IX

POV Namjoon

I stretched in bed, my mind drifting back to yesterday. A soft chuckle escaped me. Y/N really was something else. Waiting for the sun to set, she ordered chimek—chicken and beer—and that sunset felt like magic. For the first time in a long time, I could just be myself. No cameras, no idols, no fans demanding appearances. Just... me. The real me.

Being with Y/N was refreshing. She didn't glance at her phone once, never asked for a selfie, never made me question why she was there. She simply saw me. And that feeling? It sent butterflies fluttering through my chest.

When we realized it was too late to scooter back to Seoul, I half hoped for that cliché moment: two people, not a couple, arriving at a motel only to find one room left. But it didn't happen. Still, the hug she gave me before closing her door made my heart skip. It kept me awake last night, but now, all I feel is warmth and an unstoppable smile—even after splashing water on my face a dozen times.

Lost in my thoughts, a gentle knock on the door pulled me back. I stood quickly—maybe faster than I wanted—and smiled when I saw Y/N, grinning ear to ear, two drinks in hand.

"Good morning!" she chirped. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a baby. You?"

"Same here! So, today's choice is between iced caramel macchiato or hot caramel macchiato."

I laughed, "Wow, such tough options."

She winked. "Time to sweeten your life, big boy."

Her energy was contagious. I wondered what life would be like with her around all the time.

She glanced at her phone. "Checked Naver (Google Maps doesn't work in Korea) and we're about three hours from Seoul. Bang PDnim's meeting is at 3 pm, so we have a couple of hours to kill. Want to do something?"

I shrugged. "Not really. Got anything in mind?"

"Years ago, I had the best hike of my life here. Took all day though, so maybe another time. But what about Chongchoho Hosugkongwon?"

"I don't know that one—is it outdoors?"

"Yeah, a beautiful lake right by the sea. The view's amazing."

"That sounds nice, but... I can't just walk around freely. My face is on every coffee can here."

She grinned mischievously. "What if we disguise you?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Disguise? Like what?"

"Sunglasses, a face mask... maybe a hat? I could even do some eyeliner tattoos on you." She laughed. "Maybe a fake mustache, too."

"Ha! I think I'll pass on the mustache, but the rest... why not?"

"Perfect! Let me in, sit down, and pick your tattoo, dear Mister Namjoon."

"You can just call me Joon, if you want."

POV Y/N

Keep it together, Y/N. Why does my heart keep skipping like this? Maybe I'm drinking too much coffee. Namjoon's gaze melts me—he's been such a kind soul. Last night, after the sunset, we stayed by the beach and just stared at the stars. When he draped his jacket over me as the cold night air bit my skin, my stomach fluttered.

I know I shouldn't feel this way. I should keep my distance. But I'm caught in a web, and even knowing it could be the end of me, I can't walk away. It's not just how he makes me feel—it's how he looks at me. Like I'm his link to reality, his only chance to taste the simple joys of life.

"Alright," he said, breaking my thoughts. "I know what I want for the fake eyeliner tattoo."

"Show me," I said.

He smiled, holding up his arm. "A rose."

I grinned. "I love it! Does it mean something to you?"

"Yeah... La vie en rose."

My heart skipped again. That was the song I sang the first night we met. Because of it, we found each other. The fact he wanted it tattooed—even temporarily—made me think maybe he felt the same way I did.

I couldn't think of anything clever to say, so I just laughed softly.

"I hope this is the start of an amazing adventure," he said. "You'll be my teacher, my guide, my work partner, and my friend. You'll show me your world, and I'll show you mine. I hope this chapter of our lives is as harmonious as this song... if you accept the contract, of course. Do you already know what you want to do?"

I hesitated. "I think I do."

"So?"

"You'll have to wait until 3 pm, Joon."

POV Y/N

I was having the time of my life. Namjoon's laughter filled the room as I carefully drew the rose on his inner forearm. Being with him made me feel seen, appreciated. He's an amazing person. Still, he's so stuck in his life, and seeing him slowly let go made me happy.

Then my phone rang. Donghwan's name flashed on the screen. I loved my friends, but I had a sinking feeling this call wasn't good news. Maybe BigHit didn't like the pregnancy situation and wouldn't keep him on. I felt guilty for being happy while they struggled.

"Hey, Donghwan. How are you?"

"Y/N, are you okay? You didn't come home last night. Songhee and I were worried."

"Oh! Sorry, I got carried away with friends and stayed the night here. How did BigHit take it?"

He sighed. "Too much drama for them. They want a guitarist with no girlfriend or baby. I was waiting to tell you in person."

I swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Donghwan. But maybe they'll regret it and call you back. You're unique—no one can replace you."

He laughed softly. "Maybe I missed my chance. I have other priorities now. It is what it is."

"You'll be an amazing dad," I said sincerely.

I hung up and noticed Namjoon watching me, concern in his eyes.

"Donghwan's expecting a baby?"

"Yeah... Songhee just found out. BigHit wants to replace him. It's so unfair—his biggest dreams are being signed by BigHit and starting a family, but he has to choose."

Namjoon hesitated, then said quietly, "You have to promise me you won't tell BangPDnim this came from me. He'd kill me."

I nodded, heart pounding.

"BangPDnim really liked you. Like, really liked you. He's emotionally invested in this show, and honestly—you can't be replaced. If you ask him to reconsider Donghwan as a guitarist as a condition for signing you, he'll agree in a heartbeat."

"Really? That'd be amazing. But Donghwan's still going to have a baby and a girlfriend."

