Ch.48
Jungkook was showing you multiple sketches he's done. Some were fan art while others were his own designs. He started describing the world that they lived in to you. He flipped through the pages of his sketchbook and showed you a couple of backgrounds to get a better picture of the world they lived in. You praised him and asked him questions about anything you were curious about. It was obvious that Jungkook had spent a lot of time creating this world and plot. There was a twinkle in his eyes as he talked about certain scenes that he would really want in the game. Jungkook told you that they'd be unskippable, so players would have to sit and listen to the master piece. You told him you'd play it and a huge grin grew on his face. He's opened up so much to you and you were glad this friendship had grown stronger. Now you could be someone Jungkook trusted fullheartedly.
The two of you were sitting next to each other on the ground. It was lunch and the rest of the group was still waiting for the third years to show up. Jimin was showing Taehyung something on his phone and they kept cracking up. Namjoon and Hoseok were talking about whatever class they recently had together. At that moment, Yoongi pushed open the door with Seokjin following after him. The eldest stayed standing while Yoongi quickly sat down with the second years. Everyone stopped doing their owns things to look up at the black hair. He looked excited and nervous about something. Seokjin took a breath in with a smile on his face.
"Guys, I have big news," Seokjin said, using his hands to show how important this was.
"You're naming your first son after me?" Taehyung guessed. Jimin bended over laughing, repeatedly smacking his friend's leg.
"No. I had a talk with my counselor about my future today." Seokjin clapped his hands together. "I know what I'm doing."
"Are you going to college?" Namjoon lowered his apple.
"I think so. I'm going to be a model! I was recruited a few days ago by a legit agency." Seokjin bounced happily. "I'm going to be handsome worldwide! You'll see my face on magazines and all kinds of things!"
"Can a model be a thug?" Yoongi questioned. "If your face is everywhere, there's no doubt they'll recognize you and try to do something with your reputation."
That thought had never crossed your mind. You were too busy getting excited for Seokjin. Would he stil continue being in the gang if he became a model? It didn't sound like a good idea. It would risk his career heavily. Though you told Yoongi you wouldn't tell the members to stop being gangsters, you felt it would be the right choice for the eldest member. He should be mature enough to realize that himself. Some of the members could accept letting their hyung go off while three were more hesitant. They liked how things were and didn't want to see any change. That you could understand in a sense. They're family, they consider each other brothers. The gang had bonds with each other that you'd never seen before. You doubt you even had a bond like that with anyone else. Not even with your own sister and the two of you are connected by blood.
"I thought about that already. I'm just a getaway driver and I can always wear a mask." Seokjin grinned. Trying to hide your frown, you reminded yourself to not be nosey. Yoongi can still get quite mean with you despite everything.
"I guess." Yoongi tossed a piece of chocolate in his mouth.
"Well, as long as you're smart about it." Namjoon smiled softly. Seokjin was relieved to hear that. He finally sat down with the biggest smile on his face. Hoseok set down his food with a nervous expression.
"I think I know what I'm gonna do when I get out of school too," Hoseok said, making everyone turn to him. "I'd like to try being a hairdresser."
"That's perfect for you, Hyung!!" Taehyung cheered.
"I agree." You gave the red head a thumbs up.
"Congrats." Jimin smiled.
Jungkook closed his sketchbook and nodded. It looks like they're all slowly finding their own things. Yoongi muttered a 'congratulations' but didn't look as happy as everyone else. Actually, Namjoon didn't look over joyed either. It felt like he was forcing himself to smile for his best friend and the eldest member. Namjoon took some time before letting out a sigh. All his emotions were out of his system so he could give both gentlemen a genuine smile. The dimples showed up on his face as he slapped Hoseok's back. Namjoon congratulated his best friend for finding something that interested him so much.
"I'm happy you found something," Namjoon said.
"Thanks to your Mom. I thought a lot about what she said last night." Hoseok nodded his head enthusiastically.
It's like the members were scared to tell their best friends they found their passion or wanted to take a certain path in the future. Namjoon and Yoongi both promised to not be against it. They might've kicked out the member in the past, but they were trying now. That's what counted. Taehyung was especially excited to see his hyungs figuring out their futures. He saw it as admirable and wouldn't stop bouncing around in his seat. He was also glad that they were going to stay in the gang. If they wanted to leave, you know he would be having a different reaction. You glanced at Jungkook who was tightly gripping his sketchbook. Was he thinking of telling them about it? He's only told you that he has ideas, but never said anything about pursuing it professionally. That would be a big step for the maknae.
"What are you doing, Yoongi hyung?" Jimin asked.
"What do you think? The gang is basically my life." Yoongi scoffed. "I have nothing else."
"I know." Jimin smiled as Yoongi shook his head at the first year. Most of the time, Jimin appeared quiet and very kind. Then there were times like this when he knew how to push his member's buttons.
"Little sh*t." The blue hair laughed. "I have a life!"
"Where?" Jungkook raised a brow.
