Ch.57
Yoongi and Hoseok were loudly singing a duet. It started with Hoseok humming at the beginning of lunch. The third years were here first and then you came with the rest of the first years. While you guys were waiting for the second years to appear, you guys didn't say a word to each other. For some reason, everything was awkwardly quiet. Hoseok then came to rescue to hum a tune loudly as soon as he came outside. Yoongi recognized it and began to sing at the top of his lungs. Eventually it became to the duet it is right now. Jungkook was cheering his hyungs on with Jimin meanwhile Seokjin was recording the masterpiece. Taehyung couldn't stop laughing and you were smiling at their silliness. The reason you couldn't let yourself completely laugh was because Namjoon was no where in sight.
Hoseok and Namjoon are always together as best friends, classmates, and because they're in the same grade together. It was reminding you of the times when he was struggling as a leader. Graduation for the third years was literally in three days. He's probably in the library trying to think in peace. Hoseok wasn't telling anyone where his friend was. He was too busy hitting his high note while Yoongi covered him for back up vocals. They certainly sounded lovely together. Letting out a soft snort, you couldn't help it to hear their voices crack on occasion. At least everyone is getting along before things have to change. That's the only sad part.
Seokjin continued recording and you smiled softly to yourself. Gosh, you definitely have to talk to the third years one on one. You'll miss them so much. Hopefully, they won't forget you. It was crazy to think that they would, but still. You didn't want to lose all your progress with Yoongi and you'd like to see how Seokjin is as a model. Then the door opened to interrupt the duet from going on for too long. Namjoon had pushed open the door with a serious expression. He didn't look tired anymore, but still had a somber look to him. Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to him. Taehyung, Jungkook, and Jimin faced their bodies towards him. Yoongi and Hoseok sat down as Seokjin put away his phone.
"Hey guys..." Namjoon spoke softly. He didn't bother sitting down yet. "I've made my decision about the future of the gang."
"What is it?" Taehyung quickly asked.
"Namjoon, pleâ" Yoongi frowned before getting cut off.
"Let me speak." Namjoon sighed. "I want you guys all to hear it and I'll tell you why. My thought process and how it was so hard for me to do this."
No one spoke anymore. They badly wanted to whisper and say their own thoughts, but respected Namjoon's request. He needed to get this off his chest already. You set down your food to give him your full attention. Everyone wanted to hear the plans already. The members probably knew what Namjoon was going to say with that look on his face, but they needed to hear it for themselves. Something to confirm the actual truth of the matter. Namjoon took in a large breath to prepare himself for this. It made you want to give him another big hug like you did in the restaurant. One that'll comfort him and tell him that it's going to be alright no matter what. Life always figures itself out anyway.
"The gang is coming to a close. There's really no other option with everything going on unless we want to change what makes our gang special. I don't want to do that so I've painfully decided to end the gang." Namjoon's eyes fell down to the ground. He couldn't look any of his members in the eyes. They all were sad to hear the news. To see their leader having a hard time and knowing that good things have to come to an end. "I didn't want to. I tried my best of thinking of solutions to continue going, but it just makes our life harder. More of the members are figuring out what they want to do with their lives and who I am to stop them from becoming good citizens?"
"Namjoon..." Jimin frowned to see the pink hair tearing up. He blinked the tears away and continued with his speech.
"The gang means a lot to me and I know the feeling is strongly mutual. I still don't know what's going to happen with the warehouse or what I'm going to do in the future, but I do know this." Namjoon smiled. "The gang isn't over yet. We're not done until graduation day at midnight. That's when we're officially over. We're still going to be friends and family first. Nothing can ever change that. We're just going to be friends who do normal things and I know some of you have been craving to be normal."
