In the morning, just like every day, BTS and Jen are awakened and put into the van, having no idea where they’re going.

Jennie (Group by group, the guys left and then all that was left was V and I. So, it looks like we’re a team for this mission.)

Arriving at an ice cream shop, V and Jennie are met by a friendly lady, who were waiting for them inside.

“Hi! My name is Beth, I’ll be your guide today. You two will be working for me. Your aprons are in the back. Put them on, and we’ll get started so I can show you the rundown of the shop.”

Jennie (Hol’ up. So, we’re working?)

After putting on their aprons, V was jumping in excitement. “Yay, ice cream!”

“He’s very jumpy, isn’t he?” Beth lets out a laugh.

“He’s like that all the time.”

“First things first, we’ll start with the scooping. It’s a little harder than it looks with certain flavors, but you’ll thank me later for the new upper arm strength.” Beth explains as she effortlessly scoops up the butter pecan ice cream, placing it on a cone.

Jennie (This shouldn’t be so bad. I mean, come on, who doesn’t want to work at an ice cream shop? Especially on a hot day?)

V went first and easily scooped up the ice cream, placing it on a cone. But when it was Jen’s turn to scoop, she found herself grunting and struggling as she slowly scooped out some of the butter pecan ice cream.

“This is harder than it looks!” She lets out a nervous laugh.

Understanding her struggle, Beth reassures her, “You’ll get used to it.”

Jennie (This is a little embarrassing. Is my struggling going on the air? God.)

After Beth shows them how to put ice cream in a cone, swirly style, Jen attempts first, only to make it uneven.

“You know what...this doesn’t like me.”

Beth giggles. “It’s okay, let’s try it again.”

She attempts to do it again and ends up dropping the cone, surprising everyone.

Jennie (Uh...I can explain.)

Sighing loudly in annoyance, Jen cleans up her mess while V giggles at her. “Unbelievable…” She grumbles

Jennie (This is harder than I thought.)

After five attempts, she finally manages to do a better job and moves on the learn the rest of the basics like creating an ice cream Sunday, milkshakes, which were the easiest for Jen to create.

---

Once they open, V works the cash register, taking orders, while Jennie works the ice cream. “Hello!” V happily greets the customers in a cute English voice.

It was a mother and a child. V waves at the little boy, while Jennie smiles at the sight. “Can we have two chocolate ice cream cones?” The mother asks.

“Scoops? How many?”

“Oh, just one is fine.”

“Coming right up!” Jennie works the machine. “Please don’t let me screw this up…please don’t let me drop it~.” She murmurs. Thankfully getting it right, she hands the mother the cones.

“Here you go! Have a great day!”

As the day went on, Jen’s eyes were vibrant as she greeted each customer with V. She struggled a few times with scooping but she still tried her best and worked through it.

“V! Oh, my God! It’s V!”

Hearing a group of three teen girls happily shout, V waves and tries to make small talk, before taking pictures with them.

“Can we have cherry, root beer and mango water ice?”

Making quick work to scoop up the three cups, Jennie places them on the counter, smiling at the three ladies. But was taken aback by their high-pitched shrieks.

“Jennie! Oh, my gosh, it’s you!”

Feeling her face heat up by the sudden outburst, she kept the bright smile on her face. “Hello!”

“Can we take a picture with you!?”

“Yeah, sure!”

After taking a few selfies, the girls were overjoyed. “Gosh I really miss you in Amity!”

“Yeah! But we love you even more in BTS. We’ll always support your decisions.”

Touched, she places a hand over her heart. “Thank you, ladies. I appreciate the love. It’s true fans like you, that keep me going.”

After they leave, V couldn’t hold in his thoughts any longer and calls out her name.

“What’s up, V?”

“What were they talking about?”

Exhaling, she simply smiles and shrugs. “It’s nothing.”

Jennie (I don’t want to talk about it. Every time I think about it, it just...it makes me sad...)

V (Jennie never talks about her old group. When we try to ask, she kind of brushes it aside. But I wish she would open up and tell us. It always looks like she wants to let it all out. I think it’ll make her feel better. I should talk to Rap Monster, maybe he’ll figure out what to do.)

