a lesson in endearment | bts

001 - Jungkook

"2,3! Bang! Tan! Thank you!" The seven members bowed at the staff before making their way toward the dressing room where they would change back into their regular clothing.

"Jungkook, do you feel more satisfied with this shoot than the last one? I know you felt as though you had many shortcomings." Hosoek asked the maknae as he placed a checkered shirt over his white t-shirt. Jungkook was still for a moment as he thought through the shoot before nodding minimally.

"I think this one was better." Hoseok smiled at him and continued tying the laces on his trainers.

"Everyone, if you could gather round. I need to make an announcement." The manager called from the doorway. The seven members and all the staff in the room moved a little closer.

"As you know, we held a competition for seven fans to meet BTS backstage at their next concert. I have with me now the profiles of those fans. Staff, would you be so kind as to set up an area where the members can meet the fans? The room with the large television possibly? It'll also be their resting space before and after the concert. You're free to begin planning. Thank you." The staff all murmured their acknowledgement and filed out of the room. The members stood waiting. There was probably more.

"Since this is your first time meeting fans in a more intimate place than fansigns, I want you to feel comfortable. We have profiles of the fans, if you wish to get an idea of what they're like before you meet them. Each fan entered a seperate contest for each member. You don't have to worry about being ignored or bombarded. If you have any questions, I'm around, alright?"

"Thank you." The members bowed to him and went back to gathering their things.

"I wonder what they'll be like." Jimin mused as he wore his snapback.

"Probably really shy." Yoongi commented. Jungkook looked around at his hyungs. How could they be so calm when they were going to intimately meet their seven fans in two days? There would be so much potential for something to go wrong. He blew out a frustrated breath, gathered his things and made his way to the car waiting to take them home.

*~*~*

He walked slowly, in no rush as he made his way to tbe park bench where he always sat when thinking deeply about something. This intimate meet and greet, what if the person he got was overly familiar? That would be so uncomfortable, but what if she was way too distant or shallow? How would he cope with dealing with her and still perform to his best? Assuming his selected fan was a 'she' anyway. Oh god, what if it was a dude? How would he have to act? Like he did with the hyungs? Like he does with the fans?

He leant his elbows on his knees and sighed, before quieting when he heard the sniffs coming from beside him. There was another person on the bench and he hadn't even noticed? He made to leave but something about the sound made him feel as though the person needed company, even if it from was a complete stranger.

Looking over at her, he took note of how comfortable and simple her clothes were compared to many of the girls he saw around nowadays.

"Excuse me? Are you alright?" He asked, sliding closer to hear her over the noise, but still keeping his distance. She moved her head, the movement shifting her hair so he could see her anxious hazel eyes. Contacts? She was fiddling with a small phone, looking at it instead of him as she nodded.

"Really? I don't think you are. Or perhaps you're crying out of joy?" Jungkook prodded, not knowing why he didn't just leave her alone. He wasn't usually this familiar with girls. She smiled bitterly.

"I, er, I'm new to the city. I was planning to go somewhere tomorrow but I just saw some people who were talking about going to the same place and the clothes that they have are far more eye-catching than my own. I don't want to shame my family by not being presentable." Jungkook inspected her more closely. She had a fair sized nose and hair that only reached the base of her neck. Her eyes were quite wide and her mouth had a plump lower lip. In fact, she was very pretty. Her clothes were the only thing out of place, and even then, he kind of liked it.

"I don't know what type of place you're going to but there's a street off of the main road to the left. If you walk straight for about two minutes, there are these nice-looking shops that sell women's items, and I don't think they're too expensive either. "

For the first time since he'd spoken to her, she looked him directly in the eye.

"Thank you." Her whisper held so much gratitude that he had to look away before he smiled back at her and rose to his feet.

"No problem. I hope you have fun wherever you're going." He paused and turned back when she started speaking.

"I'm going to meet someone famous. I think it'll be a nice time. But I'm not sure how to introduce myself. My sister says I should be confident, but mom says I need to be polite." He blinked at her. Someone famous?

"What's your name? Maybe I can give you a few pointers."

"Really?" Her eyes widened. Jungkook nodded.

"My name is Kim Daye."

"Great. You're already there." Her eyes widened and he could see that she was holding back her surprised laughter.

"What? Seriously?"

"Yep, whoever it is, young or old will be happy with that. If you really need to, you can add a formality at the end, but that's it. You sound fine. I'm sorry, but I really must excuse myself. I need to get home."

He added after a pause, "you should too. It's getting dark, and it isn't safe for ladies to be walking around late at night by themselves." She nodded softly at him and he could see the beginnings of a smile on the corner of her mouth. He bowed and began walking away.

"Thanks again!" She called from behind him. He didn't turn back, but grinned to himself as he continued walking.