Love Begins at Jeju

8-the Power Four

After the group has finished their meal, Seokjin pulls Taehyung aside by the edge of the camp. The sounds of the other contestants drifting around the fire fade into the background as the two of them step away from the crowd.

“Taehyung,” Seokjin begins, his voice calm and steady. “I’ve been thinking. We have a good group, but we need more strength if we want to get further in this game.”

Taehyung looks at him, sensing that this is not just a casual comment. “What do you mean?” His voice drops low, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

Seokjin glances over his shoulder to make sure no one is listening, then speaks in a voice barely above a whisper. “I think we need to bring RM into our alliance.”

Taehyung furrows his brow in surprise. “RM? He’s a big player. Are you sure about that?”

Seokjin nods. “Yes, I’m sure. RM is strategic. He’s smart, and though he’s been keeping to himself for now, I can see that he’s starting to realize the power of alliances. If we can bring him in before he teams up with someone else, we can control the direction of this game.”

Taehyung considers this for a moment, his gaze drifting over to where RM is talking with Yoongi and Hoseok. The group appears casual, but there’s an undercurrent of tension between them—everyone knows that alliances are being tested.

“But how do we approach him?” Taehyung asks, still skeptical. “RM isn’t someone you can just pull in. He’s not easily swayed.”

Seokjin leans in slightly, his voice even quieter. “We don’t need to pull him in with force. We approach him with respect—let him see that we want him as an ally, not just another number. We present it as a mutual benefit. We can give him strength in the game, but we need to make him feel like he’s in control. RM likes to be in charge, so we play to that.”

---

The next day, as the group prepares for the upcoming challenge, Seokjin and Taehyung find a moment to approach RM. The air is thick with the anticipation of the competition, but there’s an underlying tension as everyone knows that big decisions are being made off the field.

“RM,” Seokjin begins, his tone respectful but firm. “We need to talk. There’s something we’ve been thinking about, and I think it’s time we addressed it.”

RM looks up at them, his expression neutral but attentive. He knows that Seokjin doesn’t make these kinds of suggestions lightly. “What is it?”

Taehyung steps forward, speaking earnestly. “We’re starting to see the alliances form, and we think it’s time we build something solid together. You, Jin, and I—we could have a real shot at this. If we work together, we control the flow of this game. You’ve got the strategy, and we’ve got the strength. Together, we’d be unstoppable.”

RM’s gaze flickers between the two of them. He’s heard rumors, seen the tension building around camp, but he’s been cautious, unsure of who to trust. “And what do you want from me in return?” His voice is guarded but curious.

Seokjin smiles gently, knowing he has RM’s attention. “It’s not about taking. It’s about giving each other the support we need. We respect your abilities, RM. We just think that if we combine forces, we won’t have to fight each other for the same spot in the end. We can control the game and move forward together.”

Taehyung adds quickly, “We both know how dangerous it is to be isolated in this game. Everyone is already starting to draw lines. If we don’t act now, we could end up as targets. But with the three of us together, we have a stronghold.”

---

RM crosses his arms, his gaze thoughtful as he processes their words. He’s not quick to trust—no one in this game is—but he can see the logic in their proposal. He’s been feeling the weight of the game, and it’s clear that alliances are shifting in unpredictable ways. A strong alliance would offer him a better shot at navigating the treacherous waters ahead.