Scars to your beautiful

“Jimin, are you watching? It’s only been almost two weeks, and we have noticed the significant difference of having Jimin with us. We have never thought that we would accept an award without him beside us. Honestly, it’s tough not having my best friend, my soul mate, by my side. Jimin, this song wouldn’t be possible if you weren’t with us. It isn’t the same without you on that stage. We and ARMYs miss you. That’s all. Thank you, everyone!”

Park Jimin is strong until he isn’t. After all, he is a mere human, not a punching bag.
In a VLive that was supposed to be a celebration for another milestone of BTS, Park Jimin is attacked with verbal profanities and harassment through the comments. And the others have had enough when Jimin retreats back into his shell again afterwards, his hard-won self-confidence sinking down the drain.

Notes:

First of all: I did not write this to romanticize cyberbullying, cyber harassment, depression, anxiety or anything that seems to point to that direction. I wrote this because I honestly felt so sick from the amount of hatred Jimin receives on the daily basis, attacking him from his visuals, to his voice, to his dancing, to his appearance down to his personality. BTS receives tons of hate comments every day, and it breaks my heart, especially when these comments are ones pitting them against one another. These seven, beautiful souls love one another very much, and would do anything to protect one another. I don't see why there are those who wants to push these toxic narratives on a group who spreads love and care through their music. None of them deserve any of these hateful words.
Park Jimin is a loving, affectionate human being who strives to make others feel loved. And since I don't have much voice in this fandom, I wanted to show how much hatred he receives by putting it into a fic. I don't brag that I am the best writer and that I got their dynamic and personalities correctly -- I did my best, but I am a mere fan of theirs, and they are real humans (not puppets which strings we get to manipulate) living their own lives. I am no one but an outsider. Though, almost all of the comments I used in this fic are (were, for some cases since they might have been deleted/got suspended) real, some are from Facebook, some from Weverse and IG, many from Youtube, most from Twitter. It disgusted me seeing such words thrown at him when he has done nothing wrong.
Fair warning, Jimin and Jungkook are in an established but private relationship in this fanfiction of mine. Yes, I support Jikook. They have a special bond, and I don't know why it's such a triggering thing to acknowledge that. If that bothers you, please feel free to click "back." However, their relationship won't be the focus of the story; this fic is about the cyberbullying Jimin gets on the regular, his and his members' possible reactions, and the bond he has with the rest of the Tannies.
Another fair warning: this is FICTIONAL. The only real things in here are many of the comments about Jimin (sadly), and the close bond BTS have with one another. The rest of the story is fictional.
NOTE: Hello -- These are tweets/comments/replies on Twitter/VLive
Park Jimin -- These are articles' headlines
!Trigger warnings! Rape jokes, fat-shaming, name-calling, homophobia, wishing someone to die, cyberbullying, cyber harassment. (Please comment down below if I missed any trigger warnings that I should add here and in the additional tags, thank you.)
Do not fight in the comment section. Do not bring your bullshit in the comment section. I have given you warnings beforehand, if anything about the fic bothers you before you even started reading it, please exit from the story now. That's all. Stay safe. Kudos appreciated. <3

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

They do not know how it began. They do not know who started it.

Yet, it somehow becomes unanimous decision of the entire KPop world that Park Jimin will be their designated punching bag. It doesn’t mean that the other members of BTS or other boy and girl groups do not receive the same hatred from unknown sources. But when the entire world notices that he always ends up as a target, how can anyone deny?

It has been a successful comeback and year so far, the music industry as a whole has slowly warmed up to the fact that BTS is dominating charts – having winning streaks and gaining recognition from various countries, even the western side of the world. They still face backlash and blatant racism, but they try their best to showcase their works to prove that they do not need to tweak charts just to win. They have one another and ARMYs -- that is enough to conquer whatever obstacles they face.

However, beneath millions of ARMYs are those who wear masks to be remain undetected – wishing nothing but harm to one or more members, thriving on hatred. Unbeknownst to the group and their staff, somehow, there are hundreds or thousands of the same breed of people who have gathered in one place in the internet, creating a group just to spread evil, and leaving traces of hatred and venomous words as they hide behind their screens.

It just so happens that they are active on the time that BTS have decided to do a VLive to celebrate another milestone: a new album that consisted of their new single that won them the Grammys, and a solo song from each member. It is the first of its kind and re-stocks have been on demand since the album came out.

There is a long, coffee table in front of them, littered with various kinds of snacks and beverages, and two round tables by the ends to display their albums on one and the materials they need for the short entertainment they will have. They do not even talk about how they will be seated -- there are four elevated seats at the back and Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi and Hoseok take them all, being the responsible hyungs they are. That leaves the three cushions on the floor to the youngest members, with Jimin seated at the center because somehow Taehyung and Jungkook almost fought over who sits beside him when he tried to take the seat on the far right.

“You got to sit beside him the whole time during the B.E.TS VLive!” Taehyung whines, pulling Jungkook away from the center cushion.

“That was years ago!”

“My point stands.”

Jungkook stays rooted to his seat, using the table as leverage. “I sat here first. I called dibs.”

When the two look a second away from throwing each other across the room, Jimin yells, “Stop!” and situates himself in the middle. “Now, sit.”

Taehyung happily oblige while Jungkook pouts as he scoots over to the seat on the left to accommodate the new seating arrangement. As the staff readies their equipment and tops up the team’s beverages, the seven of them converse about the most random things since it has been days since they last had time to breathe. It has been a busy year, but no one can complain when the thrill of seeing the happiness they bring to ARMYs ride them to all time high.

As Jimin laughs at something Jungkook demonstrates, he feels fingers combing his hair from behind and when he tilts his head backward, he finds Yoongi untangling the ends of his now-silver locks. “Hi,” He quips with a large grin.

That brings a small smile on the older’s face. “Don’t you comb?”

Puffing his cheeks, Jimin slaps Yoongi’s arm playfully. “I so do.”

“Alright, everyone, we are about to start in thirty seconds. We have prompts here, but feel free to talk about whatever. ARMYs do prefer you being yourselves. It would just be helpful if you could promote the album even just a little.”

Hoseok gives two thumbs’ up. “Got it!”

“We’re starting in: three, two, one!” With that, one of their directors click the red button, starting their live.

Jimin grabs his phone to open his own VLive app, watching as the viewers and hearts increase rapidly in seconds. When he looks up, he finds everyone watching him. Blinking, he laughs. “Were you waiting for me?”

“Well, you can see how many viewers there are—“ Seokjin responds with a slight laugh.

“Let’s just begin with the usual—“ Namjoon starts.

“—At least we didn’t try to freeze this time—“ Taehyung quips.

“—Alright, two, one—“

By muscle memory, the seven of them quiet down and immediately do their usual greeting, greeting in unison, “Hello, we are BTS!”

Jimin looks down on his device again, declaring happily, “We now have 200,000 viewers! Welcome, everyone!” He says, waving frantically at the camera.

“I mean, should we introduce now—you know what, let’s,” Namjoon mutters, lifting a hand. “Hi, I’m RM!”

Seokjin waves at the camera, winking at it as he introduces himself, “Hello, I am WWH, Jin.”

Yoongi blinks then says monotonously, “I’m SUGA, the most normal out of the bunch.”

The description is so out of the blue, they can’t help bursting into laughter. Hoseok smiles widely towards the front, “I would beg to differ, but it’s true. You’re my hope, I’m your hope. I’m J-Hope~”

Taehyung raises a hand, “Hello! I am A, B, C, D – V!”

Jimin has heard that introduction several times, but it still makes him snort. Taehyung seems pleased with the laughter it brings him. He enthusiastically raises a hand. “Hi, the man in charge of cuteness, Jimin.”

Jungkook gives a small wave. “Hi, I’m Jungkook.”

“It feels so nice to be back!” Hoseok exclaims, stretching his arms over his head. “It has been months since our last VLive.”

“We have been so busy with the comeback, scheduling tours, concerts and awards that we neglected VLive, we apologize,” Yoongi says, already peeling a tangerine that came out of nowhere.

Jimin sighs dramatically onto Taehyung’s chest, grumbling, “It has also been weeks since we’ve gathered together for something other than practicing or filming RUN BTS. I missed you all. We haven’t eaten together for awhile.”

“Aww, we missed you too,” Taehyung mutters, squeezing Jimin’s cheeks.

“How have you been?” Namjoon asks, patting Seokjin’s arm.

Seokjin smiles and looks up from his phone, which he uses to read comments and see the viewer count. “I have been well. I just cried from watching another animation last night, but it’s a welcome relief from the body ache I’ve been having. The choreography has been hell lately. I really need to talk to PD-Nim about that.”

“Haven’t you before?” Jungkook asks.

“Yeah,” Seokjin drawls.

“And didn’t that make the choreography even harder the next comeback?”

Seokjin blinks twice. “Yeah, I’m gonna have to make him drunk and sign an agreement, huh.”

That earns him loud laughter from the bunch.

Jimin picks up the conversation. “We got to be there when you do that. You might ask him to make only your parts to be easier.”

Their eldest’s grin means that he has, indeed, thought of that.

He makes an affronted noise, pointing an accusatory finger at Seokjin. “Betrayal!” He exclaims, but it comes out in a cuter way because Taehyung is squishing and playing with his cheeks. “Hey, Taehyung-ie, I’m not a stress ball.”

“If not a stress ball, then why,” Taehyung retorts, squeezing Jimin’s cheeks as if his life depended on it.

“Oww,” Jimin complains, trying and failing to get away.

Jungkook watches them for several more seconds before coming into the conclusion that Jimin is truly in pain. He leans over a little to gently extract Taehyung’s hands from Jimin’s face. But before Jimin could move away, Taehyung possessively crosses his arms over Jimin’s chest to keep him there. Jungkook blinks from Taehyung to Jimin before pouting a little.

“If you two don’t stop fighting over Jimin-ah, I’ll make us exchange seats,” Namjoon proclaims with a fond sigh.

That makes Taehyung dejectedly release Jimin while Jungkook scoots closer to the middle, turning his whole body to face the oldest of the maknae line.

Yoongi leans across. “Your cheeks are so red, Jimin-ah,” He comments.

Jimin proceeds to rolls his knuckles over the said cheeks, like they are mochi in need of kneading. “They’ll return to normal in few minutes. It’s been awhile since Taehyung-ie squished them like that, is all.”

Jungkook silently grabs his’ and Jimin’s cups of soda in front of him before placing both over Jimin’s cheeks. The relief is instantaneous. “Does that make it better?” At his nod, Jungkook’s face lights up.

Taehyung leans his head on top of Jimin’s. “Sorry, Jimin-ah. Couldn’t help it,” He mumbles. “You can squish mine if you want.”

Shaking his head, he gives his soulmate a short squeeze on his cheeks. That tiny laugh that elicits make Jimin giggle back.

“Gosh, we have the cutest maknae line,” Hoseok comments over them. “I could just squish them.”

“Not until Jimin’s cheeks return to normal,” Yoongi admonishes when he sees Hoseok’s hands nearing Jimin’s face.

With a short laugh, Namjoon returns their conversation to the right direction. “Anyways, ARMYs! Thank you for being with us and supporting us. We wouldn’t have achieved the Chopard Award without your help. This,” he leans over to retrieve one of the albums displayed. Predictably, the rest of the display topple over. “Aww, shoot—“

Seokjin laughs, his deep voice resonating across the room. “Living to your name, Namjoonie.”

Embarrassed as Jungkook fixes the display table on his behalf, Namjoon proudly shows off their new album. “’Beyond the Boundary’ Deluxe is currently out. By the end of this month, we will also release the Beyond Edition, which is a smaller version. It would be more affordable and wouldn’t be as bulky as the Deluxe Edition. It would include the same songs and would also have the photobook, a folded poster, and a random photo card in it. Also, it has the Chopard Award and Grammy Award stickers on the box, because many of you suggested that it would be a waste to place it on the plastic when we typically throw that away. Smart, I tell you. Smart.”

Yoongi accepts it when Namjoon hands it over, then for some reason he pushes it forward towards the camera with a palm behind the album.

Jimin almost drops the cups of beverage in his laughter when he realizes what Yoongi is doing.

“I saw Jimin-ah do this a lot. Am I doing it right?”

It is Hoseok’s turn to almost fall down his chair from laughing as the others follow suit.

Yoongi smiles as he pretends to turn the album from one side to other, continuing to pretend he’s a beauty vlogger.

Handing over the cups back to Jungkook, Jimin gives their youngest a gentle pat on the head, caressing the other’s now-blond locks. “Thank you. Jungkookie.” He looks down on the phone on his lap and reads through the comments. “Lemme read some comments~ Please make a heart over your head.” Hoseok complies easily. “I wanna see Taehyung-oppa’s boxy smile.” Taehyung blinks then gives his widest smile, making Jimin smile in return and slightly squeeze his soulmate’s cheeks. “So cute~” He returns to his phone and reads aloud, “Someone please fix Jiminie’s antennae. Antennae?”