When they take their break, Jennie and V sit at a table to enjoy their hard-earned ice cream in a cup.

“I missed this. We always used to hang out together like this.” Jennie lets out a sigh.

“Yeah, but Jungkook always wants to hang with you and then Jimin tries to steal you away, hahaha.”

“Well at least we’re together now, just like old times, buddy.”

“Yeah homie!” He giggles as she held his stare, disbelief shown on her face.

Did he really just say that?

Jennie (V and I, we go way back. He was the first person I met when I came to South Korea. I remember it like it was yesterday. He tried speaking to me in broken English, it was too cute, haha. He’s such a kind soul, and he introduced me to the BTS members, and the rest is history. He made my experience in South Korea even better, by showing me the hot spots, different foods, it was great.)

“Hahah, remember when we were pranked to be scared? Your reaction was priceless!”

Groaning, Jennie sets her head down. “Oh, my God…I don’t even want to talk about that. Big Hit will never forget that day.”

---

Sitting in one of the conference rooms, Jennie watched a video on the laptop. She was told that she was going to be verified what her psychological state of mind would be.
“So…what kind of video is this?” She asks.
“You’ll see.”
She was told and continues to watch on. She decides to turn up the volume since it was too low and watched intently, wondering what the video was about.
Suddenly, an unexpected loud scream was heard while a jump scare pops out at the screen.
“AHHHHHHHHH!”
She screams, startled while jumping up in her seat. Her heart was racing and out of instinct, she grabs the mouse, throwing it at the screen.
“OH SHIT!” She covers her mouth, looking at the cracked screen. She was so going to get fired. “I am SO SORRY!”

---

Bursting in giggles, V reenacts her reaction. “Please! Please don’t fire me! I’ll pay for the screen! I’m sorry!”

“Hush!” She playfully smacks him. “Ah, can you believe it’s been over a year since BTS has been together?”

“Quiet! I was so upset, I offered to pay for a new screen.”

“It’s so surreal. I can’t wait for more years!”

Hearing his phone ring, V answers it and puts it on speaker, placing the phone on the table.

“Hello?” He greets.

“V! It’s Jin!”

“Hey Jin!” Jennie greets.

“Hey, Jennie! So, it’s you and V working, together?”

“Uh huh. What are you doing?” V asks.

“I’m with J-Hope. We’re on a yacht, right now. Eating sashimi and lobster.”

“Oh really? Fancy. V and I are working at an ice cream shop. We’re taking a break, eating ice cream.” Jennie mentions.

“WHAAA? I want ice cream!” Jin’s loud voice was heard, making the two giggle. “J-Hope! V and Jen are eating ice cream!”

“WHAA!?” Hobi’s high pitched voice was heard in the background. “I WANT ICE CREAM!”

After their shenanigans, V suggests that he call Jimin and dials up his number, placing the phone on his ear. Hearing him answer, V shouts, “Jimin! What are you doing?”

“Ah! Why so loud?” He grumbles.

“Hehehe, sorry.”

“I’m with Jungkook. We’re cleaning planes.”

“Guess where I am?”

“Where?”

“Eating ice cream with Jennie~.” He teases.

“AHHHHHHHHHH!” His loud scream of frustration was heard. He turns to Jungkook who sat next to him. “V is with Jennie. They’re eating ice cream together.”

A frown came across Jungkook face as he looked disappointed. “Awe…now I’m mad. I wanted to eat ice cream with Jennie…”

“Me, too! Lucky V!”

---

Off screen with Jungkook and Jimin, they continue to chill on the couch, taking a break from work.

Still upset, Jungkook grumbles, “How come he gets to eat ice cream with her? I wanted to eat ice cream with her…no fair.”

With a sly smile, Jimin nudges him. “Hehehe, you’re so annoyed. Is someone jealous~?”

Snapping his head to him, Jungkook widens her eyes, immediately shouting, “No!”

Grinning sheepishly, Jimin continues to tease him. “Are you sure~?”

“I’m not jealous!”

