Bangtan's arrival caused quite a stir early that morning when the revolving doors of The Ritz-Carlton in New York's Central Park opened with welcoming arms. The murmurs of awestruck ARMY fans stood excited behind the velvet ropes.

Who unexpectedly saw them, and they took some pics of the guys entering the hotel? They, Bangtan, still looked tired with jet lag, behind huge sunglasses and utter excitement. They were ushered inside the grand foyer, trailed by their entourage, stylists, makeup artists, security, and staff carrying numerous pieces of luggage.

The opulence of the hotel blew their breaths away. Their soulmates were mingled discreetly with the other staff members; they were kidding behind staff lanyards.

The management guided them discreetly to the private lounge on the third floor. One of the three floors the agency had booked out for them and their extended entourage, managers, production staff, dancers, stylists, security...and their soulmates.

In the club lounge, Bangtan took over the plush velvet seating. Taehyung and Jungkook plopped down on the pale green loveseats near the window, legs stretched out.

Taehyung threw his arm over his eyes. "Hyung, why did we have to land in New York again at 6AM?"

Jungkook snorted as he glanced at Namjoon, "Because a certain leader booked the schedule backwards..." He laughed as he saw Namjoon give him a slight glare.

Jimin got himself comfortable on a center sofa; his face was in a serene, soft, secret smile that hadn't left his face after his return from Sydney. His fingers were flying over his new phone's screen.

Seokjin, who was sitting near Jungkook and Taehyung, nudged his shoulders as he gestured with his dramatic brow that was raised to a stupidly grinning Jimin, "Why is Chimmy glowing like a sparkle?" he muttered as he looked at the soft pink cheeks, his lips curved, and he didn't have to say anything; his eyes were brimming with pure happiness.

Taehyung smirked, arms crossed, "He's just glad the dating scandal is finally laid to rest. The media has now found some other scandal to chew on...some government corruption scandal. That is why our chimmy is happy."

Taehyung and Jungkook exchanged subtle looks because Jimin had already come clean only to the maknae line. He asked them to keep it a secret, but he and Ruby reconnect, and even if he has a soulmark, she didn't reject him. She told him that she had still loved him for all these years, and she accepted his love.

He even told the younger members that even if he met his destined soulmate, he could legally reject the bond and choose whomever he loved. They just hope he is not the 1% of the Tarnished that will get red-gold status.

The hyungs were so suspicious, but the maknae-line were tight-lipped. They kept Jungkook's secret, and now Jimin needs the same loyalty.

But across the opulent lounge area, the older hyungs were not convinced. This new behavior of Jimin was uncharacteristic, and they are not easily convinced it is all about the dating scandal that is no longer such an issue in Korea.

Hobi and Yoongi, who were seated near Seokjin and Namjoon, sat closer to a large window, discreetly watching Chimmy's cute smirk as his eyes were only focused on his phone.

"He's not just relieved," Namjoon murmured, looking at the hyung of the maknae line.

"I don't believe the crap that these maknaes wanted to feed us. Jimin has been bouncing like Jungkook on a sugar high," Yoongi casually states in his dry tone. "Something is up with these maknaes."

Seokjin chuckled, "Don't be so bitter, Yoongs...we know since he's back from Sydney, he didn't need to cling to you anymore...for therapy."

Yoongi just scrunched up his nose.

Namjoon furrowed his brows. "I agree...it's like he is glowing...brighter than a disco ball. But he won't say why."

Hobi grinned, but his eyes were constantly darting to where their soulmates sat with the rest of the staff. Akira discreetly sent him a kissy pout, which made Hobi's ears turn red. "Who knows, maybe our Chimmy is in love again..."

Seokjin groaned, "I hope not with my cousin, who suddenly found him enthralling. Si-hyeon aka Ava told my parents she wants Jimin as a boyfriend. She is also Tarnished, and when she debuted in the Everglow girl group, she swore that now that she's an idol. Jimin will not be interested."

Namjoon chuckled, "Did she really kiss Jimin last year on her 18th birthday? Jimin is almost 24 years old."

