Chapter 15: Operation Noona
Author's Note: Hello everybody! Face Yourself has dropped and my heart has been officially broken a million times. T.T I have been listening to the album since yesterday and I get convinced every time that Bangtan just improves even more with every album they release. Consider me Jungshook. As of now Let Go has my heart and soul. How can a song be so heavenly yet so heart – wrenchingly sad? I've been wiping my tears since last night, darn it.
Anyhow, enough with my rambling as you've noticed my updates have been slow as of late. I am currently busy with finalizing my summer internships because next week I'm flying to the big city! Wish me luck you guys! Hence, I may need to push my updates to every two weeks instead of weekly. I'm so sorry guys. I hope you understand and I hope you still continue supporting my story.
Thanks again to HugsHealththeSoul for beta – reading this! 3
Legend:
Bold - English Translation/News article
Italicized - Inner voice/monologue
Normal - spoken in Korean
Underlined - spoken in English
Y/N POV
"I'm so disappointed in you, Y/N." Bang PD – nim said grimly as he sat across from me in the spacious conference room.
Panic gripped me as looked around and noticed that it was only the two of us. My unnis were nowhere to be found.
Wait why am I here? Why am I alone? Where are my unnis?
"I warned you already to be careful. But it seems like you didn't listen." PD – nim shook his head as his voice took on a hard edge.
I gulped nervously. "W – what are you talking about PD – nim?"
He held up his phone and gave it to me. I gingerly took it and gasped in horror.
No.
"BTS Jungkook and Blue Hoodie Girl Dating" the phone screen screamed back at me in big bold letters.
Fear clutching my heart, I scanned through the rest of the article.
It seems that the rumors are true. BTS Jungkook and the trending Blue Hoodie Girl were found together in an arcade in Seoul. A curious fan snapped this picture of them obviously having a ton of fun and being very affectionate with each other at a shooting game. Upon further investigation, it was also found out that Blue Hoodie girl's real name is Y/N and that she one of the trainees for a girl group that BigHit Entertainment is planning to launch. Is this a new venture for BigHit? How will such a scandal affect the girl group's future debut and Bangtan's current popularity?
Feeling like a bucket of ice water was poured on my head; I numbly gave the phone back to Bang PD – nim who shook his head again in disappointment.
It's all a misunderstanding. We weren't dating! We were just hanging out! I knew I shouldn't have gone with Jungkookie!
I averted my gaze and clasped my hands together. "B – but PD – nim it's all a misunderstanding." I muttered quietly before locking my gaze with him. "We were just hanging out like we always do!"
His gaze turned to frost. "I think you're forgetting who you're hanging out with Y/N – ssi. This time you've overstepped your bounds." He paused for a while, letting the gravity of my mistake sink in. My life span seemed to lessen with every passing second.
"I'm sorry Y/N – ssi but I will have to terminate your contract. You are no longer under BigHit entertainment." He declared with a steely calm. "Thank you for your time. You have three days to pack and vacate the dorm."
The moment he said those words I felt like I was being sucker – punched. Then the indignation crept in.
"That's so unfair! We weren't doing anything wrong! It wasn't even my idea. It was Jungkook's!" I argued. PD – nim just placed his phone in his pocket in response and turned to get up. Desperation kicked in and I started pleading.
"PD – nim please, I'm begging you, please don't cut me out. Please you can't do this to me!"
He turned to me one last time, a grim line and a frown marring his normally friendly features. "Goodbye Y/N – ssi. You are a waste of talent." He turned on his heel to exit the room.
No no no.
"Bang Si Hyuk PD – nim please please please don't cut me out! Please I'm begging you. PD – nim! PD – nim! PD – nim!"
"PD – nim!" I screamed hoarsely as I woke up with a start. I put my hand over my heart as I tried to calm my breathing.
It was only a dream. Only a dream. Only a dream…
Only it felt real. Too real. And very possible.
One more misstep and I was forever screwed.
I blinked blearily and rubbed my eyes from sleep. Through the open blinds, it was still dark out. The inky night sky was dotted with stars. The streetlights were alight by the roads that were as barren as a ghost town. A stray dog was rifling through an overturned trash can. I picked up my phone to check the time.
4:30 AM
Eh kaya naman pala eh. (No wonder.)
I lay back down in bed and tried to sleep. But try as I might I couldn't, with the haunting images of my dream still forefront on my mind. Grunting in irritation, I threw off the covers and tiptoed quietly out of the room to avoid disturbing my deeply slumbering unnis.
I went to the living room, curled on the couch and silently mulled on my dream. It was so real and if it really happened, it would just break my heart. I sighed.
This was all that punk's fault! All his fault!
But a lingering voice prickled my mind.
