Archive of Our Own

Taehyung hates running late in the morning. Which means he hates most mornings because most mornings he is running late.

He shoves his other arm in to his red jacket and jumps through the closing door just in time.

The commuter train is even more crowded than usual.

Great. No open seat.

He thinks there must be a better way to lay out these trains instead of the plastic seats lined along the window and facing each other. So much wasted space. But as usual plenty of floor room and handles so that they can pack as many people on as possible. He grabs a strap and sighs. At least he made the train.

It isn’t that he can’t stand for the duration of his commute. It’s only 33 minutes. The irony being 33 as an angel number means “anything is possible.” And yet, it seems to be impossible for him to be on time to work. At this point he has been late more often than not and he figures he will eventually get fired. It doesn’t bother him that much. He doesn’t love this job, and he knows he could lose it. But if he does, it doesn’t worry him, it’s just a job. It’s New York, he’ll find another.

This morning, he had really wanted a seat as there are a few emails he needs to send and it’s just not as easy to do when while standing. He nods and smiles at the lady who sits across from where he is standing. It seems like the right thing to do considering how hard she is staring.

He tries to ignore her and looks over her head at the tattered poster hanging there. A group of girls. Maybe a music group. GLAM. It’s no one he’s ever heard of.

He glances back at the woman and catches her looking down his body. He instantly realizes why when he follows her gaze.

Shit. He turns quickly in embarrassment so that she can’t see him zip up his fly. When he turns back around, he tries to avoid her eyes, but can’t help it. She is laughing. And he thinks to himself he might have just given her the best laugh of her day. She will recount the story to coworkers and colleagues today and then likely to friends and family later tonight.

If he must endure the embarrassment of accidentally forgetting to zip up his pants, at least it had the unintended consequence of making someone laugh.

He tries to forget about his recently zipped pants and the laughing lady and turns his head to look out the window. Then changes his mind as that usually makes him sick. He looks up to the large red digital numbers on the clock at the front of the car.

21 minutes more. He won’t be late today, but he will be cutting it close.

It’s much easier to ride the train while sitting. Just the process of trying to keep balance is a tiring endeavor first thing in the morning. But in addition to that, while standing it’s difficult to find a place to look that doesn’t directly meet someone else’s eyes.

And it’s hard not to feel that all eyes are on him.

In his head he sings the last song he heard before he walked out the door this morning in the futile attempt to pass the time. If he hadn’t been in such a hurry he would have remembered to grab his ear pods.

11 minutes more.

The light in the corner flickers a few times and catches his eye. He looks back to the lady and smiles. Figures enough time has passed that the open fly incident has been forgotten. But he sees that’s not the case when she covers her mouth again to suppress a giggle.

This time he smiles too. He has always found that making other people happy makes him happy.

Now all the lights begin to flicker. Everyone on the train looks up. It starts out slow, but then faster. Something must be wrong.

He glances at the clock.

Just 7 more minutes and he can get off if this damn train – if doesn’t break down first.

The flickering gets faster and the train begins to shake.

And then total darkness as it comes to a complete stop.

People shriek as the violent stop tosses them from their seats. He holds tighter to the handle to steady himself, but the abrupt stop tosses him into a seat that’s been emptied.

He hopes they didn’t hit something on the track.

Everything becomes totally silent. He squints in the attempt to get his eyes to adjust to the dark.

But then the train starts to move again. Much smoother than before. Much smoother than it usually is on any regular morning. And then fast and faster.

The darkness fades as the lights slowly come back on.

Something is absolutely wrong.

This isn’t his train. It isn’t any of the city trains, but rather one made for distance.  The seats facing forward and back are lined along the side with an aisle down the center. He was on a train like this once. When they traveled to see his father’s family in Pennsylvania.

 Where the hell is he going?

He glances out the window, but it’s just countryside. And the scenery passes too quickly to know where he is, but he can tell that it isn’t New York.

Panic washes over him. If he wasn’t sitting, he likely would have fallen from how weak his knees feel. The gnawing fear in his stomach grows.

“It’s alright,” says a voice from in front of him. A sandy brown-haired man with dimples and glasses, that he hadn’t noticed before, sits across from him. He is dressed in a white button-down shirt and khaki trousers.

“Where the fuck am I?” He stands. Preparing himself to fight if necessary.

Before the dimpled man can answer, his attention is drawn to the seat across the isle where another man is just as confused as he is.

“I don’t understand,” he begs. “Please, I don’t know what you want, but you can have whatever it is, just let me go.”

“We don’t want anything. We’re just as confused as you.” Two men, one with greyish white hair and the other with dark brown hair stand over him, trying to calm him down. The dark-haired one is talking, while the other just keeps patting the leg of the terrified man.

Taehyung looks back to the man with the dimples who smiles weakly. “Three of us were on our own trains this morning when everything went black the trains stopped. And when the lights came back on, we found ourselves here on this train.”

He points to the two men in the other seat. “This is Jung Hoseok and Min Yoongi.” He puts his hand on his chest. “And I’m Kim Namjoon.”

“We were all on our way to work. Yoongi and I live in LA. Hoseok lives in Japan.”

“I was on my way to work in New York,” Taehyung offers.

“Me too,” The scared man across the aisle chimes in. “But we weren’t on the same train, were we?”

Taehyung shakes his head, “No, I don’t recall seeing you.” He frowns and looks back to the man in front of him. “But where are we now?”

“We’re not really sure. We’ve been trying to figure it out. We’ve searched this car from top to bottom for a clue.” He points behind him. “Or to see if there are more people on here. The three of us found ourselves here first. A short time after, the lights flickered and that’s when Jeongguk appeared. And just a few minutes ago the lights flickered again and you two appeared.”

“This is crazy,” Taehyung shakes his head and glances out the window before looking back to Namjoon. “By the way, my name is Kim Taehyung.”

“I’m Park Jimin,” the man across the aisle interjects.

“Nice to meet you both. Maybe now that you’re here we can get some answers.”

Taehyung digs in his left pocket. Then his right.

The gray-haired man speaks for the first time. “If you’re looking for your phone, don’t bother. None of us can find ours.”

Taehyung stops looking.

But he can’t just sit and do nothing. “Have we looked in the other cars?”

“We can’t get that one to open even though it’s obvious there are more cars back there.” Namjoon points to the doors behind Taehyung and then toward the opposite end. “We’ve been able to get through that door but – “

Taehyung isn’t listening anymore.

Between Namjoon and Hoseok, he sees the sliding glass door open and a man walks in from the vestibule.

He is about the same height as Taehyung with a solid, muscular build. His dark hair is cut a little short at the side and longer on the top. He has the largest, brownest doe eyes he has ever seen. It’s like looking at someone with the body of a man and the eyes of a child. He is dressed in simple black from head to toe. Black jeans, t-shirt, and combat boots.

Namjoon turns when he notices that Taehyung is looking at something behind him, but he doesn’t seem surprised to see the young man enter.

“Hey,” he calls out, “did you find anyone or anything?”

He doesn’t make direct eye contact. It seems like he doesn’t want to be talked to at all.

“No one. Except a creepy bathroom.” He pulls a large black book from his satchel. “Found this right outside the door, though.”

He hands the book to Namjoon and hurries past. When he notices Taehyung, he gives him a long look. Taehyung slowly sits down again as he turns to see him go to the back end of the car and sit in the last seat.

“Thank you, Jeongguk.” Namjoon nods toward the back and takes a seat next to Yoongi. They open the book between them, and begin to look through the pages.

Hoseok comes closer to Taehyung. “That’s Jeon Jeongguk,” he explains quietly. “He appeared just shortly before you and Jimin did. But he’s really quiet and keeps to himself. I think he told Namjoon he’d investigate the other cars just so he didn’t have to sit here with us.”

Taehyung glances at the man at the back of the car staring out the window and tries not to make it obvious. He looks down at his shoes and says to Hoseok, “he doesn’t look too happy.”

Hoseok shrugs. “None of us are happy to be in the situation. But what’re we going to do? We’re stuck until we figure out why we’re here or where we’re going.”

“Hey guys,” Namjoon doesn’t look up from the book stretched across his and Yoongi’s lap. “I think Jeongguk found us something that will help.”

Jimin, Hoseok and Taehyung all gather close to where they are sitting. Taehyung notices that Jeongguk glances at them briefly, but then goes back to staring out the window.

He gets a glimpse of the front of the book before they open it. It’s a simple looking black book about 4 centimeters thick. The title reads “BEHIND THE STORY” diagonally in light blue block letters. And then in smaller letters below “10-YEAR RECORD OF BTS.”

“Who’s BTS?” he asks.

“Don’t know,” Yoongi answers, “but we’re getting ready to find out.”

All five guys gasp at the photos. Both the group and the individual ones.

“Fuck me, that’s us!” Namjoon says incredulously as he looks up at Hoseok, Jimin, and Taehyung.

Sure enough.

Without a doubt it is them. Or a version of them. They look a little older, but not much. Taehyung has never worn any white suit, let alone the fancy one in the picture. And he’s never met any of these guys so there is no way they’ve taken photos together.

Namjoon flips back to the inside front cover. “This was published in 2023, early this year.”

“It looks like they’re a musical group,” Yoongi observes, “but I’ve never heard of them.”

Jimin interjects hopefully, “Maybe it’s just some guys who look like us. Don’t they say everyone has a doppelganger?”

Yoongi shakes his head. “No, afraid not. It’s us. Unless we have doppelgangers that also have our names.”

He looks at Jimin. “It’s right here. Your name. Jimin.”

Hoseok gets excited. “That’s only Jimin. Maybe it’s just coincidence.”

“I don’t think so,” Namjoon looks at the open book again. “It looks like you guys just have different names.”

“Probably stage names,” Yoongi interjects and then turns back to call to Jeongguk. “Hey Jeongguk, it looks like you’re in here too, but they spell your name as Jungkook.”

But the boy at the back doesn’t respond or look up.

Namjoon continues, “Taehyung it looks like your name is V, Hoseok yours is J-Hope.” He stops and chuckles a little before he looks at Yoongi.

“Guess that makes you Suga?”

Yoongi rolls his eyes. “Like I’m sweet or something? That’s a joke.”

Yoongi looks back at the book and then up to Namjoon with his toothy grin. “And it’s and even funnier joke when it comes from someone who goes by Rap Monster!”

“Well, that’s just ridiculous,” Namjoon retorts. “Hopefully the guy has the sense to abbreviate it as RM.”

“What about him,” Jimin’s finger points to a 7^th person in the picture. “Who’s that. He isn’t here?”

“It says Jin,” Namjoon looks up. “I would guess he’ll be joining us before long.”

Jimin looks discouraged. “I don’t understand how this book is going to help?”

“Me neither,” Namjoon shrugs. “But this is all we have.”

Hoseok interjects, “Maybe if we can figure out who the guys in the book are we can – “

The lights flicker.

“Here we go again,” bemoans Yoongi.

Just as Namjoon had explained. The lights flicker. It goes dark and they come back on.

Standing in the center of the aisle right next to Taehyung is a handsome, broad-shouldered man.

“What the hell,” he looks around cabin panicked. “Where am I?”

Taehyung doesn’t feel like he’s been there long enough to explain, so he waits for Namjoon to stand and face the man.

“We don’t know yet, but we’re trying to figure it out.” He extends his hand. “My name is Kim Namjoon. And I am guessing you are Kim Seokjin?”

Jin’s eyes widened as he pushes past Namjoon to the front of the cabin. “Well, I’m not letting some random train just take off with me. Has anyone tried the intercom?”

Taehyung is curious as well. He had assumed the other guys already tried before he arrived.

“Yes,” Namjoon shakes his head. “We tried. But we gave up when no one answered. And since then, we’ve just been trying to figure things out on our own.”

“No, no, no,” Jin asserts. “We’re going to find out what the hell is going on and who’s in charge of this thing.”

He presses the intercom and yells, “Hey assholes! Where the hell are you taking us? I know you can hear me! You need to stop this train immediately and let us get off!”

No answer.

He pounds on the speak and yells louder. “Hey! You better answer me right now! I’m on my way to work and I don’t have time for this!”

