PLAY ME A LOVE SONG PART 6

 BOOK COVER

FOREWORD

TIME SKIP AFTER SIX MONTHS Namjoon looked at the first sample draft of the book, cover, and all. He smiled with satisfaction. This was the first time that they collaborated with a radio station and this is the first time they have featured a show.

It was a very interesting six months. Pretty much the book was already written. Primarily what DJ V and the radio station needed to do was to choose the thirty episodes and from there, they needed to transcribe the recordings of the show.

Namjoon turned the book and re-read the foreword, how sad must it be to host a live radio program about love and being heartbroken? Nevertheless, he is grateful. DJ V paved the way for him to somehow find his happy ending with Jin.

Knock knock. Namjoon looked up. "Hey Jeongguk, what's up?" "Is that DJ V's first book draft?" Jeongguk asked as he approached the table. "Do you like it?" Namjoon beamed, proud of his work. "Yeah, this is awesome." Jeongguk admitted as he turned the book to its foreword.

He skimmed through the passage and frowned. "Why are you here, how can I help you?" Namjoon asked the younger. "Are you doing okay?" Jeongguk just smiled at him. He was more than okay because for three months now, he had been sending DJ V emails...

A modern-day pen pal, Jeongguk thought. "Oh, did you send DJ V a copy of the book?" Jeongguk asked. "Yeah, in fact, he is looking at it right now," Namjoon said as he looked at his phone. "You spoke to him?" Jeongguk asked enthusiastically as he sat down in front of him.

"Why the sudden interest?" Namjoon asked curiously, leaning forward. "I mean, he's awesome isn't he?" Jeongguk asked. "Hyung, when is the book going to be released?" "2-3 months?" Namjoon looked at the project planner software, then looked up at Jeongguk.

"I sense something is amiss. Jeon Jeongguk, you have to spill!" Namjoon demanded. Jeongguk was fiddling with his fingers, trying to avoid Namjoon's eyes as he shook his head, "it's nothing Hyung." "Nothing? It's not just nothing!" Namjoon looked at Jeongguk's face closely.

"You are blushing!" Namjoon exclaimed. Jeongguk covered his face immediately, "no, I am not." "Why are you acting like this? Explain to me Jeon Jeongguk!" Namjoon urged the younger.

Jeongguk raked through his hair as he shook his legs, should he tell Namjoon? "Do you have a crush on DJ V?" Namjoon inquired. Jeongguk's eyes widened, "No, Hyung, it's not that." He was a blushing mess. "I don't even know him. I mean, I just know his voice."

"And?" Namjoon squinted his eyes, trying to size him up. "Just nervous to finally meet him I guess," Jeongguk said. "Oh, yeah, you would tour with him, I get it. But hey, he is single, you are single, maybe, you know." Namjoon winked.

Jeongguk chuckled nervously, " I don't know Hyung, I'm still hurt from the last breakup." "Oh yeah?" Namjoon said asked, looking at his buzzing phone. Jeongguk just nodded. Namjoon doesn't need to know that he is exchanging emails with the DJ.

Namjoon doesn't need to know that his breakup was more tolerable this time around. Namjoon doesn't need to know that he is grateful for his breakup with Seojoon because he had the guts to message DJ V and talk to him. "Hello, DJ V?" Namjoon looked at Jeongguk smiling.

Jeongguk stood up from his desk and walked around toward Namjoon. He leaned in and tried to hear his voice. "Hi Namjoonssi," DJ V replied. Jeongguk took a deep breath and savored the coolness of his voice. Namjoon turned his head slightly and looked at Jeongguk.

Jeongguk scratched the side of his head as Namjoon walked a little farther away from him. It is interesting to see Jeongguk like this because when he was with Seojoon, he was never like this. He was always serious and stressed.

"You can call me Hyung," Namjoon smiled with his dimpled cheek, putting the phone on the speaker which made Jeongguk grin. "Hyung, thank you for taking in my suggestion for the cover." DJ V softly said, " I really loved it." "It looks cool, doesn't it?" Namjoon asked.

"It does. Anyway, Hyung, when are you expecting me to finish reviewing it?" DJ V asked. "Oh, three-four weeks?" Namjoon responded. "Okay, that is doable, and if I plan to remove or change an episode or two?" DJ V asked. "As long as the episode is within the first year."

"Oh okay then. Thank you for taking my call." DJ V said. "It's my pleasure. You'll be hearing from us soon as we start planning the logistics of your tour with your assigned manager." Namjoon said who just eyed a very anxious Jeongguk. "Oh okay. Thank you." DJ V said.

Jeongguk grinned at Namjoon who was just shaking his head. "Jeonggukah, why are you grinning like an idiot?" "Ah, me, no, was just happy to hear his voice again," Jeongguk said. "Yeah, yeah, whatever." Namjoon said. "So what's your schedule for the week."

"Well, if you are saying 2-3 months then give or take 2 more months, we are shooting late winter/early spring release?" "Just in time for when the cherry blossoms bloom..." Namjoon trailed. Cherry blossoms.