"I'm going to run the both of you over with Seokjin's truck." Yoongi threatened. Seokjin looked up to hear his name with multiple noodles hanging from his mouth. All the first years laughed at the third years for being like polar opposites. Seokjin turned to Yoongi to know what's going on, his noodles swaying with his head movement. The blue hair eyed the male in digust. "Eat your d*mn noodles already."
"I'm older than you," Seokjin remarked as soon as he finished the noodles. "Say that again."
"Hmph." Yoongi grumbled. He stopped breaking his chocolate bar in pieces and just took a chunk out.
"That's what I thought." Seokjin went back to his food, grabbing more noodles.
Lunch is going to be missed, but the third years will be missed more. Yoongi and Seokjin make school a lot better. It's going to be sad not having them around on campus. Luckily, Yoongi would still be hanging around the warehouse. Possibly getting another job on the side. The gang might not get to see Seokjin as much, but Yoongi is planning to get his driver's license over the summer. He's willing to become the getaway driver if Seokjin wants to completely focus on modeling. It hurt the gang to know one of their members might leave, but they knew that it wouldn't be for a wrong reason. They don't want to let a member go with hard feelings. You're so proud of the gang for growing closer and being accepting of this.
The question Jimin asked Yoongi was then flipped on him. Yoongi was grilling the blonde if he would pursue dance. Poor Jimin was trying to explain himself and Yoongi kept a cold face. He asked Jimin why he went through all that trouble to dance if he wasn't going to do it professionally. That's when you stepped into the conversation. As Jimin's second best friend, you told Yoongi to cut the boy some slack. Taehyung hugged Jimin and told him he'd support him no matter what. The silver hair was stealing your lines! Chuckling to yourself, everyone began throwing away their trash. The gang parted ways and made plans to walk over to the warehouse after school.
Seokjin had to make a call with Alpha Agency. They were already aware that he was interested, but he still had some questions. Seokjin told them that he wouldn't sign the contract until after he graduates. The agency wanted him already so they went with his condition. Once school ended for the day, you met up with most of the gang. Walking to the warehouse is always fun! Yoongi was in front of everyone which was the only time he was ever been faster than everybody else. He couldn't wait to get home. Jimin, Jungkook, and you walked about ten feet behind him. The three of you talked about Taehyung's progress with the mural. He was close to finishing, but just had to paint Jungkook. So far, all the members pretended to enjoy how they looked. Most of them look kind of creepy, but no one had the heart to tell him except Yoongi.
Taehyung only called Yoongi mean and then stopped caring about the second oldest's opinion. Currently, Taehyung was bouncing between Namjoon and Hoseok. The two second years smiled as Taehyung talked about his day with them. He was a loud ball of energy and got excited all over again when he mentioned Hoseok finding his passion. At this point, you guys were looking back to see Taehyung showing off his silver hair to Namjoon. He considered it one of Hoseok's many masterpieces. Hoseok was flattered while Namjoon ruffled the first year's hair.
"Thanks, Tae. That means a lot to me!" Hoseok cheered.
"I support you, Hyung!" Taehyung gave his boxy grin.
"What do you think you'll do after you graduate?" Namjoon asked.
"I'm gonna follow you to the end of the world!" Taehyung responded without hesitation. Hoseok bursted out laughing. Jimin and Jungkook were amused and knew that would be his response. Namjoon took that sentence in.
"Okay...thanks, I think?" Namjoon chuckled.
The relationship Taehyung had with the second years always interested you. Especially the one he had with Namjoon. Compared to the other first years, Taehyung actually respected his hyungs all the time. He treated the second years with extra respect compared to the third years. He did occasionally mess with Hoseok whenever Jimin was in a silly mood. The square smiled boy would never do such a thing to Namjoon. He idolized the pink hair and you wondered what their backstory was. You didn't feel right about prying despite being curious. They'll tell you if they ever want to tell you. Taehyung cared about his third years too, but something was special about the second years to him. You've only gotten a few hints here and there, but you don't want to create crazy scenarios.
"You guys mean a lot to me so expect me to bother you guys even when you're both happily married and have lots of kids." Taehyung wrapped his arms around his hyung's shoulders.
"You are my kid," Namjoon replied. Taehyung immediately faked tears of joy and hugged the pink hair tightly. Hoseok tapped Taehyung's shoulder and pointed over to Jimin and Jungkook.
"Look, those are his two other sons."
"My brothers!" Taehyung raised his hands in the air.
"Love you, Dad!" Jimin shouted.
"Thanks for adopting me." Jungkook smiled softly. He passed it off as a joke, but you sensed something in his words. The other members probably knew his home situation a lot better than you did.
"I've even taken son's older than me." Namjoon teased for Yoongi to raise his middle finger up. Hoseok couldn't stop laughing.
Everyone was having such a good time that the half hour walk felt short. It barely felt like you had been walking for the long. Jimin agreed wth you that a second ago you guys were crossing the street to leave the school's campus. Taehyung ran past Yoongi to enter the warehouse first. Jimin shook his head when Jungkook bolted past Yoongi just to annoy him. The blue hair was scowling to have two people already inside his home. Once the rest of the members were inside, they did their own things. Jimin and you were dancing together until Jungkook called everyone to listen to him.