Jungkook chuckles before using the moist of his drink to pat down a stubborn lock of Jimin’s hair. “Did you just wake up?”

“You know I didn’t,” Jimin complains, using his locked phone’s screen to look at his reflection. He doesn’t notice the slip up, but many ARMYs did, who would go rampant about that detail in Twitter and Youtube within the next few hours. Satisfied with his appearance, he unlocks his phone again, and gives a smile at the camera in the front.

After a while of just chattering and reading comments aloud, one of their staff raises a prompter. It tells them about their entertainment for today’s VLive. “Oooh, everyone, before we forget, we have entertainment for today!” Jimin informs the public. “We have a box here,” He picks it up and gives it a shake, “with lots of folded papers in it. We will each pick one. Then inside, there is a question, we either answer it or we do the dare at the bottom of the paper. The questions are accumulated from ARMYs from different platforms. The staff are now providing us weird concoctions for the dare, just in case.” Jimin squints at the weird looking glass. “What’s that?”

“Hot sauce,” One of their staff mouths.

“A whole shot glass of hot sauce? You all are evil,” Jungkook gasps.

Another prompter is raised. It makes him blink in surprise. “Ah, I’m today’s MC? Thank you for the great honor!” Jimin exclaims, laughing, bowing at the camera. “I’ll do my best.” He gets pats on the back and head in encouragement.

“I volunteer as a tribute!” Jungkook shouts, raising a hand and quickly dipping it into the small hole of the box. He swiftly retrieves one folded paper and unfolds it to read its content. “What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done? Dare: Eat a raw onion.”

For some reason, after reading the question, Jungkook meets Jimin’s eyes briefly. Jimin raises his eyebrows in return, puzzled. Jungkook tucks his hair behind his ear and declares confidently, “Give me a raw onion.”

“What, what, what?” Hoseok asks. “Why choose the dare? How embarrassing could it have been?”

The youngest accepts the onion gracefully, both palms up and open. “I can’t lie to save my life. I’d rather eat an onion.”

“Now, I’m curious. What is it?” Seokjin pesters.

Jungkook motions for the eldest to come closer and whispers something to his ear. Seokjin’s eyes widen comically before his own ears turn red. “Jungkook-ah!” He shouts in his own embarrassment. “Yeah, eat the onion.”

“What is it?” Namjoon couldn’t help asking.

“I’ll tell you all in the dorms,” Seokjin promises.

“Hey!” Jungkook protests as he peels off the outer layer of the onion.

“You didn’t tell me not to tell them. You should’ve thought of that sooner.” After retorting this, Seokjin gives Jimin’s hair a ruffle. Jimin feels like he is missing something as Jungkook enthusiastically bites into the onion like it’s an apple, pleased of bypassing the question and reminding Jimin of the same instance years ago. Just like back then, he couldn’t help his laughter, forgetting his curiosity for whatever Jungkook is hiding.

As Jungkook devours the onion, Jimin dives in for the truth or box. He picks one up and carefully unfolds it. “Do you have a favourite friend? Dare: Give someone your phone and let them send one text to anyone in your contacts. Hey! This is too much,” He whines towards their staff, lips forming a pout to support his protests.

Hoseok is already laughing. “Come on, Jimin-ah, choose your favourite! It’s time to find out the truth. It’s me, right? You wouldn’t stick with me as a roommate, if it weren’t me.”

Seokjin huffs. “What are you talking about? I feed him the most. It’s me.”

Namjoon gives Jimin a pat on the back. “No one beats me in Jimin’s heart. MiniMoni and all that, right, Jiminie?”

Even Yoongi gives him a short hair pat, opening and closing his mouth. Then he settles with a cool, “Jimin-ah.”

Jimin tilts his head backwards, blinking up at the rapper. “Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“Hey! That’s a low blow!” Hoseok complains when Jimin grins ear to ear at hearing his favourite words come from Yoongi of all people. “You know Jiminie can’t resist that!”

“That’s exactly why,” Yoongi retorts with a smirk, raising an eyebrow at Jimin.

Taehyung grabs one of Jimin’s hands and squeezes it. “Jimin-ah.”

Stifling his laughter, he turns to his side and replies with the same sweet tone, “Taehyung-ah.”

“Jimin-ah,” Taehyung repeats, smiling sweetly.

Trying his hardest to laugh, Jimin returns it again, “Taehyung-ah.”

At that moment, he receives a tiny punch on the forearm from his right. When he turns his head on the other direction, he finds Jungkook looking at him with a barely visible pout, arms crossed over his chest. When Jimin merely raises his eyebrows, feigning innocence, he receives another tiny smack -- now on the thigh.

As the six argue about who Jimin should choose as his favourite, he exits the VLive app and hands his phone over to Hoseok. “I trust you, Hobi-hyung. Please don’t embarrass me to any of my friends.”

Seokjin laughs loudly, clapping his hands together once in mirth. “He has also chosen dare! It’s alright, you can just say it’s Jungkook-ah.”

Flustered, Jimin tries his hardest to maintain his poker face, especially since they are on live. “I love you all.”

Their eldest gives him an expression that tells him that he doesn’t believe Jimin’s bullshit.

Hoseok accepts Jimin’s phone and scrolls through his contacts. Laughing, he presses some buttons then proceeds to typing something to someone. He then gives the device back to Jimin, looking pleased with himself. When Jimin unlocks his phone, he finds the latest convo in his Messages.

To Taemin-sunbaenim

Hello, sunbae! We have few days off. Are you available this weekend?

Just as he is about to complain at Hoseok, Taemin’s reply pops up.

From Taemin-sunbaenim

Jimin-ah, it’s been awhile! I found my Saturday free. Where do you wanna go?

Jimin gasps, unable to form any words. “Hobi-hyung, I trusted you!” He shouts, as the others return to their own seats after reading over his shoulders, all of them laughing at his sudden predicament.

Hoseok is cackling on floor, his face red. “You should’ve given it to Jungkookie!”

Said Jungkook looks as betrayed by Hoseok.

Taking a deep breath and ignoring Jungkook’s eyes on him, Jimin replies back.

Saturday sounds good! I don’t know when our groups’ come backs won’t intersect, so I thought of asking you now. Call me later to discuss where and what time?

I have thought the same thing! Your performances are amazing, but I’d be glad to help you unwind for awhile. Sure, I’ll call after an hour or two. I see you’re on VLive haha Tell the others I say hi! Especially that bunny beside you haha.

“With that, I’m booked this Saturday,” Jimin proclaims towards the camera with a shrug. He throws Jungkook a side glance, but the youngest has his poker face on, shaking the box in random intervals to preoccupy his hands.

Sensing the tense atmosphere that descended upon them, Hoseok loudly says, “I wanna go next!” Jungkook tries not to shove the box towards the older’s direction, and he almost failed, but his face remains blank.

As the others return to the game, Jimin picks up his phone, unlocks it and goes to his VLive App to read through the comments, occasionally laughing at some of them.

Jimin taps Jungkook’s arm to get his attention. Despite his displeasure, the youngest has a soft spot to him so he gives Jimin his attention immediately. “Look at the way the balloon makes it look like Yoongi-hyung has horns.”

“Golden horns!” Jungkook giggles, agreeing. He points at something else at the screen. “Are those Taehyungie-hyung’s shoes?”

Squinting, Jimin sees his best friend’s shoes hiding behind Hoseok’s seat unsuccessfully, all worn out and failing to hide. It makes him collapse against Jungkook’s lap in laughter, making squeaking noises in his amusement. Jungkook follows, his nose scrunching in delight.

As their laughter subsides, Jimin tries to straighten up but Jungkook playfully pulls him backward onto his lap. When he doesn’t topple down, Jungkook repeats the motion once more. Giving in with a giggle, Jimin deposits himself onto Jungkook’s lap, making the youngest’s thigh as his pillow, watching the others continue the game through his phone’s screen.

When it is Taehyung’s turn, the second youngest is about to escape until Jimin uses his legs, wrapping them around Taehyung’s waist to keep him in place, making the whole room erupt in laughter. Cackling, Taehyung surrenders to his fate and chooses dare, making Seokjin to choose the most embarrassing photo in his phone and post in their Twitter Account. In minutes, all of their phones blow up with notifications from the said post.

Jungkook has succumbed to his hunger and is eating a piece of cookie above him. Jimin mindlessly wipes away crumbs on the corner of youngest’ lips with an endeared smile. Taehyung’s screams take his attention again, thus he doesn’t notice the way Jungkook’s eyes remain on him, full of fondness and warmth, as Jimin wiggles around on his lap and almost on the floor in laughter.

When it is RM’s turn, Jimin retrieves his phone and goes back to reading the comments. He can see that some comments are in English, some in pure Korean and many used Google Translate basing on the sentence structure. He appreciates the effort of the latter, even if some of the comments sounded funny when read aloud.

I love how they can be themselves in front of us, it makes you feel like you belong.

Look at SUGA, his cheeks are full of tangerines! Cute!

Look at Jimin-ah’s tiny hands clutching his huge phone haha cutie

Hello! From California!

Jungkook’s tattoos aaaahhhhhhh <3

In a low volume, he sings ‘Butter,’ missing that chaotic era, while the others are still in chaos around him. But as more and more comments pass by, Jimin’s smile slowly fades, his heart constricting as he scans through the next consecutive ones.

Is that Jimin lying on JK’s lap??? Imma exit now, thank you

Can he stop clinging to Jungkook and V? He’s annoying.

He’s such an attention seeker. Let the others shine too!

Wait, what did I miss? Oh is Jimin the MC again? Alright, I’m out.

I was about to scream that V and Jungkook are seated beside each other again, but someone is apparently in the middle of them. SMH.

Can Jimin shut up for a second? I can’t hear the others because of his atrocious singing

What’s up with all of this Jimin hate? Go away!

YOU go away. Make your fave stay away from the others as well, will you? We don’t want them being tainted by his eating disorder.

You bitch! Shut up! Leave Jimin-ah alone!

What? It’s true! He literally said it himself. Can you still count how many times he has starved himself and look at him now. He’s still round.

He keeps on clinging onto the others to gain some attention. The desperation. Yuck.

Poor JK, he can’t be left alone for a single moment

They don’t stop.

Also have you noticed? Jimin rarely shows his tummy anymore. Where’s the abs he was so proud of?

Is he bulking up or is that fat?

Oh nvm, it’s fat. Look at those cheeks

Jimin feels like running off to the restroom and throw up.

Must be why he was mostly at the back of their recent MV hahaha

You heard that squeaky chicken toy? That your IT Boy?

Look at him being clingy. Can’t he give the others some space? Not everyone is as clingy as him

Where all of these coming from? Someone report them, please. Jimin can read them!

Jimin hasn’t even noticed the silence that fell upon the room until a hand is tapping his cheek to grab his attention. When he looks up, he realizes that everyone is staring at him with open concern, Taehyung’s pinky caressing his cheek ever so slightly. He musters the brightest smile he could muster and hastily sits up, leaving Jungkook’s lap and putting distance between himself and the two youngest.

“Whose turn is it?” He asks, gripping his phone tightly but still smiling when he addresses the others.

“It’s mine,” Yoongi answers after few silent, tense seconds. He picks up another piece of paper from the box and reads the question out loud.

But Jimin has unconsciously tunes the others out, his eyes betraying him and going down on his screen again, following through the onslaught of people somehow deciding to target him.

There are nice comments in between, but the box is now filled with more hatred directed at him in both English and Korean (including poorly translated ones).

Can someone else MC please? He’s boring

Tell me a more trying-hard idol than Jimin, I’ll wait

Why is Jimin obsessed with being noticed by the others, especially JK or Tae? Doesn’t he have his own personality that he has to rely on others?

Jimin can leave BTS and it won’t make a difference, huh

He clings to the members because that’s how he gains attention from their fans duh

How is he SK’s pride? You heard their latest perf? He can’t hold a single note. That’s why he rarely does covers *laughing emoji*

He can’t even speak English, why would he do covers

Look at him getting rounder again hahaha watch him use his chronic muscle pain as an excuse

Jimin would be nothing without BTS

He’s suddenly silent! He knows we’re telling the truth!

Jungkook has his nose almost scrunched up in his laughter as Yoongi puts as much marshmallow inside his mouth while saying their band name after each piece is shoved inside when he notices movement from the dimmed frontal area of the room where their staff are seated and situated.

Their director is waving his hand to catch any of their attention. When Jungkook gives him a subtle eyebrow raise, their director points at Jimin, at his own phone and makes an urgent X with his arms. When Jungkook tries to ask why with his eyes, another of their staff raises the prompter that reads: Hate comments. Targeting Jimin. They come in groups.

