Barcode Tattoo

Conference

   Yoongi's bruised hand grasps the door handle, bracing for impact.

   You walk out into the streets of Seoul, as fans hoard around. Putting on your screenglasses, Namjoon hails a cab as the press has no decency. Hoseok and Seokjin meagerly hold the crowd off. Luckily, being in a city, a hovercar rolls up, it glides to a stop. You climb in the car, squeezing in next to Namjoon.

   This is so uncomfortable, ugh.

   The car speeds away, nearly hitting the crazy groups of people. Unfortunately, traffic was not in your favor. The long lines of hovercars and hoverbuses snake around the black and yellow lined ground. "Fuck." Namjoon groans in frustration.

   The press quickly meet up to the car, banging on the windows, wanting to get a chance to see their favorite members. The cab driver, Seoyeon, does not take any of the fans' bullshit. She rolls up all the windows and honks the taxi, scaring off the crowd as she presses the gas.

The hovercar stops at a huge building with granite stairs leading all the way to the entrance. You squint your eyes trying to see the plaque in front of the building. 'Korean Government Building' it reads. Seoyeon drives away in her taxi as Namjoon tips her.

You walk up the stairs, gripping the guard rail. Your anxiety increases. What if someone representing Grant and Codes asks a question? What will happen? These thoughts cloud your mind as you reach the entrance of the white building. Namjoon opens up the wide door.

   Cameras flash, people talk. Your eyes are burning from the constant on and off of the lights. A government official leads CR toward a room with seats and a table with microphones. Cameras face your direction, as the reporters behind them smile.

   You walk up to the table and slowly sink down into the cushioned chair. Oh fuck, oh fuck. Hoseok sits on the right of you, Jimin on the other side. This does not feel right, given the fact you already despise the government. The government official sits down in their desk, near the end of the table by Jungkook.

   The reporters click on their cameras. Here's the big fucking moment, smile big.

   You force yourself to smile as the camera pans the group. Given a cue, the official opens their mouth. "As we can see, we have here a group of eight, all in their twenties. They collectively have freed millions of protesters, inducing chaos and fear into this nation."

   Your smile slides off your face as you hear those words. A sinking feeling in your stomach occurs. "These rioters, called CR, or Capitol Resistance, have been lifted of their crimes. No amount of evidence could decide the final outcome. Given this is a press conference, I will allow each reporter one question." The government official looks into the crowd.

   "Yes?" The speaker points towards a frail looking reporter. "This one is for Namjoon," Namjoon directs his attention towards the journalist. "Do you think that what you have done is justifiable? Do you have any regrets?" The reporter smirks, convinced she got Namjoon in a rut.

   Namjoon knows better than to play the journalists' game and responds smartly. "I believe what all of us have done as a group is justified. The protesters have done nothing wrong with denying a tattoo that can control you. The protesters just want freedom, given that some of them have never experienced it before. So, no, no regrets." Namjoon glares at the lady as she shrinks back.

   "What do you think of Grant and Codes, Yoongi?" Yoongi snaps up, and eyes the person who is speaking.

   Wrong person to ask.

   "Personally, I think what they are doing is wrong. No one's power should be taken away just because there are some added positives. Sure, there is more stamina, and the ability to have less sleep, but the thing is, you can just hit the gym or go to sleep earlier. There is absolutely no point in having one. None." Yoongi's speech leaves the audience stunned.

   "I guess no more questions will be asked about that topic." Jimin whispers, covering up his mouth with his hand so the cameras don't see what he is saying. He snickers, as you desperately wish to laugh out loud. You try to conceal your smile as you bite your bottom lip.

   As more questions are dished out for all the members, you nervously shake your leg. Hoseok notices and whispers, "It's okay. This will be done before you know it." You trust Hoseok's words as you finally start to calm down.

   "I would like to have a question be answered by Y/N." A male raises his hand.

   Oh shit, there goes my composure.

   "What is it like being in an all-male group? What do you guys do?"

Great a sexist question.

   You scoot closer towards your microphone, as your clammy hands grip the base. You think of an answer for a few seconds. "I would like to respond and say we have a ton of fun. They all feel like friends and we may occasionally fight, but that doesn't stop us." You say, reaching up your hand to gently tug on Jimin's navy hair. You are hoping laughter can ease up the tension in the room.

   The crowd is good at reading social clues. The room fills with laughter as a camera zooms out to get a full picture of the group laughing.

   After the announcer closes up the meeting, you get up out of your chair.

   I am so done.

   Ready to bust down the doors and leave, you start walking toward the exit.