Work Text:
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Third POV
The members were extremely happy to be back together. There were so many ideas each member had now that they were refreshed from their hiatus and enlistments. After their tearful reunion, the company gave them a few weeks of rest before they jumped back into the BTS business again. They spent the first couple of weeks separately as they each had their own apartments to attend to. Eventually, they all missed each other too much that they all spent a week together in Namjoon's apartment, discussing plans and catching up with each other. Everyone shared their stories from their time in the military. Some were intense, some were funny, and all in between. They followed it by listening to everyone's solo projects and discussing their time writing and producing and everything in between. It was much needed for each member.
"I really missed this," Jimin sighed contently with a smile.
"Me too, Jimin-ah, me too," Hoseok agreed with a grin.
"I love you guys so much," Namjoon laughed.
They were all slightly tipsy since they were celebrating with alcohol. Everyone was very emotional.
"I loved meeting new people but no one will ever replace the connection I have with you all," Jin expressed sincerely.
"Nothing will ever beat the connection we have. We have experiences with each other that others will never understand," Yoongi agreed with a small hint of sincerity.
"We were destined to meet," Taehyung declared. "The world knew we needed each other."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Jungkook smiled at his hyungs. How he missed their faces so much.
When work did start back up, everyone got busy pretty fast. The rap line went straight back into songwriting and producing. Yoongi especially worked on productions and Namjoon with songwriting. Hoseok helped a lot with choreography along with songs. The vocal line continued working on their own projects and building their vocal techniques. Despite being busy, the members all tried to meet up every so often. It became a weekly routine.
Jungkook went straight back into his usual work: vocals, choreography, songwriting, producing, and hobbies as he always had. He was ecstatic to be working on BTS related work again, but his personal manager was becoming a problem. Pushing the younger to try and do more things on top of his already busy schedule.
"Jungkook, you're being offered so many opportunities," his manager had said one day, slamming a stack of papers on the maknae's desk.
Jungkook glanced at all the papers his manager had, full of opportunities he was never offered before.
"Your solo album broke records and had so many record labels recognize you as an artist. You're being offered so many collaborations and solo songs."
The maknae sighed, "That's great, but with BTS back together, that's going to be my priority."
"Jungkook, you need to think about this."
"I will, I will, but BTS is always going to be number one. I'm in the middle of helping my hyungs from the rap line write songs for our upcoming album."
"Okay, but think about some of these collaborations, please. They're not just vocals, Kook. They're asking for you as their producer and songwriter. Some even wanted you to choreograph part of a song."
Jungkook nodded as the manager left the room. The main vocalist skimmed through the pages his manager left, seeing many big name labels and artists. His manager was right... these were huge opportunities. After looking through a few of them, he called his manager back.
"Hey, hyung-nim? I have a few of these that I'm interested in. Can you contact them?"
"Hey, Jungkookie!" Taehyung greeted the younger as he entered Tae's apartment.
The members had been switching between each other's apartments for their hang outs and dinners. This week was Taehyung's week.
"JK! You're late!" Namjoon scolded lightly.
Jungkook laughed slightly as he took off his shoes, "Sorry, hyung. I got caught up in my studio."
Yoongi lifted his eyebrow, "You're not overworking yourself already... are you? It's only been a month since BTS regrouped."
Jin gave a look that clearly was scolding Jungkook while the others just looked concerned.
"No, no," Jungkook chuckled, "I just had an idea in my head I needed to finish before I forgot."
The members nodded in understanding. They all had moments where they said they'd remember the idea and forgot it.
"Understandable, but make sure you're taking care of yourself, too," Taehyung commented.
"You've been working on a lot. Almost as much as Yoongles and Joon," Jimin observed.
Jungkook scratched his neck, "I suppose. After working on my solo album, I guess my creative juices never stopped flowing."
He wasn't lying, but it wasn't the full truth. He was writing a few songs for other people, like Yoongi was. Jungkook had gotten a handful of offers from people he couldn't refuse. Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes both wanted him to write a song for them and, in return, record a song for them. Later, in two months, Troye Sivan wanted to collab on a song. Sometime in the near future, Coldplay and Usher also wanted to collab with Jungkook. He was excited for all the opportunities that it sparked inspiration for numerous songs. It was his first time writing for other people as well. He found it was a lot easier than he expected. Since JK listens to Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber a lot, he knew their vocal ranges and the type of songs they liked to sing, making it easier to write lyrics for them.
