(BTS FF) Ending Green

twenty-nine ೋღ to be listened to, to be believed in

Riya's POV

I've spent two weeks at the cabin with my friends; they were the best two weeks I've had in years. Unfortunately, it's coming to an end.

"I know," I speak into the phone. "We're loading up everything now."

"This will be your first public appearance," Seic tells me, warning laced in his voice. "I know we've gone over this, but I can't stress how important this is. You need to stay calm and answer truthfully, but don't give all of the details. Keep it as easy and light as possible."

"Keep what Chansoo did to me light and easy," I respond, my sarcasm strong. "Sure. That's simple enough."

"Unless you want to cry on live television."

I deadpan. "I get it. Light and easy."

"I'm serious, Riya. I know that what happened was horrible, trust me, but when it comes to the press, they'll eat you up alive. It's important to say what you mean and not let the interviewers fluster you. Anything you say can and will be taken out of context."

"We practiced the possible questions."

"The possible ones—not the ones they might ask."

I sigh. "I know. I'll be on my guard."

When Seic first brought up the idea of going on one of the most watched talk shows as my first public appearance since court, I abhorred the idea vehemently. He persuaded me, but the final straw was how it could help my friend's public image when I spoke of them in a good light.

I agreed. They've been with me through the entire process and everything in between. This is the least I can do when I quite literally owe them my life.

"The rest of the team will see you once you arrive," he continues. "I'll see you soon."

I slip my phone into my pocket and take a deep breath.

My therapist is teaching me how to stay grounded. When I feel myself begin to dissociate, I need to look around and name a few things I can feel, see, and taste.

I look up to the sun. I can feel it and how unusually warm it is for the month of March. It's almost 60 degrees.

Is winter almost over? I hope so; I'm ready for Spring.

I can taste the air. I breathe it in and allow it to soothe my gut.

I dig my shoes into the dirt, and I don't dissociate.

Progress, I tell myself. Slow, but steady. Progress is progress, and that is good.

Taehyung exits the cabin, trudging the last suitcase behind him.

I catch his eye as he catches mine. His features are softer than usual.

I fold my arms across my chest as the wind decides to ripple through me.

"All set?" he asks. "Got everything you need?"

I nod, falling into stride beside him.

We near the car.

I glance at him. "I wish you all were coming with me."

He frowns. "I wish we could too, but we'll be watching. We'll be with you on the other side of the TV. Try to remember that."

"I will."

"Management is strange sometimes," he mumbles as he pops the trunk. "They want us to be seen together, but not yet. Not on live television. Their timing is weird."

"All of this is weird."

"I bet prison's weirder. Harsher."

This makes me smile. It feels strange to smile about that, maybe stranger than speaking about Chansoo on live television.