Beneath the Spotlight

03

Morning After the Race*

(4:00 am, Jungkook's Residence)

Jungkook stumbled through his front door, exhausted and intoxicated. He collapsed onto his bedroom floor, still wearing his racing attire, minus the helmet. His phone, on silent mode, lay ignored.

(Next morning, 10:00 am, BTS Dorm)

RM, concerned, tried calling Jungkook repeatedly. No answer.

RM (to Jimin): "Jungkook's not picking up. Something's wrong."

Jimin: "Try again. Maybe he's sleeping."

RM (to J-Hope): "Still no response. I'm going to his place."

(RM arrives at Jungkook's residence)

RM entered Jungkook's home using the shared passcode.

RM: (to himself) "What's going on, Kook?"

He approached Jungkook's bedroom, finding the door slightly ajar.

RM pushed the door open.

Inside, Jungkook lay motionless on the floor, still in his racing outfit.

RM rushed to his side.

RM: (alarmed) "Kook! What happened?"

Bam playing in the backyard, remained oblivious.

RM gently shook Jungkook awake.

RM: "Kook, wake up! What's going on?"

Jungkook stirred, groggily opening his eyes.

Jungkook: (hoarsely) "RM... what time?"

RM: "10 am. I was worried sick. Why didn't you answer?"

Jungkook rubbed his temples.

Jungkook: (weakly) "Sorry... late night. Needed sleep."

RM's concern lingered.

RM: "You okay? This isn't like you."

Jungkook forced a smile.

Jungkook: "Yeah... just tired."

RM: (to himself) "Time for drastic measures."

RM headed to the kitchen, filling a cup with water.

RM (returning): "Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!"

RM poured water on Jungkook's face.

Jungkook jolted awake.

Jungkook: (groggily) "RM... what the-?"

RM laughed.

RM: "You reek of alcohol and exhaustion. What happened?"

Jungkook rubbed his temples.

Jungkook: (weakly) "Racing tournament... lost to Ava."

RM raised an eyebrow.

RM: "Ava? New rival?"

Jungkook nodded.

Jungkook: "Fastest woman I've ever seen."

RM grinned.

RM: "Details, Kook. I want everything."

Jungkook recounted the events: the tournament, Ava's skills and his shocking defeat.