𐤀♥

Fools (바보) + 1230/1:23.

[150525, 12:30PM] Wise men say only fools rush in.

NOTE: took a screenshot at 12:26, posted 4 minutes later... preparing to post it at the right time? 

wise men say only fools rush in

but i can’t help falling in love with you

shall i stay, would it be a sin?

but i can’t help falling in love with you

[161010] STIGMA:

are you calling me a sinner?

[…]

please forgive me for my sins  /  내 죄를 사해줘

[170901] 2U (photo by TH):

when it comes to you, there’s no crime

[160608] JK: “Taehyung is a fool friend” (바보 친구).

[151023] JK: I had been listening to it from 1:23.

soundcloud.com/maria-lara-ota… #DailyMusic(Free Of Charge) #beautifuldancer #IU #Jungkook Must recommend this song I had been listening to it from 1:23 I recommended?…

NOTE: yes, he types out the timestamp. The timestamp is just the second, repeated line of the chorus. 

[151229, 48 minutes before Taehyung’s birthday] JK&RM: Fools.

only fools fall for you, only fools

only fools do what i do, only fools fall

NOTE: “Fools” is a song about falling for someone of your own gender and the struggles that come with it.

i’m so tired of this place, i hope people change

i need time to replace what i gave away

my hopes, they are high, i must keep them small

though i try to resist, i still want it all

[160902] JK: 1:23 “Please come back to me”.

[160912] JK: 1:23 “I see the child in your eyes”.

[161014] TK act awkward around each other (quarrel?) 

OVERVIEW: JK continuously attempts to approach TH; Taehyung seems cold most of the time and avoids interacting.

[161018] JK: “Talk Me Down”.

Part of Troye Sivan’s “Blue Neighborhood” trilogy, same as “Fools”.

i wanna sleep next to you but that's all i wanna do right now and i wanna come home to you but home is just a room full of my safest sounds 'cause you know that i can't trust myself with my three A.M. shadow i'd rather fuel a fantasy than deal with this alone

i wanna sleep next to you but that's all i wanna do right now so come over now and talk me down

i wanna hold hands with you but that's all i wanna do right now and i wanna get close to you 'cause your hands and lips still know their way around, oh and i know i like to draw at night, it starts to get surreal but the less time that I spend with you, the less you need to heal

if you don't mind, i'll walk that line stuck on the bridge between us gray areas and expectations but i’m not the one if we're honest, yeah but i wanna sleep next to you and i wanna come home to you i wanna hold hands with you i wanna be close to you

but i wanna sleep next to you And that's all i wanna do right now And i wanna come home to you but home is just a room full of my safest sounds so come over now and talk me down

[161024] 1:23 “And that must’ve been my fault”.

*paused on 1:23 --  “and that must’ve been my fault” /  나의 잘못이겠지 뭐

모든 게 다 처음이라서 /  because it was all the first time for me 많이 어색하고 별로였겠지 /  it must’ve been very awkward and not very good 마지막 그 인사말조차도 /  even that goodbye

넌 나보다 훨씬 빛나 보여서 /  you looked way more radiant than I did 괜히 움츠러든 내가 미웠어 /  so i cowered in vain and hated myself 그게 더 바보 같았었겠지 /  that must’ve been so foolish

[1610??] Jeongguk answers a question regarding his 1230/1:23 pattern.

NOTE: the earliest online appearance of this note that I could find is August 2018, although the background is a WINGS photobook. I suppose, bsoong22 held on to it. The hasty handwriting closely resembles Jeongguk’s.

*references: Jeongguk’s handwriting (fansign notes from unrelated sources):

Now, back to the first note:

 Why do tweet at 12:30 and stop the songs on 1:23?

1. Taehyung’s birthday

2. No meaning (JK: ✖)

3. Other  (JK: ✓)

⮡  Only I know ♥

[cr: bsoong22]

His answer confirms 2 things:

1. YES, it does have a meaning;

2. The meaning is something he has to keep a secret / can’t confirm outright.

What are the possible meanings for 1:23 / 12:30?

a) Code for “I love you” (123).;

b) Taehyung’s birthday (12.30).