He turns back to them red-faced and panting from his shouting.

Taehyung isn’t sure if he is joking or not when he says indignantly, “I guess they don’t know who they’re dealing with.”

At that moment, the speaker suddenly crackles to life.

Taehyung is somewhat surprised that the voice is robotic. Usually, the intercom would alert the conductor or other staff. And there would be a human response. But this is a recorded voice. It’s sort of sing-song, but not at all soothing or pleasant.

🔔 Attention passengers: Thank you for joining us today. Information about your journey will be made available soon. 🔔

“Guess that’s your answer,” Namjoon says to Jin with a shrug. “At least you got more than we did.”

Jin walks back to them clearly irritated.

“Where you from?” Namjoon tries to calm his anger by engaging him in conversation.

“Seoul.”

“Ah South Korea. I always wanted to go some day.”

Jin looks at him in disbelief. “Just where do you think you are now?”

“No idea,” Namjoon motions around the cabin. “Yoongi and I were in LA; Hoseok was in Japan.”

“Wait, are you telling me you’re all from a different country?”

“Yeah, we were each on a train to work and then – “

Jin points towards the window. “Didn’t you guys notice the Sobaek Mountains?”

Everyone else looks too but no one answers.

“That’s them. I was on the train on my way to work too - in Seoul.”

Yoongi raises his head up from the book. “I’ve never even been out of the US.”

“Well, you are now,” he deadpans. “Welcome to Korea.”

Even though he was furious just a few seconds before, Jin smirks and still manages to crack a joke. Taehyung isn’t sure why, but it gives him a small sense of relief.

“You guys just better hope this train isn’t headed to Busan.”

Jin’s arrival settles everyone down a bit. The remaining introductions are made and there is collective sense that they need to accept that they are on this train at least until the next stop.

And it has to stop at some point.

Yoongi and Namjoon continue to pour over the book. Namjoon had wanted to start at the beginning and read cover to cover. But Yoongi had pointed out that this wasn’t a library and he insisted they thumb through the book looking for anything that might be relevant before they get to the next stop.

Taehyung talks with Jimin, Hoseok, and Jin for a while as each recounts the events that led to them ending up on the train in the hopes that they could make some sense of it. He can’t stop looking at the man sitting in the back. He definitely is a man despite the innocent, searching eyes he met when he came from the other car. One of the best-looking men Taehyung has ever seen. Yet at the same time, there is something the way he stares longingly out the window with his chin resting on his fist that makes him look much younger.

He decides it’s in his eyes. Something about the wide innocence that is in such sharp contrast to the muscles and the confident way he carries himself.

If they’re going to be on here for a while, and if they have any hope of getting to each of their destinations, he figures it can’t hurt to befriend the quiet man.

He leaves the conversion with the other guys and heads to the back of the cabin.  Sliding into the seat next to him.

“Hi. My name’s Kim Taehyung,” he extends his hand for Jeongguk to shake.

Jeongguk doesn’t turn his body toward Taehyung, but just extends his hand. He almost regrets introducing himself. It seems like the guy is more comfortable alone.

“This isn’t the way I expected my day to go.” He puts his hands back on his lap. “It sucks.”

Jeongguk gives him a halfway glance and nods, then goes back to staring out the window.  

“Me neither.” Even with only two words, his voice is melodic.

Taehyung can’t shake the feeling that he has heard it before, but at the same time, it has a newness. It is one of the most pleasing voices he had ever heard. He wants to hear it again, but he thinks he might not. Jeongguk doesn’t appear to want company.

And then Jeongguk turns his head just enough.

And when their eyes meet, all of Taehyung’s fears are allayed.

He is sure of it now. It is in his eyes. All of it. Innocence, hope, ambition, fear. Taehyung can see it all at once and he wonders if none of the other guys got a good look. They said they didn’t understand Jeongguk, but for Taehyung it is all right there in his large brown eyes.

He knows Jeongguk. It doesn’t feel like a meeting as much as it does an act of recognition.

“Where were you headed?”

“Home.” There is sadness now in Jeongguk’s eyes. “I work long stretches all over the place and I look forward to the times I get to go home.”

“What do you do?”

Jeongguk hesitates like he doesn’t really want to talk. He is still turned towards the window and when he does respond it’s more to the seat in front of him rather than Taehyung. “Lighting director for different musicians when they tour.”

“Oh, so you work in the music industry? You might be of help to Yoongi and Joon. They’re up there reading that book that makes it sound like we were all in some musical group together.”

“Nah, I just do the lighting.”

“So you’ve been on tour and you’re anxious to get home? Wife? Kids?” He doesn’t see a ring on his finger, but he has to ask anyway. And if he’s being completely honest, he hopes the answer is no.

“No,” Jeongguk shakes his head. “You’ll probably laugh, but I was heading home to see my mother. I miss her.”

“No, I’m not going to laugh. I totally get it.” Taehyung reassures him.

“Where were you headed? Wife? Kids?” It’s the first sign that Jeongguk may be willing to have a conversation.

“I was actually on my way to work. And I was running late.” He grins. “Which it looks like I’m really going to be late now.”

Jeongguk laughs, just a little, for the first time and it’s like music in Taehyung’s ears. He smiles even wider and bumps his shoulder into him. “Also, no wife. No kids. But I’ve been planning on getting a dog at soon.”

“I love dogs, but I don’t have one. Maybe someday.”

“Oh yeah?” Taehyung thinks that getting him to talk is a small victory and he takes it. “What kind of dogs do you like?”

Jeongguk settles back in his seat instead of being angled towards the window. Even though he still looks terrified, his eyes sparkle. “Oh, I like a lot of different kinds, but when I get one, I want to get a – “

The sudden darkness silences them both. It’s pitch black outside the window and the lights in the train have gone off.

Namjoon calls out reassuringly, “it’s just a tunnel guys, but it looks like a long one.”

“Why’d the lights in here go out?” Taehyung can hear the concern in Hoseok’s voice.

“No idea,” Namjoon responds. “But just everyone stay sitting until they come back on.”

He can’t see Jeongguk so he rests his hand on the seat between them hoping to be able to discretely feel his leg to confirm he’s still there. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” Jeongguk’s voice comes out of the darkness next to him. And then he feels Jeongguk’s hand on top of his own. It’s smooth and about the same size as his. But Jeongguk suddenly starts to pull it back. “Sorry. Are you?”

“It’s okay,” Taehyung manages to catch one of his fingers. He guides Jeongguk’s hand back down to the seat and pats the top of it. He tries to lighten the mood. “I am as long as no zombies start popping up.”

Random flashes of purple streak by the windows on both sides. “What the hell is that?” Jimin calls out.

The train, which had been going quite fast, slows to a moderate speed. Enough that they can see out the windows.

At first there are just a few random spheres outside the window, but they begin to increase in number. Some are white, some are purple. Perfectly globe shapes lights wave outside the windows on all sides. No one speaks until Jin breaks the silence.

“What in the world?”

Taehyung can’t see their faces, but he imagines that if he could they would all be in the same state of awe that he is. For as strange and unexpected it is, and considering they still have no idea where the train is heading…

It’s still a breathtaking sight.

It seems to go on for quite a while, and yet at the same time, Taehyung is a little disappointed when they emerge from the tunnel, the cabin lights come back on, and the glowing orbs are all behind them.

Jin looks out the window. “I’m sure we’re still in Korea. There must be a stop soon.” He then turns towards Yoongi and Namjoon who have resumed reading the book. “You guys uncover anything yet?”

“Sort of,” Namjoon stands up in the aisle so he can see everyone at once. “I still don’t know where we’re heading, but I know where we’ve been according to the book.”

“But that’s not us.” Hoseok argues. “That’s not us in the book.”

“It’s apparently some version of us,” Namjoon explains. “It seems we are members of what appears to be a very famous musical group.”

“Uh, not possible,” Jin laughs. “I can’t sing and I can’t dance.”

“Me neither,” Namjoon sympathizes. “But according to this book, the seven of us are BTS, a very popular K-pop group that became known worldwide. Yoongi and I are trying to put together a timeline. It looks like we debuted in 2013, ten years ago.”

“Ten years ago, some of us were still in high school.” Jimin counters. “Not in a K-pop band.”

Yoongi stands and turns. “Actually, it looks like we started out as a hip-hop group. And from what I gather, I don’t think we ever fit into the traditional K-pop idol mold.”

“Hip-hop? You mean like rap and stuff?” Hoseok asks. “I’ve never done anything like that.”

Namjoon motions towards Yoongi. “Neither have we, but we just discovered we both do write some.”

“But that doesn’t make us musicians.” Jin argues. “And again, for the record, I do not dance, or sing, and I have never even come close to rapping.”

‘Well, the us in the book does,” Yoongi shrugs and then looks directly back to Taehyung and Jeongguk. “And Jeongguk back there does it all. And he does it all well. People rave over his voice and vocal ability.”

Taehyung looks at Jeongguk next to him. His eyes are even wider than before. And he looks almost terrified. “No way. There is no way I sing in public.”

“Have you ever tried?” Yoongi asks.

“No,” Jeongguk is solid in his answer. “Never.”

Something about the way he answers so quickly makes Taehyung think that he isn’t telling the whole truth. But he doesn’t want to call him out in front of the other guys and embarrass him.

He already feels strangely protective of the handsome but quiet man next to him.

“You may want to learn, Jeongguk.” Namjoon looks to the back. “According to this we are extremely successful as a music group. Like all over the world.”

“You mean like we make a lot of money?” Jimin perks up from his seat.

Yoongi laughs. “Yep. Big houses, big cars, big rings…”

“Money, yeah. Awards. We’re nominated for a Grammy at one point. We have a huge fanbase.” Namjoon confirms. “And this is kind of funny, but if we’re seen using products, wear clothes, reading books, anything, those things immediately sell out.”

“We’re credited with bringing positive attention to South Korea along with a lot of tourists.” Yoongi adds.

“I guess if I had to live another life than the one I’m living, being a famous, wealthy, well loved person wouldn’t be that bad.” Hoseok says thoughtfully. “But you know they always say those people are sometimes the unhappiest of all.”

“Yeah,” Namjoon agrees, “I think anytime people get what they want, there is the tendency to find that it may not have been what they wanted or it didn’t turn out the way they thought.”

“That checks out,” Yoongi looks up. “It seems like these guys, or us, or whatever…found that once they got the recognition they wanted, there was a dark side.”

“So the book has an unhappy ending?” Jimin scowls. “I don’t think I like that.”

“Not unhappy,” Yoongi shifts in his seat. “Not really and yet not happy. But it does feel like an ending of sorts. There is a lot of talk about wanting to stay together but also wanting to break out and do solo things and figure out who they are as men considering it looks like they were boys when they started. I’m not going to lie, the end leaves everything kind of open.”

“They were probably coming up on their mandatory military service,” Jin interjects. “It’s required of all men here in Korea. And my guess is that if they spent their 20s on the stages of the world, then at the end of that book they would have been coming up to the deadlines for military service. As a matter of fact, I just finished mine.”

“What are you, about 30?” Namjoon asks.

“Yeah, close. 31. I was born in 1992. I’m guessing you all are young than me.”

“1994,” says Namjoon.

“Me too,” Hoseok calls out.

Yoongi doesn’t’ raise his head from reading the book. “93.”

“1995,” Jimin looks to the back of the cabin.

“Same,” says Taehyung. He turns to Jeongguk who mumbles quietly. “And Jeongguk here is 26.”

“Ah so you would be the maknae,” Jimin teases.

“Hey,” Yoongi says, “he may be the maknae, but according to this book, we couldn’t have done a whole lot without him. Apparently, the kid has pipes of gold.”

Jeongguk shifts uncomfortably in his seat. Taehyung pats his knee and gives him a reassuring smile.

The speaker crackles to life.

🔔  Attention passengers: We will be arriving at the next station in 5 minutes. You are welcome to disembark provided you possess the necessary proof. 🔔

All conversations halt abruptly as they look around at each other.

“Proof of what?” Namjoon asks.

“Doesn’t matter. This is our chance,” Jimin announces. “We could just make a run for it.”