"Jimin swears that she practically threw herself on him; he's not interested after she kissed him without his permission," Seokjin grinned.

Yoongi looked thoughtful. "Well, then we need to scratch Ava from the list. Chim is not interested in too young girls. And especially if she's now an idol."

Taehyung raised his eyes. "Excuse me! We almost broke our friendship when he taught my little sister how to make out. She just turned 19, and her puppy love crush on my school best friend was too much."

They all paused, watching Jimin's fingers fly over his phone again; his shoulders were shaking with silent laughter.

Seokjin murmurs, "I need to confiscate that phone." His eyes narrowed in on Jimin.

Yoongi snorts, "You do know he has fortified passwords on every app on his phone.He encrypted the password for his private chats. It's more secure than Alcatraz."

Namjoon's brows furrowed. "He hasn't been happy in months...maybe he is truly over that scandal and...over Red...he look free and relieved."

Seokjin nodded. "True...no depression, sad eyes, distant behavior...moody pacings. It's just too suspiciously cheerful."

Yoongi laughed and then replied dryly,"  Maybe he visited a paganist who cast a love spell on him...to forget his pain and yearning for that Redhead."

...*＊✿❀🌼🍀❀✿.

Hobi snorted into his Sprite drink, "Whatever spell she placed on him to forget the unhappiness and stress in his life... I'll need some of that after that harrowing time my soulmate went through."

The group chuckled, but Namjoon isn't convinced. It wasn't funny for him. "Guys, it's not just that Aussie scandal and the contents of the Esquire magazine. Are you all at least a bit concerned? He's been texting nonstop for the past week. Smiling like an idiot," he points to the exact moment for Jimin, still giggling softly at something on the screen. "It's like soulmate behavior...do you guys think he met his soulmate and is just keeping it from us?"

Yoongi grinned, "Jimin can surprise all of us and get married before us. I'm just relieved that the suffocating haunted looks, quiet eyes, and long silences are no longer present. I appreciate this soft and playful version of Jimin again. After two years, he's back!"

Seokjin smiled. "Yeah, our Chim is whole again."

A few minutes later their management finalized the room bookings, and every member got their key cards. Their rooms are on the top floor, with the two rooms underneath located for their entourage. The boys received their keycards, but their soulmates also got the same keycards, and, as always, they were escorted a few minutes earlier to their suites.

Jimin was so surprised when Sejin gave him a keycard, telling him he will no longer share with a hyung. All the hyungs are now embarking on full-time tours with their soulmates. He and Jungkook got their rooms.

They were assigned suites, each with its own lounge. Namjoon, who is the leader, and Seokjin, who is the elder hyung, received the presidential suite that includes two ensuite bedrooms and two bathrooms. So, at meeting time, they'll all gather in the senior hyung's suite.

So upstairs in his suite, Jimin lay sprawled out on his bed, white duvet covers, and the air was comfortable in his private room. He was texting his beloved girlfriend, Ruby.

He was excited that she finally arrived in Seoul. They were texting nonstop since he got off from the charter. He's not even interested in having conversations with his Bangtan brothers, and he knows the hyungs hate it.

So when he entered his room, he told Ruby that he was going to refresh quickly because they'd be having breakfast and then rehearsals before meeting the producers of the 'Good Morning America' team. They can't wait to perform at the summer camp festival.

After showering and putting on his loose dancewear, he lounged on his bed while talking to Ruby.

She laughed, "Seoul is interesting...and my mom got a gorgeous mansion-like house. Dr. Hyun made sure it had six bedrooms. Becky and I got our rooms, but I'm staying near the company, Netmarble, with Melissa."

Jimin grinned, "You didn't tell me you're interning at Netmarble...that's insane. You know how difficult it was for Korean gamers to get an internship there."

Ruby giggled, "I know, right? But we were on a scouting program. One of our friends found out accidentally about the international recruitment program, and we grabbed the chance. I actually wanted to go to the US and be with my best friend."

Jimin chuckled, "Woah! That person is also Kookie's former best friend."

