55 Win the Grammys for Me

Some of the BTS members were already awake, but more than half were still snoozing, catching up on lost sleep. Although some of them had bought their own apartments or spent time outside of their dorms, they all crashed at their group housing upon returning from their tours.

So, Jin and Iris quietly went inside and unloaded the food. For Iris who had visited BTS in their dorms before, she didn't think too much of the matter. But having spent almost two years in the public space, she became more aware of how much idols needed to keep up the perfect behavior and facade to satisfy the public's scrutiny.

Although she stayed true to herself as best as possible, for that was part of what appealed to the public, at the same time, she couldn't avoid the tightrope that excelled her to new heights but came at the ever eminent risk of plunging to the darkest bottoms.

In her time, Iris had seen many a scandal befall and end an idol's career. And oftentimes, it affected others in the industry too. The higher one went, the harder the fall, and the more people that tumbled down alongside the fallen star.

Thus, when she entered their home, Iris suddenly felt acutely self-conscious. It wasn't like before when she was unknown and could effectively disguise herself and cover her bases if she was seen. Fans were like hawks who could spot someone who looked like their idol from faraway.

Even if it didn't end up being who they thought, the mere rumor could result in irksome ripples which prompted the idols involved to dispute and clarify them. For Iris, she especially couldn't afford to stir up rumors, for she bordered on the cusp of friendship and a deeper relationship already in the fans' eyes.

While the fans adored the idea of a hardworking and talented girl breaking past Big Hit's restrictions and becoming BTS's little sister, they knew how easy it was for relationships to begin when idols were in the same company. Needless to say, BTS was off-limits beyond friendship.

All of this ran through Iris's mind like a shock. It was a wake-slap to how she needed to change her actions from before Produce 48 and her newfound fame. She had gotten too used to her previous ease of movement.

'Seriously, what was I thinking agreeing to come along? I'm definitely not in the right state of mind,' Iris scolded herself as she put away the last of the food for storage.

Currently, Jin was preparing a portion of what he brought for his members. He set out the eating utensils and plates, very accustomed to the actions as the 'mom' of the group.

"Ah! Iris! Hii~" greeted Jimin drowsily as he entered the kitchen and dining area.

"Good morning." Iris smiled and paused to watch Jimin poke at the food Jin brought.

"Oh, you got us breakfast?" he queried, not very surprised at all. His words were more like a statement of familiarity toward his group mate's actions.

"Hm," uttered Jin without stopping his movements except for a quick nod of greeting at Jimin who was now stretching.

"Mornin'." Namjoon entered the room from the direction of his studio.

Seeing the fully dressed man not in his pajamas, Jin chided, "Namjoon, you ended up sleeping in your studio again?"

"Sorry, sorry, I got caught up in my work," returned Namjoon apologetically. He knew that his close friend Jin disliked it when he sacrificed his health when it was most unnecessary. But he couldn't help being a busy bee when it came to music.

Now that BTS was starting to consider courses of actions for when some members eventually went to the military, he began stockpiling on quality instrumentals, compositions, and other ideas and snippets of songs—anything musical he could grasp and save.

Since a lot was to occur in the fast approaching later half of 2020, BTS could properly rest while comfortably preparing for future promotions and albums. Thus, Jin wanted everyone to take advantage of this period to recoup and think about their future. He was not alone in this either.

"I know you're thinking about a lot things, Joonie, but you'll wear ourself down after we just returned from touring. I also feel like jumping into practice when I think too much, but we have plenty of time to rest a bit," offered Jimin after he took a bite of food.

"Yes, so make sure to sleep after eating."

"You want me to eat?" asked Namjoon to Jin with raised eyebrows. "Not rest first?" he laughed softly.

"Well you need to recharge after staying up, you're not hungry?" Iris interjected into the conversation as she handed him a plate of food that Jin gave her to pass onto Namjoon.

"Yes, I am hungry," chuckled Namjoon while taking the plate.

It was at this point that Suga and J-Hope rolled into the kitchen from their rooms. Suga just quietly sat at the table after mumbling "good morning" with a yawn. J-Hope flashed a bright, sleepy smile, and piped his greeting and thanks for breakfast.

Looking at the entire scene, Iris felt warm inside. No matter how long she had been with them to see their daily life interactions, it made her smile to see how BTS was truly like a family.

But this wasn't so uncommon in groups these days. While some groups only appeared to get along on the outside, the competitiveness of the industry also gave rise to more groups that unified themselves for a cause.

At first, this was more usual with groups from small companies that struggled together, much like BTS in their early days. But entertainment companies caught the trend of authenticity and group synergy, so even the larger ones emphasized team work and harmony. For example, like JYP's boy group, Stray Kids, and having a survival show about them before debut.

"The others are still sleeping?" asked Jin, sitting down at the table to eat some himself.

Just as he said this, V strolled into the room with a cheery smile and wave upon seeing Iris.

Waving back and returning the smile, Iris giggled. "Now it's just the youngest still snoozing away."

Jimin peered up from his plate and remarked, "Jungkook was especially tired, so he's probably sleeping in a little today."

"Yeah, I would've shook him awake otherwise," said J-Hope with a mischievous smile.

"I would have liked to see his reaction if Iris were to wake him though." V devilishly grinned, making Iris almost choke and sputter on air.

'Let's not! I'll probably scare the poor baby! Although, he's technically older than me, so I probably shouldn't call him that,' thought Iris.

"So Iris, how have you been? It was a nice surprise to see you after not seeing you for basically two years," began J-Hope.

"Busy, as I'm sure you have been too. A very worthwhile experience, I learned a lot and really enjoy being with the girls," said Iris thoughtfully, nodding to herself. "And what about you? 2019 was a big year for you guys as well as 2020. I can't believe you were nominated for best recording package for Love Yourself and then performed at the Grammys the following year!"

"Yeah, it's like we're following how we won the BBMAs from 2016 to now," agree J-Hope.

"If we don't get a Grammy next year, I'll be disappointed," said Suga casually. He was probably half serious but also joking with his dry humor, for he grinned after saying that to the accompanying laughs and smiles by his members at his statement.

"You and your Grammy," chuckled Iris softly. "But I think that you just might in 2021."

"I'll be away by then, so you better send a lot of pictures and videos while you're there!" exclaimed Jin.

The boys smiled, unable to do more than that at the oldest members' statements. They all knew he was referring to military service at the end of 2020. The Grammys began at the start of the year.

"Even if you can't promote with us, you'll still record the album with us and be a part of our win," replied Suga.

"And even if you didn't record, you'll still be a part of our win, always," added J-Hope with sincerity.

"Thanks," Jin smiled warmly. "But I still want us to win next time so that my voice is in the song!"

At his impetuously impish tone, the BTS members did actually laugh. It was important to keep their spirits up and look at the bright side while pushing forward to new grounds. They did this all humbly yet passionately and determinedly. This was BTS.