Which one is it?

a) “ILY”: if this was the case, JK could’ve easily confirm it, saying it’s a message of love to ARMY. It’s not a secret, hence why it can’t be the right answer.

b) Taehyung’s BDay: the only other possible meaning. It would bear big implications if confirmed, hence needs to be kept a secret.

Therefore, b) is the only interpretations that matches the facts known to us.

CONCLUSION: JK’s 12:30/1:23 pattern is, indeed, related to Taehyung.

[1702??] What is TaeTae’s existence to Jeongguk?

1. My hyung ✓ 2. Angel ✓ 3. Devil 4. Toy Jeongguk added: 5. Fool! (바보!) [cr: 东出以上] 

The earliest mention. I suppose it’s from one of the YNWA fansigns.

...Sigh. It’s so hard to track down the sources of these notes.

[170319] Taehyung recommends  “fOol fOr YoU” by ZAYN.

The link takes you to the clip on Dropbox! I recommend watching it yourself.

Transcript:

I also like Charlie Puth, but the last two songs, which I’ll play... [searches on the phone] ...will be closer to my taste. The second song is... “fOol fOr YoU” by ZAYN. [starts playing the song] I’ve recently found out about the song, but I like it a lot. [...]

[sings along the chorus several times] “I’m a fool for you, and the things you do”

[...]

[the drum part kicks in]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

this love is tainted i need you and i hate it you're caught between a dream and a movie scene in a way, you know what i mean when the darts just miss, i just can't resist it

'cause i'm a fool for you and the things you do i'm a fool for you and the things, the things you do the things you do the things you do

when you're looking like this i just can't resist it i know sometimes i hide it but i can't this time 'cause it's gonna defeat me but if you won't believe me believe me

i know given a chance i'd do it again, i 'cause i can't help myself 'cause i can't stop myself i just love being a fool for you-ooh-ooh 

[171124] Taehyung adds “I’m a Fool to Want You” to his Spotify playlist.

i'm a fool to want you i'm a fool to want you to want a love that can't be true a love that's there for others too

i'm a fool to hold you such a fool to hold you to seek a kiss not mine alone to share a kiss the devil has known

time and time again i said i'd leave you time and time again i went away but then would come the time when i would need you and once again these words i'll have to say

i'm a fool to want you pity me, i need you i know it's wrong, it must be wrong but right or wrong i can't get along without you

Quick note: despite the term “separation” being the most popular among TK theorists, what happened would be more accurately described as “restriction”, or “muting”. TK wasn’t completely erased, but their relationship was significantly undermined by the decreased visibility of their interactions in the official content. That led to people believing they had “drifted apart”, despite the two remaining close off-camera (as suggested by candid footage from award shows, etc). The timeline is intricate; frankly, this post misses out on a lot of things. It will be expanded with time.

[160109] Taehyung backhugs Jeongguk in a Dispatch video report.

[160312] “One news media outlet has an exclusive report on evidence they've collected of a same sex couple within an idol group” - PANN rumor (original post got deleted).

PANN comments:

Is it related to Taekook?

There are a lot more closeted couples within the industry than you might expect, so we can’t actually determine for sure who this blind item was about. Does the description fit TH & JK?

1) Same sex couple, within an idol group (=the same group) - check

2) Trending idols:

2015 was their breakthrough. The outlet has been “waiting on the piece of news for months”. How popular were BTS that year?

They were the third on the GAON’s 2015 Album Sales Chart.

11 days after the rumor has surfaced...

[160323] Taehyung and Jeongguk are forced to stay away from each other - HYYH pt.2 On Stage Concert Making DVD.

