"So what is this exactly?" Jungkook asked Taehyung, staring at a small stage set in front of an audience of fifty people. "Is this some type of test?"

"Think of it like a preview," Taehyung said, watching as the last remaining people filed into their seats. "Ahead of the showcase, the company executives wanted to make sure you guys were on the right path."

The lights in the audience dimmed, signaling that the performances were about to begin. "Definitely sounds like a test."

Shoulder to shoulder, Taehyung took hold of Jungkook's hand. Both of them remained facing forward, but the small touch helped to ground the younger.

"You're so talented, Kook," Taehyung murmured. "You are one of the most impressive performers I've ever seen. Everyone is going to be blown away, even the people who don't think they will be."

Jungkook idly nodded his head, but the elder could tell he wasn't believing his words.

"Baby," he said under his breath, tilting the younger's chin so they could look at each other. "You're going to excel because this is what you love to do. Just put your heart into all of your performances tonight and everyone out there will fall in love with you."

"I don't need them to fall in love with me as long as I have you," Jungkook responded, tilting his head closer to Taehyung's.

"Such a romantic," the elder teased, running his thumb over the back of Jungkook's hand. "You're so - hey!"

Taehyung turned and looked down at his other hand, which was now being held by Jimin.

"You know, you guys are so lucky I'm a supportive friend," the pink hair boy muttered, playfully swinging his hand with Taehyung's. "Did you not hear what I said earlier today about being obvious?"

Jungkook scrunched his eyebrows. "What? We were just talking!"

Jimin scoffed. "Holding hands and looking at each other as if no one else existed. Totally fine if you want to open up about your relationship, but if you're trying to keep this quiet, I might suggest you learn the meaning of the word space."

Thanks to Jimin's interference, Taehyung and Jungkook were saved from getting caught in their sweet moment. Now, to an outsider's perspective, the three boys might look like they were supporting one another before the show. With Taehyung in the middle, people could easily believe he was comforting the two inexperienced mentees and offering up words of wisdom.

"Thank you, Jimin. We really are lucky to have you as our friend," Taehyung smiled at the elder, appreciative of him continuing to look out for them.

He let go of both boys' hands and turned around to face the two. "Where's Yeonjun?"

Jimin nodded to his right. "Getting a pep talk from RM and Yoongi."

"Right. Okay," Taehyung started, easily slipping into the role of a mentor. "You guys got this. You'll perform the two group routines you've been working on, followed by your solo songs. Three performances, that's it. Just give it all the energy and passion you have and you'll be golden."

An emcee announced to the crowd that the show was beginning. All lights in the room, save for the faint glow of electronic equipment, went dark so the three mentees could take their place on stage.

As Taehyung's eyes adjusted, he saw Jimin's figure head toward the stage. Quickly and quietly, Taehyung leaned into Jungkook and pressed a kiss against his lips.

"I love you," he breathed, his voice barely audible to his own ears.

But Jungkook heard him and he departed for the stage with a newfound confidence.

Forty five minutes later and all the performances had concluded. The three mentees did exceptionally well, earning enthusiastic rounds of applause from the delighted audience. A rumor was making its way around that the Big Hit executives were especially impressed, which was essentially an early stamp of approval to be signed in the next month.

Jungkook felt ecstatic afterwards, the high from singing and dancing still pumping through his veins. He was greeted by Jin, who yammered on and on about the younger's ability and stage presence. Jungkook unconsciously scanned for Taehyung, but he assumed he was probably talking to company representatives when he couldn't locate him.

Jin ran off on him shortly after that, wanting to speak with Namjoon. Or, in his own words, wanting to get an answer, once and for all. Jungkook was content enough in the moment to not ask for clarification. He knew he'd find out eventually.

A hand on his shoulder caused him to jump, but he broke out into a large grin when he took in his boyfriend. Jungkook wrapped his arms around Taehyung, not quite able to help himself. He made sure to keep it brief, however, and pulled away as soon as their hug began.

"I knew you could do it, Kook," Taehyung beamed at him. "I'm so proud of you."

"It was exhilarating, Tae. I've never felt so alive before."

The elder chuckled in acknowledgment. "I know exactly what you mean. And I want to talk all about it, but you need to come with me for a moment. There's some people I want you to see."

Jungkook followed him outside of the auditorium, walking down a hall until they reached the dressing room area. They stopped at a door and Taehyung pulled the younger to the side.

"These people only know me as V right now, okay?"

Jungkook nodded, waiting for the door to open as the elder knocked.

And when it opened, he let out a sharp gasp. "Mom? Dad?"

His parents were just as he remembered them, but different at the same time. It had been months since he'd seen them last and they looked slightly older. But they still carried that well known sense of traditionalism and formality that Jungkook grew up with. However, one thing was missing.

Their usual looks of disappointment.

In its place was a combination of remorse and awe. Tears made their eyes look glassy.

"Kook, you were incredible out there," his father said, voice hoarse with emotion. "I . . . I never knew . . . and I'm so sorry for that."

A lump was forming in Jungkook's throat. Was this really happening? Were his parents finally acknowledging his dream and apologizing?

His mother took a tentative step forward. "We're so sorry, Jungkook. All we've ever wanted was for you to be successful and happy. We never thought this path could give you those things, but it is so clear we were wrong. Whatever happens, whichever path you choose, we'll be there supporting you. We're just so thankful that your mentor reached out to us and wouldn't take no for an answer."

Jungkook turned to Taehyung. "You invited them tonight?"

Taehyung bit his lip, unsure of what Jungkook's reaction would be. He knew he could be overstepping boundaries, but he also knew how much it would mean to Jungkook to have his parents' support. That was something they talked a lot about over the last few days and it was evident the younger missed them. So Taehyung took the risk in the hope his parents would finally understand.

"Yes," Taehyung responded at last, his eyes scanning Jungkook's face for anger or resentment.

A tear slid down Jungkook's cheek. "Thank you."

Taehyung rubbed his arm, aware of the invisible lines of their working relationship he could not cross right this second. "I'll leave you all to catch up."

He sent a nod to the family and retreated, a sense of immense happiness washing over him. If Jungkook was happy, that's all he needed.

"Can you forgive us, son?" Jungkook's father asked, his hand slowly reaching for the boy's.

Jungkook grabbed his father's hand. "Of course. I've always needed your love and support."

His parents wrapped their arms around him, their laughs of joy mingling with still falling tears. Jungkook never dreamed that they'd understand. He never thought his parents would come around.

And he had the love of his life to thank for that.

"Can we take you out to dinner?" His mother asked with a hopeful smile.

Jungkook agreed right away, not knowing exactly if that was allowed. But he knew Taehyung would vouch for him if it wasn't.

As they walked out of the building, Jungkook let out a laugh of pure elation. Finally, after years of thinking he didn't deserve anything he wanted, everything was finally falling into place.

And he was so excited to see what was to come.

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