Threads of fate ?

The final performance of BTS's tour had concluded with a thunderous ovation from ARMY, but behind the curtain, Jin felt a deep emptiness. As the members celebrated backstage, Jin quietly slipped away, unnoticed. He had made his decision long before this moment but hadn’t found the courage to face the group or explain himself.

He made his way to HYBE headquarters late that night, where Mr. Bang Si-hyuk was waiting for him in his office. Jin’s expression was calm but resolute, masking the turmoil brewing inside.

"Hyung," Jin began, bowing respectfully. "I need to speak with you about something important."

Mr. Bang gestured for him to sit, concern already evident on his face. "What is it, Jin? You look serious."

Jin hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I’ve decided to enlist in the military," he said firmly.

The statement hung heavy in the air. Mr. Bang’s eyebrows furrowed, and he leaned forward. "Jin, you know the government is still considering exempting BTS from service. There’s no need for you to rush into this. We can wait for their decision."

Jin shook his head. "With all due respect,  I’ve made up my mind. This is something I need to do for myself."

"But why now? The group is at its peak. We can manage your enlistment later if it becomes necessary," Mr. Bang countered, his voice laced with concern.

Jin looked down at his hands, unable to meet Mr. Bang’s gaze. "It’s not just about timing. There are...personal reasons. I can’t explain everything, but I need some time away. I want to serve quietly, without any fanfare or interruptions."

Understanding the weight of Jin’s words, Mr. Bang leaned back in his chair. "Does this have anything to do with the other members or Jungkook?"

Jin’s eyes flickered, betraying his inner conflict, but he quickly composed himself. "This is my decision alone. Please respect that."

After a long silence, Mr. Bang sighed. "If this is what you truly want, I won’t stop you. But I must warn you—this could create challenges for the group and the company."

"I understand," Jin replied. "That’s why I want to record an album before I go. It will help offset any losses and give ARMY something to hold onto during my absence. I’am writting the songs and just need a months to record them."

"Month?" Mr. Bang asked, surprised.

"Yes," Jin said. "I promise I’ll give it my all. And one more thing—I don’t want the members to know where I’ll be stationed. My parents will handle all the enlistment processes. I need space, and I don’t want them worrying about me."

Mr. Bang studied Jin for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Very well. But I hope you understand the impact this will have—not just on the group, but on you as well."

Jin bowed deeply. "Thank you, hyung. I’m sorry for any trouble this causes. I’ll do everything I can to make this transition easier for everyone."

True to his word, Jin poured his heart into recording his album. Each song carried a piece of his soul, filled with raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics. The staff who worked with him could sense the pain and determination in every note.

By the end of the month, the album was complete. Jin listened to the final playback with a bittersweet smile, knowing it would be his last contribution to BTS for a long time.

As he left the studio that night, he handed the masters to Mr. Bang. "Use these songs however you see fit," Jin said. "I trust you."

Without saying goodbye to the members, Jin quietly departed, leaving behind a void that no one could fill.