Observations:

*[0:42 JK goes out of frame as soon as he notices Taehyung approaching, Taehyung follows him. | 0:52 Cut. JK has one of his hands tightly grasping the other, fidgeting fingers, clasping fist (=anxiety, insecurity), bites his lips and keeps swallowing (=dry mouth =anxiety). | 1:02 Tae starts talking, JK doesn’t look at him yet; Tae bumps into JK with his shoulder, JK gulps and stares for a couple of seconds, gaining a tense posture, then quickly turns away. | 1:13-1:28 Cut. Tae is hugging JK, JK keeps a straight face. | 1:36 Cut, Tae and JK are walking with the others, Tae has his arm around JK. | 2:05 They stopped, Tae started leaning on JK’s shoulders. | 2:07 They both turn to the camera operator at the same time. JK crosses his arms (=gets defensive), turns away from it, draws in cheeks and purses his lips (=disapproval). At about the same time Taehyung stops leaning on JK, licks his lips (=anxiety) and fixes the towel around his shoulders. JK turns away, stone-faced, waiting for the camera to get away from him. JM appears visibly upset as well.]

[170101] Dispatch doesn’t reveal a couple for 2017. The official statement for it implies that the idol dating news will distract people from the on-going political crisis - Dispatch on Facebook.

*koreeaboo.com translation

Unless the couple is something completely out of the ordinary, the reveal wouldn’t steal the spotlight and GP’s attention significantly.

[BurnTheStage: WINGS Tour and 170312 Chile Concert] The Separation gets severe.

Most of their interactions don’t make it into the final cut. The rare ones that do avoid showing Taehyung’s face whenever he gets close to Jeongguk. They are forced to stay apart even when JK overworks himself and falls sick because of it. Taehyung cannot even comment on the situation on-camera.

Here’s a video on that. It also includes some other clear separation moments outside of Burn The Stage. 

[170526] Dispatch posts a photo with a “taekook” poster in it.

[170918] DNA MV is released.

The song and the album are described as being about “the love of boys who grow up” (vague enough) but also as “a message of love, unity, reconciliation and integration to the society” by Namjoon (DNA press conference | DNA special comeback live). Now, the title track doesn’t have an explicit societal message - from the first glance, it’s just a love song... UNLESS you pay attention to the JK & TH storyline running through it.

Here’s an analysis that points out the 3 key scenes that make it explicit that the MV is about Taehyung and Jeongguk. It’s an in-depth look into the storyline and the characters established by the MV through visual storytelling and lyrical nuance.

Here’s another analysis that mentions pride flags included in the MV & additional choreographical elements that the first analysis missed out on.

Suddenly, Namjoon’s words make a lot more sense. 

As far as inteprepretations go, you can only be so sure about what you take out of the art. Please, take this with a grain of salt. ♥

[171007]  Jeongguk showing off the matching bracelet he has with Taehyung for 4 minutes straight at a LY: Her fansign, wanting every JK fansite there to capture it.

Ah, so inconspicious.

Taehyung’s bracelet from the same fansign.

They also wore matching rings on their wedding fingers (gifted to them by horizon_9597).

Later during the fansign, Taehyung took his off... Just for JK to wear both at once. ♥

As it turned out, they wore them casually before that fansign! A week earlier...

[170930] Jeongguk wears his ring at Mukbang Live.

NOTE: It doesn’t mean the separation was completely lifted. At the same date as this liveshow, this little moment happened. They were on the boundary between getting openly close and trying to keep it moderate (included in BurnTheStage video).

From September 2017 onward, Dispatch’s BTS-related publications gain a consistent running theme: they keep mentioning Taehyung and Jeongguk together, often exclusively from the rest of the group.

[170918] Dispatch: “Handsome to the left and right... V•Jeongguk, flowerboy beauty” (only TK)

(NOTE: I’ll only translate what I’m able to, based on auto-translations and context.)

[170922] Dispatch: “It’s light, too”... V•Jeongguk, matching clothes (only TK)

[171225] Another needless separation moment - Namjoon forcing himself between Taehyung and Jeongguk and breaking their handholding during the bow (included in BurnTheStage video).

