The Arrangement

37

"So what is this exactly?" Jungkook asked Taehyung, staring at a small stage set in front of an audience of fifty people. "Is this some type of test?"

"Think of it like a preview," Taehyung said, watching as the last remaining people filed into their seats. "Ahead of the showcase, the company executives wanted to make sure you guys were on the right path."

The lights in the audience dimmed, signaling that the performances were about to begin. "Definitely sounds like a test."

Shoulder to shoulder, Taehyung took hold of Jungkook's hand. Both of them remained facing forward, but the small touch helped to ground the younger.

"You're so talented, Kook," Taehyung murmured. "You are one of the most impressive performers I've ever seen. Everyone is going to be blown away, even the people who don't think they will be."

Jungkook idly nodded his head, but the elder could tell he wasn't believing his words.

"Baby," he said under his breath, tilting the younger's chin so they could look at each other. "You're going to excel because this is what you love to do. Just put your heart into all of your performances tonight and everyone out there will fall in love with you."

"I don't need them to fall in love with me as long as I have you," Jungkook responded, tilting his head closer to Taehyung's.

"Such a romantic," the elder teased, running his thumb over the back of Jungkook's hand. "You're so - hey!"

Taehyung turned and looked down at his other hand, which was now being held by Jimin.

"You know, you guys are so lucky I'm a supportive friend," the pink hair boy muttered, playfully swinging his hand with Taehyung's. "Did you not hear what I said earlier today about being obvious?"

Jungkook scrunched his eyebrows. "What? We were just talking!"

Jimin scoffed. "Holding hands and looking at each other as if no one else existed. Totally fine if you want to open up about your relationship, but if you're trying to keep this quiet, I might suggest you learn the meaning of the word space."

Thanks to Jimin's interference, Taehyung and Jungkook were saved from getting caught in their sweet moment. Now, to an outsider's perspective, the three boys might look like they were supporting one another before the show. With Taehyung in the middle, people could easily believe he was comforting the two inexperienced mentees and offering up words of wisdom.

"Thank you, Jimin. We really are lucky to have you as our friend," Taehyung smiled at the elder, appreciative of him continuing to look out for them.

He let go of both boys' hands and turned around to face the two. "Where's Yeonjun?"

Jimin nodded to his right. "Getting a pep talk from RM and Yoongi."

"Right. Okay," Taehyung started, easily slipping into the role of a mentor. "You guys got this. You'll perform the two group routines you've been working on, followed by your solo songs. Three performances, that's it. Just give it all the energy and passion you have and you'll be golden."

An emcee announced to the crowd that the show was beginning. All lights in the room, save for the faint glow of electronic equipment, went dark so the three mentees could take their place on stage.

As Taehyung's eyes adjusted, he saw Jimin's figure head toward the stage. Quickly and quietly, Taehyung leaned into Jungkook and pressed a kiss against his lips.

"I love you," he breathed, his voice barely audible to his own ears.

But Jungkook heard him and he departed for the stage with a newfound confidence.