The Courage to

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Alexis's POV

After the first night staying at their place, time flew by smoothly. The boys and I have still been busy with our own things, but we've managed to spend some more time together after work at their dorm sometimes. The end of the semester is coming up, so I only have a few big assignments left then I'm free from school for four weeks, and I translated all of the RUN episodes to be uploaded during the tour. Surprisingly, the company decided to end the GAYO episodes at the second season, so the guys will have a slightly smaller workload when they come back. All in all, things have been going well.

Up until today. The day of the announcement.

I've been having mixed emotions all of yesterday and this morning. Bang Si-Hyuk himself is supposed to give the statement that will get put out to the company staff about me being the members' soulmate. I haven't been told much about how the announcement is supposed to go outside of where it's being held, and that the managers and directors were told beforehand so that my tickets, accommodation, and authorization could be dealt with. I haven't interacted with any of the higher-ups except for Sung-Hyun who congratulated me, which made me less concerned about the future reactions. We only have a little over a week left until we have to leave for Thailand and most of the preparations are done for almost everything other than this.

I have no idea how I'm supposed to help with any interpretations or translations for the next branch of the tour, but it's better that I go. For both the guys and myself. And for that reason, here we've come to this dreaded yet anticipated day. When I walk in the door company door, I'm nothing but nervous on my way to the conference room. The conference room, I have to remind myself. The GIANT room meant to fit hundreds of people for important meetings and press conferences. Only this time, without the cameras.

Opening the doors to the conference room, a lot of staff are already sitting, more filing in behind me. As I pass to try to find my seat, I hear speculations and guesses for the topic of today's conference. Expectedly, most of the guesses are correct.

"Alexis! Over here!" I see some of the stylists and make-up artists from the tour wave me over to sit with them. I easily take a seat at the end of them, immediately hearing their conversation. "Can you believe, they called for a conference out of nowhere?" Ha-Rin asks.

Another chimes in, "And right before the tour too. Do you think there's an issue?"

"I'm telling you guys, it's about their soulmate. It has to be." Minjun, another stylist asks.

"But why now, that happened a while ago. I just thought they would've kept it a secret." Although I just started here, it's easy to guess that sudden meetings like this aren't common.

"Maybe it's something else then, are they debuting the trainees soon?" This is the first time I have heard about this. There are trainees? Of course there would be, Big Hit only has two groups, if I remember correctly. BTS being their biggest moneymaker.

"No way, it's too early for that. Plus, I heard that over half of the company was called here." They retort.

My thoughts get interrupted instantaneously, "Over half?!" I wail.

In that moment, Bang Si-Hyuk walks in and the room quiets. The guys enter in behind him. They walk up to the stage with confidence in their step and smiles on their face. Jin and Jimin wink at me when they pass my isle. Not even slightly concealed, and clearly directed at me. An irritated scowl makes its wake onto my face at their boldness. Here they are enjoying this with smug looks, while I'm here nearly gagging from nerves. When some of them look back, they chuckle seeing me glare.

Turning back to my group, all their mouths are open and their eyes wide in shock. "Alexis, did they just- " Minjun cuts himself off mid-sentence, unable to finish in his shock.

Ha-rin looks behind her for other possible targets for the facial gesture. Before anyone can add anything in, Mr. Bang begins speaking.

"Recently, there has been a big change in the company regarding the Bangtan group." More whispers echo around the crowd, some in concern, some in shock. He waits with exceptional patience until the room settles, to continue. "After much discussion and a mutual decision made by those involved, I am here to make a very important announcement. But before I say anything," he turns to look at me, "Alexis, could you come up here please?"

I still at the call of my name. I don't know why, but for some reason I didn't think I would need to go up there with them. They would've just said it from there and I could've escaped to my little cubicle like normal. Maybe I'd hide in Hoseok's studio. Perhaps I'd get a pardon to go home early, there's not much new content for me to work on. But this?

Making eye contact with Mr. Bang, he smiles softly, waiting patiently for me to regain my mind. Taking a big gulp, I nervously make my way to the stage. In everything I've done so far, I have always remained behind the scenes. During concerts, I'm just the voice in the background. In interviews, I'm sitting right next to the camera, right there but still unseen. So being in the spotlight, I'm not ready for so abruptly.

Regardless, I walk up to the stairs with shaky legs, glancing over the audience. Nearly backtracking when I see all eyes on me. Maybe we should've rehearsed this or something. So I could be mentally prepared. Knowing damn well that nothing could've prepared me for this. I turn my attention to my soulmates, finding them looking at me as well. But rather than anxious, I feel comfort and reassurance. They look at me with love in their eyes. As if there wasn't an entire crowd watching us, like we are the only people in the room.

Their gazes reminds me why I'm here. Who I'm doing this for. This is for us. For our growing relationship that should never have been hidden in the first place. That shouldn't have to be. I need to get over my nerves. Do I like the spotlight? No. But this is the circumstance I was given and the fight I have to win for them. We can never go further if we keep hiding. My steps are more eager now. Even though my legs are still shaking and I can feel my heart thumping louder than a bass drum, I move forward. With a straight back, I line up next to them shoulder-to-shoulder with Jimin.

We grab each other's hands without hesitation. I unconsciously squeeze it in a death-grip, yet he holds it just as tight. I'm not embarrassed to have them as soulmates. I'm embarrassed that I have to be theirs. But fate chose this for me. For some reason or other these beautiful, talented men were always meant to be mine in heart, body, and soul. I look into the eyes full of comfort and pride. The eyes meant for me. Shifting over to the other six gazes with the same admiration in them.

Steeling my mind, I take a deep breath and face forward directly to the hundreds. For our new beginnings.


~~~~

Hello my loves!!! Merry Christmas!🎁🎄🎁🎄

For those in other times zones, Merry early/late Christmas!!

How was it? Did you guys spend it with friends, family, alone, with a pet? Binge-watching, binge-reading? Family drama? I'm so curious!

I am so glad I was able to get another chapter out so soon, and just in time for the holidays. So here is my present to all of you. I love you guys and care about you all. I hope you have a great day and great rest of your year. XOXO💜💜💜

P.S. Found this:

 Found this:

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⏰ Last updated: Dec 25, 2023 ⏰

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