Ch.53
Namjoon has been stressing out about the future of the gang. It was settled that they would manage without Seokjin, but now they won't even have Yoongi. The leader and everyone agreed that Yoongi should go into the military without question. Not only is it his duty, but no one wanted to see him in prison. That'd be another criminal level that you never wanted any of the members to experience. Yoongi's already done a lot of illegal things so you hoped the military would help him. He still hated the idea of going. He just wasn't going to avoid it now because of the requests of his fellow members.
While Seokjin and Yoongi knew what they were going to do, Namjoon was clueless. Taehyung was extremely worried about what was going to happen to the gang and it didn't make Namjoon feel better. Hoseok, Jimin, and Jungkook didn't worry too much about it. They figured that their leader was capable of fixing this. It felt like the exact opposite from what you were seeing. Namjoon had been bottling up his feelings of Seokjin leaving and can't hold it in any longer. He was letting you see this side of him because he didn't want his members to see him exploding like this. All he wanted was to talk to someone close who knew of the gang but wasn't in it.
When you woke up, Namjoon texted you that he was outside of your apartment. You cleaned yourself up as fast as you could. As soon as you opened the front door, he was standing right there with a nervous face. He became relieved to see you though. He told you he'd explain better after you come with him. From there, you got on his bike with him and went over to the porridge restaurant he liked so much. The two of you were going to discuss the gang. Namjoon just needed help coming up with something and probably needed someone to rant to. That's why you're here with Namjoon. Sitting in the pleasant restaurant with Namjoon across from you, not touching his hot food.
"I needed to talk to someone who wasn't a member," Namjoon admitted, staring down at his porridge.
"I'm your person." You smiled at him. "You can tell me anything."
"Right..." Namjoon nodded.
"You're really stressing out over this." You worriedly watched him move around his spoon. He couldn't bring himself to sleep and he looked tired. He didn't get enough sleep last night then.
"Yeah, it's eating at me." Namjoon leaned back in his seat. "I just don't want the gang to end. I can't let it end just yet. We're a family and we haven't been with each other for that long, but it's like I've grown up with every one of them. We're just like brothers."
"You guys have an amazing bond with each other. Especially after everything you guys have gone through," You stated. The male across from you took in a deep breath. He let his thoughts run around in his mind and tried to grab onto a single one to talk about.
"I know I told Seokjin to become a model and leave for Australia, but I don't want him too." Namjoon closed his eyes. "I tell myself it's fine, but I still hate the idea of him leaving. Hyung has taught me a lot and I can't imagine two years without him. And without Yoongi either."
He bit his lip. Namjoon was in his own world as he spoke to you. Everything he said came from the heart. It was like a flood of emotions to hear all of this for the first time. He didn't even tell Hoseok how worried he was for the gang since Hoseok wanted to become a hair dresser. Namjoon wanted his friend to accomplish his dreams and didn't want to guilt him into staying. He truly is a good leader. He thought about the others before himself. But you needed him to remember that taking care of himself is important too because if he doesn't then he's just being reckless. Namjoon was hurting a lot to think of the gang separating.
"I don't want to let Taehyung down. I want the gang to stay together too, but it's hard imagining someone else joining." Namjoon shook his head. "They'd be replacing Seokjin and Yoongi and I hate that. Jimin once said himself that he wouldn't accept any more additions. Our family is perfect the way it is."
"When the members first joined the gang, would you say they needed it in their lives?" You asked.
"Definitely. All of us had something missing or wrong in our lives. The gang helped with everything." Namjoon smiled. "Sometimes I can't believe I created the gang and that I'm the leader of it."
"The gang has certainly helped the members. My question to you now is, do they still need it?" You tilted your head to see him frown.
"What do you mean?" He furrowed his brows.
"I think most of the members are ready to let go except for you, Yoongi, and Taehyung," You said. He didn't like hearing that but knew there was truth to your words. He stayed silent after those words left your mouth. He didn't want to accept that some of the members would handle the gang ending better than the others. It sounded impossible to him.