Angle 1 | Angle 2

[180125] Dispatch: “Black is the truth”... V•Jeongguk [...] (only TK)

[180126] Taehyung and Jeongguk have a buffet date at Namsan hotel. (fanacc + photos)

*from 171008 - same hoodie

NOTES:

1. Oddly enough, they are not wearing masks or glasses: their faces are visible to everyone. At this point in time they are already well-known among the general public. Simple carelessness or some kind of statement..?

2. This hotel is 10-minute drive away from their dormitory AND it takes a month in advance to reserve a spot there... This must be a really special occasion.

3. Two years ago, on the same date, “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” by Taehyung and a day after, “Nothing Like Us” by Jeongguk were posted, on Fancafe and Twitter respectively (to obscure the correlation for the mainstream ARMY?). This correlation extends to other occurences, such as Jeongguk asking people to pay attention to the lyrics of his song covers and serenading “Nothing Like Us” to Taehyung twice on separate occasions, or posting his cover of “Fools” (ft. Namjoon) 40 minutes before Taehyung’s birthday in 2015. You can acquaint yourself with the full timeline here. However, this date didn’t bring any special occasions in 2017.

4. Jeongguk brought a camera with him, but didn’t post anything from that date yet... I wonder if he keeps it to himself or wants to release it as a part of a... special GCF for the future? He records Taehyung a lot in general - some of these moments got into BTS Memories 2017 DVD, such as JK recording TH rehearse Stigma or just sit across the couch of JK, with his laptop, in his natural habitat.

5. Two months later, 

[180321] Jimin's interview for ViVi magazine:

Okay, I’m done. Moving on...

[180204] Dispatch: V•Jeongguk improvise “Daily Song” (only TK)

From then on, it becomes apparent that Dispatch and BigHit have some sort of contract. BigHit starts having collaborations with Dispatch on private schedules, photoshoots and MV sets.

[180210] Starcast x Dispatch: "Black bean noodle for graduation”… JUNG KOOK’s treat with his own card

[180214]   Dispatch: V, rising action drama…”꽃도령의 카.리.스.마” (only TK)

[180303] BTS_twt posts photos of Taehyung and Jeongguk watching the sunset together.

[180303] Dispatch reposts them on IG. (x; x; x only TK)

V, Jeongguk Behind Cut  💕💕

Heart-warming two-shot  👬🤳💕

D-icon after shooting 👏🏻 Heart-throbbing two-shot  💕💕

[180305] Dicon posts the behind cut pictures.

[180305] Dispatch posts LA photoset.

P.S. I like the sky!  🌫☁️🌈

CONTEXT: no other photo from that set has any emojis. (x | x | x | x | x | x)

[180316] Dicon: Taehyung and Jeongguk can be seen, taking the sunset pictures in the background. 

[Di-Q] RM, Jin, J-Hope, Jimin are shooting a ‘unit’.

Meanwhile, what are V and Jungkook doing?

Everyone already knows the right answer.

[180515] Dispatch: [...] V•Jeongguk, visual bros. (only TK)

[180515] Dicon Twitter Post. (only TK)

Now the [D icon] LA behind the scenes has been released on Naver! Check out the HD photos with 2000 horizontal pixels!

[180506] Singularity MV is released

1. Taehyung states the lyrics were written specifically for him by Namjoon in their FAKE LOVE comeback preview in LA (14:01)

2. The MV imagery and the lyrical themes seem to reference a book “Confessions of the Mask” (that Namjoon recommended at some point) (SOURCE SEARCH IN PROGRESS).

This is also underlined by the use of newspapers and TVs as the background props (TVs later appear in the LY: Answer photoshoot), symbolic of the invasion of privacy, being cornered by the public opinion / rumors, etc.

NOTE: Again, that is an interpretation. Take it with a grain of salt.

[180525] Dispatch: [...] *it’s about Jeongguk writing subtitles for Taehyung’s words. (only TK)

[180528] Dispatch posts Fake Love MV set pictures.

“I can do a V-sign too” | “Bangtan Boys” Jeongguk

NOTE: it’s most likely a photo Jeongguk took in the Dispatch pictures.

CONTEXT: the other pictures from the same set (x | x | x). TK are obviously in the spotlight, with five pictures dedicated to them (counting Tae’s portrait).