Aren't you being a little overdramatic? You don't need to dump this all on him now, you know?
And who, pray tell, do I dump it on huh? I retorted. Who was the one who pulled that prank? Who was the one who got me in trouble? Who caused me to have that horrible dream that has me so riled up? Wasn't it him?
Okay okay. I get it. You're angry and scared and overly emotional and you need someone to blame but this won't be good for you, you know. Sooner or later, it's going to be a distraction. It's better to let it go before it gets worse.
I'm never letting it go!
Fine. Be your stubborn self. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Fine!
…
I rolled to my side in irritation and peeked through my fingers to the world outside. The dark blotch has lightened up considerably. Pink, yellow and lavender hues were appearing on the horizon. I glanced quickly at the wall clock above the tv.
5AM.
Sighing exasperatedly, I got up and stretched high up my head then down below.
Time to start a new day.
I hurried over to the kitchen to check on the fridge and make breakfast. I was just flipping the eggs over when my unnis piled into the kitchen.
"Morning Y/N." Somi – unni greeted as she yawned sleepily and sat down at the table.
"Good morning Unni." I replied with a small smile. "Breakfast will be ready in a minute."
"Oooh that smells good, Y/N!" Haru – unni squealed as she came over to take a look. "Is that cheese omelette?"
"Yup! Three cheese actually. Cheddar, parmesan and cream cheese." I winked at her.
"Whoa who whoa!" Feng Jiu – unni exclaimed as she came over as well. "That smells good. What's the occasion?"
"Nothing. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so I don't hold back at all."
I felt my motherly instincts take over as I jokingly put my hands on my hips. "Now sit down unnis so I can finish cooking and we can start eating, okay?"
Haru – unni and Feng Jiu – unni giggled. "Okay okay, Head Chef. As you wish."
They sat down with Somi – unni and had idle chatter while I continued cooking.
"So Y/N I noticed you were up early? Did something happen?" Somi – unni commented with concern. I placed the steaming omelet with melting cheese in a plate and set it on the table. I went to fetch the rice and the other utensils as well. Then I sat down. The rest of my unnis were still waiting for my answer.
I would've thought they'd have taken the hint by now.
I sighed. "I had a nightmare. I couldn't sleep again so I just got up. I've been up since 4:30."
"Aigoo. That's not good maknae. You should getenough sleep." Somi – unni chastised at the same time Feng Jiu – unni asked. "What was your nightmare about?"
I turned to Somi – unni first. "I know unni. This darn nightmare isn't letting me get any." Then I replied to Feng Jiu – unni. "It was about Bang PD – nim ending my contract for good."
My unnis gasped.
"Really? Why?" Haru – unni asked.
"Oh it was really stupid. Some random article got posted about me and Jungkook dating and being seen together in an arcade. And this was before our debut so yeah my cover got blown."
"Wait? Dating? Waah." Somi – unni looked impressed but not shocked.
"What do you mean by that unni?" I challengingly asked her.
"Oh nothing. Nothing at all." She smiled mischievously.
Huh.
"So what happened next?" Haru – unni pressed on.
"He said goodbye, thank you for your time and walked out on me. I was begging for him to give me another chance when I woke up. It seemed so real, it was freaking scary." I shuddered.
"Yikes. I wouldn't want to have that dream." Feng Jiu – unni shuddered as well.
"So how are you doing? Are you okay?" Somi – uni inquired with a worried gaze.
"I was shaken up at first. But I'm doing fine now unni. Don't worry." I smiled at her reassuringly.
"You sure?"
"Positive." I think "Let's eat. We still have a long day ahead of us."
The older girls looked at each other dubiously before shrugging nonchalantly. Only Somi – unni looked unsure. "Ok. If you say so, maknae."
I gave her a thumbs up and dug into my food. My unnis took it as a cue to do the same.
In no time at all, we were bathed and dressed, piled into our black van and were zipping towards BigHit. The day was bright and early and signs of life were emerging. We passed by an elderly couple crossing the street who waved to a man walking his dog. On the opposite side, a street sweeper was busy tidying the fallen leaves that glinted golden brown in the sunlight, signaling the autumn season that was just around the corner. It was all a very idyllic scenario that was testament to our quiet, peaceful neighborhood. But then, the thoughts of the nightmare plagued me again and I broke out in cold sweat.
Come on Y/N snap out of it! It was just a dream. You need to get yourself together. It's time to work! And work means focusing on just doing your best and letting go of all distractions! You hear me? FOCUS!
Pretty soon, we were on our way up to our vocal class with Jennifer – seonsaengnim. When we arrived she was already there. Well, she was always on time.
We bowed to her and settled in our seats.
