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Chapter Text

The roar of the crowd was still echoing through the arena as BTS stepped off the MAMA stage, Namjoon holding the "Artist of the Year" award high enough for the cameras to catch it one last time. The seven members bowed deeply before finally slipping past the curtains, where the noise softened into a distant pulse.

Taehyung inhaled slowly, the cool backstage air brushing against his overheated skin. He ran a hand through his damp hair, his chest still rising and falling from the adrenaline. MAMA was always intense, but this year felt charged, electric with expectation. Whispers about the special guest performance had been circulating for weeks.

They began weaving through the maze of staff and performers, Taehyung's gaze drifting everywhere, taking in the chaos with the curiosity he never bothered to hide.

And then he saw her.

She moved toward them like she belonged to a different rhythm, deliberate, steady, precise. One hand adjusted the earpiece nestled against her sleek ponytail, while the other held a black microphone that shimmered under the overhead lights. The slit of her fitted black dress revealed a toned leg with each confident step, but it wasn't the dress that caught Taehyung's attention.

It was her presence.

Sonia.

The name had become a quiet phenomenon, spoken from studio to studio, whispered across continents. A rising European star whose haunting voice had swept through charts worldwide. Her breakout hit, "Fell in Love with a Star," had been looping on Taehyung's playlist for days, the smoky tone of her voice lingering long after the song ended.

Up close, she was even more arresting. Sharp, poised, unreadable.

Her eyes flicked briefly toward them as she approached. The look was fleeting, cool, calculated, as if she was assessing them in a single blink. No smile. No hint of recognition. Just an elegant, almost chilly nod before her gaze slipped past them again.

Something in Taehyung's chest tightened, not quite surprise, not quite intrigue. Something in between.

"Tae," Jungkook nudged him with his elbow, noticing the way Taehyung's head had turned slightly. "You good?"

Taehyung blinked, offering a small smile. "Mm. Just... Watching."

But his gaze betrayed him, following her retreating figure as she disappeared behind the stage entrance.

For one brief moment, she glanced back over her shoulder.

Their eyes met, hers like midnight glass, his wide with curiosity he didn't bother to mask. She didn't offer warmth, only a cool acknowledgment before stepping out of sight.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" Namjoon murmured beside him, voice low and observant.

Taehyung didn't answer. He only hummed under his breath, the kind of sound he made when something, or someone, caught his artistic eye. He felt a pull he couldn't explain, quiet but undeniable.

Later, when the lights dimmed and the announcer introduced Sonia's performance, Taehyung instinctively leaned forward, anticipation curling through him.

The transformation was immediate.

The cold, unreachable woman from backstage vanished the moment she stepped into the spotlight. In her place stood a firestorm wrapped in velvet. Her voice that was raw, husky, impossibly expressive, filled the arena with a haunting melody that gripped the audience by the throat.

Taehyung felt the notes settle beneath his skin.

She moved like the music lived in her bones, fluid but intentional, each turn a whisper, each step a declaration. Her performance felt like reading someone's diary out loud; private, vulnerable, mesmerizing.

It wasn't just talent.

It was storytelling.

And Taehyung couldn't look away.

When the final note faded and the arena erupted into applause, Taehyung found himself clapping harder than he realized, his palms tingling. His heart beat a little too quickly as he watched her disappear backstage again, her presence leaving an ache behind, a strange, magnetic echo.

Throughout the rest of the ceremony, he scanned the crowd whenever he could, hoping for another glimpse.

Nothing.

And when BTS finally headed toward the after party, Taehyung tilted his head slightly, voice soft.

"Think she'll be there?"

The members exchanged glances, amused.

Taehyung didn't seem aware of his own question. His focus was elsewhere, somewhere between curiosity and something deeper.

Chapter Text

The after party was already alive with soft music, warm lighting, and the buzz of post award excitement. Laughter rippled through the elegant room, glasses clinked, and artists mingled with an ease that came only after long hours of rehearsals and performances.

BTS slipped in quietly, not making a scene but still drawing eyes, unsurprising, considering their win and crushing fame. Taehyung offered a few polite bows as people greeted them, but his attention wasn't fully in the room.

He kept glancing toward the entrance. Calmly... Casually... Yet unmistakably waiting.

"V," Jungkook said with a smirk, catching the repeated glances. "You're being weird. Who are you looking for?"

Taehyung didn't bother denying it. He only hummed, swirling the drink in his hand. "Just... Keeping an eye out."

"For someone specific?" Jin asked teasingly.

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, eyes flicking to the empty doorway again. "Maybe."

Despite being surrounded by people, his mind drifted back to her performance; the way her voice had wrapped around the room, the way she moved like she was telling a secret to every person in the audience. Something about her presence still lingered in his chest like a gentle hum.

And then the atmosphere shifted.

The conversations softened. Heads turned toward the entrance.

Sonia had arrived.

She stepped into the room wearing an emerald green gown that shimmered with each movement, elegant without trying, commanding without effort. Her hair fell in soft waves over one shoulder, brushing her collarbone as she scanned the space with calm, observant eyes.

Taehyung's breath hitched, not dramatically, but enough that Jungkook caught it.

"Ahhhh," Jungkook whispered, elbowing him. "Found her."

Taehyung didn't answer. His gaze followed her instinctively, drawn in by the same pull he'd felt earlier backstage. But up close like this, she radiated a different kind of beauty. Softer. Warmer. Human.

"She looks... Stunning," Namjoon murmured.

"Mm." Taehyung's eyes softened. "She does."

Jungkook grinned. "Tae, go say something. She's alone right now."

Taehyung took a slow breath, his nerves quiet but alive beneath his skin. Approaching people never intimidated him, but this wasn't just anyone. This was the woman whose voice had tangled with his thoughts all evening.