Hastily but as subtly as possible, Jungkook turns to look at Jimin again and feels his breath taken away as he notices the way Jimin makes himself smaller beside him, his eyes trained on the phone on his lap. Jungkook subtly takes out his own phone to look into their live, his blood boiling at the sudden onslaught of hate comments passing through the rectangular box at the bottom, ironically beside the millions of ‘hearts’ they are receiving. He scrolls up and finds that the verbal attack has been going on for minutes now.

Namjoon seems to have caught on and has read the prompter as well, silently catching the others’ attention towards the front. It doesn’t take long for everyone to be informed of the situation. They can’t abruptly end the live, but they also know that things are going out of hand.

Jimin notices the silence after a while, looks up, peers at the others and smiles at the camera, handing his phone over to Yoongi. “Did you notice that we all chose dare? You have too much dirt on us already, so let us leave you with new memes instead. Go to our Twitter Account and drop down the best memes you’ve gathered in today’s live. Please use them wisely. We’re looking forward to seeing them!”

Leave it Jimin to manage through hell and back, despite his trembling voice and glassy eyes, to continue being the mediator in this tense moment. It tears Jungkook apart that he can only watch in the sidelines for now.

Seokjin and Namjoon pick up the conversation, reminding their audience of their new album and the more affordable version they would drop soon. Hoseok and Taehyung provides information of where they’d appear soon for ARMYs’ information. Jungkook and Yoongi gives the ending message and spiel. Altogether, the seven of them give the camera the warmest goodbye, Jimin waving both arms over his head, screaming, “Bye-bye!”

Jungkook volunteers to end the live, and before he could even return to his seat, Jimin has stood up, excusing himself to the restroom.

When Jimin returns few minutes later, Jungkook notes that there is no sign that Jimin has cried inside the bathroom. His smile is a little dimmer, but he doesn’t look as affected as he used to be in the past. He must have sensed their worry because Jimin makes a dismissive gesture before helping the staff pack up. “It’s nothing. I’m fine, really. They are worn out comments by now. No one comes up with something original anymore. They bombarded me and it caught me by surprise, is all. Please, stop worrying, that makes me sadder.”

Taehyung goes to his feet and wraps Jimin in a tight hug. Following his lead, Hoseok also gives Jimin a warm embrace, his hair ruffled by Namjoon, a pat on the back by Yoongi and a side-hug by Seokjin. Jungkook can only reach for Jimin’s hand and give it a squeeze of reassurance. Jimin accepts each with a smile.

But days later, everything is definitely not fine.

Jimin has been forbidden to open their Twitter Account, because there has been more hate comments towards him than usual, especially after he has topped the Brand Reputation Ranking again, securing once again the longest run for the mentioned award. He has also renewed his title as Korea’s IT Boy, Urban Dictionary proudly proclaiming it to the world when an ARMY asked its Twitter Account for the description of the phrase.

The more recognition Jimin receives, the more disgusting comments people fire back to him. Jungkook has mindlessly opened their Twitter Account during one of their breaks out of curiosity, and it almost makes him throw up -- the amount of Quote Retweets a post commending Jimin’s success has. It was posted by an account solely focused on Park Jimin – his dances, his vocals and the commendation he gains from professionals. It disgusts Jungkook that three-fourth of those QRTs consist of defamation and profanities towards Jimin, mentioning his past mistakes and questioning his qualifications for the awards he has received.

When a man acts more like a woman than a real woman does

Why does this man trend because of the stupidest reasons?

Oh, well, can your “fave” please stop being such a sissy?

To be fair, Jungkook has gone through hate comments that target each of them, not sparing a single one of the seven, but Jimin gets the most hatred from unknown sources. Jungkook is still far from the same level in English as Namjoon, but he does know the words: pig, whore and slut. It saddens him that he found out the meaning of these words by coming across these tweets years ago.

There has not been any identifiable mistakes in Jimin’s singing and dancing, but he has seemed more subdued since their last VLive. Jungkook has caught the older staring into space during random moments, looking lost. He has also started playing with half of his food again, barely finishing his meals.

Like today, in a corner of their practice studio, Jimin sits silently, poking a bigger hole through his ripped jeans. It’s three in the afternoon, and Jungkook has only heard the elder mutter enough words to count with his fingers. It rattles everyone in the room as the youngest notes the way his other members keep an eye on Jimin, uncertain how to approach the situation. Jimin is an energy, his mood influences the room and the people in it, his laughter causes smiles to appear in his audience’s faces, and his voice soothes their worries. Today, he is none of those, and it affects the whole dynamic of the group. It doesn’t seem to be a BTS rehearsal if Jimin wasn’t creating chaos and spreading smiles everywhere he goes.

Jungkook watches as Taehyung stands up from where he is seated to accompany his best friend by the corner. Taehyung sits beside Jimin, leaning their foreheads against each other. Because of the distance, Jungkook can’t hear their conversation, but he sees Jimin nod and hide his face on Taehyung’s shoulder. Taehyung’s face shows that the problem is far from being resolved soon, and that makes Jungkook question,

Why is the world cruel on an angel who has walked on earth to spread joy and love?

Yoongi is still awake at three in the morning, unable to fall asleep as a new idea for his next mixtape has begun bothering him since a couple of days ago, and he wouldn’t feel satisfied until he gets it on record.

A noise outside of his studio brings him out of his reverie. He pulls one of his headphones off to listen more closely and when he doesn’t hear anything anymore, he plans to return to his work. But then, three timid knocks raps against his studio’s door. “Yoongi-hyung?”

Immediately, Yoongi has stood up from his seat, almost making his chair slam against the wall, unlocking the door to reveal Jimin standing outside with a Chimmy plushie in his arms. His eyes, which usually shone like they held the universe in them, look so exhausted. Yoongi opens his door wide. “Come on in,” He says in lieu of hello.

Jimin gives him a small smile. “Thank you, hyung. I can’t go back to sleep, and I know you’re the only one left awake.”

Yoongi believes he has not had a proper conversation with Jimin since their last VLive, and he actually missed that voice.

“It’s okay, Jimin. Do you want to listen to my new work?”

Jimin mulls over it for a while, then shakes his head. “I don’t think I will be much help. I just wa—need some company.”

“Works for me,” Yoongi replies, going back to his seat after closing the door, watching as Jimin takes a seat by a corner of the room, hugging his knees close. Yoongi unplugs his headphones and lowers the volume, letting the noise resonate around the studio as white noise.

When he looks over his shoulder after ten minutes, he finds Jimin asleep. So Yoongi puts his mixtape on loop, working on the lyrics instead. If losing sleep means Jimin could get his, Yoongi wholeheartedly agrees. If his music could be the source of comfort Jimin needs, he would make a new song every day.

Does J/M suck dick so that he could stay in their group? I mean, I don’t see any other reason he remains *shrug emoji*

Jmn is a fcking sick attention seeker a whore whore who can do anything just to get a little attention even starve himself to death but funny how he’s still ugly af

They finish their last song’s choreography without any mistake and with the energy and finesse that brings silence in the room. At the applause they receive, they know they’ve done a great job, thus, everyone collapse on the ground right after.

Except for one of them.

Jimin hogs their speaker and plays Blue and Grey. For some reason, it has become his personal mission to create a contemporary choreography to the song. At first, they don’t understand why, but then they realize that this is Jimin’s way of releasing his stress, to push away the thoughts that linger in his mind, and to feel free from the darkness that eats him away.

On times that they can witness a painful masterpiece being completed, they are always reminded that Jimin, indeed, was trained in contemporary dance. Anyone can see it with the way his moves extend, as if each move is interconnected from beginning to end, and with the way every single step and flick of his limb are done intentionally, adding flare to the choreography.

Blue and Grey gaining a choreography, though, brings more pain that they fathomed – it’s the way Jimin releases his emotions with his steps and facial expressions, and they hurt to witness.

They can feel the pain he is hiding with every move, with every extension of his arm; they can see his struggle to free himself from his dark thoughts -- his silent cries for help.

But then he halts abruptly, brows furrowed in obvious agitation.

It has been days since Jimin started, and this is the first time they’ve seen him slumped with his next move. They can’t do anything but watch as Jimin struggles over coming up with a step on a certain part of the song, his jaw clenching in frustration.

When he looks in the verge of screaming, Hoseok stands up and shows him a move that he has seen Jimin do in his I Need U solo performance. Hoseok explains how Jimin could incorporate and connect it with the previous step, so that it’ll look pleasant once performed. With a nod, Jimin starts from the previous line and ends with Hoseok’s advice. The palpable relief in Jimin’s face makes Hoseok pull the younger in an embrace. “I’m here. We are here, Jimin. Don’t be afraid to approach any of us.”

Jimin doesn’t respond, but he does melt in Hoseok’s arms, burying his face in the older’s shoulder.

ARMYs when they find out Jimin MOST LIKELY got r*p*d in military *attached a photo of Jimin crying during his speech in their MOTS: 7 online concert*

Quote Retweet to someone praising Jimin’s vocals: Awww a PigMin stan

Jimin can’t sit for shit and y’all are proud of that? Go off, I guess

“Jin-hyung should sing that part.”

The statement brings a sudden silence in the room. Six pairs of eyes end up staring at Jimin, who is sitting at the end of the long couch, in between Seokjin and the armrest. They are talking about the surprise single that they are about to drop for ARMYs as a gift to their fans for their achievements. They know and appreciate the fact that they wouldn’t be where they are without their fans’ help and support, and releasing a surprise gift is the least they could do.

However, the song has been in the works since they were nominated for Grammys again. The melody and lyrics have been very close to completion, and just so that it would be a light and easy day, they decided to talk about line distribution for today. They have had a rough draft on it since they finished the single, but they are trying to make a final decision while they aren’t as busy, so that they wouldn’t think and decide hurriedly.

The bridge, however, has been Jimin’s since they finished that part of the song. His pitch, his tone, his growl and his smooth transition to airy falsetto by the end of it gives the song the right vibes they needed from the very beginning. Jimin has been ecstatic and honoured when he found out about it, singing it at random times to prove to himself that he deserves it.

That’s why hearing that sentence from him throws them out of the loop. They know that any of their vocalists could slay any part they are given, but it has been a unanimous decision that Jimin would get the bridge. No one had complaints because he just fits it. That’s also when they realize that he has been more affected by the things people spit and throw at him -- he has just gotten better at hiding it, and it hurts to see him regress when he has worked so hard to reach this point.

“But Jimin-hyung—“ Jungkook begins.

However, Seokjin cuts the youngest off. “You either sing it or I won’t participate on any part of the song.”

Jimin looks up from his notes, eyes wide. “What—“

“Both of us worked so hard for our voices because we had no training in singing when we entered BTS. Both of us usually interchange the high notes, because we can. The four of us segregate lines depending on who fits the verses and lines best. The four of us are called the vocal line, because we have vocals that got us that title. I won’t take that part just because you feel like you don’t deserve it. I don’t care what people say. I don’t care what our producers say. I don’t care what you say. You will get that bridge, because you deserve to sing it, and you will slay it like you usually do.”

Seokjin takes a deep breath, and despite his tone being low and soft, the silence in the room ensures that everyone hears what comes out of his mouth. “Jimin, you deserve your parts in all of our songs. You deserve having the most streamed song in Soundcloud. You deserve to be recognized by professional coaches for your unique voice that isn’t easy to handle. You deserve to sing as much as we all do. You deserve to be part of the vocal line. You deserve that bridge.”

Jimin blinks twice before bursting into quiet giggles. “Hyung, sap.”

“Hey!” Seokjin playfully protests, but he accepts Jimin in his arms as Jimin continuously giggles despite his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Jimin records the final version of the bridge the next day, and when they do a playback with everyone in the room, BTS knows they made the right decision. They hope Jimin knows that.

He dyes his hair like a lady and acts like one too.

Fact is that Jimin is irrelevant outside the group

You have a penis and xy chromosomes stop trying to be a woman

Namjoon is readying himself to go cycling on a free night of theirs when there are knocks on his door. When he opens the door, he finds Jimin standing outside with a small smile.

“I’m bored, hyung, do you have any book you can recommend me?”

Just as he is about to say a random book’s name, he realizes that there is something else he can offer. He hands over his spare helmet instead. “How about cycle with me instead?”

Jimin stares at the helmet in his hand, hesitant. “But I don’t want to disturb your calm—“

“—Jimin, you can never do that. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I enjoy your company. Buckle up. Come on.”

Within minutes, they find themselves cycling along the park and near the river just as the sun sets and night settles in, the lamp posts lighting up the road. They settle into comfortable silence, just going round and round, letting the wind caress their faces.

After an hour, they decide to take some rest by sitting on the grass, by the riverbank, admiring the tiny ripples of the water. They leave their masks and helmets on to hide their identities from passerby’s. Almost fifteen minutes passes by before Jimin speaks up, just as Namjoon expected.

“I regret nothing about the past, and wouldn’t change a single thing about it if given the chance. But, sometimes I do wonder if I did something horrible in my past life. Is this my repentance?”

Namjoon turns his head and finds Jimin staring at the skies.