"Good morning ladies. Today we'll start with the usual vocal exercises. And then you'll split up individually and be given a vocal exercise. I'll give you 45 minutes to try it out. After that, I'll check your progress and work with you individually. Finally, you'll perform the song pieces I gave you. Are we clear on that?"
We murmured in response.
"Okay let's start."
The first half of class went exactly as Seonsaengnim planned. We did a couple rounds of scales. Then we practiced our harmonies. I would have to admit we were getting really, really good at it. We were sounding amazing.
After that Seonsaengnim gave us our individual assignments. Feng Jiu – unni was asked to work on her resonance, or on the echoing of her tone. She was given a sheet with notes and scribbled underneath.
She was also given the song sheet for Rolling in the Deep by Adele.
Haru – unni was tasked to practice her diction. Seonsaengnim gave her a list of all the most common Korean tongue twisters (which we learned in Korean language class). She was also instructed to specifically practice her vowels, consonants and to familiarize herself with phonetics. Seonsaengnim then handed her the lyrics to Cypher pt. 2.
Somi – unni was assigned breath control training. Seonsaengnim passed her a copy of Amazing Grace to practice and was told to keep a hand on her abdomen to observe her breathing as she went through the song.
And me? I was asked to work on my whistle register. Easy as pie, right? Wrong. The last time I worked on it, I remember having such a difficult time. And to top it all off, Seonsaengnim bid me to go over Emotions by Mariah Carey. By Mariah freaking Carey! Was she crazy?
I was a frazzle of nerves by the time we all split up and took over different areas of the room to practice.
I took a deep breath to calm myself down. Then another. And another.
Okay Y/N. What did we do last time? We can do that again right? Right? Okay let's do this!
I went through the motions of we practiced my whistle register last time. Breathe in, stop mid – breath, "close" the throat, push a bit of air through to produce a squeaking sound, repeat. I went about three rounds before I got frustrated. All I was making was a halfway decent squeak that sounded a lot like a mouse that got stepped on! Sighing in annoyance, I turned to look at my unni's progress and felt deflated. They were all doing so amazingly. Feng Jiu – unni looked relaxed as she softly sang her mms and ahs. Haru – unni was diligently going over her tongue twisters. Even Somi – unni was totally at peace as she immersed herself in Amazing Grace.
Oh great.
Suddenly, my nightmare came into focus again and a renewed fear gripped my heart again.
What if I can't progress even further? What if that's why I get cut off?
I slapped my cheeks to wake myself up.
Hoy gumising ka Y/N! Wag kang tatami – tameme diyan! Upakan kita diyan eh! (Wake up Y/N! Stop spacing out! I'll beat you up!) Focus okay? FOCUS!
I breathed through my nose and stretched my arms out. Shaking any additional worries off, I ran through the exercises again and thankfully was able to produce a decent squeak. I did it again. And this time the note was clearer and more stable.
Oh thank God.
I tried it one last time and was able to make the clearest whistle note so far. Grinning in triumph, I did a little happy dance. With that exercise done, I focused on the song sheet. I was familiar with Emotions. I used to sing it a lot at karaoke before, but I always avoided singing the whistle parts because I was afraid I couldn't do it. As a result, I never sang it on any of the barangay singing contests I joined and never really developed the whistle register, I didn't even know I could.
Fear was the hindrance to success.
See? If you were only brave enough you would've discovered this ability long ago!
Soon, Seonsaengnim went to check on us. She corrected Feng Jiu unni a little, guided Somi – unni a bit and clarified Haru - unni's misunderstandings. Eventually, she came to me.
"So how are you doing Y/N?"
"Pretty good, I guess. I did the exercises we did last time."
"And?"
"I was able to produce a decent whistle tone." I said hesitantly.
"Really?" Seonsaengnim looked surprised and a bit impressed. "Let's see it then."
I nodded and took a deep breath. Then I went through the motions and produced a lilting whistle note.
Whoa. How'd that happen?
Seonsaengnim by then looked downright impressed.
"Excellent Y/N. I didn't think you'd still remember our little exercise."
She paused. "I would suggest 'closing' your throat a bit more and breathe air a little bit slowly. Other than that, you're doing a fantastic job."
She smiled at me. I beamed at her and bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you Seonsaengnim. I will keep that in mind." She winked at me before striding over to sit at the table.
Before long our 45 minutes were up and we were each asked to perform our individual songs. Feng Jiu – unni delivered a sultry, smoky rendition of Adele's smash hit, her resonance resounding throughout the room. Seonsaengnim congratulated her on a job well done and advised her to keep on working at it. Haru – unni improved her rapping, if it was even possible. I noticed that her diction was clearer and it seems as Seonsaengnim noted that as well. She commended her on it and recommended that she practice her tongue twisters and phonetics from time to time. Somi – unni sounded like an angel when she sang Amazing Grace. She still had her signature breathy, airy tone but her breathing was greatly improved as said by Seonsaengnim herself. She was instructed to do breathing exercises regularly.
