58 The Greatest Motivation

[ Before the story restarts below, a RECAP: (with some remarks about how I actually predicted some things correctly lol xD)

--- Iris Huang and IZ*ONE's contract exclusivity is over; they're in their last year as a group (now we know after the Produce 101 scandal that IZ*ONE stayed as a group)

--- Cindy Angier, Iris's same-age cousin (1998), is a Big Hit trainee along with Kim Jiyeon (1999) and Heo Ahreum (2001)

--- BTS had a new album promotion (which we now know is Map of the Soul: 7 to be released February 21st, so I previously got the timing for this promotion down about right along with the theory that 7 is because Jin is presumably leaving for the army in later half of 2020 which I also had inputted into the story)

--- BTS performed at the 2019 Grammys (which we know have rumors about being possibly true after not being nominated and which I somehow correctly predicted lol)

--- TXT had an end of the year promotion in 2019 (which we now know is (English) title track "Run Away")

--- BTS acquired Source Music and began new projects for new groups and trainees (this isn't directly addressed in this chapter, but just a background reference to the 'growing Big Hit family')

In short, what I predicted falls in line with events that have happened so far, and luckily, IZ*ONE didn't disband. Also, before I went on hiatus, I had part of this chapter already written. xD

But due to the Produce 101 controversy occurring, I will be incorporating this into the story. Otherwise, this story remains along the same intended path and be set in the future which is not the current time of writing this part of the story.

Now, enjoy—the story begins again. ]

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"Well at the very least, we're on track to winning next year. After our two month break prior to the new album and Grammy performance, we're on another break. So hopefully the response will be just as good—"

"—or better!" lightly interjected Jimin at Namjoon's words.

"—or better," the BTS leader laughed before continuing, "so that we can win too before you go off into the military."

"It's like sending away a relative," mumbled Jungkook pensively as he slipped into the kitchen.

"Ah, Kookie!" exclaimed Jimin at the sight of the maknae, making Jin turn toward the bedhead coconut.

"Did you sleep well?" inquired Namjoon with a sip of his drink.

"Hm," grunted Jungkook as he opened the refrigerator. Jin nudged him and offered a filled plate so the youngest didn't go raiding the refrigerator when perfectly good food was already prepared.

Jungkook was inclined to make a snarky, playful comment, but he easily resisted since he was still a bit sleepy, and the food looked good; not to mention, Iris was here—

"Ptttt—!!!" Jungkook nearly spat out the single sip of his milk at the sight of Iris. When he entered the kitchen, that fact didn't instantly register for him. Feeling a little shy from having his slightly disheveled, morning appearance seen by Iris, he flicked his gaze away from the confused girl.

She pointed at him with a limp finger, wondering curiously if perhaps the milk was sour. But Jin just shook his head with an amused smile, fully understanding Jungkook's situation.

Although she didn't grasp Jungkook's unusual action, she paid no heed to it as his behavior returned back to normal.

"Yes, Map of the Soul: 7 was a big hit. Um, no pun intended." Everyone laughed at Iris's words. "It amazes me, really, how you break your own records and success each time you release a new album. It really is like the sky isn't the limit.

"And I especially loved the concept this time since it perfectly encapsulates that feeling of flying higher and higher with your 'wings' but not wanting to fall—both are equally frightening situations." Iris nodded seriously and contemplatively. BTS's albums were stories and works of art in their own right. Their messages were both universal but personal. She admired this about them the most as a musical artist herself.

"And AH! Suga!" She suddenly spun around with sparkling eyes toward the man who suddenly stopped midway through drinking and lifted his eyes up curiously.

"I loved hearing your singing voice!" Iris beamed brightly while holding her hands together in admiring fondness for Yoongi, AGUSTD, Suga—the talented man with many names for every aspect of his character from idol, to producer, to rapper, to just himself. His intro song for their last album trailer, Interlude: Shadow truly showed his heart, fear, and passion.

Although Iris had been moved by BTS many times, this song's journey had especially struck her hard—as a person, fan, and artist herself. It was a perfect beginning to the rest of the album that spoke to BTS's struggle with their huge and still growing fame.

But they still strived to do their best and go higher despite their anxiety because of their love for music and dance. Black Swan, another song of theirs, encapsulated this underlying layer to their predicament as international superstars.

Suga almost did a faint blush at Iris's sudden, vehement compliment, but it soon turned into a warm smile as did the rest of BTS when she continued blubbering her admiration for their album. It was like she was in a world of her own, reminiscing the emotions and reactions she felt when the songs and albums dropped.

BTS always appreciated their fans' excitement; even if Iris was also part of their Big Hit family. After all, each of the members were the biggest fans and supporters of each other too; TXT included. And now, they were slowly and surely adding more members to their family.

After ten seconds in her ardent rant, Iris caught herself and blushed embarrassedly. No matter how acquainted she was with BTS, her love for their artistry would never die or fade. Perhaps it was because she hadn't seen them in so long that she momentarily lost herself when she could usually withhold her stronger inner feelings.

"No, no please continue." Namjoon joked when Iris hated abruptly in a cute body-freeze of self-realization.

J-Hope laughed and placed a loose arm around Iris's shoulder, grinning like the warmest, brightest rays of the sun as he remarked, "Irisie~ thank you~"

The girl weakly smiled back as her inner fan-girl elevated before calming down so that she could be her usual, composed self. "You're welcome, Hobie, so make sure that your next album doesn't disappoint me."