Namjoon lifted his head up high. He was sad with the gang ending, but still happy to know that they would be a gang for three more days. Even if it's just for 72 hours more. That's enough for him to start treasuring the time left. Seokjin nodded his head and Jungkook did too. They took it the best out of everyone. Jimin was giving Taehyung a side hug to cheer up. Soon Hoseok joined in the hug to ignore how he felt about the situation. He wanted to make sure the other members were okay before himself. Then Yoongi sat in silence, trying to grasp the situation first so he wouldn't burst out yelling or starting unnecessary fights.
"I don't know what to say..." Yoongi sighed.
"Sorry. I didn't want to let any of you down but..." Namjoon shoved his hands into his pockets.
"It's okay, Namjoonie." Seokjin smiled. "Don't worry about it. I know you worked hard and struggled to come to this decision."
"This f*cking sucks but what can you do, huh?" Yoongi groaned to get a light chuckle from the leader.
"If you'll excuse me." Namjoon turned around, going back inside the cafeteria. Where was he going?
All the members started talking amongst each other. Seokjin was patting Yoongi's back as they began reminiscing. Jungkook was listening to their stories and even admitted that he was going to miss them a lot. Then Jimin was still watching Taehyung taking this hard. Only Hoseok was staring at Namjoon who disappeared inside the building. The silver haired boy flung himself, clinging onto Hoseok at the news. He was moping about the gang ending and what it would mean for them. You made eye contact with Hoseok as he comforted Taehyung. The look in his eyes was telling you to chase after the leader. He'll catch up later.
"Please still take care of me, Hoseok hyung!" Taehyung shouted, muffled in Hoseok's sweater.
Jimin rubbed his friend's back as you got up onto your feet. None of the boys questioned you leaving. Jungkook raised a brow at it, but Hoseok assured him that you were fine. It was someone else who wasn't. Running out of the cafeteria, you wandered the halls looking for a pink haired male. You looked frantic to students who were making their way to lunch. Where was he? Slowing down, you were about to go get Hoseok to help you until you heard a light whimper. Turning your head in the direction it came from, it was the janitor's closet. It's possible that he's hiding in there. Walking up to the door, you gently turned the knob to step into the dark room. When you opened the door, the light creeped in and showed Namjoon sitting on the floor with red eyes.
Immediately, you turned on the lights in the small room and shut the door for privacy. Namjoon didn't want you in here with him. He hated for you to see him like this. You didn't care and hugged him tightly on the floor. The second year became stiff and stopped protesting your actions. Eventually, he let himself wrap his arms around you too. Lifting your head to see his sad eyes, you petted his hair and quietly hummed to calm him down. At least he wasn't crying anymore. It was a painful sight to see. Namjoon always came off as such a strong person to you, but he's human and has emotions. Namjoon's eyes connected with yours as he sniffled softly.
"You did so well as the leader. You know that?" You whispered. "You changed these boys lives and look at how well raised some of these boys are. I'm so proud of you. Especially for making such a hard decision."
"...y-you think so?" Namjoon stammered.
"I know so. All the boys are extremely grateful." You placed your hands at the sides of his face, your thumbs wiping away the stray tears.
"Are three days enough?" Namjoon muttered.
"The gang might end, but you still have a family," You replied to see him smile softly.
"God, I even told myself not to lose it..." He chuckled. "Are the boys reacting well?"
"Only Taehyung is super hurt about it, but he'll be fine," You said to see him sigh heavily.
"I was really worried about him taking it hard," He admitted. "But this is for the best. I just hate how it hurts so much."
"The pain can't last forever." You grinned to boop his nose. "I'm so glad I met you."
Namjoon's eyes widened at shock at your actions. It took him a second to realize what you had just done. It didn't take long for him to grin too. Namjoon then pulled you closer to him, leaving you a less than three inches away from his face. A blush spread across your cheeks to have him this close. The moments the two of you have are always something else. People always pair you together and then Namjoon does things like this now. It's making your heart pound loudly against your chest. He leaned in closer to kiss your cheek gently.
