Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 4

The Shadow of Duty

During the last two months of freedom, Jin and SUGA have both enjoyed the company of the rest of Bangtan and their respective families.

They spent their days going on vacations and enjoying their much-deserved rest before entering the military service.

It was a quiet period of reflection, a calm before the storm of enlistment where the ticking of the clock felt louder with every passing sunset.

It was reported through media outlets that Jin would serve on active duty (hyun-yeok), entering the Korean Armed Forces, while SUGA would serve in public service (gong-ik) due to the shoulder injury sustained during his teens.

His assignment would lead him to the Gangnam District Office.

It would take 21 months for Jin's military service to end, while SUGA's public service would take 24 months to complete.

Two years-a set of numbers that felt like an eternity to the fans, yet only a heartbeat in the span of a lifetime.

For Yoongi, it was simply another countdown to manage, another set of digits that required his patience.

ARMY were devastated but felt immense pride for the two boys.

Fans remembered how Bangtan did not hesitate to state that they did not want to be exempted from military service and would serve when duty called.

This was their answer during a time when they were asked by some government officials about their thoughts on the military exemption.

During a previous interview, Jin had said, "As a Korean, it's natural, and someday when duty calls, we'll be ready to respond and do our best."

Also, during one of their global press conference, when asked by the press, 'What are your thoughts on military enlistment and what can we expect from BTS after they enlist?' he answered responsibly, saying, "I think many people are wondering about this. But nothing has been decided yet. This is a sensitive topic, but I believe military duty is a duty. Until I am called, I will try my best to do whatever I can. When I am called, I will answer, of course."

SUGA also told the press his thoughts about it and said, "I think it is really important to see our shadows and see where they are. They are always going to follow you. It's a matter of whether you accept them or not. It's not about facing or fighting your shadow, but just acknowledging it brings comfort and peace."

Through these words, he was telling the media and press that whatever happens after he and Jin complete their military service, they will still do what they do best, never giving up on their passion and continuing to give it their all.

He was accepting this new set of numbers, just as he had accepted the ones hidden beneath his sleeve.

Even if the numbers on his wrist shifted while he was away from the spotlight, he would acknowledge them as part of his shadow.

Even in the shadows of service, their light wouldn't dim.

The stage would be empty for a while, but the thread of fate was still spinning, indifferent to the uniforms they wore or the walls that separated them from the rest of the world

The distance between him and his destiny would still be measured in steps, even if those steps were now taken in a government office instead of a stadium.

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This chapter is dedicated to:

Bangtan4ever93 🖤 lia_yana 🤍 PunamNirmal4 ❤ and JeonJkbxnny 🧡

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Author's Note:

The Breakdown of Military Service Types:

​1. Active Duty — Hyun-yeok (현역)

This is the most common form of service. Soldiers live in military barracks, undergo intense combat training, and follow a strict military lifestyle for the duration of their enlistment.

Jin, having passed his physical exams with high marks, was cleared for this "regular" soldier status.

​2. Public Service / Supplemental Service — Gong-ik (공익)

Now officially called Social Service Agent (사회복무요원 - Sahoebongmuyowon), this is reserved for those who have physical or health conditions that prevent them from undergoing the rigors of active combat training.

In Yoongi’s case, his 2012 shoulder injury and 2020 surgery led to his placement in public service.

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