Jimin turned off the music and faced Namjoon. The leader didn't know the announcement himself. He shoved his hands in his pocket and walked over. Jungkook stood in front of the stage, holding something behind his back. Hoseok sat down on the stage with Yoongi and Taehyung. You and Jimin joined the rest over there to see what the youngest had to say. He nibbled his bottom lip nervously as he thought on how he should phrase his words. He only wanted to say one sentence but repeated it multiple times in his head before saying it. The maknae took a deep breath and held up his sketchbook.
"Since everyone is revealing their passion, I wanted to reveal mine too." Jungkook looked down as he opened sketch book. All the members eyed the drawings and Taehyung self consciously glanced at his mural.
"That's so good! Why are you making me do the mural?" Taehyung whined.
"I'm not making you. You wanted to do that yourself!" Jungkook furrowed his brows.
"I know." Taehyung laughed.
"You want to become an artist?" Yoongi asked.
"You'd be really great! Can you draw me?" Hoseok's mouth gaped open to see what Jungkook was capable of. Some sketches were simple while some were even lined and cleaned up. None of them were colored, but most of them were shaded.
"Oh...I-I actually want to create video games." Jungkook rubbed his neck nervously. He wasn't used to being the center of attention like this. "Like make character designs and stuff...y'know?"
"I think it fits you perfectly." Namjoon smirked. "Nice job, Maknae."
"Thanks, Hyung!" Jungkook grinned, bowing to the leader.
Yoongi's lolipop dropped from his lips when he saw that. He needed to make sure his eyes weren't playing with him. The members were too busy smiling to notice Jungkook had been formal. Yoongi's eyes met yours and mouthed 'did you see that?' and you nodded. Quite the reputation Jungkook had with his elders to make one of them them this shocked. You stifled back a giggle to see Yoongi questioning everything. Jimin and Taehyung went over to give their fellow first year a stinging high five. They all jumped around, shouting about the pain as Seokjin entered the warehouse.
The laughter died down, but everyone kept a smile on their face. The boys all turned their heads in the direction of Seokjin. The eldest had one hand in his pocket with other swinging at his side. Seokjin stared down at the ground, thinking hard with a frown. The first-year boys stopped moving around when they read the sudden shift in the mood. Yoongi jumped off the stage but didn't walk over to Seokjin. His eyes were trying to hide the fact that he was worried over his best friend not coming in as his cheery self. If he's back now then that must mean he already called the agency. Did it not go well? Namjoon looked over at Hoseok before facing Seokjin.
"I have...bad news, I guess." Seokjin's shoulder's sunk. He raised his eyes to make contact with everyone at least once.
"You're too handsome for them!" Taehyung shouted. He immediately assumed the agency gave up on Seokjin. The black hair grew confused but didn't say a word.
"You don't know if that's the problem," Jimin whispered to his friend.
"Of course, it's the problem!" Taehyung huffed.
"Did you find out some troubling information?" Jungkook questioned. He ignored the two bickering behind him. Seokjin sucked in his breath and nodded. Jimin smacked the silver hair, muttering 'I told you'. Jungkook had hit the bullseye. The second years exchanged glances with Yoongi and you.
"Is the contract unfair?" You asked.
"No, it's pretty reasonable. The thing is...the college they would like to send me to..." Seokjin looked down. "...is in Australia."
"What!?" Everyone in the warehouse burst.
A modeling college all the way in Australia? What's wrong with the ones in Seoul!? Your mind couldn't make sense of this. Out of all the problems you could come up with in your head, this was not one of them. Australia? It didn't sound believable to you. Having Seokjin in a different city would be hard, but tolerable. Having him in another country, miles away from South Korea would grey the world. The gang members beside you must be hurting ten times more. Taehyung and Jimin stopped messing around. It looked like Taehyung's eyes were getting watery to hear this all of a sudden. Seokjin can't leave, but it's his choice in the end to make. Maybe the gang doesn't see it that way though. Here, everyone works together to make a decision. If two members fight, they all sit down to correct the problem. Nothing would ever exclude a member. They made gang a synonym for family.
Jungkook bit his lip to know he had gotten his guess right. He probably didn't think it would this drastic. Maybe just something having to do with money. Why couldn't it be money? No, now you were being selfish. Hoseok wasn't trying to smile through this. Namjoon wanted to be calm and as rational as possible. Yoongi had an unreadable expression that was slowly growing dark. You didn't want to react just yet. He hasn't even made a decision for it. He was just telling the gang the information he was given. Seokjin is telling them so they could all discuss it together. There's nothing that this gang doesn't do together. They're stuck like glue.
"They'd be paying for it," Seokjin stayed, twiddling with his fingers.
"Did you tell them you would think about it?" Namjoon furrowed his brows.
"I already gave them my answer." Seokjin swallowed hard as Yoongi's fist tightened. "I said okay."