Time Travel

4

As they go back to practice, Kiyo finds herself standing in the corner, watching them work. Their movements are sharp and precise, but the joy she expected to see is buried beneath the surface. They're young and talented, but they're also tired and overwhelmed.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hoseok asks quietly as he takes a sip from his water bottle, noticing her stillness. "You look worried."

"I'm fine," she reassures him, though she feels anything but fine. "It's just... I didn't expect this."

He nods, his expression softening. "Yeah, it's not easy. But we have each other, and that helps."

Kiyo smiles at his optimism but can't shake the feeling of unease. She wishes she could take their burdens away, to let them be the carefree boys she loves. But they're not just idols but real people, working hard to achieve their dreams.

As they continue to practice, Kiyo decides she'll support them however she can. "If you ever need someone to talk to or just someone to hang out with, I'm here," she offers, her voice sincere.

Hoseok grins, the sparkle returning to his eyes. "Thanks, Kiyo! That means a lot. Just being here is enough for us right now."

And even though her mind is swirling with questions, Kiyo feels a sense of purpose. She may not understand how she got here or what it all means, but she knows she wants to be a part of their journey, however that may look.

As the practice session goes on, she watches them, feeling a mix of admiration and heartbreak. She's finally here, but the reality of their struggles makes her realize that being a fan is more than just adoration-- it's about understanding the hard work and dedication that goes into making their dreams come true.

She watches as they practice. Once. Twice. It's five times until Jungkook cries out a howl of desperation.

"Kookie, what's wrong?" Hobi asks, concerned as to why the maknae is throwing a fit. Jungkook groans again, "I just can't get this step right. See, I have to twist my body like this right? I do this, but then my leg subconsciously swings itself and I end up hitting Jimin hyung on his butt." he whines. Jimin giggles, "Relax maknae." he says while ruffling his hair.

Jungkook folds his arms, "I can't. I need to get it right."

"You're being too hand on yourself Jungkookie, take a breather." Jimin suggests.

"No! I need to get it righ-"

"Alright, cut the crap." Yoongi groans, "What are we, toddlers? Kids in junior high? Is this teamwork? Why do you all keep fighting?" he snarls. Jungkook hides behind Namjoon while Jimin just sits down.

Namjoon walks forward, "Hyung, Kookie is just trying to improve. Please don't be hard on him." He says. Yoongi bites his lip, "Namjoonah, this really won't work. They keep fighting."

"Hyung they're kids! Of course they'll fight. You can't expect a 15 year old and 17 year old to not fight." Namjoon stands for them.

"Fuck," Yoongi curses, "They really put me in a band for this. We've been practicing for hours, dongsaeng, hours! And after all this, we fight. Do we reall-"

"Enough." Jin's authoritative voice rings out, "We're done practicing. Everyone drink some water and we're going for a walk with Kiyo."

Hoseok agrees, "Alright. Here's water for everyone. Jungkookie, sip by sip okay? Don't chug." he says and helps Jungkook get some water down his body. In 5 minutes, they're done drinking water and wiping their sweat off in towels. Hobi locks the studio and they all walk outside the small, packed building.