VII

POV: Y/N

What on earth just happened?

Seriously—how does someone even accidentally walk into all seven members of BTS coming out of a bathroom? This has to be a dream. A bizarre, glorious, what-the-heck-is-my-brain-doing kind of dream.

I mean, just teaching Namjoon alone would've already been the opportunity of a lifetime. But all of BTS? That's on a completely different level.

And yet... something felt off. Too perfect. Suspiciously perfect.

I could've sworn I heard Taehyung trying to quiet the others down right before I walked in. What if they don't want me as their teacher? What if this whole thing is a mistake or some misunderstanding?

I shake my head. No use getting my hopes up yet. Better to wait until a concrete contract is in my hands before telling anyone. Besides, I've got somewhere to be.

Sunghee had sent me a 911 message earlier. Told me to meet her at the Starbucks near Seokchon Lake. She said she had news—big news.

Could it be about Donghwan? Maybe he finally signed a contract with BigHit? The thought alone made me smile. He's been chasing that dream for years now.

By the time I reach the café, Sunghee isn't there yet. I order my usual iced caramel macchiato and settle into a window seat facing the lake. The breeze coming in is just perfect, and the lake sparkles like something out of a K-drama.

This city, I think, this adventure—it's going to change everything. I can feel it.

I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't notice Sunghee until she drops into the seat beside me.

"Hey!" I start to stand to give her a hug, but freeze. Her eyes are red. Puffy. Her expression pale and raw.

"Sunghee," I breathe, instantly concerned. "What's wrong? Is it Donghwan?"

She shakes her head, the motion jerky. "Onni... I'm so doomed."

I lean in, heart thudding. "What happened?"

"Remember how sick I felt yesterday?" she whispers, voice shaking. "This morning was worse. Donghwan wanted to take me to the hospital, but he got called in to BigHit... so I went alone."

"And? Are you okay?"

"I wish I was..." She swallows hard. "It's worse. I'm pregnant, onni."

Time seems to pause.

A thousand thoughts slam into me at once—but none of them come out. Of course, becoming a parent is supposed to be a beautiful thing. And I have no doubt the two of them would be wonderful parents.

But the timing...

In Korea, idols are supposed to be saints. Single, spotless saints. Donghwan's barely starting his career—just the idea of a girlfriend would already have to stay secret for years. A baby?

It could destroy everything he's worked for. And Sunghee knows that. I can see it in her face.

Without a word, I reach over and pull her into a hug.

"Does... does he know?" I ask softly.

She shakes her head, eyes wide and panicked. "No! And I don't know if I can tell him. His dream is finally right there in front of him. I can't be the one who shatters it."

"I get it," I whisper. "But Sunghee... this isn't something you should carry alone. You're a couple. You both deserve to face this together."

"I know," she murmurs. "I just don't know how."

"Be honest. That's all you can do. This isn't your fault, and it's not his either. You made this little miracle together, right?"

She lets out a shaky laugh through her tears, and I gently rub her back until her breathing starts to slow.

"Are you free tonight?" she asks suddenly.

"Of course."

"I'll tell him then. And if it all falls apart... I'll need you."

"You always have me," I promise, cupping her cheek. "No matter what."

I place a hand on her stomach and smile. "You too, little bean. You're stuck with Auntie Y/N now. Sorry in advance."

Sunghee actually laughs. "Do you think I'll be a good mom?"

I squeeze her hand. "I don't just think it—I know it. You'll be the best. And that baby is going to be so lucky to have you."

She finally relaxes a bit, fingers brushing her still-flat belly with a soft, wistful smile. I'm just glad she feels a little lighter. Every woman deserves to feel peace when carrying the fruit of her love.

Time skip

Later that day, we come home with a few shopping bags dangling from our arms and hope tangled in our hearts. We figured that maybe—just maybe—there was no "perfect" way to tell him. But maybe a tiny pair of baby shoes could help soften the blow. We even bought a matching pair for mommy and daddy.

When we walk in, Donghwan is practically glowing. His face lights up the room.

"You're not gonna believe my day!" he exclaims, practically bouncing. "I met with BigHit's team—they loved me! Said I'm the first confirmed member of the new indie rock band they're forming. I can't believe this is real. My contract's already in the works!"

We both scream and celebrate with him, genuinely happy. When he asks about our day, I catch Sunghee's eye.

"I think the jet lag's finally catching up with me," I say, faking a yawn. "Gonna crash early."

She nods. We'd agreed—if things go wrong, I'll be just down the hall. I leave the door slightly ajar, just in case.

"Onni and I went for coffee, then a little shopping," I hear her say softly.

"For me?" Donghwan laughs. "Seriously, you didn't have to!"

He opens the first box and pulls out a sleek pair of white sneakers.

"Whoa! These are gorgeous. Thank you, baby!"

"Look—I got a matching pair," she says shyly. "So people know we're together."

"Cute! I love it!"

"And this last one..." Her voice drops. "Maybe for nine months from now."

A pause. She hands him the tiny box.

"Nine months? Why would you—"

Silence.

And then, a loud gasp.

"Oh my god. Is this—what I think it is? Am I going to be... a dad?!"

I peek from behind the door just in time to see him leap to his feet, clutching the tiny shoes with shaking hands. He throws his arms around Sunghee, and they cry and laugh and hold each other like the world just turned upside down in the best possible way.

I can't stay away—I rush into the living room and hug them both, laughter bubbling out of me.

"You guys!" I squeal. "That went way better than expected!"

Time skip

To celebrate, we headed to our favorite galbitang spot. I don't think I've ever seen Donghwan smile that much in one night. They kept talking about baby names and nursery colors and strollers with sparkles in their eyes.

It was beautiful. Truly.

But just as we were daydreaming about their future family, my phone buzzed.

그 사람 (keu saram = that person)

I don't know why I saved his number like that. Maybe because I couldn't quite bring myself to type his name. Maybe because he still felt like a mystery. Either way—it suited him.

I excused myself and stepped outside to answer.

"Yeoboseyo?"

"Hey, Y/N. How are you?"

Namjoon. His voice was warm, steady. The kind that lingers.

"I'm good, thanks. You?"

"Doing well. Listen... I wanted to apologize for earlier. The guys were, uh... kind of awkward."

I laughed softly. "It's okay. I think we were all just surprised."

"Yeah... probably." A pause. "Anyway, I spoke to Bang PD-nim about your contract."

I held my breath. "And?"

"He wants to meet you in person. Would you be free to come by the agency tomorrow at three?"

"Yes, of course! Can you send me the address?"

"Actually, I could send a car for you—"

"Oh no, it's fine. I can manage."

"You sure? I mean... where do you live? Maybe it's on my way... I could, you know... pick you up."

"I'm near Hapjeong Station."

A beat of silence.

"Yeah, totally on my way," he said, a little too quickly. "I'll text you the address of a quiet street nearby. I'll be there at 2:15?"

"Sounds perfect. Thank you, Namjoon. Really."

"See you tomorrow, Y/N."

And just like that, the line went quiet. But something in my chest buzzed, like static on a wire, refusing to settle.

Tomorrow, everything might change again.

(red = hapjong ->Y/N// purple = Hannam Hill -> BTS dorm // blue = BigHit . Y/N is totally NOT on his way)