《The Arrangement》62
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Yoongi, true to his word, was able to sneak Taehyung backstage.
No one explicitly told Taehyung he wasn't allowed to be there, but the implication was clear. He had a feeling if someone saw him, they'd kick him out or find someone to remove him from the premises. This concert was still a big opportunity for Jungkook, however, so Taehyung decided to be as discreet as possible.
There was an out of the way corner that allowed full view of the stage, so Taehyung camped out there. The concert began just a few minutes prior and the three boys were performing the first song. The audience screamed at the top of their lungs, singing to the lyrics in time with Jungkook, Jimin, and Yeonjun.
Hoseok and Yoongi, both devoid of showtime responsibilities, were on the opposite side of the stage. Yoongi watched Jimin's every move, a big smile overtaking his face. Hoseok teased him every other second for it, but he was genuinely happy the elder found someone he cared about so much.
Namjoon was nowhere to be found. After the confrontation with Big Hit earlier in the afternoon, he disappeared without a word of where he was going. Neither Yoongi or Hoseok appeared to be overly concerned, though they checked their phones every so often.
For what, Taehyung didn't know.
As he watched Jungkook perform, he found himself thinking towards the future. Jungkook's future, more specifically. There was no telling what Big Hit had planned for him, seeing as they were not willing to cut his contract short. Taehyung feared they'd take advantage of him now, slowly wearing him out until he came to hate performing.
He deliberated consulting a lawyer when they got back home. There must be someone who could help find a clause in the contract, a loophole of sorts, to get Jungkook out of this mess of a company. And although his concerns went to Jungkook first, he was also worried for Jimin and Yeonjun. They were tied to Big Hit as well; they now worked for these same intolerant and inflexible people.
But there was only so much he had control over. Besides, there wasn't much he could do in a foreign country where he didn't speak the language. He'd have to wait it out.
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The show quickly progressed and suddenly it was time for Jungkook's solo. The younger emerged from the wings of the stage, dressed in his all white ensemble. To Taehyung, he was the most exquisite thing he'd ever seen.
Taehyung crept closer to the edge of the stage, wanting a front row seat for this performance. The song about to be sung was written for him, after all.
Jungkook found his spot on stage and cheers erupted all around him. It was a frenzy out there as the audience recognized it was time for Euphoria. The music started, but with the loud cries from the crowd, Jungkook missed his cue. He stared out at the venue, a hand shielding his eyes from the bright stage lights.
Jungkook waved his other hand down, signaling the audio crew to turn down the track. Everyone backstage was utterly confused, but slowly the volume turned down anyway.
And that's when Taehyung heard it. The audience was chanting something in unison, growing louder and stronger with each repetition.
"Kim Taehyung! Kim Taehyung!"
Taehyung's mouth dropped as he heard his name being sung like a chorus. He didn't understand what was going on. Why were these people calling out for him?
Jungkook stood center stage, hearing his boyfriend's name - his boyfriend's real name - being echoed by the thousands of people in the audience. His heart beat in tandem with their chants and a smile lit up his face.
Tentatively, he rearranged his headset so the microphone was close to his lips. He tried to remember as many English words as possible. "Do you want to see Taehyung?"
Ferverent cries were his answer, so he quickly ran to where Taehyung stood in the corner. The elder's eyes were wide as he approached, as taken aback as the rest of the people backstage. Jungkook, too, was surprised by this. But he wasn't going to question it for a second.
When he reached him, Jungkook held out his hands. With his mic still on, he spoke out warmly, "Take my hands now."
The audience went wild at that, and with a grin, Jungkook pulled Taehyung out onto the stage.
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Taehyung's heart was in his chest as he stared out into the crowd, unable to truly see anyone or anything. But he heard them, still repeating his name with as much passion and energy as before.
"I take it you all saw the live last night?" Jungkook asked in his native tongue, before realizing many of the audience members couldn't understand what he was saying.
He looked frantically backstage for someone who might be able to help. His eyes landed on Yeonjun. The younger had proven throughout the tour how competent he was at speaking English, so Jungkook pointed at the boy and signaled him to come out.
Yeonjun listened, though he wore a deeply confused look on his face.
"I need you to translate," Jungkook explained to him. "I know some English but you're better."
The younger nodded and tapped to make sure his mic was on. When he heard the resounding booms, he translated Jungkook's original question.
This time, the crowd responded with another loud series of shouts.
Jungkook, who was still holding Taehyung's hands, pulled the elder into his side. They locked eyes, both a bit flabbergasted at the reception they were receiving. Neither had looked at the comments during the live and they'd kept off social media after.
"Does this mean they support us?" Taehyung asked Jungkook, his voice being picked up by the younger's mic.
Yeonjun lifted up his own microphone. "Taehyung wants to know if you all support his relationship with Jungkook."
The screams were overwhelming this time, causing Taehyung and Jungkook to just shake their heads in shock. This was so much more than they ever anticipated. After all of the scrutiny they'd been under, neither expected anything quite like this.
Jungkook wanted to say a big I told you so to Big Hit. He hoped the CEO and all her minions regretted dropping Taehyung. It seemed Taehyung's reputation repaired itself tenfold, simply because he was finally himself. The younger always wanted the world to know and love Taehyung like he did, and now it appeared his wish was coming true.
He was giddy with happiness as the crowd started up a new chant.
"Kim Taehyung! Jeon Jungkook! Kim Taehyung! Jeon Jungkook!"
Jungkook took hold of Taehyung's chin, turning the elder's face towards him. "Would you be mad if I kissed you right now?"
"Yeah, I'm not going to translate that," Yeonjun piped up, walking off stage to let the two have their moment.
Taehyung maneuvered Jungkook's mic out of the way and both boys moved to close the distance between their mouths. The kiss sent a shockwave through the venue as the fans hollered and cheered and stomped their feet in approval.
"Sing with me, Tae," Jungkook murmured under his breath as he pulled away.
"But it's your song, baby."
Jungkook's eyes lit up as he shook his head. "It's your song, Tae. I wrote it for you and I'd be honored if you sang it with me."
"Okay," the elder breathed, unable to refuse the love of his life.
Jungkook quickly rushed from the stage, grabbing a handheld microphone from a stage tech. Yoongi, understanding his intent, went to some of the backstage audio controls and made sure the mic was ready for use.
"I love you, Kim Taehyung," Jungkook said, his voice vibrating throughout the venue.
Taehyung took the proffered mic and brought it to his mouth. "And I love you, Jeon Jungkook. Always have, always will."
Yoongi started the track and the two boys sang together, their voices complimenting each other's beautifully. Taehyung's rich timbre with Jungkook's lofty notes created a blend not many had heard before. The fans, many of whom were recording the affair, loved the effect and cheered wildly for them.
After the song concluded, Jungkook and Taehyung thanked the crowd profusely before they rushed off stage. Adrenaline was pumping through their veins, as was something else.
Hope.
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》《
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