Love Maze | BTS 8TH Member

Outro: Luv in Skool

It was evening. The dark sky, which would have usually been adorned by bright, twinkling stars in the countryside, was blanketed by pollution and fog. While many residents of the buzzing capital city of Seoul would be returning to their cozy homes to their families, eight individuals, specifically teenagers, were working together to fulfill their musical dreams.

The members of BTS didn't have any classes or compulsory practice after six in the evening. So, each of them would spend their time working on their weaknesses, rather than dilly-dallying or enjoying themselves.

At the moment Seokjin, Jungkook, and Taehyung were working on their vocals, each of them using different techniques to do so. Hoseok and Jimin were in the practice room, with the older teaching the younger to make his dance moves more hip-hop, as Jimin's niche was contemporary. 

Yoongi had practically locked himself in his shared studio, trying to write new rap verses for the group's next album. And Namjoon and Arin were in their studio, translating their Korean lyrics because Bang PD told them to make Japanese and Chinese versions of their title tracks.

"So?" Arin asked. "Is this how you write it in Chinese?"

Namjoon leaned over her shoulder from beside, his eyes scanning her incorrect Chinese letters that were etched on her notebook. "Hmm, I think you might have missed a stroke here," he pointed out gently. "Try it like this..."

He placed his hand on hers which was already grasping the black pen, and carefully guided her, showing her the correct stroke order. Arin watched intently, her mind focused on the task at hand, while her hand, which was controlled by Namjoon's, moved accordingly. 

"Oh~ it's like this!" she said, smiling. "I think I'm getting the hang of it." 

Namjoon smiled back. "You're doing great, RiRi," he encouraged. "You're a quick learner."

As they continued to work, a comfortable silence fell between them. They were focused on their task, but the atmosphere was warm and supportive. Arin felt a sense of deep adoration for Namjoon's personality and also his 148 IQ.

A few minutes later, Namjoon suddenly broke the silence, his voice coming out a bit too loud. "So, are...are you and Jin hyung...you know...?" He trailed off, unable to finish the question.

Arin felt her cheeks flush crimson. "W-What?" she stammered, a bit startled by Namjoon's sudden question. 

Namjoon avoided her gaze, fiddling with the end of his pen. "Nothing," he mumbled. "I was a bit curious...ugh, just...just forget what I said."

Arin knew Namjoon was more than just curious. She had caught him watching her and Seokjin at the wedding, and also the way his smile had seemed a little forced. She felt a pang of guilt, but she also knew that her feelings for Seokjin were real too.

"We're not really dating, if that's what you're asking," Arin said, a soft blush painting her cheeks and ears. "But...we do like each other." 

Namjoon's head lifted up to look at her, his eyes widened slightly. "Oh." He cleared his throat, trying to play it cool. "I see."

Arin felt a little awkward under his intense gaze. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "We're just...exploring things, I guess," she mumbled. Namjoon nodded slowly, processing the information. 

She turned back to the lyrics, hoping to distract herself from the tension that had fallen between them. The room fell quiet once again, allowing contrasting thoughts to fill her mind.

"I...I like...both of you, but I...I don't know what to do," Arin confessed suddenly. 

Namjoon's eyes widened even more, his eyebrows arked up. "You do? You like me...too?"