Finally it was my turn, and I went in from with butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I took a deep breath, tamped it down and began to sing. When I was nearing the whistle part, I did the motions of creating a whistle note and when the part came I sang the best whistle I could. The song soon ended, and I gave a humble bow as my unnis' cheers rang.
"Woohoo! That's our maknae!" Somi – unni and Feng Jiu – unni whooped.
"The Golden – Voiced Maknae is in the house y'all!" Haru – unni did an uncharacteristic dab.
That has a nice ring to it. But it sounds too similar with Jungkook's nickname.
"Okay okay everybody calm down." Seonsaengnim said with an amused shake of her head. Everyone did. "Well it seems like Haru was right. We do have a Golden – Voiced maknae here. Nicely done, Y/N." She grinned at me.
I grinned back shyly. I wasn't used to all the praise.
"I'd say keep on working on those vocal exercises I taught you to train your whistle register but so far you're on the right track." She smiled cheekily. When does she ever smile cheekily? "I'd even say you're a good choice for main vocal."
I sputtered in shock. How can she even say that? All of us have amazing vocals! Any one of us can be main vocal.
"S – saem o – of course not! Every one of us has a fair chance of being chosen." I looked to my unnis for confirmation. "Right? Right?"
They only looked back at me in amusement as I was hopeless and blind to what was the truth.
Somi – unni spoke up first. "Sorry Y/N but although I have a higher tone than you do, I don't have your singing prowess."
Why was she putting herself down already?
I turned to Haru – unni who just vehemently shook her head. "Not me! I can't do what you do!"
Unni your voice is beautiful!
I exasperatedly glanced to Feng Jiu – unni who only looked at me resolutely. "Nope. Sorry Golden – Voiced Maknae but this one's on you."
Why are they all putting themselves down?
I huffed. My unnis can sure be stubborn when they want to be. "Well, it doesn't matter what you think. Bang PD – nim is the one making all the decisions. You'll see, I won't be the main vocal."
They just laughed at me like I was crazy. Even Jennifer – seonsaengnim had this glint in her eye. "Okay that's enough." She said. "That's it for today ladies. Good job once again. Just keep on practicing and I assure you your vocals will be top – notch and live – performance worthy. I'll see you all tomorrow."
Language class followed and boy oh boy did I love it! We started learning Japanese, a language that I had a shaky grasp on because of my anime watching habits. (Even Haru – unni was excited and that was her mother tongue!) We began by discussing the brief history of the Japanese writing system, (There are three: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji, and Japan's writing system is composed of all three.) before finally beginning with some basic phrases, some of which I was familiar with. But then we went to the writing part and that was when I hit with a roadblock. We started with learning Hiragana, the basis of the Japanese writing system. For some reason, I kept on mixing Hangul and Kanji characters. I guess I had ingrained Hangul in my brain too much. Thankfully, Seonsaengnim was patient enough to correct me whenever I did a mistake. Still, the frustration of confusing the characters fuelled me to learn Hiragana even harder.
Time passed and soon our lesson came to an end. Seonsaengnim left us our modules and instructed us to fill out a good three chapters' worth of work. We nodded diligently, although I could tell from Somi – unni and Feng Jiu – unni's faces that they were dreading the assignment.
On our way to find Mi Kyung - unni, who was waiting to drive us home, we ran into Bangtan yet again.
Why does this always keep happening to me?
We bowed to them in greeting. As I raised my head, I saw a familiar man – child smiling, jumping around and waving at me like an idiot, making me automatically scowl.
I decided to raise the white flag and scram right then and there. "Sorry unni, Bangtan – sunbaenim. I'll go ahead first." I bowed to them apologetically and scurried to leave. I passed by Jungkook who was about to reach for me. I shot him my frostiest glare and he immediately showed wearing his most wounded bunny (bunny instead of puppy cause he's a bunny) look. He almost looked pitiful. Almost.
Are you just gonna leave him like that? What a poor baby. How long are you gonna keep this up?
For as long as I damn want!
I arrived at the parking lot and hurried to lean by our van. I turned to look up at the sky. It was dark ebony and sprinkled with sparkling stars. I sighed and a misty exhale weaved across the open space of the now barren parking lot. Across the street, the streetlights were emanating a warm glow as the occasional passersby went on their way. It was a beautiful night. Too bad it was ruined. As I was admiring the scenery, a fuming Somi – unni marched across the lot, a worried looking Haru – unni and Mi Kyung – unni, and an unsure looking Feng Jiu – unni right at her heels.
"What is your problem?" She venomously hissed at me and I was taken aback.
