The Hidden Treasure

~69~

Taehyung stood in front of Namjoon's personal studio, his hand in a small fist, hovering over the surface of the door. His emotions and thoughts were playing out on his face and he felt torn and conflicted.

Namjoon had been holed up in his studio for the last few days, ever since they had gotten back from their world tour. They were in Korea for good this time and everyone was taking some time off to relax for a bit before the daily grind started back up in full force again. However, no one had seen Namjoon since he had stepped foot back into the dorm. He had not come out for more than the occasional bathroom break and none of the members could even confirm that was happening since no one had actually seen him come out. Everyone was concerned. No one knew what had set him off and so no one knew how to handle him or deal with it. All except maybe Taehyung.

Not known for being great at respecting personal boundaries, Taehyung was the only one brave enough to even think of stepping up to the studio door and contemplate knocking. So here he stood, alone, nervous, and worried.

His hand knocked softly at first and then it gradually gained courage and knocked a bit louder. "Hyung, it's me."

His voice sounded timid and small but he wanted to think that if Namjoon was going to open the door to anyone that it might certainly be him. His breath hitched in his chest as his ears strained to hear any sound of invitation coming from the other side of the door.

* * *

Namjoon sat in the darkness of the windowless room with only the glow of the computer monitor to cast eerie shadows on the walls. He sat in the floor against the wall staring at nothing in particular. He hadn't slept in a few days on top of all the sleep he failed to get while on tour. He had lost his appetite because of the stress and nervousness. He had a huge decision looming over him and he didn't know how to handle it.

It would change his life forever and not just his alone, everyone else around him as well. He had heard the members whispering outside the door from time to time, but he couldn't face them. It had been such an easy decision in the past, so why did it now seem so hard?

His phone buzzed in his hand and he weakly looked down at it through gritty eyes.

"Joon-ah, its me, Hyejin. I'm worried about you. You should be back in Korea now but I haven't heard from you. I was hoping to see you for a little bit before you get back to work. You did say we needed to talk. Why can't I reach you? You must not want to be reached. I'll leave you be till you seek me out. I'll be here waiting."

He sighed heavily and threw the phone across the room with what little energy he had left. It clattered on the floor and as he drew his knees up to his chest, a dry sob escaped his throat. He folded his arms on top of his knees and laid his head on them, tears starting to flow freely now.

What could he do? Either way he chose he would be accused of being selfish. There was no way to win in this. His thin shoulders shook and his silent cries made his heart hurt worse.

Knock. Knock.

Namjoon's bleary eyes slowly slid in the direction of the door. Since he had shut himself off from the world, no one had bothered to knock on his door. It had been several days of isolation, and even though it had been what he preferred, he felt like someone should care enough to come check on him, but no one did. Why now? He was at his weakest and most vulnerable. Why would they choose to pounce on him now and pressure him for answers? No. He was not going to let them in now.

Like a small, pouting child he slowly slid himself around so his back was toward the door. He leaned his head against the wall and tried to drown out the knocking that was becoming more impatient.