“Do they prefer the Jimin who showed his abs? Do they prefer my raspy voice and growls? Do they prefer me acting all manly? Which me do I need to show?” His voice cracks at his last question, barely able to get it out, and it breaks Namjoon’s heart into pieces.

He has watched and grown up alongside his members. The seven of them have been through thick and thin, been together during the ups and downs of their careers as idols. He has been their leader since they debuted, and he thought he has seen everything that could break him. But it seems that he will never ever get used to seeing any of his members’ carrying heavy burdens on their own shoulders when they have done absolutely nothing wrong to carry such loathing in the first place.

One of the brightest smiles he has ever seen in his entire life washed away by words he does not deserve.

Thus, Namjoon lets his mouth run, uncaring of how they would sound like to those who’ll hear him without context. “You don’t owe them any of those. Whether you decide to stay the way you were when we started or decide to change, they will still talk. That Jimin was an ‘image’ you tried to maintain, but it made you so miserable to settle into a persona that felt more like a mask. Over the years, you have found your style, your technique and the version of yourself that feels right. It’s their problem if they have issues regarding the Jimin that you’ve become. Why is embracing your feminine and masculine sides all of a sudden seen as ‘sissy’? It isn’t you, Jimin. It’s the society. It’s their phobia of what crosses the line of what they consider is normal. Over a decade and even my plum tree has grown few more inches taller. Nothing remains the same. Change is the only constant in this universe. You’re finding yourself, you’re becoming the person you want and should be; aren’t those supposed to be celebrated about? If others wouldn’t celebrate them, please know that they are still your tiny victories, and you should be proud of yourself.”

Jimin doesn’t give him any sort of response, but he understands. A hand reaches for his, and he gladly holds onto it tightly. The silence is deafening especially when it comes to his companion, but Jimin becomes like this sometimes, quiet and reserved inside his head, as if his thoughts suddenly zip his mouth shut.

But when they arrive back in the dorms with Jungkook opening the door, Jimin grabs the hem of Namjoon’s shirt just as he is about to cross the threshold and change his clothes. “Namjoon-hyung.”

“Jimi—“

He finds a Jimin-sized lump in his arms, and he wholeheartedly wraps the younger between his arms. When they part, Namjoon gives Jimin’s cheeks a squeeze. “I’m your leader. But most of all, I’m your family. I’m just a bedroom door away if you need to talk.”

“Mm.”

With that, Namjoon leaves Jimin in Jungkook’s care. When he looks over his shoulder one last time, Jungkook is chattering about the latest dish he has cooked while Namjoon and Jimin were out. He gives Jimin a whole diary entry, filling Jimin with stories and making random sound effects and gestures to make Jimin laugh.

When they are on the way to the dining area, while Jimin’s back is turned towards Jungkook, the youngest looks back at Namjoon and gives him a small smile before mouthing, “Thank you.”

That diet affects everything, even manhood

Dude touching your crotch at every given instance is not good dancing and yes, I’m talking about Park Jimin

Jimin stan talking about their stan as if he didn’t almost ruin BTS for his horrible voice

Taehyung is lounging on the couch, watching random videos on Youtube, still not feeling sleepy after hours of hard vocal and dance practices. He looks up when he hears a bedroom door open and close, followed by quiet footsteps.

When a shadow looms over him, he lowers his phone and finds Jimin with mischief in his face. He prepared himself, laughing out loud when Jimin basically throws himself over him, blanketing Taehyung with the heat of his freshly showered body and scent.

Jimin buries his face in Taehyung’s neck, his hands clutching Taehyung’s shirt as if he was afraid the younger would disappear in a blink.

Taehyung locks his phone and places it on the coffee table before giving his full attention on his best friend. He uses his toes to grab the blanket thrown haphazardly on the arm rest, then once he could reach it, he covers half of their bodies with the fabric, his hands carding through Jimin’s damp locks. “Jimin?”

“Mm?”

“You know I love you, right?”

“Mm.”

“You know that you’re important to me, right?”

“Mm.”

“You know that I thank the universe every day that I found you, right?”

There is a pause. “Mm.”

“You know that I am so happy that I found my soul mate in you, right?”

There is a longer pause, Jimin hiding even further. “Mm.”

“You know that your pain is my pain? That your happiness is my happiness? That I appreciate your efforts in taking care of me in every way you can? That I am grateful for your abundant affection?”

Jimin gives no response, his hand merely tightening his hold on Taehyung’s shirt.

“You know I like you the most, right? I’d say it over and over again if I have to – I like you the most. I like you the most. I like you the most. I like you the most. I like you the most. I like you the most. I like you the mo—“

His tirade gets cuts off when Jimin lifts up his head just to gently cover Taehyung’s mouth with his cute hands. “Taehyung-ah!” Jimin complains with an embarrassed smile with gratefulness hidden underneath said expression.

Taehyung giggles and pulls Jimin back on his chest. “Alright, I’m making that new song of mine, and I need your input.”

Just like Winter Bear, his newest creation manages to make Jimin fall asleep again, and he is thankful that it worked. Jimin has barely gotten any sleep since their last VLive and he has begun to feel worried for his best friend’s health.

Jungkook and the older members find them in that position almost half an hour later, the two of them asleep, snoring softly. Jimin is lying on top of Taehyung, his face on the younger’s chest while Taehyung has his cheek pressed on the crown of Jimin’s head. Jimin is clinging onto Taehyung’s shirt and the latter has an arm around Jimin’s waist to keep him in place. The others decide to leave them be, Jungkook quietly fixing their blanket and placing Taehyung’s phone back on the coffee table. He gives Jimin a caress on the cheek before following after the others.

When that icon on your pfp learns how to sing properly, come at me again.

Untalented is a word that can be described with this photo *photo of Jimin attached*

Jimin can’t sing for shit. He can’t lower his voice because it will falter *laugh emoji*

It has been a while since they have last sung ‘Film Out,’ and Jungkook finds his mouth agape with awe as Jimin manages to reach an even higher key on his already high notes. Eyes closed and his hands tight around his lilac microphone, Jimin harmonises with Taehyung at end, finishing the song with emotions that could quiet an entire arena.

“I don’t even know why you insist on practicing your parts over and over again. You’ve basically owned them,” Yoongi remarks, pressing the red button on Jimin’s phone to end the recording.

Jimin smiles slightly, accepting the phone back with both hands. “I have the weakest vocals in the vocal line. I’m always grateful to be included as a lead vocal when my vocals are in no comparison to any of the others’, especially Jungkook’s. I can’t afford to bring us down. Practicing when I could is the least I could do.”

Silence reigns in the studio for few moments until Namjoon brings their attention back to their vocal lessons and practice. They’ve decided to go with their slow songs for the day to rest from the exhausting choreographies they have been repeating the past few days.

Jungkook can’t stray his eyes away from Jimin as the vocal line practices ‘Your Eyes Tell,’ his heart constricting with the palpable pain heard in Jimin’s singing, the dancer’s hand clutching his shirt over his chest, brows furrowed.

When they’ve finally chosen to take some rest, Jungkook immediately approaches Jimin, going behind him to place his hands on Jimin’s waist, placing a light kiss at the back of other’s earlobe. “Hey,” He whispers.

Jimin tilts his head sideways. “Mm?”

Jungkook points at the mirror in front of them, showcasing their height and size differences. If he went in front of Jimin, the other would be completely hidden by his entire build. Smiling at the thought, he picks up Jimin’s fists and engulfs them with his much larger hands. “What am I holding?”

Jimin gives him a frown at the mirror. “My hands?”

He shakes his head. “No.”

“My tiny hands?”

He turns Jimin around before easily picking the older man up in his arms. Jimin can’t do anything else but yelp in surprise, his arms automatically wrapping around Jungkook’s neck. Jungkook steps to the side a little so that Jimin could still see their reflection. “I am holding onto my world,” He declares, making Jimin splutter in surprise. “I am holding onto the world of millions of ARMYs. Lots of people love your unique vocals, including me. They were, are and will never be the weakest vocals in the bunch. We each bring our own flair in our tracks considering how different our voices are. If you don’t trust that – at least trust Yoongi-hyung’s taste. Yoongi-hyung adores your unique voice and he has been vocal about it, and that should be saying something. I couldn’t have slayed being the main vocal without your support. We need you in the team. You’re important to our group. You’re important to me. Those are facts that will never change.”

Jimin seems lost in words, probably caught in surprise at the words he did not expect. The two of them stare at each other for few seconds, both of their faces burning, so Jungkook decides to distract the other instead, twirling around the entire room, occasionally dipping Jimin because they are dramatic like that and because it brings out loud laughter out of the man in his arms. When he sneaks a look at the others, he finds them smiling along, eyes trained on Jimin.

Few minutes later, Jimin’s eyes are barely seen because of the huge smile on his face. Giggling, he snuggles his nose by Jungkook’s neck, suddenly exhausted from their practice and all the laughing. “I want gimbap.”

Bouncing Jimin in his arms, Jungkook crosses the distance from the others before depositing the two of them in the love seat. The other five busy themselves with anything and everything just to pretend that they are not watching them. “Let’s go make some later? I found a new recipe I want to try, we could make it together.”

Jimin’s head ends up on his shoulder, and he takes several seconds to respond. “…Mm, ‘kay. Love you,” Jimin mutters, half asleep with half of his body on the armrest.

“Love you, too,” Jungkook responds, running his fingers over the other’s silver locks as he joins the others’ conversation, Jimin slowly falling asleep beside him.

They thought things will return to how they should be.

They thought Jimin’s wide, beautiful smile would appear again sooner or later.

They thought everything would be alright.

However, over half a month after their last VLive, Jimin has completely returned back in his shell, occasionally accompanying the rest of them during meals but more often than not, staying in the dance studio to dance and practice. No matter the means, the six of them can’t stop him. He always manages to sneak off on his own, returning at his own time, avoiding the kitchen at all cost.

There is still traces of the vibrant, bubbly Park Jimin, but he always has one foot in his shell, reserved and too self-conscious. He has started being way too aware of his weight again – always counting his calorie and carbs intake even when they were practicing hard and exhausting choreographies for the day. He has also begun avoiding mirrors unless his make-up is intact, not allowing himself to appear in front of them bare-faced. It throws them back to few years ago when Jimin has sunk so low that they can barely recognize him.

In the latest award show they attended, even fans have noticed the tense way Jimin has held himself. He has danced gracefully and his vocals were insanely stable and clear, but he looked like he wanted to be anywhere else except there and then after their performance. His smile was bright and proud, but his expression was on edge. He watched his members enjoy the encore, but he barely moved from his position. He also declined to make a speech, escaping away from Namjoon the moment their eyes met. ARMYs grew concerned, sending him short messages through their Twitter Account.

I hope Jimin is ok. He looks off during the Award show, as if he didn’t feel comfortable being in front of the crowd. : (

Can someone give Jimin a hug? TT TT

Our precious angel looks so sad. I want to wrap him in lots of blankets and keep him safe. We don’t deserve him.

But despite holding himself differently to lessen the possibility of being a target, Jimin still receives hundreds to thousands of hate comments consisting of:

You stan a two-faced man. Can’t even make a speech for the fans that helped them win.

Now he’s going quiet? After all those years he kept asking for attention?

Just remove him from the group ISTG

Why do people call him Dance King again?

Why does he have center time again?

He can off himself and the world would be a better place

The comments have reached to such drastic extent that Bang PD had to issue another statement condemning those who they manage to trace back.

It still isn’t enough.

Jimin is gone again before the others even woke up, locking himself inside the dance studio to practice. The six of them go through their usual routine, but it’s evident that there is a cloud hanging over the rest of them. Even the staff always around them, filming their everyday lives for the next documentary they plan to release in the future, seem uncomfortable and in distress.

Namjoon settles himself at the head of the dining table, sighing, “Today’s supposed to be our day off. Is Jimin in the studio again?”

Hoseok nods, eyes downward. “His training shoes and his usual baseball cap are gone, as usual.”

“He didn’t even eat breakfast,” Seokjin murmurs, staring at the cling-wrapped meal he has prepared last night for Jimin to eat this morning. Jimin avoids the dining area recently to avoid eating unnecessarily, so Seokjin has tried countless ways to make him intake his meal. They are rarely successful.

“I’ll go get him,” Jungkook volunteers.

Taehyung stands up, as well. “I’ll come along.”

Without waiting for their elders’ approval, the two youngest of the group slip on their shoes and head out of their dorms as if they were out on a mission. It’s a good thing their dance studio is just few floors below in their new building, reachable through the elevator. Inside the lift, Jungkook couldn’t help fidgeting, his usual uneasiness inside this metallic box creeping in. Without Jimin safeguarding him inside this tiny space, Jungkook can only count loudly in his head to calm himself down. Taehyung is also distracted by his own thoughts to notice the youngest’s predicament and offer sympathy. Few seconds later, they arrive to the level they punched in. Followed by their camera men, the youngest pair of the group hurry towards the dance studio, throwing a greeting to the TXT members they pass by.

