"So... we're combining groups?" Jake questioned. "Like right now?"
Nobody dared to breathe as they waited for an answer.
"Correct."
(Tragedy strikes Be:Lift when the company's partner suddenly pulls out of their contract. Quickly going bankrupt, the...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
It's Lee's Lift Now || 2/3
"Good morning, South Korea! Welcome to SK News. Today we have some very special guests-"
Heeseung caught Beomgyu anxiously shifting his feet as the two anchormen on stage before them greeted the cameras and the studio audience. Both BTS and Belift were standing just out of the line of sight, waiting for their cue to enter.
Taehyun stood on his tip toes, leaning into Beomgyu's shoulder. "Nervous?"
Beomgyu nodded, chewing his lip. "What if they don't like me anymore?"
"Who?" Taehyun whispered. "The fans? Why wouldn't they?"
"I don't know. It's just- It's our first public appearance since everything happened with the court and my ADHD meds and all. You heard the rumors people were making up. It's exactly like what happened to Park Bom."
"It won't be like that. We'll set the record straight if anyone asks," Jake said firmly.
The boys nodded in agreement, hovering protectively around Beomgyu.
"Please welcome to the show, two of the biggest global sensations in music—the legendary BTS and Belift!"
Namjoon took the lead, smiling and waving into the blinding lights as the members of BTS and Belift followed one-by-one. The applause seemed to go on for comically long as all twenty boys crowded onto the stage. Heeseung watched Jin gracefully accept the microphone from one of the hosts, raising his hand to quiet the audience as he began his rehearsed speech to the cameras.
"Thank you... Thank you so much, everyone. Honestly, I don't even know where to begin. This past week has been a whirlwind, and I've been through something I never thought I'd have to face. But what I do know is this: I'm standing here today because of some incredible people. To the amazing team that worked tirelessly to protect me—my security, my friends, my family—you guys are the real heroes. Without you, I wouldn't be here right now. Thank you for your courage, your quick thinking, and for keeping me safe when things took an unexpected turn.
And to everyone else who helped in those intense moments, whether it was calling for help, keeping calm, or just being there in spirit—I feel your love and your strength. I'm beyond grateful. I know this sounds crazy, but this experience has reminded me how lucky I am to have you all in my life. You've all shown me that together, we can face anything, and that love and loyalty are stronger than any fear.
I promise you this—I'm safe, I'm okay, and I'm more determined than ever to keep doing what I love: sharing music, spreading love, and being there for all of you. You all mean the world to me. Thank you for your unwavering support. I love you all."
Jin raised his hand again, this time waving to the cameras and the studio audience. The crowd erupted into applause as fans screamed words of support and praise. Heeseung must've been making a face at how inauthentic the speech prepared for Jin felt, because Namjoon nudged his shoulder, leaning in to whisper in his ear.
