Huening Kai shakes with delight as I enter one of TXT's studios. The place has a blue couch, which is seating Taehyun, Soobin, and Yeonjun—all scrolling through their phones like normal teenagers. There is a mic stand, a guitar, several microphones, and a keyboard. It's bright and secluded, with no windows looking out into the outside world. I admire the walls which has a display of all albums from BigHit, which includes BTS' titles and The Dream Chapter: Star. Most of all, I clutch my chest and try to calm my ever-beating heart. I can't believe my fate, spending an afternoon with the members of TXT. If my mom could see me now, she'd most likely shake her head in disbelief or erupt in surprised laughter.

Yeonjun stands up upon seeing me, waving his hand high above his head despite my closeness to him. "He's arrived. Now we can start. We're here to discuss operation 'Cheer Up Beomgyu.'"

I look around nervously. "Are you sure he won't barge in at any moment?"

"He's doing an interview right now," Taehyun says. "They're asking us a bunch of questions before we head off to the USA for our showcase. That's later this summer."

I nod. "Okay. So we're safe here."

Huening Kai comes my way, reaching out a hand to rub against my stomach. "He's so cute when he's scared."

I laugh, even though I'm a year older than Huening Kai and am anything but cute. "Thank you...."

Soobin scowls. "Huening, stop bothering him. He doesn't appreciate your tummy rubs."

"Everyone loves my tummy rubs," Huening Kai says. "Do you want one right now?"

Soobin's scowl deepens, and he protects his torso with his long arms. "No way."

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to practice our English, Jayden," Taehyun says. "We definitely need it before we head to the States."

"Are you guys excited?" I ask. "It's your first big trip overseas."

"We're excited and nervous," Soobin says. "It's a lot of pressure, especially since I'm the leader."

I nod. I wish nothing more than to sit here and absorb all of TXT's emotions. As a fan, I'm living my true dream. The only thing missing right now is Beomgyu's presence, his infectious energy and ability to make every room light up in a disco of joy. No matter, I'll savor every moment I have here, in the BigHit building with the people I admire most. I'll be the fan that gives his all and shows his deepest appreciation. I'll make sure TXT knows about the strength they give to the people they perform for.

"You guys are the best," I say, unable to control my emotions any longer. A pressure behind me eyelids build, and I hope I don't end up sobbing out of the blue. "I can't believe all of you would take time to meet with me. You're so busy and everything... and I'm just a random exchange student."

Huening Kai shakes his head beside me, embracing me from the side. "A friend of Beomgyu is a friend of ours," he says. "We're happy to experience summer school with you. For a summer we can just be normal young adults in college. That's a gift that you and the other students are giving us."

I close my lids tightly, as the tears are threatening to flow out. "Thank you, Huening Kai. You guys truly mean the world to me. I can't believe I get to meet with a group that has comforted me so much throughout these last few months. It's only been a short while since your debut, but you've given your fans so much in this short period of time. It's so awesome."

"Don't get too cheesy," Taehyun says. "We're here to discuss an important matter, aren't we?"

I nod. "Beomgyu is mad at me. Did Yeonjun update you guys?"

Yeonjun raises his hand. "I completed my duties! I talked to every single member about why Beomgyu isn't feeling good lately."

Taehyun laughs. "I don't know why you did it separately like a drama queen. You could've just waited until we were all here."

"It's not fun that way," Yeonjun says. "I got to feel like I was a spy on a special mission."

Soobin makes a sour face. "You'd make a horrible spy. Your feet are too big and we can hear you coming from a mile away."

"Light feet aren't the only thing a spy—"

"Guys!" Taehyun slams his palms against his knees. "We're here to discuss Beomgyu. Not our careers if we didn't choose to be idols."

"Right," Yeonjun corrects himself. "Don't get off topic, Soobin."

Even with the situation with Beomgyu hovering over me like a dark cloud, I can't help but break out into a grin at TXT's family-like dynamics. They truly are meant for each other. They complete each other just like how wolves need a pack to grow healthily.

"I messed up with my friendship with him," I say. "I'd really appreciate any help I can get for you guys."

"A cake," Huening Kai suggests.

Soobin's eyebrows twist in confusion. "A cake?"

I hit my fist against my opposing palm. "That's a good idea, actually. I haven't met one person who doesn't like cake."

"Taehyun," Yeonjun says, "Call around for a good cake from the best cafes around the area."

"Huh?" Taehyun says. He sighs, taking out his phone from his pocket. "Fine."

Soobin laces his hands together. "Um. What else, besides a cake?"

"How about balloons," I suggest. "And—"

"Streamers and party hats," Huening Kai completes.

"Are we throwing a birthday party or giving a gesture of apology?" Yeonjun says.

I laugh. "I mean, I like the idea."

Yeonjun speaks after a few seconds of thought. "Then it's settled. We'll have a little cake party with streamers, party hats, and balloons."

Taehyun stands up. "There's a little supermarket nearby the company," he says. "Jayden, do you want to come with? They have the party supplies we need."

I nod, unable to resist the temptation of one-on-one time with another TXT member. "I'd love to."

"Huening and Soobin," Taehyun says, "You can pick out the cake. Head to our favorite shop a few blocks away. I checked on my phone, and they're open all day today."

Yeonjun bobs his head in earnest. "This is awesome. Don't take too long, guys. The interview will be over in less than an hour."

I follow Taehyun out into the corridor. "Got it!" I call back. And for the first time since Naomi and Joyce entered my life, I feel an inkling of hope returning to me.