Off Stage, Off Script

Chapter 1

POV

The studio smelled faintly of hairspray, coffee, and exhaustion. Bright reflector lights poured warmth over the pastel set decorated with white roses, vintage chairs, and soft fabric drapes for the Love Yourself: Answer jacket photoshoot. Staff whispered directions, fixing loose strands of hair, dabbing makeup gently under tired eyes.

Taehyung’s laugh floated through the room, light and melodic—convincing enough to make it seem real. Jungkook nudged his shoulder, a playful grin stuck on his face. Cameras clicked in rapid succession.

To anyone watching, they looked inseparable. Taehyung’s arm brushed Jungkook’s; Jungkook leaned in, lips curved perfectly like a painting of happiness. Their eyes crinkled like best friends sharing a private joke.

But up close, that laughter didn’t reach their eyes. Their smiles were carefully crafted masks—practiced, polished, perfect.

“Okay… last shot, guys! You can take a day off after this,” the director announced, clapping his hands once.

A chorus of polite nods rippled through them. Staff cheered tiredly.

“Jimin, Yoongi, Taehyung and Jungkook to the front. Namjoon, Seokjin, and Hoseok behind.”

Everyone shuffled into position. Jungkook exhaled through his nose, adjusting his jacket. Taehyung rolled his shoulders back, pulling his expression into something soft—almost angelic.

The director squinted through the camera.
“Taehyung and Jungkook, stick close to each other. Your friendship is golden—fans will love it.”

Jungkook stiffened for a split second before stepping forward, close enough to feel Taehyung’s cologne—fresh, sweet, artificial like everything in this industry.

Taehyung forced a smile and tilted his head towards Jungkook. Jungkook mirrored it, lips parting in a bright grin. Cameras flashed.

Namjoon raised his voice. “Okay, let’s get it in one shot.”

“Okay!” all members responded in unison.

The shutter clicked. Once. Twice.

“And… cut! It’s over. You can all take your leave now,” the director sighed, lowering the camera.

Silence slowly replaced the rehearsed laughter.

Jungkook dropped his smile first. Taehyung’s expression faded next—like a light being switched off. They stepped away from each other instantly, the gap between them wide, cold, deliberate.

Jin rolled his shoulders with a dramatic groan. “Heh… I’m all tired.”

Hoseok rubbed the back of his neck. “This week was busy as hell.”

Jungkook unclipped his mic from his shirt, voice flat, almost sharp.
“We’re off camera now. Let’s stop acting.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. He didn’t look at Jungkook when he answered.
“If not for our band’s reputation, who would act with you as if we’re close?”

Jungkook scoffed, eyes narrowing slightly. He crossed his arms, tongue pressing against his cheek.
“Right.”

Jimin quickly stepped between them, glancing around at the staff still nearby.
“Yaa… you two! Are you going to fight again? We’re still outside. At least get along once in a while.”

Both answered immediately and coldly.

“No, I don’t want to.”

Taehyung turned his face away with a dismissive click of his tongue.
“Hmph.”

Jungkook mirrored him, shoulders stiff.
“Humph.”

Namjoon let out a helpless chuckle, pushing his hair back.
“I think even God can’t get them together.”

Jin scoffed while picking lint from his jacket.
“Yeah… how do BL fans imagine and ship them together? They never get along in reality.”

Yoongi, leaning against a light stand, finally spoke while stifling a yawn.
“It’s said the ones who fight the most end up with the strongest bond. So just leave them.”

His eyes half-closed, he muttered,
“I’m so tired… once we get to the dorm, I’m sleeping for two days.”

Hoseok suddenly clapped his hands, bringing some life back into the air.
“Hey! Let’s have a drink tonight. My treat.”

Heads lifted slightly. Even exhaustion loosened its grip.

“What do you all want?” Hoseok asked as he pulled out his phone, typing something in.

Jimin shrugged. “Soju or wine is fine.”

Yoongi waved lazily. “Anything is okay.”

“Beer,” Jin said without hesitation.

Hoseok turned to the last two standing far apart.
“What about you both?”

Taehyung brushed his hair back. “Fruit soju is okay.”

Jungkook didn’t even look up. “Banana milk.”

Taehyung huffed a dry laugh, lips curling.
“Someone is still a baby who can’t drink alcohol.”

Jungkook’s head snapped up. “Says who? You can’t even handle five glasses. My alcohol tolerance is better than yours.”

Taehyung stepped closer, eyes challenging.
“Are you suspecting my liquor capacity? Then let’s have a showdown.”

Jungkook smirked.
“Are you challenging me? Sure. Let’s see who wins.”

Jimin groaned loudly, dragging his palm over his face.
“Yaa! Are you going to fight again?”

“Yes,” they both replied immediately.

Yoongi patted Jimin’s shoulder with a tired grin.
“Stay back… let’s enjoy the show.”

The lights on set were finally dimming. Staff packed wires into boxes. Makeup artists zipped their kits. The world’s most beloved group stood there—silent, tired, pretending everything was fine.

On camera, they were perfect.

Off camera, they were just… human.

Author: This is just a trailer or intro i dont know. Might delete it later.