lucky to have found you.

part xiv. best reward.

"You're really killing it out there," Kim Namjoon comments as the group walks to the private dining space of the hotel, picking up a plate as they pretty much demolish the food on offer in the buffet, "... all your work has paid off."

The adrenaline is high within the team, still swimming on the hype of winning and making it to the final round next week that he can't even feel tired. It was all he'd ever wanted, and somehow, feeling Kim Namjoon's hand on his shoulder, complimenting him, made it feel so real. 

Jeon Jungkook remembers sitting on the living room floor watching a baseball match and dreaming about being there, playing for the country. He recalls the way he'd trained until midnight because his running times simply weren't up to standard with the other boys in his age group. There were many nights when he was alone in the field, practising his hits because he just needed it to be perfect.

He needed to be perfect, he'd given up too much to lose. 

Jeon Jungkook remembers the toxic fight he'd had with his father when he told him that he didn't want to pursue law. Anywho,  it was probably fat-fetched to begin with, since his grades were hardly considered great. That night, Jeon Jungkook went to his room crying and without dinner. His maid came in later with a plate of food, and he practically absorbed it in one go. 

"Prove them wrong, I know you can do it."

He needs to show his father that everything that happened, was for good reason, that his life was not wasted.

Jeon Jungkook's thoughts are interrupted by a nudge from Kim Taehyung, who was agitated at the fact that he'd stood in front of the braised beef a little too long. 

"Earth to Jungkook, I know you're lovesick but we still gotta eat," he teases, lightly pushing the younger man slightly so that he could gain better access to the food.

His heart drops. 

He knew it was only one more week before he could see her, but damn— he missed her so much. 

Jeon Jungkook tried not to be too obsessed, knowing that he really needed to concentrate on the last few games. For a while, he'd doubted his ability to even help bring the team to finals, but there they were, so close to gold. 

"Shut up, you're just jealous," Jeon Jungkook taunts back. 

"Untrue, and if I was, I'd probably steal her from you," Kim Taehyung wears a wide grin, knowing remembering how funny it was to see him jealous.

"Fuck off, focus on your batting," he curses playfully, rolling his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah," Kim Taehyung chuckles before they separate.

Soon, Kim Namjoon takes a seat next to him as they eat. 

"One last game and all of our dreams will come true," he comments, "... are you nervous?" 

"I will be," he responds, "...  but at this moment, I'm too happy from our win to feel anxiety."

Kim Namjoon smiles, nodding.

He has been there for him for most of his baseball career. In fact, although he didn't say it explicitly, he had a part in choosing him as the final member of the team.

"How's the misses?" He questions him curiously, "... have you told her about the win?" 

He shakes his head, "... not yet, I'll tell her when I get back to the room and showered. She's usually busy with clients at this time."

He wishes that she could be right there with him, but he knows, that she was an expert at her craft. Perhaps, that was one of the things he loved the most.