“But what if we get off and we are worse off than being on this train. Do we even know what is at the next station?” Hoseok rises from his seat and stands next to Namjoon. “I don’t know where this train is taking us, but maybe we should stay on it. Maybe it will eventually return us to where we belong?”

Yoongi closes the book and stands up. “You could be right. We’ve obviously become a part of some other time and space and perhaps getting off the train would make it so we could never return home. I don’t know what this book means. But it isn’t here on accident. All of this must be tied together, the book, the train and somehow even us.”

“Let’s just wait until we get there and then we can decide,” Jin proposes. “If we’re still in Korea I should be able to recognize it.”

Jeongguk whispers to Taehyung, “are you getting off the train at the next stop?”

“I’m not sure,” Taehyung admits. “I don’t particularly want to stay on this train not knowing where it’s headed, but at the same time, Hoseok may be right.” He points out the window. “Who knows what awaits us out there and it could be worse.”

“It feels like we’re slowing,” Namjoon holds onto the back of the seat and bends down a little to get a good look out the window. “Yeah, we’re definitely slowing to a stop.”

The tension in the cabin is palpable.

Taehyung can feel Jeongguk tense next to him. Even though he is just as scared, he wants to reassure him. “Don’t worry. We’ll get this figured out and get back home.”

The station begins to come into view.

“That is not any train station I’ve ever seen here,” Jin frowns out the window. “Train stations are not that nice.”

Taehyung looks out the window. It is really nice. Nicer than any station he’s ever seen. The awning and the platform are sleek and black. There is a large amount of silver and chrome on the seats and the awning on the outside. It shines so bright it’s almost blinding. Taehyung leans over Jeongguk to get a look at the sky. There are no clouds, but neither is there any sun.

What is most notable is how crowded the platform is. Men in suits shoulder to shoulder. Some with briefcases or bags. Some on their cellphones.

It’s unsettling at best. It doesn’t look like the way home.

Hoseok and Namjoon slowly sit back down unable to take their eyes off the scene outside the window.

“Who are all those men?” Namjoon asks to no one in particular.

Jin, who had been attentively staring out the window, is able to at least recognize one thing.

“Those are lawyers.”

“What?” Yoongi moves closer to the window. “They just look like a bunch of guys in suits. How do you know they’re lawyers?”

“The five-sided pins. On the left side of their chests,” he points. “In Korea lawyers wear those.”

“Great!” Jimin jumps up. “If then that must mean we’re in Korea. Can’t we just get off here and get on some airplanes and go home?”

“No wait a minute,” Jin cautions. “Some of those look like lawyers from Korea, some don’t. I see a lot of suits, but honestly guys – something is wrong. This isn’t a normal train station.”

The seven men peering out the window catches the eye of one of the suited men on the platform. He turns quickly an almost sprints to the door. Immediately the others notice and, in an instant, the massive hoard of people who had been on the platform are pressed up against the windows. Smacking the glass and shouting. They are speaking, but no one can determine what they are saying.

But one thing is clear, they want on the train.

Yoongi goes into the vestibule to look at the entry door. So many people pressed up against the glass pounding he can’t make out one face from another.

“That’s not good,” as he reenters the cabin he points towards the door, “we couldn’t get out if we tried. There are so many people up against the door. They’re trying to get in.”

The other six had backed up from the windows as the faces and fists pound and press up against the glass. Jeongguk leans back into Taehyung to move further from the window.

“What’s going on?” Jeongguk’s eyes are wide as he turns to Taehyung.

Taehyung looks from his terrified face back out the window. “I have no idea.”

At that moment the train begins to rock from side to side. From the building on the platform more people rush out toward the train.

“They’re going to break the door!” Jimin shouts.

Hoseok moves back even further from the window. “Or derail us!”

The deluge of people doesn’t stop. And as more people emerge from the station, they rush the train.

“We’ve got to get out of here.” Jin panics as he runs to the intercom.

He presses the button and pounds on the speaker. “We’re not getting off at this stop!  Get us the fuck out of here!” When nothing happens, he yells even louder. “Do you hear me? Move this train now!” He beats once more on the speak and pushes from the wall in frustration.

The train continues to rock violently from the force of the would-be intruders. Taehyung sees sparks shooting up from the tracks. He closes his eyes as he lifts his arms to wrap around Jeongguk who is still pressed up against him.

A mechanical noise that he can’t identify rings out and the train begins to move. He drops his arms as Jeongguk sits up straight. “We’re moving, Taehyung.”

The collective relief in the cabin is immediate. “Damn, that was close.” Namjoon says as he and Jin run back to the windows as they begin to clear.

Taehyung leans over to Jeongguk to look out the window back towards the station as it gets smaller in the distance. Some of the people on the platform had started to run after them, but they couldn’t keep up.

He lays his head back on the seat. “I don’t know what that was, but I don’t want to go through anything like that again.”

Jeongguk seems still on edge just by the tenseness Taehyung can sense coming off him.

“You alright?”

He nods, but Taehyung isn’t convinced. And he knows for sure that he isn’t when he leans over towards the window again, resting his chin on his fist and saying nothing as the scenery passes by.

When Jeongguk’s eyes begin to drop and his head bobs, Taehyung moves up a few seats to where the other guys are still talking about the hellish train station and Yoongi is pulling out excerpts from the book.

“Just another group of poor unsuspecting boys getting eaten alive by the corporate world,” he says bitterly as he closes the book.

“Is that what it says?” Namjoon points to it and Yoongi hands it to him.

“Not directly, no,” he sighs. “But you know how things like this go. The book tells the story of this group. But if you read between the lines, you see how the something good gets spoiled when greed comes in.”

Namjoon opens the book. “I’ve got to read this for myself.”

“I’ll tell you one thing. I’m damn glad we aren’t these guys. It sounds like they sacrificed a lot. Most notably their youth.” Yoongi shakes his head as he closes his eyes and leans his head back. “I can’t say I’ve had a great life, but I least I feel like I’ve had one.”

“If they reached the level of fame that this book says they did, then it makes sense. Everyone wants a piece of you once you become successful.” Namjoon says absentmindedly as he flips through some pages. “But I also saw a bit in here earlier that seems to show that they weren’t forced into this. They wanted the success too.”

Yoongi opens his eyes and raises his head again. “That’s the thing though. They probably did. They started like that. Loving music or dancing or whatever it is. And they get a chance to share that with the world and then one day they look around and realize they’re in a cage.”

“You got all of that from reading snippets of that book?” Jimin asks in disbelief.

“It’s because I’m in this industry. And I’ve seen it time and time again. The worst thing about getting what you want. The downside of reaching the top is that you’ve got to come down at some point.”

Taehyung takes a seat behind Yoongi. “You hope for a soft landing instead of a free fall.”

“Exactly,” he turns halfway around to nod to him.

Taehyung turns his attention to Jimin and Hoseok. It appears they’ve been having their own conversation even in the midst of listening to Namjoon and Yoongi talk.

“Really?” Jimin asks in disbelief. “I don’t think I could ever dance like that.”

“You totally could. Street dancing is great. You’ve the dance education it would just be a matter of showing you different styles of hip hop.”

“You guys are dancers?” Taehyung interrupts.

“Sheesh, I wish,” Hoseok sucks air through his teeth. “I do it as a hobby. I don’t think I’d ever be good enough to do it as a profession. But Jimin here is trained in dance.”

“Not exactly,” Jimin rolls his eyes. “Yes, I was a dance major, but I never did anything with it. My parents thought it was too risky of a career. I pretty much haven’t danced since college.”

“I’m not much of a dancer at all,” Taehyung admits. He stands up to illustrate by dancing just like he did in school. He sways his hips side to side, his elbows bent as his forearms follow his body. Fingers snapping at each side. It is completely without rhythm and he knows it.

But it always made people laugh when he did it in school and much to his satisfaction, he finds that it still makes people laugh. Jimin and Hoseok explode into peals of laughter. Namjoon looks up from what looks to be the first page of the book and chuckles. Yoongi, who had laid his head back again, opens one eye and gives an amused snort.

Even Jin who had become extremely irritated when he realized he didn’t have his phone to game on and had laid his head against the window turns and smiles at him.

But it is Jeongguk who Taehyung looks to for a reaction.

He turns his dancing body to face the back. Grinning from ear to ear and making over the top faces.

Jeongguk isn’t looking out the window anymore. He’s looking right at Taehyung and he is grinning from ear to ear.

And that is exactly what Taehyung was hoping to see.

There is no way to know how long they’ve been on the train.

Namjoon, just as he had wanted, is reading the book cover to cover. Taehyung can tell he must be an accomplished reader as he is moving through the pages much quicker than most people

After a short nap, Yoongi had pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from his backpack, pulled down the tray and is now furiously scribbling.

Taehyung had talked to Jimin and Hoseok for a while longer and then went to sit by Jin. They had talked for a while about their jobs and gaming. Although he is the oldest, Taehyung is struck by how youthful he seems.

Jeongguk had gone back to staring out the window, but occasionally he looks up and Taehyung always tries to meet his eye and give him a nod or a smile. After a while he begins to think Jeongguk is looking less out the window and more at him and the other guys. Not coming up to talk to them, but still listening as evidenced by the way he will occasionally nod his head or look interested.

Smell of something begins to permeate the air. Taehyung can’t place it specifically. It smells like a lot of things all at once, bulgogi, tteokbokki and jjajangmyeon.

He hadn’t eaten breakfast, but he usually didn’t. He doesn’t think it’s lunch time, but his stomach is growling like he hasn’t eaten in days.

They can’t have been on this train for that long. There is a digital clock on the wall much like the one on his regular train, but the red numbers don’t settle on a time. It’s just a steady stream of random numbers. Some of which wouldn’t even be a real measure of time.

There isn’t any way to determine how long they have been here. And no way of knowing how long they will have to stay.

Regardless he is hungry. And apparently so are the other guys as their eyes light up, they sniff into the air and turn eagerly to the cabin door opening.

It’s The Conductor. Short man with a round cranky face and a round belly. In front of him he pushes a cart with seven Styrofoam containers and seven bottles of water.

Without saying a word, he makes his way down the aisle and hands everyone a container, fork, and a bottle of water. Everyone except for Taehyung.

He starts to roll hurriedly away, back towards the door from which he came.

“Hold up,” Jin puts his arm across the aisle to stop him. “You forgot one.”

The Conductor looks at him blankly. Jin points towards Taehyung. “You missed one of us.”

The stare down is only seconds, but it feels much longer.

The Conductor bends over to retrieve the container and the bottle of water then walks back to Taehyung.

He holds it out, but the look he gives makes Taehyung think he doesn’t really want him to take it.

“Thank you.” He hopes that by expressing his thankfulness, the guy will mellow out. He can’t think of what he could have done to offend him this soon.

Just as he goes to put his hands on it, The Conductor lets go and it falls to the ground.

He bows his head in gratitude and bends down to pick up the container and the water, but by the time he raises it, The Conductor has waddled away.

Taehyung can’t help but notice that the containers don’t smell as good as the air did even before he opens his.

With the contents of the container laying revealed on his lap he immediately knows why. It’s nothing but a plain chicken breast. Still warm, but pale and most likely tasteless.

Glancing around as the others open their lunch, he doesn’t even need to see they had the same thing. He can tell just by their looks of disappointment alone.

“Gross,” Hoseok grimaces.

“This isn’t what we’ve been smelling,” Taehyung points out the obvious. “I don’t know what we have to do to get a normal meal, but this isn’t it.”

Jin seems to be the most outraged by the dinner option that they hadn’t chosen. He angrily addresses The Conductor who is halfway out the door. “What the actual hell is this? Do you call this food? You’ve taken us captive on this train and now you don’t even feed us properly!”

The conductor says nothing and waddles out the door into the vestibule and into the next car.

Namjoon leans toward him and whispers. “I should have told you he won’t say anything. Hoseok, Yoongi, and I saw him walk through the cabin one time when we first found ourselves on the train. But he wouldn’t even acknowledge us.”

Jin groans and begins to rummage through his satchel. He suddenly tosses it aside and holds both hands up in the air with little packets clasped between his fingers.