Twisting the knob, Taehyung slowly pushes open the door, finding all lights out. They almost thought that Jimin has gone home until they realize there is a figure they almost missed.

In the middle of the wide space and surrounded by the huge mirrors, Jimin sits in the center of the hard-wood floor, his face hidden by his folded arms over his knees. With a mop of bleached silver hair, a loose white shirt and his usual gray sweats with his feet bare, Jimin looks incredibly small and fragile.

Jungkook feels his heart shatter when Jimin turns his head towards them at the sound of the door opening, his beautiful eyes void of any emotion, glassy and lost somewhere they can’t reach. He tries for a smile upon seeing them, but it just turns into a grimace in seconds, his lips wobbling as tears stream down his face.

Unaware how, Jungkook has jumped the distance between them in two large strides, going to his knees to engulf Jimin within his arms, hiding the elder’s face on his chest. Taehyung is not far behind, hugging his best friend from behind, placing his lips on the crown of Jimin’s head to offer comfort. Jimin has his hands clutching the back of the youngest’s shirt tightly, his shoulders tensed up. Jungkook doesn’t know what words to say, he has been told that he has been improving with taking care of others and letting others confide on him, but sometimes he still blanks out on what is the most appropriate thing to do or say in certain situations. With Jimin in his arms, he seems to malfunction, unable to move and speak. Thankfully, Taehyung does.

Taehyung gently whispers over Jimin’s hair, “Let it out. Let it out, Jimin-ah. It’s okay.”

That seems to do the trick, because Jimin’s whole body shudders, then he’s full-on sobbing against Jungkook’s chest, his cries sounding painful as if he has tried to hold them in for so long. Jungkook wouldn’t be surprised if he did.

When Jungkook lifts his head to thank his other hyung for reaching Jimin, he finds Taehyung also crying, his gaze settled entirely on Jimin. That’s when Jungkook realizes that he, too, has begun sobbing, feeling as if his heart would burst at seeing his hyungs, Jimin especially, in so much pain.

With tears trickling down his own cheeks, Jungkook leans down to place his lips over Jimin’s forehead. Because what else can he do?

An hour later, the hyung line finds their maknae line in various state of distress inside their dance studio, Jimin interchanging from hiccups to sniffles in his sleep. Their camera men also had tear tracks on their faces, affected by what they witnessed, almost forgetting that they had filmed the entire thing.

As the four eldest of the group approach, Jimin snuggles against Jungkook and Taehyung, his grip on both tight. He lets out a whine of protest when Jungkook so much as moves and then begins sobbing again, his hand reaching for his own chest, his sobs sounding painful even to their ears. Taehyung has to shush him to make him fall back asleep, Jungkook’s arms around Jimin tightening.

Namjoon looks like he has aged a decade as he regards the three of them. “I should’ve intervened when it was still early.”

“No one knew it would reach this extent,” Yoongi amends. “Again,” He grinds out, hands forming fists on his sides.

Seokjin offers his hands towards Jungkook and Taehyung. “Let’s return to the dorms.”

Jungkook holds Jimin protectively against him, his gaze turning icy at the thought of separating from the other.

Hoseok crouches in front of him. “We’ll help you carry Jiminie at your back, how about that? Jimin needs rest, and it’ll be better for him to be placed on a bed. He’ll sleep more peacefully like that.”

It takes a while, but Jungkook agrees, finding the argument fair, standing up and slouching a little to accommodate Jimin’s weight on his back as Hoseok and Seokjin team up to carry Jimin and place him in a comfortable position on Jungkook. Taehyung is leaning against Namjoon, grieving his best friend’s condition and situation.

“This is beyond our power,” Yoongi mumbles, defeated.

Namjoon can only nod, wishing there was more he could do.

Jungkook turns his head at the sound of a door opening from a corner of their dorms. As he expected, Jimin has woken up after almost five hours of much needed sleep. He turns up with his eyes almost swollen shut from crying, his silver hair dishevelled, his shoulders hunched as if he has the world on his back, and his pajamas barely covering his thinner figure even though the said outfit perfectly fit him when they first bought it four months ago.

There is a hint of guilt in Jimin’s gaze, and Jungkook doesn’t know the reason behind it. He can’t find a reason for the guilt to exist.

“Aww, Jimin-ah,” Hoseok murmurs, unable to contain his tears anymore, going to his feet to wrap Jimin in his arms. “We’re so sorry for what you’re going through.”

“Please, talk to us. What can we do to make you feel better?” Seokjin pleads.

Jimin gives them a shake of his head. His voice is hoarse from disuse when he speaks, “I don’t know either. Their words keep on repeating in my head. When I go to sleep, I dream of blank faces laughing as they spit those words at me. When I don’t move, I remember that being idle could lead me to gaining weight, so I don’t stop practicing because that’s what I’m best at. I try not to be affected, I really do, but when thousands –millions—believe those words, what can a single man do?” He goes silent for few seconds before he begins sniffling again. "I am sorry you’re affected by my own fucked up mental health. We’re supposed to be celebrating our victories and come back, but I am sabotaging it over useless comments—“

“Jimin-ah!” Taehyung scolds, his eyes hard. “You are more important to us. We are not seven without you.”

The front door opens and Sejin, their manager, enters. No one looks surprised at his presence. He’s followed closely behind by Jimin’s own manager. “I didn’t mean to intrude, but we have heard the conversation right outside of your door. That’s actually something I want to discuss with you. Please, everyone, settle down.”

Hoseok pulls Jimin to the seat beside him, tucking him by his side and running his hand in his silver locks. Taehyung situates himself beside Jimin’s legs, his head leaning against Jimin’s knee. Jungkook scoots himself to Jimin’s other side, offering comfort by rubbing circles on the small of the older’s back. The rest surround Jimin with the available spaces around them, occupying the longest couch despite the existence of the love seats and ottomans.

Sejin doesn’t look perturbed. He goes to business immediately. “The legal team has been working 24/7 to trace the most disgusting comments that tarnish Jimin’s name, however some are great at hiding themselves. We did find out that individuals seemed to have created a group in various social medias that focus on targeting Jimin. An ARMY pretended to be an anti to infiltrate and sent our team screenshots. We’re doing the best we can to shut them down. Trust me when I say we will ensure that they will be given what they deserve for doing such foul actions.”

Their manager takes a deep breath and manages his temple, pursing his lips. “Allow me to apologize on the behalf of the entire team for neglecting you and the rest of the group. They have been quite silent since the comeback, and we became complacent, and now you’re suffering. You didn’t deserve any of those foul words.

We do not blame any of you for being affected mentally and emotionally by the words that they said. It’s normal to feel. Your feelings are valid. Jimin’s mental health has been greatly damaged by our complacency and the utter horror these people spread and post. Jimin’s mental health is more important, and I and Bang PD discussed about it beforehand, and if Jimin would agree, we believe it would benefit Jimin if he would take one month rest away from the spotlight.”

Jimin stiffens, the words echoing in his mind. He closes and opens his mouth, but only manages to stutter, “What—I can p-perform—“

Bang PD interrupts, apparently entering their dorms without their awareness, their whole focus on Sejin and Jimin the entire time, “Jimin-ah, you can,” He interjects, choosing to take a seat in front of the seven of them. “We do not question that. No matter the circumstance, you’ve remained professional, Jimin -- putting everything you have in every performance even if it put you at risk.”

He pauses for few seconds, mulls over something, then he approaches their bunch to meet Jimin’s eyes closer. “But Jimin, you don’t have to be strong all the time. You have been through so much for a decade. Yet, for some unknown reason, you’ve become the Kpop world’s punching bag, and you don’t deserve that. You’ve bared yourself and your insecurities to the world, and many sought to use them to mock you. You’ve shown the difficulty of being an idol, yet people use it against you. All this time, you’ve become millions’ source of happiness, hiding your own pain behind such a bright smile. As your second father figure, I beg you to take care of yourself. I can’t watch you wither. You can go home to take some rest. Your members will understand. The staff will understand. The world will accept it whether they like it or not. We will wait for you however long you need, we promise.”

Jimin imagines spending his days without BTS, without performing in front of ARMYs, without the deafening sounds of dance studios or concert halls, and he blanks out. A familiar but faraway voice brings him back to reality, and his eyes widen at being face to face with his father.

Well, not face to face, more like face to screen, his father on the other end of a Face Time through Jungkook’s phone. “Jimin,” His father murmurs with a warm smile, reaching for him through the screen. “Jimin, Bang PD-nim told me the situation. Jimin, Jimin, I love you.” From the background, Jimin hears his mother and brother shout, “We love you!”

That breaks through, his tear ducts opening up. Arms wrap around him as he tries to hide his tears with the sleeves of his pajama top. “Dad,” He sobs.

“Jimin, son, you’ve been BTS for a decade. You’ve been through highs and lows, through various versions of hell, and you’re still here. You wouldn’t stay there if you didn’t belong. I’ve met your members, I know from the bottom of my heart how much they love you. They definitely would understand if you needed to take some rest.”

“We do!” Seokjin agrees loudly, a part of his face showing on the corner of the screen. “Father, we love Jimin-ah so much and don’t like him suffering through this. We will wholeheartedly understand if we get off the spotlight for a while.”

Immediately, the remaining five members agree, stating their support in varying length and tones.

His father catches his eyes. “Son, how are you?”

It takes him a while, warm beneath the arms of the people he loves so much. If he wanted to protect them, he had to be of more stable mentality. It’s a tough decision to make, but he knows it’s for the best – for him and his team. “Dad, can I go home for few days?” He whispers, voice breaking.

“Son, Busan will always welcome you home.”

Jimin nods, sighing against the tight hug Seokjin gives him from behind. Taehyung cups his hands between his much bigger, warmer ones, his eyes never leaving Jimin’s. Yoongi is seated on the floor in front of him, giving him an encouraging nod. Namjoon’s eyes are tenderly understanding, relief showing on his face. Hoseok has his cheek pressed over Jimin’s hair, smiling slightly. Jungkook has his chin tucked on Jimin’s shoulder, looking a bit sad, his large, doe eyes staring at the screen.

They talk about the details of his departure, on how to avoid the paparazzi and their home situation. It takes about twenty more minutes before his father gives him a smile and a wave. “See you soon, Jimin-ah. I love you.”

“I love you, Dad. See you.”

With that, their call gets disconnected. Jungkook places his phone on the coffee table, bringing himself to the same position.

Bang PD gives him a pat on the head. “We’re proud of you, Jimin. We know it’s not an easy choice, but we want to see you smile wholeheartedly again. I’m sure ARMYs do, as well.”

Surrounded by the family they have created from a small company, Jimin knows that they will be okay.

A couple of days later, Jimin is standing by the porch with a couple of luggages, his whole face hidden beneath various accessories. He dyed his hair brown to hide himself from the press easily as well, straying from the eye-catching silver tone. It was easier to discuss this departure days ago, but standing in front of the rest of BTS as they await for him to leave the door, suddenly, his heart feels even heavier.

The fact that his members all look in the verge of tears do not help. “You guys! You promised not to cry!” Jimin whines, pulling down his mask to wipe his snot and tears.

“I can’t help it! We’ve been dorm roommates for years! All of a sudden, the bed beside mine would be empty, and I’m still grasping the impending silence,” Hoseok counters.

Taehyung crosses the threshold and takes hold of his hand, his lips forming a pout. When Jimin tries to pull away, because it makes leaving even harder, Taehyung lets out a small whine before grabbing it again. “I’ll miss you.”

Reaching over, he gives his soulmate a pinch on his cheek. “I’ll miss you too, Taehyung.”

“Don’t you return with a new best friend. Only I can be your soulmate slash best friend. This is forever, alright?”

Laughing, he nods. “I know.”

Yoongi approaches him as well, handing him a CD case. When he gives the older a confused look, Yoongi somehow can’t keep eye contact. “That CD contains songs that I decided not to use for my mixtapes nor our albums. I compiled them; you can listen to them and when you return, tell me which you’ve liked and we can do that collab you’ve asked for years.”

Jimin hugs the CD close to his heart. “Thank you. Yoongi-hyung. Can I give you a hug?”

Yoongi blinks and opens his arms immediately, Jimin managing to wrap his arms tightly around Yoongie despite Taehyung not letting his hand go yet. It’s a pretty short embrace, but he appreciates the fact that the other hugged him back as tightly.

Before he knows it, he is in Soekjin’s arms next. “We love you, Jimin. We wish we could’ve done more about this, but we do think this is the best decision. We can’t bear seeing you carrying this much burden again. I packed you some food, share them to your family in Busan. I cooked your favorites, I hope you enjoy them.”

Jimin leans his forehead on his oldest member’s wide shoulder. “I’ll miss your cooking, Jin-hyung.”

“I promise to cook you whatever you want when you return.”

