Chapter Ten- The Melancholy Of Being Apart

~Third Person POV~

Erin frowned at her phone, it was another busy day and she had barely even spoken to Namjoon since their little set up date. Of course the blame wasn't all on her schedule, BTS was also very busy since their comeback with Wings and they were even planning a world tour. So between both jam packed schedules they barely had enough time to text a quick "Good morning, fighting" every morning. Although they weren't officially together, they both felt lonely without being able to see one another.

​​​​​​ "Hey, cheer up! Being busy is good for us, it means we actually have fans and people who want to hear our music!" Alex said sensing the dismay from her best friend. Erin gave her a smile to reassure her she was alright, but deep down she felt as if she was having withdrawals. Get yourself together! Erin scolded from within her thoughts, she knew this should be a time to be happy especially since Bangtan was doing so well. She knew she was happy for them and for LIT M for their success, but she couldn't help the lonely gloom that kept trying to claw to the surface.

"I'm just tired, don't worry about me." Erin said breezily trying to brush off the skeptical looks from her group members. Erin huffed when none of them seemed to listen to her and looked back to the schedule deciding to cut to the chase and get started on another one of their busy days. They all loaded up into their van before heading over to the venue where they were going to have a concert. Erin's gaze locked outside the window as she let her mind wander to the sweet memory of the kiss she had shared with Namjoon.

She watched as the white fluffy clouds seemed to creep across the sky to try and obscure the sun. Releasing a quiet sigh she made a point to stop being so glum and focus on all the good that was going on, after all they had been through she should be ecstatic about the concert they were having that night.

Namjoon gulped down his cup of cold water, wiping his face with a towel as he tried to calm his breathing again. His gaze drifted around the dance studio catching sight of each out of breath member. They had all been practicing extremely hard on their choreo so they didn't disappoint any of their fans. Yoongi lay on the floor, scrolling through his phone, Jin sat against the wall with his eyes closed as he took in deep gulps of air. Hoseok stood near the mirror, his hands clasped behind his head as he was also heaving slightly, Jimin lay sprawled out in the middle of the floor, his towel over his face as his chest rose and fell taking in oxygen.

Taehyung and Jungkook sat against the wall near Namjoon with their eyes closed, Taehyung resting his head on Jungkook's shoulder. Namjoon felt his heart swell with pride from how hard all of them were working and how happy their fans were. He caught the maknae's eye and smiled faintly thinking back to the little set up date the members had done with the help of LIT M members. After he and Erin had pulled apart she glanced at her phone, mentioning something about waking the maknaes.

Namjoon hadn't known what she was talking about until he followed her over to a group of bushes and caught sight of Alex and Jungkook snuggled together in the grass. Alex was curled against Jungkook's chest, both of them using his arm as a pillow as his other arm wrapped protectively around her waist. Erin and Namjoon had exchanged smirks before waking them (after taking a few pictures as blackmail). Of course both had seemed pretty embarrassed but they brushed it off by trying to tease Namjoon and Erin who refused to give them the satisfaction of changing the subject.

As if sensing what his hyung was thinking, the tips of Jungkook's ears tinted red as he averted his gaze smiling sheepishly at his shoes. Namjoon just smirked before stretching slightly and looking back to Hoseok who was already back in position waiting for them. All of the members heaved a collective sigh before dragging themselves back into place, resembling zombies who had just risen from their graves. As soon as they got into place, that were all serious, ready to work. After going through the choreo a few more times they all decided to take a break and split up, some going to the restroom, while others were putting money together to buy some snacks.

Namjoon sat against the wall, staring at his phone contacts. Erin's number was right there, he could hear her voice again with just the click of a button. But he held back, he knew she was busy and he should be focusing on his own group. He was happy and content, at least that's what he has been telling himself and everyone around him, but he knew it was only empty lies that did nothing to cure his loneliness and longing to hold Erin in his arms again. How he longed to get lost in her soft green eyes, hints of brown flecks speckled in her iris like the stars in the night sky. He kept all his thoughts to himself however, so he didn't worry his members when they were already stressed about all their concerts and fan meetings, he didn't want to add more to their plate.

Of course Yoongi was onto him, he had been the only one to notice the small sighs that would escape their leader when he checked his phone. Yoongi wanted to help, but he knew there wasn't much he could do it's not like he could make Erin magically appear in front of him. He pulled up his contact list and found Erin's number, he knew she might be busy but he had to chance it. Placing the phone to his ear he listened in silence to the dial tone, praying for the click of her answering the call.