Ruby giggled, "Yeah, the Zen-fabulous... and I wanted at first to surprise you, but now you know. I like the company. It's so cool. We got free mini game mobile sets and visors to play with during our breaks."

"Wow, I'm so jealous that you get to play many games before we even have a chance to see them." His voice then changed tone. "Ruby, I love you dearly...and I miss you so much."

Ruby's voice was quiet. "I love you too, Jim...but hopefully you'll be back in Seoul before we leave after our internship and summer break are over. I'm going to be almost three months in Seoul."

Jimin sounds surprised, "Oh wow! We can still see each other, but then we must be cautious...did you enjoy your birthday?"

Ruby sounded flabbergasted: "Oh yeah, but seriously, Chim, a bloody car was delivered with a huge bow. My mom almost fainted. I could almost see my new stepbrother thought I've got a sugar daddy."

"I'm sorry...that must've been funny. I wanted you to feel at home in my country. One of these days you'll be with me, and we'll build a new life together. I have greatly missed you, holding you in my arms, kissing you, and expressing my love for you, Ruby. You are my home! You are my home!" Jimin replied.

"Awwh, baby...we'll see each other soon. I don't know how we'll pull it off with all the stalkers here and the eagle-eyed Bangtan. Please don't expose us with all those secretive smiley faces you give." Ruby teasingly said.

They talked about everything, including her enjoyment of the stay so far, how Melissa captivated the interns, and even her new "brother." He's going to take Melissa out on a date. She doesn't want to go because she knows Melissa wants to strike while the iron is still hot.

Jimin grinned, "You're so cool."

Ruby laughed, "Wait until you see how I disguised myself. I'm wearing my reading glasses, and my freckles are on show." She sent him a quick selfie of herself.

Jimin gasped as he looked at the vivid transformation, "Oh my goodness! You...you dyed your hair...platinum blonde."

She grinned, "You like it?"

Jimin's eyes are wide with shock. "You look so unreal, baby. You resemble a goddess, yet red remains my preferred color on you; your beauty is breathtaking. Please don't fall for any other guy there... I am the only cute Korean who is meant for you…"

She giggled over the phone, "No one can take your place, Jims." You're so mine..."

Jimin chuckled loudly, "Yeah, I'm yours too...and before I'm leaving for rehearsals...just now when I'm back, we'll have our secret time...away." I'm going to have to tell my hyungs about us...but not now."

Ruby replied softly, "I can't wait to see you again, Jims."

"Me too...baby...me too," he murmured.

.*＊✿❀🌼🍀❀✿

The next morning it was just past 5AM, and Central Park was buzzing. You could hear the birdsong of hundreds of them. The ARMY girls were wrapped in purple scarves, and the fanboys were wearing signature hoodies with phrases like "Love Yourself." Two fans were holding up a long banner written in massive words in glitter: "Welcome BTS." Army everywhere got their ARMY bombs lit, waiting for the sun to arise. Some ARMY came from different states just to see the boys. Others camped out overnight.

Even beyond the section that was gated near the Rumsey Playfield, the security was buzzing through on their radios. Two black SUVs came to a halt behind a huge white tent that was lined with heaters and equipment trunks.

The bodyguards and managers opened the car door for us.

Jungkook was the first to step out, clothed in his black hoodie, his hair still messy. "Wow," he whispered when he heard the faint chanting of ...'Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin...Min Yoongi...' arising from the crowd in the park.

Hobi followed, his eyes wide and sparkling, "Oh my word! It's still dark out, but ARMY are glowing," he said, pointing to the fans in the distance.

He chuckled, Army bombs are brighter than the moon."

Yoongi's eyes were still sleeping as he squinted, "I need coffee before your poetic metaphors, Hobi," but a faint smile was etched on his face when he heard their names chanted.

Jin stepped out and stretched his arms dramatically, his smile wide. "Good morning, New York!" Your Mr. Worldwide has come to brighten up your morning." He grinned as Yoongi just rolled his eyes. Seokjin is a true morning person, which is annoying.

Taehyung stepped out; he had his tan trench coat on, but those mesmerizing eyes were still tired. "Hyung, you're going to scare the birds," he chuckled softly.

