The Arrangement

49

By the time Taehyung and Jungkook were presented to Big Hit's board of directors, the news had exploded even more. It seemed like all gossip channels were covering the story, each making up more ridiculous claims than the last. But they all had one thing in common - they all called for the downfall of V.

The fans took to social media, dragging his name and ridiculing his behavior. They all collectively agreed that V was a monster for taking advantage of his defenseless mentee.

If there was anything positive to come out of this ordeal, however, Taehyung thought it was how his fans flocked to support Jungkook. They rallied behind the younger, sending him thousands of kind and uplifting messages. Promises to back the boy in his musical endeavors were shared across multiple social media sites.

What Taehyung had said last night backstage certainly did come true: everyone knew Jungkook's name this morning.

Jin and his parents, along with Jimin, were by both Taehyung's and Jungkook's side as soon as they heard the news. They took away the boys' phones and instead distracted them with jokes and stories. But that didn't stop the mix of anger and sadness hanging in the room.

No one who truly knew Taehyung and Jungkook thought this was fair. After everything the two went through, they didn't deserve this in the slightest. Everything had finally come together and it was supposed to be their time to move forward and be happy.

But life rarely liked to work out that way.

Now, a few hours later, the two boys walked into a boardroom, hands clasped between them. Ten sets of unfamiliar eyes stared them down.

An older man spoke up after a couple moments of uncomfortable silence. "You boys have really put us in a tough situation."

"Your producers filled us in on your relationship, and while we understand the circumstances you operated under, you really should have shared everything sooner," a woman with severe features added.

"I'm sorry," Taehyung apologized. "I really am. I know you've all put up with so much of my shit ever since you signed me. This is a terrible way to repay your generosity."

"I have half a mind to cut our losses here," another board member stated to the rest. "If we drop their contracts now, maybe the company name won't be affected as badly."

"No!" Taehyung shouted, taking a small step forward. "It's only me everyone hates. Please don't punish Jungkook for my reputation . . . just end my contract, not his."

Jungkook stepped in front of the elder, blocking his view from the board. "Tae," he whispered. "Don't give up yet."

Taehyung smiled sadly. "I don't think I can come back from this, Kook. My actions over the years have been a domino effect. The last tile has finally fallen."

Jungkook shook his head, claiming both of Taehyung's hands within his own. "But this is your dream."

"It's your dream, too," the elder whispered fervently. "And your dreams are my dreams. I'm not going to stand in the way of your future because of how I messed up my past. "

Jungkook turned his head to look back at the board. "A press conference. What about a press conference? You can invite all the media and we can talk openly about us."

The ten members spoke quietly amongst themselves before a new man spoke up. "That probably would have worked if we broke the news of your relationship before the media did. Now, people will just suspect it's a cover up."

"But it's the truth!" Jungkook yelled at them, pleading for their help. "You can't terminate his contract - regardless of his reputation, he's a worldwide star. People love his music. They'll calm down."