"Hello?" Yoongi sighed, a little surprised to find he had been holding his breath. "Erin, it's Yoongi." There was a shuffling sound as she adjusted the phone so she could hear better. "Oh Yoongi Oppa! It's good to talk to you, how is everyone?" She tried to talk in a cheery voice but her tiredness still creeped in. "Tired, but everyone is still putting in their all. How are you and Namjoon?" He heard her pause as she took in a gulp of air. "Aha, that was sudden I was a little surprised. We haven't talked much since we've both been busy but it's alright."

Yoongi shook his head, not believing her to be alright. Even as she said she was fine, she was hesitant as if she wanted to tell him the truth but ultimately decided against it. "You're a bad liar Erin, I may not see your face but I know your lying." She laughed lightly. "I guess nothing gets past you oppa, but really it's just I'm a little worn out I'll be fine once everything settles down." Yoongi bit his lip wanting to argue more and force her to tell him the truth, even if he already knew what it was, but he decided not to and take a different approach.

"Hey are you free for lunch?" She paused and Yoongi heard the familiar sound of her footsteps. "Yeah, but I only have twenty minutes because we have practice. Why?" Yoongi glanced over to where Namjoon sat against the wall, smiling slightly. "We haven't seen you in so long, unless you're avoiding us?" Her laughter filled his ear. "Alright, alright I'll be there. See you soon oppa, say hi to everyone for me." The phone clicked as she ended the call. Yoongi gave a satisfied nod before laying back on the floor with his eyes closed.

Erin sighed as she tossed her phone onto her bag before grabbing her water bottle and a change of clothes. "Hey guys! Who wants to come have lunch with Bangtan?" Even though all of them were exhausted, they all gave her smiles and nods of confirmation. They filed into their dorm after a quick drive and began taking turns in the showers. After they all finished, they dried their hair and headed to where Yoongi told Erin they would be.

"Am I the only one who really missed Bangtan oppas?" Alex asked as they drew closer to their destination. Immediately all girls smirked at the maknae. "By Bangtan you mean Jungkook, I mean you want to finish your cuddle sesh right?" Aeri smirked as she wiggled her eyebrows teasingly causing the other two girls to chuckle. Alex smiled bashfully "Why did you guys have to bring that up?!"

"It was so cute, when me and Namjoon oppa found you guys, we even took a few pictures." Erin spoke up tauntingly. "Why did you take pictures?! I swear I will kill all of you in very painful ways if anyone other than us and Namjoon sees those pictures!" Euna decided to speak up then. "Actually I'm 99% sure all of Bangtan have seen those pictures already, I mean do you really think Namjoon would keep them to himself?"

Alex paused, thinking before realization crossed her face. "They won't ever let us live this down!" Erin laughed before throwing an arm around her best friend's shoulder. "So how did you two end up cuddling like that?" Euna sat up smiling devilishly. "Oh I will share the tale of the maknae cuddle sesh."

~Flashback~

​​​​​​ Alex, Jungkook, and the others were all watching as Namjoon and Erin began to kiss, it took all of their willpower not to cheer loudly and applaud them. The others were all eating and joking quietly a little ways away from Alex and Jungkook. "I'm glad everything went smoothly." Jungkook piped up with his mouth full as he offered the bag of chips he was eating out of to Alex who gladly accepted.

"Yeah but it wasn't like it was easy." Jungkook nodded as he sat with his back against a large tree trunk, Alex plopped down beside him as they both made aimless small-talk.

"Do you think they could actually become a real couple?" Alex asked as her eyes caught sight of Erin and Namjoon's silhouettes once more. "Hmmm, who knows it's all up to them really." Jungkook mumbled as he brushed some crumbs off of his hands. Alex let out a big yawn and leaned her head back against the tree trunk, her gaze raking over the dark sky littered with stars.

Jungkook yawned too, mumbling about yawns being contagious before he felt something lay on his shoulder. Turning his head he saw Alex was trying to keep her eyes open but was failing. Chuckling lightly he flicked her in the forehead to try and jolt her up but she only swatted at his hand before going back to her fight for consciousness. Before he realized it, Jungkook had wrapped his arm around her shoulders and tugged her closer to his side. He heard her breathing even out and he knew she had fallen asleep, and as if it was also contagious, his eyelids got heavy and he soon fell asleep along with her.

~Flashback End~

All the girls cooed comically from the cute moment between the maknaes as soon as Euna finished retelling. "Aww aren't you guys the cutest little love birds!" Aeri said between chuckles.