"Come on," Jungkook nudged him again. "Before someone else does."

Taehyung hesitated only for a moment before moving through the crowd, the members following behind like eager spectators. As they neared her, she was standing with Namjoon, exchanging polite words.

And then her gaze shifted.

She looked directly at Taehyung.

Her expression didn't change, but something flickered; interest, maybe. Recognition. Or curiosity.

Taehyung slowed to a stop, their eyes holding for a moment too long.

He offered a small, polite smile. "Good evening."

Her head tilted ever so slightly. "Taehyung."

Her voice was different up close, richer, smoother. It sent a soft shiver down his spine.

"You know me?"he asked, not with arrogance, but genuine surprise.

"You were on stage tonight," she replied with an almost teasing simplicity.

He let out a quiet breath of amusement. "Fair point."

A small silence settled between them, comfortable, but charged with something new. Taehyung didn't push it. He never did. Instead, he took her in quietly: the subtle details of her expression, the confidence in her posture, the faint fatigue beneath her elegance.

"I wanted to tell you..." he began, his voice low, "Your performance was... Beautiful. Really beautiful."

Not rushed. Not overly emotional. Just sincere.

Her lips curved, not a full smile, but the shadow of one. "Thank you."

"You have an incredible way of delivering a song," he added. "It felt like... A story I didn't want to end."

Something flickered in her eyes again. It felt like sadness mingled with softness.

"Most people just say it was 'cool,'" she replied.

He shrugged lightly. "It was more than that."

The moment hung between them; quiet, warm, unexpectedly intimate.

Then someone called her name from across the room. She turned her head, then looked back at him with a gentle nod.

"Excuse me," she said. And just like that, she drifted back into the crowd.

Taehyung watched her go, a slow smile tugging at his lips.

"Wow V," Jungkook groaned dramatically behind him, "You're so smooth it's disgusting."

"He didn't even flirt," Jimin added, baffled. "And somehow it still worked."

Taehyung didn't say anything. He only took a sip of his drink, eyes still lingering on where Sonia had disappeared.

Smething pulled at him; quiet and subtle, but persistent.

Curiosity.

Interest. Or something alse he wasn't ready to name...

Chapter Text

The rhythm of the music echoed through the dance practice room as the members finished another run-through, their movements sharp despite the growing fatigue of the day. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, catching dust particles in the air and turning them into gold.

"Break!" Namjoon called, breathless.

The group scattered instantly; Jin spreading out dramatically on the floor, Jungkook collapsing into a squat while gulping water, Hoseok stretching with a groan that sounded almost theatrical.

Taehyung walked calmly toward the wall and sank down, leaning his head back against the mirror. His breathing was steady, his expression relaxed, but his gaze had that faraway depth, like he was replaying something in his mind, turning it over piece by piece.

Jimin approached, wiping his forehead. "Okay, spill."

Taehyung hummed lazily, stretching his long legs out. "Spill what?"

"That look," Jimin said, pointing a finger at him. "You have that... Contemplative face. Like you're writing poetry in your head."

Jungkook chimed in, voice teasing. "Bro's lost. He is somewhere else entirely."

Taehyung's lips curved slightly. "I'm here."

"Your body is," Jungkook countered. "Your brain? Definitely still at the after party."

Hoseok flopped beside him. "You keep thinking about her, huh? Sonia?"

The room quieted slightly at the name, not out of judgment, but because everyone had noticed Taehyung's behavior, quietly tuned to her frequency.

Taehyung didn't deny it.

He simply tilted his head, eyes focused on the ceiling. "Her performance keeps playing in my mind."

Namjoon chuckled as he sat down across from them. "You've been listening to her voice for weeks..."

"It's a good voice," Taehyung replied simply. "There's something in it that I like."

Jin peeled yet another banana. "Ah yes... Here begins the descent. Tae finds someone interesting and suddenly he becomes a philosopher."

Taehyung shrugged, unfazed. "Can't help it."

"And the moment she walked into the after party?" Jungkook asked, leaning forward mischievously. "You went dead calm. I've never seen a man composed himself so fast."

Jimin nodded. "You didn't flirt. You didn't freeze. You just... Looked at her like you were studying a painting."

Taehyung finally smiled fully, slow, warm, almost shy. "She was beautiful. Why shouldn't I look?"

The members groaned dramatically.

"See? That," Jin pointed at him with his banana, "Is the reason girls fall for you without you doing anything."

"But will this one?" Yoongi's voice cut in as he approached, tapping his phone against his palm. "She might be staying in Korea for a while."

Every head turned.

Taehyung straightened subtly. "Why?"

"Work," Yoongi answered. "Her manager called. Sonia's starting her new album, and she wants me to produce it."

Taehyung's breath didn't hitch this time, but his eyes sharpened with interest.

"Are you going to say yes?" he asked, voice deep, steady.

"Probably," Yoongi shrugged. "She wants a new sound. Emilia said that Sonia thinks I'm the guy. I need to hear what she's aiming for."

Hoseok grinned. "Oooh, Tae's gears are turning."

Namjoon raised a brow. "Be honest, Taehyung. Is this... Interest, is purely musical?"

Taehyung took a slow sip of water before answering.

"I don't know yet," he admitted. "I just know she made me feel something."

The room paused because Taehyung rarely expressed himself plainly like that. When he did, it meant something.

Jungkook grinned. "So what now? You want to collaborate with her or something?"

Taehyung didn't answer immediately.

He let the idea sink in; tasting it, feeling it.

He imagined her voice blending with his.

Her emotion against his tone.

Her presence in the studio.

It felt... right.

"Maybe," he said finally, his voice soft but steady. "If the music asks for it."

