before you love me | jjk

chapter forty-seven

━━━༻ ˚✩‧₊ february 2021₊‧✩˚༺━━━

"We are very happy....to be here today."

From the other side of the screen, Narae gave Jungkook an encouraging smile and gestured for him to continue, "Mhm, go on..."

"And we will... put an amazing show... for ARMY."

"That was perfect well done!" Narae beamed at him as she propped the camera higher so he could see her better, "If you can, try to say "put on an amazing show" instead of "put an amazing show."

"Put on an amazing show. Put on an amazing show. Put on an amazing show." Jungkook repeated to himself with his brows furrowed in concentration.

"Don't stress too much about it though, it's still clear what you're trying to say." Narae reassured him. "Did you want to go over any other phrases?"

The two of them were currently on a video call together, going over English phrases and answers to use ahead of the Grammy Awards that night. Typically they'd be together, but there was an issue with their hotel bookings which meant that BTS and Narae were in separate hotels for their stay in Los Angeles.

They were already planning on arriving separately to the venue anyway, so it didn't impede on their plans too much. They had also already performed at the Sofi Stadium, so the Grammy's were the last stop in the North American leg before they hit Europe. It was an irritating setback, but a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.

"I think that's fine for now. If I try to memorize anymore answers I'll just mess it up – I'm already nervous enough." Jungkook ran a hand over his face before rubbing the joint connecting his neck and shoulder. 

"You'll do great Koo, I promise." Narae watched him massage the area, her brows pinching in worry. "You okay? You've been rubbing that area a lot lately. Have you been resting enough?"

"No time to rest, you know how it is." Jungkook sent her a rueful smile, "It's fine, I just think I pulled it a little when I stayed behind to practice yesterday."

"Haven't you been staying late to practice all week? And you've been going to the gym as well right? I don't want you overworking yourself." The concern in her tone was clear. Even through the screen he looked tired, dark circles under his eyes that she knew weren't there before.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine!" Jungkook sent her a bright smile that only marginally eased her worries. "I just want things to be perfect. I don't mind being a little worn out to do so."

Perfect. There was that word again. He seemed to be using it a lot lately in reference to his activities. Cutting down on eating so he looked perfect. Practicing endlessly so his performances were perfect. Continuous vocal runs so he sounded perfect. Narae was beginning to get worried.

"You know things don't have to be perfect all the time Koo? Making mistakes here and there won't hurt anyone."

"I know, I know!" His grin didn't dim in the slightest. "Hey, stop looking so upset. I'll be fine, I'm used to it. This is how I usually am when it comes to touring."

A lie.

Jungkook was working way harder than he ever had before. But even though he was struggling slightly with his new self-imposed schedule, he didn't want Narae to have any indication that it was taking a toll on him.