"Um no Jungkook is a bunny and I'm a potato." Alex said as Aeri and Erin snorted before the van was once again filled with joyous laughter, a nice change of pace from their overly hectic and tiring schedules. They soon pulled up to the familiar park that they had set up the date for Namjoon and Erin.

Bangtan were all sprawled around the grass, some laying down while some were literally rolling around to bump into each other. Hoseok rolled around closing his eyes as he ended up rolling right over a reclining Namjoon who was trying to have some peace for once.

"Yah, damnit hyung stop acting like a five year old!" The maknaes couldn't hold back their laughter as even Jin and Yoongi smiled with a few chuckles. "Hey guys!" Erin waved as all the Bangtan boy's snapped their heads in her direction. They all immediately jumped up and ran to greet the four girls. Taehyung pulled Erin into a bear hug pulling back to show her his box smile. "I'm glad we finally got time to see you all again!" Namjoon had the urge to pry Taehyung off of her, but then again he would probably only crush her in a hug of his own.

Erin lifted her eyes and smiled at Namjoon, who was already returning one of his own with dimples. Jungkook and Alex smiled at each other even though all of their members were watching them for more tease material to hold over the maknaes.

"Looks like we have another date to begin planning." Jimin teased. Jin scoffed clicking his tongue at Jimin. "They are too young for that!" Yoongi shook his head. "Alex and Jungkook aren't much younger than Erin." Jin looked at the maknaes again but crossed his arms.

"I hate to cut in boys, but we did come here to eat." Aeri interjected as Jungkook and Alex quickly agreed, thankful for the save. "Alright, let's eat!" Jin proclaimed as everyone cheered in response. Namjoon and Erin naturally sat side by side with Alex on Erin's other side and the rest of the members quickly took seats to ensure that Jungkook had no other choice but to sit beside Alex. As everyone was joking around and catching each other up with their lives, Erin heard the quiet murmur from the boy beside her "I missed seeing your smile."

Their eyes met and they both smiled, for just a moment they only focused on each other. To them it had felt like years, rather than days, since they had seen each other face to face and they wanted to soak in the sight of one another as long as possible. Alex and Jungkook were talking about the struggles of always being the youngest, while the others were just enjoying the food and company.

"Look at them, they probably forgot we were even here." Hoseok sighed as the rest followed his gaze to Erin and Namjoon. Aeri snorted "They're in their own little world." Jimin nodded his agreement with his arms crossed and a mischievous smirk.

"Let's stare at them until they realize we're watching them!" Hoseok beat Jimin to the point, causing him to pout slightly mumbling under his breath. All of them stopped eating, well except Jin who kept sneaking bites, to stare at the couple who seemed to only notice each other.

By the time Namjoon and Erin looked away from one another to finish their lunch, they both smiled slyly when they noticed their members watching them. Namjoon rubbed the back of his neck giving a close - eyed smile to them as he began to eat trying to act as if nothing happened as Erin just shook her head and also began to eat. "You know what we should do when we get a day off?" Taehyung suddenly spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence.

Alex and Jungkook looked intrigued as well as Hoseok, and Jimin was even curious what crazy idea he would come up with. "We should..." he paused drumming on an empty box. "Any day now hyung." Jungkook sighed as impatience crept into his voice. Taehyung smiled as he began again, attempting to cause some suspense. "Two words... Amusement... Park!" Everyone smiled and chuckled lightly at his huge smile and enthusiasm.

"It sounds like fun, I haven't been to an amusement park in a while." Alex spoke up as Jungkook and Jimin nodded like bobble heads. "I'll definitely go, I have only been to an amusement park once and I hardly remember it." Erin added and they all turned to look at her with shocked faces. "Really?!" They all chorused together. Erin laughed nervously. "Yup, crazy right?" Namjoon smiled at her. "I guess we all have to go to the amusement park soon then, huh?"

She smiled back as cheers and hoots of approval filled the air around them. "But we gotta keep a close eye on the maknaes, don't want them going into the tunnel of love." Aeri cut in and smirked teasingly as she caught Erin's eye to cue for her to play along. Erin returned the smirk as she turned to look at the maknaes next to her. "Yeah you two aren't going to go on all the couple rides, right?" Alex gave her a glare as Taehyung threw an arm around Jungkook's shoulder. "You're too young for couple rides, Kookie."

