Kim SeokJin

It has been three hours since ISAC started and we were now given a short break. As fun it looked once captured, edited and aired, it was twice as more tiring.

Since most idols were going back to their waiting rooms to rest, we decided to stay back on the ground and relax there. Most of the stands, where a selected few fans usually are, is empty. They probably went out to grab a bite.

I lay down on the floor and blew out a breath, my hair sticking to my head. Before the break we had wrestling competition and while I was only part of one game, sweat had formed due to the heat.

I could feel someone sit next to me, staring at me, hesitating. I could feel our maknae blow out a breath before slightly nudging me. I opened my eyes and stared at him, eyebrows raised as he nervously fidgeted.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Jimin and Taehyung stop being their usual dramatic selfs and become alert at the sudden change in the mood. Namjoon and Hobi sat a little away from Jungkook with a knowing smile on their face, Yoongi sprawled on the floor next to him, eyes closed and least bothered.

"Hyung...I am sorry." Our youngest started speaking, "I shouldn't have spoken to you in that way. It's just!...I got really competitive and when you lost that match, I got angry. I am sorry, Hyung."

Half an hour earlier, Jungkook, Taehyung and I were part of the wrestling competition. While the two maknae's won their games, I lost mine, in good nature. Jungkook being the hyperactive competitive person he is, was not happy that I lost and was not really...considerate of his words.

I knew he did not mean anything he said, he is just a kid wanting to win all the games he played. However, despite the freedom I excercise with my members in respect of treating me as the oldest, allowing anyone of them to be downright rude was not something I would like to tolerate. Especially when we were in a public space.

I was certainly not mad at him, but he needed to know that one cannot win all the games he plays and there is a certain way to speak to your elders, no matter how close we all are. Jungkook joined our team when he was a fresh teen and was not really under a proper parental guidance since he could not spend much time with them as they did not stay in Seoul before.

Knowing this, all six of despite our young age too, took it on ourselves that our maknae grows up to become a fine man.

Most of the times, we let him do what he wished because we adored him way too much but at times like now, I did not delay correcting him immediately. Before I could talk to him, Namjoon and Hobi and whisked him away to a corner, surely taking matters in their own hands. Not that I mind, those two were way better at this, not as harsh as I tend to be.

I sighed and sat up straight, facing him. Regret and a tiny bit of shame was apparent in his face, which shot a pang through my heart. Damn, this boy.

I looked behind him to see Namjoon smiling assuringly at me.

"Jungkook-ah, I will only forgive you if you buy me food tomorrow." I said, trying to hide the teasing tone in my voice.

His face shot up and an incredulous look took over his face. "But hyung! You eat like a pig and always run my wallet dry-" He shut up at my arched eyebrow and slumped his shoulders in defeat. "As you wish, hyung" he said, begrudgingly.

Jimin fell over laughing and Tae was doing his best to feel sympathetic towards Jungkook, eventually failing to do so. Namjoon and Hobi grinned and got engaged in their own talk while I could see a small smile playing on Yoongi's face.

I got up from the ground and bent down to tug Jungkook's jacket. "Let's go. For now buy me ice-cream. I'll consider lowering my appetite at your  treat." I said, already making my way to the hall near the waiting rooms, where snacks were being sold, exclusively for idols and their staff.

At the possibility that he can spend less later on, I heard Jungkook shuffle to his feet and run to catch up to me.

_________

The hall was crowded with people by the time we reached there. Idols and staff alike were all busily scattered across the room, laughing and eating in small groups.

My eyes immediately scanned the crowd in hopes of a certain black haired girl that was taking up too much of my thoughts as of late.

I found her standing with her members, laughing softly at a joke that was being passed around, a small container of food in her hand.

We both had been true to the decision although it did prove to be a bit difficult for me sometimes. I just could not help myself when my eyes strayed towards her when I was not preoccupied at the events.

She was doing wonderful today. The only time I could openly stare at her without worrying of breaking our decision was when her and her team were competing. Her face filled up the screen many times, much to the amusement of everyone as it was clear that the cameraman was biased to her,  and much to my begrudging chargin.

Jungkook came back with ice-creams in hand and Yugyeom in tow. I greeted the Got7 member happily and let the maknaes drift in their own conversation as my eyes sought after towards her.

What I saw was not something I was particularly happy of. Joohyun's agency sunbae had now joined the group and wedged himself between a bitter Seulgi and a uncomfortable JooHyun. I recognized him as the one who was being nosy with her during my evesdropping session.

He was talking animatedly with Yeri, the maknae being the only one who was being pretty careful in expressing her evident dislike she shared with her members for the sunbae.

My eyebrows furrowed when I could see him pushing the girls to respond when they obviously did not want to. I was not really familiar with JooHyun's members but anyone who knew how to read body language would understand certain signs and the girls were definitely not trying to hide it.

That sunbae of theirs was a handsome guy, catching a lot of attention and love from his fans. He is a solo artist who got casted in SM due to his singing skills on a music platform. He had a few hit songs under his name and was well liked by celebrities and fans alike. However, I was this close to punch the guy.

He kept inching towards JooHyun in the pretense of talking to her, making the girl shrink back to the corner where she was effectively trapped.

I tightened my grip on my now melting ice-cream cone and with my spare hand dragged Jungkook and Yugyeom along the wall, a little toward them. If the two maknae's had a problem with it, they definitely did not say anything, immediately continuing their conversation.

I could hear them from this distance and what I heard was definitely not something I thought I would.

"-know. Beautiful girls like you definately look good on a man's arm. Tell me, do you girls have a boyfriend? I know that your dating ban is lifted as of last august." He asked, a pleased smirk on his face.
Anger rose from inside at his words.

What the hell is wrong with him?

Perhaps Joy shared my sentiment because a moment later she replied, "While our dating ban has been lifted sunbae, we have no plans of activly disclosing our personal life to anyone." Her tone crisp and sharp, her jaw ticking while her posture still remained forcefully polite, something I found myself being proud of.

That sunbae had the nerve to laugh, "You take me in the wrong sense, Joy. I am not a gossip monger. What you tell me will stay with me till eternity." He said, his tone as sincere as a criminal in court.

Joy controlled herself from rolling her eyes while I caught Seulgi downright doing the action. She stood arms crossed, a fierce look on her face, mouth turned in displeasure. She was definately casting an non-verbal vibe of telling the guy to fuck off. But the dense guy obviously dint get the memo. Idiot.

Joohyun stood in the corner, her poker face on, silently giving her members orders to not saying anything harsh. I was kinda mad at her for allowing him to make them uncomfortable when I realised that he was a senior and seniors command respect even when they don't deserve it. Even Yerim who was entertaining him till now, had a scowl on her face.

"Dating is not something we prioritize sunbae." Was Joy's crisp answer.

"Surely, you are not the correct person to say that. After all you are 'married' to that boy. Seungjae, I believe? Yes. I heard that your time of fun is coming to end, are you preparing for the final episode Joy?" He snapped arrogantly, his tone holding an underlined anger.

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Have a nice day, people!

Thank you!