Us, Against The World | Taekook

11. New Year(2013)

A bit long chapter than usual, making up for my late updates! Im so sorry my lovely lovelies 😭 ♥️
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The dorm had a strange energy tonight. Despite everyone being worn down from a grueling day, it was impossible to escape the low hum of activity that filled every corner. Yoongi had wedged himself into a quiet spot in the bedroom, pen scratching lightly against his notebook, brows furrowed as he worked through lyrics. His patience was wearing thin, though, with the ruckus spilling from the common area.

"Stop it! We watched MTV last weekend! Now it's M Countdown!" Jimin's voice, high-pitched and whining, broke through the dorm, followed by the sound of him scrambling to grab the remote from Taehyung.

Taehyung, sprawled out on the floor, held the remote far from Jimin's reach, a mischievous grin lighting up his tired face. "Not my fault your arms are short, jimine," he teased, showing off a victory smirk before sticking his tongue out for good measure.

Jungkook, quiet as usual, leaned against the wall nearby, watching the scene with mild interest. He didn't often join in these playful arguments yet-still feeling a bit like an outsider looking in. But he couldn't help a small smile as Jimin jumped at Taehyung again, muttering something about "giants" and "unfair advantages." Taehyung laughed, warm and free, the kind of laugh that made the tension of the day ease a little.

In that moment, Taehyung looked over, catching Jungkook's gaze with a curious tilt of his head. He held out the remote as if offering it to him. "Jungkook-ah, M Countdown or MTV?"

Jungkook blinked, surprised to be pulled into the chaos. He shifted, feeling a bit on the spot, but his voice came out steady. "Uh...M Countdown?"

Jimin pumped his fist in victory, and Taehyung let out a dramatic sigh, flopping onto the floor, defeated. Jungkook's quiet laugh slipped out before he could stop it, and the smile Taehyung shot him then was something Jungkook would remember for a long time.

Namjoon ran a hand through his damp hair, feeling a slight chill as he took the towel from Jin and dried off. The dorm was a little more settled now, the maknae line's playful bickering quieting down as he cleared his throat, catching their attention.

"Alright, guys," Namjoon began, glancing over at Yoongi, who was still tucked into his corner, notebook open on his lap. "There's something Yoongi hyung, Hobi, and I have been working on for a few days now." His tone was steady but carried an unmistakable weight, something that immediately shifted the room's energy.

Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung exchanged curious glances before they turned back to Namjoon, their expressions attentive. there was a spark of interest now, especially with Hoseok sitting beside Namjoon, his usually bright expression now serious. It was rare for him to be like this, and they knew that whatever they were about to discuss was important.

"Turn off the TV, Jiminie," Hoseok added, his voice calm. Jimin gave a quick nod, switching off the TV and sitting down next to Taehyung, who folded his legs beneath him, leaning forward slightly.

One by one, they all gathered in a loose circle, Yoongi looked up from his notebook, gaze meeting Namjoon's, He closed his notebook but kept it in his lap, fingers tapping on the cover as if grounding himself for what they were about to share.

Namjoon took a deep breath, looking at each of them in turn. "We've been working on some new ideas for the album. It's... different ... But we believe in it. And we need all of you to believe in it too."

"We do, moon-ah," Jin said, voice steady. "As you said before, we have to trust each other if we want to make it to our dreams." Jin's calm smile and encouraging words broke through the tension, bringing a bit of comfort to everyone.