This is the fifth one. For some reason, it’s not with the other pictures on the official Dispatch IG page... Was it [gasp] deleted?!

I guess Dispatch prefers fluffy over smutty when it comes to Taekook. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[180617] Dispatch: Jeonggukie’s shooting spot! 

NOTE: The boys are taking pictures of Jimin, yet out of 4 photos there is only one that actually includes him as one of the central characters of the scene. He’s not even present in the 2 of them (I’m pointing this out to highlight Dispatch’s priorities, vminkook trio is 100% out-of-this-world amazing concept).

[180621] BTS announce Dispatch official VLive channel.

They have a contract. Duh.

[180805] Dispatch posts a stop frame of JK flashing a V sign.

NOTE: They’ve already teased Jeongguk about it with the Fake Love shoot (”I can do a v-sigh too!”), so this is definitely related.

[180808] Dispatch: Another stop frame.

NOTE: the only two identifiable characters of the scene. Subtle, yet clear.

Dispatch IG profile picture

[180825] BTS 오늘 exhibition opens

There’s no picture that has Taehyung and Jeongguk together in it. Except...

this one. It’s like a reverse of what happened in Burn The Stage. 

But maybe it’s just that they don’t take photos together?

Well...

BH had plenty to work with.

[180831] Dispatch IG story

*they capture this moment

[181024] “Heartwarming two-shot” Jeongguk•V, visual bros

1. [180301] PUMA TURIN - MADE BY BTS

Taehyung is leaning on JK in a groupshot -- they are depicted as a pair.

2. [180321]  PUMA TURIN - MADE BY BTS | 뷔

Taehyung’s solo ad is the only one that has narration among ALL members’ solo ads.

JK : How far can we go? 

TH : As far as our feet can reach, as far as we believe.

NOTE 1: The ads are “made by BTS”. Meaning the members themselves are behind its script & concept.

NOTE 2: The first ad establishes that the ads carry a PERSONAL meaning.

SJ : The first day we met I wondered if we could even debut. [...]

3. [180831]  PUMA BASKET MADE BY BTS

The first scene of the ad ends with Taehyung walking towards JK, cutting as soon as he gets close.

4. [180831] PUMA BASKET MADE BY BTS & YOU

Depicted together in a groupshot.

5. [180703] Taehyung’s tweet / [180831] PUMA x BTS campaign photo 

Same flowers.

*Debunk (UPD 180929)  -- Flowers are not exclusive to TK. Sorry! ♥

MORE OCCURENCES

To refresh your memory...

[151229, 11:12 PM, 48 minutes before Taehyung’s birthday]

Jeongguk and RM cover “Fools”, by Troye Sivan.

only fools fall for you, only fools only fools do what I do, only fools fall only fools fall for you, only fools only fools do what I do, only fools fall

…In the midst of BTS_twt posting non-stop about Taehyung’s birthday.

Let’s continue.

Nothing Like Us

[160126] A month later, Taehyung posts a short cover of “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” on BTS Fancafe.

[160127, 12:00 AM KST] A day later, Jeongguk posts a short cover of “Nothing Like Us” on Twitter.

[180126] On the same day, 2 years later, Taekook have a public date at Namsanhill hotel’s buffet.

[160215] ...Half a month later, Jeongguk on Twitter:

When I cover a song, I always check the content/meaning of the lyrics before I record the song! Please look up the meaning of the lyrics too. And please listen to it again. It will sound different..! hehe

Please listen once more to the songs that I’ve covered like that* .. hehe I’ll come back next time with a Korean song 

tweet | tweet | trans

[160216] A day after, Jeongguk releases “Nothing Like Us” cover.

[170327] Jeongguk singing “Nothing Like Us” in a Billboard interview while looking at Taehyung. 

Tae lowers his head, smiling shyly. After this moment is over, Yoongi turns to look at Tae and nods.

[1704??, Bon Voyage S2] Jeongguk goes out at night to sing “Nothing Like Us”  in front of Taehyung’s bedroom.