Somi – unni never hissed at anyone. And she never got furious. I looked at her flushed face and narrowed eyes. Her whole aura screamed fury. And it honestly scared me
The anger I felt quickly dissipated and I gulped nervously.
"I – I'm sorry unni. I just couldn't stand being there."
"I understand that! But you were very rude! Did you see the looks on our sunbaes' faces? They were shocked! And frankly so are we!" She put her hands on her hips and looked me straight in the eye.
"Seriously, Y/N what's gotten into you? I never took you for someone so rude and insensitive!" She chastised me.
I hung my head in shame. Now that I thought about it, I was rude. I didn't offer any other explanation aside from "I'll go ahead first." That was insensitive.
"I'm really sorry Unni. It won't happen again."
She sighed exasperatedly. "Please see that it won't. I had to apologize profusely for your sake."
But really can they blame me? If they were in my position wouldn't they also feel the same? Suddenly, I slight twinge of indignation rose in my chest.
"But can you really blame me?" I mumbled. "If you were in my position, what would you do?" I looked up at her, a questioning hint of defiance in my gaze.
She was taken aback but recovered quickly nonetheless. "Since apologies and warnings were given, I would've gotten over it quickly like the mature woman that I was and would've worked even harder to hone my craft." She finished determinedly.
Ouch. That hurt. So that makes me immature then?
Sigh. Forget it. I knew they wouldn't understand.
A heavy silence hung in the air between us and spread throughout the now foreboding night, as a cold breeze blew past that stung my cheek and chilled me to the bone.
Finally, Somi – unni broke the silence as she sighed. Then she spoke in a much softer tone as she put a consoling arm on my shoulder. "Really, maknae. Get yourself together. Just let it go, okay?"
I sighed forlornly and refused to meet her gaze. "Forget it, Unni." I mumbled. "Let's just go home." Somi – unni soundlessly lowered her arm and I turned on my heel to get in the car.
The entire car ride home was filled with eerie silence. No one was brave enough to make small talk after the episode that just happened. I looked outside sadly, utter gloom invading my thoughts as I tried to admire the warm streetlights aglow and the skyline of Seoul lit up with bright lights, but failed miserably.
Y/N you really are a mess. Look how pathetic you are.
We arrived home and after exchanging half – hearted goodbyes with Mi Kyung – Unni went up to our dorm. The silence increased tenfold as each of us went to do our own thing. I went to cook dinner and when it was done, gently called my unnis to the table.
Dinner was an even more depressing affair as no other sound was heard aside from the tinkling of our utensils against our bowls and dishes. It was over before I realized. I wiped the last of the dishes and placed it in the dishrack. Then I took a quick bath, got dressed and flopped down to bed physically, mentally and emotionally drained.
So now aside from being on bad – terms with Jungkook, you're also silenting fueding with your unnis? Way to go Y/N. Waaaay to go. My conscience niggled sarcastically.
Really do you have to rub it in? I'm confused as heck already.
As Somi – unni said you gotta let it go. Let it go don't hold it back anymoreeee.
Ugh. Shut up. I'm going to sleep.
Let it go, let it goo. Don't hold it back anymoreeee.
With more worries clouding me already worried mind, I fell into a troubled sleep.
Jungkook's POV
I felt my hopeful expression turn into a pout as Noona shot me her iciest glare and darted away from me. I looked to the rest of my hyungs and saw that they were shocked my Noona's sudden departure.
Even the other girls were frozen in shock at what just happened. A beat of awkward silence passed before Somi – noona gathered her composure and bowed deeply.
"I'm so sorry Namjoon, you guys. I don't know what's gotten into her. She's normally not very rude." She muttered exasperatedly.
Namjoon – hyung recovered first from shock. "It's okay, Somi – noona please don't worry about it. Please stand up."
Somi – noona did so and nervously curled a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I'm sure she's just having a bad day. We all have bad days, don't we guys?" He turned to the rest of Bangtan for an answer.
"O – of course! It's fine Somi – noona really." Jimin – hyung quipped.
The rest of us echoed him.
Somi – noona gave us a shaky smile. "Thanks guys. Again, we apologize for our maknae's behavior. It won't happen again." She and the three other noonas bowed to us.
They all stood back straight. And Somi – noona spoke again. "Anyway, we won't take any more of your time. We're actually headed home."
"Yes, we'll be going ahead of you guys." Haru – noona added.
"Have a good night." Feng Jiu – noona interjected quietly.
They bowed again and went on their way.
Once they were out of sight, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"Okay that was awkward." Hobi – hyung chirped a little too cheerily.
"Awkward is an understatement Hobi. It felt like Death's gloom just passed by." Suga – hyung commented dryly.
