collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•sixty-three•

~~~~~Jeongguk

I haven't been able to breathe for 3 days. They arrested my Haerin, and I am not allowed to even see her. Not being able to avoid it anymore, everything is out in the open with the members. Jimin took it really hard when he learned the whole truth. I don't think he's eaten anything in 2 days now. I've tried to talk to him, but he just breaks down whenever I do. He begs me to forgive him, and I do every time, but it's not enough.

We're here at the company to meet with Bang PD, and figure out where to go from here. I had a private meeting with him yesterday, and told him the truth. He surprised me by actually crying... He really liked Haerin when he met her, and wanted us to be happy. He apologized to me for letting his thirst for success blind him to how we were feeling as young trainees. I appreciated that, and made him promise not to repeat the mistake with future groups.

We're seated in the conference room, waiting, when the door opens and Naeun Noona walks in with Chul. I was surprised, but also relieved to see 2 people that are absolutely on Haerin's side. Noona waves to Jin, but comes directly to my side and takes a seat. She clutches my hand tightly, and sends me a comforting smile.

"I was able to see Haerin this morning."

"What? How?"

"She hasn't eaten anything, and her doctor contacted me. I was able to bring her some food, and sit with her. She's really in a bad place..."

"Don't tell me that... I can't stand this Noona."

"Don't give up Jeongguk... She ate the food I brought, and even talked to me. She misses you..."

Noona explained that she spoke to the doctor that we were supposed to see a while back, and she is going to get involved. There's an appointment tomorrow with her, and I will definitely be there, along with Noona and Chul. Noona is hopeful that a diagnosis will help Haerin. She also told me that my father has hired a lawyer. I'm not sure why he hasn't contacted me about it, but I'm grateful.

"Thank you Noona... I don't know what I would do without you..."

"You don't need to thank me. She's my family... You too Jeongguk-ah."

When PD Nim arrives, he stops next to me, and I introduce him to Naeun Noona and Chul. He's gracious, and welcomes them, extending his hand to each.

"Psst... Si-Hyuk... That's my girlfriend."

Jin Hyung got the biggest laugh, and Noona blushed like a school girl. I found myself smiling genuinely for the first time in weeks. We had a light hearted moment, and then got down to business.

"Alright... Jungkook... How are you? I know you're feeling alot of pressure..."

"I'm not sure sir... I'm angry that someone went to the trouble to find this information, and then sell it. I'm sad for my girlfriend, and our kids... Most of all... I'm scared."

"All valid feelings... And I want to help you through it all. Everyone in this room does... Here's where we are from a company standpoint though... We need to hold a press conference. An announcement needs to be made, but it's up to the 7 of you to decide what that will be. I'd hate to have this end, but I'll support whatever you all think is the best thing."

"How can I even continue PD Nim? I can leave the group, and the guys would still have a great career... I don't want to ruin all their hard work."

"Jungkook-ah... We do this all together, or be done. There is no BTS without any one of us."

"But Namjoon Hyung... The fans are so upset... They want me to leave Haerin. I can't do that, so the best thing"

"No! Jeongguk listen to me... You can't quit... Haerin would not want that!"