☘ seoulmart

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung jaemin returned taehyung's wave, standing idly by the porch light as he observed the other walking away. "don't stress yourself out and make sure to eat the chocolate!" he hollered, "you can do it, kim taehyung!" he chuckled, staying there for a few good seconds before entering the building. hopefully, the other will do swimmingly with his incomplete work.

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" taehyung stands there for a moment longer than he should, carefully gazing at the other's face illuminated by the apartment porch light. he doesn't miss the sense of anticipation in the other's tone and tells himself that it probably wouldn't be too long until the next time they bumped into one another- it always worked out that way. "don't mention it. see you later." taehyung raises an arm and gives jaemin a small wave before turning on his heels and walking back towards the direction of the entertainment building.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung jaemin nodded enthusiastically, "it was fun, yeah!" though, it was a bummer that they had to end their little hang out. he wouldn't lie, he did feel disappointed – as much as he wanted to hang out with taehyung a little longer, he had a busy day ahead of him and he thought that he really needed the rest. "thank you too, for treating me!" he chuckled, lifting the bag up to show him the snacks that he had bought for him. "so... see you later i guess?" there was anticipation in his tone. he wished and hoped that he could spend time with the other again.

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" taehyung stops once they arrive at the entrance of the trainee's building. he looks over at jaemin with his hands in his jacket pockets, a bit disappointed that their night walk had to end here. "well uh... tonight was fun, thanks." of course he doesn't let those feelings show through his tone, which he kept as nonchalant as ever despite the soft smile adorning his features.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung jaemin, who had understood, formed his mouth into an "o" shape whilst nodding. and of course he had experienced failure before, though not quite as much as he often gets what he wants – but anyways, he still has flaws here and there that he needed to fix. "nah, i've failed a couple of times," he admitted with a chuckle. as they walked past familiar houses and buildings, they had soon arrived at the dorms specifically for the males. "oh, we're here!"

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" taehyung laughs, finding jaemin's oblivious reaction rather endearing. "because the more you fail, the more you realize it's not as bad as it seems. don't tell me you've never experience failure before," he muses. they were beginning to near the dorms by then, the familiar buildings that surrounded the apartment complex coming into view. taehyung never realized that the walk between the mini mart and the dorms was so short.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung jaemin pursed his lips into a thin line. failure is unpredictable and no one wants it, so why was taehyung telling him to fail more? such thing is never in his dictionary and the pink-haired boy was a bit dumbfounded. "i don't get it," he blurted out, kicking some random pebble away from his path, "why should i fail more if i'm afraid of it?" a feeling of uncertainty bubbled up in him, but he was grateful that taehyung was cheering him up. "thank you," he said softly as his eyes twinkled up again.

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" it turns out jaemin was more affected by taehyung's words than he had let on. for once, as he consoled himself with words of assurance, he didn’t sound so confident. taehyung was a bit worried at first but the fact that jaemin cared this much was telling. “the thing about failure is, you’re never going to be ready for it.” taehyung knew that much from experience. “if you’re so scared then maybe you should try failing more,” he chuckles softly. for someone as persistent as jaemin, perhaps it would be the failures that motivate him to do better, come back stronger the next time around. “don’t worry, you’re doing fine,” he assures. taehyung had no reason to worry too much about jaemin. he was certain he would figure it all out somewhere down the road.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung jaemin opened his mouth as if he was about to say something, but then it immediately backfired. fists clenched as they started to walk again, he was contemplating whether to open up about the conversation the both of them had earlier – it was a rather serious subject, and no matter how much he wanted to shove it away, it just came back into his head. jaemin wasn't the one who would vent out his problems, always bottling them up with hopes that they would go away. the method worked well; him not minding his worries a single bit, and as always, he tried to be as cheerful and as optimistic as he could. he decided to bring back their conversation from earlier. "about what we discussed earlier," he started with a small, awkward chuckle, "i really don't know what to do if, /if/ i don't make it." shaking his head, "crossing fingers that i'll do well. no, i /am/ doing well. yep," he assured himself – but, to be honest, he was indeed worried about it.