“Ah ha!” he exclaims. “I knew I had some somewhere at the bottom of my satchel!” He hands each of them a few of the little paper packets. “If I don’t use the salt and pepper packets that sometime come with my food, I just throw them in my bag.”

The packets aren’t fresh. Taehyung picks a piece of lint off his before opening it. But it is at least some type of seasoning.

“I think they’re trying to starve us,” Yoongi deadpans as he forks his chicken breast and takes a bite.

“This chicken tastes like ass,” Jimin’s complaint sounds so genuine it makes everyone laugh. Taehyung looks back at Jeongguk to see if he is laughing.

He is.

With a mouthful of chicken, Jin asks, “Just how familiar are you with the taste of ass, Jimin?”

Jimin blushes and giggles realizing how they took what he said. “No, I haven’t. I just meant it tastes terrible.”

Taehyung realizes Jin is that friend, the one that takes something simple and runs with it. “Well, Jimin, I believe there are ass-eaters in the world that would take objection to your equating the taste of ass with the taste of something as terrible as this boiled chicken breast.”

Jin’s tone is so serious, it looks like he has Jimin convinced that he has said something wrong. But the twinkle in Jin’s eyes betrays him. And it immediately becomes apparent to Jimin and everyone that Jin is just messing with him.

“Oh, oh,” Jimin guffaws in relief. “I thought you were serious.”

Yoongi clears his throat. “Can you guys can continue your ass tasting conversation later?”

Jin turns back and looks at Yoongi with just his eyes over the seat. “Yoongi? Have you something against ass eating?”

Yoongi rolls his eyes, “Nope. Nothing against ass-eaters at all. I appreciate a good piece of ass as much as anyone. I just want to eat my chicken right now.”

The other guys erupt into more laughter. Taehyung looks back at Jeongguk. He is watching them and laughing to himself. He takes his chicken breast and goes back to him. “Hey, come up here and eat with us.”

Jeongguk shakes his head.

The other guys take notice.

“Yeah Jeongguk, come up here so we can enjoy this feast together!” Hoseok laughs.

Jimin calls out. “I promise no more ass talk if you come up here.”

“For fucks sake, now you have to come up here Jeongguk to save us from Jimin’s ass talk.”

“Jeongguk…” Jin sings out. “I’ve got salt and pepper…”

Taehyung looks back down at him. “Come on and sit with me up there with the other guys, please?”

Jeongguk looks down at the chicken breast on his lap. And back up to Taehyung. “Alright, I will.” He simply speaks it, but to Taehyung’s ears, it sounds like a song.

As disgusting as the plain chicken breast is, Taehyung notices that it did accomplish one thing. The shared experience has made them much more comfortable with each other. For a moment he enjoys himself so much that he doesn’t even remember that they are on a train to who knows where.

The other guys get to find out more about Jeongguk, and in turn they begin to find out more about each other. It turns out Namjoon works in a business office. Yoongi works in music marketing. Hoseok is a DJ in a club. Jimin is between jobs, and was actually on his way to an interview on a train in New York when he found himself here. Jin tries to be mysterious and claims his job is top secret. But everyone pretty much knows that it isn’t even though they aren’t sure what exactly what it is because the hints he gives keep changing.

Even though Namjoon engages in the conversation, he never totally stops reading the book. Taehyung is impressed to see that he looks to be about a third through it. He wants to ask if he has discovered anything new, but at the same time he is content enough with the laughter around him, he just wants to enjoy that a little longer.

And seeing Jeongguk relax and begin to open up to everyone makes him happy. When he looks his way, Taehyung gives him sideways smile and Jeongguk’s face lights up.

If only one good thing comes of this - he decides right then and there that it will Jeongguk.

The conversation begins to wane as each of the guys seems to tire in their own way. Resting their heads back on the seats and watching Namjoon search for answers.

“This is actually sort of fascinating,” he says at one point. “It’s surreal. I mean there is no question this is supposed to be about us. That we, the seven of us, are this group.”

The speaker crackles to life.

🔔 Attention passengers: Due to a global pandemic, we will not be able to fully stop at the next station or allow you to disembark. We apologize for any convenience. 🔔

The complacency of the resting men crackles to life.

“What the hell?” Hoseok speaks up first. “What do they mean global pandemic?”

“Obviously it’s not a global pandemic in the real world.”

Taehyung thinks, but doesn’t say it, that they don’t really know which is the real world right now. Even though they did come from somewhere else. This currently reality, on this train, is at least for the time being, the real world.

Jeongguk quietly offers his opinion. “There must be something happening here though.”

Namjoon had been too engrossed in reading to hear the announcement.

“Hey, Namjoon,” Jimin taps on his leg. “Anything in that book about a global pandemic?”

Namjoon looks up distractedly through his glasses. “What? A pandemic?”

“They aren’t going to let us get off at this next stop because there’s a pandemic or something.” Jimin explains. “If that book is of an alternate universe, then maybe there’s a pandemic there.”

The train begins to slow, but doesn’t stop.

All seven rise from their seats and lean towards the windows.

“That actually does look like a train station here in South Korea,” Jin notes, “except it’s completely empty. “You rarely ever see that.”

“It’s not empty!” Taehyung smacks his palm against the glass. “Look there’s someone.”

There is indeed someone.

One person.

They had their hoodie up and a black mask across the bottom of their face.

Their hands were shoved into their pockets and it appeared they were looking down at the pavement.

“Must be an employee,” Jin shifts his weight and sits down.

The others began to do the same as they realize that there isn’t going to be any clue at this station and even if there had been, they aren’t going to be allowed off to find it.

But Taehyung keeps watching. Something about the person on the platform is familiar. They slowly raise their head and he gets a good look at their eyes, the only part of their face he can see.

He doesn’t know who the person is. But he knows their eyes.

The loneliness and melancholy there. The kind that people pass right by every day. It’s only recognized by those who know what to look for. By those who have known that loneliness and melancholy themselves.

The eyes that look hopeless and yet dare to hope when they ask without a word do you see me?

In the brief seconds that the train passes slowly through the station and those eyes meet Taehyung’s, they ask that question.

And with his eyes, he answers without uttering a word, Yes.

“Taehyung?” Jeongguk’s voice starts like a faraway echo and then pulls him from the window. “What is it? What did you see?”

“The person? Did you see the person on the platform?”

“In the hoodie?” Jeongguk furrows his brow. “Did you know them?”

Taehyung shakes his head. “No not really. I don’t know who they were, but - I don’t know. Something about them.”

“Their eyes are sad.” Jeongguk says quietly.

Namjoon turns around. “The person? On the platform?”

“Yeah,” Taehyung is excited that someone else saw. “Who was it?”

“No idea,” Namjoon said. “I didn’t get a good look at them.

He pats the page of the open book with his palm. “But guys, there’s something in this book that I keep coming back to again and again.”

Yoongi’s head is resting against the window, hands folded across his lap. Without opening his eyes he mumbles, “Don’t tell me. Let me guess. Corporate greed, manipulation, misuse of power and funds, exploitation of good people just to make a profit…”

“Okay,” Namjoon concedes. “Yeah, I can see that by reading between the lines. But it’s something more.”

Jin, Jimin and Hoseok had all settled back into rest. But now their eyes are open and they sit on the edge of the seats.

“What is it? Are you close to the end of the book?” Jin peers over the seat to see how far Namjoon has gotten.

Namjoon holds his place with his right palm and uses his left thumb to shuffle flip the other pages. “This BTS – this group we’re supposedly supposed to be in another time and place – they have fans. Like a lot of fans.”

Hoseok frowns trying to understand. “Yeah? Most musical groups do?”

“Not like this,” Namjoon shakes his head. “Like these fans are kind of special. They’re really loyal, but there is also this whole vibe where they try to do good. It looks like the group encouraged the fans. Like their mental health and stuff.”

Yoongi opens his eyes and sits up. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure I know how to explain it. But it’s like they support each other. You know what they call themselves? ARMY. I read somewhere in here what it actually stands for. But isn’t that a weird word to use? And from what I can see they start out with only about ten fans and wind up – at least to the point that I’m at with millions of fans.”

“All those people just trying to grow up and survive and find their way in the world,” Taehyung says quietly.

Jeongguk rubs his knee and says under his breath, “I’m still trying.”

“Me too, kid.” Yoongi’s eyes are empathetic. And Jeongguk looks surprised that anyone outside of Taehyung had heard him.

“I think that’s true for all of us,” Namjoon looks around at the other guys. “I wasn’t exactly unhappy this morning, or whenever it was I was headed to work. But I always wonder if there’s more. I’m almost 30 and I still am trying to figure out who I am and what I want.”

Jimin and Hoseok nod in unison.

“Being the oldest,” Jin lightens the mood, “I can tell you that once I realized I was the most handsome man in the world my search for self has been a little easier.” He smiles compassionately. “But I can also tell you that even with that knowledge, and even being 30, I’m not always sure if I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

“Well said, Jin.” Namjoon opens back up to the place his palm marked. “You guys go ahead and rest if you want. I’m going to keep reading and I’ll wake you if it looks like we can get off at the next stop.”

The door up front slides open and interrupts the conversation. They watch with curiosity as The Conductor waddles down the aisle toward them.

He passes by the other and comes directly to the seat that Taehyung and Jeongguk are sitting in. Jeongguk’s fingers tighten on his knee.

Just when he thinks The Conductor might pass, he stops and puts both hands onto Jeongguk’s shoulders and forcefully stands him up. Once he is standing, the Conductor turns his body and plants him into the seat across the aisle.

Without a word he turns and exits the cabin the way he came in. But everyone notices the terrible look he gives Taehyung before he leaves.

Taehyung and Jeongguk look at each other with stunned expressions.

The other guys all look confused as well.

“What the hell was that?” Jin asks. “He came all the way in here for that? Jimin and Hoseok are sitting in the same seat?”

Taehyung shrugs, “Guess he didn’t want us sitting together.” He looks apologetically at Jeongguk.

“What an asshole,” Jeongguk sulks under his breath as he lays his head back against the seat and turns his face towards the window.

Taehyung reaches his hand across the aisle. Jeongguk looks at it, and then places his hand in it. Taehyung gives it a firm squeeze. “Let’s do what Namjoon said and rest for a while. Maybe when we wake, we’ll have more answers.”

He winks at Jeongguk as he withdraws his hand back and curls up on his seat in the hope that he can rest.

But rest is the last thing that any of them are getting.

For Taehyung, it is hard to sleep curled up around himself. A few times he almost jumps over into Jeongguk’s seat. But he doesn’t want to get them in more trouble.

And for everyone the train ride has become increasingly uncomfortable.

It hadn’t been a smooth train ride thus far. Plenty of small jerks and jolts, but as they try to rest, the nature of the ride becomes unbearable.

“Are we going straight up a fucking hill?” Yoongi groans as he raises up to look out the window.

The track is without a doubt on an incline and despite that it seems to be going too fast which is making it almost impossible to relax with their backs pressed up against the seats.

And making it even more frightening is the weather outside the window. Rain pelts against the glass in sideways strips. The wind whistles into the cracks around the windows and shakes the cabin back and forth almost as much the turbulence at the first stop where they were ambushed.

“This is ridiculous!” Jin jumps up and heads to the intercom at the front of the cabin. With the steep incline it’s an arduous task. He basically climbs up the aisle bracing his hand on each seat. His legs bent and braced as he tries to keep upright.

He beats on the button. “You son of a bitches! Who the hell is driving this train!”

Using the seats again to brace himself he carefully returns to his seat. Taehyung assumes that he hadn’t expected to get an answer, but he wanted to let them know he wasn’t pleased.

Yoongi shifts uncomfortably, holding his shoulder. Taehyung notices, but Jimin is the first to mention it. “Hey Yoongi? Are you alright?”

He grimaces. “No. This fucking shoulder. I can’t get comfortable. We’ve been on this goddamn train for too long. In this seat and now it’s an even rougher ride.”

“Here,” Jeongguk leans forward and hands Yoongi his jacket. “Maybe if you ball it up you can shove it behind you and at least reduce the pressure.”

Yoongi takes the jacket and nods his gratitude.

Instead of sitting back in his own seat, Jeongguk moves over and sits next to Taehyung.