Namjoon approaches him next, putting a matte-looking photobook in Jimin’s hand carry bag. “Jungkook gave me this idea of consolidating photos of our memories for the last decade. It took a while but it was worth the couple of sleepless nights. We wanted to show and remind you of how far we, you, have come, that we can conquer whatever else that comes our way. Look at them when you miss us, it includes short letters from us.”

Jimin merely nods, because he doesn’t trust himself not to take a sneak peek yet.

Jungkook shuffles his feet on the floor, uncertain as he becomes the last remaining member to give Jimin his goodbye. They have been together for years, but there are still times like this, and Jimin actually appreciates and treasures them. The awkwardness, the uncertainties show how authentic their relationship is, that despite their chosen career, they are going through the normal relationship mishaps. He appreciates the normalcy it brings into their chaotic and hectic lives as idols.

Neither are perfect with this, and that’s perfectly alright. The hesitation on how to act on their sudden separation is understandable. It’s been years since one of them have ever been without the other. It must be as nerve-wracking to Jungkook to as it is to Jimin.

So Jimin opens his arms, and Jungkook waddles through the distance to envelop him in a tight hug. Using his height to his advantage, Jungkook places a long kiss on the crown of his head, on top of his baseball cap. “Take care of yourself there, Jimin-ah,” Jungkook whispers, sniffling. Jimin nods, his own tears pricking through his lids. “I wish I could accompany you home, but it would be suspicious. But damn it, how much I want to breach the contract just to make sure you’ll be okay.” Frustration oozes out of Jungkook, his body shuddering with repressed agitation. When he pulls away to catch Jimin’s eyes, his own pupils shake with unshed tears, “Promise me you’ll return to us, Jimin-ah.”

That brings out a small smile despite his heart breaking beneath his rib cage. “Silly! Of course, I will. I would never trade BTS with anything else. I don’t know where I’ll be if I didn’t debut with you guys. I just really need this rest, so that I won’t hamper our performances. I can’t give my best if I don’t resolve this first. I want to give my all when I’m on the stage with you six. You all give me the strength I need, please know that.” He caresses Jungkook’s cheek, Jungkook’s eyes automatically closing. “I’ll be back.”

Jungkook then presses light kisses on his both of his cheeks, and he can’t help but close his own eyes. He feels tears wet his shirt from where Jungkook has begun sobbing uncontrollably, teeth gritted to keep the sobs in.

Once they both gather strength and willpower to separate, Jimin takes few steps towards the door. “See you, everyone. I’ll miss you terribly. Take care of yourselves.”

With that, he slowly slips out of the door, because he knows he won’t be strong enough to leave if he let few more moments pass by inside that room.

Tears do not stop streaming down his cheeks until his plane departs.

Breaking: Hybe Labels, Big Hit Music and BTS clarify on why BTS Jimin has not been with them on their recent appearance in Golden Disk Awards!

BTS Jimin has taken a break to stabilize his mental health. Despite his non-appearance, he manages to show his love to their fans with the letter he left for RM to read during their award speech…

What has caused BTS Jimin to take a break from the spotlight? People have various theories and here are some of them…

It’s no doubt that BTS Jimin’s absence is thoroughly felt during BTS’ latest special performance in MMA 20xx!

Jimin decides to be radio silent for the first half of the month, and those days are also the toughest for the remaining six members left in Seoul.

Few days after he left, they need to shoot episodes for Run! BTS before their schedules get in the way again. It’s easier to split the team because of the even numbers, but it is also more difficult to be as entertaining when Jimin’s laughter does not echo all around the set. The standee the staff prepared of Jimin can only help so much, not when they chose a photo of him with his beautiful eye-smile and effortless aegyo. It makes the shooting feel longer than it is.

By the end of the whole thing, the Run! BTS staff conclude that the entire thing could be cut into two episodes. It is Yoongi who courageously asks whether they could edit and publish the first part before the next Tuesday. When asked why, his answer is simple, “I want to show ARMYs real-time situation in this Run! BTS set. I want to show them the difference when Jimin’s with us.”

It doesn’t take much convincing, the editors going to work immediately with barely any sleep. Jimin’s loved by those behind the cameras, as well, after all.

The next Run! BTS is uploaded as scheduled the next Tuesday, and it is the first part of their recent taping with Jimin gone, as Yoongi requested.

It doesn’t take long for comments to pour in, most of them commenting about Jimin’s absence, and many of them missing the said member.

This is all those antis’ fault! I love the six of them, but it just hits different without Jimin with them

I never thought I would see a Run! BTS episode without Jimin TT TT

Did you see Yoongi and V at 14:17? They were ready to throw hands over the Jimin standee lmao

Did someone count how many times JK mentioned Jimin in this episode? I lost count by the thirteenth time JIMIN-AH WE MISS YOU

This was such a great episode! You can see how much they miss Jimin, but they kept it professional

THANK YOU FOR THIS BTS! JIMIN – AH WE MISS YOU TAKE CARE BORAHAE

But there are still the nasty ones that got through,

V and JK in the same team? I AM SCREAMING THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN JIMIN IS GONE YES

The teams do not look as awkward when there are only six of them

NamJin SoPe TaeKook – Look at that team ups, thank you Run! BTS staff

No dying chicken today? I can unmute it

Nonetheless, the episode helps represent how big of a part of BTS Jimin truly is.

On the sixth award their newest single receives, the six of them take on the stage.

They have performed with just six members twice now since Jimin left, and their choreography frankly looks awkward at times since they decided to leave a space for Jimin at each performance. Jimin is one of their main dancers, and not having him in the center at times have almost thrown their performances out of the court if Hoseok didn’t always put on his strict teacher mode, his gaze sharp and movements wide so that everyone could follow his lead when absolutely necessary.

It has been fourteen days since Jimin returned to Busan. He has sent occasional updates, but they have been very short. He explains that he’s trying to find himself by restricting his time in social media for the time being. He is flushing out the toxicity by distracting himself, by finding himself again, and by searching for reasons to love himself again.

This is their third stage they would step on without Jimin by their side. It is an award show, and they, as usual, manage to make it into one of their concerts with their ARMYs’ loud and proud support in the audience.

The six of them step down their own mini balconies one by one until they are all gathered by the center, Namjoon and Jungkook leaving the space in between them for Jimin. After several seconds, they descend down their made up staircase towards their positions.

The lights on the stage turns off and mist fills the whole area, hiding them perfectly considering their dark outfits. The introduction of their single starts, and one by one they rise by a snap of their fingers, a spot light focused on every member who rises. Then, the lights dance around until they merge into one huge spotlight, highlighting the six of them. Hoseok taps a foot forward loudly, then the six of them snap their fingers in unison, points to the center where Jimin should have been, followed by Jimin’s recorded part playing the opening.

Thus, their part of the award ceremony begins with their newest single, followed by another two songs from their newest album.

No mistakes. No missteps. No cracked voice. No missed note.

Yet, it still doesn’t feel right when they sit down with a space left among them.

BTS, of course, bags the most prestigious award that night. They also bagged six other awards, but that’s a talk for another day.

Confetti raining over them, Namjoon takes over the microphone first, thanking ARMYs for their support and unending love. He speaks about the message they want to portray, and how he hopes their single manages to do that for their fans.

With the trophy in his hand and his eyes never straying from it, Jungkook almost doesn’t notice how Namjoon elbows him into doing the speech next. Knowing he couldn’t do it, Jungkook hopes he portrays his hesitation to their leader through his eyes. Reading the room, Taehyung steps forward instead and speaks into the microphone next, “First of all, I would like to thank ARMYs for always being there for us. It has been years and you never got tired of supporting us and our works. We hope that we can be your strength as much as you are ours. Thank you, as well, for XXX for this award, it’s an honor to be the recipient of it. We have been in your award ceremony quite a few times, yet you continue to welcome us as if it’s our first time. Lastly,” He pauses and swallows. “Jimin, are you watching? It’s only been almost two weeks, and we have noticed the significant difference of having Jimin with us. We have never thought that we would accept an award without him beside us. Honestly, it’s tough not having my best friend, my soul mate, by my side. Jimin, this song wouldn’t be possible if you weren’t with us. It isn’t the same without you on that stage. We and ARMYs miss you. That’s all. Thank you, everyone!”

The six of them take a photo with the award few hours later in their dorms. Hoseok proudly holds Jimin’s standee over his head. They caption it with, Ta-dah! Thank you!

Jimin breaks his silence on the fifteenth day since his departure by replying under the said post with, I was watching. Good job, everyone. I’m so proud of you! I miss you all too. - JIMIN

On the last remaining two weeks, despite still being in Busan, Jimin has begun frequently interacting with the members and ARMYs again through commenting in WeVerse and Twitter posts. Despite the previous two-week silence, he manages to bring laughter and smiles in people’s faces as he virtually causes shenanigans with the rest of BTS. Seokjin posts a selfie, and Jimin uploads another version an hour later, it is the same selfie with cute doodles all over it: a pair of cool sunglasses over Seokjin’s eyes, BTS symbols, the word ARMY, and the letters WWH at the bottom.

After every performance and award ceremony that he’s not in after that one where Taehyung gave the last ending award speech, Jimin uploads his good boy portrait from their Run BTS episode with the caption: Job well done! Best Boy Jimin is proud of you!

He once uploads a photo of Jungkook’s favourite Busan snack on WeVerse and captions it with: Jungkook, your favourite! Hyung will bring you some when I return!

The next day, he uploads in Twitter a photo of a poodle sleeping with yellow chicks waddling around it. His caption says, Taehyung, it’s us! - JIMIN

Seventeen days into his break, he posts a doodle of their BT21 Characters together, captioning it with, I miss you guys.

The remaining six members in Seoul still feel Jimin’s absence hugely. Their dorms have become quieter without Jimin’s loud laughter and singing echoing through the walls. Their meals always have one plate left, Seokjin always cooking for seven, because he wants to and it just feels right to have seven plates on the table. Hoseok still waits for someone to tell him ‘good night’ in the evening, Jimin unfaltering in doing so even through text messages late at night and miles away. Yoongi has finished three draft songs that talk all about their sentimentalities during Jimin’s absence (the others have been very cooperative in the process) – and he can’t wait to release the one he has already titled ‘Without You.’ Taehyung keeps Jimin up to date, sending voice messages and short clips to Jimin every time he can. He almost fights over who gets to have the Chimmy plushy, a gift their staff provided them on the third week hoping it could help lighten the mood, with Seokjin. Namjoon still refers to them as ‘seven’ during their interviews, award speeches and performances even without Jimin with them. He falters the first few times, but sticks with it nowadays, knowing they’ll be seven again. Jungkook is always heard Face Timing with Jimin in the balcony of his room an hour before he goes to sleep, his voice wistful and above whisper. The others leave the youngest alone every time, knowing how tough Jungkook has been coping without his other half.

They virtual-guest in an American Show, an interview following their latest single’s performance. They wanted to fly to the states again to accommodate the said show, but their schedule is packed they just can’t find a way to fit it in without compromising prior arrangements. The six of them take their seats, Namjoon feeling a bit strange having Jungkook on his right and not having Jimin on the other side. It has become somewhat of a routine to be seated in between the two, it’s just their usual system since they debuted, and missing one of the six feels like missing a limb.

They get the usual interview questions, the five around him quieter, smiling, laughing and saying few phrases here and there as support, leaving Namjoon to deal with most questions unless addressed or a query garners their attentions and reaction.

“I know that there have been instances that BTS have appeared in front of audiences without one of the members. Having Jimin not around must feel as strange. How has he been doing?”

Before Namjoon could reply in English, Jungkook speaks up in Korean, “He is enjoying some time off with his family. He mentioned visiting some of childhood places to reminisce how far he has come. He also said he has been doing better, and we hope he truly is.”

Namjoon translates it to the best of his ability so that live viewers could understand it immediately.

“There has not been any confirmation, but there have been speculations that he has decided to take some time off because of mental health issues.” The interviewers lets his statement hang, and Namjoon knows that it’s a question on its own. He has expected this question at some point, and interviews in South Korea seemed hesitant in bringing it up.

“Jimin needs some time off. It will not be the first time we will mention what we have gone through to be where we are. We have learned to live with the constant sticks and stones thrown at us, at our company and those that come along with it. However, things have escalated recently, and words that we will not ever repeat and no one deserves have been thrown mostly at him. And to be honest, after reading them, we understand why he chose to get out of the spotlight for a while.”

“Are they that bad?” The interviewer dares to ask.

Yoongi seems to have had enough and speaks up, also in Korean, “Enough that Jimin has to take some time off, yes.”

Namjoon relies the answer, hoping to mimic the savagery in Yoongi’s tone.

“I’ve actually seen some of them in my own timeline when the news of his absence sprung up. Some of them do sound harsh. Do you think once he returns, all of this won’t affect him again, especially his performance in the group?”

