Flashback Stage: 05

Blinding lights as we took the stage, the screaming of thousands of voices, chanting along in a hoarse crescendo to the rhythm of the music. It had been years since we first debuted, but every time I stepped into that spotlight, it still felt surreal. The love received was overwhelming at times, even stifling, but it was all I had ever dreamed of.

I danced under the fiercely hot stage lights, but my mind wandered to you. You weren't here tonight, and it made everything so. different. You always were part of the crowd, always present in the audience, watching and supporting me, even when I didn't ask. And after every show, the image of your face shining with pride, I felt invincible, ready for anything. But now, it's just me alone with thousands around, yet strangely empty.When the concert was over, we ran backstage, panting and covered in sweat. All the other guys were high on excitement, but I felt dissociated, like something was still out there, looking for you.

"Great job, Jimin," Namjoon clapped my shoulder. Forcibly smiling, I nodded, knowing how I missed you so much. The next second, I excused myself and slipped away to the dressing room, my hands shaking while pulling out my phone.

I did not text you straight away, knowing you were probably busy, but I needed to hear from you. I typed out, "I miss you. Where are you?" and hit send.Minutes ticked by until finally my phone buzzed. I read the message, my heart clenching at your reply: "I'm here, always for you."

You always knew exactly what to say. I stared at the screen a moment, my fingers trembling as I thought about how much you'd sacrificed for me. You never asked for anything. You let me live my dream, even when it meant you couldn't always be there. But every time that I was with you, it was like you worshipped me, not in an obsessive, crazy kind of way but in its purest form. You loved me, my flaws, my weaknesses, and my strengths-albeit a little too busy to return that love.I burst out of the dressing room and ran, ignoring my team members' calls. My heart was racing, knowing I had to see you. I burst out of the dressing room and ran, ignoring my team members' calls. My heart was racing, knowing I had to see you. 

I just *knew* you had to be close somewhere. I was running down the hallways, taking every corner, and with every step, my breathing was getting heavier and the panic slowly setting in. Where could you be? My mind was racing, and with each step the urge to find you grew stronger.

My legs on fire, my heart pounding in my chest, I ran faster until I turned a corner, finally forced to stop, gasping for air. Sweat was dripping down my temples as I frantically pulled out my phone, desperate for just about any sign of you. That's when it buzzed in my hand, and I quickly glanced at the screen-Taehyung's name flashing.

I answered in one second, my breath still ragged. "Tae?"

"Where the hell are you running around, huh?" Taehyung sounded so cutting.

"Tae. it's just. I." I fumbled with an explanation, not knowing even how to put it in words. You weren't on my mind, you were everywhere, consuming every thought.

"Come to the dressing room. Now." His voice was firm,

"Why? What happened?" My stomach tied itself into a knot. His tone wasn't playful like always. Something wasn't okay.

"Just come fast, damn it." And with that, he hung up.

I stood there, still breathless, my heart pounding for a different 

reason now. Something was wrong. Taehyung was never this sharp unless it was serious.

I pocketed my phone and took off running again, pushing past the growing crowd in the hall. I reached the dressing room, panting from the run, to find it empty. Confusion hit me like a slapping wall as I stood there catching my breath. My eyes scanned the room for any sign, but there was nothing. Just the quiet hum of the air conditioner and the faint sound of footsteps way into the distance. My heart was pounding, not so much from the physical exhaustion, but from the ache of anticipation, wanting to see *you*.

I started to turn and walk out, thinking perhaps I'd just misunderstood Taehyung's urgency, until I heard a soft sound—a voice. *Your* voice.

My breath caught as I spun around, my heart launching into my throat. And there you were-leaned against the doorway, worn out, tired... yet still, somehow, smiling at me. That smile-it was like the first ray of sun after a storm. My knees actually buckled under the weight of my emotions, the months of distance and longing crashing down on me in that one moment.I blinked, trying to make sure that this wasn't some kind of dream. *Was this real? Were you really here?* After months on tour, I had only seen you through the screen of my phone, your voice a distant memory carried through long calls and fleeting texts. But seeing you here, in the flesh, in Seoul-the last stop of our tour-it felt like I stepped into a dream.

My throat closed, and I fought for my voice. "Y/N." I whispered, my voice cracking from the emotion that burdened me.

You stepped closer, that soft smile still lingering on your lips, though I could see the exhaustion etched in each line of your face. You looked just as worn out as I felt, and yet, you glowed. The months apart seemed to melt away as you reached me, and I was on cloud nine-floating, weightless, lost in just the sheer relief of having you near.

I couldn't help but let my feet take a step forward as the words burst from me in a trembling heap of emotion that was far overdue. "I have missed you so much.".

"I missed you too," you whispered, catching my gaze. Before you could say anything more, I wrapped you in my arms-straight into a tight hold, breathing in your scent. I'm sorry I haven't been around, I murmured into your hair. "I know you've given up so much for me, and I never say it enough, but I need you. I don't think I can keep doing this without you by my side."You pulled back gently and looked up at me with those eyes, worshipping me in ways no amount of fame could ever achieve. "Jimin, you don't have to apologize. I've always been here, and I always will be."

That was when it hit me-just how much you did worship me, not because of who was on stage and the fame but because of who I was to you. You didn't care about the millions of fans or the flashing lights; all you cared about was the man in front of you. And then, I realized that I have been selfish. I took that love for granted, thinking that you would always be there, and now that I saw it, I didn't want to lose it.

"I don't deserve you," I whispered, my voice breaking. "But I promise, from now on, I'll be better. I'll show you that you mean more to me than any of this."

You smiled softly, brushing the hair from my face. "You've already given me everything I could ever want, Jimin. All I need is you."