Taehyung is relieved.

“When is this going to end? Are we ever getting off, Hyung?”

Taehyung doesn’t know the answer and he doesn’t want to lie, but he also knows that there isn’t anything to gain by focusing on the unknowns of what lays ahead and the known unpleasantness of the current situation.

He wants to stay positive for everyone, but he is just as pissed as what everyone else looks. He thinks to himself this is it. He doesn’t care what he next stop is. He wants off. This is ridiculous. He hopes Jeongguk will come with him. At least if they get off at the next station they’ll be back in some world and off this train. Because right now it feels like they are stuck with no idea who is running it and where they are going.

He puts his arms tentatively around Jeongguk’s shoulder. And then squeezes him a little closer when he isn’t rebuffed. “It’s going to be over soon. Don’t worry. We’re going to get through this. Let’s pass the time. You got any favorite songs? I’m not a very good singer, but I love music. Let’s sing something together.”

Jeongguk looks relieved and almost eager. “Yeah, yeah. I love music.”

Taehyung starts to hum a song, waiting for Jeongguk to join in. He isn’t disappointed when Jeongguk begins to quietly sing along with the lyrics. In fact, he’s pretty damn impressed. For saying he doesn’t know how to sing. Jeongguk has an incredible voice.

But he doesn’t mention it. He suspects that if he does, it will make it clam up again. So he chimes in with harmonies. As much as he has loved Jeongguk’s voice since the first word he heard him speak, there is something about their joined voices that makes him feel strong. Like this train could derail and run over the mountain side and it wouldn’t stop the sounds coming from between them.

It’s a little easier to ignore that they don’t know where the train is going and they have no idea when they will be able to get off.

“I hope whoever’s driving this damn train knows what they’re doing.” Jin looks out the window and then back at everyone else. Concern in his eyes. “We are going way too damn fast. I can barely make out anything outside the window! And what is up with this fucking hill! When is it going to end!”

Jin is the only who openly vocalizing how upset and unhappy everyone is. But everyone else is very much ready to get off the train.

Hoseok has his head down against the seat in front of him. Jimin is restlessly squirming next to him and the otherwise calm Hoseok appears to be getting more irritated by the moment.

Occasionally Yoongi makes a noise that sounds like a groan and grunt as he shifts to get comfortable.

Even Namjoon, who is still reading, audibly sighs and rubs his head. Taehyung isn’t sure if it’s because he is upset himself or if he is just tired of seeing everyone else upset.

Jeongguk takes a sip of water from his plastic bottle.

“I’ve been trying not to drink too much even though I’m super thirsty.”

Taehyung gives him a questioning look.

“I saw a bathroom out there in the vestibule but it looked creepy. And who knows what will happen if I go in there and close the door. I might open it and find myself on some other train. Or what if I trip trying to get there and end up rolling back down this damn aisle.”

Taehyung chuckles but reassures him. “You’ll be fine. I saw Hoseok use it earlier while you were sleeping. And he came back fine. And if you do trip, this incline will roll you right back to me and I’ll catch you.”

Jeongguk giggles, but looks wary as he takes another small sip. “I hope you’re right.”

He tosses his bottle down on the seat next to Taehyung and heads up the aisle to the vestibule turning sideways to walk past Jimin who is heading towards the back.

“Hey Taehyung,” Jimin makes it to Taehyung and Jeongguk’s seat. He’s a few inches shorter, but his personality is large. His cheeks squint up into his eyes when he laughs. Taehyung is sorry that hadn’t met before even though they have both lived the same city. “I think we’re both born in 95? What month were you born?”

“December. Second to the last day of the year so I just barely made it into 1995.” He smiles. “How about you? Also, I’ve been wanting to ask where you live in New York?”

Jimin holds onto the corner of the back of the seat. “I’m older. October. So I’m your hyung. I used to live in Queens, but – “

It happens too quick for Taehyung to stop it.

He reaches out to stop Jimin from sitting down or to move the water bottle. But it’s like his hands can’t decide which to do first and he ends up missing the chance to do either.

The crunch of the plastic under Jimin’s ass makes him cringe.

“What the actual hell?!?” Jimin is standing now. Crushed water bottle laying on the seat with the lid having popped off and rolling around the floor.

The seat is soaked, but what’s worse is so is Jimin’s whole backside.

“Sorry,” Taehyung reaches out as though he could somehow use his hands to absorb the water from Jimin’s clothes. His face forms a grimace that is apologetic, but also could be perceived as a slight smile. He isn’t amused at all. It’s more the type of half grimace half grin that people automatically give when they are embarrassed or uncomfortable and not sure what to do.

It is immediately obvious that Jimin has not read it as such and doesn’t think Taehyung is truly sorry. 

“Why was your water bottle on the seat? And why wasn’t the lid screwed on?”

“Well…I just…” Taehyung stammers. He wants to explain, but the look on Jimin’s face indicates there isn’t anything he could say that would adequately quell the anger right now. He doesn’t blame him. It’s not like Jimin has a change of clothes or anything. And that was a lot of water.

“Well, nothing, Taehyung!” He points toward the cup holder under the window. “There’s the cup holder!  Why wouldn’t you have it in the cup holder!”

He understands why Jimin is upset, but he also isn’t thrilled to be having this confrontation.

“I said I was sorry. And I meant it. I’m sorry.” He picks up the bottle and puts it in the cupholder.

“What good does that do me! And why put it where it goes now!”

Jimin twists to look at his backside. The commotion has attracted the attention of all the other guys.

Jeongguk walks back into the cabin at the exact moment that Jimin is examining his wet pants. Completely oblivious to the conversation.

“Damn Jimin,” he laughs. “If I’d known you had to pee that bad, I would have let you go first before you pissed your pants!”

Jin makes the mistake of laughing which angers Jimin even more.

He shoots Jeongguk and Jin a furious glare. “It’s not funny! How would you two like to have your asses soaked?”

Jin covers his mouth to stifles a laugh as he raises both brows, turns and sits back down.

“Jimin, it’s only water.” Yoongi says calmly. “It’ll dry.”

Jimin huffs and rolls his eyes.

Taehyung isn’t sure if he should apologize again or get in Jimin’s face and yell back.

“Come on guys,” Namjoon approaches Jimin. “Things are just getting tense because of being on this train for so long. Let’s just calm down.”

“That’s easy for someone with a dry ass to say!” Jimin retorts.

Hoseok stands and comes closer to Jimin. “Here. We’ll get you dry. Jeongguk, were there any towels in the bathroom?”

Jeongguk shakes his head.

“Here!” Jin sings and he comes back to the seat. “I had some napkins in my bag.”

Jin and Hoseok go to work laying out the napkins on the seat just right so that Jimin can sit on them.

“These will absorb the wetness.” Hoseok places the last one and stands.

Jimin’s face softens. “Thanks. Sorry, my temper is just short.”

Taehyung avoids looking at Jeongguk. Because without even making eye contact, he knows exactly what he is thinking. But he ends up doing it anyway.

And sure enough, Jeongguk’s face is clear. yeah, his temper is short just like he is.

Taehyung swallows a laugh and looks away.

“It’s cool. We’ve been stuck on here too long. And like Namjoon said. Things are getting tense with still not really knowing what’s happening.” Taehyung smiles.

“Thanks man.” Jimin nods as he sits down on the napkins Hoseok and Jin spread out on the seat across from Taehyung.

As everyone finds a seat again, Jeongguk is finally able to make it back with Taehyung. He looks down and then up at him in confusion.

“Where’d my water bottle go? I left it right here in the seat.”

“Hey guys,” Namjoon’s deep voice stirs Taehyung from his sleep. “Another stop’s coming up.”

Taehyung opens his eyes blearily and looks around and then out the window. The track seems to be more level as they aren’t at such an incline and the train is going noticeably slower.

He and Jeongguk had talked more and then sang with each other until the songs got slower and they leaned their heads back against the seat allowing a temporary peace and contentment to wash over them. And when he saw Jeongguk shiver a little, he had put his red jacket around him.

“Hey, Gguk,” he nudges his thigh gently and whispers. “I think we’re coming to a stop.”

The other guys start to stretch and stand in the aisle, as they watch anxiously out the window for a glimpse. The previous stops had been completely out of the ordinary. There is little reason to believe this one won’t be as bizarre.

But it isn’t at all. Nothing seems out of place. It’s a completely normal train stop.

Namjoon taps Jin on the shoulder. “Do you recognize this place?”

“I don’t recognize this particular stop,” he stares outside the window. “But this looks like typical train station like the ones we have in Korea. Except…” He points towards the sign on the building. “134430? I think that’s supposed to be a station number, but none of the station numbers are that long – they don’t even look like that.”

“Did the other stations have numbers?” Jimin looks out the window.

“I didn’t notice any,” Namjoon shakes his head, “but that doesn’t mean they weren’t there.” He shrugs. “There was so much other weird shit happening I wasn’t even looking for signs.”

“Why aren’t the doors opening?” Jin looks out into the vestibule. “The train’s stopped. The doors should open.”

“Maybe it’ll just take a moment,” Namjoon looks towards the glass door leading to the vestibule. “Are you planning to get off here, Hyung?”

“Not sure,” Jin admits. “At the very least I wanted to get off and see where we’re even at.”

Jimin looks worried. “But if you get off you may not be able to get back on and then you’d be stuck and you might not even know where.”

“True,” Jin looks out the doors again. “Are you guys planning to get off here?”

Jimin looks at Hoseok who looks at Yoongi. All three look back and Taehyung and Jeongguk. Everyone looks to Namjoon.

“I don’t know guys. This is all so bizarre.” He sits down as he shakes his head. “This train ride sucks. But we’ve come this far. We know this stop isn’t home for any of us. Not even Jin, and he’s from here. That is provided we are even actually still in South Korea.”

“Are you saying we should stay on and see where this train goes?” Taehyung puts his hands on the back of the seat in front of him and leans forward.

“I just…” He starts and then hesitates. “It’s just after reading that book – I know I probably didn’t read it as carefully as I would a book at home, but one thing stood out – over and over. It was the fact that the seven of us were able to do something that none of us could have done alone.”

“But that is seven guys called BTS in that book,” Jeongguk leans forward and nods toward the book in Namjoon’s hands. “We aren’t those guys. We’re strangers. We aren’t a K-pop group or a hip-hop group or idols.”

“I know,” Namjoon admits. “Technically this book tells the story of seven guys from South Korea who become BTS, but there is something familiar about it all. Like it is us but an us another in another time and place.”

“Namjoon’s right,” Yoongi, who had been quiet interjects. “There is some reason the seven of us are on this train. Nothing is coincidence.”

Taehyung can feel Jeongguk staring at him from the side. He turns to smile at him to which Jeongguk responds with a shy smile.

But then his brow furrows. He grabs Taehyung’s hand discretely. “Don’t get me wrong. I am glad that I met all of you. But what if staying on this train ends up being a mistake. What if this is our chance to get off and we regret it later? Or what if we do get off here and find that it was all a dream. That none of it ever happened.”

Taehyung squeezes his hand. He understands what Jeongguk is saying. The future is uncertain on this train. What if it does result in their demise. And yet at the same time, he could never be sorry that he met Jeongguk. Or any of the guys for that matter. Yes, they were brought together for some reason that remains to be unknown. But does that mean that they should stay together when they have the chance right now to part ways.

Silently all seven exchange questioning looks between them. The door hasn’t opened yet.

But if it does. When it does. They will have to make a choice.

Yoongi breaks the silence.

“Haven’t you even wondered if what you’re doing in your life matters? If you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing?”

Hoseok nods. Jin nods.

“Every day,” Namjoon says sadly. “Every damn day.”

“Maybe this is a second chance for us? Maybe this is a chance to make a difference in this world. I don’t know.” Yoongi struggles to express himself. “I did what my parents wanted. You probably all did too. Did you ask what you wanted. Your dream?”

“You’re right. In my case I still ask what I want. I don’t know. But I can say that my life at home isn’t the one I chose.” Everyone seems to agree with him as Jin sits down on the seat next to Yoongi. “And what we all have to remember is that train station,” he points out the window, “isn’t necessarily the way home.”