Taehyung’s room (that he shared with Hoseok because of a game) is the only one having glass doors and a window opening up to the pool. Jeongguk sits at the little couch/bench in front of it. (NOTE: he’s not serenading, this is more of a self-consolation. When he lost a chance to room with Tae during the game, he was visibly disappointed and stopped putting in effort. After he’s done singing “Nothing Like Us” here, instead of going back to his room (shared with Jimin), he goes to sleep on the same couch outside).

*Taehyung and Hoseok’s room: window, glass door

*camera positioned to the left of Taehyung’s window, capturing the couch JK is sitting on

Jeongguk’s Birthday Covers:

I. You’re giving me purpose

[160215] Taehyung recommends "Purpose" by Justin Bieber.

[160901] Jeongguk covers “Purpose” by Justin Bieber.

feeling like I'm breathing my last breath feeling like I'm walking my last steps look at all of these tears I've wept look at all the promises that I've kept

i put my heart into your hands here's my soul to keep i let you in with all that I can you're not hard to reach and you've blessed me with the best gift that I've ever known you give me purpose yeah, you've given me purpose

thinking my journey's come to an end, oh sending out a farewell to my friends for inner peace ask you to forgive me for my sins oh would you please? i'm more than grateful for the time we spent my spirit's at ease

oh, you are my everything oh, you are my everythingI don't know if this is wrong because someone else is telling me that it's wrong but I feel this so let me just like, try my best not to let this happen again we weren't necessarily put in the best position to make the best decisions you can't be hard on yourself for these were the cards that you were given so you have to understand that these like that's not who you are you know you're trying to be the best you can be but that's all you can do if you don't give it all you got, you're only cheating yourself give it all you got but if it ends up happening, it ends up happening that's what it's that's what's happening with me it's like, God I'm giving it all I got sometimes I'm weak and I'm gonna do it and it's like I'm not giving myself grace i'm just like understanding, that's just how it is

[161010] STIGMA is released. (possible lyrical reference)

are you calling me a sinner?

[...]

please forgive me for my sins  /  내 죄를 사해줘

II. 2U, through his eyes

[170901] Jeongguk covers “2U”, 

using a photo taken by Taehyung as its track cover.

no limit in the sky that I won't fly for ya no amount of tears in my eyes that I won't cry for ya, oh no with every breath that I take i want you to share that air with me there's no promise that I won't keep i'll climb a mountain, there's none too steep

when it comes to you there's no crime let's take both of our souls and intertwine when it comes to you don't be blind watch me speak from my heart when it comes to you comes to you

want you to share that (when it comes to you)

cupid ain't a lie arrow got your name on it, oh yeah don't miss out on a love and regret yourself on it, oh open up your mind, clear your head ain't gotta wake up to an empty bed share my life, it's yours to keep now that I give to you all of me, oh

[151003/151221] Lost Stars. (possible lyrical reference)

i'd be damned cupid's demanding back his arrow 

“Let’s be happy, let’s not be sick”

[140925] Jeongguk covers “Yanghwa BRDG”

Lyrics:

행복하자 우리 /  haengbokhaja uri / let’s be happy

아프지 말고 / apeuji malgo / let’s not be sick

[180213, more than 3 years later] Both Taehyung and Jeongguk reference its lyrics as their message to ARMY (18:57)

*note: Jeongguk doesn’t know what to write at first, so he peeks to his right (where Taehyung is) and decides to include those lyrics as part of his own message.

End of 2015: trials and tribulations

UPDATE 1811: I re-evaluated my stances on this entire period. As a result, this post doesn’t fully reflect the truth, so take this with a grain of salt. 2015, in general, was a turbulent period for taekook, and you can’t account all the struggles they went through... to jealousy. The situation they were in was enough for an angst fuel, having discovered their feelings for each other around the end of 2014 / start of 2015, WHILE being in the spotlight WHILE being of the same gender. Well, hypothetically.

In any case, back to our usual programme...

