"You both blatantly disregarded the terms of your contracts, which explicitly state you will follow all rules set forth by Big Hit Entertainment," a stern woman stated over the video chat.

Taehyung bit his tongue for Jungkook's sake. The blood in his veins was boiling, causing a dull roar to sound in his ears. This type of treatment made him want to slip back into his old behavior. He wanted to lash out and yell at the people who didn't support either him or Jungkook.

But Jungkook, with his hand lightly grasping the elder's under the table, kept him tethered to who he was today.

"Taehyung," the woman continued, her voice harsh and grating, "you were ordered to remain home and to not accompany Jungkook on this tour. I recall us being very lenient after the last incident, so this request should have been a no brainier."

"If by incident you mean when I kissed my boyfriend, there was nothing to discipline Taehyung over in the first place," Jungkook defended, his voice even and low.

His interjection brought all eyes to the younger, but Jungkook didn't balk.

The woman went on. "And Jungkook, were you not clearly told to remain silent regarding all matters concerning Kim Taehyung?"

Jungkook couldn't take it anymore. "If this company is so committed to quieting the truth, it's not one I want to be a part of. Success means nothing to me if I have to betray my convictions. I stand by what I did and you will not make me regret my actions. So I'll make it easy for you. I quit."

There was a mixture of reactions.

Taehyung squeezed the younger's hand in reassurance, trying to convey that he'd support any decision Jungkook made.

Hoseok smiled proudly, while both Yoongi and Namjoon didn't outwardly show their feelings.

Jungkook's manager was whispering frantically to a woman next to him. It was Lily, Big Hit's publicity representative. Her once smiling features were arranged into a scowl.

The rest of the Bit Hit employees were a combination of silence and frustration. None of them, however, caused an outburst like Jungkook was somewhat expecting.

"You can't quit," someone new said over the video chat. "I work in the legal department. And your contract clearly states that only Big Hit can release you from your contract."

Quite honestly, Jungkook didn't know if the man was lying or not. He never took the time to read the contract in full. "Then fire me," he commanded.

"Oh, we're not firing you, Jungkook," that first woman said again. She must be someone in charge of all the rest to have such authority. "We've put too much time and money into this tour to just let you go. Unless you want us to pursue legal action, you will finish this remaining concerts. And once we're back home, we will discuss what your future with Big Hit looks like."

Jungkook's heart dropped. Did this mean he couldn't willingly leave if he wanted? Did he unknowingly sign away all of his rights to a corporation that cared so little for him?

"But -" He tried to defend, but was interrupted by that woman.

"I am the CEO of Big Hit Entertainment," she snarled at Jungkook. "Unless you want to go to court over this, I suggest you listen."

Taehyung squeezed his hand again. The elder didn't want Jungkook saying anything that'd land him with a lawsuit.

"Taehyung, however," the CEO continued, "you have run out of second chances. I have put up with enough of your antics and decided it's time for us to part ways. We're canceling your contract."

Taehyung simply nodded. He knew this was coming, and quite frankly, he was glad. Big Hit didn't have his back when he needed it, so he was thankful to be let go.

"Now, of course, there is the matter of legal action," the CEO drawled, seeming to take amusement in the way Taehyung's eyes widened. "You had an upcoming album that was about to be released and a worldwide tour already planned. Do you know how much money we're going to lose now?"

The man from the legal department spoke up. "In your contract, there is a clause that explains that in the event you're fired, Big Hit can seek remuneration."

"So you're going to sue me for all I'm worth," Taehyung stated without emotion.

The room was quiet as everyone waited for the CEO's confirmation. Taehyung's friends - Namjoon, Yoongi, and Hoseok - sported pale faces. The choreographer made eye contact with Taehyung, shaking his head softly in remorse.

The CEO knocked her knuckles against the table, signaling all eyes to turn back to her. "I'm not going to sue you. The only reason being that I don't want Big Hit's reputation to suffer. It seemed some people actually felt sympathy for you after watching that live."