"That's awesome, Kookie! Just make sure you don't work too hard," Hoseok reminded him with a smile.
"C'mon, guys! I made dinner. It's getting cold!" Jin yelled from the kitchen.
Everyone laughed and walked to the table to eat together.
"What songs have you all been working on?" Jimin asked mostly to the the rap line but was open to anyone.
"I've been working on a few songs for the group," Hoseok replied, taking a bite of kimchi. "I also have a few I'm working on for my second part of Hope on the Street."
"That sounds awesome, hyung," Tae smiled.
Jungkook nodded in agreement, munching on noodles.
"I've been working on songs mostly for the group. I've also been writing more poetry too," Namjoon answered. "I've been taking a lot of inspiration from my time in the military."
The members expressed their interest and support.
"Halsey and MAX each asked me to collab on another song. PSY wants me to write a song for him and IU wants a song produced. So I've been working on those four songs and a few songs for the group," Yoongi commented with a shrug.
"You're so cool, hyung," Namjoon sighed.
"Yoongi, I don't understand how you work on all those things at once," the oldest member shook his head fondly.
"What about you, Jungkookie? You've been quite busy," Jimin said, looking at the maknae.
Said person flushed a little, "Uh- I've been working on quite a bit. Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber each want me to write a song for them."
"Oh my god! Congrats! That's amazing!" Taehyung exclaimed.
"That's wonderful!" Namjoon exclaimed proudly.
"Thanks, hyungs. I also have been asked to collab with Troye Sivan, Coldplay, and Usher," JK muttered. "So, I've been working on my parts for those songs."
"You're becoming Yoongi and Namjoon, Kook-ah!" Hoseok laughed. "That's so cool."
"I have the coolest maknae," Jimin sighed dreamily.
"Just take care of yourself, maknae," Yoongi warned lightly with a smile.
The youngest smiled, "Thanks."
"You're late again," Jimin commented as Jungkook entered the older's apartment two weeks later.
"I'm sorry... I got caught up in the company again. My manager would not stop talking to me," the younger replied bitterly.
"Why did you personal manager need to talk to you?" Namjoon asked, coming around the corner.
"Telling me something about a song and choreography. I'm really sorry. My manager never lets me go until he's finished with business."
"It's alright. Just let us know when you're going to be late," Jin smiled.
"I will. Sorry hyungs!"
"It's been five hours... I don't think he's coming," Yoongi sighed as he sat on the couch, getting comfortable for the movie.
"He didn't text anyone that he wouldn't be coming, though," Taehyung pouted, coming next to Yoongi.
The second youngest was starting to really miss the maknae. He hadn't seen Jungkook much since he got back from enlistment. Tae thought he'd spend a lot of time with him and the hyungs after he got back. They had so much time to make up for!
"Yeah... I know. Does anyone know?" Namjoon sighed as well.
Everyone was silent.
"I'll try calling him again," Jin decided, not wanting to look at everyone's sad faces anymore. "If he doesn't answer, we'll have to talk to him tomorrow and ask what happened. He is twenty-seven now... he has other things going on that's beyond just us now."
The other hyungs sighed deeply, knowing they do need to be reminded of this. BTS wasn't the only thing on Jungkook's mind anymore. He had a very successful solo career in his back pocket along with a big handful of hobbies he liked taking on.
Jin picked up his phone and clicked Jungkook's caller ID. It rang twice before someone picked up.
"What do you want, Jin?" someone's voice answered who definitely wasn't their maknae.
Jin's eyes widened at the unfamiliar voice, "Who is this?"
"Jungkook's manager. What do you want?" he replied with a slight snarl.
The hyungs looked at Jin confused as to why he was confused. Jin changed the phone to speaker, gesturing for them to be quiet.
"Where's Jungkook-ah?"
"Working on a collaboration."
"He's supposed to be with us right now."
"He chose to stay back and continue working on the collab. It's very important."