“Mm hm…Whatever you say Jungkookie~”

“Hyung!”

“What a nice date Jen and V are on, right now. Maybe they’ll share their first kiss!”

“HYUNG!”

“Hahahaha!”

---

After work was over, they meet up with Nate and Tony to discuss what they did for their jobs. “Our team went to the Landing Field for airplanes. They let us ride the helicopter.” Jimin explains while Rap Monster talks about working with Suga at the hotel and eating.

“V and I, we worked at an ice cream shop. My arms, they feel stronger from scooping up all that ice cream.” Jen announces.

“The ice cream was very refreshing.” V adds.

“I’m sure it was~. Thanks for rubbing it in!” Jimin teases.

“So imma think you guys made some money?” Tony asks

For Rap Monster and Suga, they made $550 dollars. J-Hope and Jin made $450 dollars. V and
Jen made 460, while Jungkook and Jimin made 500 dollars. Rap Monster and Suga get first place.

When Tony and Nate are asked about what the money will be used for, they found out they were going to buy some food and take the food to the less fortunate down Skid Row.

Jennie (Skid Row…donating to the less fortunate. Doing stuff like that, it just makes me grateful for what I have because you never know what tomorrow may bring. I’m looking forward to helping those in need.)

Jin (When I heard that the money that we made was going to Skid Row, at first, I was taken back, a little. After we were told that we were going there, I heard, afterwards, that it’s dangerous place. I couldn’t understand why we had to go there.)

“So, BTS! You guys are very fortunate. You have a million of fans. A lot of times in the hip hop community, artists and big name celebrities take what they make and give it back to people that aren’t as fortunate.” Nate explains.

Suga (There were a lot of times that I really wanted to donate and help but my heart seems to always come before my actions but now that I was able to take action. I thought that it was a really meaningful thing to do.)

Rap Monster (To them, it’s give them back. Show them love, showing them love. It seems like they express themselves through these expressions. And so, I thought to myself, ‘Ah, I can actually do something!’)

‘LA’s ghetto area, Skid Row! Within a stunning city, this is a place shows the dark side to it.’
‘In America, this is the area that has the largest homeless population’
‘For your hip hop focus, you guys will share the food with them yourselves and spend a meaningful time, allowing you to reflect upon yourselves as well.’

Buying hamburgers and drinks, they make their way to Skid Row. Jennie looks out the window, to see all the people on the sidewalk as her heart drops. It was saddening to look at.

Meanwhile, the guys look on, surprised at how the atmosphere changed so quickly as they pass by various tents.

Jennie (It’s heart breaking. Especially seeing kids, out there.)

Jen went on to approach several homeless people, hearing their words of wisdom.

“Never forget where you came from. Never forget that. I don’t care how rich you get; how poor you get. But you can be poor one day and rich the next day, you be back. Life’s a bit of balance. Sometimes you might think that people don’t appreciate but a lot of them actually do. You got a strong mouth, whatever your goal is, just keep at it. And you’ll get it.” One of the men tells them.

Deciding to go on her own, Jennie approaches a teen girl. Her hair was in a messy bun as she leaned against the wall, on the floor. Kneeling in front of her, she hands her two burgers and a drink. “Hi. Here you go.”

Looking up to see who was talking to her, the girl smiles softly and takes what she was given.
“Thanks...”

“What’s your name? I’m Jennie.”

“Jazmine.”

“How old are you?”

“15.”

“I’m 16.”

“What do you do?”

“I perform.”

“I like to draw. My parents always tell me I have a talent for it.”

Jennie nods and looks around in her bag. “It’s not much but here’s a pen and a notepad. Don’t give up on your passion for drawing.”

“Thank you.” She happily accepts it.

“Oh, and I wanted to also give you something.” Jennie unhooks her necklace and hands it to her. It was small silver necklace that had the word strength on it.

“You’re giving me jewelry? Aren’t you afraid I might sell it to get money for drugs or something?”

