Work Text:
1st, September, 2013
“Cut! Cut!! Yah Jungkook-ah, don’t you know where the center is? Focus on the choreography for gods sake!”
It was the third time in a row the producer’s booming voice had interrupted the rookie group’s performance filming as he always pointed out on the youngest member, Jungkook. It wasn’t usual for people to call out on Jungkook as he always adapted himself to different environment and situations very quickly. The youngest was known for trying and giving everything his absolute best but this time he couldn’t help down feel down because of the producer’s remarks.
The maknae was trying his best, he really was. He didn’t wanted to let his members or anyone from the staff down by his bad performance but he was damn sure that was standing in the center where he was supposed to stand.
The stylists had come rushing in the moment the PD’s voice had cut through the filming for the group’s new upcoming music video, N.O. The maknae let out a sigh as the makeup artist standing in front of him wiped the glistening beads of sweat that were on his forehead.
His sad and tired doe eyes searched for the members and upon locating the leader and the oldest member together, he pleaded with his eyes to the both of them to do something and let the producer know that his position in the dance was correct but upon locking eyes with Jungkook, the said two members immediately turned around with their backs towards him. As if they had turned a blind eye towards his pleads.
The voice of the producer once again boomed from the megaphone he was speaking in as he said, “Everyone settle in your positions! We’re going to start once more and this time Jungkook…” the PD said as his strong gaze was suddenly directed towards the said member. The coldness in the PD’s eyes was something Jungkook was not used to as a cold shiver ran down his spine. “I want no mistakes, three times screwing up the dance is enough don’t you think so. This is your last warning, screw up the dance once more and then I’ll be having a word with all of you, understood?” the PD ended as his cold gaze was not only directed towards Jungkook now but towards the remaining of the members too. The youngest quickly let out a quiet ‘yes’ in hopes of not wanting to anger the man any further
With anxiety lacing on every bone of Jungkook’s body, the members and backup dancers got in their usual positions. The similar beat of their song, N.O started to play on the speakers placed around them.
They were 30 seconds in the song and Jungkook was internally squealing with happiness thinking he was doing the choreography right as the PD, yet made no move to stop him,
The song was almost about to reach its end and Jungkook could scream from happiness but suddenly the same booming voice of the PD cut in as the music stopped.
“Stop! Stop this instant!! Jungkook what is wrong with you?! This is the fourth time I’ve stopped the filming just to point out your mistake that you are not in the center. What has gotten in you kid?” With a shake of his head, the producer dismissed everyone and told the members that he will have a word with them in a minute.
Jungkook took heavy steps to the boys shared small makeup room. All of the happiness he felt a moment ago disappeared in just a second. Upon entering the confined space that was supposed to be a makeup and changing room for seven young men, the leader, Namjoon was the first one to address the elephant in the room.
“What was that all about, Jungkook?” the leaders voice soft as he knew the maknae didn’t usually behave like that.
“Hyung… My position was matching with the center mark on the tape that was sticked on the floor yet PD-nim still kept on saying my position was wrong.” Jungkook said to his leader, hoping that he will understand him and try to talk to the producer to clear out his confusion.
“I saw your position and I think PD-nim was right, you weren’t in the center Kook. What has gotten in to you? Is it because its your birthday today you’re being restless?” the leader accused the maknae.
“Hyung, you know me, you all know me. It’s not because of my birthday I just-”
Just before Jungkook could finish what he was saying to the members, the manager along with the producer walked in with unreadable expressions.
In respect for the elders present in the room, all of the members stood up from slouching position excluding Jungkook as he was already standing. Their manager searched for the familiar pair of doe eyes in a sea of eyes that were staring back at him. On meeting Jungkook’s curious yet nervous gaze, the manager pointed towards him and said, “PD-nim told me that you weren't doing well. Whats the problem?”
“T-the tape, I matched well with the center…”
“And what about it?”
“In between the dancers and the members I was in the center. Yet everyone keeps on saying that I wasn’t…”
“Jeon Jungkook! Do you think you're right and everyone else is wrong?” the manager’s voice suddenly rose up.