Yoongi blinked at him. "...What does that even mean?"

Taehyung shrugged with a half-smile. "I'll know when the time is right."

Jimin groaned. "He's speaking in riddles. Definitely in love."

"Curiosity" Taehyung corrected gently.

He lifted his gaze, thoughtful.

"And she... Feels like someone worth being curious about."

Practice resumed soon after, but Taehyung moved with new energy, a shift no one could quite define. His lines were sharper, his expressions deeper, his presence more grounded.

Taehyung didn't know how, or when, or in what way their paths would cross again, but he knew that... They would!

Chapter Text

The conference room felt like a world apart from the chaos of stages and spotlights; warm lighting, clean lines, and the quiet luxury of a space meant for serious decisions. The polished mahogany table reflected the soft glow of the overhead lamps, gleaming like a stage before a performance.

Yoongi sat beside Se-Jin, posture relaxed but intent. His hands rested loosely in his lap, fingers tapping an absent minded rhythm only he could hear. Calm, unreadable... But far from disinterested.

Across from them sat Sonia and her manager, Emilia.

Emilia radiated a controlled sharpness, the kind of woman who negotiated with a smile only when it served her. Professional but intimidating, all angles and precision.

Sonia, however, was soft edges and concealed fire.

She sat poised, spine straight, hands lightly clasped, expression cool yet strangely distant, as if parts of her mind were elsewhere completely. Her outfit was simple but impossibly elegant, accentuating that strange, alluring stillness she carried.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us," Emilia began, her tone smooth and authoritative. "We believe this collaboration could be mutually beneficial. A chance to create something artistically rare."

Se-Jin nodded politely. "We're open to hearing your proposal. As you know, Yoongi is selective. Authenticity is important to him and any collaboration must reflect that."

Sonia finally lifted her gaze, and the entire atmosphere shifted.

"I've admired your work for years," she said, her voice low, steady, and unmistakably sincere. "Your production has a kind of emotional depth that's difficult to find. It's raw but controlled... And that's exactly what I want for this album."

Yoongi blinked once, slow, thoughtful. Not flattered, but attentive now.

"Thank you," he replied simply.

Her eyes warmed slightly, though her expression remained composed. "Your sound feels like a memory. Like a story being told without words. I want this album to feel exactly like that: a story people can hear, even in silence."

Yoongi's fingers stilled.

That got to him.

Emilia stepped in quickly, businesslike. "Sonia has a specific vision. She's not looking for a trending sound... She wants cohesion, something timeless."

Se-Jin exchanged a brief glance with Yoongi before leaning forward. "The idea is intriguing, but we'd need concrete details. Schedules, concepts, timelines. Yoongi has commitments."

"Of course," Emilia said. "We'll send everything. What matters now is that you're open to the direction."

Yoongi shifted forward in his seat, his expression softening.

"I'm open," he said, "But, I need to understand the story you're trying to tell, the songs you have in mind." 

Sonia nodded once, slow, deliberate. "I understand. I can bring the draft tracks, concept outlines, lyrics and references."

She hesitated for half a breath before adding:

"If possible... I'd like to review everything with you in your space. Where you create. I want to understand how you think."

Yoongi's lips twitched, the closest thing to a smile he ever gave in meetings.

"My studio is downstairs."

"Tomorrow morning?" Sonia asked, holding his gaze.

"Tomorrow morning," he confirmed.

The agreement settled into the room with a quiet finality.

Emilia stood, smoothing her jacket. "We'll send a follow up tonight."

Se-Jin mirrored the gesture, shaking her hand. "We'll look forward to the materials."

As Sonia and Emilia stepped out, Yoongi watched them go with an expression that wasn't curiosity, not caution, something deeper. A sense that he had just stepped into the beginning of something complicated.

When the door clicked shut, Se-Jin exhaled. "She's serious."

"Yes," Yoongi murmured, leaning back.

"You're interested."

"A little."

Se-Jin shot him a knowing look. "And the rest?"

Yoongi's eyes drifted toward the door Sonia had disappeared through.

"There's something about her," he said quietly. "Something... Unsettling."

"Unsettling how?"

Yoongi tapped his fingers once more, the rhythm shifting, deepening.

"She feels like someone trying to outrun something."

Se-Jin frowned. "Is that good or bad?"

Yoongi stood slowly, stretching the tension from his shoulders.

"I guess I'll find out tomorrow."

Chapter Text

The morning sun cast a warm, golden light as Sonia stepped out of the car, adjusting the strap of her bag with a steadying breath. The building felt different today, larger, somehow, buzzing with a quiet but unmistakable energy that made her heart flutter with anticipation. Staff members passed by offering polite nods, some recognizing her, some simply curious, and she returned each gesture with composed smiles.

When she finally reached Yoongi’s studio door, she paused, smoothing her hair and gathering herself. Then she knocked softly and peeked inside.

"May I?" she asked, her voice calm but tinged with a faint nervousness she couldn’t hide.

Yoongi looked up from his desk and stood, greeting her with a small, warm grin. "Good morning, Sonia. Come in," he said, bowing slightly.

Caught off guard, she attempted the gesture in return, but her bow came out stiff and a little awkward. She laughed under her breath. "I’m sorry... I’m still not used to doing that."

Yoongi chuckled, waving her inside. "It’s fine. Honestly, half the time I forget other people don’t do it too."

Sonia settled into the chair across from him, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease at his relaxed energy. "I guess I’ll have to learn a few things about your culture while I’m here," she said lightly.

"If that’s how you feel," Yoongi replied, smiling a touch wider, "You’ll adjust in no time."

Taking a quiet breath, Sonia reached into her bag. Her movements slowed as her fingers brushed against the worn leather cover of a notebook; old, frayed at the edges, precious in ways that made her heart tighten. She hesitated for a moment before placing it gently on the table between them.

