Us, Against The World | Taekook

6. Reconciliation

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"Mama..." Hoseok called out for his mother on the phone, sitting alone in the park, the darkness around him matching his mood.

"Dear? What happened?" His mother's voice was filled with worry.

"Mama... I-I... I'm tired.." he said, tears streaming down his face.

"Sweetie..." His mother’s voice was soft and comforting, though she could sense something was seriously wrong.

"They... they're expecting too much, Mom. This hard dancing is killing my body... I don't even know if we're going to debut! The company has literally nothing! There's no guarantee of a future here. I don't know if my hard work is going to pay off," he poured out his frustrations and fears, feeling the weight of his dreams crushing him.

After a moment of silence, his mother spoke gently, "My dear, do what you think is best for you. Just know I'm here even if no one else is. I will always support you, sweetie."

"I-I love you, Mama," Hoseok said, his voice trembling with emotion.

"I love you too, my dear. You mean the world to me," his mother replied with a warmth that made Hoseok feel a little more at ease.

Hoseok felt lighter after talking with his mom. He was always grateful for her, the person who believed in him unconditionally, working two jobs so he could chase his dream. He couldn't be more grateful for her unwavering support. he wiped his tears and get up.

It was the next Sunday, a rare off day, and everyone was lazing around the dorm. Jungkook and Jimin were studying in the bedroom when Hoseok walked in, having been gone for a while.

In the living room, Namjoon, Yoongi, and Taehyung were watching TV when Hoseok entered. Seeing him, the other three immediately sensed that something was wrong.

"Hey, Hobi? Are you okay?" Namjoon asked, concern evident in his voice. Yoongi and Taehyung also waited for an answer, their eyes fixed on Hoseok.

Hoseok looked at them, about to speak when Jungkook and Jimin entered as well. He looked at all of them, then took a deep breath before saying, "I'm leaving the group. I'm really sorry, guys..." He whispered the last part.

"What?!" Yoongi couldn't help but stand up, shock and disbelief written on his face. Everyone gathered around Hoseok, their expressions mirroring Yoongi's.

Hoseok lowered his head, his voice trembling. "I can't do this. This... this is going to take me nowhere! We don't even know when we are going to debut! I've been here for more than two years, and I still don't know a particular date!" His frustration and despair were palpable.

"Hoba, I-I understand you truly I do! But leaving after giving this much into this?" Namjoon said, placing a hand on Hoseok's shoulder.

"Is it better than giving more into this right?" Hoseok said, looking at them with teary eyes. "I'm sorry guys, but I really can't do this..."

No one said anything after that. They didn't want Hoseok to feel guilty for choosing what he thought was best for him. If he wanted to leave, they had to let him go.

"Please stay for the night," Taehyung said, wiping his eyes and giving Hoseok a small smile. In just a few days, they had lost two members of their group.

"Yes, please stay," Jimin said, holding Hoseok's hand.

Hoseok nodded. The night wore on, and they had dinner mostly in silence. Taehyung and Jimin tried to lighten the mood, but they eventually understood they had to let it be as it was.

"Have you talked with the company?" Yoongi asked, speaking for the first time since everything happened.

Hoseok gulped down his food and nodded. "Yes, I did before coming back..."