“N-no not at all. It’s not-”
”Yah maknae, listen to me. You are still a part of a newly debuted group. A group that still has to make a name for itself. Do you really think that you are in a position to act like this? You guys are a group under a bankrupt company, a company with no name, your performances are getting cut from broadcasts and with this attitude do you really think you can make it huh?” The manager left the confined space of the makeup room with the producer following after him. The harsh yet realistic words of the manager seeping in as Jungkook tried to hold back his tears.
“Well manager-nim was right. It’s the harsh reality that we all need to face. And Kook-ah do better next time.” the oldest said to the youngest as he walked towards the end of the room to the sofa he was previously sitting on. Jungkook acknowledged his words with a nod of his head, thoughts wandering here and there.
“Jungkook-ah” the soft yet tired voice of his dear leader brought the young child out of his trance. Jungkook directed is attention towards the leader as if signaling him to go with what he had to say.
“Are you perhaps mad that we didn’t celebrate your birthday? You aren't usually like this”
“No, Hyung its not that. It really isn't. I understand that we can’t celebrate my birthday. Shooting for the new music video is important. Our comeback is more important then my birthday and I totally understand it and respect it. I wouldn't let our group down just because I wasn’t able to a celebrate a birthday. I’ll still get a lot of chances to celebrate my birthday in the future.” Jungkook said to Namjoon with his eyes holding sincerity as he stood by the words he said.
“Though Jungkook, I also think you were in the wrong today too.” Yoongi’s thoughtful voice spoke up as he was sitting on the sofa Jungkook was standing beside. Sensing the quiet atmosphere of the room, Yoongi continued.
“You kept joking around today as well and once the filming had started, you should’ve stopped. There is always a line you shouldn't cross when joking in a place like this and I think you crossed that line today. There needs to be a stop somewhere after all.”
The maknae with his head down listened to everything his hyung’s had to say. After a few minutes, the members one by one left the makeup room, leaving the youngest alone with his sad and lonely thoughts.
Jungkook sighed and rubbed his eyes so he wouldn't breakdown and cry. After all it was his 16th birthday. His first birthday away from the safe haven that was his home and family. Their manager’s had even taken all of the members phones away in the morning just so they all could focus on the filming for their music video that was taking place right now. Because of that Jungkook wasn’t even able to call his parents, who he missed dearly. He missed his mothers kisses on his forehead and the seaweed soup she always made for him on his birthday, he missed his father who on every moment would ruffle his hair lovingly and surprisingly he missed his annoying older brother too. His birthday today, bought him no happiness but as the idol life he choose for himself, he thought that we would have to get used to this feeling.
Before Jungkook’s sad thoughts enveloped his brain any further, the door to the makeup room suddenly opened as the members poured in with smiling faces while singing,
“Happy birthday!~ Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to our dearest Jungkookie!"
The members and staff crowded around Jungkook, while singing the birthday song for the maknae passionately as a smiling Yoongi stood in front of Jungkook with the cake in his hands. The maknae let out a shaky sigh as he finally broke down, tears started pouring from his doe eyes as he couldn’t hold back anymore. On noticing the birthday boy crying, the members cooed at him as Taehyung, Jimin, and Hoseok came forward to gave him a birthday slapping on the back.
“Aw Jungkookie don’t cry. It was all a prank, none of us are angry!” Jin said to the young idol, as he ruffled his hair.
Hearing everyone's praises and birthday wishes made Jungkook cry even more. The members slaps rather than stinging him, felt like a blessing as he knew they weren't angry with him - it was just a joke.
“Jungkook-ah the candles are melting. Come on, blow the candles.” Yoongi said to the teary eyed boy as he directed his infamous gummy smile towards him.
A smile graced Jungkook’s features as he hastily wiped his tears and blew the lit up candles set on the cake in front of him. Cheers and claps again resounded in the room as he blew on the candles.
The manager and the producer also came in the makeup room with smiles on their faces as both of them gave the young maknae birthday wishes and assured him that they weren't angry with him.
After everything had calmed down and the members got comfortable on the sofa’s in the makeup room with Jungkook eating a slice of the vanilla cake while he was sandwiched in between Jin and Hoseok.
“So Jungkookie, what did you think of our acting?” the producer asked with a cheeky grin plastered on his face.
“Ah that…” Jungkook said shyly with a smile on his face, as he took another bite of his cake, “PD-nim was too mean.”
Laughter of the members and the staff flooded the room and soon enough Jungkook joined in too.
What a relief they have each other.