Seokjin feels frustration bubble up in him as he casts Taehyung a glare. The younger doesn't even try to understand the gravity of the situation as he starts explaining how hard the dance is for him and suggests that Seokjin runs across the stage. They are supposed to go on stage to perform in the next five minutes and honestly, this is the last thing Seokjin wants to be doing.

"I can't do that. If I do that, I go off beat," says Seokjin and he keeps reminding himself that he should keep his tone light as he explains himself. Taehyung is younger than him and he needs to understand the younger point of view.

Taehyung is stubborn though and insists on Seokjin doing what he asks him to and the older tries hard to keep his frustrations at bay. But it's hard to especially when his mind keeps going "why should I always be the one to compromise? Why should I be the one who always understands? Why can't they do the same for a change?"

He breathes deeply, suppressing the thought, feeling ashamed for even having it.

He tries. He really does. But he can't keep the bite out of it when he snaps, "I can't!"

Namjoon decides to interrupt right then, taking up his duty as their leader.

"We hardly have time and we need to go back on stage. This is clearly not the time to argue and it's clear we won't get an answer to this right now. I'm not about to say one of you is right and the other is wrong. Let's just go up there and perform right now."

Seokjin strides out of the changing room with a huff. Yes, he is annoyed. Yes, he is frustrated. His emotions seem to bubble within, bringing along what he's been feeling over the weeks and he hates how an ounce of vulnerability brings along other feelings uninvited.

Just before they can head on stage, Jin catches Namjoon giving a crying Taehyung a hug and instead of feeling sympathy, he feels more annoyed.

Why the fuck is he even crying? What reason could he have to cry?

Seokjin looks away, the feeling of shame for his thoughts eating him up on the inside. He shakes his head as though to clear his head and climbs the stairs to head onto stage, the deafening cheers of army filling the auditorium.

It's later at the dorms that the boys have a group discussion, their leader bringing up the earlier events and the rest of the members giving their own opinions before they decide to leave the two of them alone to work things out among them, teasing them about being shy to hug around them.

Seokjin sighs when Taehyung begins to cry but he doesn't move from his place on the couch.

"I apologise for hurting you," he says, "Maybe I shouldn't have joked around when you were so serious about this."

Taehyung says nothing, his hoodie doing little to cover his tear stained cheeks.

Seokjin leans back. His own eyes sting under the weight of his emotions he's held back for so long but he doesn't let it come in the way as he speaks to Taehyung. The younger nods and Seokjin moves towards him to engulf him in a hug.

"I'm sorry, hyung."

Taehyung sobs into Seokjin's shoulder as the older rubs his back in soothing circles.

"Hush, it's okay. We all argue but at the end of the day, we'll make up and we'll be okay."

Taehyung hiccups against Jin.

"You should get some rest. It's late."

"Can I sleep with you?"

And Jin knows the younger seeks assurance right now. He knows it's Taehyung's way of asking if everything is alright between them.

Seokjin kisses his forehead, "you know hyung won't say no."

Taehyung gives him a small smile.

"Brat," Seokjin whispers fondly.

14 June, 2023