Namjoon shook his head at your words. He told you how he felt right away. The gang was his world, but the other members treasured it too. You had no doubt about that. They would drop everything for the gang. It was their top priority and they'd do anything for one of the members. It's given them a home, a family, and many things that their personal lives don't offer them. Now that the third years were graduating, you had a feeling that some of them were thinking about their own futures too now. One that didn't involve staying with the gang for the rest of their lives.
The members had their own individual goals and dreams. All you had to do was figure out what they were. Yoongi told you he had no goals in life, but that can't be true. He has to have something. Taehyung too. He practically sees the gang as his life and considers the warehouse his greatest accomplishment. Then Namjoon considered the gang the best thing he's ever done in his life too. They must have had a rough life to think of nothing, but the gang. That's what you got out of it at least, but you didn't know for sure. Namjoon was insistent that the gang had to live on.
"I can't tell you about the past of the others. That's their story." Namjoon sighed. "But my past...my father left my mom in a bunch of debt. It was left to her to take care of it, but I wanted to help. Creating the gang and doing the deals helps my family...it helps me."
"I didn't know about that." You frowned as he shrugged.
"He doesn't matter anymore. As long as I take care of my family, I'm happy." Namjoon assured you. His mother and the members. "I'd do anything for them and I know the feeling is mutual."
"Then how will your gang function as only five members?" You took a sip from your drink.
"I used to do deals alone, then as three, four, five, and then seven." Namjoon smiled. "I've done it before."
"But was it easy?" You set down your drink to see his smile fall. "I love you guys and how the gang brings you guys together, but I'm going to be honest. You know that I don't like you guys doing illegal things."
"I'm aware." Namjoon ran a hand through his pink hair.
"I think it will be for the best if the gang ends. You guys can't continue with five members and you guys don't want additions," You stated. "It sounds like the only option to me."
"Do you really not want us to be a gang anymore?" Namjoon looked like his heart was breaking. It hurt you to see him beating himself up like this and trying to guilt you. If the gang continues and struggles, he'll blame himself. If the gang ends and his little family isn't as close, he'll blame himself. He's fighting this internal battle all alone despite having six brothers by his side.
"Namjoon, I think it's time to separate the words family and gang from each other. They're both two different things." You sighed. "And even if the gang ends, trust me, you guys won't stop being a family."
"But..." Namjoon stopped talking. He swallowed hard and you noticed he was holding back tears.
A deep frown came on your face to see that. Leaving your side of the both, you came over to his side to hug him tightly. The two of you were in the corner of the restaurant. No one could really see or hear you with the busy kitchen nearby. Rubbing his arm to comfort him, Namjoon gritted his teeth. He soon wrapped his arms around you too. He gripped your clothing tightly, holding you strong enough to know he wasn't ready to let go of the gang. Namjoon only let one tear slip as you petted his pink head. When he pulled away, he stopped letting tears run down so you grabbed a napkin to dry up his cheeks.
"I want to see those adorable dimples of yours." You wiped his eyes. He chuckled softly and looked you in the eyes.
"You're really important to me too, y'know?" Namjoon said to make your heart skip a beat. "In the beginning, you were just the friend the first years had but you've become so much more to the whole gang. You're in the family too which I know you think you're not."
"I'm not in the gang." You shook your head to see him roll his eyes.
"You practically are. You just don't do anything illegal." Namjoon smirked. "But you're special to every one of us. I know I can say that for the members."
"...y'know Namjoon, you created something really special. I'm sure it wasn't your intention, but it really helped the boys. They could be doing a lot worse if they didn't have you and the others around." You noted the twinkle in his eyes. "If the gang ends, you can always do something else that helps people. You're a trustworthy person with amazing leadership skills. Why not use it for something not illegal?"
"You think?" Namjoon smiled softly.
"I'm positive that you have the power to change people's lives. You just have that in you and it's really beautiful." You grinned to get pulled into another tight hug.