The hyungs looked even more confused. The maknae had gotten better at not staying late and putting self-care first even during his solo album release. They were so proud of him. His self-doubt and deprecation was starting to lessen more and more. They were all silently hoping he wasn't falling into bad habits again. Besides those facts, he was always willing to drop everything at the drop of the hat to be with his hyungs. It was something they admired about their maknae. He loved living in the present with the ones he cared about. When the hell did that change?
"Hyung-nim, who are you talking to?" the maknae asked in the background.
"No one important, Kook."
Yoongi looked ready to say something, but Jin beat him to it.
"Yah, we are his hyungs! We are important!" Jin growled.
The members heard some background noise, sounding like a chair was moving.
"Hold on-" Jungkook began.
Suddenly there was a loud muffling noise coming out of Jin's phone, making the members wince, before Jungkook's voice was close to the phone, "Why the hell did you have my phone?"
"Watch the language, maknae."
"Then answer my question: why did you have my phone?"
The hyungs looked concerned towards the phone. So he wasn't aware of that?
"I didn't want you to get distracted-"
"Fine, but give me my phone back and don't touch it without my permission again," the maknae snapped. "Sorry, hyung... is everything okay?"
The members shared a look before Namjoon decided to speak up, "Yeah, everything's fine. We were just wondering why you aren't here with us."
Jungkook sighed deeply, "I'm sorry... I had last minute work to get done and got really into it. I forgot to text you guys. I'll make up for it."
"We look forward to these things, Kook-ah. I miss you," Taehyung pouted.
"Tae-Tae, I'm so sorry. I know we're overdue for an Overwatch match. I'll make up for it, I promise. I'll even make you some pork belly."
"You better."
"Are you okay, though?" Jimin asked, genuinely concerned after listening to the conversation he had with his personal manager.
Jungkook sighed before answering carefully, "I wasn't told I had more work to do. I promise I wouldn't just bail. I- uh- I was told right as I was leaving there was another collab... It was set on my desk before I could even deny it..."
The rap line hyungs looked concerned at that.
"You're not overworking yourself, right? And no one else is forcing you, right?" Hoseok asked this time.
"No, no."
The hyungs looked doubtful, but they took his word anyway.
"We have things to finish, Kook-ah."
"I'm so sorry... I have to go..."
With that, he hung up. The hyungs looked at each other. He sounded very defeated.
"I hope things are okay. Kind of bizarre he wasn't told he had more work to do," Namjoon concluded.
"We're all getting back into the swing of things. Maybe it slipped their minds," Yoongi suggested. "If it continues happening, though, I think we should definitely address it."
Everyone nodded in agreement before starting the movie.
"That was my hyung on the phone. I don't care if I'm in the middle of doing anything. I don't care if I'm dying, you hand me the phone when one of my hyungs is on the phone," Jungkook demanded with as much respect as he could muster in the moment.
His manager rolled his eyes, "They're just distracting you."
"That is my family you're disrespecting. Watch your mouth," Jungkook threatened halfheartedly, but mostly serious. "I'm missing my weekly dinner and hang out with them for this collab that you forced upon me. Be glad I didn't tell them that or they'd be chewing you out more than me. I'm doing you a favor."
The manager scoffed but didn't say anything else. The maknae's manager knew Jungkook was right, and the manager would have to tread lightly with his cards to make them fall in the places he wanted.
That was only the beginning. Eventually, his personal manager began to push for more solo projects, continuously saying yes for him before asking the maknae. It got so bad that he was missing rehearsals and having to record on completely different days that the others.
"What do you mean I'm needed in America in three days?" Jungkook yelled in the silence of his apartment. "I'm supposed to be working on choreography for the group!"
"You'll be fine! You learn fast. This is a huge opportunity for you. It's fucking Harry Styles!"
"What about the company?"
"I already discussed it with them. They said it would be fine."
"I just finished my collabs with Troye Sivan and Usher. Lady Gaga's collab is in a few weeks. TXT and Enhypen swung by to ask me personally for collabs. Hyung-nim, with all due respect, I need to focus on BTS more. I love doing these collabs, but I told you BTS was my priority."
