The girl couldn't help but let out a yawn as they waited backstage. Even though she told Suga that she was going to bed right after they finished Stranger Things, she spent the next few hours talking to Iris. They promised that they were going to be in the crowd at the interview today but Nari couldn't catch a glimpse of any fans as the boys went in this morning for hair and makeup. She desperately hoped that she would be able to see them again.

"Ok but how come Nari's outfits are always way cuter than ours?" Jin pouted, interrupting her daydreams, "Like, look at her! What do I have to do around here to get pink overalls and a shirt with flowers on it?"

Nari giggled, "Jin, you look good though. I like your clothes."

"They're okay," The boy replied and absentmindedly fiddled with a ring on his finger, "But I'm tired of being handsome. I wanna be cute."

Taehyung playfully threw his arms around Jin's neck, "But Jin! You already are cute!" He flashed the girl a playful smile, "You'll never be as cute as Nari though. Sorry, I don't make the rules."

She laughed along with them, but noticed something a little different about the younger boy, "Tae, did they change your eyes?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, I got contacts!" He replied and made a goofy face, showing off his bright blue eyes, "Sometimes they give Jimin and I colored contacts when we're in America. I guess Americans like me better this way or something."

"Hey! What did you say about me?" Jimin approached the group, good naturedly jostling the other boys. Just like Taehyung had said, his eyes also changed to a light blue.

Suga sighed, "Please don't do this here. We're going on in like 5 minutes."

"Alright grandpa," Taehyung relented and let go, "But only because I don't want to mess up my makeup. That's it."

Soon enough, the rest of the members joined their little huddle. Producers and stylists gathered like moths around a flame and fussed over last minute details as they attached microphones to everyone's clothes. Sensing Nari's growing anxiety, Namjoon held her hand securely.

"Alright!" A cameraman announced, "We're on in ten, nine, eight, seven..."

The boy gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze, "Don't worry," Namjoon whispered, "Same thing as always, okay? If you don't want to answer a question that makes you uncomfortable use our code. I'll be there to help you, darling."

"Thank you, Namjoon." Nari nodded and let out a deep breath, "You always know how to make me feel better."

"Three, two, one! Action!"

As always, the bright studio light blinded Nari for a second as she followed the boys on to the stage. Screams rose from the audience in front of them. She scanned the crowd and soon saw a familiar figure with lavender hair standing at the barricade, just as they had promised. Nari managed a small wave which made Iris's face light up with joy.

The boys took their seats and so did she, sandwiched in her comfort spot in between Suga and Namjoon. Nari smiled graciously at the host as they introduced BTS to the crowd.

"Hello everyone! My name is Laura Spencer and it is a beautiful day in Times Square. I'm here with Korean boy band BTS and their adopted child, Nari," She turned to the boys, "It's wonderful to see you guys again. How are you liking New York?"

"I love it!" J-Hope immediately responded, "There is so much to do here. We always enjoy coming to New York City."

Laura smiled, "That's great to hear. Nari, is this your first time in the United States?"

"Y-yes." The girl blushed as she shyly answered. She had never spoke in front of this many people before, and talking in English made it harder, "New York is very nice," Nari continued quietly, "Lots of pretty places and people."

"Awe, there's no need to be shy!" The host encouraged her, "Tell us, what's it like living with the boys? I grew up with only one brother, it must be hard for you having to deal with 7 of them."

Nari managed a small smile, "It's not bad. They're very good to me and I care about them a lot." An awe went up from the crowd. The girl felt her heart grow warm.

"We care about you too," Namjoon added and placed a supportive arm around her shoulders, "Although the boys aren't the greatest influences sometimes."

"Really? Who's the worst?"

"V." Suga immediately said, causing the other boy to gasp in surprise.

"Hey! That's not fair!" Taehyung protested, "I love Nari more than anything! I am not a bad influence!"

"I don't think that any of them are inherently bad, but V does spoil Nari though," Namjoon said, "Like way more than I do, and that's saying something because I have a hard time saying no to her."

Jungkook agreed, "V is kind of a pushover."

"You're not safe either," The older boy turned to face him, "Jungkook is just as bad. He's super messy and he drinks the most out of all of us. Plus he swears all the time at the dorm."

"Don't let his cute face fool you," Jimin added, "He can drink beer like a machine. And as his roommate, he is the messiest person in the entire house. Period."

Laura laughed, "Now that we know who is the worst influence, which one of you is the best?"

"I would say J-Hope because he always does his chores on time," Namjoon began, "...but he's also extremely loud. So I'd have to say either Jin or Jimin."

Jimin spoke up, "Yeah, I'd have to agree with that. The J-Hope part, at least."

"I am feeling so attacked right now," Hobi joked, placing a dramatic hand over his heart, "I am nothing but kind to you all and this is how you repay me? Nari. Help me please."