Namjoon looked so moved by your words and kept you close to his chest. His embrace was warm and loving. It reminded you of your childhood. Nice, honey like memories of playing tea time with your stuffed animals at home. Nothing but good memories came when you're with him. Namjoon had a talent. You felt him kiss your head as he loosened the grip on the hug. His dimples showed and you were blushing a brilliant red. These boys loved making you scream about your platonic rule with them, huh? Namjoon still had a somber look in his eyes though.
"I'll miss the gang though. A lot." Namjoon bit his lip. "I know I can work with what I have. We just have to work harder."
"In the end, it's your call. You're the leader, Namjoon." You ran a hand through his soft pink forest, fixing up his hair. "I'm just telling you my thoughts and trying to help you out."
"Okay..." Namjoon let out a heavy sigh.
"You don't have to make the decision just yet. It can wait until graduation," You said. He didn't look as stressed at that moment. He nodded and relaxed his shoulders a bit.
The second year thanked you for talking to him. It was no problem at all. You wanted to be here for the boys and be someone they could trust with all their hearts. That's why Namjoon was so admirable. He's exactly that for them. Even for the two older members, they listen to everything he has to say without question. Namjoon has been proven to have flaws, but it's the way he handles them too that makes him someone people can aspire to be. That's why Taehyung stares at Namjoon like he's an idol. All the boys at one point have stared at Namjoon with absolute admiration. You've been guilty of it too.
Now that he wasn't so stressed, Namjoon could finally eat in peace. The two of you finished your porridge as fast as you could after talking for what felt like hours. The staff was probably wondering why two people were hugging and crying in the corner with porridge going cold. Namjoon refused to let you pay yet again. When you tried sneaking some won into his pocket, he took your money and shoved it back into your pocket. So adamant about not letting you pay! Namjoon then held your hand tightly when he saw you attempting to take it out again. You laughed and the male only rolled his eyes at your behavior. When the two of you walked out of the restaurant, someone shouted something embarrassing. It brought the both of you back into reality.
"What a cute couple!" A familiar voice yelled. Namjoon and you looked for the owner of the voice to see Hoseok walking up. He wasn't the only one here though. The rest of the gang stood behind him with small smirks.
"Looks like I have more competition." Jungkook shrugged. "But it's okay, I always win."
"I won't let any of you win. Sorry Namjoon, I respect you, but you understand." Jimin winked playfully at the leader.
"(F/n) and I have promise after I finish college, Namjoon." Seokjin teased as you smacked your face.
"You're not even into me!" You scoffed as his grin grew wider.
"You don't know that." Seokjin crossed his arms.
"Why are you still holding her hand?" Yoongi narrowed his eyes at the physical contact. Namjoon nervously pulled his hand away.
"Tell them about our love, (F/n)!" Taehyung pouted to get shocked reactions.
"Platonic!" You shouted.
"We'll see about that." Hoseok winked at you with a smirk. "Maybe I'm in the competition too?"
"Alright, enough playing around. I have some important things to say." Namjoon shook his head.
Hoseok and Seokjin kept smiling. Yoongi threw his arm around Taehyung's shoulder and ruffled up his hair. The silver haired boy screamed meanwhile Jimin and Jungkook pretended to fight. They only puffed out their chests before bursting into laughter. They eventually calmed down to listen to what their leader had to say. You stood next to them as Namjoon explained his worry for the gang in what seemed like a cleaned-up speech. He was really good at speaking. It sounded like he was an advocate for something. The boys nodded their heads, small frowns on their faces when Namjoon brought up the idea of the gang ending for good.
"Yoongi leaving for the military has certainly put a hole for the future of the gang. Taehyung mentioned to me on who was going to be our get away driver then. Doing deals without a car is a lot riskier." Namjoon sighed. "It's not Yoongi's fault or Seokjin's. This a problem I'm going to have to figure out so please be patient with me. If we can't continue to keep the gang going strong then the gang might have to come to an end. That, I hope will not happen. We'll have to see though so no promises."
"Just wait two years for me." Groaned Yoongi.
"What if Seokjin goes into the military pretending to be Yoongi?" Taehyung suggested to earn a scoff from the eldest member.
"Excuse you, I'm going to be a model!" Seokjin acted offended. "I'll do my service when the time comes."