"It's too late, Kook. I said yes," the manager snapped.
"You didn't ask me if I wanted to!"
"I didn't need to. As your manager, I'm supposed to help you become a better artist. These collabs have gotten you all over the map. You broke records with each collab you've done this far. You can't stop now."
"This is my last one, hyung-nim. I need to focus on my career with BTS."
"Jungkook is missing rehearsal because he's going to America?" Namjoon repeated incredulously.
"Yes, his manager said Jungkook was needed for a collaboration," one of the staff members said.
"Are you sure?" Jin asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. His manager just called ten minutes ago."
"Didn't he just finish one with Usher?" Yoongi asked worriedly.
"Yeah, and he did that back-to-back with Troye Sivan, too," Jimin added also worried.
"This is the fifth time he's missing because of a collab," Taehyung also added. "He knows better than to schedule something on a dance practice day."
"I don't think it's him..." Jin muttered.
Yoongi clicked his tongue, agreeing with the oldest.
"He didn't tell you, Joon?" Hoseok asked with concern.
"No, I had no idea," Namjoon replied, picking up his phone to call their group manager, Sejin.
"Namjoon? What do you need? I thought you were in dance practice."
"We are, but we were just informed Jungkook isn't joining us," Namjoon explained.
"What?! Why?"
"They told us that he was needed in America for another collab," Yoongi explained.
"Another collab? I get Jungkook is a hot commodity but this many in the past three months? He produced eight collabs since coming back from enlistment. This is his third one in the past two weeks."
"He keeps getting offers, I guess," Hoseok commented. "It's weird he keeps saying yes."
"But you didn't know?" Jimin wondered.
"I wasn't informed, no," Sejin replied to Jimin.
"That's so unlike him to not inform any of us," Namjoon muttered. "What is happening?"
"When did he become Mr. Independent?" Taehyung pouted.
"I'm not sure, but please keep me informed," their manager concluded.
They didn't mind him going off and doing his own things, but he was doing this a lot lately. Jungkook was doing a lot of collaborations, songwriting, and producing for other people. It was great for him. He was becoming a world renowned artist in America and South Korea, but the members were confused. Why was he going off and doing all these solo projects? What happened to being a group again?
Not only that, they missed him. They were lucky if they even passed him in the company. It just seemed like the maknae was avoiding them. They started to get excited for practices because they knew they'd see him. When they had recording sessions, whoever got to work with Jungkook bragged because that meant time with the busy maknae. The members really just wanted to be with each other again, and the maknae seemed to try and avoid that.
Jungkook collapsed on his couch in his apartment. He couldn't believe his manager didn't inform the other managers that he was going to be gone. He said he informed everyone! Jungkook had just gotten off the phone with Bang PD about it. Bang was understanding but said he'd talk to the personal manager to ensure it didn't happen again.
What was happening? He needed to get back in control before things got too out of control. His manager had been toeing the line of what Jungkook was comfortable with. His manager kept making decisions for him, touching and moving his things in the offices, judging everything he did, and just not listening to him. Every time, Jungkook reprimanded him and the manager would stop but still toy the line. The maknae was ready to fire him if he decided to pull another collab trick.
As he thought this, his phone rang loudly.
Speak of the devil, Jungkook thought bitterly.
"What, hyung-nim?" Jungkook asked annoyed.
"Woah, that's no way to speak to me, Kook-ah," Sejin scolded lightly.
"Shit, I thought you were someone else. I'm sorry," the younger replied quickly. "I'm so sorry, hyung. I didn't check the caller icon."
"Don't worry about it, maknae. I'm just messing with you. Are you okay, though? You seem upset."
Jungkook smiled at Sejin's care, "It's fine. I'll be alright. What do you need?"
"Shin Seon Jeong wants to meet with the others and your private manager. I'm not quite sure why."
"Alone?"
"Yeah, and I was confused why you weren't a part of the mix. Were you aware?"
"No. I wasn't aware."
"That seems like a common theme lately..."
"I know... I'm sorry, hyung. I don't know why this keeps happening..."
"Don't worry about it. We'll figure it out. I just wanted to double check because it was little weird for Seon Jeong to want to talk all the members except you."