Namjoon takes a subtle deep breath. How they ended up in such a predicament with an interviewer who doesn’t know tact and manners, he has no idea. “Jimin and the rest have always been professional in their works. We have performed in the middle of an argument. We have done tours while ill and injured. However, we also have our boundaries. That’s why there were those times we had to sit in a corner during a concert, times we appeared with one member missing. Our members’ health is always important. There have been times Jimin performed while suffering through his chronic muscle pain, and he has always been professional and a hard worker. But he can take as much time as he needs. We will wait for him no matter what.

We also want to remind everyone that mental health is no joke. The words you say, out loud of virtually can affect others drastically. I hope everyone will take taking care of oneself and others’ mental health more seriously, and to remember to spread kindness –“

“—while also not letting anyone disrespectfully step on you.“ Yoongi finishes for him in tiny and in Korean behind him.

“Jimin is strong, you know. He will come back.” Seokjin quips in English confidently.

“We will wait for him,” Hoseok adds.

“BTS is seven. Jimin-hyung completes the set,” Jungkook also joins the conversation, a bit more confident with his English nowadays.

“Jimin is amazing. He will be back stronger!” Taehyung exclaims with a proud smile.

Namjoon shrugs with a smug smile. “You heard them. Jimin will be back and he won’t disappoint.”

The interviewer nods along, and when he notices that they are done with their spiel, he queries, “You trust with one another is commendable. It’s saddening that the pressure must have gotten to him. Won’t returning harm him even more instead, though?”

Sejin looks murderous from where he stands behind the cameras with other staff. Namjoon understands the feeling very much.

Taehyung speaks up as Namjoon tries his hardest to remain calm. He answers in sharp Korean, “Are you asking us whether we want Jimin out of the group for his own good?”

When translated, the interviewers looks a little sheepish. “Well—“

They should not have done this live. Namjoon can feel how thunderous the rest’s moods have become around him, and he can totally relate. There are times it’s difficult to be the leader, and this is one of those times. He wants to throttle this man.

Namjoon gives the best fake smile he could muster. “There are things we are willing to discuss in front of the camera, and there are topics we would like to keep to ourselves. Jimin is part of BTS, but as I’ve mentioned, the members’ health matters most. If things escalate we always talk among ourselves first and try to solve the issue before going through the last, worst option. We are not disbanding anytime soon. As Jimin always said, we want to be together and be BTS as long as we can be. As long as we can help people with our music, we will remain.”

Before the interviewer could open his mouth, Seokjin speaks up in Korean, “Also, we love Jimin, and miss him terribly. We hope you can help stop the attacks, not help make it worse, thank you.”

The interviewer must have sensed the hostility from the members, BTS’ staff and managers, and quickly faces the camera to announce, “Thank you for that, BTS! Folks, we will be back after this short break. Tune in!”

The moment Sejin gives them a thumbs’ up, the six of them stand up, give the interviewer a bow, low ‘thank you’s’ before stepping out of the set as a group.

Bang PD gives each of them a tap on the back, his face grim but proud.

On a particularly slower and quieter day than usual, while lying on the edge of his bed, Namjoon opens their Twitter Account and finds out that Jimin has uploaded a photo of the six of them (with Jimin as the one behind the camera) during their last concert, their faces stretched with wide smiles, looking ethereal even in Namjoon’s eyes. Jimin captions it with, Almost there. It’s tough, but I will get there again. Thank you to my family and to these six wonderful people. I can’t wait to come back. I love you. – JIMIN

Namjoon is about to reply when his finger accidentally clicks on the ‘Quote Retweets’ instead. He is about to go back real quick, but his curiosity gets the best of him, especially seeing as he is the leader and he wants to be on the loop of what’s going on: the good and the bad. He shouldn’t be surprised, but he still is, with the amount of revolting comments people left regarding Jimin -- targeting various aspects of his personality that have no correlation to the post at all:

he’s literally not in Seoul and still manages to seek attention is he afraid people will forget he’s part of BTS? smh

Six. As they were meant to be. *shrug emoji*

I thought he’s resting from the spotlight? Why TF does he keep on posting then? Attention seeker

Ah I thought you’ve left permanently guess I gotta get used to your screeching voice soon again

Tone deaf is coming back? Sad

Can PJMs shut up? If you phat fave isn’t such a clingy ass you wouldn’t be here in the first place

The slut is returning? I thought he’s out drinking?

Of course he would return. He’s nothing without the group *crying emoji*

Can someone just off him? Im tired of him I swear

Namjoon is so exhausted, so, so exhausted of not being allowed to reply to any of them, of not being able to defend Jimin when he’s done nothing wrong.

From where he now sits on the edge of his bed, he hears voices filter through the bedroom’s open balcony door. It doesn’t take him long to place whose they are. Jimin and Jungkook were having their usual, nightly Face Time when Namjoon entered his bedroom half an hour ago. From the sounds of it, Taehyung seems to have inserted himself in tonight’s call.

He hears Taehyung ask quietly, “Oh. Are you done with the call?”

“Not really. Jimin fell asleep when I went to the restroom to pee few minutes ago. When I returned, I found him asleep with the Face Time still on. I couldn’t bring myself to end it yet.”

There are shuffling, then Taehyung’s voice sounds louder and nearer. “Understandable. He’s only been gone for twenty days, but it felt like months. I saw some of our staff hard at work filtering through the comments.” A sigh. “They just don’t stop.”

Their two youngest go quiet for a whole minute before Taehyung’s baritone lowly starts singing ‘Blue and Grey,’ Jungkook’s cool voice following through effortlessly. Namjoon listens to the two duet to a sleeping Jimin through Jungkook’s mobile phone screen, while he restlessly stares at the new framed photo of the seven of them on top of his bedside table – the photo was taken when they won the Grammy, Jimin in the center, smiling widely with his beautiful eyes almost disappearing.

Namjoon spends the next hours creating and crafting a new dummy Twitter and WeVerse accounts, battling through the hate comments in his little way.

During a rest break in the middle of their dance practice, the six of them gathered in the middle of the floor, where Jungkook and Taehyung found Jimin in the middle of a breakdown weeks ago, when an idea arises. Taehyung is scrolling through their Twitter feed when he finds out that Jimin is trending with the hashtag, #WE MISS YOU JIMIN

“Jimin’s trending,” Taehyung remarks, clicking some of the posts. “ARMYs are expressing how they miss him on stage with us. How sweet.”

The others take out their own phones to see, and after few minutes, Jungkook perks up. “Hey, I have an idea.” Once everyone’s focus is on him, he continues, “We’re not allowed to reply back to the comments Jimin-hyung receives. But what if we countered them instead? Let’s each post a selfie we have with Jimin, or just a photo or clip of him, then leave a short message to him on the caption. We can encourage ARMYs to do the same until his name’s hashtag will be filled with positive messages instead. It’s up to ARMYs how creative they wanna be. We can use the reasoning that we’re excited for his return?”

Their dance studio suddenly erupts with enthusiasm and energy as the other members immediately agree with the idea, the six competing on who can find the prettiest picture of Jimin.

“We’re not limited to one, right?” Hoseok asks, grinning, suddenly full of life.

Yoongi playfully swats his arm. “I logged in first.”

“You found a photo to post already?” Namjoon asks incredulously. “I have so many, I can’t choose!”

“Why are you panicking? There’s no time limit!” Seokjin remarks, laughing. “Hey! Maybe I can use a dad joke on mine.”

Taehyung flaunts the cute photo of Jimin he has: Jimin playing with the dog that accompanied them in their Life Goes On MV making. “Soulmates perks. I have thousands, and I can post any.”

Jungkook opens his gallery, flips his phone forward and proudly scrolls downward without looking. “I have an entire folder. It occupies three-fourths of my gallery.”

“Done!” Hoseok exclaims.

“Hey!” Taehyung and Jungkook protest.

They decide to post one by one with one hour intervals in between.

Hoseok has posted first, choosing a photo of Jimin and him during their acceptance speech when they received their MAMA Artist of the Year Award back in 2018. Jimin has hugged him from behind with his chin placed on Hoseok’s shoulder, comforting him as he couldn’t hold in his tears anymore when he was starting his speech. He would always remember the way Jimin’s expression changed when he realized Hoseok was about to cry, how Jimin’s immediate response is to comfort his members when he was in the verge of tears the whole time as well.

Hoseok stares down at his screen, unable to control his smile as he reads his own caption to the post,

Jimin, my dearest roommate, the dorm feels so much bigger without you in it. You’re an incredible roommate (but clean up more! keke) and I can’t wait to hear your laughter again. Thank you for never ending hugs, I miss them. We miss you terribly. I love you. – J-HOPE

After an hour, Namjoon volunteers to post next.

It is a short clip of them during one of their Anpanman performances, the one where Namjoon just finished his part and realized Jimin had run away to troll him. He would always remember the way Jimin’s laughter resonated through his microphone, and echoed in the whole stadium.

I don’t mind getting trolled again if Jimin returns healthy and happy to us. I don’t have any cheeks to pinch here. Thank you for the brightness you bring into the group, Jimin. We can’t wait for you to come back. I love you. – RM

Seokjin goes third, deciding not to think much as he makes his choice.

A decade later and it isn’t an easy feat to choose what to use for his individual post, but he decides to choose the one In The Soop where he ran after Jimin after the younger hit him with a baseball. He still remembers that day like it was yesterday. Jimin’s laughter just has that healing property, especially when he was unbelievably free during In The Soop.

I need someone to film Eat Jin soon. Can the guy I was chasing in this clip volunteer? Jimin, thank you for laughing at my dad jokes. I can’t wait to tell you the ones I accumulated while you were gone. I love you! – JIN

Yoongi posts next and it doesn’t take him as much time to choose what photo to attach in his.

He remembers vividly most memories with Jimin that he treasures. Jimin has that aura around him that instantly makes anyone smile, even Yoongi. His voice is certainly unique, and Yoongi regrets not doing a collab yet with Jimin after all the years that passed. He realized how much material he has, and he realized it when Jimin wasn’t with them. He can write another song in a day, can create an album in months, but no one will ever replace the warmth that is named Park Jimin from BTS.

The photo he chooses is their 4-cut photo strip for their Festa 2020 subunit photos. It’s the photo strip wherein he was pretending to shoot Jimin with the money gun while the latter pretended to be shot, falling down on the ground one photo at a time. The fun he had when shooting those photo strips is memorable.

I’m not good with this. Come back soon. Minimini is on, I promise. I love you. – SUGA

Taehyung needs time to choose, so right after their rehearsal, he copes up inside his room to scroll through his gallery to make the best choice.

He has thousands of photos with Jimin in his phone, but choosing just one is probably one of the toughest choices he has to do. Jimin has occupied a large chunk of his life and heart, and it tears Taehyung apart that he can only see his best friend and soulmate through past memories until Jimin can return back to Seoul. Years of being attached to the hip, and suddenly it feels like his red string of fate is pulled taut, holding onto dear life.

In the end, he posts an unreleased video of the two of them dancing enthusiastically to Baby Shark on the living room, wearing white shirts and shorts, their hair wet and freshly out of their respective showers. The song came out as an ad in the video they were about to watch, and they decided to dance along. Apparently, Jungkook has caught the entire thing on camera. Taehyung wasn’t surprised – Jungkook has always had his camera ready to film Jimin, he wouldn’t let such an endearing sight pass.

HUGS better be my souvenir when you return. I don’t have a snuggle buddy since you left. I hope you’re taking good care of yourself. I wish I could’ve been there with you the same way you were with me when I was in my lowest point. Come home, soon. Miss you. I love you, always. – V

Because he has rarely plays by the rules, he goes and sings an acapella of ‘Blue and Grey’ with his eyes closed and thinking of Jimin the whole time allotted by Twitter. He remembers Jimin’s shattered expression, Jimin’s heart breaking sobs, and Jimin’s smile dimming, and couldn’t help the way his voice cracks with emotion. “Jimin-ah, I really, really like you the most. See you soon~” He says at the end of the video, waving at the camera, before posting it.

Jungkook is naturally the last one since he is the youngest. But despite the six hours that passed by for it to finally be his turn, he still hasn’t chosen what to post yet. Some ARMYs have even commented under Taehyung’s video, asking whether Jungkook would also follow the schedule since an hour and twenty minutes have passed.

200 GB of his 256 GB phone storage is probably just Jimin – photos, videos, screenshots of articles about him, trends of him, projects fans dedicated to him. Jungkook loves collecting memories and he also enjoys filming -- it just so happens he has also found the best model for both.

Yet, he doesn’t know which one to choose within thousands of his own captures, most not seen by the public.