"I'm not saying the gang is going to end for sure. All I'm saying is that I'm definitely going to have the answer by graduation. Maybe even before," Namjoon explained.
The members continued to talk about the gang amongst themselves. Some complained and some were more understanding than the others. All of them didn't want the gang to end. It meant a lot to each of them, but for example, Yoongi told Namjoon that the gang better not come to an end. That didn't help the second year feel relaxed. He was only going to stress out more about coming to a solid conclusion. You just hope the choice he makes isn't a mistake. Whatever he decides to do with the gang, you'll support him as much as you can.
Pulling out your phone, you went onto your social media accounts to do something. The moment you logged onto one account, you were hit with thousands of notifications. It left you speechless. You raised your head to glance up at the boys. They were still talking about the gang, so you took a few steps away from them to see what the heck was going on. A lot of people were liking and commenting on the video you posted of Jimin dancing. There were so many usernames you didn't even recognize. It's like the video went viral or something. So many people were adoring the way Jimin danced and even complimenting his looks. They called him idol material and the best thing to hit the internet. Jimin had to see this.
Biting your lip, you didn't want to bother the blonde. He was listening seriously to what his hyungs had to say. They were trying to figure out a solution together on what to do about the getaway driver. Taehyung was going to handle finding supplies and ordering it which was Yoongi's job. Namjoon was thinking of learning how to drive himself even though he wasn't legally allowed to. Dropping your eyes back to your screen, you noticed a few people were DMing you. They were mainly old friends you didn't keep in touch with too much. They were all questioning who the boy was in your video. Asking if he was your boyfriend, if he was single, and how you knew him. It all made you laugh to see how desperate they were to get to know him.
And then there was one message that stood out to you. It wasn't any of your friends. And it wasn't any random stranger either who was lusting over your friend. The message was professionally written and left you a business email. They informed you that they were interested in Jimin's talent. Your throat became dry to see someone wanted to become an agent for your friend. Jimin was literally standing five feet away from you. Reading the message over again, they worked for the company Jimin had already auditioned for a while ago. Jam Entertainment was showing interest in Jimin again! This was such a sign! You squeezed your phone tightly and tried not to scream.
First, you looked up if the agent was the real deal. And it appeared so. They worked with a few idols and none of them were major things. Some of their names were familiar, but this guy did work for a small agency. Jam Entertainment was trying to get its name out and hit it big with an idol. Did they think Jimin was the right material? The boys stopped throwing suggestions at Namjoon at this point. They decided to let him come up with something with their ideas. Now they were parting ways. Seokjin was going to the warehouse and Yoongi was heading somewhere else while Namjoon was going to head home to think. Hoseok was gonna take all the first years somewhere until you tapped Jimin's shoulder. The blonde turned around with big curious eyes.
"Yeah?" Jimin asked, catching the attention of Hoseok and the other two first years. They stopped walking away to wait for their friend who you were planning to snatch away.
"Can you come to my apartment?" You asked with a smile. "To hang out?"
"Me?" Jimin slowly smiled. He glanced over his shoulder to see Hoseok letting him know its okay. Jungkook tried to not question it and Taehyung snickered. Jimin happily walked with you in the direction of your home. "I don't think I've ever been inside your place before. This'll be cool!"
"It's going to be so much fun!" You grinned. "If Ms. Lee could only see us now."
"She'd break her whistle from outrage." Jimin chuckled.
"She really doesn't like me." You crossed your arms as Jimin pressed the crossing button. The two of you waited for the cars to stop before continuing on the way to your apartment.
"Well she has seen you following me into the boy's locker room more than once," Jimin said.
"A simple misunderstanding!" You scoffed to earn more laughter from him.
For now, you weren't going to mention the video or the agent. None of it. You're going to wait until the two of you are at your apartment, so he'll sit down. He'll take the news better and not run off. If you had told him near the porridge restaurant, he would've shot down the chance right away. Possibly even run if he felt like it. Currently, Jimin's thoughts on dancing were that it was just a hobby. A thing he did for fun when he's alone or hanging out with his friends. It's nothing serious though this could change the game. Jam Entertainment has showed obvious interest in Jimin since they did give him a callback. Maybe now things will actually work out. It'll give him something if the gang does come to an end. It'll be his decision, but you're just throwing this idea out there.