"I need these songs to come to life," she said, her tone soft but firm, carrying the weight of something long held inside. "No matter how many albums it takes, no matter how long we need… This is my priority. These songs need to be heard."

Yoongi accepted the notebook carefully, as though it were something fragile. When he opened it, the pages revealed handwritten lyrics; raw, unpolished, vulnerable. There was pain, hope, and a clarity of emotion that struck like an echo of a distant wound. He scanned line after line, and something in the jagged honesty of the words tugged at memories he usually kept buried.

"These… Are powerful," he murmured, almost more to himself than to her. After a moment, he looked up. "Are these your lyrics?"

Sonia swallowed, her eyes lowering. "No." She lifted her chin again with quiet resolve. "The person who wrote them isn’t with us anymore." The words trembled softly, but she didn’t waver. "But I want these songs to be her legacy."

Yoongi closed the notebook slowly and set it on the table as though he was placing a delicate keepsake back in its rightful place. His gaze softened, not with pity, but with understanding, the kind born from someone who knew the shape of grief.

"We’ll make them come to life," he said gently but with unmistakable conviction. "I like what I see. And I think we can create something special with this."

Sonia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She felt like after a long time, the weight she had carried alone didn’t feel quite so heavy.

"Thank you," she whispered, sincere and steady.

"We’ll begin tomorrow," Yoongi continued, already mentally mapping the musical landscape ahead. "We’ll go through every song, talk through every emotion, and figure out the best way to honor them."

A faint smile curved Sonia’s lips, small but real. "Tomorrow, then."

Hope was born quietly inside her, something fragile and bright. With every step she took, she could feel herself moving closer to everything she’d been chasing…

Chapter Text

The city lights of Seoul shimmered through the floor to ceiling windows of Sonia's hotel room, their soft glow fractured across polished surfaces and mirrored walls. She sat cross legged on the edge of the plush bed, dressed in an oversized sweatshirt, her phone resting loosely in her hand.

The meeting with Yoongi had sparked a rush of hope, the sense that she was finally moving forward, that someone else understood the weight she carried. Yet the ache in her chest lingered stubbornly, refusing to loosen its grip.

Her thumb scrolled absently through notifications, each swipe a mix of praise, clips from her performance, and glowing headlines. Fans and industry insiders alike lauded her as the next global sensation. They should have been validation enough, proof that she was finally stepping out from the shadows. Yet, each message skimmed only the surface of her thoughts.

Her thumb froze over a headline with a striking photo of Taehyung, his face illuminated by his signature soft, enigmatic smile. The caption read, "BTS's V Anticipates Solo Album Release."

Her gaze lingered on him. Taehyung's expression radiated warmth, effortless, magnetic, untouchable. He was the kind of perfection that seemed impossible to approach, polished and safe in its brilliance.

Sonia's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk, a mixture of curiosity, irritation, and something sharper she didn't bother naming.

"Kim Taehyung," she murmured, the words low and measured, carrying no obvious malice but layered with an emotion she refused to examine.

Setting the phone aside, she leaned back against the headboard, eyes fixed on the ceiling. For the briefest moment, her composed exterior faltered. A flicker of vulnerability surfaced; nostalgia, longing, the ache of a memory she kept tightly buried.

A voice rose, bright and untainted, echoing through her mind:

"He's so perfect, don't you think? Meeting him would be like touching a star."

The memory hit her like a gust of cold wind. Her chest constricted, and she blinked hard, willing it to dissipate. Fingers twisted the hem of her sweatshirt as she struggled to steady her breathing.

Sitting upright, she grabbed her phone again, eyes locked on Taehyung's photo. His smile remained the same; warm, inviting, untouchable, yet to her it was distant, unreachable, like a star behind tinted glass.

Another memory threatened to surface, sharper this time, rawer, yet she shoved it aside with the precision of someone who had spent years mastering control. Her life now belonged to purpose, to focus, to the relentless pursuit of her goals. There was no room for ghosts from the past.

With a quiet exhale, she locked the screen and set the phone on the nightstand. Sliding beneath the cool sheets, she turned her back to the glittering city beyond the window.

But sleep did not come easily.

The hum of the city below grew louder in the silence, carrying with it phantom echoes of yesterday and the memories she refused to face. Flashes appeared unbidden; a muffled cry, the jagged lines of handwriting, a crumpled piece of paper, a name etched into every corner of her mind.

Her fists clenched beneath the blanket as she forced them away. There was too much at stake: her plans, her ambitions, her goal, her promise to preserve a legacy that belonged to someone no longer there. The past could wait.

Because now, she had a new story to write.

And this one... was just beginning.

Chapter Text

"Good morning, Yoongi. May I?" she asked politely, standing at the doorway.

"Sure, come in. Good morning," he replied, rising from his chair with a small nod. "Are you ready?"

"Absolutely." She smiled, settling into the chair beside him, her posture relaxed yet attentive.

"Great." Yoongi leaned back slightly, his expression shifting into the focused intensity of a seasoned producer. "So, I’ve been going through all the songs. Some of the lyrics need a bit of polishing, but we can work on that in parallel with building the melodies." He gestured toward his desk, where scattered notes and files lay neatly organized. "I’ve already picked out some base sounds for a few tracks. You want to hear them and let me explain what I have in mind?"

"I’m eager to hear." She paused, her tone softening. "Before we start, just one thing. There’s a song in there, 'Between Us'. It was meant to be a duet. That’s why the lyrics switch between the female and male perspectives."

Yoongi tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "Yeah, I caught that when I read them. Do you have someone in mind for the male part?"