Namjoon again in leaders mode, gathering the group in a quick half circle: "Guys, let's remember why we are here. ARMY waited all morning in the cold." Let's give them something they'll never forget. Let's do our best."

The soulmates were already in the wardrobe tent when the boys entered. They just smirked at each other while the stylist and Samiya rushed to help the boys get ready; makeup artists are quick and efficient. The boys already got their suit pants on but just exchanged their hoodies and coats for the suit jackets. Their feet were all styled in expensive sneakers.

Hairstylists fix their hair, and others fix their mics. Yunru was part of the post-production, and she's capturing the candid moments with the video camera, going around and just letting the boys be themselves. She's now a full-time Bangtan TV addition.

Jimin grinned as he and Jungkook stood with warm ginger and honey tea. "Do you think ARMY is okay out there? It's so cold. I feel bad for them." he said, looking concerned.

Jungkook was dancing around to keep the nerves under. "Let's make them forget the cold; they won't feel the cold when the music starts."

Then the hosts Robin Roberts entered first, looking effortlessly elegant, and her radiant smile brightened up the boys' nervous energy. Then Michael Strahan entered; he was tall and very charismatic, and he was adjusting his earpiece.

"Gentlemen," Robin called out cheerfully, "New York's been waiting for you."

Bangtan smiles and politely bows with soft greetings.

Namjoon smiles widely," Robin-nim, it's an honor to be here."

She chuckled," I can't believe we're finally meeting again. You're making such an impact, not just musically, but culturally and globally." She clapped her hands together in glee.

Michael laughs with sparkling eyes, 'We were warned that it will be very loud.' But nobody warned us that it would be historic."

The boys chuckled.

Seokjin laughed, and in his teasing tone, he raised his eyes. "Yup, that loudness is because of me---'

The maknae line snorts softly. Samiya just rolled her eyes at her confident soulmate. She loves his humor at unexpected times.

Robin chuckled, "I've heard about you. You're Mr. Worldwide Handsome, right?" Her eyes shone with laughter.

Seokjin, in all his feigned humility, just smirks, "Well, I didn't say that..." The people do.

Hobi laughs loudly and with a small dance move, "Thank you for having us. We've watched GMA since we were teens."

The hosts also greeted the rest of the boys. Michael grinned as he looked at Taehyung, who looked a little nervous and who had his trench coat over his suit. "I've got to say you've got serious fashion game. I need that coat."

Taehyung smiles that cute boxy smile of his. "We can trade...the coat for your voice."

They all laughed as they posed for a few photos with the hosts. Jimin quietly thanked the staff and offered some heat pads for the hands of their translator. She smiled gratefully.

Outside in the park, the crowd has grown, maybe to thousands. The boys smiled as they heard the chants.

As Bangtan walked toward the stage, their bodyguards formed a protective ring around them. Jungkook still peeks behind them and waves to the crowd, flashing his signature shy smile.

Before they ascend the steps, Namjoon turns and pauses, looking at his band, "Are you guys ready?"

Yoongi nodded slightly. "Yup, let's make the sunrise explode."

Hobi clapped loudly, "Army, let's fly!"

Then they stepped into the light, and the park erupted in screams and cheers.

Even as the cameras rolled and the music started, the backstage crew remained silent, observing with a sense of anticipation. The technicians even stopped what they were doing just to watch the globally popular band.

Bangtan could feel ARMY's love as they sang their favorite parts together. It felt like the whole world paused with bated breath just to hear BTS.

The crew, staff, and celebrity guests were sitting in a special bleaches next to the giant stage. Yunru was filming exclusively with one older female friend, referred to as unnie. Akira and Vicky sat together, with Jiho in giant sunglasses. Samiya was standing next to some stylists who were watching the performances by the tent entrances. They performed 'Fire' and 'Boy with Love.'

....

A mix of adrenaline and high emotions was in the air. The ARMY continued to scream long after the last note of "Boy with Love" faded.

Bangtan jogged from the stage after a mesmerizing performance; they were breathless but satisfied.