As the both of you came closer to the apartment, you felt bad for being sneaky. And for being your nosey self again. Jimin told you that he was just doing dancing for fun now. Hopefully this won't upset him. Or you don't have to tell him. But would he like to know? The comments would make him so confident in his dancing skills. The only thing you feared was the idea of him getting criticism. He's already so hard on himself. Opening the front door, you let Jimin inside and didn't know what to do. Hanging out with him is going to be fun, but were you going to actually mention Jam Entertainment again? Maybe he can just read the comments. That'll be fine, right?
Jimin sat down in your living room first. He looked around in awe from his seat. Unnie wasn't here right now. She was at work, probably rethinking her life choices. Come to think of it, only a few of the members have actually been inside of the apartment. Most of them stayed in Seokjin's truck or right outside the front door. Jungkook was the first to come inside when he was dealing with steroid withdrawals, then Yoongi when you housed him, and now Jimin. Gosh, you should invite all the boys over one day for a movie night. Definitely before the third years have to go. You smiled at Jimin to see him looking so excited.
"I didn't think my apartment was that interesting." You giggled.
"It's just cool being actually inside." Jimin grinned. "You should come over to my place one day too! It gets lonely so I wouldn't mind the company at all."
"I definitely will then." You nodded, sitting down with him on the couch.
From there, the two of you just watched a bunch funny videos on your phone. It never occurred to you that you should have logged out of your social media account. Since you were still logged in, it notified you of more comments praising Jimin. They popped over the video and Jimin chuckled to see the comments. There were a bunch of emojis. Especially hearts and heart eyes. Jimin wasn't paying too much attention until the comments kept popping up and becoming descriptive. Talking about a cute blonde boy who had amazing dance skills. Jimin was now laughing uncomfortably.
"What's all that?" Jimin asked. "It's like they're talking about me..."
"Sorry about that." You nervously brought the phone close to your chest. You were about to click on the app until your phone notified you yet again. Except it was a direct message coming from Jam Entertainment. "Holy sh*t..."
"What?" Jimin leaned in close as you panicked. His eyes grew to see the name of the company. Before you could properly react, he ripped your phone out of your hands.
"Jimin! Give that back!" You shouted as he shoved your hands away.
"Why is Jam Entertainment contacting you?" Jimin looked at the message. He got out of your direct messages and went on your profile. That's when he saw the video of him dancing outside of the warehouse. His mouth was open as he watched himself dance. "W-When did you record me? I don't remember that..."
"I'm sorry." You bowed your head down.
"There's a lot of comments. Do you know these people?" Jimin scrolled through your phone, skimming through them.
"No," You answered honestly. "I recorded you because you danced beautifully and posted it without a thought. It seems to have blown up though."
"...that's crazy." Jimin lowered down the phone. "Raise your head."
"I should've asked your permission firstâ" You brought your head up with a frown, but he shook his head.
"Forget that. What does...Jam Entertainment want?" Jimin bit his lip nervously, eyeing you with a twinkle in his eye. He wanted to hear good news but didn't want to be obvious.
"...they messaged me asking who you were and to know your information. Someone who works in Jam Entertainment wants to be your manager," You stated, "I can give you all the information they sent me."
"Thanks." Jimin handed you back your phone in shock. "But...I just dance for fun."
"Maybe you should think about it first." You forwarded all the messages to him. Jimin took out his phone to stare at the messages that were curious about him. He swallowed hard and sighed before looking at you with unsure eyes.
"Fate doesn't really like me dancing." Jimin eyes were sad, but you poked his cheek to make him chuckle.
"I think fate just wants you to prove your passion and love for dancing. I say go for it, but then again, listen to your heart." You smiled. "Not me."
"Okay."Jimin poked your cheek back, slowly grinning himself. "Thanks for everything."