𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃: 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀. | 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘬𝘪 [✔]

Chapter 4: Persona(l)

hello to everyone who's still reading this mess of a story xd *does the Theresa May meme walk*
How is everyone doing? I hope you're all healthy and safe baking banana bread at home haha :)
As for me, I've been quite occupied with school lately so apologies for the lack of content. This chapter was originally supposed to continue with where I left off with my Sunki story, however, I ended up focusing more on Jaywon so look forward to the next chapter if you're here for some Sunki! ;)
happy reading!

"I think it's a time where individual capabilities are just as important to the group. So, I think that's why I keep practising. Well, uh, that's pretty much all I have, nothing special. That's it for today's video diary. See you soon, bye!"

With that, Jay waved at the camera once more before covering the lens with his hand, leaving nothing but a black void for his future viewers to see. Behind the device, his manager gave him an approving nod. "You're slowly getting the hang of this, way more natural than last time." The man took another glance at the recording, his inspecting eyes taking in each detail of Jay's performance the company tried to sell as a personal check-in. The intensity of his stare made Jay gulp in nervosity.

"Yeah, that's a wrap! But try smiling more next time, you've been pretty tight today. Remember, we're all smiles here, right? That goes especially for you".

Trying to find something in those words that didn't make him feel sick, Jay let his gaze wander towards the excessively huge poster of BTS's Jhope that Niki had hung up a few weeks prior, announcing that on days Sunoo wasn't around, he would be the one keeping their spirits high.

We're all smiles here. He forced himself to put one on his lips, the action feeling like someone trying to squeeze a mask on his face that simply didn't fit. Especially me.

"Right. Got it", he replied eventually, standing up to carefully put the utensils he had used to write his script earlier back into their initial place. "I'm gonna head off then, Jungwon mentioned he wants to cook tonight so I'll better hurry and make sure nothing is burning yet."

His manager responded with a deep laugh that almost sounded fatherly. "Do what you gotta do, I've heard he's been practising though, so don't get your hopes up". At Jay's dumbfounded expression, he just chuckled. "I'm very much informed about the challenge between the two of you. Believe it or not, but I was young too once". He winked before putting on his raincoat.

As of late, Seoul had been plagued with what might well have been God's sign to tell people to stop working too hard, although no one took great notice of it. Most likely because everyone was too busy working too hard.

When he was about to open the door, his manager turned around one last time. "And don't be too harsh on yourself, boy. You sure have the tendency".

The words made Jay's eyes burn with a sensation he couldn't pinpoint. "I'll try my best, sir. Thank you", he replied earnestly, bowing slightly as the older man left the room.