Suga couldn't help letting out a chuckle that almost sounded like an amused snort. "Putting the pressure on us, huh? Challenged accepted."

"Oooh~ Hyung's game face appeared for a second there," said the maknae with a snicker and bite of his sandwich.

"So," Jin began in an attempt to steer the direction toward Iris, "did you decide what you're going to do now that you're back? IZ*ONE had a really great 2019 and start of 2020 too, even after that Produce 101 controversy."

Iris outwardly groaned, not hiding her lingering frustration at what happened. "Yeah, that was a real pain to deal with. My members and I so badly wanted to say something, but no matter what, we couldn't say anything and could only keep quiet to hear the verdict."

"I bet, that investigation became bigger as time went on. I can't imagine how you must've felt or X1 for disbanding." J-Hope agreed. "I'm just glad that IZ*ONE promoted long enough that you could establish yourself and stand strong."

"Mmm." Iris nodded. "It hurt for a while; not so much for me, but for the other girls who previously had already been picked at for debuting even before the controversy. But!" She placed her hands resolutely on her hips and lifted her chin high. "Music and hard work speaks for itself!"

"Yeah!" V exclaimed with a mouth half full of food. "Your last comeback was awesome!"

Iris lifted her nose a little higher. "Hmph! Of course, I helped make our title track. There's no way I'm letting some criminal and fiasco mess up my girls and career!"

"That's our Iris-ah~!" Jimin cheered with a soft slap to Iris's shoulder. "You surely deserved the praise for the song!"

Jungkook raised his head from his food to ask, "You helped produce the music, lyrics, and choreography right?"

"Just say the whole thing!" Namjoon chuckled heartily.

"Oh no! Haha!" Iris held her stomach while laughing. "I can't claim the whole song, but certainly it was the most input I've been able to give since debuting. It was a super refreshing and satisfying feeling."

"Then do you think you'll go solo or…?" Jimin carefully queried.

Iris paused. She hadn't yet made her decision, but going with her heart, and feeling very secure with BTS who were her knowledgable seniors, she opened up her innermost desire.

"Yes… I'd really like to go solo. Just…for a bit at least. I still want to be in a group because the dynamic is so much fun and more satisfying in its own way. I'm not sure how to explain it, but you guys understand?"

All of the BTS members nodded quickly. While she phrased it as a question, it was more of a statement. For anyone who experienced a harmonious group dynamic, although not without its tense moments, they knew the comfort and enjoyment of achieving a dream alongside others.

"So, if I can do some solo activity now in this last year as IZ*ONE and the debut with the other girls in a group, and then later do some solo activities after we established ourselves, I think that'll be the best!" Iris pumped her fist in determination.

"That sounds like a good plan, Irisie," J-Hope concurred.

"You'll knock them off their feet," complimented Namjoon very brotherly.

Jimin also patted Iris in agreement with his hyung.

"Please!" Iris chuckled. "Don't praise me until it's successful!"

"Your fans called you the next Soyeon, was it?—in composing. An even better, if she had made the debut cut." Jungkook absently commented.

Iris was a little surprised. "Oh? You know Soyeon of (G)I-DLE?"

Now self-aware, Jungkook coughed and muttered, "Yeah because it's news about you."

His cute reply made Iris giggle. Even though Jungkook had grown up into a fine adult, he would still be maknae Kookie because of all the spoiling in BTS's earlier days by his six hyungs.

"Yeah, I'm sorta basing off this idea from Soyeon's case. Since (G)I-DLE performed so well, I figured it ought to work out for us too."

"You have the preparation for your debut ready?" V guessed.

"Haha, you know me," replied Iris. "I've been preparing this for ages! Thank goodness for IZ*ONE and even what we had to deal with. I feel like I'm now ready to face anything!"

"That's a great way to think of things." Suga smiled in accord.

"Yes!" Iris gripped her hands in determination. "Thank you all so much! I now feel brave enough to tell PD about this!"

Wanting to keep her growing excitement and enthusiasm—BTS was like a big mood lifter and motivator, just like before she had met them in person—Iris hurriedly darted out of the kitchen to race back toward Big Hit.

"Wait! You can't just rush out!" V jumped up in shock. He was worried about any paparazzi catching her leaving their dorm.

"Ah!" Iris skidded to a stop and turned around to grab some bag with empty containers of the now used food. "Don't worry! I got an idea! Sorry to leave so suddenly, thank you all again!"

In a flash, she jumped away and then paused before calmly opening the door like a normal person. Then, she resolutely walked off, pretending to be a staff member who had helped to deliver food for BTS.

Belatedly understanding what she was doing, V shook his head with a small smile along with the other members. That girl sure was funny and surprising.

"Looks like we're leaving Big Hit in good hands." Jin gently remarked with sincere sentiment.

"Aww hyung, don't say it like that." Jimin whined.

"Yeah, although I do agree with you." V patted Jin's arm and slung an arm across his back. "She's going to go places."

"Just like us." Suga added.

"Haha yes." Namjoon gave a nod. "We'll still be here, carrying the torch but sharing the fire."

"Ooh, what eloquent words, sir," joked J-Hope with a laugh.

Their dependable leader shrugged with a big smile. They would always be seven, and their flame would never die out.