But Taehyung did not listen. He kept calling Jung-kook even when the latter ignored his calls and let them go straight to voice mail. After a while, Jung-kook turned off his burner phone and threw it down the bottom of his drawer, never wanting to see it again.

The number you are dialing is not in service. How many times should Taehyung hear this before he gave up? It wasn't like him to be desperate. He started smoking again because he didn't know what to do.

Jimin caught him stealing a puff once Taehyung thought he was out of sight.

"Clearly, something is troubling you," Jimin remarked, startling his friend. "Care to talk about it?"

Taehyung turned around and did not even bother hiding the cigarette in his hand.

"Hey Chim, have you ever wanted something so badly, but no matter how hard you try, you aren't even close to getting it?"

"Well, I would just keep trying until I achieve that goal."

"But what if it's unattainable? What if roadblocks are preventing you from reaching it?"

"Either I remove those obstacles, or figure out a way to overcome them."

"That's easier said than done," Taehyung sighed.

"If everything was easy, then anybody can do it. But you're Kim Taehyung for God's sake. You're part of this awesome group, attaining success most people would be jealous of because you worked your ass off. Pushing your limits is what you do best, so what's stopping you now?"

Taehyung glanced down at the half-lit stub between his fingers. He wondered if he could do the same to Jung-kook, because pestering somebody who was obviously ignoring him wasn't his style. Maybe it's about time to tell his best friend about J.

"Actually, there's this person......"