Jin – hyung looked at me. "You better get that plan into action Jungkookie or else every time we meet with Y/N and the girls, it'll be like winter froze over."
I sighed. "Aish hyung. I know. I'm working on it."
They entered their dance studio and all worries were set aside as they focused entirely on work. Work was work and Hobi – hyung would be damned if we forget about that. It was mid – August. Our new album, Love Yourself : Her was due to be released in September and so everyone was in work mode. Well everyone except me.
Hobi – hyung was guiding us through the choreography for the title track 'DNA'. We finished rehearsing the MIC Drop choreo earlier which was fairly easy. This choreography? It looked complicated as hell, so I was trying to concentrate on him but then Noona's frosty glare kept reappearing on my mind, reminding me yet again that I still have to think about how to appease her, that I couldn't focus at all. By the time I was able to get myself together, Hobi – hyung was done doing the demo and was looking at us expectantly.
Oh crap. Now we have to do it individually. Nice work, Jungkook.
As expected Jimin – hyung being the lead dancer was able to get most of the steps right. Hobi – hyung corrected him on his mistakes and went on his way. V – hyung came out alright with a few more instructions from Hobi – hyung. Even the dance monsters Jin – hyung, Namjoon – hyung and Suga – hyung were able to grasp some of the steps.
That's what you get for not being focused Jungkook!
Finally, Hobi – hyung stopped in front of me and grinned. "Okay Jungkookie, your turn."
I wracked my brain to remember some of the steps he showed us and managed to execute a poor attempt to Hobi – hyung's absolute shock.
"Jungkookie what's wrong? Didn't you watch closely earlier?" He asked in confusion
I rubbed my neck sheepishly. "Sorry hyung. I – I was a bit distracted."
"Aigoo, Jungkookie this is indeed a rare occurrence for you. You seldom get distracted at work."
I only grinned sheepishly at him in response.
Letting out a surprised sigh, he showed me the steps again and this time I willed myself to really focus.
When he was done, I executed the steps right and he gave me a thumbs up sign before standing in front of us again to guide us through the rest of the choreo.
"Yah, Jungkookie are you okay?" Jin – hyung who was beside me whispered.
"Yeah hyung. Sorry about that."
Namjoon – hyung beside him leaned forward to peek a glance at me. "You sure Kook? Maybe you need a break. We have been at it for a while now."
I shot him grateful look and he took the cue.
"Hobi! I think we should take a quick break." Namjoon – hyung called out to Hobi – hyung.
"Okay. Let's have a 10 – minute break." He clapped his hands together and each of us crawled to different sections of the room to slump against the wall and regain our breath.
I breathed deeply and wiped the sweat from my brow. I took a quick swig of water and breathed deeply once more. Once my body stopped dancing, my mind was in overdrive again. Thoughts of Noona plagued me once more. Appease her. Appease her.
Maybe I could give her flowers? Nah knowing her personality, she'll just hate them. Um, maybe I could take her out to eat? No we'll just risk being seen together! We can't afford a scandal! Think Jungkook, think!
The thing was, all the ideas I had were what will please a typical girl. And Noona was not your typical girl.
Sighing my in frustration, I bumped my head against the wall three times.
"Yah, Jungkookie are you really okay?" Namjoon – hyung placed a comforting hand on my shoulder with a worried expression.
"Hyung, what should I do? I can't think of anything that'll make Noona forgive me. Help me." I implored him.
He paused for a bit before a knowing glint entered his eyes and he smiled widely, showing his dimples.
"Guys," he called the rest of Bangtan. "We have an emergency. Gather around."
"B – but hyung we have practice. I'm sure it can wait later."
"No. Knowing you, you'll be beating yourself up until later. Let's just get this over with, okay?"
I nodded silently.
"Yo Namjoon – ah what's up?" Hobi – hyung arrived first with Suga – hyung, Jin – hyung, Jimin – hyung and V – hyung following behind him.
"Gather around you guys. I'm sorry Hobi – ya but can we postpone practice for a while? Jungkookie needs our help." Namjoon – hyung intoned in all seriousness.
He thought for a second. "Okay. No problem. What's the matter?"
"Jungkook wants our opinion on how placate a girl like Y/N."
The members of Bangtan hummed in understanding.
Jin – hyung spoke up. "What have you come up with Jungkookie?"
I licked my dry lips before speaking. "Well I came up with giving her flowers and taking her out to eat, both of which got trashed because one Noona doesn't like flowers and two taking her out for a meal will expose us both."
The hyungs nodded in understanding. A thought – filled silence filled the room as my hyungs put their heads together.
Suddenly, Jin – hyung started shouting excitedly.
"What is it hyung?"
"You should cook for her! She loves to eat doesn't she? Cook some of her favorite food. I'm sure the effort you've put into it will warm her frozen heart."