"Don't tell anyone I'm in the competition." Namjoon smirked as your face burned harder than before.
"Y-You're in what?" You stuttered. He ignored your question since he knew you understood. You bit your lip as you thought about the future. There's a strong possibility you'll end up dating one of the boys. It's becoming hard to deny that anymore.
"Let's get up." Namjoon stood on his two feet and brought you up with him.
He rubbed his eyes one more time but kept one arm around your waist. By that time, the closet door was opened wide by Hoseok. He was panting and smiling to spot the two of you. He came inside and instantly pulled the two of you into a tight hug. Namjoon was muttering something about his ribs getting crushed while you couldn't even breathe. Hoseok kept you guys in a monster hug until he finally released you both. Air never felt more great at this point! Namjoon rubbed his ribs, giving his red head friend a playful glare. They began talking right away. Hoseok was worried on how his best friend was handling the end and Namjoon answered honestly.
"Like Yoongi said. It f*cking sucks but it's the only way..." Namjoon chuckled. "I'm just glad you and (F/n) came for me. That means a lot."
"We had to make sure that you're okay." Hoseok smiled.
"I am now I guess." Namjoon shrugged. "I just...now I have to figure out what we're going to do with the warehouse. I don't want to just abandon it. Then Taehyung left that terrifying mural!"
"To be honest, you're the scariest in the mural." Hoseok laughed to get smacked by the pink hair. "It's true!"
"No one is gonna want the warehouse with seven creatures on the wall." Namjoon groaned with a giant grin on his face.
They both found it so funny. Outsiders will sh*t their pants to see Taehyung's spray paint art work. Hoseok was hunching over in laughter at the thought. When they calmed down, Namjoon confessed that he didn't want to abandon the warehouse. It's a home to the seven members and literally to Yoongi. The thing with Yoongi is that he's going to the military for two years so what's going to happen with the warehouse until then? Is he ever going to find a place or will he refuse to move? That sounded like a possible outcome. Namjoon then brought up what you had told him tin he porridge restaurant. About his talent for changing lives and using that for good. Hoseok was excited to hear that and agreed with you on it.
"(F/n)'s right about that! You changed my life for the better. Taehyung's, Seokjin's, Yoongi's, everyone's." Hoseok nodded his head.
"I don't think everyone's though." Namjoon rubbed the back of his neck until you took a hold of his hand. Giving it a light squeeze, you smile at him.
"Everyone's," You stated to see the shock in his eyes.
"Wow...uh, I didn't think I could've ever done that." Namjoon cleared his throat. "So you think I should use this in my future? How?"
"Counselor?" You raised a brow at your suggestion. Namjoon quickly scrunched his nose at the thought. He shook his head as Hoseok tried to think of something else. That's when a light bulb turned on for Hoseok. He began jumping in excitement, holding Namjoon's hand tightly.
"I know! I know!" Hoseok grinned. "You should turn the warehouse into a center for troubled teens!! Help keep them safe, off the streets, and make sure they turn into good citizens! Be the adult they need in life!"
"Hoseok, that's amazing!" You were in awe. Turning to face Namjoon, he looked speechless as he thought about it.
"...aren't I a troubled teen myself though?" Namjoon furrowed his brows.
"Which means you know where they're coming from! You're different from all these counselors at school!" Hoseok rolled his eyes. "And guess what? Taehyung is a perfect example of a kid you've saved!"
"You helped too. Yoongi hyung and Seokjin hyung too." Namjoon shook his head. He was being so modest that you wanted to scream. This sounded perfect for him.
"We helped, but you mainly did the work. Whose hair color did he choose to copy?" Hoseok crossed his arms with a smirk.