She hesitated for a fraction of a second before replying, "Yes, I do. I believe his voice would complement the song beautifully… And mine too. But you tell me what you think. I was thinking about Kim Taehyung."

Yoongi’s lips curved into a knowing smile, his approval immediate. "Taehyung, huh? Good choice. His voice can blend just about anywhere, and he has a way of adding depth to a track. Yeah, I agree, he’s perfect." He leaned forward slightly, his tone casual but confident. "I can talk to him if you want, save you from unnecessary formalities. He trusts me when it comes to projects like this."

"That would be great, thank you," she said, her voice carrying both gratitude and relief. "Now, let’s listen to what you’ve got."

"Alright." Yoongi spun his chair toward his console, his fingers dancing over the controls with practiced ease. "The base sounds I’ve worked on are just drafts, but they’ll give us a starting point." He tapped a button, and the room filled with a soft, melodic hum layered over a steady rhythm.

The music was haunting yet warm, a blend of electronic elements and acoustic undertones. She leaned forward, closing her eyes to immerse herself fully in the soundscape.

"I wanted this one to feel intimate," Yoongi explained, watching her reaction closely. "Something that pulls the listener in, like they’re eavesdropping on a private moment."

"It’s beautiful," she murmured, opening her eyes. "It’s exactly the kind of emotion this song needs."

Yoongi smirked, pleased by her reaction. "Glad you think so. Let me play the next one. This is for a track with a bit more edge."

As the second track began, a more upbeat yet equally intricate melody filled the room. It carried a subtle intensity, blending modern beats with strings that added an almost cinematic quality.

"This one," Yoongi said, nodding toward the speakers, "Is for one of the faster paced tracks. I think it’s got the right balance of energy and sophistication."

She nodded, already envisioning the vocal delivery that would bring it to life. "You’re amazing at this, you know that?"

Yoongi shrugged modestly, his smirk widening just a touch. "I just translate what the music’s saying. Now, let’s dive in and start shaping these properly."

The hours ahead were filled with collaboration and creativity, their shared vision coming to life with each note and lyric they refined together. The studio, a haven of sound and emotion, became the birthplace of something that felt destined to leave a mark. 

Chapter Text

"I'm exhausted..." Yoongi groaned, sprawled flat on the practice room floor, arms extended like he'd just survived a war. "Studio all morning, and now this..." He lifted his head slightly, voice dripping with mock despair. "Can someone remind me why I picked this career again?"

"You didn't," Namjoon said smoothly, leaning against the mirrored wall with a water bottle in hand. "Bang PD lied to you. You were supposed to just produce."

"Right," Yoongi muttered, his tone bitterly amused. "Biggest scam of my life."

Jungkook chuckled from the corner, dribbling a basketball idly. "And now look at you, international superstar, complaining while lying on a fancy floor in a multi million dollar building."

Yoongi waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, keep teasing. Anyway..." He sat up on one elbow, a glint of mischief in his eye. "Taehyung... Sonia wants you on a song."

Taehyung, who had been leaning casually against a wall with a bottle of water, froze mid-sip. The bottle slipped from his hands, splashing a little onto the floor, but he only arched an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh? Do tell," he said, voice smooth and amused, masking the spark of excitement in his chest.

"There's a duet she's working on," Yoongi continued, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "She specifically requested you. So... Are you in, or should I start auditioning someone else?"

Taehyung's dark eyes widened ever so slightly, the usual cool mask giving way to something lighter and playful. He leaned back against the wall, crossing one leg over the other. "Me? Really?" he said, his tone teasing but tinged with genuine interest. "Well... I guess I can't say no to that."

"Of course you can't," Jimin said, lounging nearby with a grin. "Your voice in a duet? That's like... The ultimate dream for someone like her." He wiggled his eyebrows knowingly.

Taehyung smirked, shaking his head. "Don't flatter me too much. I might start believing it," he replied, his voice smooth as silk, carrying the faintest chuckle.

Jungkook spun the basketball on his finger, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, Tae, don't act like you're not excited. You've been talking about her nonstop since MAMA."

Namjoon leaned closer with a sly grin. "Honestly, I don't think anyone in this room has streamed her songs as much as you have."

Taehyung raised an elegant brow, his smirk widening. "Streaming? Me? Please. I just... Happen to appreciate good music," he said, with that effortless charm that made him impossible to tease fully. He let the comment hang, watching their expressions for reaction.

"Uh-huh, sure," Jungkook muttered, rolling his eyes, but Taehyung only smiled and took a slow, deliberate sip of water.

Yoongi chuckled, shaking his head. "Right. Not a big deal, then? Just a tiny little duet with one of the hottest rising stars in the world?" He leaned back on the floor, arms behind his head. "No pressure."

Taehyung pushed off the wall, stretching slightly, his dark hair catching the overhead light. "Pressure makes things interesting," he said, his tone playful, eyes glinting with that mischievous spark he always carried. "Besides... I like a challenge."

The room erupted with laughter at his casual coolness, even as Jungkook rolled his eyes again. "You're impossible," he muttered.

"Impossibly talented," Taehyung replied, tilting his head with a lazy grin, and the others couldn't help but chuckle.

Yoongi got to his feet, dusting off his jeans. "Alright, Mr. Charmer," he said, smirking at Taehyung, "Focus up. Sonia won't wait for you to perfect your flirting skills. Let's make music."

Taehyung flashed a confident smile, sliding into position as the beat started up again. His usual effortless aura filled the room, but beneath it, a small spark of anticipation flickered in his chest. Working with Sonia wasn't just another collaboration, there was something electric about her, something he couldn't quite define yet but made his heart backflip.

As the music pulsed through the speakers, Taehyung moved with precision, his voice and rhythm blending seamlessly with the beat. He let himself enjoy the moment, feeling alive in a way he hadn't in a long time.