"Thank you for checking. I seriously wasn't aware..."
"Well, now you are. I don't know what's happening either, but thought you might want to know anyway."
"I'll figure it out, thanks."
"Wh-what?" Namjoon gaped. "What do you mean he's going independent?"
"Jungkook and I were talking and we decided it may be best if he parts ways from the group," Jungkook's manager explained.
"We just got back. There's no way he wants to leave. We discussed this before we left," Taehyung argued.
"People change, Taehyungie," the manager replied with a gentle but scary smile. "Besides, his solo projects have been putting him all over the map. We got so many offers from record labels who want him as a soloist."
"Jungkook would never want to leave us," Jimin said with fierce conviction and a fiery glare.
"He would never come up with this idea and not discuss it with us," Yoongi snarled in agreement, glaring fiercely. "What are you playing at?"
"Really? Cause if I recall, he quite enjoys these collabs and solo projects. How many times has he missed rehearsals and dinners for these collabs?"
Quite a handful, they all thought but weren't going to give him the satisfaction of answering.
"You've been working him to the bone! What kind of manager are you?" Jin shot back.
"One that's trying to make him a better artist!"
"Bullshit," Hoseok muttered under his breath.
"He doesn't need to be better. He's already an amazing artist as is!" Taehyung growled.
"He never brought this up with us," Namjoon countered the manager's original statement. "He always talks to us about these types of things especially if it's life changing like this."
"Maybe he didn't feel the need to," his manager disputed.
"Bullshit!" Jimin and Yoongi exclaimed together.
There was no way this manager knew their maknae the way they did. They've spent years together. People change, yes, but character? Morals? No. There are some things that don't change, and his hyungs knew this about Jungkook. This was something they were sure wouldn't change.
"So what's this whole ordeal with Jungkook wanting to leave BigHit Music?" Seon Jeong asked with furrowed brows as she entered the room. "When was this option ever on the table?"
She said this, looking over at the members for answers.
"We were never made aware," Namjoon admitted.
"He never said anything about leaving," Yoongi added, landing another glare at the manager.
"You guys just got back from enlistments. I thought you signed the contract for another couple years," the CEO replied, still very confused.
"We did," Jin agreed. "That's why we're confused."
"Why isn't Jungkook here?" Jimin growled to the private manager.
"He's busy doing work in the studio. He asked me to do this meeting instead," the manager replied quickly.
The hyungs looked like they didn't believe him, but they were also unsure.
"Jungkook, why are people saying that you're leaving BTS?" Sejin asked when the maknae arrived to the company.
Jungkook stopped in his tracks, "What?"
"Staff have been saying that you're leaving BTS. What do they mean? You never discussed this with us. I mean if you want to-"
"Hyung, I don't. Where are they hearing this from?"
"Your manager said-"
Jungkook face went dark before stomping off, "I'll fix this, hyung. Don't worry about it."
Sejin's eyes widened as he stomped off, sending a silent prayer to whoever he was about to chew out.
"This is very weird that his hyungs didn't know about this..." Seon Jeong started. "Can we call Jungkook to come? I'm just confused when the plans changed. I thought they all agreed to stay in BTS and continue for as long as everyone wanted."
"That's what we want," Hobi agreed. "We were never informed Kookie changed his mind."
"Jungkook is busy right now. He doesn't have time to-" the manager was cut off by the door slamming open.
Everyone's head snapped at the sound. Low and behold, the person of the hour was in the doorway, looking pissed.
"What is going on here?" Jungkook snarled. "Someone tell me right now."
The hyungs looked shocked and confused, but also pissed.
"I think you need to explain," Taehyung snarled back. "Since when have you wanted to go solo? I thought you wanted to stay with us!"
"Yeah! What the hell?!" Hoseok fired.
The hyungs nodded in agreement. Jungkook clenched his jaw before laughing quietly.
"That's what this is about?"
"What are you laughing about? This is serious. Why did you never tell us?" Namjoon asked seriously.
"Is this why you've been avoiding us? Because you want to go solo?!" Jin shot.
"You never told us this was in the air!" Jimin exclaimed.
