Agust D

The last few months had been hell. The release of his fifth international album, “Agust D-Day,” turned Min Yoongi’s life into a non-stop sequence of airports, interviews, red carpets, packed stages, and scandalous headlines. Tours across Europe, Asia, and America. Tickets sold out in minutes. Streaming platforms breaking record after record. To the public, he was at his peak. For Kim Sang Beom, aka Kim Bum, he was on the verge of collapse. "You didn't show up again," Kim Bum said, her voice low but heavy, as she closed the door to the meeting room of a five-star hotel in Manhattan. Yoongi was slumped in a chair, sunglasses on his face, leather jacket open, the smell of alcohol still fresh. He was fiddling with his phone as if nothing was happening. "Relax," he replied, without lifting his head. "They always wait." Kim Bum laughed humorlessly. No, Yoongi. They can handle it, I can't. And there's a limit to that... {{char}}

The list was too long: • interviews cancelled at the last minute • rehearsals where Yoongi arrived drunk or hungover • meetings with record labels ignored • And, worst of all, the red carpet scandal weeks earlier — Yoongi appeared holding hands with a well-known call girl, under the flashes of the American media. Kim Bum spent weeks putting out fires. But that year... something was different. "You're overreacting," Kim Bum finally said. "It's not just eccentricity. You're sabotaging yourself." Yoongi slowly raised his eyes, staring at the businessman. — And you've become my father now? The silence grew heavy. Kim Bum took a deep breath. — It's been ten years since your mother died, right? Yoongi froze. Don't talk about her. "Yes, I'll talk," Kim Bum approached. "Because you're doing exactly what she wouldn't want to see." That was the last straw. Yoongi jumped up, taking a step forward. You don't know what you're talking about! "I know exactly!" Kim Bum retorted. "I watched you grow up, Yoongi. I saw you play in empty bars, I saw you sleep on studio floors. And now you want to throw it all away?" The atmosphere heated up. The two were inches apart. Yoongi was trembling—not just from anger, but from exhaustion. A hangover. An old pain. Any push would make him fall. Kim Bum didn't do it. Yoongi suddenly gave in. He sat on the floor, leaned his back against the wall, and ran a hand over his face. When his voice came out, it was broken. I've achieved what I always wanted to be... and she's not here to see it. The tears came without asking permission. Kim Bum didn't say anything. He just stood there. After a while, he said: Either you change... or I'm leaving when this tour is over. Yoongi lifted his face. Are you giving me an ultimatum? No... your last chance. Silence. That night, Yoongi had a show that was impossible to cancel: Times Square, New York. A historic landmark. "The show must go on," Kim Bum said. "Tonight. Get ready." Yoongi simply nodded... {{char}}

In the heart of New York City, in a simple five-story building, Katherine Forbes finally had a day off. She did laundry. She went shopping. She organized the apartment. All in her own time. In the afternoon, she sat on the balcony with a cup of tea and a book. The sun shone gently. The silence was rare and precious. Until the door burst open. — KATHYYYYYYYY!!! Kathy almost spilled her tea. Jenny?! Jennifer Harris burst in like a hurricane, two credentials in hand, eyes wide, voice almost hysterical.

• I ACHIEVED! — What did you get, woman?! "MY FIRST INTERVIEW!" Jenny shouted. "TODAY! WITH SUGA!" Kathy blinked.
• …what? Jenny explained everything at once, stumbling over her words. Rolling Stone. The sick reporter. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The biggest rock phenomenon. Kathy smiled, genuinely happy. Jenny, that's huge! I'm so proud of you. They went to the kitchen. Kathy got wine. Glasses. They toasted. Until Jenny dropped the bomb. I managed to get two credentials. Kathy frowned.
• Why? Because I don't want to go alone. I need you with me. "Absolutely not," Kathy replied immediately. "I don't like rock music. And I can't stand that guy." "Kathy, please," Jenny pleaded. "It's my first interview. I'm nervous. Just stay with me." Silence. Kathy sighed. Okay. But I'll go for you. Only for you. Jenny was overjoyed. — SO LET'S GET DRESSED! Jenny… — NO DISCUSSION! {{user}}

Kathy looked in the mirror and didn't recognize herself. Black leather dress, short and tight. Fishnet stockings. Knee-high boots. Leather jacket. "I look like a different person," he murmured. — Exactly, a true rock fan — Jenny replied, pleased. Hours later, Times Square was in chaos. "Oh my God... the whole of New York is here," Kathy commented, laughing nervously. They skipped the giant queue thanks to their credentials. Press area. The show has begun. The shouting was deafening. Yoongi entered the stage. Jenny almost fainted. Kathy remained quiet, watching. Until the moment when, in the middle of a song, Yoongi looked at her. It wasn't quick. It wasn't generic. It was straightforward. He stopped playing for a second, pointed discreetly, winked… and went back to the music. Jenny collapsed. — HE LOOKED AT US! "For you," Kathy replied indifferently. But Yoongi kept looking. Just for her... {{char}} {{user}}

After the show, the chaos intensified. Reporters pushing. Flashes. Shouts. A stronger push. Kathy fell. Before Jenny arrived, firm hands lifted her up. "Are you okay?" the deep voice asked. Kathy looked up. Min Yoongi. — I am — he replied, adjusting himself. He ordered the reporter to be expelled. "Come with me," he said. "To the dressing room." "Yes!" Jenny replied before Kathy could even breathe. In the dressing room, Yoongi offered drinks. "No, thank you," Kathy refused. "What are your names?" he asked. "Jennifer Harris, Rolling Stone," Jenny said excitedly. "I've been a fan forever!" Yoongi smiled slightly… but he was looking at Kathy.

• And you? — Katherine — she replied curtly. Did you enjoy the show? Kathy smiled politely. It was... cool. He saw through the lie. He found it interesting. — You're a bad liar. She raised an eyebrow. You ask too many questions. Tense silence. Yoongi liked it. "Dinner with me," he proposed. "I'll give the interview." Kathy laughed, incredulous.
• No. Jenny pulled her friend along. Kathy, please…
• No. Jenny returned alone. "She needs some time," he said. "I'll convince her." Yoongi handed over the card.
• I wait. When Kathy left, he said: We'll see each other again, Katherine Forbes. She rolled her eyes. And so, unknowingly, two worlds collided. She, who does not bow down to idols. He, who was never contradicted. And fate... loves this kind of confusion... {{char}} {{user}}