BTS - The Eighth Member

Diet

A/N: This chapter references unhealthy relationships with food, if that may trigger you I advise you skip this chapter. I have tried to approach this in a respectful manner. I did my best.

Our Wings album rocketed us into international fame, and now, with the looming prospect of a new comeback, we knew we had to beat ourselves, to show foreign Army just why they decided to join us on this journey.

So that's why, after Bang PD-nim's consultation, we decided it best for me to return to my pre-debut diet for this comeback, so I could present the best version of myself.

All the guys had been working to tone their bodies, but for me it was a little bit different. I just had to drop the weight, which is easier said than done.

I'd been getting up extra early to get in a workout before dance practice, and Yoongi had confronted me a few times about skipping breakfast, but I assured him I was fine.

I was not fine.

Not eating until two or maybe three in the day was leaving me exhausted, and when I did eat I kept it to small portion sizes, recommended from some online articles. It left me forgetful and stumbling over dance moves, but the worst I had ever felt it was today.

"Hana," The choreographer stopped the music for the third time, "What is up with you today? I know this isn't like you."

"Sorry." I apologised running my hands through my hair, "One more time and I'll get it. I'm so sorry." I turned back to the guys, showing my regret.

"Take a break for five, all of you." The choreographer informed, "When you come back, we'll keep our heads screwed on and get this choreo down okay?"

I collapsed onto a yoga mat at the back of the room, breathing intensely. I'd already been to the gym this morning and my legs were burning, plus I'd skipped breakfast and it was now pushing five in the evening.

"Here." Taehyung appeared above me, handing me a bottle of water, "You need it."

"Gee, thanks." I rolled my eyes, but took it off him. Quickly he sat across from me, eyeing me closely.

"You sure you're okay Hana?" He asked.

"Fine." I smiled, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because I know you're not eating properly." He paused, "And I know you've been doing extra gym sessions than the rest of us."

"Where did you get that idea from?" I laughed, trying to play it off. The guys always worried about my eating habits after what happened not long after our debut. But I constantly told them I was okay. They never listened.

"Your cereal box is still almost full." Tae answered sheepishly, "Yoongi-Hyung has told us every time he's noticed you skip breakfast. You know I'm a light sleeper, I've heard you leaving the dorm early in the morning."

"It's nothing I shouldn't be doing." I shrugged, standing up as the choreographer came back into the studio, ready to start practice again, "I'm only trying to put our best foot forward for our new international Army."

Tae grabbed my wrist as I returned to my place, "This isn't the way to do it."

Ignoring him, I powered my way through the rest of the practice, doing my best to keep up with the choreo. I seemed to be doing an okay job, as the choreographer had quit stopping the music every three seconds to correct me.

After another hour of practice he finally let us go, and I felt like my legs were about to give out underneath me. By this stage my stomach was making audible growling noises, and even I had decided it was time to eat.

"Take-out on me!" Jungkook announced as we made our way back to the dorm. Namjoon had come up with the brilliant idea to order the food on our way there, so we could meet it at the door. Jungkook offered to pay.

"I- I can't." I sighed. Take-out was so greasy and fattening. I knew I could whip up something healthier in our own kitchen.

"Come on H," Jimin clapped my shoulder, "Today was tough, plus it's a Friday, Fridays were made for fast food."

"Jimin." I gave him an icy glare, "I just can't."

He put his hands up in surrender, leaving me to my own devices as we entered the dorm. I'd told them to leave me out of the fast food order, and as they unpacked it I wish they didn't.

Usually, we all ate together, but today I just couldn't. I grabbed an apple from the cupboard and slumped off to my room, away from the temptations of the guys.

I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling sorrowfully, "If you could just lose the weight faster you'd be able to enjoy the food with your friends." I muttered, tossing the apple up and down.

After 20 minutes of my inner voice ruining my self confidence, a quiet knock appeared at the door.

"It's open." I sighed.

Jin's face poked through the door, "Can we talk?"

"About what?" I sat up, the uneaten apple still in my lap.

"What did you eat today?" He gently sat across from me, criss crossed on my bed.

"I had a nutrient bar and..." I stumbled on my words, "This apple."

"I thought you promised us you wouldn't do this again." Jin's eyes softened.

"I'm not." I shook my head, "I promise I'm not as bad as I was pre-debut."

"Kid," He spoke, "You're one of my best friends, like my little sister, you gotta tell me when somethings up."

"I know. And I will." I assured, "But I'm fine. I just want to lose a couple of pounds to look good for our new Army."

"But you already look good."

"You have to say that." I scoffed.

"I don't." He grabbed my hand, "I really don't. But I think it's the truth. You don't see the humour and beauty and grace that everyone else sees in you."

"Sometimes I don't even think that it's there." I hung my head.

Without warning he pulled me into a hug, warmly I returned it, gripping his shirt tightly. It was the most ferocious hug Jin had ever given me, but it meant more than he could ever put into words.

"I love you kid, we all do." He mumbled into my shoulder, "We'll help you through this. You can do this comeback without becoming unhealthy, there's better ways to present yourself."

"Thank you." My voice came out hoarse, "I love you too."

A/N: I hope hope hope, I presented this properly. Hana does not have an eating disorder, but I wanted to showcase how sometimes people can have an unhealthy relationship with food for a short period of time and how proper support and encouragement from those they love to get healthier, is better than just saying, 'Oh eat more.' I think I got my point across, at least I hope so, let me know what you think. See you next time :)