Jin nodded in agreement to Taehyung's scolding to the maknae. "Really guys? We fell asleep! Doesn't mean we're going to start acting like a couple." Alex grumbled as everyone laughed. "Alex we're just messing with you guys, we didn't mean anything by it." Jimin raised his hands in surrender, trying to calm down the two maknaes who were both frowning at their older members. Suddenly Erin's phone rang, picking it up she read "Manager-Nim" from the screen.

Frowning slightly she answered the phone. "Hello?" She said into the receiver as she stood and walked a little ways away from the loud members. "Hello, Erin where are you and the other girls right now?" Erin paused, she had told the manager they were having lunch with Bangtan earlier, so why was he suddenly asking her? "I told you earlier Oppa, we're having lunch with Bangtan. Is something wrong?" The line was silent until she heard a loud sigh. "Too hard to explain over the phone, but you girls need to get back to the company now."

There was a click and the line was dead. He hung up on her without warning which is definitely not like him, he would usually tell her when he was hanging up. Erin got the feeling there was something really serious happening. She turned back to the others who were all smiling and having a good time. She hated to break up the fun, they hadn't seen each other in a while and now she was cutting their time short.

"Hey guys I just got a call from our manager, we have to head back now." Erin announced as she rejoined the group. Everyone frowned and groaned. "Is everything okay?" Namjoon asked as the others began gathering up their things. Erin shook her head "I don't really know what it's about, but from what the manager said and how he acted it's probably something serious." Namjoon frowned as he pondered over what could be the problem, worry for the girls, mainly Erin, filled his thoughts.

"See you some other time guys!" The Bangtan members called after the girls as they got into their van. They all watched the van leave as Yoongi came to stand next to Namjoon. "Do you think it's some kind of scandal or something?" Namjoon asked still staring after the van as it disappeared from sight. Yoongi shook his head. "I don't think so, we are the only ones the girls could have a scandal with and if that were the case, we would have been called too."

"Then what do you think could be so serious? If it was a personal thing, the manager would have said so." Namjoon thought out loud running a hand through his hair. Yoongi sighed shrugging his shoulders. "It's really none of our business anyway, if they want to tell us after they find out, they will. Just relax and let them handle whatever it may be." Namjoon nodded before laying back on the grass and closing his eyes, his thoughts returning to the kiss he and Erin had a few days ago on their surprise date. He prayed everything would be okay for the girls.

The van was silent, none of the girls wanted to voice their worries and cause panic among them. Erin and Alex sat in the middle row, Aeri took up the whole back seat to herself and Euna sat up front with the driver, all of them doing their own nervous ticks. Euna chewed on her nails as she stared out the window, zoned out. Aeri kept pushing her hair back and tapping her fingers on her phone case. Alex was drawing random designs in her notebook with her ear buds in, trying to act like she wasn't worried. Erin was biting the inside of her cheek and bouncing her leg, her ear buds in even if she wasn't paying attention to what was playing.

The van finally arrived after a painstakingly long drive of silence. They all walked in, trying not to look panicked even though internally they were drowning in worry and anxiety. Their manager came speed walking out to meet them, his face emotionless. "Come to the office, we have some things to discuss."

They all nervously took their seats in front of their managers desk and awaited his words with a bated breath. He dropped down into his seat and let out a long sigh, rubbing the spot between his eyebrows.

"Girls we got a problem." He announced, finally meeting their worried gazes. "Apparently someone broke into your dorm while you were out, and we decided to have you all move to a new place until we get everything settled. We'll send lots of security with you when you go to get your things but I want you girls out of there by tonight since it's not safe."

The girls were shocked and exchanged glances but didn't dare question further since the manager already looked exhausted. After they left his office, they were escorted back to their dorm to pack their things. The bodyguards kept close to the girls as they headed back to the van, as if a bunch of people were about to jump from the shadows and attack them from all sides.

On the ride home Erin texted Namjoon, telling him about the break in and how they had to move. After they arrived at their new place she sent him the address and invited them all over later to check out the place. Erin and the other three all did Rock Paper Scissors to decide who will share a room with who and which room goes to which pair.

Erin was with Aeri and Euna was with Alex and they promptly took their things to unpack in the respective rooms. After they were all settled for the most part, Bangtan showed up and had dinner with them, successfully taking all their minds off of the break in and anything else that the break in might have signified. Namjoon reclined comfortably on the couch with Erin seated next to him with her head resting on his shoulder, her long lashes fluttered against her cheekbones as she fought to stay awake.

Wrapped in all the warmth and comfort of those she loved, Erin drifted off to sleep. The soft laughter from her friends slowly fading away as she drifted into a dream.