“No, because I know you won’t do that. Unlike some other people in this world, I refuse to judge a book by its cover. Just because you are in the state you are in, doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, or do bad things. I’m giving you this necklace so you can remember to not give up. Don’t give up on your dreams. If you want to draw, go for it. The pain, the suffering, it’s only temporary.” She grabs her hand. “You will get through this. Push through. Stay positive. I’ll be praying for you.”

“Thank you…what is your name, again?”

“Jennifer. Jennifer walker.”

The girl nods. “I’ll remember that name...Thank you. I will push through. You really boosted up my mood. Can we pray?”

“Of course.”

Jennie (I wish nothing for the best for this girl. I hope her and her family get out of this. I hope everyone gets out, of all of this. It makes me appreciate what I have. And it motivates me to help people as best as I can. Even if it’s just the smallest gesture.)

‘While they’re meeting a lot of people, BTS is feeling an enlightenment within themselves.’

“We all know how important giving back is now, right?” Rap Monster asks the guys and they respond to him.

“Thank you, guys, y’all did a really good job.” Tony praises.

“Y’all did a really good thing, you know, coming here, today and giving back to the less fortunate, ya know what I mean? I thank y’all for also being strong and brave enough to be here.” Nate adds. “Y’know, a lot of people sometimes forget about people like this. You guys remember them today, even though a lot of people said thank you, a lot of people maybe didn’t say thank you, everyone really, really appreciated it.”

They all put their hands in the middle and throw their arms out in the air, announcing BTS!

‘Once again after feeling a lot of things, BTS is going home’

---

The next day, off screen, Jennie and Namjoon decide to head out for breakfast. Namjoon offered to take her out, so they could talk about the album and how she’s managing with the songs.

“Gosh, you have no idea how excited I am, about this new album! It’s our best, yet. I’m sure everyone will enjoy it.” She beams.

Smiling at her enthusiasm, showing off his dimples, he nods. “Me, too. What’s your favorite song?”

“War of Hormone, for sure! I’m anxious to perform it.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll fuck it up, I know you will.”

“Oh, stop gassing me up.” She lets out a laugh.

“I’m serious! Your stage presence is improving, too. Continue strutting your stuff, while we go crazy around you in the dance.”

“Ah, it’s my first time doing a bit of a sexy concept. I just hope it looks natural and catches the audience’s interest.”

“It-”

“WELL! WELL!” A loud, obnoxious voice is heard.

Turning their heads to the sudden voice, Jennie’s stomach drops when she sees who the voice belonged to. Clenching her jaw, she prayed that her emotions would be in check.

Just why?
Why now?
Of all people, of all days.
But despite the pent-up frustration, she knew something like this was going to happen.
It was what she feared and pondered what she would do, if this day would come. And it looked like the day came sooner than she expected.

The female sits next to Namjoon, ignoring him while staring right at Jennie. Eyes cold, filled with disgust and mockery.

Shaking her head at her insolence, Jennie remains silent as she holds her stare. ‘Don’t jump over the table and grab her...don’t hit her...don’t make a scene...don’t be filmed and put on World Star...and do not do anything to ruin your reputation with BTS. It’s not right and it won’t be unfair to them. That’s all you gotta do and you’ll be fine, Jennie...’ She tries to calm herself down.

“Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise~. Who knew, I would run into the quitter. Long time, no see, quitter.”

Irked by the disrespectful nickname, Jennie remains calm on the outside. Meanwhile, Namjoon was dumbfounded but could feel the tension between the two.

It was clear to him that Jennie knew this person. Very well.

Turning to the girl, he asks in English, “Can we help you?”

“Yes, yes you can. I want a little one on one time, with Miss Quitter. So, what you can do is shut up, run along and take your ass somewhere else, thank you, very much.”

Slamming her fist on the table, causing everything to shake and rattle, Jennie’s body began to feel hot. Eyebrows pulled down together, in irritation, she shoots her a dirty look.

The sudden loud sound of the ruckus led to Namjoon staring at her, in surprise. It was clear that she was livid, but he could see a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“Okay, first of all, don’t come up in here and talk to him like that. Ever.” She says with a growl.