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" he settles back into his usual poker face, posture relaxed as they continue to wait for the light to change. no need to make a big deal of it when it was just a random thought, nothing more. “well, is there anything troubling yours?” taehyung asks casually, starting to walk again when the pedestrian signal lights up. in the time they knew each other, taehyung had honestly never seen a side of jaemin apart from his usual cheerful self. maybe they just weren’t close enough yet, not yet comfortable enough with one another to show these different sides of themselves. that was alright too, things took time.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung taehyung's act had him fooled. jaemin had thought that he was probably right about him just being skeptical and was just thinking things. a small sigh of relief escaped his chest. glancing at taehyung briefly, he shook his head and he stared at the red signal above them. "just asking," he simply replied, "we never know if there's something troubling one's mind."

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" it had been a while since taehyung had to put his acting skills to use but it comes back to him naturally. any trace of worry quickly disappears from his visage and he turns to look at jaemin with a brow raised in confusion. “no, why do you ask?” he stops in his tracks when they reach a stop signal, kicking at the pavement idly as they wait for the sign to change.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung "is there something wrong?" taehyung's voice was faint, almost in a mere whisper yet still audible enough for jaemin to hear. maybe he was just being skeptical – either that, or he could sense something in taehyung's tone that made him feel skeptical. maybe it was nothing at all, but why did he feel worried?

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" when taehyung glances at jaemin's eyes glimmering with happiness a strange thought pops into his head for a moment. it's unnecessary and childish, he knows, and yet he asks himself, how many more moments could they have together like this, just casually walking down the streets of seoul at 3am? maybe, in a year or so, jaemin would achieve his dream of becoming an idol– and then he'd be traveling around the world capturing people's hearts with that goofy smile of his. that would be great. after all, jaemin was built for the stage. it was where he belonged. "yeah," taehyung replies softly, eyes focused on the road ahead of them.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung jaemin smiled for the nth time, his cheek muscles probably getting tired from how much he had smiled and laughed throughout the day – but if it was meant to see others getting affected positively by the shared optimism and joy he radiates, then he wouldn't care in the slightest bit. "the pleasure's all mine, sir! mood-maker nana at your service!" he beamed. "we usually start around 8, so there's definitely some time to rest," he nodded, "i'll probably regret my decisions in the morning but– i'll eventually get through," he chuckled. he, himself didn't know why or how he could survive with such little sleep. maybe he was just energetic to begin with.

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" if taehyung had to say, he was probably a bit of both. it didn't matter how much work he invested into a project, he would eventually find its flaws-- opportunities to improve. nonetheless, jaemin's words were comforting and he was grateful for his presence. "thanks, you probably saved me from going crazy tonight," he chuckles. "no reason, just hoping you don't have to get up too early tomorrow." he had no idea how jaemin could survive on this type of sleep schedule as a trainee.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung "more changes huh," jaemin repeated softly as he grabbed his snack-filled plastic bag and caught up with taehyung, now walking right beside him. "hmm, maybe you're a perfectionist?" he thought aloud, "or you're just unsatisfied– either way, don't think too much about it. whatever the result is, i'm sure the video will look great." he reassured taehyung as he gave him a few pats on the shoulder. he wondered as to why taehyung had asked him that, but nonetheless hummed in response. "yeah, i have my usual dance lessons tomorrow... why?"

"nah, it's good that i'm giving my eyes a break." taehyung walks back to the table and grabs the chocolate bar jaemin had gotten for him, making sure to keep it safe in his jacket pocket. shoot, was it already that late? he sighs, placing a hand on his nape sheepishly as he tilted his head upwards to look at the deep night sky. it wouldn't be too long before the sun began to rise. "it's just that every time i come back to a project, i find more changes that i want to make." he lets his hand down and starts walking towards the general direction of the trainee dorms. "do you have practice tomorrow?"