The staff clapped, and the crew high-fived them for a job well done. One of the producers gave them a thumbs-up and mounted "Insane" with wide eyes.

When they reach their special backstage tent, Jimin takes the towel from a staff member and wipes his brow, muttering, Gosh, that was insane!" His heart was beating erratically, and his round cheeks were flushed pink, not even from the cold but from inner joy.

Jungkook was still bouncing excitedly; his hair was curly and damp on his face. , "Army was louder than the speakers." He drank some of his bottled water.

Hobi was in full dance mode as he gave a celebratory spin. "We killed it...Fire together with love." Central Park will never be the same."

Yoongi chuckled as he drank some of his water, "Please just don't tell my legs we did the hard dances before 8am." I just want them to be utterly surprised later."

Hobi chuckled, "Just don't call on Kira for a massage later." He already got his warmer clothes on.

Taehyung chuckled as he pulled his trench coat back on. His face looked dreamy as he peeked again through the curtain. "They're still out there...waving." Some are crying."

Seokjin chuckled as he looked at himself in the mirror, patting his flushed cheeks. "Well, when ARMY see this handsome face, they can't help but cry of love and devotion."

Samiya pats him on the back. "Stop your silliness. Here's your jacket. Put it on. I don't want you to start barking because of the cold." She teasingly says, but her eyes were filled with deep affection.

, Namjoon looked around at his contented group. "Guys, we did good." We performed well, and ARMY can truly be proud of us."

Jungkook grinned, "Yup, we ate and left no crumbs..." I want to eat Korean fried chicken now."

Namjoon smirked and reached out, pulling them all in a loose, affectionate hug.

The soulmates all entered the tent clapping. Yunru hugged Taehyung affectionately, not caring about the rest of the senior stylists who just smirked. The other soulmates congratulate the boys with high fives and loose hugs.

Then they all helped the stylists to pack up their equipment as well as their personal mics.

Just then the hosts, Robin and Michael, entered, grinning like proud parents.

Robin clapped her hands as she approached the boys. That, gentlemen, was a masterclass. You didn't perform; you gave your whole heart in the performance."

Michael chuckled, "People don't dance this hard this early. I've even pulled a muscle just by watching you guys."

Bangtan laughed softly.

Namjoon bowed respectfully. "Thank you." We really wanted this to feel special."

Robin's eyes were kind as she stepped forward. "It did. You brought us joy and love in a time we really needed it."

Jimin looked a little shy. "We feel the love too. From ARMY and from you."

Hobi grinned, the sparkle still in his eyes. "We try to speak our heart through our music and dance. That is why today was a big day for us."

The boys all nodded in agreement.

Michael smirked at Yoongi, "Yoongi, you looked cool as ice up there." But oh man, I saw you smiling discreetly. Don't try to hide it."

Yoongi gave a small smirk. "It's only for mornings like this."

Before the host left, Robin, Michael, and some members of their production crew gathered together to take a final selfie with Bangtan. While they all squeezed together, Seokjin threw a heart, Taehyung posed with his boxy smile and V-sign over his eyes, and Jungkook held up a peace sign with both hands.

The management entered and brought a box filled with fan letters and small gifts for all the boys. The boys and their entourage were ready as the bodyguards gathered near the SUVs again.

ARMYs chants could still be felt and heard, but they were faint now. The boys felt content and happy as the black SUVs drove out of the park...

✿❀🌼🍀❀✿

Short interview🔥

Performance 🔥🔥

A/n : Another update in celebration of our Mochis discharge.🫠

Congratulations to @DirsSteele who won 4th place in the 'Name contest'

Ava ( Kim Si-hyeon from the gg of Everglow) made her debut.

Thank you to all who waited patiently on this chapter. Thank you for all your support.

1.What are your take on this chapter?

2. What is your favourite scene?

3. Do you think Jimin must tell the Hyungs or wait a bit?

4. Who do you think are more suspicious of Jimins' new demeanour?

5. Do you think Jimin will hide the fact that he almost became a dad?

6.Do you think Jins' cousin will become a stumbling block for Jimin now that she's also a new debuted idol?