just four weeks away. The mentees were spending every minute preparing so when the time came, they'd excel in their final performances. It'd be unfair to have Jungkook miss that lead time, but at this point, Taehyung was trying to think of any possible way to stay together.

The two boys had become even closer over the last couple of days, even though they'd been too busy and tired to do anything but cuddle before bed. In those quiet moments wrapped in each other's arms, however, they were able to strengthen their bonds as both a couple and as best friends.

So to Taehyung, two weeks without his love - his person - sounded like hell.

But he knew he had no choice.

Taehyung sighed. "Okay, I get it. Can you have someone send over the itinerary?"

Namjoon hummed in confirmation, impressed at Taehyung's maturity regarding the situation. The artist had grown a lot over the last few weeks and it was a change the producer welcomed with open arms.

"One last thing," Namjoon called out before Taehyung left his office. "You haven't told Jungkook about the show tonight, right?"

Taehyung shook his head. "No. But I don't get why it's such a secret."

"It's good preparation for them," the producer answered simply. "Suga and I haven't told our mentees either."

The younger shrugged his shoulders but decided not to push further. "I hope it's okay, but I invited a couple of people, too."

Namjoon shot the artist a look. "Tae, this isn't some random performance. It's the company executives' first chance to see their potential new artists. I want to keep this as small and intimate as possible."

Taehyung smiled. "It'll be intimate alright. One of the people I invited is Jin, after all."

Redness rose to Namjoon's cheeks. "Kim Taehyung, you have no right to interfere in my personal life."

"Who said I invited Jin for you?" He teased, a playful smile pulling at his lips. "You do know he is my brother, right?"

Namjoon rolled his eyes but said nothing additional, knowing the boy would just continue to bait him. Taehyung sent him a mock salute before leaving, wanting to check in on Jungkook before his vocal conditioning session began.

Meanwhile, Jungkook was with Jimin and Yeonjun, drilling a dance routine with J-Hope again and again. The choreographer was being tough on them, starting the song over if even the slightest mistake was made.

They finished yet another iteration of the routine, panting as they held the final pose. J-Hope watched as they breathed heavily, slightly narrowing his eyes as Jungkook's arms dropped a fraction.

"I know you guys are tired, but we have to get this right," he said, moving over to Jungkook and pushing him back into the correct pose. "When it comes time for the company to seriously evaluate you, even the smallest details matter."

After they held their ending positions for another minute, he let them relax. "Take a few minutes before we do it again."

Yeonjun asked for permission to run an idea by RM, which the choreographer granted with a wave. Jimin and Jungkook sat on the floor, gulping down water as they stretched out their tired muscles.

"Hoseok and Yoongi asked to talk to me later this evening," Jimin muttered under his breath when the choreographer was distracted. "I don't know what it's about and I'm freaking out."

Jungkook gave him a wry smile. "What do you want it to be about?"

Jimin rolled his shoulders back, a series of cracks sounding in tandem. "Work. I'm not sure if I can handle any personal developments in my life right now."

"Okay, so what will your response be if they ask you on a date or something?"

The elder groaned. "I don't know. But I'm praying we won't even get to that point."

Jungkook laughed, thinking the trio would absolutely get to that point. J-Hope was sending vibes towards Jimin the entire practice, being extra touchy when he made corrections. And Yoongi, who was typically absent from the dance rehearsals, watched the practice for the first twenty minutes before sulking out.

Jimin talked more about how he'd handle the situation if it did arise, but Jungkook's attention was drawn elsewhere at the end. Taehyung had walked into the room, his blue hair contrasting against his neutral colored clothing, and his gaze instantly found Jungkook.

The younger had to bite his lip to refrain from smiling too big. His boyfriend's eyes were alight with happiness as he brazenly checked out Jungkook, his tongue darting out to moisten his bottom lip.

Noticing his friend's distraction, Jimin glanced over his shoulder and sighed. "You guys are so obvious."

"We are not," Jungkook muttered as Taehyung joined them, plopping down next to him.

"Hey, Jimin," Taehyung grinned at the elder. Over the last couple of days, the two had gotten to know each other better and started to strike up a genuine friendship.

Taehyung nudged Jungkook's shoulder and winked. "Hey, baby," he said quietly.

"Like I said, so obvious, Jimin repeated, but smiled at the two. "How can everyone be so blind to your gooeyness?"

Jungkook's had fingers found their way into Taehyung's hair, unconsciously ruffling the colorful strands. Reluctantly, Taehyung took hold of the younger's hand, removing it from his head. He held on for a couple extra moments, squeezing in reassurance and affection.

"Tae, do you know anything about tonight?" Jimin leaned forward to whisper to the artist. "I need details."

Taehyung arched an eyebrow. "Wait, you guys know about the show?"

"What show?" Jungkook questioned in confusion. He exchanged looks with Jimin, both shaking their heads in uncertainty.

"Sorry, what are you talking about?" Taehyung turned to Jimin, realizing he may have spoiled the secret his producers worked so hard to keep.

"Yoongi and Hoseok want to talk to me about something tonight. But forget about that," Jimin said as he shuffled even closer. "What are you talking about?"

"V!"

The three boys whipped their heads to Hoseok, who was looking at the blue haired boy with exasperation.

"Uh oh," Taehyung said, but was happy to be saved from answering the two mentees. He jolted up and ran off to the choreographer.

Jimin turned to Jungkook. "What do you think that was about?"

Jungkook watched as J-Hope and Taehyung spoke together, both casting glances their way. "No clue, man. But you might have more to worry about tonight than a simple talk with Suga and J-Hope."

Despite both of their confusion, Jimin smiled in determination. "Don't worry, I'm not afraid."

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《