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung jaemin's smile remained wide and cheerful as ever, glad yet proud of himself that he was able to make the other worked up and thrilled to go forth with his passion for film making. it was a nice feeling; being the mood-booster to many. he thanked taehyung for volunteering himself to clean the table up before standing up from his seat for a good stretch. he was full, and he felt content. "really? you don't mind?" he blinked at taehyung, fishing his phone out to check what time it was, "it's really close to 3 a.m., don't you still have lots of editing to do?"

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" taehyung’s smile widened even a little more as he heard jaemin’s words of encouragement. they were a good energy booster. despite how tired his body was, he was ready to continue working for a few more hours. “thanks, will do.” he grabs a napkin from the table and dabs his mouth clean, crumpling it up and throwing it into his empty ramen container once he’s done. he eyes jaemin’s side and notices that he also seemed to be done with his food. he begins cleaning the table, grabbing all of his rubbish and bringing them to the trash can situated a few feet behind them. “i can walk you home.”

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung "the world isn't fair."

the phrase resonated within jaemin's head. again, taehyung was right. always has been. well, he was older than him and much more wiser – he had been through a lot of things more than he did, he assumed. he had to agree though; the world truly isn't fair. if there is success, then surely, there will be failure. jaemin was still unsure of what to do if he did fail though – but he shoved those thoughts away for now. you can do it, he mentally told himself. if anything, he just needed to push himself more. train more, do more, and prove to the company that he was worthy.

to say that performing was his passion was an understatement. he just loved gaining attention and would do anything to get it – call him selfish and weird, but that's just how na jaemin is. he just nodded his head though, and his usual bright smile soon made its way back up to his features once he heard the encouragement. "ah, thank you so much!" he was a bit flustered, to be honest. he didn't know that taehyung had seen him perform before, but that made him happy. at least, his talents were getting recognized. "and the same goes to you though," he said with the same sincere smile, "your works are so amazing and i really adore them. i bet a lot of people do, so– keep on doing what you're doing!"

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" “the world isn’t fair.” taehyung hated to say it but it was true. that was just the mindset his parents raised him with. while they supported his decision to switch into directing, they also made it clear that he had to face the consequences if he couldn’t make it into the industry. he could see the way his question had affected someone as optimistic and determined as jaemin, his usual smile gone and his body slumping slightly in dejection. it’s not that taehyung didn’t believe in jaemin— it was quite the opposite. he could sense his talent and passion when he saw him perform but he also knew how unfair and cruel the entertainment industry could be.

he heaved a small sigh, suddenly feeling bad for bringing up such a depressing topic. it wasn’t in his agenda to make jaemin feel bad, even if that was how his concern was read. “thank you and i’m glad you found yours as well.” he bites his lips, trying his best to formulate an encouraging response. “i’ve seen you perform and i know you have something special, so whatever you do don’t let them take that away from you,” he says, a sincere smile gracing his features. jaemin was still so young; he still had so much to discover about himself.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung (it's fine!! cx)

the question struck jaemin with a brief pang to his chest. he wouldn't think of such – if anything, the pink-haired boy had always kept on a positive mindset, a determined look, and the will to do anything for a debut. perhaps he was thinking a little too brightly to the point where he didn't even calculate the possible consequences of not making through. he slumped into his seat, searching for words for him to make an affirmative answer – but a question popped up in his mind instead. "then wouldn't it all become a waste of time?" he asked, "i mean, you've worked so damn hard in order to succeed, only to get nothing but disappointments in the end," he murmured, "i think it's unfair."

jaemin's mouth went agape. if taehyung still pursued his career as a model and an actor, then perhaps he would be on all tv screens and magazines, snatching the hearts of many with his deadly looks. yet again, taehyung was right – happiness and wellbeing always come first. he smiled warmly, "i'm glad you've found your true passion."

