Caught in the static

Chapter | 1

Disclaimer:
This is a work of fan fiction. I do not own the members of BTS, BIGHIT MUSIC/HYBE, or any associated brands. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, and the personalities portrayed do not reflect the real lives or actions of the individuals involved. The plot original writing belongs to me.
Cover image credits to the rightful owner.

If you don't ship them, than maybe this story isn't for you. Please keep in mind: this is a Fan-fiction.
Also I'm a relatively new baby ARMY. I learn new things everyday.

Thank you <3

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POV Jung-kook

"...5, 6, 7, 8," someone counted loudly from the back of the room. The music started playing, and we rehearsed our choreography yet again. I felt the rhythm, refined my part with every movement, still feeling like I was lagging behind today. I looked in the mirror in front of me and watched the others move with ease and energy, each step perfectly in sync. Every turn, every motion was perfect down to the smallest detail. I tried to concentrate, but somehow my body just wasn't up to its usual 100%.

When we finished the song, everyone applauded and cheered from the sides. The other guys also had beaming smiles on their faces. They patted each other on the back, exchanged words of praise, and laughed with joy. I wanted to be part of that joy, but it bothered me that I hadn't performed to the best of my ability.

Before I could hide my self-doubt and put on my trained smile, Nam-joon came up to me.
His presence was one of a kind. His mere aura and appearance could silence any room. I could see the smile still on his lips from just a moment ago before his face turned to worry. None of us could fool him. He always knew when one of us was struggling. He just had a sense for that kind of things.
That's exactly why he's our leader.

"Hey, Jung-kook, everything okay?"

"Yeah, sure. I'm just trying to nail the choreography." I said, sounding a little too enthusiastic. He knew I was lying as soon as I started talking. He always knows.

"Tell me what's really on your mind." His voice was gentle, without a hint of reproach. He didn't pressure me, and that was exactly what I liked so much about him. For a moment, I was silent, searching my mind for the right words.

"My body doesn't feel like my own today. I can't give 100%, which is why my dance routine looks sloppy. We don't have much time left before the next performance, and I don't want to let ya'll down."
It felt kinda good to share my thoughts with him, but I still felt weak doing it.

"Your performance was amazing. I know you don't see it that way right now, but I know how hard you are on yourself and how you always want to give 110%. JK, you've accomplished so much in the last few weeks- of course your body is exhausted. We won't stay 21 forever," he said with a playful smile on his face. How does he always manage to do that?

"Please don't be too hard on yourself. You're doing a great job, and we're all here to support you. Give yourself a break tonight. You deserve it."

He patted me on the shoulder as he finished, was about to leave, but turned back on his heel and pulled me into a warm hug.
Without knowing it, this was exactly what I needed. My heart already felt so much lighter, and the gray clouds in my head were slowly fading away.

I walked over to my bag to grab my water bottle so I could take a sip. Looking in the mirror in front of me, I took a brief moment to look at myself. My straight black hair was a little longer than usual, but I liked the style. My face was sweaty, and my eyes had slight dark circles under them due to lack of sleep. I looked really tired-which probably had to do with my poor sleep schedule. Maybe RM is right, and a little time off tonight would do me good.

"Jung-kook?" A soft voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Are you okay?" I could recognize his voice among a million others. My whole body instantly relaxed, and I felt safe.

I turned around in one swift motion. Less than five feet in front of me stood a young man whose mere presence could light up an entire room. He ran his hand through his blond hair and smiled at me.
That alone made my heart race. Nothing in the world threw me off balance quite like he did.

"Ji-min, hey. I'm just feeling a little off today, but other than that, everything's fine. You were amazing today. Your skills are incredible." I tried to sound cool, but I wasn't very successful in doing so. Of course, he knew right away that there was more to my words than meets the eye. He knew me better than I knew myself. He is my soulmate, my person.

"That's sweet of you, thanks. What can I do to make you feel better?" A slight blush spread across his cheeks. Partly because he'd never been good at handling compliments, and partly because he knew exactly what would cheer me up.

"I'd love to have a spa night with some good food and a cold beer. Do you have plans?" I could feel myself getting more and more relaxed. He just has that certain effect on me.

I caught a brief sparkle in his gorgeous brown eyes before they suddenly turned sad.

"I promised Tea-hyung I'd join him for game night. I'm sure he'll understand if I..."

"No, no. Please don't cancel on him because of me. I can have a nice evening on my own." I said with a little wink. I played down the disappointment spreading inside me. He doesn't deserve to feel guilty because of me. That wouldn't be right.

"Are you sure? He won't mind. Ho-seok and Seok-jin are still there too." I could hear a hint of hope in his voice, but he shouldn't change his plans just for me.

"Yes, I'm sure. Don't worry about me, little mochi."

"Please don't call me that. It makes me feel like a little kid." His cheeks flushed even more, and he scrunched his nose so adorably. I know he doesn't like hearing that, but I love teasing him a little.

"Sorry, sorry. I'll stop. Come on, let's drive back to the house together."

Later that evening, I lay comfortably and relaxed in the onsen reserved just for me. Every fiber of my body welcomed the hot bath. I tried to stop thinking about the training and free my mind a little. The city skyline stretched out before me, sparkling with all its lights in the darkness of the night.

Finally, I was able to relax and simply enjoyed the silence.
I hummed a random tune until a beep from my phone signaled a message.

"Hi handsome, still awake?"