"They'd have to keep it hidden. It's a lot of trouble, but worth it—for you."

"I don't want Donghwan to owe me anything, though. He can't know."

Namjoon smiled and ruffled my hair. "You're a loyal friend. He's lucky to have you."

Heat bloomed in my cheeks.

Time Skip

Almost 3 pm—the meeting that might change everything. Namjoon gave me a last pep talk in the parking. My heart thundered as I followed him into BangPDnim's office. Just before the door, he turned, mouthed "Fighting!" and pushed it open.

"Ah, Y/N! Welcome! I've been waiting. Have you thought about the contract?"

"Yes," I said. "The offer is generous and the opportunity exciting..."

"But?" BangPDnim pressed.

"I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I can't live my dream while my friend's is crushed. Can I add a condition to signing?"

"Which is ..?"

"You must sign Donghwan too. He's a genius guitarist. You may think you can find a replacement, but no one is like him. He might not fit the idol mold, but being a father and loving boyfriend only deepens his talent."

BangPDnim glanced at Namjoon with a knowing smile, then back at me.

"You're loyal, and I respect that. If I accept this, you'll sign?"

"Yes, but Donghwan can't know. Just the three of us."

"Understood. He'll have to hide his family for a while, but it's doable. Since you added a condition, I'll add one too: three years, not one."

POV Namjoon

I smiled behind her back. Classic BangPDnim move—locking her in longer. And the thought of spending the next three years by her side? Like a dream.

I watched her extend her hand.

"I'm honored to join this company. Please take good care of me."

BangPDnim's eyes lit up as he stood and shook her hand.

"Welcome to BigHit, Y/N!"

My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst. I couldn't quite believe it was real. The rest of the afternoon felt like I was floating on a cloud, light and untouchable.

Since I was pretty free this week, I offered to help Y/N with all the next steps. She signed the contract, and BangPDnim walked her through what would happen over the next months as they prepared for the world tour and the launch of the new show overseas. There were still so many details to figure out—schedules, filming, rehearsals—and BangPDnim made it clear he wanted our voices heard, that the producers would listen to us. The next few weeks were going to be packed with meetings, planning sessions, and promotion.

As the day wound down, BangPDnim asked me to do a quick tour of the company, to show Y/N around her new home.

By the time we finished, it was nearly six in the evening.

Y/N glanced at her phone and smiled. "So, I called my friends earlier. Told them I have some huge news to share, and promised I'd handle dinner tonight."

I raised an eyebrow.

"They're having it at their place. I'll order takeout—don't expect anything fancy," she added with a laugh. "But I think they'd really like to meet you... if you want to come, that is."

"I'd love to," I said, smiling. "Though I'd better get changed first, show my face to the guys at home so they know I'm still alive."

She nodded. "Awesome! I'll text you the address. Eight o'clock?"

"Sounds perfect." I hesitated, then offered, "Want me to drive you home first?"

"No, it's fine! You go home and change. See you later!"

Before I could say anything else, she gave me a quick hug and dashed down the street, disappearing in a flash.

POV Namjoon

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here. Back from the dead, huh?"

I closed my eyes as I stepped inside. I already knew what was coming. My friends were going to roast me mercilessly—and there was no way out.

"Hey, guys," I said, bracing myself. "Before you start, I've been busy playing BangPDnim's right-hand man, helping make all his dreams come true. And I'm happy to tell you he's called us all in tomorrow at 10 a.m. for a big announcement."

"Do you call it a 'big announcement' because it involves 'our teacher'?" Yoongi teased with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes.

"No, it's a big announcement because it involves all of us," I said seriously. "I won't spoil the surprise, but be ready to leave on time tomorrow. They're picking us up at 9:30."

There was a buzz of excitement and curiosity.

Suddenly, Taehyung grinned. "Oooh, hyung has plaaaaans..."

"I wonder with whom," Hoseok added, eyes gleaming.

Jimin jumped in, teasing, "Hyung, you call these plans 'dates,' right?"

Jungkook shot me a playful look. "Hyung, are you going on a date???"

Hoseok wagged a finger. "Are you coming home tonight, or should I pack an overnight bag? You didn't last night..."

I held up my hands. "Okay, okay! Give me a break, guys! I have to get ready, and I have no time to entertain your wild fantasies!"

POV Y/N

Songhee nearly screamed. "WHAT?? You're BTS' English teacher?! In what universe does that happen?!"

L laughed. "Right? I had to pinch myself so many times to believe it. But yeah, like I said, this was the plan all along. I actually signed a contract with BigHit today. I'll be hosting their next show."

She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I can't say too much—confidential contract and all—but yeah, it'll involve traveling with them during their world tour starting in three months."

Songhee's eyes went wide. "Oh Lord, I think I'd faint if I weren't sitting right now."

Donghwan's smile was huge. "This is insane! I'm so happy for you!"

I shrugged, still trying to wrap my head around it. "Honestly, it feels unreal. My first meeting is tomorrow at 10 a.m. with the rest of the members... I'm nervous."

Suddenly, DING DONG—the doorbell rang.

Songhee groaned. "Did you order more food? There are only three of us—baby bean doesn't count yet, you know."

She got up and headed to the door.

I called after her, "Actually, we'll be four tonight. I invited someone I want you to meet."

The gasp that followed as she opened the door was loud enough to make me smile.

A calm voice greeted us: "Hello, I'm Kim Namjoon. Nice to meet you. You must be Songhee? Y/N talks about you a lot. By the way—congratulations. I brought a little something for your future baby."