It had been a week since Taehyung returned home from school, and he'd found himself caught in a quiet routine. His days had been spent in the company of two people who brought him comfort: Jungkook, whose visits were often accompanied by laughter and a shared silence that Taehyung had grown accustomed to, and Jimin, who was always ready for an adventure, even if it was something as simple as grabbing coffee or walking through the city.
Today was a different kind of day, one where his family and Jungkook's family were gathering together for a night of casual relaxation. It was a rare occurrence, the kind that usually took place only once or twice a year when their schedules allowed. Their parents had decided to host a little get-together, with the men sitting around a bonfire and the women on the mats, chatting away like they had nothing better to do but revel in each other's company.
Taehyung stood by the window, watching the soft flicker of the fire outside, his gaze drawn to the sight of his father and Jungkook's father sitting side by side, deep in conversation. They looked like old friends, their heads occasionally thrown back in laughter as the crackling of the fire filled the night air. A little further away, Taehyung could see his mother and Jungkook's mother sitting on a mat, their voices blending with the low hum of the night. Their laughter sounded so carefree, and for a brief moment, Taehyung couldn't help but wish for the same sense of ease.
But then his attention was pulled toward the garden, where he saw Seokjin and Jungkook standing by the barbecue grill, engaged in what appeared to be an argument. It wasn't a heated argument, but it was clear they were both getting competitive about who could grill the best meat. Seokjin, ever the perfectionist, was waving his tongs around as he insisted that Jungkook wasn't cooking the meat right, while Jungkook rolled his eyes and shot back with some playful banter.
"Taehyung, come help us!" Seokjin called, grinning when he saw his younger brother standing nearby.
Taehyung shook his head, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're both fine," he teased. "You'll just end up arguing until the food is burnt."
"You're supposed to be on my side!" Seokjin pouted, though it was clear he was more amused than frustrated.
Taehyung chuckled and made his way toward them. The gentle crackling of the fire and the familiar scent of grilled food filled the air as they all sat down together at a long table under the stars. Laughter and easy conversation flowed as they dug into the food, their faces lit by the warm, flickering light of the bonfire.
Taehyung found himself relaxed, surrounded by his closest friends and family, the night feeling perfect in its simplicity. His mother and Jungkook's mother were deep in conversation, while Jungkook kept sneaking glances at Taehyung with a smile, as though sharing some secret. Taehyung couldn't help but return the smile, though his thoughts were a little more complicated than he cared to admit.
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As the night wore on, the conversation took a lighter turn. Seokjin leaned forward from across the table, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Hey, Taehyung," he began, his tone teasing. "How about you sing something for us? You know, to make this night even more special."
Taehyung stiffened at the suggestion, his heart suddenly thudding in his chest. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing at the group of expectant faces around him.
"Oh, come on," Seokjin continued, his voice coaxing. "You've got a great voice. Just a little something. It'll be fun!"
Jungkook, sensing Taehyung's hesitation, leaned in with a supportive smile. "Yeah, I'd love to hear you sing, Tae."
Taehyung sat there, his fingers anxiously tapping the edge of his cup, his mind racing. Singing had never been something he felt comfortable doing in front of others, especially not in front of his parents. The thought of performing, even casually, in front of them made his heart race with uncertainty. But Taehyung had been through a lot in the past lifeâexperiences that, while difficult, had slowly chipped away at the wall of self-doubt he had built around himself. He had learned to find strength in his voice, to trust that his music could carry him through moments of vulnerability.
And here, surrounded by the warmth of his family and close friends, he found himself feeling a sense of calm. The familiar faces, the easygoing atmosphere, and the kindness in their eyes made him realize that this moment didn't have to be so terrifying after all. Taehyung could feel the warmth in his chest, like a small flame igniting in the midst of his hesitation. The idea of singing for them didn't feel as daunting as it usually did. It felt... right.
With a soft sigh, Taehyung finally gave in to the moment. His voice, barely above a whisper, slipped out. "Okay," he said, the words tentative but sincere. "But only for a bit."
Seokjin's face immediately brightened, his eyes lighting up at Taehyung's reluctant yet willing agreement. "That's the spirit!" he exclaimed with a grin. "I'll even play guitar for you."
Seokjin wasted no time grabbing his guitar, tuning it with an ease that came from years of practice. The soft plucking of the strings resonated in the stillness of the night as everyone quieted down, their gazes turning toward Taehyung. He could feel their attention on him, but it wasn't the heavy pressure he had expected. Instead, there was warmth, an unspoken understanding that this wasn't a performanceâit was just him, and the music that had always been a part of him.
Taehyung exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the nerves that clung to him. He glanced at Jungkook, who was sitting nearby, his eyes full of encouragement and quiet admiration. Jungkook's presence, calm and steady, gave Taehyung the reassurance he needed. With a deep breath, Taehyung let go of the doubts swirling in his mind. His fingers curled around the edge of his cup as he closed his eyes, feeling the first notes of the song stir inside him.
When he began, his voice was soft, tentativeâhe couldn't help but start slow, as if testing the waters. But as the melody began to wrap around him, something inside Taehyung shifted. His voice grew stronger, his nerves settling into a rhythm, and soon enough, the words poured from him effortlessly.
She looks like a blue parrot
Would you come fly to me?
I want some good day, good day, good day
Good day, good day.
The words were simple, almost playful in their imagery, but as Taehyung sang, he felt a deep connection to the songâa connection that transcended the fear he had about singing in front of others. It was like the song had always been a part of him, and now he was simply sharing it with those who mattered most.
