Seokjin glanced at Hoseok in disapproval as he ran the number countless times and each time he got the same step wrong, his frustration increased to such an extent that he started taking it out on the members.

Seokjin looked around at the exhausted faces of his members and decided to put his foot down. Namjoon seemed to have the same idea as he spoke up before Jin could, "Hyung, I think this is enough practice for today. We all are exhausted and so are you—"

"You may be the leader of our group, Joon, but right now I'm in charge!" Hoseok growled and Namjoon's eyes widened at the tone, "No one leaves till we get these steps right."

"The only one making mistakes is you," Yoongi shot back.

Hoseok opened his mouth but Jin decided to intervene right then.

"Enough! We've been here for more than an hour. I suggest we wind up practice for today."

"And what role exactly do you play here?" Hoseok snapped.

If Jin felt hurt by his words, he didn't show it.

"Forget about BTS right now. Aside from being a band, we are also a family. You may be the dance leader in BTS, but I am the oldest in this family and as your hyung, I say practice is done," said Seokjin sternly.

"Do whatever," Hoseok growled, "Go home then. I'm staying here and getting this right. Seems like I'm the only one who cares enough to perfect this."

Seokjin took in a calming breath to keep his anger at bay. Then, he turned to the others. Yoongi's face displayed rage, not at all happy with Hoseok's behaviour. Taehyung and Jimin stood awkwardly, not eager to get involved in the conversation.

Namjoon seemed a little hurt by Hoseok's words as he stood silently. Jungkook's teeth nibbled on his lower lip, eyes slightly glossy. Seokjin could tell he felt uncomfortable with all the tension in the room.

"You guys head home. Hoseok and I will join you soon," Seokjin ordered, holding no room for protests.

Obediently, the others picked up their stuff and exited the studio, leaving behind their two members. Seokjin's eyes travelled back to Hoseok, who once again began to practice the moves.

Seokjin moved forward and without any hesitation, switched the music system off.

"I'm still practicing!"

"Not anymore."

"Switch the music back on."

Seokjin calmly sat on a chair beside the music system.

"No. You've practiced enough for today. You're sweating. You're panting. Your body is exhausted and practically begging for some rest. So no, your practice is done for the day."

"You don't tell me what to do," Hoseok shouted, "I'm old enough. I'm old enough to decide things for myself. Our concert is soon and I have to get this right. Everyone expects me to."

Seokjin's expression softened when tears of frustration trickled down Hoseok's red cheeks.

"Why can't I get it right? I keep making the same mistake over and over again. So stupid—"

"Jung Hoseok," Seokjin interrupted his rant, "I will not stand here and listen to you speak ill of yourself."

Hoseok let out a sob and crumpled to the floor. Seokjin slid beside him and wrapped his arms around the distressed dancer. He rocked them gently.

"Hoseok-ah, everyone has their bad days. It's okay to make mistakes. We're human. We're born to be real and not perfect as Yoongi always says. You're tired and overworking yourself won't help you in any way. Seok-ah, you don't have to constantly try and prove yourself to us. Even if you make mistakes, that's alright. We don't see you as anything less than amazing."

Hoseok trembled in Seokjin's arms.

"Stop putting such immense pressure on yourself. There's only so much you can do. You've got to give yourself more credit for that."

Seokjin rubbed his back soothingly.

"I know why you behaved the way you did, but it still doesn't justify it. Saying what you did to each of us was uncalled for."

"I know," Hoseok admitted, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks, "I didn't m-mean— I'm sorry, hyung. I'm so sorry."

Seokjin tightened his hold on the younger.

"Hyung forgives you. The others will too but you owe each of them an apology. Especially Namjoon."

Seokjin pulled away from the hug to see the shameful expression on Hoseok's tear-stained face.

"I'm sorry," Hoseok whispered again, "I just — I didn't know how. . ."

His voice cracked.

"Didn't know how to approach us?"

"Without crying. I'm not a child anymore to c-cry and I- I just . . . held it in and ended up lashing out and I'm s-sorry. I'm sorry hyung. I'm—"

"Shh," Seokjin gently wiped his tears away, "You're never too old to cry. Always remember that. Even the strongest have their breaking point. No more bottling things up. Tell hyung, okay? Or any of the members when you're feeling overwhelmed or under pressure."

Hoseok teared up again as he buried his face back in Seokjin's shoulder. He sniffled as the older ran his hands through his hair.

"Hyung," said Hoseok after a while.

"Yes?"

"What I said before . . . I didn't mean it. I just — you're an essential part of this group and of our family. You hold us together. You play the role of an elder brother. You take care of us. Always d-do. Please, don't t-take what I said to heart."

"It's forgiven and forgotten. Now, let's get home."

"Shall we take food on our way back home as peace offering?" Hoseok quietly mumbled and Seokjin chuckled.

"Sure, let's do that. And you, young man, are paying for it."

"Aye aye, capitan."

To be continued
21 February, 2023