Chapter Text

The BigHit studio buzzed with quiet activity as Taehyung arrived early, his usual calm energy cloaking a subtle layer of anticipation. "Good morning, Yoongi," he said, strolling toward the coffee machine, voice smooth and effortless as always.

"Morning," Yoongi replied, eyes half-lidded with sleep, but his lips tugged into a small grin at Taehyung’s presence.

Taehyung settled onto the sofa, one leg casually draped over the armrest, letting the aroma of coffee and the faint hum of the studio ground him. He didn’t speak much, words weren’t always necessary when the anticipation already stirred his thoughts. Today, he wanted to impress Sonia, not just as an artist or peer, but as someone who could truly understand her vision and bring it to life.

The door clicked open, and Sonia stepped in. Even in the simplicity of a black turtleneck and jeans, she carried an air of quiet authority, effortless and composed. "Good morning," she said, bowing lightly.

"Good Morning," Taehyung replied, returning the bow with a soft, almost teasing smile, his dark eyes briefly flicking over her. Calm, collected, yet intrigued. He made no attempt to hide the faint spark of curiosity igniting in him.

Yoongi muttered a sleepy, "Morning," from the couch, finally pushing himself to bow when he stood.

Sonia placed her notebook on the table, her movements precise, purposeful. She glanced at Taehyung. "Thank you for agreeing to this collaboration. It’s an honor to work with both of you," she said, professional yet measured.

"The honor is mine," Taehyung replied smoothly, voice rich and steady, masking the flutter of excitement in his chest. His gaze lingered on her for just a moment longer than necessary, curious, assessing, intrigued.

"Shall we start with the duet, Yoongi? Or would you prefer to work on the other songs first and leave the duet for later?" she asked, flipping open her notebook with careful precision.

"Let’s start with the duet," Yoongi said, picking up his coffee. "It’s better to get it out of the way. Tae’s solo album is coming soon, so releasing the duet between your two projects could work as great promotion."

"That sounds like a good plan," Sonia agreed. Taehyung gave a slow nod, fingers idly drumming on the armrest, eyes already imagining how the melody could take shape.

Yoongi moved to the keyboard, playing a soft, haunting base melody that filled the room with delicate, emotional undertones. Taehyung’s fingers tapped lightly on his knee, feeling the rhythm settle into his chest.

"It’s got a nice feel," Sonia said after a moment, her voice calm but precise. "But I think it needs something more dynamic. Perhaps something sharper to contrast the softness. Does that make sense?"

Taehyung leaned forward slightly, thoughtful. "Like a counter melody… maybe more grounded percussion?" His voice carried that effortless, smooth cadence he always had, calm and confident even as ideas flowed freely.

"Both," Sonia said, nodding approvingly, her pen lightly tracing lines in her notebook. "Your voice is deep, Taehyung, it would pair beautifully with something a bit lighter."

Yoongi chimed in, leaning toward the keyboard. "We can layer in some deeper chords in the higher register, add a kick drum, maybe a touch of synth to give it movement. Keep it flowing naturally in both English and Korean."

Taehyung’s dark eyes flicked to Sonia. "Let’s try it," he said simply, his voice even but infused with quiet determination. When he sang, it was controlled yet warm, the subtle nuances of his tone effortlessly complementing the melody.

As the session progressed, the atmosphere shifted from cautious professionalism to seamless collaboration. Ideas flowed easily, bouncing between them with a rhythm that felt natural. Taehyung found himself drawn to Sonia’s meticulous approach, her ability to dissect a melody or lyric with precision.

They began working through the lyrics, making adjustments to better fit the song’s structure.

"Why this phrase?" Sonia asked at one point, pointing to a line she paused over.

"It felt… Honest," Taehyung replied, calm, steady. "Like something the song needed to say."

The words hung between them. Sonia’s fingers tightened briefly around her pen, her expression momentarily unreadable.

"Honest," she repeated, voice quiet, almost contemplative. Taehyung noticed the subtle change but he couldn't place it... Doubt? Memories? 

Chapter Text

By the time the session wrapped up, they had a rough outline of the song; a mix of Yoongi’s raw, moody melodies, Sonia’s grounded intensity, and Taehyung’s soft, emotive touches that somehow made the whole thing feel alive. Yoongi clapped his hands together, clearly pleased.

"This is a great start. We’ll polish it next time," he said. "Tomorrow I’ve got other things scheduled, so let’s meet again in two days."

"Perfect. Thank you for your guidance, Yoongi," Sonia said softly, her eyes darting toward Taehyung as she spoke.

As they packed up, Taehyung lingered, watching her gather her things with that familiar mix of curiosity and something gentler, quieter, in his gaze. He was most definitely starstruck, and he was diving deeper and deeper into it. 

Finally, he spoke. "Thanks," he said, voice low, almost hesitant. "For… Being honest. It really helped."

Sonia paused, freezing for a second. When she looked at him, her smile was polite, controlled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

"Honesty is the least we owe our fans," she replied, her tone calm but carrying an edge, like a knife cloaked in silk. Taehyung felt it, even if he couldn’t place it.

"That’s fair," he said sincerely, a small smile tugging at his lips. Yet there was a hesitation lingering, the kind that spoke louder than words. "So… Did you get a chance to explore the town at all?"

For a moment, she seemed to wrestle with herself, as if recalling something she’d deliberately tucked away. "No, I haven’t. I didn’t really have the time," she said, her voice flat but tinged with a quiet melancholy. "And even if I did, I wouldn’t know where to go for a drink without being hounded every two minutes."

