With only 3 days remaining, Taehyung had a packed schedule.
Following its release, their single climbed the charts and held the #1 spot for 10 consecutive weeks. Taehyung had everyone's attention.
Taehyung was reading the script when he kept receiving calls from unknown sasaengs. These interruptions disturbed his work because the sasaengs were upset that Taehyung decided to pursue acting instead of releasing an album like Jin.
Eventually, Taehyung answered one of the calls and put it on speaker so the entire crew could hear the ridiculous things the unknown sasaeng was saying.
Taehyung's manager, who was always by his side, jotted down every detail about the unknown sasaeng number, including the moment she disclosed her name. With this information, they could visit the police station and identify the person responsible. Once the unknown sasaeng realized what she had said, she ended the call, and everyone returned to their activities.
"Tae, how much longer will you continue this? Your sleep schedule is out of control, and just look at you—those dark circles under your eyes are becoming noticeable," Taehyung's manager said, frustrated. "Relax. If you want, I can share my complete call log of all the unknown numbers I've been getting for months. I might be able to sleep better, but right now, I need to concentrate on my tasks," Taehyung replied, raising an eyebrow.
The director summoned the crew and the cast for a discussion. Taehyung and the other cast members rushed in, sensing something was off with the crew. The director's statements astounded everyone.
"Hey J-Hope, have you heard from Taehyung yet?" Jungkook asked while humming a tune and painting. "Not really, but isn't today the last project Taehyung has to finish before returning as an idol?" J-Hope replied, flipping through a magazine.
Jungkook then asked J-Hope if his painting looked great, and J-Hope gave him a thumbs up before going back to the page he was on in the magazine. With a cheerful bunny smile, Jungkook propped his painting against the wall to dry and sat down on the bean bag next to J-Hope.
Meanwhile, Suga, who was upstairs, dashed down with devastating news for both of them.
"Suga, what's wrong?" J-Hope asked as he set the magazine aside. "Do you recall Tae's recent project with that well-known director?" asked Suga. "Yes, I remember. What about it?" J-Hope replied. "Taehyung texted me that he's battling stage 5 cancer. The whole movie will come out in just a few weeks," Suga said, resting on another bean bag, recovering his breath and gazing up.
Hours before Taehyung reached out to Suga regarding the situation, the director felt anxious about how the crew and cast would think of him and what he would reveal.
"Everyone, before we shoot the final scene, I need to share something. First off, this is really difficult for me to express because, as I age, I no longer feel full of energy. I have been directing for over 45 years and have achieved a lot during that time. But the harsh reality is, I have cancer; I'm in stage 5, where my body can't take it anymore. I should be resting in a hospital bed, yet here I am, surrounded by my favorite people. My nurse is always present to assist me in case of an emergency; he would take care of me, but I didn't want to be a burden to all of you amazing crew and cast," the director said, tears streaming down his face as everyone embraced him in a group hug.
"Don't feel bad, director; everyone will remember you as a legend. Come on, let's make this final scene the best one you'll remember," Taehyung said, lifting everyone's spirits. The director mustered his strongest smile and encouraged the crew to take their places for the last scene.
They filmed the final scene in one take, and it went perfectly, showcasing an outstanding performance. The director's team expressed their gratitude for making his last memories unforgettable before his final day came.
As everyone began to pack up and leave, Taehyung stayed behind. "Director? Do you have a moment to talk?" Taehyung asked gently.
"Sure, kid, I've got all the time in the world," the director joked playfully. "I appreciate you letting me be a part of this project. You may know me as the group's idol, but I have acting roots. When I first met you a few years ago, I had no idea you wanted me to be the male lead in your final production. Here, I brought you something special that you'll treasure even after you leave this wonderful world," Taehyung said, his eyes welling up.
He handed the director a small gift. The director opened it to find memoirs of his notable projects and Polaroids that Taehyung had taken with a camera he brought to the set. The director's eyes filled with tears; Tae embraced him as he said a final goodbye to a father figure who had raised him.
They went their separate ways, and that would be the last time Taehyung would ever see or hear from him.
Taehyung arrived soon at Jungkook's place and was surprised to find Suga there too. "Where's Jimin?" Taehyung asked, peering into Jungkook's home. "Jimin is unwell with a slight fever, so he's resting at home," J-Hope replied.
Jungkook then showed Taehyung the painting he was creating, and Taehyung suggested that he could either sell it or display it at the art museum that many people visit. Jungkook mentioned that he would consider it.
Meanwhile, at the apartment shared by tae and mochi, y/n and Jin arrived, entered the passcode Jimin provided, and settled in.
"Hey guys, I'm happy you're here. Is that soup I smell?" Jimin asked with a hoarse voice. He began to walk slowly to the dining table and took a seat while Jin assisted y/n in carefully taking out the soup and condiments.
"We brought two kinds of soup, which I know you love, thanks to Jin, who warned me not to pick the wrong one. You can decide which one to eat today and save the other for tomorrow. Here, pick between Dwaeji Gukbap or gochujang," y/n said, handing him a spoon.
Jimin chose the first soup while y/n covered the second one with plastic wrap. Jin and y/n sat with Jimin as he slowly enjoyed his comforting soup.
"I feel like a child right now while you both are my guardians," Jimin joked, nearly burning his tongue. "But if you ever tie the knot and have kids, you'll be great parents." Jimin finished the soup, stood up, and headed to the restroom.
"Great parents? Jin, you with kids are on a whole different level, while I, I'm good with kids because they adore me," y/n joked with Jin. "I don't understand why some kids like to boss me around when I'm much older than they are," Jin said with a pout.
Jin quickly gave y/n a kiss on the cheek just before Jimin returned from the restroom.