"Wah hyung I was thinking the same thing! Kook – ah you should try that!" V – hyung interjected.
I nodded thoughtfully as a slow grin enveloped my face.
That could work! Noona is a big foodie! I could cook the jajangmyeon she loves so much.
"Thanks Jin – hyung. I'll keep that in mind. I might need a bit of your help with the cooking though." I grinned at him and he nodded triumphantly.
"No problem. I'll help with that."
I looked to the rest of Bangtan meaningfully. After a few minutes, some of them threw the towel. "Sorry Kookie. My experience with girls is sorely limited. I got nothing." Jimin – hyung sighed. I grinned at him reassuredly.
"I got nothing too. Sorry Jungkookie. I'll just treat you out to lamb skewers, some other time." Suga – hyung said. I gave him a thumbs up.
That left Hobi – hyung and Namjoon – hyung. I turned to them expectantly.
Hobi – hyung gripped his chin as he tilted his head to the side. "Well I've always found making someone laugh an effective way to calm them down. So I guess I would suggest cracking a joke or two."
That would be a stretch considering she doesn't even wanna see me, let alone talk to me. But any idea is a good idea so I just thanked Hobi – hyung for his input.
I glanced at Namjoon – hyung.
"Honestly Jungkookie, I say find a way to corner her and just talk it out with her. No disagreement goes unsolved through talking. I know it's hard with her refusing to even be in the same space as you, but I think you're creative enough to figure something out. Just talk to her, alright?"
I nodded slowly, processing all this. If all the ideas fail, talking is indeed the best solution. I locked eyes with hyung and smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, hyung."
He beamed, his dimples deepening his cheeks. "You're welcome, Jungkookie." Then he had his serious leader mode on. "Now that we've settled that issue, let's go back to practice."
"Ne!" we chorused in response.
We spent the rest of the night practicing DNA and Best of Me, another track from the album. In no time, I was back to my old self, deeply immersed in my dancing mastering the choreographies in record time. Hobi – hyung clapped my back with pride.
We went home at 1am, exhausted but feeling very much fulfilled. I collapsed in bed, my mind excited with the possibilities.
Just you wait Noona. You'll be my friend again.
The next days were spent with what I called "Operation Noona". In between dance and vocal rehearsals to prepare for the next comeback, I was also carrying out my hyungs suggestions. I started out with Jin – hyung's suggestion. In one of our rare days off, he helped me with cooking Noona's favorite jajangmyeon. When the noodles were transferred and sealed into a neat blue plastic container, Jin – hyung put his arm around me and intoned. "I wish you the jajangmyeon of luck." He burst into a fit of windshield wiper laughter while I looked at him in confusion. "Get it? jajangmyeon of luck because this is the best jajangmyeon…" At my confused expression he promptly stopped laughing. "Aish, forget it. May the food gods be in your favor."
The next day, I set out to give the food to Noona. I pasted a little sticky note on top that said. "Noona, I hope you'll have your fill. I'm really sorry. –Jungkookie" and left the container in the dance room that they'll be practicing in.
I came back later that day to the dance room to find only the three Noonas and my Noona missing.
"Sorry Jungkookie but Y/N went ahead. Again." Somi – noona informed me.
"By the way, your jajangmyeon was delicious. Unfortunately, Y/N didn't have a bite, saying she wasn't hungry and gave them to us instead. I'm so sorry."
She smiled sadly and I felt my hopes deflate once again. Shaking myself off from gloom, I smiled back at her.
"It's okay Noona. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it. I guess I should have to try harder, eh?"
She smiled sadly at me then, a glimmer in her eyes that I quite couldn't place but that I often saw in Jin – hyung's eyes. Maybe it's the intuition of being the eldest. I don't really know.
"By the way, Mi Kyung – unni told us that you have an album coming out. Congratulations! I'm sure it's going to be another success."
"Thank you Noona. I hope we do well. We don't want to let ARMY down."
"Don't worry. You never do."
I waved goodbye to her and to the rest of the Noonas and went to my vocal practice.
The day after, I carried out Hobi – hyung's advice. I sent a card with a very funny joke that Hobi – hyung and I came up with. It said:
Dear Noona,
What has 2 wings and a halo?
A Korean telephone, Wing-wing, halo?
I hope you had a good laugh. I know I did. Again I'm so so so sorry.
Sincerely,
Jungkookie
Later that day, I got a text from Haru – Noona.
Hi Jungkook,
It's Haru – noona. Your card was lovely and very funny! We had a good laugh. Sadly, the moment it was delivered by post, Y/N plopped it into my hands and refused to read it. I'm so sorry. Our maknae is being excessively stubborn. We don't know what else to do with her. Maybe we should crack her skull open and knock some sense into that mule – headed brain of hers, eh?