After another five more minutes, he goes with his guts and pastes the link that has been copied on his clipboard all this time. He pastes it, waits for the thumbnail to show before pressing ‘Tweet.’ Right after, he immediately starts writing his caption as a comment under the link,

Jimin-sshi, it took me hours to choose what to post and ended with this link, because I hope to see this bright Jimin again. I’m still not good with words and comforting people, I’m sorry. But we really, really miss you, your hugs and your pretty eye smile. Come home soon? I love you. – JK

It doesn’t take long for ARMYs to realize what the Tannies want to happen. In hours, Twitter is filled with ARMYs proclaiming why and how they love Jimin. Someone starts the hashtag, #STILLWITHJIMIN, people posting threads, and attaching screenshots of their notes of how Jimin touched their lives. Many post photos of Jimin they love the most while captioning them with either short or long messages they want to say to Jimin. There are also those who decide to post videos of them singing one of Jimin’s song, mostly ‘Promise’ to show him their support. At the end of each post are the words: I love you, Jimin, because Jimin loves hearing that phrase, and what Jimin wants, Jimin gets.

Within eight hours, #STILLWITHJIMIN trends Number 1 Worldwide, people from various locations and in different platforms following BTS’ lead. Twitter, Tiktok, Facebook, WeVerse and Facebook become flooded with the posts, and BTS, themselves, feel overwhelmed with the amount of responses they get. Even big accounts, such as Magnum, Twix, Coway, Coca Cola, Mcdonals, Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari etc. have joined.

At the fifth hour of the hashtag trending, Jimin takes over their Twitter Account to post a video of him. He’s obviously in his Busan bedroom, tears streaming down his cheeks as he tries to hide his face with his empty hand. There’s a huge smile on his face, but he can’t stop his sniffles. “Everyone,” He begins before chuckling, “Sorry. I can’t seem to stop crying haha. Everyone,” He pauses again to sniff. “First of all, thank you to my members because I know this is their idea. I didn’t expect it, and it surprised me. Thank you to my family in Seoul, who has the half of my heart left there with you. Without you six, I wouldn’t know where I would be, honestly. Your love, support, understanding and patience helped me become who I am. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you so, so much. I’ll come home soon and will give each of you the tightest hug.

To ARMYs, I’ve seen your posts, I’ve read your messages, I’ve watched your covers, and I am overwhelmed and grateful with the immense love you are giving me. You are such beautiful souls, and I always thank the universe that I met you all. I know that I will be fine, with you and BTS by my side. I hope you are all taking care of yourselves too, because you’re very important to me. You’re giving your all, and maybe today is not a good day, but someday, the sun will rise again, so for now, please know that I am also proud of that progress or victory you got, even if it was just taking a shower or eating few spoonfuls of food. Honestly, I’m still learning to love myself, and I hope you are, too, because you’re doing your best. Thank you, again. I miss you all. I will be back soon, please wait for me. I love you, guys. I love you, I love you!” He ends the video by sending lots of flying kisses towards the camera, his eyes shining with tears, face alight with his beautiful smile.

Imagine having to stage this elaborate ordeal just so that he will trend worldwide *throwing up emoji*

he wasn’t receiving an award, why did he give a wholeass speech??? *laughing emoji*

looookkkk he became rounder immediately

do you think he cries like that when he’s being a sl*t?

I didn’t miss that voice. AT ALL.

The day before Jimin returns, five of the BTS members wake up with a surprise.

Their WeVerse was updated with a photo of the seven during BTS In The Soop with the caption,

We are not just seven, with you.

We are not seven, without you.

Love one or love none.

Hello. How have you been?

The caption does and does not make sense at the same time, which is understandable considering that Jungkook was slightly tipsy last night and he was lyric-writing. Both combined equal to that WeVerse surprise post.

The most surprising thing is he must have logged into WeVerse just to post it when it has been years since he has been in that platform to engage.

None of the others blame him, though, after the amount of comments their Legal Team have to filter yet again under Jimin’s latest posted video on Twitter. How some people survive by pure hatred alone, they will never understand.

The dance studio is basically radiating with impatient energy by the time they finish practicing ‘ON’ for a special appearance they will have for a TV Show in one week. When their choreographer turns around to enumerate the parts they need to polish, he is faced with expressions filled with anticipation. He knows what day it is. He knows making them stay will not help anyone, so he sighs and gives them a defeated nod. “That’s it for the day. I’ll see you seven tomorrow.”

In a flash, the six are up, gathering their things in a flurry of movements, leaving the studio empty in a minute. They make themselves fit inside the elevator, eyes trained on the screen showing the floor number. Yoongi is about to curse with how slow the elevator is when the doors finally open, and Jungkook leads them in their run back to their dorms at the end of the right wing of the said floor. Footsteps thunder over the floor, their cameramen and managers barely able to catch up from the staircase.

When they are finally in front of the door, Jungkook hesitates, staring hard at the doorknob. So Seokjin takes the lead, unlocking the door with his own set of keys and slowly turning the knob. One by one, they enter their dorms, heads turning from one side to another, looking for their seventh member.

Disappointment is palpable in the atmosphere when they don’t immediately see Jimin in their sights. That is until they hear the sound of a bedroom door opening followed by someone singing “Promise” in a low volume, his voice soothing, light and unmistakeable.

Jimin emerges from his bedroom, his hair still damp from a shower and wearing his usual baggy shirt and shorts as if he hasn’t left for a whole month at all. If the shirt looked like it belonged in Jungkook’s closet, they do not question it. He lifts his gaze from the floor and freezes, eyes wide as he stares back at the six of them.

They stay like that for few moments until a smile breaks out of Jimin’s face, eyes tender as he gazes at them with so much admiration. “I’m back,” He says, smile widening, eyes forming crescents.

That makes all hell break loose, the six of them race towards Jimin, shouting gibberish. Namjoon arrives first, squeezing Jimin’s cheeks with all his strength, both smiling so big their dimples show up, followed by Yoongi, who willingly initiates a short embrace with Jimin. Hoseok wraps Jimin in a tight hug after, absorbing the younger’s warmth. Jimin jumps to hug Seokjin from behind, placing his head against the eldest’s broad shoulders, Seokjin affectionately ruffling his hair. Taehyung takes hold of his soulmate’s hands, intertwining their hands as he stares at Jimin with wobbling lips and shining eyes. Jimin smiles, squeezing Taehyung’s hands. Taehyung nods, jumping into Jimin’s open arms and nuzzling his nose against Jimin’s soft hair. While in his best friend’s arms, Jimin turns his head and finds Jungkook openly watching them with the softest smile. Jimin gestures for the youngest to come closer, so Jungkook does, placing his forehead on Jimin’s shoulder, and having his head petted.

The hyung line watches as their two youngest members melt in Jimin’s embrace, their eyes closed, smiles so soft, looking so contented and at home.

Their staff decide that this is a private moment, leaving just a couple of cameras around and leaving as quietly as they possibly can. Their managers look at one another and decide that it is the best decision to leave the seven alone for the time being, following after the camera men.

That leaves the seven to their own devices, Jimin seated at the center, Taehyung and Jungkook sticking close to his sides, both turning into koalas, clinging to him tightly.

“How are you?” Namjoon asks, voice going into its natural deep tone.

Jimin smiles, tilting his head to place it over Taehyung’s. “A lot better than before I left. I did my best to cleanse myself off the toxicity that has entered my system. Some thoughts still linger and try to multiply, but I busy myself with more important stuff. I got to catch up to what my brother’s up to this days. I helped Dad run his café, hiding at the back while watching people enjoy his food and service. I can’t forget how people always left with huge smiles on their faces. I assisted Mom in decorating our living room and cleaning my old bedroom, throwing away some old stuff and displaying some of our merchandise they own or have bought around. I forgot how different Busan is from Seoul.”

They watch him close his eyes, pausing for a breath. They let him. “I wanted to be radio silent for the entire month, but after two weeks, I can’t stop missing you. I can’t stop reaching for my phone, wanting so badly to video call you guys. Busan is my home, but this feels like home. I missed you even more when I watched your performances through the television, and when I see your faces after you perform, I felt like you missed me too—“

“We did,” Jungkook mumbles against his side, lips forming an adorable pout. “Definitely did.”

His petulant tone makes Jimin chuckle, so endeared to the point of ruffling the youngest’s hair affectionately. “Thank you,” Jimin murmurs. “So I chose to be active in our SNS. Their words still hurt, and will always hurt, but when I saw that the love I receive outweigh the hate and harsh words of the rest, I realized that I’m much more loved than I believe. I also realized that perhaps to spread love, I have to learn that I need love myself just as much. Healing is not straight line, but I will get there.” He plays with Taehyung’s recently permed hair, letting the locks bounce back. “Being a month away from you guys made me realize how much grateful I always am you found me. Thank you.”

At his last line, Jimin suddenly finds himself engulfed in a group hug, Hoseok cooing at him from behind.

They stay in the living room of their dorms, exchanging stories and retelling memories of the past month. Jimin grabs his bag full of souvenirs he bought from Busan, followed by his father’s home made delicacies for the seven of them. “He left me a booklet of recipes, telling me to give it to either Jin-hyung or Yoongi-hyung to try remaking them if we enjoyed his creations.”

Just like In The Soop, Seokjin pulls Jimin and the rest to the kitchen to brainstorm what to eat for dinner. They were dismissed early for the day and have enough time to prepare it themselves. Jumping at the opportunity of bonding over cooking, the seven of them crowd around the kitchen to look into their available ingredients and what they want to eat.

They end up with Jimin’s favorites, their dorms filled with warm laughter and Jimin almost falling down his chair again. To say they missed this is an understatement.

Twitter blows up when bts_twt posts a clip of Park Jimin with orange hair, giggling as the rest of the members demonstrate how they almost made a mistake in their first performance without him. Jimin cackles when Namjoon almost slips from the plastic container on the floor.

OUR JIMINIE IS BACK! I WANNA CRY

Jiminie *crying emoji*

WELCOME BACK JIMIN!

ARMYs, let’s trend his name Twitter be damned

Reply to tweet : “Fck he’s back” FUCK, YOU EXIST? THE WORLD WILL BE A LOT BETTER WITHOUT YOU IN IT *shrug*

QRT to: “Fck he’s back” Yes, he is. You’re even more irrelevant now. :]

BTS’ Park Jimin is back! He has been recently spotted entering the same car as BTS’ Jungkook as they leave for their guesting in…

BTS’ Jimin occupies the Top 20 Worldwide Twitter Trends as he returns from his one month long time off…

BTS are invited and performs as a seven-member group after almost a month and half. The way the crowd screams almost drowns out the song and make the roofs fly. The way they even grow even louder when Jimin goes to the center and slowly removes his hood to begin their performance is understandable. Together, the seven of them throw their capes off, jump on their places and points upward, and begin their otherworldly performance that tops all their previous ones.

BTS once again bags Top Album of the Year and Top Artist of the Year during Golden Disk Award 20xx, and no matter how many times they have won said award, they still look bewildered everytime their group is called. Jumping in happiness, the seven of them walk towards the podium, smiles so bright and radiant.

Namjoon, of course, goes first in making a speech, followed by Seokjin and J-Hope. Finally, the six push Jimin to the front. The crowd goes wild as Jimin tentatively approaches the center microphone. Since it’s taller than he is, he goes on his tiptoes, which makes the audience and his member laugh. Taehyung giggles as he helps assist in lowering the microphone stand. As Jimin collects himself and his thoughts, Jungkook fixes his fringe and tucks a lock of Jimin’s hair behind his ear before giving two thumbs’ up. Jimin smiles shyly before clearing his throat. “Hello! ARMYs, you’ve done it again! First of all, thank you to the neverending support of our fans. We don’t know where we will be if we didn’t have them. Also, thank you to all of those who helped produce our album, we are in this together. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for loving us. This is to more memories together!”

When he turns around, the rest of the group have their arms open, screaming, “Welcome back,” so loudly, the microphones picked up their voices. Enthusiastically, Jimin lets himself be engulfed with six pairs of arms.

At the end of the ceremony, as they exit the stage, Jimin jumps onto Jungkook’s back with the latter effortlessly catching him. The seven of them step out of the spotlight waving at the audience with huge smiles on their faces.

Insider claims that that BTS’ Park Jimin has donated over 115,000,000 won (USD 100,000) to help and aid a struggling mental health institute in South Korea.

Different BTS’ fanbases have taken “Be A Good Human” into the next level by sponsoring chosen students from different school in various countries and school as a sign of support to BTS’ campaigns.

After almost a week, bts_twt posts a photo of a sleeping Jimin in their dorm couch. He is on his side, with his arms as his head’s pillow. His rosy cheeks are squished as a result and his lips form a cute pout. It makes the entire world coo with his cuteness.

The caption says, Love you, without an indication on who has posted it. The world can only speculate, but what matters is Jimin is loved. No matter what some say, he will love BTS and he is loved by BTS.

Notes:

And there you have it. I have thought of alternative ways this fic could have ended, something concerning the contents their managers and cameramen captured, but I don't think that would fit this fic. That would've ended with them releasing a ocu-series to tackle this issue, and I think that would be way too much...
Anyways, that's it. I am open to comments, but if I see any hate comments -- *painstakingly zipping my mouth to not cuss*
Stay safe, everyone. Whatever you're going through, I hope you push through it and become happy/happier soon. Hang in there.

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