Threads of fate

The Grammy Awards, held in a grand theater in New York City, was packed with celebrities, media, and fans. The stage was adorned with dazzling lights, and the air was electric with anticipation.

The moment the show began, there was already a nervous tension among the BTS members. It was the first time they had gathered in such a massive global spotlight since the controversies. The rumors, the headlines, the judgment—all still fresh. And with HYBE unexpectedly dropping Jin’s solo album during that storm, none of them truly knew what to expect tonight and It was their first Grammys since releasing their latest album, and while they didn't win for their song, they remained poised and supportive of the other artists.

The category for Song of the Year came earlier than expected.

"And the Grammy for Song of the Year goes to... Jin, for Down to earth!"

A moment of pure silence at BTS’s table.

Taehyung’s brows lifted in disbelief. Jimin slowly turned toward the stage, his lips parting in quiet awe. Namjoon blinked hard, like he hadn't fully processed what he'd just heard. And Jungkook… he didn’t even move. His jaw clenched, his hands tightening around the edges of his seat.

Then the camera shifted—cutting to Mr. Bang Si-hyuk rising from his seat alone. He wasn’t sitting near them. He hadn’t come with them. He walked up to the stage in silence, accepted the award, gave a nod, and left the same way he came.

Not a single word from Jin. No message. No speech. Nothing. Just Mr. Bang’s face and a golden trophy.

Hobi whispered, barely audible, “He really… won.”

Taehyung nodded slowly. “We didn’t even know this song existed until HYBE released the album.”

Yoongi leaned forward slightly, trying to breathe through the wave building inside his chest. “It’s beautiful,” he said quietly. “The lyrics. His voice. I listened to it every day. And I just… I didn’t know he was carrying all that.”

Jungkook didn’t say a word.

Then came Artist of the Year.

The presenter smiled warmly, opening the envelope.

“The Grammy for Artist of the Year goes to… Jin!”

The crowd roared. Another camera cut to BTS.

Taehyung exhaled shakily. His hands trembled under the table. “He did this… without us.”

Namjoon’s eyes followed Mr. Bang walking up the stage again. His fingers were tightly interlaced on the table, knuckles white.

Hobi tried to smile. “I’m proud of him,” he said softly, voice cracking. “But… I wish he was here.”

Silence from Jungkook.

But this time, when the applause faded and the lights shifted, Jungkook slowly looked down. His lips were pressed tightly together, as if holding back something—regret, guilt, maybe even shame.

Then came the last announcement.

Album of the Year.

Everyone knew the tension in the room. This was the final, most prestigious award of the night.

“And the Grammy for Album of the Year goes to… Jin – Echoes of the Heart!”

The crowd erupted louder than before. But BTS’s table—silent.

Jimin was the first to react. His hands flew to his mouth, eyes wide, and within moments, tears began to well up and spill over.

He wasn’t crying from sadness—no, these were tears of overwhelming pride, of years of watching Jin work silently, of memories of practice rooms and hotel nights where Jin would stay behind, still singing long after the others had gone to bed.