Taehyung looks out the window at the station. For as normal as it appears at first glance. There is something about it that seems strange. Almost too perfect.

They hadn’t boarded this train from a single station. They are from different locations.

And the moment they all found themselves on this train together. A new reality began. It’s unlikely that this stop is the way back to where they came from.

“The way I see it,” Jin continues, “that train station isn’t the end of the line.” He looks at all the guys. “And we aren’t going to know why we are here or how to get home until we complete this trip.”

“We’ve come this far,” Namjoon says softly. “Honestly, after reading through this book. I really want to see where this train takes us. What the connection is. The seven guys in this book, they did something special. They proved they could make it. I sort of want to see what we can do. Why we are here.”

“Prove we can make it?” Jimin asks.

“We can,” Hoseok says with certainty as he puts his hand on Jimin’s leg. “I think the seven of us can do whatever we set our minds to.”

Taehyung looks to Jeongguk as the others continue to talk over the pros and cons of getting off at this station.

“You alright, Gguk?”

“I’m just worried. This is so intense and so uncertain. Will I ever see my family again? I miss my mom.”

“I don’t know what would happen if you get off here. I don’t know that you could get to your family. We don’t really know where ‘here’ even is. But, if you want to get off the train now at this station, I’ll get off with you.”

“You will?” Jeongguk’s eyes widen in disbelief. “You would leave with me?”

Taehyung looks down at their hands. They were still clasped together. He looks up into Jeongguk’s eyes. “Without a doubt. No hesitation. We started this together. We’re in it together. I go where you go. I wouldn’t want to continue on this train without you.”

“Do you think we would be making a mistake by staying?”

“Truthfully, I don’t know.” Taehyung sighs. “On one hand I’m tired of this train. And we don’t know what is going to happy. I’m also pretty sure that conductor guy hates me and it wouldn’t even surprise me if he tries to throw me off this train at some point.”

Jeongguk laughs and Taehyung loves that he can make him smile.

“I’m not kidding!” Taehyung gasps and opens his eyes even wider. “You know he’s going to waddle in here any minute and tell me I can’t sit by you or talk to you anymore.”

Jeongguk’s smile is ear to ear, but more than that, it is relieved.

“I want to see this through.” He nods. “I want to see this through with you.”

From the vestibule, the very audible bell sound signals that the door is open.

Jimin smacks at Jeongguk’s leg that is stretched into the aisle. “Hey, doors are open.”

Taehyung looks around and then out the window. No one looks like they are coming on. And it doesn’t look like anyone is getting off.

“Are you guys going?”

“Nope,” Hoseok and Jin shake their heads in unison. “We’re here for the long haul.”

Namjoon holds up the book. “I know how this story goes. I have to find out how it is connected to us.”

Taehyung looks anxiously to Yoongi.

“You know, it’s going to make a great story or song for one of us to write. How we ended up on this train and what happened.” He shrugs. “I’m staying.”

“How about you,” Namjoon looks between Taehyung and Jeongguk. “Are you guys going?”

“No,” Taehyung shakes his head decidedly then looks at Jeongguk and back to Namjoon. “I’m exactly where I want to be and who I want to be with.”

“Then it’s decided.” Hoseok sits down. “Do we need to let someone know we are staying on?”

Jin looks toward the intercom and stands. But before he takes a step, the doors close and the train is in motion.

“I don’t think so.” He points up to a camera in the corner that Taehyung hadn’t noticed before. “We’re being watched.”

“Argh” Jimin clutches his stomach. “I’m starving! Is anyone else hungry?”

“Me,” Namjoon raises his hand, nose still buried in the book.

“How long ago did we eat?” Hoseok whines.

Jeongguk stomach growls next to him. And he feels the ache in his own.

“I think we’re slowing, guys,” Yoongi, who had been hunched over his papers for hours, finally looks up.

“I think you’re right,” Hoseok stands up and goes to the window behind him.

Jin, in the seat in front of Yoongi turns around, “What’ve you been working on so hard?”

Yoongi shrugs, “Just some ideas.”

“Do you write?”

“Used too. I wrote a lot of poetry, music even. Don’t really have the time now. You could say this train ride inspired me and gave me the time.”

Namjoon, who is sitting across from Yoongi, stops reading and looks out his side of the train windows.

Taehyung reaches forward and waves his hand to catch his attention. Careful not to wake Jeongguk who is sleeping peacefully on his shoulder.

“Are we coming up to a stop again?”

Namjoon shakes his head, “I don’t know it’s literally pitch black out the windows and it doesn’t feel like we’re slowing enough to make a stop.”

The lights in the train car flicker and then go out.

“Great.” Namjoon deadpans. “Dark again.”

Something large and loud hit hits the window in front of Hoseok. He jumps back into the aisle. “What the hell was that?”

It leaves a residue. Jin comes back to the seat to examine it closely. “Looks like food or fruit or something? Maybe a melon?”

Taehyung hadn’t realized it because he hadn’t raised his head off his shoulder, but all the commotion had woken Jeongguk up. He points his finger out the window next to him. “Look, there’s light on this side.”

Taehyung looks to see he is right. The darkness has been gradually being replaced with a bright purple glow. They are moving slow enough now that it should be easier to see what they are passing, but there is thick foggy mist that the purple light is shining through.

“Hey guys,” he calls to Yoongi, Jin, and Hoseok, “it looks like there some light outside this side of the train?”

Jin and Hoseok look toward the windows on the left side of the train, but Yoongi is still staring out his window on the right side. “I think there is some light starting on this side too.”

Jimin stands in the aisle. “Now that’s just messed up. The light outside the left side of the train is purple, but the light on the right side is green.”

Taehyung and Jeongguk both look to their right. The window next to Yoongi’s head was beginning to be covered with a glowing dark green hue.

“Where the hell are we now?” Hoseok exclaims. “Are we stopping?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Namjoon’s voice sounds like it’s trying to be reassuring. “We are going pretty slow right now, but it’s still steady.”

Namjoon, Taehyung, and Jeongguk sit staring out the windows on the left side. While Yoongi and Jin sit on the right side of the train staring out the window.

Jimin and Hoseok are standing in the aisle close together, bracing themselves on each other and the backs of the seats, bending their necks down to get a better look at the passing scenes without getting too close to the windows.

Taehyungs up at them. The lights from both side streak across their faces interrupted only by the occasional shadow of a passing pole or structure.

Hoseok looks down at him and smiles. Patting him on the shoulder. “There’s always an end of the line. This can’t go on forever.”

He knows Hoseok means it to be reassuring, but all the same, there is something melancholy about it. Something Taehyung can’t put his finger on. Has he heard it before? They’re talking about the train, but it’s more than that. It makes him sad in a way he isn’t sure he can explain.

“Whoa! What’s that?”

Jeongguk’s exclamation prompts Taehyung to turn back. He finds him with both palms up on the windows, his face almost pressed against the glass.

“What is – “Taehyung starts to ask, but then he sees it for himself. It’s not a train stop. It looks like they are driving right through an arena. Bathed in the purple glow are rows and rows of seat after seat as high and far as the eye can see. The seats are filled with people of all ethnicities, genders, and ages. He immediately recognizes the lighted globes from before. When they came through the tunnel. Except this time, they are at the ends of millions of hands. Millions of people singing and smiling at laughing. It’s very easily one of the happiest things he has ever seen in his lifetime. Jeongguk looks to him with glossy eyes.

“Look at all those people, Taehyung? Look at the signs they’re holding! They say they love us!”

Taehyung turns to Yoongi and Jin. “Look guys! These people are singing and laughing and carrying signs! Look at all these people!”

And then they hear the chants.

Kim Namjoon
Kim Seokjin
Min Yoongi
Jung Hoseok
Park Jimin
Kim Taehyung
Jeon Jeongguk

Namjoon stares out the window, mouth open in awe. “Those are our real names! That’s the fandom. Remember? I told you guys how BTS, the group in the book…I mean us I guess…they have this huge incredible fandom. So many people love them. It’s insane.”

Taehyung can see a tear on the side of Jeongguk’s cheek. Wipes it off gently with pad of his finger.

“What’s the matter?” he says softly. “Why are you sad?”

Jeongguk continues to stare out the window. The reflection of the purple and white lights dances in his huge dark orblike eyes. His voice is soft and sad.

“I just don’t think I could ever do anything, talent or otherwise, that would make so many people love me that much.”

Taehyung wedges his left arms between the seat the Jeongguk’s waist and pulls them closer together. He places his right hand against his chin and turns it just enough so that that he can kiss his cheek and whisper in his ear.

“Are you kidding me? I’ve heard you sing. I’ve seen you draw. I’ve heard the way you talk about people you love.” He kisses on the apple. “But more than that, I’ve felt your heart. The incredible capacity you have in your heart to make other people feel.”

He lets Jeongguk’s face go and lowers his arm to wrap around the right side of his waist as he kisses the back of his ear. “Anyone who knows you can’t help but love you.”

Taehyung wants to stay right here, with Jeongguk leaned back in his arms, his face buried in the sweet subtle scent of the skin at the back of his neck. He would stay on this train forever if it would keep him this close.

Yoongi’s voice calls out from the other side. “Glad you guys are all enjoying the love fest over there. People over here have some signs too. And let me tell you, they aren’t loving or kind.”

Something else hits the window next to Yoongi.  “What the fuck. It’s pitch black out. Who the fuck is throwing fruit against a train in the dark?”

“We’re slowing more?” Taehyung looks at Namjoon with concern. I don’t really want to stop at a station where people are going to attack us or something.”

“We’ll be alright as long as we stay together.”

Something else hits the window on the right side of the train but it’s not fruits or vegetables.

It pings.

“That’s a fucking bullet,” Yoongi bends down in the seat.

“Seriously,” Jin scoffs. “We better not stop here.”

Everyone turns their attention to the windows on the right side of the train. The dark, almost ominous green slow is unsettling. At first, he doesn’t understand what Yoongi is referring to, but then he sees it.

So many people. So many signs. Hateful terrible words. And it does sound like the occasional gunshot in the distance.

A torrent of things hit the windows.  It isn’t easy to see out them now, but some of the signs that people are holding are clearly easy to read.

“That’s not nice,” Jimin says indignantly. “Those signs aren’t meant for us, are they?”

“Afraid so,” Namjoon pats the cover the book laying beside him. “That’s one of the things that happened in here. On one hand, BTS had tons of people who love them. But on the other…” He points toward the windows on the right. “There were a lot of people who hated them.”

“Hated?” Hoseok gasps. “Why? I understand that not everyone likes the same things, but why would they hate them?”

“They were isolated because they were trailblazers,” Namjoon winces when another piece of something hits the window. “They were hated because they had success. Jealousy is the most obvious reason,” Namjoon opens the book and thumbs through to some pages he had turned down. “But deeper than that, people hated them because they weren’t a typical idol group, but they weren’t a typical hip-hop group. Plus that they had a very organic success.”

“Oh, I did read that part,” Yoongi interjects. “They didn’t come from one of the big K-pop companies. The machines that churned out idols. So, when they started to have success, people got pretty vindictive and accused them of chart manipulation and paying for awards.”

“They may not have started as a big machine, but I bet they became one.” Jeongguk, who had been very quiet except when talking to Taehyung, speaks up.

Yoongi turns fully around. “You must know how the business works. What do you do, kid?”

Jeongguk seems embarrassed to have all eyes on him. He mumbles, “Road crew, sound board and lighting and stuff.”

“Well, you’re right.” Yoongi nods. “These things start small and organic and with good intentions. But sooner or later greed takes over. And then things are never the same.”

“From what I can tell,” Namjoon flips another page, “these guys seemed to try to stay true to themselves.” He flips a few pages. “But yeah, I agree, Yoongi, once the money and success starts rolling in then most people start seeing nothing but dollar signs.”

“Fans become customers.” Yoongi shrugs. “I should know working in record marketing. It’s a ruthless heartless soul sucking business. And it’s really sad to see people who come in just loving music and wanting to share it be destroyed.”

Ping. Something metal hits the side of the train.

“Damn.” Hoseok exclaims. “Hey Namjoon, how does that book end?”

