By the time Taehyung and Jungkook were presented to Big Hit's board of directors, the news had exploded even more. It seemed like all gossip channels were covering the story, each making up more ridiculous claims than the last. But they all had one thing in common - they all called for the downfall of V.

The fans took to social media, dragging his name and ridiculing his behavior. They all collectively agreed that V was a monster for taking advantage of his defenseless mentee.

If there was anything positive to come out of this ordeal, however, Taehyung thought it was how his fans flocked to support Jungkook. They rallied behind the younger, sending him thousands of kind and uplifting messages. Promises to back the boy in his musical endeavors were shared across multiple social media sites.

What Taehyung had said last night backstage certainly did come true: everyone knew Jungkook's name this morning.

Jin and his parents, along with Jimin, were by both Taehyung's and Jungkook's side as soon as they heard the news. They took away the boys' phones and instead distracted them with jokes and stories. But that didn't stop the mix of anger and sadness hanging in the room.

No one who truly knew Taehyung and Jungkook thought this was fair. After everything the two went through, they didn't deserve this in the slightest. Everything had finally come together and it was supposed to be their time to move forward and be happy.

But life rarely liked to work out that way.

Now, a few hours later, the two boys walked into a boardroom, hands clasped between them. Ten sets of unfamiliar eyes stared them down.

An older man spoke up after a couple moments of uncomfortable silence. "You boys have really put us in a tough situation."

"Your producers filled us in on your relationship, and while we understand the circumstances you operated under, you really should have shared everything sooner," a woman with severe features added.

"I'm sorry," Taehyung apologized. "I really am. I know you've all put up with so much of my shit ever since you signed me. This is a terrible way to repay your generosity."

"I have half a mind to cut our losses here," another board member stated to the rest. "If we drop their contracts now, maybe the company name won't be affected as badly."

"No!" Taehyung shouted, taking a small step forward. "It's only me everyone hates. Please don't punish Jungkook for my reputation . . . just end my contract, not his."

Jungkook stepped in front of the elder, blocking his view from the board. "Tae," he whispered. "Don't give up yet."

Taehyung smiled sadly. "I don't think I can come back from this, Kook. My actions over the years have been a domino effect. The last tile has finally fallen."

Jungkook shook his head, claiming both of Taehyung's hands within his own. "But this is your dream."

"It's your dream, too," the elder whispered fervently. "And your dreams are my dreams. I'm not going to stand in the way of your future because of how I messed up my past. "

Jungkook turned his head to look back at the board. "A press conference. What about a press conference? You can invite all the media and we can talk openly about us."

The ten members spoke quietly amongst themselves before a new man spoke up. "That probably would have worked if we broke the news of your relationship before the media did. Now, people will just suspect it's a cover up."

"But it's the truth!" Jungkook yelled at them, pleading for their help. "You can't terminate his contract - regardless of his reputation, he's a worldwide star. People love his music. They'll calm down."

That seemed to spark up another debate as the group went back and forth with one another. Jungkook tuned them out as he wrapped Taehyung into his arms, not caring about being professional right now. Neither spoke as the younger pressed small kisses onto the side of his head.

"Okay," someone finally said, breaking the two boys out of their own world, "here's what's going to happen."

Taehyung and Jungkook faced them all again, unable to read their stony expressions.

"No one is getting fired today."

The couple let out audible sighs of relief.

"We're going to wait this out for the time being and see how the public reacts. Luckily, your tour isn't set to begin for another two months," the woman from earlier explained. "You will lie low until then, Taehyung."

The artist nodded his head in agreement, grateful he was given yet another chance.

"Jungkook," she continued, "as it so happens, this morning the company decided to capitalize on last night's success. We're launching concerts around the world for you and the other two mentees. The tour begins this coming weekend and you're set to leave tomorrow."

Taken by surprise, all Jungkook could do was nod his head.

"The tour will last six weeks for now, with the possibility of being extended if additional cities are added. Taehyung," the woman directed her attention back to the blue haired boy, "you will not be accompanying Jungkook on this tour. It's best if you two aren't seen together at the moment."

Taehyung's heart dropped. Six - maybe more - weeks away from Jungkook? His breathing started to get ragged.

"But -" Jungkook interjected, before being cut off by a different board member.

"This is the best we can offer you two. It's more fair than we should be, so I'd accept this deal if I were you."

Before Jungkook could say anything to counteract the offer, Taehyung nodded his head. "I understand and I accept. Thank you for your consideration."

"But, Tae . . ." Jungkook murmured under his breath.

"You two are dismissed," one of the men announced.

Taehyung pulled the younger from the room, leading them to one of the secluded and camera-less floors of the company. When they got there, Jungkook's eyes were watering.

"Why the tears, baby?" Taehyung whispered softly, running his hand over the back of the boy's neck soothingly.

"It's not fair, Tae. Why should I benefit from something when it's hurting you?" Jungkook took a few calming breaths, not wanting to lose control of his emotions. "And now I'm not going to see you for months . . ."

The elder shushed him, pulling him into a strong embrace. "I've had my time, Kook. It's your turn to shine now."

Jungkook dug his hands into Taehyung's hair. "I won't be able to hold you. I won't be able to touch you."

Taehyung didn't have a good answer for him because he, too, was struggling with this fact. The two weeks they spent apart previously were hell and they vowed to never do that again. Of course that wasn't realistic, but they didn't expect to be forced apart so soon.

"Luckily there is this great invention called video chat," the elder piped up finally. "I'll make sure to get a copy of your schedule so I'll know the right times to call."

Jungkook nodded his head, his breath fanning across his boyfriend's neck.

Taehyung pulled away, eyes shining with promise for the younger. "You're going to see the world, Kookie. You're going to perform in front of so many people and they're going to love you. I should know. It's a very easy thing to do."

"I wanted to see the world with you. Remember? New York and Moscow and Tokyo?"

"We'll still do that, baby. It's just going to have to wait a bit," Taehyung reassured him.

He was going to console him more when his phone rang. Looking at the phone, a vaguely familiar number appeared to be calling him.

"Hello?" He answered tentatively.

Jungkook watched as the elder's features remained blank.

Taehyung pulled the phone away from his ear and handed it to the younger. "It's for you."

Jungkook took the phone, confused as he placed the metal against his ear. "Hello?"

It was his parents.

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