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" ( ajflsa sorry bb i've been so clumsy lately >< )

taehyung doesn’t know what to make of jaemin’s response. he understood that gut feeling of chasing after something that truly mattered to you, but the way jaemin had treated the question with an air of innocence and nonchalance made him worry. being an idol wasn’t just some decision you made on a whim, it required your entire dedication even with the painful possibility that you may not succeed. “and what will you do if things don’t turn out the way you had hoped?” maybe this is why his friends give him slack for being too blunt sometimes.

taehyung was someone who always considered the practicalities of a situation. making the choice to abandon everything familiar to him to pursue a career in directing was not an easy one. “i used to do a bit of modeling and acting back in the day.” for many people that was their dream but for taehyung it was an inconvenience that was bestowed on him in accordance with his parent’s line of work. “but i eventually realized that i was happier behind the camera than i was in front of it. this may sound cheesy but to me, being able to create is one of the most fulfilling things someone can do.”

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@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung (you forgot to tag me bub owo)

jaemin played with the sleeves of his hoodie, eyebrows knitted slightly as he hummed in thought. "well... i don't really know, actually. i just joined the auditions for fun, and– here i am," he shrugged as a demure smile stretched across his lips, "but i have to admit that being a trainee is very fun! sure, there are moments where we're struggling a lot and just... become exhausted, you know?" he chuckled softly, recalling some of the few depressing episodes the trainees had all went through, "we know everything's worth it in the end though, so we often do our best and just create great memories together." he nodded, satisfied and content with his own answer. "what about you?"

taehyung rolls his eyes playfully at jaemin's smart-aleck response and takes a few sips of his water bottle, trying to figure out the right way to word his thoughts. "why do you want to be an idol?... i mean, what's in it for you?" he asks, lips pursed into a straight line, his straightforward gaze never leaving the other's.

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung while finishing the last bits of tteokbokki and fish cake, jaemin's eyes widened slightly at the sight of taehyung eating all of his food as if he hadn't eaten in days. he just watched in amusement before wiping the corners of his own lips with a tissue, one where the cashier had kindly given them alongside their bought food, and placed away the now stained tissue and chopsticks into the empty tteokbokki container. "you've just asked one," he mused with a grin, "but yeah, sure! what is it?" he grabbed his bottle of water and twisted the lid open before taking in a few gulps and placing it onto the table, anticipating whatever question the other wanted to ask.

@ᵗʳᵃᶤᶰᵉᵉ n. jaemin "sᴇᴠᴇɴ" taehyung can only nod in response when he sees jaemin’s positive reaction to the fish cake, glad that the younger enjoyed the combination. he picks up some fish cakes and stewed tofu with his chopsticks and adds them to his ramen even though he was already half done at that point. it was a bit embarrassing that he had not realized how fast he was eating, although that was just his body’s reaction to starving for so long. after eating in silence for a few more moments, taehyung places down his chopsticks on top of his container and stares at jaemin with a look of contemplation “can i ask you a question?”

@ᵐᵛ ᵈᶤʳᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ k. taehyung a sense of relief washed over jaemin's body once taehyung accepted his small gift. he was a bit uncertain at first; he had wondered whether taehyung ever liked sweets but had still gotten the chocolate bar for him. when he was met with a warm smile, however, jaemin couldn't refrain himself from grinning broadly in joy. "i'm glad you liked it!" he chirped before nodding in agreement. "i suppose consuming too much caffeine is never good," he commented, suddenly remembering the days where he used to drink at least six cups of iced americano a day – his roommates, however, knew about this addiction of his and worriedly told him to cut it down, and now, he only gets a cup occasionally. it was a tough process, but he had done it and nonetheless was quite proud of himself.

jaemin's gaze diverted to the given container as he placed the plastic away once again. "oh– if you insist," he chuckled, bringing one of the fish cakes into his tteokbokki cup before eating it with a piece of tteokbokki. his eyes widened as he munched on his food – taehyung wasn't lying, it was as if his tteokbokki was on a whole new level with the fish cake added in. "wow," he whispered in awe, nodding in approval, "that does taste great!"