The night air seemed to soften around him, as if nature itself was leaning in to listen. The gentle crackling of the bonfire filled the pauses between his notes, creating a soothing backdrop to the intimacy of the moment.
Looks like a winter bear
You sleep so happily
I wish you good night, good night, good night
Good night, good night.
Taehyung's voice floated into the night, a smooth, comforting sound that blended perfectly with the quiet of the world around them. It wasn't perfectâthere were moments where his pitch faltered or his breath caught, but it didn't matter. It wasn't about perfection. It was about the feeling in the music, the way it carried him, and how it connected him to those listening.
He kept singing, the words coming more naturally with every passing line. The song had a soothing, lullaby-like quality, and with each verse, Taehyung felt more at ease. His shoulders relaxed, his breath deepened, and the nerves that had once clouded his mind slowly dissipated. He was free in the music, letting it flow like a current, carrying him to places he hadn't expected.
Imagine your face
Say hello to me
Then all the bad days
They're nothing to me
With you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
The simplicity of the lyrics, the gentle rise and fall of the melody, it all felt like a little piece of him that he could share without fear. By the time he reached the final lines, Taehyung was lost in the song, completely absorbed in the moment, in the warmth of the fire, in the quiet support of his family and friends.
Winter bear
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Sleep like a winter bear
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Sleep like a winter bear.
As the last notes hung in the air, Taehyung opened his eyes, slowly bringing the song to its gentle end. The night felt different somehowâlighter, warmer. It was as if the song had lifted a weight he hadn't even known he was carrying.
For a moment, there was complete silence. The crackling fire, the rustling of leaves, the distant sounds of night creaturesâall of it seemed to hold its breath. Then, without warning,his parent's and jungkook's burst into applause, their cheers and claps ringing through the cool air.
Taehyung's cheeks flushed, but he couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. He had done it. And more than thatâhe had enjoyed it. He had shared something of himself, and the world hadn't fallen apart.
Seokjin was the first to break the silence, his wide grin filled with pride as he leaned forward, his voice brimming with excitement. "See? That was amazing, Taehyung. You've got a gift, you know that?"
Taehyung could feel his cheeks flush, a warmth spreading across his face at Seokjin's praise. He had always known that Seokjin had a way of making everyone feel special, but hearing those words meant more than he could express. He looked around, his eyes catching the proud smiles of his parents and Jungkook's family.
His mother was the next to speak, her voice full of affection and admiration. "I'm your first fan if you ever decide to go on a music platform," she said, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at him lovingly.
The way she said it made Taehyung's heart swell with warmth. The certainty in her voice, the unwavering belief she had in him, it felt like a gift in itself. He smiled slyly, teasing her lightly. "First fan, huh? I'm not even sure if I'll get that far."
His dad joined in, laughing softly as he shook his head. "Don't sell yourself short. That was incredible, Taehyung," he said with genuine admiration. "You've always had it in you, you just had to believe it."
Jungkook's parents, who had been watching him with an affectionate gaze, nodded in agreement. Jungkook's father grinned and chimed in, "You've got the talent, Taehyung. It's clear to see. If you ever want to pursue this seriously, we're all here to support you."
The whole atmosphere felt like a surge of love and encouragement, the air thick with warmth and pride. Taehyung felt like he was floating, his emotions tangled between gratitude and disbelief. He had expected a good reaction, but thisâthis was beyond anything he could have imagined.
He glanced at Jungkook, who was sitting nearby, a proud smile on his face. Jungkook gave him a small nod, as if silently saying, I'm proud of you too.
Feeling a surge of confidence, Taehyung stood up, his hands trembling slightly with the weight of what he was about to say. He cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.
"I've been thinking a lot lately," Taehyung began, his voice steady but filled with excitement. "After college... I want to join a music competition. I want to try. I want to see where it takes me."
There was a pause, the moment suspended in the air, before his parents and Jungkook's family erupted into a chorus of encouragement and excitement. His mother's face lit up with pride. "That's the spirit, Taehyung! You've got what it takes, no doubt about it!"
Jungkook's mom smiled warmly, her eyes soft with affection. "We'll be cheering for you every step of the way. Don't ever doubt yourself."
Seokjin, who had been leaning back, watching with an approving smile, added, "You're making the right choice, Taehyung. Go for it. No holding back. We've got your back, always."
Taehyung's heart swelled with emotion, the weight of their words sinking deep into him. He felt as though the dream he had once kept tucked away in the corners of his mind was no longer just a fantasyâit was becoming real. The people around him, his family, his closest friends, were all rallying behind him. Their unwavering support gave him a strength he never thought he had.
"Thank you," Taehyung whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He looked around at each of their faces, feeling overwhelmed by the love and encouragement that surrounded him. "Thank you for believing in me. I promise I won't let you down."
His parents exchanged a proud glance, their faces beaming with pride. His mother reached out, pulling him into a warm hug. "We've always believed in you, Taehyung. Now it's time for you to believe in yourself."
Jungkook's father clapped him on the back. "We're all here for you, Taehyung. Whatever you need, whenever you need it."
The fire flickered in front of them, the night carrying on, but in that moment, Taehyung felt like the future was wide open. He wasn't alone anymore. He had his family, his friends, and Jungkookâpeople who believed in him and his dreams. He didn't have to carry the weight of doubt alone.
As the warmth of the fire bathed them all in its glow, Taehyung knew that whatever came next, he would face it with courageâbecause he had the most important thing on his side: the unwavering support of the people he loved.