The Arrangement

44

"Hey, put your phone away. RM is about to come in," Jimin chided Jungkook, trying to pull the younger's phone from his hands.

Jungkook clutched the phone to his chest and turned away from his friend. "I'm just checking one thing!"

"Tae's flight isn't going to magically get in two hours earlier, Kook. Constantly checking won't make the time go by faster, so just be patient."

"I am patient," Jungkook grumbled, sliding his phone into his pocket.

The door opened and the two producers walked in, a peppy Namjoon followed by a pensive Yoongi. Jungkook's eyes flitted over to Jimin, trying to gauge his expression, but the elder was looking down at his hands.

"Hey, guys," Namjoon greeted the three mentees with a wave. "How are we doing today? Getting excited for the show next week?"

The three boys stared back at him with mixed expressions. Jungkook was nodding his head vigorously, excited because he was going to sing his new song he wrote for Taehyung. Yeonjun looked a little apprehensive, but still ready for the challenge. And Jimin . . . .

"What's that look for Jimin?" Yoongi asked, eyebrows set low over his eyes.

Jimin's lips parted as he met his mentor's gaze. "Um, I . . . I'm not making any sort of look?"

Jungkook studied his friend and found his features to be scrunched with stress. Jimin was practicing his routines nonstop and was most definitely overworking himself. He needed a break and to relax, but the elder wanted to make sure everything was perfect for next week.

He was running himself ragged in the process.

Yoongi stared at him for a moment longer before turning to Namjoon, letting Jimin off the hook for now.

"We're going to quickly run through logistics for the showcase so you all know what to expect," Namjoon explained, pulling up his notes to properly communicate the information. "If you have questions, ask now so you're not confused later on."

The next hour flew by, both producers covering the show's breakout and song order in great detail. The three would perform the four group routines they'd been working on as well as two individual solos each. Additionally, due to the anticipation of the show, the final performances were now going to be held in a larger venue to accommodate the massive amount of people attending.

The showcase had essentially turned into a mini concert.

At the very end of the show, the three mentees would find out instantly if they were going to be signed. The Big Hit executives pretty much knew now whether or not the boys were going to receive an official contract, but they wanted to make sure there were no big surprises come show night.

Jungkook tried not to think about it, but still understood the added pressure. One way or another, his life would change next week. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his sudden onset of anxiety.

"Look," Yoongi spoke up, rolling his shoulders back, "you've all been working so hard. There's nothing to stress about so stop overthinking things."

His comment was made to the group but Yoongi only looked at one person.

Jimin flushed noticeably.

"Alright, you can all head home for today. Good work everyone," RM announced, the energy of the room lightening perceptibly.

Jungkook grinned as he pulled out his phone again, tapping the screen a few times.

Jimin noticed as his smile fell. "What?"