“It doesn’t really.” He closes it. “I mean it was just published this year. So I would think in whatever world this group exists that they still exist. But I just don’t know.”

The thought saddens Taehyung. It’s that weird melancholy that had crept up on him at times since he arrived on the train. “Wherever they are now. I hope they’re happy.” He points toward the window on his side where rows of people are still shaking their purple orbs and smiling. “I hope they can keep their eyes on this.”

Yoongi nods. “True. And I hope they can ignore of that.” He points his thumb over his should to motion out the window next to him where angry faces glow in the green light shouting and fists shake in the air holding signs and throwing things.

Jin reaches over Yoongi’s head to the other side of the window and pulls the dull green curtain closed. “This’ll take care of that.”

Yoongi smiles, even though for him it’s more like a smirk, at Jin. Taehyung gets the distinct impression that those two already understand each other in a unique way.

The roar from the outside of both sides of the train which has been growing steadily is now so loud that they can hardly hear each other.

“Something’s happening,” Jeongguk whispers to Taehyung.

The train begins to sway from side to side.

Suddenly the sounds surround them as scuffling feet and shouts come from the top of the train too.

“What the hell is going on?” Jimin points up to the ceiling of the car. It’s buckling in places. Loud thuds crash and screech from above.

Hoseok scoots a little closer to Jimin. “It sounds like fighting. Like someone is fighting up there.”

Taehyung leans over Jeongguk to get a better look out the window. He puts his head close to the glass and tries to look up. “Some people are jumping up there. From the seats over here, they are jumping to the top of the train. And look.” He points to the windows on the right side of the train. “Look some are jumping up from that side too.”

“And now they’re fighting on top of us.” Yoongi says softly without looking up.

“And beside us too,” Hoseok points out the window. “Look they’re crossing sides. They’re fighting all around us and on top of us.”

Taehyung hates fighting. Always has. His heart pounds as he helplessly watches people drag other people to the ground, punch each other, and hit each other with signs. An occasional thud even hits the side of the train like a body is being throw up against it. He just hopes that no one ends up on the track under the train wheels.

“We’ve got to stop them,” he stands. “They’re hurting each other.”

Namjoon looks at him helplessly. “We’re going slow enough. I think I could jump off, but I can’t stop them all.”

“No way,” Jin shakes his head. “You’ll get killed if you try to stop them.”

The thudding against the train intensifies.  More metal pings that Yoongi swear are bullets. The fighting is getting worse by the minute. The train slows even more. Almost like it’s being slowed by the conflict surrounding it.

“What if people get on the track in front of us!” Jimin stands and tries to look out the window.

“I just hope we’re going slow enough that they can move out of the way of the train.” He looks terribly discouraged and worried and Taehyung hates it. “I don’t know what we can do. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

The sound is deafening. Screaming and shouting. Things hitting the windows and sides of the train. The clank and crushing sounds of metal. The metal pinging against the sides of the train.

Taehyung turns to Jeongguk who is covering his ears. He looks up pleadingly at him. Taehyung tries to be a comfort by rubbing his knee.

The train is barely moving, but it still throws them all forward when the brakes slam and it comes to an abrupt and jarring stop.

“Oh god, what now,” Jin stands up and heads to the front of the car where the glass door is. “We can’t stop in this mess.”

Hoseok, Namjoon, and even Yoongi rise and follow him.

Taehyung feels frozen. He isn’t certain, but he thinks they might be – he hopes they might be - going to lock or block the door.

The destructive sounds are louder than even before. The lights in the cabin flicker and come on for a moment, but immediately go out.

The only light is the purple and green glow from outside and what appears to be a solitary lamppost just a distance away.

Taehyung squints his eyes and nudges Jeongguk to look. “Is that a train station?”

“Looks like a garage.” Jeongguk frowns. “This looks like we’re on what people call the wrong side of the tracks.”

Taehyung squints harder and tries to make out what is beyond the lamppost. Jeongguk is right it does look like a garage. Even in the dark he can make out the metal of the building. The windows are broken. The door is hanging on its hinges. If it’s supposed to be a train station then it is a very rundown one. There are some trees and grass, but they are wild and over grown. It almost looks abandoned, except for the small candle he notices in one of the windows.

He really hopes this isn’t the place they are made to get off.

The commotion outside continues to rage all around them.

The lights suddenly come back on.

He looks to the four hyungs at the front. But immediately notes they are not alone.

Even though he never heard the door open, somehow, The Conductor is standing there next to Namjoon.

Jin, Yoongi, and Hoseok take a step back, but they do not leave him.

The Conductor speaks directly to Namjoon as though no one else is there.

“You are the leader here?”

“Well, no sir. I’m not really – “

The Conductor turns as though he might leave.

A very large thud hits the ceiling of the car and dents it. Another metal ping.

“Wait, please,” Namjoon reaches out to touch his arm.

The Conductor turns back to him.

“You are the leader here?”

Namjoon looks at the other six and nods his head humbly. “Yes sir, I am the leader here.”

The Conductor touches the tips of his fingers and thumb together in front of him making a triangular shape. His subtle smile is creepy and Taehyung doesn’t like it.

“Please, sir,” another large thud hits the side of the train and the lights flicker. “Please tell us what we need to do to stop this.”

“And while you’re at it, go ahead and tell us what we’re doing here and where you’re taking us!” Jin interjects boldly.

The Conductor disregards Jin and keeps his eyes on Namjoon.

“Are you interested in saving only yourself, or these other men too?”

Namjoon doesn’t hesitate. “Them too.” He motions with his hand. “All seven of us.”

The Conductor nods once. “Come with me, Mr. Kim.”

Yoong and Hoseok both thrust their arms out at the same time and grab Namjoon.

“Hey man, maybe you shouldn’t go with him.”

“How do we know we can trust him.”

Namjoon looks back at them. Taehyung can see it in his eyes. It doesn’t matter what the price or the risk. He’s going to do what he can. Not only for the six of them, but for all those people outside the train.

Jin glares directly at the Conductor. His voice is direct. Not angry or threatening in an overt way. But all the same it’s clear to everyone, even the Conductor who can’t help but glance at him, even though he tries to remain stoic, that Jin means business.

“We can’t trust him. But don’t worry guys. If anything happens to Namjoon and he doesn’t return to us safely and quickly, I’ll take over this train myself. And the first order of business will be to throw this pudgy little bastard off it.”

Namjoon solemnly follows the Conductor out of the car and into the next.

The other three turn worriedly and return to the seats. Taehyung realizes that their faces must look desperate when Jin smiles confidently at the three of them and says, “Don’t worry. Namjoon’s going to take care of this and he’ll be back in a minute.”

The noise and commotion from the outside has noticeably lessened. People are still mulling around on both sides of the train, but it reminds Taehyung of the end of a concert after most everyone has left.

The sadness of the large arena with the empty seats.

Although he relieved that the fighting has mostly stopped.

Jeongguk settles back in his seat and rests his hands in his lap. “Damn. That was really a lot. I’m glad that’s over. Did you tell the guys about the station here.”

Taehyung shakes his head. “Hey, look out this side. There’s a station or something.”

“Looks like an old garage,” Yoongi observes. “And who’s that?”

When Taehyung turns back towards the window, he sees who Yoongi is pointing at.

A solitary person leaned up against the lamppost.

It’s the same person or at least looks to be. The hoodie pulled up over their head. Their hands thrust in their pockets. It doesn’t appear they have a mask over their mouth, but it’s too dark in the shadows to tell.

Taehyung taps Jeongguk’s leg. “There they are again, Gguk.”

“You’ve seen that person before?” Jin asks.

“Yeah, at the second station that the train didn’t stop at because of a pandemic. Jeongguk and Namjoon saw them too.”

Jimin looks back over the seat. “I saw them too. Not there, but I saw them in that crowd that we drove through when everyone was singing and shouting our names. They were one of the people in the seats.”

“I saw them too,” Hoseok confirms.

“Did you guys see them when we stopped at the station at the top of that hill. The only one that looked close to normal? The third stop? The one we didn’t get off at?” Jin waits for a response. “They were sitting right there on the bench next to the building.”

Taehyung and Jeongguk stare back out the window.

“I wonder who they are,” Jeongguk muses aloud as he knocks on the glass. “They look so sad.”

The person looks up and Taehyung gives them a little wave. He thinks he might see a smile in their eyes.

The glass door slides open and Namjoon reenters the cabin.

Taehyung is so relieved he wants to jump up and hug him.

He immediately realizes he isn’t the only one.

In a heartbeat, Jeongguk beats him to it. With Jimin and Hoseok not far behind. Taehyung joins them as they all put their arms around him.

“I’m alright.” He reassures them. “Everything is going to be alright.”

Taehyung is too relieved, just like the others, to ask any questions.

Namjoon is back. The fighting and chaos has ceased.

And the train slowly starts moving which means they won’t be have to get off at the dingy garage looking train stop.

Taehyung is beyond relieved.

They all make their way back to their seats and wait patiently.

Even though they just met, Taehyung knows that Namjoon will talk when he is ready.

The train begins to pick up a little speed.

Outside the windows it is still dark except for the faint remnants of the purple and green haze.

For the first time Taehyung sees the sky. And for the first time he notices the stars.

He nudges Jeongguk and points out the window. “The stars are so pretty.”

Jeongguk peers out the window. He looks up and down.

“Yeah, they are. But look, Taehyung,” his eyes widen in wonder and his smile and voice reveal almost a childlike wonder. “The stars aren’t just in the sky. It’s all stars.”

Taehyung hadn’t noticed it before, but Jeongguk is right. He had only been focusing out beyond where he anticipated the horizon was. Looking closely, he can see there is no horizon. In the now pitch-black outside, the window is nothing but stars. When he looks down there isn’t even a hint of ground or track moving beneath them.

They aren’t the only ones who notice.

“I don’t think we’re on land anymore,” Jin turns and looks perplexed at the others. “This train ride suddenly got very smooth.”

The others nod in agreement and turn to the windows making noises of astonishment as they all come to the realization that they are traveling amongst the stars.

Hoseok turns towards Namjoon. “This doesn’t mean we’ve died, does it?”

Namjoon’s dimpled smile is kind and he pats Hoseok on the shoulder. “Not at all. But I do now know what we are doing here, where we’re going, and how to get off.”

Everyone who had been discretely listening to their exchange turns all their attention to Namjoon.

“The guys in the book. The group, BTS, it is most certainly us,” he starts.

Jimin argues. “But we never met until this train? How can that be us? And that group doesn’t even exist?”

Namjoon nods. “Trust me. We are BTS or have been or something like that. Believe me, the first thing I’m going to do, when I can, is hit up a library and read about time travel and dimensions and shit. But for right now none of that is important.”

He pauses. “We’re here together because we have to make the decision if we’re going to do it again.”

Yoongi’s eyes narrow. “Do what exactly?”

“To be that musical group again. To start at the beginning and do it all over.” He hurriedly assures them. “This is a choice guys. We don’t have to do it. The other option is that we’ll all be returned to our previous times and places. But whatever we decide it has to be all seven of us. We all say yes or we all say no.”

Taehyung thinks about it. That’s fitting. He couldn’t have imagined when he found himself aboard this train how ever long ago it happened, that he would be comfortable with the thought that his destiny, regardless of what it is, was going to be tied to these other six passengers. But he doesn’t see now how it could be any other way. If they decide to do this. They will have to do it together. It’s the seven of them. There’s no replacements no. It won’t work with any one of them missing.

“If we were to decide to do it all over,” Yoongi asks warily, “do we have to do it the exact same as in that damn book?”

“No,” Namjoon shakes his head. “The field’s the same, but it’s a whole new ballgame. We aren’t guaranteed the same success or anything. It all starts over with the decisions we make as we go. Starting with this one.”

“How long do we have to decide?” Hoseok tilts his head. Taehyung figures he has already started thinking what this means for him. Is this a second chance to choose a different path? He figures they’re all doing that privately in some way.

He turns to Jeongguk who looks pale and scared as a rabbit. “You okay, Jeongguk?”

Of course he’s not, and Taehyung knows why. Jeongguk already knows what role he would play in the group.

