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

26. Wings

"Wings are made to fly~"

“It’s finally the day!” Hoseok exclaimed excitedly while the staff ran to and fro backstage, draping the members in jackets and hoods and all kinds of performing garb, arranging their hair and adding the final touches to their make-up. The first day of the final Wings episode was about to kick off in a few hours time and ARMYs had already begun to line up outside the Gocheok Sky Dome while the boys skimmed their sheets to go over their schedules and set lists for the concert.

Namjoon was currently engaged in breathing exercises, the leader’s eyes shut tightly as he inhaled deeply, his mind a whirlpool of emotions. The past week had been chaotic to the point that the members had resorted to spending their nights catching a few winks of sleep in the practice rooms of Big Hit, too tired to go home. Ji Ah and her team had closely monitored all the preparations, carefully shooting behind-the-scene action and vocal rehearsals. The two hadn’t been able to spend much time together lately but the rapper knew Ji Ah understood his position. “It is. It’s time for our trilogy to conclude.”

Taehyung, having finished practicing his statements and fixing his costume, looked up from where he was watching their practice videos. His brows furrowed in thought, eyes roving over all the members. Yoongi had gone slack in his seat before the dressing table while a stylist worked on his hair. Jimin was beside him, chin propped up on his elbows, humming the tune of Serendipity. Seokjin and Jungkook were in the midst of bingeing on snacks and the silver-haired man smiled. “Do you guys ever wonder what we’re going to feel like after all this ends?”

“Liberated?” Yoongi quipped from his spot, twisting slightly so his face was visible. “We’re leaving the past behind.”

“But we’re not going to forget it,” Hoseok clarified, the oldest and youngest members turning in his direction as the dancer spoke.

“Yeah, it’s always going to be a part of us. The past brought us here and now,” Namjoon smiled fondly, gaze travelling over the boys who were his greatest source of support and strength, “Now, we’re finally going to reach our destination.”

“We’re going to fly,” Seokjin remarked, his voice brimming with excitement and reminisces of the past. “We’ve spread our wings.”

“More like soar, Hyung,” Jimin chimed with a grin, eliciting chuckles from everyone present in the room, including the staff. Jungkook had been silent all this while, mulling over everything his Hyungs had been saying.

“I…I’m scared,” he finally confessed in a small voice, his head lowered and eyebrows crunched, the packet of snacks forgotten in his hands. “It’s all happening so fast and I’m worried I might mess something up and…and I don’t want to grow up so soon.”

Strong arms enveloped his muscled frame, warmth seeping into him at the contact. “Jungkookie, you’re going to be fine. We're going to be fine. And there’s nothing wrong with messing up. We’re humans too,” Taehyung murmured in his ear but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

Namjoon nodded in agreement. “And we have ARMY to look out for us. More importantly, we have each other,” he stated in a firm voice but his eyes were sparkling with affection. The maknae perked up at this and Hoseok thumped his back.

“We’re young forever, brother!” he declared loudly and Yoongi sniggered.

“You guys are so cheesy, I swear. Y’all sound like you’re about to start walking down the aisle any minute now. Save the drama for our weddings,” he drawled offhandedly but Namjoon could swear his eyes were glistening.

“Group hug!” Hoseok pulled them all in, their arms going around each other and holding tight. Namjoon knew it had taken a lot for them to reach this point and now that they had, they would make sure to work even harder. Years would roll by and so would time, right before their eyes. But the rapper knew one thing with absolute certainty.