III

POV Namjoon

My phone buzzes again, the name flashing on the screen like a reminder of everything I'm trying to avoid. I let out a heavy sigh.

"Namjoon, you going to answer that or what?" Jin's voice cuts through the quiet of the studio.

I rub my forehead, unsure what to say. "I don't even know what to tell him..."

Yoongi's tone is half teasing, half blaming. "Well, it is partly your fault, you know."

I snap back, "I was drunk! And I thought he was too!"

Hoseok gives me a knowing look and pats my back. "You should've known better, Joon."

Jungkook chimes in, a hint of concern in his voice. "Hyung, why don't you just try reasoning with him?"

I shake my head slowly. "Already tried. You all know how stubborn he is... once he gets an idea in his head, there's no turning back."

Yoongi smirks, standing up. "Well, you're screwed, my friend. Better accept it now — it's not like anything's gonna change."

One by one, they get up and leave me alone in the silence of my studio. Yoongi's words echo in my head. Yeah, I'm doomed.

The phone rings again. I can't stop my eyes from darting over to it. I have to face this.

"Hello? Bang PDnim?" I answer, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Namjoon! Finally! I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about tonight," his enthusiastic voice booms on the other end.

"PDnim... maybe we should rethink this..." I hesitate, already regretting picking up.

"No way! The plan's set in stone. You said yourself it was a fantastic idea just three days ago. Getting cold feet now?"

"No, it's not that..." I struggle to explain. "I get it, you want to expand the company, and I'm ready to help however I can. Even attending shows like this. But... you're launching a rock band, a girl group, solo artists, actors — it's a lot all at once. Wouldn't it be better to focus on one thing at a time?"

There's a pause, then he replies firmly, "Namjoon, if you think like that, you won't get far in this industry. Listen, if I'd been that cautious, neither of us would be where we are today."

I bite back a retort. "You're right..."

"No buts! We'll pick you up at 7:30 sharp. I don't want to miss that guitarist. He's perfect for the band. End of discussion."

I drop my head on the desk. Why does it have to be me? Why am I his right hand in this madness? Aish... what a pain.

The MC's voice fills the room: "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our next performer, Kim DongHwan!"

A small, fragile figure steps onto the stage, clutching the microphone. He looks overwhelmed, eyes flicking nervously everywhere. I almost expect him to faint. Is this really the guitarist Bang PDnim insisted on? Am I wasting my time here?

Then, a sudden burst from the row beside me — a girl yelling encouragement for her friend. Her energy is infectious. I glance at the guitarist again. Something shifts. He breathes deeper, seems steadier.

An incident with the lead singer forces him to ask the girl to come on stage. She hesitates, fading in her seat under the audience's cheers, barely holding herself together.

"What are you waiting for?" I whisper to her. "Your friend needs you."

She looks up, almost like she's pulled from a dream. Slowly, she stands and walks to the stage. I'd noticed she was pretty sitting quietly, but under the spotlight, she's breathtaking — pure, radiant.

If Bang PDnim is looking for models too, this girl would guarantee success.

I catch PDnim's eye and nod toward her. He nods back — same thought.

She begins to sing.

I'm stunned. I can't take my eyes off her.

La Vie en Rose. I don't speak French, but her voice conveys everything — hope, longing, heartbreak. It feels like she's singing only to me. I hold my breath through the entire song.

When she finishes, something inside me breaks. I want more. No — I need more.

Bang PDnim breaks my trance. "After the show, I'll take the guitarist. You take the girl."

I can barely focus on the rest of the performances, my mind racing. I want to hear her again. To see her again.

Finally, the show ends, and backstage, I find her twirling in the guitarist's arms. She's stunning — more so now, relaxed, smiling, alive.

Are they together? I don't know, but something stirs inside me — a feeling I haven't had in years. I want to be noticed. For so long, I've lived under the spotlight as RM, the famous leader of BTS. I prayed to be invisible, to live a normal life without anyone watching.

And yet, here I am, wanting this girl to see me. To smile at me. To sing to me. To laugh with me.

I step closer, overhearing their conversation.

He says, "You were incredible, Y/N. Seriously, you should audition for shows. You have a real singer's voice."

She laughs nervously. "Yeah, right. Like I'd ever do that."

He grins. "I'm serious!" and gently puts her down.

I can't keep quiet. "He's right. You've got amazing talent."

They both turn to me. She bows her head, cheeks flushing with gratitude.

I glance at Bang PDnim and give a subtle nod. It's time.

"Is there somewhere we can talk?" he asks the guitarist.

They start to walk away, and suddenly, I feel a strange nervousness.

"So, if I heard right, your name's Y/N?"

She nods.

"And... you're his girlfriend?"

"No, no! Just best friends." She laughs nervously. "Actually, I have no idea where his girlfriend is... she just disappeared. I should probably find her."

I smile, trying to keep the mood light. "Can I come with you?"

She looks at me, puzzled.

"I... uh... I don't want to stand here alone, that's all," I say, feeling my confidence rise.

She laughs softly. "Sure. You'd probably see more if you took those sunglasses off."

Right. My little disguise to stay unnoticed. How will she react when she finds out who I really am?

I pull off my sunglasses and offer her a gentle smile.

"I'm Kim Namjoon. Nice to meet you, Y/N."