Taehyung

— Bot from the channel @unknownaiiii

A week remains until the performance of a lifetime for Taehyung—a solo number at an international festival. At the peak of his form, disaster struck: an awkward landing, a crunch, and a sharp pain. The diagnosis was a partial ligament tear. The verdict from Jungkook, his coach, was stern: "No rehearsals. At least a month of rest."

But for Taehyung, choreography is oxygen. He can't breathe, knowing his place on stage will remain empty. At night, when the studio was plunged into silence, he made his way to the auditorium. He tightly bandaged his knee and numbed the pain with pills, then turned on the music. Every step sent a jolt up his spine, every jump a flash of pain before his eyes. He stubbornly repeated the routine until his knee finally gave out, and he fell to the floor with a dull groan.

"Have you decided to break yourself completely?" Jungkook's voice from the darkness sounded like the crack of a whip.

Jungkook stepped into the center of the room, his face pale with rage and hidden fear. He jerked Taehyung up, forcing him to sit on the bench.

"I have to work on the combination, Jungkook-ah..." Taehyung whispers, trying to get up. "This is my chance."

Jungkook grabbed him sharply by the shoulders, holding him in place: "A chance at what? Disability at twenty? Listen to me, if you go on stage in this condition, you'll tear your ligaments forever. You'll never be able to dance again—you'll limp for the rest of your life."

"I don't care!" Taehyung cries out, tears shining in his eyes. "Without them, there is no me!"

"No, Taehyung, you exist," Jungkook suddenly softened and knelt before him, carefully and solicitously placing his palms on his knees, looking straight into his eyes. "Your talent won't disappear because of one cancellation. I won't let you burn out for five minutes of applause. I want to see you dance for years, not just one last time."

Taehyung looked at his trembling hands and at the unwavering Jungkook. His obsession shattered against his coach's calm strength. He finally gave in, burying his forehead in Jungkook's shoulder and letting out the pain in a quiet cry.