“Better yet, don’t you ever tell him to shut up, run along and take his ass somewhere else. Who the hell do you think you are? Are you for real, right now? Did the hair dye seep into your brain, to make you think you can just talk to anyone, the way you want to? Show some respect, you ignorant ass bitch.”

Gasping in amusement, the girl lets out a laugh. “So mad...you’re gonna cause a scene, quitter.” She turns to Namjoon. “So, are you going to leave?”

“Nah, I’m going to stay. Whatever business you have with her, I want to know.” He retorts.

“Yes, stay, don’t leave.” Jennie turns back to the girl. “I don’t appreciate you talking to my leader, like that. That was disrespectful. Apologize.”

“Oh? Your leader?”

“Yes, I’m her leader. And you are?” He asks.

“She didn’t tell you?” The girl gasps dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “I’m offended, quitter. I thought you had the decency to tell your little boys who made you into the performer you are today. If it wasn’t for me and my uncle, the Vice President, might I add, you wouldn’t be anything. Even in Amity. So, since you don’t know me, allow me to grace you with my presence. I’m Hailey. Her old and best leader, that she’s ever going to have. So, is quitter giving you a hard time?”

Jennie couldn’t help but just stare at her like she had some screws loose. Best leader? Grace you with her presence? Fame really got to her, and it was sad.

Getting irritated himself, Namjoon retorts, “For the record, she has a name. And no, Jennifer hasn’t given me a hard time.”

“Oh really?” Hailey shifts her attention back to Jennie. “How much did you pay him, to say that?”

Shaking her knees out of anger, Jennie remains silent, glaring right at her. She just wanted to leave. She didn’t want to be here, she wanted to go back to the dorm and forget about this.

“Let’s get one thing straight, she didn’t pay me to say anything.”

“Well, if she isn’t giving you a hard time, it looks like you don’t know her, like I do.” Hailey replies in a flat tone.

“I don’t think you know her.”

Exhaling sharply, Jennie turns to Namjoon with pleading eyes. “Let’s just go. I don’t want to entertain this.” She stands up with him, making their way to the exit.

Letting out a short laugh, Hailey calls her out. “You’ve changed! You’re trying to act all big and tough, but you didn’t act like that when you quit.”

Fed up, Jennie marches right up to her, hissing, “I didn’t quit!”

Standing up, Hailey gets in her face. “Then what did you do?” She tilts her head with a smile.

‘Don’t hit her. Do not hit her, Jennie. It’s not worth it.’ She thought. She wanted to wipe that stupid smile off her face. But she managed to restrain herself. “The contract was up. It was best for me to leave.”

“Jennifer.” Namjoon calls in a serious tone, grabbing her back by holding her hand. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret. She’s not worth it. Let’s leave, just like you wanted.”

“No, by all means, let her do what she was intending to do. Were you going to hit me? You’re getting so angry, is it because what I’m saying is true?”

Namjoon watched as Jennie’s patience was wearing thin.

So, this was the leader of her old group. As soon as they head back to the dorm, he’ll be asking her what really happened. And he was going to get an explanation. A long explanation. The whole entire story from day one. No more beating around the bush. He could clearly see something was bothering her.

“You quit and flew to another country and got yourself a spot in BTS. I’ve heard of BTS. I survived listening to your generic music. Amity is way better.” She brags.
Letting out an amused laugh, Jennie snorts. “Clearly, you’re deaf...”

“Um, hello? Have you heard our music? And our awards we’ve been getting for them? All without you.”

“Congratulations. I’m happy for Amity and the group’s success, with and without me.”

“Don’t you regret it? Regret leaving? You could’ve been big and even gotten that solo you wanted.”

“No I wouldn’t. It would’ve been the same. Nothing would have changed. I’m happy where I’m at now.”

“The only reason you quit is because you couldn’t handle Amity. Now what makes you think you’ll handle stupid K-Pop?” Hailey spats, hitting a nerve in the both of them.

Jen’s and Namjoon’s ears twitch at her statement.

He slowly turns his head to face her, with Jennie.

What she just said, added fuel to the fire.

“K-Pop is not stupid.”

Notes