Namjoon blushed lightly and nibbled his bottom lip nervously. He continued to toy with the idea in his head. If he created a center, he could help decrease the crime rate. Teens wouldn't drop out of high school, they'd get jobs, and possibly go to college. He would make sure that they wouldn't turn to a life of crime. The sound of Namjoon helping teens sounded so cool. Hoseok looked like he wasn't leaving this room until Namjoon accepted this as his future. At this point, you were with Hoseok on this. Not only would Namjoon know what he would want to do with his future, he'll also have something to do with the warehouse. It's perfect.
"Gosh..." Namjoon sighed.
"What do you say?" Hoseok grinned, balling up his hands into fists in anticipation.
"Why didn't I think of that first?" Namjoon grinned to get pulled into another crushing hug. This time, Hoseok and you were both squeezing as hard as you could. The pink hair was begging for mercy, laughing along with the two of you. After he was given freedom, he thanked the both of you and returned to the rest with a smile on his face. He's going to continue planning out the center idea before he tells the rest. You're so proud of him!
*~*
The bus ride over was a mixture of emotions. One moment, it felt like eternity and then you were there with the blink of an eye. You weren't alone and you didn't come for yourself. Today, you were here for emotional support. Except that standing in front of this building was as far as you were going. He had to go do this himself. He struggled to tell you this after school. What upset you more was the fact that he was almost going to ditch the idea. Let the chance of a life time slip past his fingers when there's nothing stopping him this time. The two of you stood in front of the building as the bus left, leaving a bad smell in the air. It didn't matter too much though. You had to go through two buses just to arrive here! In front of you was Jam Entertainment.
Jimin let out a heavy breath as he stared at the building. He shook his body to get himself together. The blonde was wearing his best outfit, contacts, and had his hair nicely brushed. Though the company was basically begging to have him, he made sure to dress to the nine's. After Jimin had received interest from Jam Entertainment, people from other companies were intrigued too. Jimin only wanted Jam Entertainment though. The video of him dancing had gone completely viral. Occasionally, he even gets recognized in public. It leaves Jimin stuttering and blushing like a mess. For example, when the two of you came on the second bus the bus driver took a good look at Jimin. She believed to have seen him from somewhere and wouldn't let it go. Then she got so excited when she remembered him dancing. She felt like she had a celebrity in her bus.
Placing your hand on Jimin's shoulder, his tense body grew more relaxed. He turned to face you with a small pout. His plump lips were poking out cutely like a child. You giggled and gave him a quick hug. He's been through a lot to get here. He's always wanted to dance, but never got the chance. Then he felt afraid and bad for having this passion. It wasn't until you came along that he brought out this strong desire. He knew what's it's like to suppress his dreams and now danced like his life depended on it. That let you know that he was going to make it. Even if it's hard like it has been, you knew Jimin was going to become a legend.
"You can't turn back now," You reminded him, bringing your hands to his cheeks.
"Right. I know, but." Jimin pursed his lips. "I'm still scared."
"I believe in you." You grinned. "And don't you remember how excited the bus driver was to have you in her bus? She told everyone to watch the video and some passengers had even seen it before!"
"That was embarrassing." Jimin laughed, his cheeks becoming dusted with pink.
"I'm not the only one supporting you. The gang aren't the only people supporting you too," You stated, "Because you saw the comments. You even told me about this Hyungseong guy who believes in you too!"
"That's true." Jimin nodded.
"Now go in there. You can do it!" You pinched his cheeks. Jimin grinned, pulling away your hands from his face.
"Thank you, (F/n)," Jimin said.
"It's nothing." You then turned him toward the doors. "So stop stalling and go in there."
"I wasn't stalling! I am really grateful! You know, it hurts me that youâ" Jimin frowned as you crossed your arms.
"Park Jimin." You raised a brow. He was defeated and began walking towards the front door. As he wrapped his fingers along the door handle, he looked over his shoulder to connect his eyes with you.
"I'll see you when I come out." He smiled, his eyes turning to lines.
"Sounds like a plan." You gave him two thumbs up and with that, he went inside. You wished him the best of luck now that he's on this career path. Good for him.