Love Me Again...

Chapter 14: FRI(END)S

As they made their way to their cars, Jin, Joon and Tahee were the first ones to leave. Jungkook saw Tae headed towards Jimin's car and caught up to him. When he was close enough, he whispered, "Tae hyung, can you please ride with me?" For some reason being around Tae helped him relax and he wanted to be around him just a little while longer. "Sure Kook!" Tae replied much to Jungkook's relief. Tae informed Jimin that he would be traveling with Jungkook so Hobi decided to give Jimin company. Hobi asked his driver to go directly to the venue. Jimin and Hobi were the second ones to leave which left Jungkook and Tae. "Are you still nervous Kook?" Tae asked, noticing Jungkook's trembling hands. "Yes. Very much so," he meekly replied, "I just can't seem to calm myself. I'm just so afraid that I'm going to mess up and ruin everything!" Tae immediately responded by placing his hand on Jungkook's shoulder and assured him, "You've done such an amazing job so far. I'm confident that you'll do wonderfully tonight. Kook, you're not alone! We are all with you, okay? Let's get going before Jin hyung starts rapping!" That comment earned a small smile from Jungkook.

A quick drive later, everyone arrived at the venue. They all met at the start of the red carpet only to be greeted by Soobin. He directed Jin, Joon and Jungkook to the media area for their question and answer session before the arrival of guests. Jimin, Tae and Tahee followed them and quietly observed the interview from the sidelines. "Let's stay here and watch quietly," Tae instructed Tahee as he picked him up. Hobi left to check on Yeonjun and Jackson. Jungkook was nervous at the start but started to feel more relaxed since Jin and Joon stayed by his side the entire time. Tae and Tahee repeatedly gave Jungkook encouraging thumbs up signs after he answered each question. When the interview was over Tahee went to Jin and Soobin guided all of them to a green room beside the banquet hall. As soon as they got into the room, Tae hugged Jungkook saying, "You did so well! I'm so proud of you!" Jin and Joon chimed in, "Kook, you're a natural!" Jungkook nodded and smiled while Tahee hugged his knees. "Kook, you're doing so much better!" Jimin exclaimed, "You're handling this better than the SNU showcase!" "It's all because of all of you," Jungkook stated looking around the room, "All of you believed in me and gave me so much strength. Thank you!"

A few minutes later, Soobin texted Jin informing them of the arrival of the guests. "I guess that's our cue. Let's go Tahee," Jin informed the group, "Kook, you don't need to come out at this time. I'll send you a message a few minutes before we need you out there." Jin, Joon and Tahee made their way to the banquet hall to start greeting guests. After they left, Jungkook took a moment to relax. He leaned back on the couch, closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Although the media interaction was done, he still had to address the attendees and that was making him very anxious. Jimin noticed his tense posture and nudged Tae towards him before stepping out of the room with the excuse of looking for the restroom. "Kook, you okay?" Tae gently asked as he sat beside him on the couch. "Hmm," Jungkook hummed before slowly opening his eyes and turning towards Tae, "Aren't you performing this evening? Goodness! I completely forgot to ask you if you wanted to rehearse your song!" "Relax Kook," Tae said, trying to calm Jungkook, "I'll be ok. I've sang this song several times and I practiced last night."

"I am so sorry, Tae hyung!" Jungkook muttered, "I should be taking care of you instead you're here taking care of me." Tae smiled and replied, "Don't apologize Kook. We're friends. That's what friends do." "What do friends do?" Jimin inquired as he stepped into the room. "Friends take care of each other, no questions asked," Tae answered. 'You're slowly becoming more than a friend to me Tae hyung,' Jungkook thought to himself as he smiled in appreciation at Tae and Jimin, 'I really hope you feel the same way about me too.' A few minutes later, Jin texted the group and informed them that they should start making their way out to the main hall. Jimin and Tae gave Jungkook a thumbs up as they made their way out. Soobin spotted them and led them towards the main stage where Jin and Joon were waiting. Tae and Jimin took their seats at the table with Hobi and Tahee. Soobin and Jackson started the evening off by thanking the attendees. They then handed over the stage to Jin, Joon and Jungkook. Even though Jungkook was nervous, he did a good job with his speech and managed to convey his passion and sincerity. "Appa, Dada and Kokkie look so handsome on stage, don't they?" Tahee cutely commented earning approving nods from everyone at the table.