chapter 5

[ After the performance, the backstage area is quiet. The air is thick with tension. Jimin is leaning against the wall, arms crossed, visibly frustrated. Jungkook sits on the floor nearby, staring at his shoes, feeling defeated.]

Jimin: (sighs, running a hand through his hair)

   We could’ve done so much better... You know, I gave it my all out there, but it felt like I was the only one who was really in sync with the music. I was carrying the whole performance, Jungkook.

Jungkook: (looks up, his voice quiet, a little shaky)

   I know… I messed up. I just couldn’t get the rhythm right, and I didn’t want to let you down. I thought I could handle it, but... I didn’t.

Jimin: (his voice softens, though there’s still frustration lingering)

   It’s not just about messing up, Jungkook. It’s about being there together. I know you’re not as... outwardly confident as me, but I thought we’d work through this as a team. You’re always so quiet about things, and it’s like I don’t know if you’re even trying sometimes.

Jungkook: (his face drops, guilt flooding his features)

  I am trying. I swear I am. But it’s hard for me to open up like you do. I don’t know how to just... put myself out there like you do. I don’t want to mess everything up, but I keep feeling like I am.

Jimin: (pauses, his gaze softening as he watches Jungkook’s discomfort)

  I get it. I really do. I just… I want this to work. I believe in us. But I need you to believe in yourself too. You’re so talented, Jungkook. I can see it. I wouldn’t be doing this with you if I didn’t. But you’ve gotta let go a little.

Jungkook: (looks up, his eyes filled with vulnerability)

   I don’t want to disappoint you, Jimin. I... I just need more time. I’ll figure it out, I promise.

Jimin: (walks over and sits beside him, putting a hand on his shoulder)

   It’s not about perfection, okay? We’re going to mess up, but we can fix it together. Just… keep trying. I will keep trying, and so should you. We’ll get through this.

Jungkook: (takes a deep breath, nodding slowly)

   Yeah. I want this to work too. I don’t want to quit. I’ll keep pushing.

Jimin: (smiles gently, a mixture of relief and hope in his eyes)

    Good. Because I’m not giving up on you. And I’m definitely not giving up on us. Let’s make sure the next performance is better—together.

Jungkook: (smiles faintly, a little more at ease)

    Together.

[ Behind the stage, the sounds of the event still echoing in the background. Jungkook is on the phone, standing near a quiet corner, his back turned toward Jimin, who is about to step out but stops when he hears his name mentioned. Jungkook’s voice is low and shaky, a sense of anxiety in his tone.]

Jungkook’s Mom (voice raised through the phone):

   Jungkook, what are you doing? You’re embarrassing the family! Dancing? Dancing? Do you understand what you’re doing to our reputation? This isn’t how we raised you. You should be focusing on your studies and your future—not this nonsense! You’re throwing away everything we’ve worked for.

Jungkook (his voice is quiet, trying to keep calm, but his fists clench by his sides):

   I’m not throwing anything away, Mom. I just… I’m trying something I enjoy. Something I’m good at. It’s important to me.

Jungkook’s Mom (her tone sharp and disappointed):

  Good at? You think this dancing is going to get you anywhere? This will ruin everything. You’ll tarnish the family name. We have a reputation to uphold, and you’re out here chasing dreams that won’t feed you or make anyone respect you. You’re better than this, Jungkook.

Jungkook (his voice wavers, trying to keep his emotions in check):

  I want to do this, Mom. I’ve been working so hard. I know it’s not what you expected from me, but—

Jungkook’s Mom (interrupting, scolding with growing frustration):

  No. This is not what you should be doing! Stop this foolishness and get back to what matters. Your future. This dancing—this “project”—is nothing but a distraction. You don’t understand the damage you’re doing by acting like this.

Jungkook (his tone cracks, voice barely above a whisper, his eyes filling with hurt):

   I don’t want to disappoint you, but… I can’t keep living my life just to please you. I need to do this. I need to be me.

[Jimin, hearing the conversation, pauses in his tracks, a sense of unease creeping over him. He glances around, unsure if he should intervene. He sees the hurt in Jungkook’s eyes from behind the corner, and the weight of the conversation hits him hard.]

Jungkook’s Mom (cold and stern):

   I’m warning you, Jungkook. If you keep going down this path, don’t expect any support from this family. You’ll be on your own.

Jungkook (a moment of silence, then his voice is quiet, resigned):

   I understand, Mom… But I need to do this. Please… I just want your understanding.

[The call ends abruptly. Jungkook stands there for a moment, staring at the phone in his hand, the weight of his mother’s words heavy on his heart. Jimin, still hidden in the shadows, watches him silently.]

Jimin (stepping forward, his voice soft but firm):

   Hey… You okay?

Jungkook (startled, quickly wiping his eyes, trying to mask his emotions):

   Jimin… I didn’t know you were there.

Jimin (approaching him gently, his tone more understanding now):

   I heard part of the conversation. I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to overhear.

Jungkook  (shakes his head, a bitter smile forming):

   It’s fine. I don’t… I don’t know what to do anymore, Jimin. Every time I take a step forward, it feels like I'm being pulled back. Like I’m disappointing everyone who’s ever believed in me.

Jimin  (his expression softens, taking a step closer, placing a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder):

   You’re not disappointing anyone, Jungkook. Not me. Not anyone who’s seen how hard you work. You’re not alone in this, okay? You’re doing what makes you happy. And you have every right to pursue that.

Jungkook  (his voice cracks as he looks away, trying to hide his vulnerability):

   But what if… What if they’re right? What if I really am ruining everything?

Jimin (gently, his voice steady and reassuring):

   It’s okay to be scared. But you’re not ruining anything. You’re just trying to find your way. And I’m right here with you. I believe in you, Jungkook. Whatever happens, you’re not alone in this fight.

[Jungkook looks up at Jimin, the weight of his mother's words still hanging in the air, but something about Jimin's unwavering support gives him a small sense of relief. He nods, a little more determined.]

Jungkook (whispering, a small but genuine smile starting to form):

   Thanks, Jimin. I really need that right now.

Jimin (smiling warmly):

Anytime, man. We’re in this together.

Just  like and comment

give me your thoughts in comment

see you in next update

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***