Sorry again
Haru – noona
At this point I was ready to give up. No one can beat Noona's stubbornness, not even me. Then I grew angry. How dare she make me go through all this trouble? Were all the sorrys I sent and said not enough? With newfound fury and determination, I planned to carry out my last resort. Namjoon – hyung's suggestion has to work.
Watch out Noona, your real nightmare has come.
Three days after our initial planning for "Operation Noona", I carried out my last plan with the help of Namjoon – hyung, Jin – hyung, Somi – noona and Haru – noona. (Feng Jiu – noona refused to help me and said that Noona will forgive me on her own time and terms.)
It was during one of our rest days, 2 weeks before the release of the album. We were gathered in one of many practice rooms in BigHit. The girls were on a break from their dance practice so Somi – noona and Haru – noona sneaked away for a while.
"So talk with Noona, how do I do that?" I asked the small group.
"I thought about that and came up with an idea last night." Somi – unni announced with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
"Really? What is it Noona?" Namjoon – hyung asked curiously.
She looked at each of us in the eye. "We kidnap her." Then she cackled evilly.
"Kidnap? Are you serious?" Jin – hyung looked shocked.
"Of course I am. I never joke about these things." Noona looked affronted.
"Okay. What type of kidnapping are we talking about here?" I asked dubiously.
"I'm talking about American Hustle Life kidnapping. You guys remember your own kidnapping right?"
Our eyes widened in realization at what she was hinting at before Jin – hyung broke out in a fit of windshield – wiper laughter.
"Aigoo, that is a brilliant idea! That would work for sure!" He said in between breaths before laughing even harder. Namjoon – hyung and I chuckled as well. It was brilliant if not a little devious.
Somi – noona smiled evilly. "Once you kidnap her. Tie her up and gag her then just say whatever you want to her. She has to hear your side of the story. And frankly, someone has to nip her stubbornness in the bud before it gets even more out of hand."
Haru – noona smirked evilly beside her. "Don't worry Mi – Kyung unni is in on this so we don't have to worry about getting in trouble with PD – nim."
Whoa. It looked like these two had planned better than I thought.
Namjoon – hyung shook his head in mirth. "I never knew you had an evil, sadistic side Somi – noona."
Somi – Noona sighed. "It only comes out when it needs to. And trust me, there is a need. Y/N has been so closed off lately, she barely talks to any of us." She turned to me. "You guys need to settle this tonight. We've already worked out everything with Mi Kyung – unni. We got the materials ready. Just be here tonight after our practice." She looked each of us straight in the eye then placed her hand out for a group huddle. "Call?" The three of us looked at each other and grinned wickedly. "Call!"
That night we hid by the shadows near the entrance and exit to Big Hit. We were all wearing black from head to toe and masks covered over faces to hide our identities. We looked like kidnappers.
"You guys ready?" Namjoon – hyung whispered beside me as he looked at me and at Jin – hyung across from us. Somi – noona and Haru – noona were in the getaway car.
"Ready." Jin – hyung and I chorused quietly.
I gripped the white sweet – smelling cloth in my hand while Jin – hyung readied a blindfold. Suddenly, Noona appeared in front of the building with Feng Jiu – noona a few feet behind her. Quick as a flash, we jumped from our hiding spot and pounced on her.
"Hey! What are you-" she started before Jin – hyung went behind her and blindfolded her quickly.
"Who are you?! Feng Jiu – unni help mph- "
Whatever she was about to say was cut off as I quickly gagged her and pinned her arms behind her back. She fought valiantly, but it was all in vain as she slowly went limp and eventually lost consciousness in my arms. The three of us nodded at each other and at Feng Jiu – noona who nodded grimly at us.
A loud screech assailed my ears as the van went to a halt in front of us.
A determined – looking Haru – noona slid open the door, with Somi – noona behind the wheel.
"Get in."
I swung Noona behind my back like a sack of potatoes and got in the car. Namjoon – hyung and Jin – hyung settled in on either side of me. Then with a loud slam of the car, we were off.
I looked at Noona who was unconscious beside me.
I'm sorry Noona.
Author's Note: Desperate times call for desperate measures. And Jungkook was desperate. .
How did you like the update? Like it? Love it? Hate it? I'd really love to hear your comments. They're honestly what inspire me to move forward with this story.
In other news omg COMEBACK SEASON IS HERE. AND IT'S MY FIRST COMEBACK AND I THINK I JUST LOST MY MIND AND OMGG JUNGKOOK'S INTRO IS OOOMF SO AMAZING. *fangirls even harder* I HONESTLY THINK BIGHIT IS GONNA KILL US ALL THIS TIME AROUND.
Until next time, annyeong! 3