He and Taehyung used to go just to see the cherry blossom festivals. Get a grip Jeongguk, don't you have a crush with DJ V. "Okay, I will start making reservations by early March then?" Jeongguk said as he started walking towards the door. "Yes." Namjoon nodded answering.

"Thanks, hyung." He smiled genuinely at Namjoon. Meanwhile, all the way in Daegu sat a DJ who just read the foreword he wrote months ago. He feels that he is slowly forgetting about Jeongguk due to the constant rush of his busy life but because of a certain someone.

A certain someone who started paying a lot of attention to him. A certain someone to who he first spoke on live radio. A certain someone named Justin Seagull. He knows though that Justin is a fake name for sure there is something about him that just intrigued him.

His phone notification then sounded. He smiled because like clockwork, at 6 pm, his email from Justin would arrive. date: november 26, 2019 from: justinseagull@email.com to: djv_latenight@mbcdaeguemail.com re: hello Hi DJ V, Just wondering how you are doing.

How I wish I could talk to you on a regular basis, is that even possible? I mean we have been emailing for a few months now, only if you want to. I hope you can consider. Wishing you'll have a great episode tonight. Sincerely, Justin

Taehyung leaned back his head on the headrest. He wanted to, really, just because somehow he wanted to move on from Jeongguk. Maybe it was time to move on from Jeongguk and open himself up to the world again. He had been isolated for so long now.

He looked at his watch, he needs to give this some serious thought, it was almost time for his show anyway.

"This is DJ V and you are listening to MBC Daegu's Late Night Love Talk. I hope you all had a great day before I begin, I would just like to let you know that our phone system is undergoing system maintenance and I am reading going to read a letter tonight.

But before I do, let's start tonight's mood with Lizzo's About Damn Time. This is Late Night Love Talk with DJ V.

You can do this Kim Taehyung, it's about time to let go. Taehyung sat in front of his control panel, second-guessing himself. Tonight's episode is an episode for him. Are his feelings developing for Justin or is it about time to let Jeongguk go? It's been something he had been avoiding facing. He didn't want to face the pain of rejection well, maybe because, at the back of his mind, there was still a chance between him and Jeongguk, except when he saw Seojoon posted a picture hugging someone's back, extremely happy. Sigh. You are not getting any younger Taehyung. The light flickered, signaling that the last advertisement was playing. He took a deep breath, mustering all the courage he has gathered for himself as he tries to resolve this turmoil in his chest. He smiled and exhaled and spoke on the microphone, "Welcome back to Late Night Love Talk with DJ V. Tonight we are reading a letter from Hansung. Hi DJ V, This is Hansung and I am from Daegu. I am here to not seek advice but to share it with your listeners. Is that okay? Yes Hansung, when I read your letter, it was so unique that I had to read it. Anyway, let's continue. You know when one falls in love, there are no words to describe the overwhelming happiness feels and that's how I felt about him, the ultimate love my life and I hope you play one of my happy songs - it's Hall and Oates, You Make My Dream Come True. Yes, he did. He made my life a happy one when we were together. Wow Hansung, it's amazing how you choose your song." Taehyung chuckled quietly, amused at how he composed this letter. Hopefully people will not figure out that this story is his love story. "Anyway, yes, it's amazing when people first fall in love. Like everything around you is bright, beautiful, and wonderful. So, yes, per his request, please listen to a classic. This is DJ V and thank you for tuning in to Late Night Love Talk, brought to you by MBC Daegu." On the other side of the country, Jeongguk was laying down on his bed, glancing at every chance he has, making sure that DJ V hasn't emailed him back yet. It's weird though because for the first time, DJ V didn't respond at once. He then glanced at the clock and saw it's 10 pm. DJ V is just starting his segment. He turned on the radio with Hall and Oates, Making My Dreams Come True. He smiled. Remembering how Taehyung would listen to the song early Saturday mornings and dance while he cleaned their apartment. After the song, he scrolled through his phone as he tried to look for hotel deals for his book promotion for DJ V's Late Nights and Love Songs, what a fitting title. The commercials ended and Jeongguk braced himself. He is going to listen to DJ V yet again. "Welcome back and if you just happened to turn on the radio, thank you for listening. This is DJ V and we are reading a letter for tonight's feature for Late Night Love Talk. We have our letter sender Hansung share with us his love story so let's continue." Hansung? Who was Hansung? Why does it sound so damn familiar? Jeongguk's mind raced. "DJ V, my relationship was the love story of all love stories and I thought, maybe he was the one and I poured everything, mind, body, heart, and soul. And Hansung is right, when you fall in love you get so blinded by the blissful emotions you feel especially when you are with that person and I cannot blame you Hansung and I am glad you felt that way anyway, let's continue. I thought everything was doing great except when I told him that I have to take a break because I had to figure stuff out for myself, not for the lack of love but just because I have to know answers and solutions to my problem but I wasn't given the chance to explain which hurt more than it should. But again, it's my fault because if I became open with my dilemma right away then I would have been understood, I guess." Jeongguk frowned, and he swallowed. Why does this story sound so familiar? "The next song is not a break up song but more of an acceptance song. So for the next song, I would like for you to play Anti Hero by Taylor Swift. Thank you Hansung and I am really impressed by your song selection. Listeners, please enjoy Anti Hero. This is DJ V and Late Night Love Talk will return right after the break."