Taehyung’s smile softened, warm and reassuring. "I can fix that," he said lightly, leaning a little closer. "There are a few spots in town where celebrities can actually… Breathe. So… would you like to have dinner with me?" His tone was playful, but beneath it was a subtle undercurrent of nervous anticipation.

Sonia hesitated, considering him with guarded eyes. "That… sounds nice. Around nine?"

"Perfect," he said, relief flooding through him. "I’ll pick you up at your hotel."

"See you later, then," she said, turning away with measured composure.

"Yeah… See you," Taehyung replied, watching her retreat. Alone in the studio, he exhaled as though he’d been holding his breath for hours. A small grin spread across his face. I have to make this night count, he thought, gathering his things quickly.

Meanwhile, as Sonia slid into the car waiting for her, she pressed her hand lightly against the window, jaw tightening. Her mind replayed Taehyung’s words, each one sticking like a thorn.

"Honesty? You don’t even know the meaning of it," she murmured to herself, the edge in her voice sharp and bitter. Her thoughts darkened, lingering on that smile he’d given her, the one that had felt both effortless and infuriatingly sincere.

Chapter Text

A soft hum filled the room as Sonia stepped out of the bathroom, adjusting the belt of her bathrobe. Her damp hair clung to her neck in gentle waves as she crossed to the armchair, phone in hand. Settling in, she scrolled absently through TikTok edits, but her mind wandered far from the screen.

Her head tipped back against the chair, her hand falling loosely to her lap, still clutching the phone.

"Honesty, huh?" she thought, a sour twist pulling at her chest as words from long ago resurfaced.

"It's not like that, you don't know him like I do. He would never lie to me."

A tear welled up, threatening to spill, but she forced it back with a slow inhale. Composure first. Always.

She lifted her phone.

8:00 PM.

"I guess it's time to get ready," she murmured, pushing herself up.

---

She chose a fitted black silk suit that draped perfectly along her body, a blend of elegance and quiet boldness. Beneath it, a sheer black shirt embellished with sparkling floral embroidery hinted at something softer, more playful. A loose red tie contrasted sharply against the darkness, adding a touch of rebellion.

Her hair was swept into a sleek bun, her makeup kept soft and minimal, nude tones to highlight her features, except for the striking red lip she applied last.

One final glance in the mirror.

Expression unreadable.

Armor on.

---

The hotel’s back entrance was quiet, save for the low hum of a waiting engine. The moment Taehyung saw her stepping out of the dim hallway, he straightened instinctively.

For half a breath, he froze.

His gaze swept over her, not in a hurry, simply taking her in the way an artist studies light on glass. When his eyes returned to her face, something warm was there. A small, involuntary smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

He moved forward, one hand slipping into his pocket, the other reaching effortlessly to open the car door for her.

"You look…" his voice melted into a low, velvety rasp that betrayed his surprise,

"…Dangerously beautiful."

Her lips curved, sharp yet soft. She let her eyes travel over him, his fitted black suit accentuating his tall, broad frame, the undone top button of his shirt revealing a sliver of skin, the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the cool night air.

"Thank you," she said, sliding into the car. "You clean up well, Kim Taehyung."

He grinned, slow, warm, a little mischievous.

"Always. But tonight, it seems I’m outmatched."

---

The restaurant was a hidden sanctuary, brick walls, soft lights strung across wooden beams, quiet jazz humming in the background. It was intimate, warm, a place chosen with intention. Taehyung had spent an hour on the phone with the manager to ensure privacy.

They settled into their seats, candlelight flickering between them. For a moment, the silence felt suspended, awkward, but also expectant.

Taehyung tapped a fingertip lightly against the table, eyes drifting to her face, observing her the way he always did, quietly, deeply, without making it uncomfortable.

"So…" he began, drawing out the word with a thoughtful hum. "You always run schedules this packed? I don’t think I’ve seen you breathe since you landed."

She raised a brow. "Isn’t that how it works? Constant motion. Constant work."

"Sure," he nodded, tilting his head as he watched her. "But even machines stop eventually. You’re allowed to rest, you know."

There was no teasing in his voice. Just sincerity, wrapped in his usual gentle warmth.

She studied him for a moment. His eyes were steady, soft, genuinely concerned. Something in her chest loosened.

"And what about you, Taehyung?" she countered quietly. "Do you take your own advice?"

He huffed out a soft laugh, leaning back in his chair, fingers brushing the line of his jaw.

"Mm, no. I’m terrible at it," he admitted without shame. "But just because I don’t follow the rules doesn’t mean I can’t admire people who try."

Her lips twitched. "That’s one way to justify it."

"It’s my specialty," he said, eyes glimmering with playful challenge.

Just then, the waiter arrived with menus, breaking the moment with polite smiles.

Sonia exhaled softly.

Taehyung watched her with eyes that missed nothing.

Chapter Text

As the evening unfolded, the tension between them slowly melted into something more natural. Conversation came easier. They drifted from music to art to the strange balance between creativity and the machinery of the industry. Taehyung listened with quiet fascination, chin resting on his hand as she spoke. He wasn’t just enchanted by her beauty, though that alone would have been enough to unsettle him, but by her mind.

The precision of her thoughts.

The unexpected sharpness beneath her calm surface.

The way her words felt like well crafted lines in a poem.

He found himself drawn in, almost without realizing.

For Sonia, the evening was an internal tug-of-war. She laughed softly at Taehyung’s stories, his gentle humor, the way he reenacted moments with expressive hands and warm eyes. Against her will, she felt herself enjoying him.

Too much.

Every time a moment of ease settled in, her resolve rose like a warning flare.

Remember why you're here.

Remember the history behind all of this.

Her expression stayed composed, but beneath the surface, a quiet storm churned.

By the time dessert arrived, Taehyung felt a ripple of courage push him forward. He leaned in slightly, arms folding on the table, his gaze warm and honest in the dim candlelight.