"I think they're all good," The girl answered, "But I don't like playing video games with Jungkook and Jin because they scare me."

Jin groaned, "Is this about Animal Crossing again? Nari, I told you, you're not playing it right!"

"Animal Crossing?" The host asked, "Do you guys play together?"

"No." Nari replied stately, "Jin and Jungkook always restart when they get villagers they don't like. It's mean."

"Mean?!" Jungkook exclaimed, "Nari, what is the point of creating your own island if you can't fill it with the the people you like? If I were to make an island to live on forever I wouldn't bring Suga on it-"

The boy in question sighed, "Harsh, but fair."

"I would bring Jin or Namjoon," He continued, "because they would be the best people to live with. It's the same thing with Animal Crossing. I don't want ugly villagers on my island."

Nari shook her head, "But they can't help it! I like playing with Hobi. He's never mean."

"See! I am the best influence!" J-Hope declared, "And don't you forget it!"

The interviewer smiled, "Well Nari, besides Animal Crossing, what else do you like to do?"

"I like reading and watching TV," She answered, "And sometimes drawing and listening to music."

"We're actually watching Stranger Things right now," Suga added, "It's really good and we like it a lot."

"Who's your favorite character, Nari?"

The girl paused and sounded out the unfamiliar word. "Char-ac-ter?" She looked to Namjoon for help.

"Character," He repeated, "A person on a show, like Hopper or Joyce or Will. Who's your favorite person in Stranger Things?"

Nari nodded, "My favorite person in Stranger Things are Eleven because she's easy to understand and Steve because he is like Suga."

"Steve Harrington?" The boy asked, "Really? That's a comparison I never thought that I'd hear."

"You're like Steve because he doesn't seem very nice at first, but he actually cares a lot." She continued, "He's tough on the outside and sweet on the inside. Like you, Shu-ger."

Suga smiled, "Thank you, Nari. You'll always be the sweetest person in my life."

"You guys are too cute," The interviewer smiled, "Well, boys and Nari, we actually a special guest for you guys. Halsey, why don't you come on out?"

Nari smiled widely and waved as Ashley made her way across the stage, amid cheers from the crowd, "Ash! Hi!"

"Hello Nari!" The woman gave her a quick hug before greeting the rest of the boys, "I'm so happy to see you!"

Nari turned to the tall boy beside her, "Why didn't you tell me Ash was coming?" She asked quickly in Korean, excitedly pulling on his hand.

"Sorry," Namjoon laughed, "I thought it would be a nice surprise."

Ashley took her seat inbetween Suga and Jimin. Nari's heart beat excitedly and her stomach filled with butterflies. Even though this was only their second time meeting in person, they texted pretty regularly. There were some things that only Ashley understood, especially concerning the girl's past. She was a great listener and always seemed to know what Nari was going through.

"We're so happy you're here!" The interviewer said, snapping Nari back to reality, "How are you feeling, Halsey?"

"I'm doing great!" Ashley responded immediately, "I'm happy to be here and I'm happy that I get to see these wonderful boys again. And Nari, of course."

"Do you guys talk often?"

The woman nodded, "I would say so, yes."

"I think so too." Namjoon said, "Halsey is really good at giving advice. She and Nari talk more than we do, though. They're really good friends."

Nari replied shyly, "Uh huh. Ash-I mean, Halsey-is really nice."

"Suga's right, you are very sweet," Ashley smiled, "Nari is the little sister I've never had. Except RM won't let me take her to get a tattoo or piercings, which is kind of a bummer."

"She's 12!" Namjoon repeated, as he had many, many, times before, "I don't care if you got your first tattoo at 15, Nari isn't getting one until she's 18. Not even temporary ones. I will not negotiate, so don't even try." He turned to the girl beside him, "And piercings? I didn't know you wanted those."

She tapped the corner of her lower lip, "I want one here. Halsey showed me pictures. I want to get my hair cut short too."

"Absolutely not. Well, we'll talk about the hair later, but no lip ring. No way." Namjoon spun around to face the other woman, who shrugged sheepishly, "I back what I said about V. You're the worst influence."

Ashley just laughed, "Good."

Jungkook shook his head, "There he goes, getting all protective again."

"Does he get that way a lot?" The interviewer asked.

Taehyung nodded immediately, "Yes."

"Definitely." Jimin agreed.

"All the time," Jin answered, "It's so annoying."

Namjoon sighed, "Well, someone has to be the impulse control around here."

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i just had to bring back halsey one last time i miss her. also idk if bts plays animal crossing, but jin, tae, and jungkook are definitley the ones that bully villagers they dont like until they leave the island or restart the game completely. they rlly do give off those vibes.

also i lowkey hate this chapter so im publishing the next one too!