Sweet As Sugar

My final moment had come. The crowd fell silent after seeing me on the big screen, my head down and my eyes glassy, tears threatening to spill as my lips parted, but no words made their way out. It was hopeless. How was I supposed to speak when everything I wanted to say would merely come out as a sob?

However, I felt Hoseok place his hand on my back and push me forward just slightly. I had to do it. I knew I had to.

I took a deep, shaky breath, then looked up. Tears were beginning to roll down my pastel red cheeks.

"I love you guys," I finally spoke, nearly whispering. "You've always been there for us, and I'm eternally grateful."

There was so much more to be said, but at that moment, I knew that my family was more important to share my feelings with, so I turned my back to the crowd, looking at my five members, as Jin had already left for his service. My brothers.

I wanted to tell them how much they meant to me. How even when things ended, I would always be there for them. I wanted to tell them that to me, they were the only ones who really cared when I was upset about a little or major thing. They cared. They really did.

Before I could say anything, my grip loosened and my microphone fell to the cold stage ground. I fell with it, on my knees as I bowed to them, my shoulders bouncing as I cried. I could hear army getting emotional as well, but I had to ignore them. For once, this wasn't about them.

I suddenly felt arms on my back and my sides, more than one pair. They all pulled me into a group hug, and even though it felt empty without Jin, I still felt beyond happy. And sad. And angry. I was a huge mix of emotions.

My life for the past seven years flashed before my eyes. The struggles we faced paying the bills, the anger we all felt learning the choreography, even first meeting each other. All the birthdays we shared together and finally accomplishing everything we had dreamed of. My heart was full, even remembering the bad times.

Jin, Namjoon, Jimin, Taehyung, Jungkook, and Hoseok had all been there for me, whether I was happy or depressed. They helped me through everything. They brought me meals, filled the house with laughter, and brightened my life. I felt like I was almost nothing without them. They were my best friends, my brothers. They were my family, and they were the best damn family a boy could ever ask for. I was going to miss them.

I breathed them all in one last time, memorizing their touch and every second of that moment.

"I love you all... Thank you..."