Jeongguk listened closely to the lyrics, somehow empathizing with Hansung. It's hard to be misunderstood and not given the chance to redeem oneself. Jeongguk then wonders, how is DJ V feeling? With a different kind of format for tonight.

He took his phone out and quickly typed an email. date: november 26, 2019 from: justinseagull@email.com to: djv_latenight@mbcdaeguemail.com re: listening in Hi DJ V, You must be busy with tonight's broadcast. I am sorry if I am overwhelmed you with my invitation to talk.

Is texting a better option? Like I said before, I am still limited to texting and enjoying life with no social media. I hope you consider this. I love listening to your voice, Justin

He pressed sent, hopefully, DJ V would be able to read it. He really does like him even if he hasn't met him. Something about DJ V makes his heart skip a beat and when they met, he is hopeful to confess that he is Justin Seagull, his number one fan.

Taehyung's email notification flashed, another one from Justin Seagull. He smiled as he opened the email. He has two more commercials left anyway. He began typing back quickly to respond to him.

date: november 26, 2019 from: djv_latenight@mbcdaeguemail.com to: justinseagull@email.com re: listening in Hey J, Let me finish this seqment and I will send you my phone to text. Ttyl, DJ V Taehyung smiled as he pressed send.

One more commercial. He went to Twitter and tweeted something, a personald thought, an assuring reminder.

"Welcome back to Late Night Love Talk with DJ V. Let us continue with Hansung's letter, shall we? It's challenging to live everyday these past years with a sliver of hope in my heart DJ V but I should know when enough is enough. They should be happy now right?

I bet my former best friend is making him happy, something that could never be compared with me. It's funny right, how my best friend came into the picture, well maybe, they are the one that's meant to be and not me. So as a final song of sorrow, I would like to

request for you to play Joji's Die For You. Yes, I love him so much that I am letting my love die. I know Hansung, the most painful part in grieving is acceptance or letting go.

It's more than facing your shadows, it is accepting the truth that everything has to come to 6 bitter ends. But not for you, just take a breather and heal your heart.

This is DJ V and the next song is Die for You b Joji, and you are listening to MBC Daegu. Late Night Love Talk will come back after the short break.

Is it time to let go? Taehyung looked at the last email he had received. It looks promising but then fear suddenly gripped him. His eyes started to become glossy with tears. He is afraid to let go because his happy memories of Jeongguk are what drives him to be inspired.

Facing this heartbreak is something he tried to avoid for the longest time. Because facing reality meant he had to let go of the happiest moments of his life. He still blames himself why he decided to break up with him.

He blames himself because why break a good thing when they were both deliriously happy with the love they shared? He knew it was his fault, yes, but for Jeongguk to move on and not look back hurt the most. He opened his Instagram again and scrolled once more to Seojoon's page.

There it was the ultimate proof he needed. Taehyung then went to Seojoon's profile, pressed the three dots then selected BLOCK. It's about time he moved on. He took a deep breath as it was the last part of his segment. Show time.

"Hello. Welcome back to Late Night Love Talk, this is DJ V and we are at the last part of our show. Hansung, you are very brave and I admire you a lot for facing your shadows and meeting pain, head on. I cannot say that it will be a cake walk for it is not.

But I do wish for you to find the happiness you deserve because I do believe that everybody is meant to have their own happy ending. So as the last song, I dedicate to you, a song of hope. An invitation to love again. It is originally sang by the Beatles and

Maroon 5 made a wonderful acoustic cover. Hansung, I wish you all the best. This is DJ V for MBC Daegu's Late Night Love Talk. Please listen to If I Fell. Thank you so much for listening. Goodnight to all."

Taehyung stood up and gathered his belonging. He is both sad and relieved. Sad because he finally admits to letting go & moving on. Relieved because he is being kind to himself somehow by unburdening the pain. He took his phone and looked at his background for the last time.

He scrolled through his image gallery and with a sigh, he pressed the delete button. Delete this image? He took a deep breath and then did the most unimaginable thing he expected himself to do. He pressed DELETE & the last picture he has saved on his phone is finally gone.

Jeongguk finished the radio show with a certain pain in his heart. Like he felt he could absolutely relate with Hansung. He also knew that maybe, it is time for him to find the happiness he deserves as well.

Jeonggun took a deep breath and took his phone. He started deleting picture after picture of him and Seojoon but then he stopped in the midst of deleting because there it was a picture of his first love, the one who broke his heart. Should he delete it?

He got distracted by the email notification from his phone. date: november 26, 2019 from: djv_latenight@mbcdaeguemail.com to: justinseagull@email.com re: hey Hi Justin, Here is my number, xxx-xxxxxxxx. It's my work cell. Hoping to hear from you, DJ V

After two minutes, Taehyung saw his work phone buzz with a notification. Unknown.