Y/n approached Jimin to give him medication for fever and advised him to rest in his room. Jimin, feeling weak, hugged y/n tightly and wouldn't let go.
Jin, feeling a bit jealous, reminded Jimin that y/n belonged to him, but y/n reassured him, "It's fine, I'll take the 'child' back to his room." Together with Jin's assistance, they lifted Jimin and laid him down in bed, covered him with a blanket, and tucked him in.
They wrote a note and stuck it on the fridge before leaving.
At Jungkook's apartment, the four of them gathered in the living room, watching the news until the heartbreaking unfolded.
Breaking news: the well-known director, celebrated for his numerous awards and iconic films, has peacefully died at his residence. He had been fighting stage 5 cancer for several years, with only a few close to him aware of his condition. He managed to complete his final project, leaving behind a legendary legacy. His legacy will carry on through his timeless work.
Upon hearing the news, Taehyung got a call from his manager. He stood up, walked to the balcony, and began to cry softly. The call lasted about 20 minutes.
It was only when Suga, J-Hope, and Jungkook came over and hugged him tightly that they decided to take him to the funeral, which was only for family and cast/crew members allowed to attend.
Taehyung arrived at the funeral service to join the others. The service lasted several hours until it was time to leave.
"Are you okay, Taehyung? I think it affected you the most since he was more like a father figure to you," said the female lead actress. "Yeah, I'm okay. I'll be okay," replied Taehyung, choking on his tears. The female lead actress hugged him for a few seconds before leaving.
Taehyung left the funeral service to meet up with the others who were waiting for him.
They went to a nice restaurant to lift Taehyung's spirits; even Namjoon was present.
"Cheer up, Tae! Better things are coming your way. You received guidance from a prominent director. Come on, let's order something," J-Hope said while looking at the menu. The waiter approached their table, and each person placed their order. After collecting everyone's requests, the waiter took the menu and left.
"Geez, Namjoon, it looks like you haven't slept in days," Jungkook said with a laugh. "Yeah, I haven't had any sleep. The new song I'm working on just doesn't feel right; something seems off," Namjoon replied, resting his hand on his face. "What beat do you think is missing? I can assist you with that," Suga offered, extending a helping hand to Namjoon.
Namjoon quietly explained to Suga which part of the beat he was missing.
Jungkook, on the other hand, whispered to the waitress and asked if they could have a bottle of their fine wine.
"Wine? What's that for?" Jin asked, looking confused. "A nice wine pairs perfectly with our meal. Plus, we can get something from Namjoon. The other day, when I went to the recording studio, he was there working on beats on the computer. I waited outside until he finished, but when he stepped out, I noticed something on his phone screen," Jungkook whispered to Jin.
The waitress brought a bottle of wine, and the waiter served their food. They enjoyed their meal and wine until they were satisfied.
"Man, that was really good," Jimin said, patting his stomach. "So, Namjoon, the other day when I accidentally entered the recording studio, why was your back turned to the door?" Jungkook asked. "Oh, that? I was facing away from the door because I wasn't wearing headphones. If I had them on, I wouldn't have heard anyone come in," Namjoon replied, giving Jungkook a strange look. "One more question before Suga pays the bill and we head out," Jungkook said, indicating it was Suga's turn to pay.
Suga, feeling betrayed, waved to the waiter for the check.
"When you were leaving the recording studio and saw me bopping my head against the wall, what was that on your phone's lock screen?" Jungkook asked, staring at Namjoon.
Everyone turned to Namjoon, except for Suga, who was busy settling the bill; they were curious about what Jungkook meant.
"What do you mean? Oh, this. It's just a picture of my dog," Namjoon explained, showing them what Jungkook referred to. Jungkook, feeling unsatisfied, just shrugged.
"Oof, that was a close call. I'm relieved I changed the wallpaper before Jungkook started giving me that look. Once things settle down, I'll switch my wallpaper back to the picture of y/n," Namjoon thought.
Everyone began to rise from the table, thanking the staff, and headed outside. Namjoon quickly switched his lock screen from his dog to y/n, believing no one noticed.
"Why does Namjoon have y/n on his lock screen? He's not even dating her anymore," Jin thought, having seen the switcheroo.
Jimin, acting as everyone's Uber driver, dropped them all off.
Namjoon chose to go with Jin because he wanted to see y/n, his beloved treasure.
"Namjoon, this isn't the right time for you to come along. Y/n might not be too pleased to see you," Jin said, taking Namjoon's arm off his shoulder. "Oh, come on, she would be glad to see me. I've changed, except for not sleeping well these last few days. I'm sure she won't be afraid of me after what I did," Namjoon replied, entering y/n's place, where y/n was cleaning while wearing headphones.
Unaware that Jin and Namjoon had come in, y/n was lost in her own world. She turned off the vacuum, she took off her headphones, turned around, and spotted both of them there.
Y/n approached Jin and quietly asked, "What's he doing here? Kick him out." Jin explained to y/n that Namjoon had come to visit, but he would be leaving right away. "Sorry, Namjoon, y/n is asking you to leave, so you have to go," Jin said, guiding Namjoon towards the door.
Namjoon, baffled by what had happened, made his way out.
Inside y/n's apartment, y/n shut the curtains while glancing out the window to see Namjoon leaving.
"Jin, why did you bring him here?" y/n shouted. "Hey, don't yell at me; he said he wanted to tag along. Jimin was dropping everyone off, but he didn't get out of his car," Jin replied calmly. "No, this is dangerous. That means he knows when I'm not with you; I'm here in the apartment. And he might try to kidnap me," y/n said, pulling the curtains closed.
Jin held y/n, reassuring her that nothing would happen tomorrow. They both went to bed, unaware that something was about to occur the next day.