“Hey,” Taehyung takes his hand. “No pressure, okay? I said I’m with you no matter what.”

He turns back to see the other five watching them. He hadn’t realized they were because he thought they were all listening to Namjoon explain their choices.

“Look kid,” Yoongi speak up first. “We all heard you singing back here with Taehyung. You can’t tell us you don’t know how or you don’t like to.”

Jin rolls his eyes. “No kidding. I was sitting there trying to sleep when I hear those two dueting all the way up that damn hill and I figured the pearly gates had to be the next stop because it was literally like the sounds of angels coming from their seat.”

Jeongguk looks even more scared.

“I’m not saying you have to do this,” Yoongi reassures him. “I don’t even know if I’m willing do to this. There is a lot of seedy shit about the music business that isn’t in that book and I don’t know if I want to be a part of it in another life as well. But I am saying this. That no matter what happens next, you can’t let fear stop you anymore, kid. You have talent. A lot of talent. And even if you go back to your roadie job, you gotta know that I’ve never heard a voice like yours and it’s almost a crime that you’re keeping it from the world.”

Jeongguk looks to Taehyung who nods.

Yoongi said it better than he thinks he could have. Jeongguk is talented. A few times his voice has made Taehyung even want to cry it is so good. Wherever he ends up. Taehyung doesn’t want him to let fear override his passion. Ever again.

Jeongguk looks to the other guys who are nodding.

Namjoon’s dimpled smile reappears. “You don’t have to decide now. None of us do. We have until the next stop. We either get off at the next station as BTS or if we decide to stay on this train, then as soon as those doors close and the train starts moving again, we’ll all be returned to the places we came from.”

“I’m going to need to hear more about the seedy shit that Yoongi knows about before I make a decision.” Jin gets up on both his knees and turns around.

“It’s nothing you guys couldn’t guess. And I basically already mentioned it earlier. Cooperate greed is a bitch. And K-pop is no picnic. It’s all about image. ALL about image. And idols are treated like property. Don’t be surprised if the company doesn’t try to sell your hair or pieces of your clothes. Your image, after the millions of photos taken of you, get plastered on everything. You become a product. Every part of you is for sale. You are for sale. And the people who love you become consumers. And sometimes that’s all the company sees either of you as.” He shakes his head. “It’s not an easy life if that’s what you’re looking for.”

“That’s really sad,” Jimin muses. “When you think bad about all those fans screaming our names and the people who actually love the artists.”

Taehyung suddenly thinks about the figure with the hoodie. The one they’ve all seen at some point on this trip. He wonders who they are. What their story is.

He remembers their eyes.

“It is.” Yoongi agrees. “And most artists get into music because they love the art and they love sharing things with people who love them. But it’s just got a good chance of all getting twisted and sour once greedy eyes see the dollar signs.”

“Remember guys,” Namjoon interjects, “it can be a hard life too. Being pushed to physical, mental, and emotional limits. I saw that in the book. I’m talking exhaustion beyond anything we’ve probably known. These guys in this book struggled there is no doubt. They lived in a fishbowl. Everyone was critical. Every move is scrutinized under the microscope. They gave up a lot of freedom. Even some of their youth. But they did it because of their fans who loved them and because they felt they had something to prove.”

Jin laughs his almost comical windshield wiper laugh that has amused Taehyung each time he’s heard it. “We are really sitting here contemplating if we’re going to become an idol group who is hated and adored beyond reason, who stretches themselves in every way possible for fans they don’t yet have, and the funniest thing about all of this is that other than Jeongguk’s voice and the fact that Hoseok and Jimin used to be dancers, do any of us have any talent or know how to dance or sing or be a K-pop idol?”

Yoongi smirks at him, “Well one of the most important roles in the K-pop group is the visual, some one who is really handsome.”

Jin flips back his hair and smile contentedly, “Of course, I forgot there is that talent I can bring to the group.”

Everyone laughs.

Taehyung doesn’t say it, but he also suspects the others have talent they aren’t admitting to or aren’t aware of. Every time he has walked by Yoongi he’s been scribbling words on pieces of paper. He saw one that said “Ddaeng,” but he wasn’t sure if he was just keeping a log of the noises on the train or something else. A few others have looked very much like song lyrics. He suspects he’s a writer as he does Namjoon. He wonders maybe if he could be a writer one day. Who knows.

“If we were to choose this,” Namjoon chuckles. “I hope I could be a better leader than I am a dancer.”

A chorus of “show us your moves” breaks out which turns Namjoon’s face bright red as he repeatedly refuses to get up and dance for everyone.

The revelry is cut short.

The train is slowing.

Taehyung feels Jeongguk tense beside him.

He’s nervous too. He didn’t expect the stop to be this close.

If they get off here, they will stay together, but as trainees and members of a music group that looks like it could be a gamble. If they don’t and then they will allow themselves to return to their homes. Do they live in the same time? He’d be willing to search to the ends of the earth to find Jeongguk again. But what if it just isn’t going to be possible.

No, that can’t be. He reassures himself. If there is anything he is certain about after this experience. It’s that nothing is coincidence. His destiny is tied to Jeongguk’s in some way. No matter where they end up. He suspects now that his destiny is also tied to the others.

The train stops and they all go to the same side to look out the window at the station. But they all sit back down when they realize they can’t see anything. It’s pitch black. No stars or lights at all.

The speaker crackles to life.

 🔔 Attention passengers we have arrived at station 130613, please stand clear of all opening doors and be sure to check overhead shelves, pouches, and all around your seats to take all items with you 🔔

“This is it,” Namjoon says quietly, “that’s June 13,2013, the day we debuted.”

The bell sounds chimes indicating the door is open.

Taehyung instinctively looks around him, even though he nor any of the other guys have made a move toward the doors to exit the train. It doesn’t look like anyone is going to move.

They look around at each other. Jin breaks the silence. “Really now, look at us! Do we look like a K-pop group.”

His laugh rings out amongst the others.

Namjoon's deep snicker and his dimpled cheeks.

Jimin’s face scrunching and his high-pitched melodic squeak.

Hoseok’s rapid-fire titter escaping his mouth even though he covers it with his hand.

Yoongi’s almost imperceivable grin and the low rumble of a laugh that comes from deep within.

And then Jeongguk. His shy boyish innocent smile.

Taehyung looks away because it’s too hard to keep looking at these six men knowing that he is going to miss them more than he could have imagined. His eyes catch something sticking out of the netting on the back of the seat in front of him. He does a double take.

It looks to be an envelope. He pulls it out and opens it up as Jeongguk looks over his shoulder.

“Was that there before? What is it?”

“I’ve no idea. It wasn’t here five seconds ago when I looked around.”

Taehyung opens the envelope and pulls out the folded paper. It appears to be a letter.

He and Jeongguk exchange confused looks.

“Hey guys, Taehyung found something.”

“What is it,” Hoseok peers over the seat.

“A letter,” Taehyung doesn’t take his eyes off the page. It’s to us. It’s a letter from a fan.”

He reads aloud.

It started out with me just wanting to know your names. You’ve probably heard that before. It’s a joke in the fandom. But it’s the truth.

What I didn’t know, even after I learned your names, is how important you would become in my life.

Your humor and talent, all of that drew me to you. But what made me stay was your authenticity. And I know that isn’t easy given your line of work. You’re literally expected to perform, to put on a persona and to never disappoint your fans. You can’t always say what you want or show us what you want us to see. But we can see you trying.

I can’t imagine the pressure you are under. Or the sacrifices you have made to be on the path you’ve chosen. You aren’t another K-pop band, even though many try to paint you as such. Your humility and genuine gratitude towards those of us who love you is what makes us love you more. And encouragement you give through your music, but even just through you - it is what makes so many of us, me included, able to endure and keep going even when we feel like we might not want to anymore.

Like so many others, I found you when I needed you. Or maybe you found me. Or maybe we found each other.

Whatever happened. I’m glad it did. And I’m with you to the end.

Taehyung looks up to faces of disbelief.

“How could we be that important?” Namjoon asks with a choked voice.

“I don’t know.” Taehyung shrugs and wipes his hand against the back of his eyes. “But I think I know who wrote this.”

He exchanges a look with Jeongguk who he is certain knows as well.

“It’s the one. The one we’ve all seen. The one in the hooded sweatshirt. Remember? I mean I don’t know exactly who they are, but I just know in my heart that this is their letter.”

Everyone nods.

“I think so too,” Jeongguk speaks up. “I don’t know their name, or who they are, but I bet it’s the person reading this story on Ao3 right now – that’s the person in the hoodie.And it's the same person who wrote this letter."

They share a look of recognition between them, but Yoongi is the one who vocalizes it.

“Then that's the person we gotta do this for. We don’t have to go back for the fans. But we have to go back for that person.” He points at the letter in Taehyung’s hand. “For this one.”

“You just never know who needs you.” Jimin muses aloud.

“Or who you’re going to need,” Jeongguk follows up and looks at Taehyung.

Taehyung smiles at him.

“If we can ease someone’s loneliness. Even one. It’s all going to be worth it.” Hoseok adds.

Heads nod in agreement.

Namjoon stands. “So there it is. Are we ready to do this, guys?”

One by one the others stand.

“Hey, Namjoon,” Hoseok taps him. “You keep calling us BTS, but did that stand for anything?”

Namjoon laughs as they all head down the aisle towards the vestibule. “Yes, it sounded silly at first, but not so much now. 방탄소년단, Bangtan Sonyeondan.”

“Bulletproof boy scouts?” Jin laughs. “Sounds about right. And maybe you guys are right. What if we could change hearts?”

“This is the beginning. Our beginning.” Jeongguk whispers to Taehyung as they follow the others.

“I want to remember this moment. It’s going to be one of the most beautiful ones in my memory,” Taehyung whispers back to Jeongguk behind him.

Jeongguk smacks his ass playfully. “Truth is, this whole train ride – it’s just been one beautiful moment after another. I really like you guys.”

“I think there’s more to come.” Taehyung reassures him. “Better days are coming now that we’re together. You and me. All of seven of us.” He pats the letter safely stored in his jacket pocket. “All of us.”

They pass through the sliding doors and stand together.

The first thing Taehyung notices is that they suddenly don’t look the same.

“Namjoon!” Jin shrieks. “Your hair!”

He puts his hand to his head. His beautiful locks are molded into some odd eraser shape. “What the in the –?”

Yoongi laughs louder than anyone.

“Hey don’t laugh!” Namjoon points at him. “What’s up with that chain around your neck. That’s like ten pounds. Hope there isn’t any water out those doors or you’re going straight to the bottom.”

Yoongi looks down at his chest and notices the chain. It really is large. But he shrugs anyway. “Eh, I like chains.”

Taehyung notices that all are dressed in black and their faces are more youthful, but still so wonderfully familiar.

“Taehyung,” Jimin, who with his backwards hat and chubby cheeks makes him want to laugh, says cautiously, “I don’t want to alarm you but you’re blonde.

“What the hell is on my face?” Hoseok reaches up and touches the metal mask.

The door to exit the train stands wide open in front of them.

It’s nothing but a dark gaping hole.

Not a speck of light. They can’t see the ground. They can’t see the stars.

They can only trust something will be there when they take that step.

“What if we fall?” Jimin asks.

“If we fall, we fall,” Namjoon answers. “We get back up. We pick each other up. And we keep going.”

Yoongi interjects. “Yep, Jimin, and if we feel like we’re going to crash we run faster.”

Jeongguk looks at the darkness skeptically. Taehyung knows he’s worried. Truth is that he’s scared too. And he knows he isn’t alone.

“It’ll be hard to see if we were fall or crash. It’s pitch black out there”

Yoongi puts his hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. It’s a little gesture, but it’s big coming from him.

“It’s always darkest before dawn.” Yoongi says. “Later on, don’t forget who you are right now. And don’t ever forget no matter now black it is. Even if we can’t see each other. You reach out your hand and we’re going to be there.”

Taehyung knows it’s true. It must be.

He holds out his hand to Jeongguk who takes it and squeezes. Yoongi takes his other hand. And then each find a hand.

By just looking in each other’s eyes, they know they are ready.

A deep breath. Together they all move forward and take that first step.