A Modest Proposal (Kim Namjoon/ BTS) (#SerendipityAwards)

16. For You

With only over a week left until the release of Love Yourself: Her, the nervousness in the air was palpable. The members and staff rushed back and forth to tend to last minute preparations and Ji Ah wasn’t immune to the tension that hovered over them like an unrelenting bubble ready to burst.

The videographer was currently in Bangtan’s practice room, going over the details of the press conference which her team had been requested to cover. Namjoon wasn’t present, having been summoned to Bang PD’s office earlier in the day and Seokjin thought it was the perfect time to bring up the little matter that had been nibbling at his mind.

Huddling the members together, he glanced over them conspiratorially. “It’s Joonie’s birthday the day after tomorrow,” he said in a low voice. But Ji Ah stood in close proximity and she couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the conversation floating between the members. “And I think we should do something special for him, not just as a birthday present but also as a way of showing how grateful we are to have a leader like him.”

Jimin was nodding along to his Hyung’s words, eyebrows furrowed in thought. “How about we write him letters?”

“Can I write him a rap verse instead?” Yoongi drawled, daunted by the prospect of having to spend hours laboring over eloquent words for Namjoon when he could convey his love for him by composing a song.

“Whatever floats your boat, Hyung,” Taehyung chuckled, loud enough to warrant a few heads turning in their direction. Ji Ah laughed under her breath when the members shot him warning glances, turning away to focus on her work. Her eyes landed on a parchment placed over the speakers and she moved closer to study it, recognition flashing across the videographer's features. It was a sketch of Bangtan's Line characters and Ji Ah recalled the collaboration with the app that they had signed up for. And suddenly, an idea sprung into her head.

“How about baking him a cake in the shape of his character Koya?” she suggested, slipping her head between Taehyung and Jimin. The members almost jumped in fright and Hoseok held up a hand against his chest dramatically.

“Christ, Ji Ah-sshi,” Seokjin complained, evidently too loud for Yoongi who winced. “A little warning next time?”

Ji Ah grinned apologetically, reiterating her words. “How does that sound though?”

Jungkook raised his arm as his eyes roved over his members. “I think that’s a great idea,” he agreed with an imperceptible nod of his head. “We know Namjoon Hyung has a soft spot for such cakes.” The maknae was undoubtedly recollecting the time when Jimin had surprised him with a Ryan-shaped cake and how their leader had almost squealed in delight.

“I second this,” Yoongi stated and Hoseok’s face shone with an expression akin to approval. Jimin and Taehyung exchanged thoughtful looks, gradually warming up to the idea.

Ji Ah quickly intervened before they could say anything. “And you guys could also write letters to go with it,” she added and Seokjin perked up at this.

“Let’s do it then!” he said, but his brows wrinkled as a hurdle hit him. “But we’re going to have to bake it ourselves, considering the fact that it’s still too early for the characters to be revealed.” On this tail, he wondered if he would be able to do it alone, seeing as how none of the others could bake. “I would require help. Can any of you bake?” He sensed the futility of the question, not knowing why he had even ventured it when a voice spoke up.

“I can,” Ji Ah offered before she could clamp her mouth shut. She instantly regretted the outburst, especially when she watched a hopeful glint appear in Seokjin’s eyes. And before she could retract her tactless words, the oldest member grabbed her hand in gratitude.