"I’m really glad you agreed to have dinner with me," he said, voice low and velvety. "I wasn’t sure you’d say yes. But I… Wanted to know you better. Not the public version. You."

Sonia’s hand froze around her glass. Her mask slipped for the briefest of moments, just long enough for him to see something raw spark in her eyes, before she gathered herself again with a soft, practiced smile.

"Well," she said lightly, though an edge lingered beneath her tone, "You’ll have to wait and see if I’m worth knowing."

Taehyung tilted his head, studying her quietly. Her words were playful, but her tone… Wasn’t. There was a weight behind it. A bruise she didn’t let anyone touch.

"I think you are," he said simply.

No flourish. No teasing.

Just sincerity, smooth and steady, like the way he delivered truths in his songs.

Sonia’s breath hitched, barely noticeable. She quickly hid it behind a graceful sip of wine.

"You’re bold tonight, Taehyung."

"Not really," he admitted with a shy little laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Usually I’m… More careful. But with you, it feels like I don’t need to be. You make honesty feel easy."

The words lingered in the air, warm and disarming.

Sonia looked away, eyes drifting to the candle flickering between them. She hated the sincerity in his voice, hated how true it sounded. Hated how easy it was to believe him.

And most of all, she hated that a part of her wanted to.

Taehyung misread her silence as uncertainty. He straightened slightly, concern softening his eyes.

"I don’t want to pressure you," he added gently. "If I’m going too far..."

"No." She interrupted before she could stop herself. "It’s… Refreshing. Honesty, I mean."

Her voice softened, but a subtle bitterness clung to the edges. "Not everyone is willing to offer it."

Taehyung caught the meaning, he always did, but he didn’t push. Instead, he offered a warm, almost protective smile.

"Then I’ll try to keep being refreshing."

A small silence followed, the comfortable kind this time. Sonia took another sip of wine before breaking it.

"How would you feel," she asked suddenly, her tone curious yet probing, "If someone wrote a song for you? Not from fans, not from the group, just for you."

The question genuinely startled him. His brows rose, and he took a moment to think, thumb brushing the edge of his glass.

"I think…" he said slowly, "I’d be honored. Truly."

His gaze drifted up to hers. "Knowing someone felt enough to create something about me… That’s intimate. Scary, maybe, but beautiful too."

His voice softened further, carrying that poetic warmth only he could summon.

"I’d treasure it. It would feel like being seen."

Sonia watched him carefully, expression unreadable. Then she lifted her glass, a faint smirk tugging one side of her lips.

"I wasn’t expecting anything less from you," she said, almost teasing.

Taehyung’s ears flushed slightly as he laughed under his breath. "Is that your way of complimenting me?"

She tilted her head. "It’s an observation."

"A good one, I hope."

"You can decide that yourself."

Taehyung chuckled, eyes lingering on her with a mix of curiosity and something too warm to name.

"Then I’ll take it as a compliment," he murmured.

And though she didn’t say so, she didn’t correct him either.

Chapter Text

As dinner ended, they stepped out into the crisp night air, the muted hum of the city wrapping around them like a soft blanket. Taehyung moved with easy grace, his long coat swaying as he reached the car. Without a word, he opened the door for her, an instinct more than a gesture.

Sonia paused before getting in, her voice quiet, almost introspective.

"Thank you for tonight. It was... Nice."

Taehyung's gaze softened.

"I'm glad you think so," he replied gently. "I hoped it'd give you a little break."

She nodded, but her eyes wandered toward the distant skyline, glowing faintly against the night.

"It did," she admitted, though the words tasted complicated on her tongue.

---

When they arrived at the hotel, Sonia hesitated at the entrance. The soft light above the doorway cast shadows across her face, making her expression unreadable, but her eyes, just for a second, revealed a tint of something fragile.

She turned to him.

"You're not what I expected," she said quietly, her tone contemplative rather than teasing.

Taehyung blinked, surprised. "Is that... A good thing?"

His voice held cautious curiosity, not insecurity, he simply wanted to understand her.

Sonia studied him with a faint, enigmatic smile, head tilting slightly as if he were a puzzle she hadn't yet decided whether to solve.

"I'm still deciding."

Before he could reply, she gave him one last unreadable look and slipped inside the building, leaving him there with the echo of her words lingering in the cool night air.

Taehyung stayed still for a moment, hands sliding into his pockets as he let out a soft, amused breath.

"Still deciding, huh?" he murmured to himself, a smile tugging at his lips; not frustrated, not hurt. Intrigued.

He shook his head gently, the kind of gesture he made when something had unexpectedly captivated him.

---

Inside her room, Sonia shut the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling deeply. The moment she was alone, her carefully maintained composure cracked. The vulnerability she had kept buried all evening surged up before she could stop it.

Her eyes closed, and the voice from her past; sharp, dismissive, certain... Rose again like a ghost she couldn't outrun.

"He would never lie to me."

Her fists curled at her sides.

The weight of her purpose settled heavily on her shoulders once more, cold and familiar.

Tonight had been a mistake.

She had let herself soften.

She had let him in, just a little, and it terrified her.

---

Outside, Taehyung stood for a long moment, staring at the door she'd disappeared behind. There was something about her, something guarded, layered, complex, that pulled him in deeper every time she spoke, every time she looked at him like she wasn't sure she should.

He wasn't one to chase people.

But something about her made him want to.

He lifted his gaze to the dimly lit windows above and let a thoughtful smile form.

"Still deciding," he repeated softly, shaking his head as he finally turned to leave.

---

Neither of them realized that tonight had started something irrevocable, a quiet spark embedded deep beneath their defenses,

something neither of them could control,

no matter how desperately they might try.