"I didn't tell you anything because it was never a thing to begin with," the youngest replied, glaring at his manager. "Someone decided to make the decision for me, huh?"
The manager shrank down slightly with an awkward smile. The hyungs also glared in that direction; Yoongi's glare especially holding a wild fire.
"Wait... what?" Jimin growled, looking dangerously close to chewing the manager out himself.
Jin, Yoongi, and Namjoon looked ready to pounce on the manager at any minute, if given the permission; however, the hyungs were going to let their maknae deal with it, not wanting to interfere if they were not permitted.
"You have ten seconds to explain yourself," Jungkook warned the manager quietly.
"I just thought that you'd be better solo! I mean, look at all the opportunities! You have labels who'd pay you trillions to have you at their label! You have so much potential that BTS is holding you back from."
The hyungs had no idea Jungkook had so many offers so they looked shocked. Still mad, but shocked. Jungkook just looked more furious than before.
"Here's the thing, manager-nim. I get to make that decision for myself. I'm the artist. ME. Did you forget that? I'm twenty-seven. I can make those choices for myself. Did you also forget how many times I told you that BTS was my priority? Yet you still said yes to the numerous collabs and solo projects. Not to mention, you have been toeing the line of what I have been asking of you. I appreciate your sentiment for wanting my solo career to take off, but I'm happy to be in BTS. In fact, it's because of BTS I have a successful solo career to begin with. So, no, manager-nim. I don't want to go solo, in fact... you're fired. Thank you for your service, but I don't need you to be successful. I already am," Jungkook declared. "Please pack your bags."
The hyungs were proud. Their maknae was handling this very maturely, and it boosted their egos to know that they were still a priority to him, even when people like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga were after him for collabs.
"You're gonna regret it."
"Don't try that shit with me. I know what I want, thank you."
The ex-manger huffed before walking out, a staff member following to ensure he packs up. Once the manager left the room, Jungkook rubbed his eyes in frustration and turned to the CEO.
"I'm so sorry for this. I had genuinely no idea he was planning this type of thing, noona," the maknae apologized.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I was getting really confused myself. I figured you would've talked to Sejin, Bang PD, and your members about it before coming to me. I contacted Sejin and Bang PD, and they were about as clueless as the rest of us. That already was a red flag. I would've made sure you made it here regardless," Seon Jeong explained, getting ready to walk out before adding, "By the way... you handled that like a pro. Good job, Jungkook-ssi."
Jungkook bowed in response as she walked out. Now, it was time to face the wind. He knew there needed to be a conversation.
So he turned toward his hyungs with a tired smile, "My place? I'll order us some takeout."
The hyungs smiled. How could they say no to their maknae?
Once the food arrived, they all sat in the living room on the floor (Jungkook's preferred place to sit) and started eating.
"Look, I promise I haven't been trying to avoid you guys," Jungkook started the conversation as he ate rice. "I would never do that... intentionally. I think I've been doing it subconsciously. I think I've been on my own for so long it's gonna take a minute to get used to us again."
He looked at Jin when he said this.
"And if I, for whatever reason, wanted to go solo... for the record, you guys would've been the first to know because I value your opinions more than anyone else's," Jungkook confessed, looking at everyone. "I would have asked you and discussed with you before confirming my decision. I don't know why my manager thought he'd get away with that, but I suppose I should've put my foot down harder than I was."
The hyungs were silent for a moment, but comforted by the fact they were right with their thoughts of the maknae.
"We never fully believed him," Yoongi replied. "At least, I didn't. I know you, maknae. It was very suspicious from the moment he started the conversation."
Jungkook smiled.
"I was worried," Taehyung admitted quietly as he played with his noodles. "I genuinely thought that you finally realized you were too good for us... and was leaving."
"I doubted more than I believed... but a part of me was worried about the same thing," Jimin admitted next.
Jungkook was silent at the revelation. Then a few things suddenly clicked into place.
"Is that what you're all worried about?" he asked quietly. "That one day I'll realize I'm... 'too good' for you?"
The hyungs all shared a look. It was something they'd talk about when the maknae wasn't around and would worry about in private. It progressively got worse as Jungkook got older and better at his craft(s). He could do anything and everything he put his mind to. Anyone would want Jungkook, how could they not get worried?