There was a few deep exhales; all of Taehyung's friends finally started breathing again.

"But get this straight, Taehyung," she hissed at him, "I own the rights to everything you did as V. All of the songs you wrote and sang, the merchandise and media connections . . . that all belongs to Big Hit. You are forbidden from using your stage name again. You cannot go to another record company as V and sing your old songs. They belong to me. Do you understand?"

Taehyung nodded, relieved there wouldn't be charges pressed against him. He was ready to give up V and move forward anyway, so this wasn't as big a blow as everyone assumed. It was just another indicator that he was free from the past.

Of course, he'd miss performing and connecting with fans. But there were other ways to do that as well. After a much needed break, he'd explore other ways of getting involved with the musical community.

"We're done here for today," the CEO concluded, moving her hand to end the video chat.

"Wait!" Namjoon suddenly exclaimed, rising out of his seat to get everyone's attention. "I have one last clarifying question."

"Make it quick, Namjoon," Jungkook's manager ordered.

The producer nodded and sat back down. "It's about the live from last night."

The CEO rolled her eyes. "We already took it down. I don't care if people understood or not, it was still against company policy."

"Jungkook," Namjoon turned to the younger, "how did you record your live?"

Jungkook scrunched his brows together. "Through my cell phone. Then I hooked up my laptop so I could see the feedback."

"Thank you." The producer smiled at him in approval before turning to face the CEO's direction. "Does Big Hit own the recording?"

"That recording is deleted, Namjoon," the CEO said. "It can no longer be tied to our company. So please get to the point of your question."

"That was my point, ma'am. I just wanted to confirm who owned the recording footage."

She sighed audibly. "I want no affiliation with that live. As far as I'm concerned, Big Hit will pretend last night never happened and will carry on as is."

Namjoon bowed his head in thanks, his face neutral besides the slight upward tilt of his lips.

Jungkook and Taehyung looked at the producer in question, failing to notice how both Yoongi and Hoseok were also subtly smiling.

"Everyone is dismissed," the CEO declared. "Go get ready for the concert."

The call ended abruptly and everyone sprung into action. Most of the Big Hit employees stormed from the room, going to make whatever needed preparations based on the outcome of the call. Jungkook's manager, who was probably in trouble for not keeping a better eye on the boy, stalked up to Jungkook and commanded he be ready to leave in five minutes.

Jungkook smiled sweetly at him, causing the man to exit with a huff. Soon, it was just the group of friends remaining in the conference room.

The younger immediately brought Taehyung into his arms. "I'm so sorry Tae."

Taehyung shook his head and pushed back with a smile. "I'm not. I'm more sorry for you. These people are downright crazy."

The producers and choreographer approached the two boys, each quickly patting their shoulders.

"What was that all about, Joon?" Taehyung asked, looking up at the older boy.

Namjoon simply ruffled his hair before leaving, choosing not to address Taehyung's question.

Yoongi yawned as he slung an arm around Taehyung's shoulder. "We've been up all night thanks to you two."

Jungkook gave him an apologetic smile. "It wasn't my intention to cause so much stress for you all."

Yoongi ignored the comment, continuing to ramble on. "And then you had to go sneak out this morning. You were pretty obvious. No one really wears a face mask in New York, Tae."

Taehyung shrugged his shoulders.

Hoseok chuckled. "Lucky for you, Jimin thought it'd be a good idea to cause a distraction."

Jungkook recalled the disturbance in the lobby this morning. He'd have to thank his friend later for that.

Yoongi nodded towards the door. "Alright, boys. We have a concert to get to. Tae, stick with me and I'll get you backstage."

Taehyung thanked him and they left for the venue, unsure of what exactly the evening might bring. For now, all they could do was take it one hour at a time.

But Taehyung knew that whatever was coming for them, he'd be strong in the face of adversity. He was himself again and he finally shed the mask that prohibited him from moving forward.

He felt a sense of acceptance washing over himself as he put the final nail on the coffin.

"Goodbye, V."

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《