"I mean... look at you, Jungkookie," Namjoon started, gesturing to said person. "You're amazing. Writing and producing for American artists. Collaborating with people we used to dream about meeting. Your vocals are out of this world. You could go anywhere in the world and someone will want to take you in this industry. Not to mention all the other things you're good at."
"And you're still here which we're grateful for, but sometimes... it feels like we aren't giving you what you deserve," Jin confessed. "I think... we all got panicked for a second that you finally realized and wanted more."
Jungkook nodded slowly, putting together the rest of the puzzle pieces together.
"It has always been a quiet worry for me," Yoongi admitted.
"Same here," Hoseok agreed.
"Huh..." Jungkook mumbled. "I guess that makes sense. Explains some things you've said to me in the past."
The hyungs nodded.
"You do realize there is no... 'too good' or 'more' for me, right? Or... at least... I've never viewed it that way?"
The hyungs looked slightly confused, so Jungkook decided to continue talking, setting down his food as he did so.
"I'm never going to be too good for BTS," Jungkook started and saw the hyungs ready to argue, "Wait, wait wait! I'm not finished! I realize I have a lot of talent, lots of things I'm supposedly good at, okay? I realize I'm above average in a lot; however, I don't think I would've pursued these passions, hobbies, and gotten good at using my talents without you. Perhaps... perhaps... some things would stay the same, maybe they wouldn't have... I'll never know, and quite frankly I don't care to think about it. What I'm trying to say is that BTS is the reason I am the way I am. You guys gave me the confidence and motivation to try things. Try new things and pursue whatever passion I've had. When I was close to giving up, you guys were the ones to support and help me gain motivation back."
The members looked like they wanted to argue again, but Jungkook started talking again before they could start.
"I'm not NOT giving myself credit, but the cards fell in a way that... it got me here. I think I'm the best version of myself now. I don't want to think about what would've happened and who I would've become if I had left at any point or hadn't joined to begin with. I'm happy with where I am, and I'm happy with myself now. I don't think I would've gotten to this point if I hadn't joined BTS. One day we'll disband, but you won't see me ever leave before that day because while I may change and get older... BTS is something special to me. Whatever that looks like in the next five-ten years, I don't care. As long as I'm with you, I don't care what happens. I am who I am because this life happened. BTS happened. I will never not be thankful for this life with BTS, with you guys. So maybe I'm 'too good' or deserve more or whatever you guys think about me. But... you are the reason I'm too good and the reason I don't need more, so whenever you worry about that, just remember... you are my 'too good' and 'more' if that makes sense. It'll always end with you."
Taehyung wrapped his arms around the maknae as he was sitting next to him.
"I needed that. Thanks, Kook-ah," Tae admitted, wiping his tears a little.
Jimin got up and hugged the maknae tearfully too, "You have grown up so much, Jungkook-ssi."
The rest joined them too.
"We are so proud of you. When did you get so good with words?" Namjoon laughed tearfully as they separated. "You sounded like a book."
"Eh, you know. I have some talented hyungs who taught me everything I know."
The members gathered some more tears in their eyes.
"Yah- don't make me cry!" Jin joked, but everyone could tell he was sincere because he had some tears in his eyes.
"Stop being such saps," Yoongi commented halfheartedly also wiping tears from his eyes.
Everyone laughed.
"Sooooo... does this mean we can have an Overwatch match now?" Taehyung asked after everyone let go of the maknae.
Said maknae laughed, "Of course!"
The hyungs laughed as the two youngest turned on the TV to start the game. They wouldn't change anything. Jungkook has grown up so well, and they really didn't realize how much they needed Jungkook to say that out loud. While they've always known BTS was important to the JK, it was nice to have it confirmed out loud. They were always going to be a priority to Kook. That made them feel very special.
While Jungkook knew they didn't like to take credit, the hyungs did need reminding they were a big part of the reason Jungkook was the way he was. Cause... it was true. His hyungs inspired him a lot, and he'd remind them every day if he had to because they deserved that. It was the least he could do after all the years Jungkook had spent with them.