Taekook and Park Bogum have a long history together. 170803 airport arrival when Jeongguk seemed to be struggling to walk past Bogum without bumping into his bag in a suuuch crowded airport as Bogum was talking to Tae;

then making Tae choose between himself and Bogum on TV (171012) (NOTE: obviously scripted, however, Taehyung’s reaction here is quite strong, which means it goes beyond a one-off comedy skit. All in all, a bit ambigious.), but this drama was an unspoken truth all the way since the 2015, when Taehyung befriended the actor. Obviously, not all developments were visible, but we have enough to work with.

A little (not) history lesson from yours truly:

[150707] Taehyung and Bogum’s amusement park date.

[151001] RM recommends “Fools” / Bang Shi-Hyuk mentions that he was the one to recommend it to BTS members and links the MV for it. This song is IMPORTANT. Remember it. 

[151002] Taehyung starts his music recommendation hashtag with “Try” by Colbie Caillat.

[151003] Jeongguk covers “Lost Stars” on Youtube.

please don't see just a boy caught up in dreams and fantasies

please see me reaching out for someone I can't see

take my hand let's see where we wake up tomorrow

best laid plans sometimes are just a one night stand

i'd be damned Cupid's demanding back his arrow

so let's get drunk on our tears

[...]

don't you dare let our best memories bring you sorrow

yesterday I saw a lion kiss a deer

turn the page maybe we'll find a brand new ending

where we're dancing in our tears 

[151017] Jeongguk recommends "Like Fallen Leaves" by Forest of Breath.

From this point on, Jeongguk and Taehyung are going to recommend songs on Twitter. The lyrics often have correlating meanings, as though they are “replying” to each other. This post is long enough so I’ll just let you discover everything by yourself. Here’s the archive! It’s... quite fascinating. I think this was their way of dealing with miscommunication. TIP: change your timezone to KST to track the time they were posting + look up lyrics.

[151103] Taehyung accidentally shows Bogum sending him a message on LINE while screencapping his song recommendation.

[151106] Taehyung posts another selfie from the amusement park.

[151201] Taehyung’s Hong Kong VLive: the first time we’re explicitly shown that he and Jeongguk & Jimin are not on good terms.

Highlights:

02:07 “I planned to do this with Jeongguk and Jimin. But I am here alone.”

04:06 [keeps shifting between having a straight face and laughing to himself] “I just turned this on as I was bored. I miss you a lot. We didn’t have much schedules, so I just slept in the hotel.”

04:35 (out of nowhere) “I’m your... [clears throat] partner.”

04:48 “Want me to sing a song for this mood? [touches nose] Sorry, guys. Look forward to seeing MAMA tomorrow.”

05:05 [licks lips] “I want to chat with you. Yoongi-hyung did this and I wanted to chat with you.” [licks lips] “...But I have nothing to say.”

6:15 “Jimin is not here.” [twitches head to the left] “Jimin is now...” [rough sigh] “...hanging out with Jeongguk.” [shows a number of upset expressions, sighing and staying silent for 19 sec] “I’ll drink one more glass (N: actually, it’s a bottle) of water.” [continues to try and be entertaining while chugging water] “Drinking water is good for skin.” [looks to the right for a few seconds, thinking of what to add; gives up on it]

Watch the liveshow itself to understand where I’m coming from. 

To summarize: Jimin & Jeongguk stopped talking to Taehyung and he came to VLive to distract himself. Despite trying to keep up the mood, he ends up mentioning them twice. He also makes up a lie about ‘taking a nap’ beforehand, contradicts himself a second after and attempts to sweep it under the rug (why are you like this, Taetae..?). He keeps trying to be entertaining but struggles to sustain his act. Throughout the liveshow Taehyung drinks 2 bottles water, clearly more than necessary, and even the fans warn him that it might result in him needing to go to the toilet in the middle of the performance. He also licks his lips, they tremble, the corners are forced downwards, he keeps gulping & drinking water, etc. - he’s clearly anxious & upset. 

That didn’t last long however, as Taekook can be seen laughing and having fun together the next day at MAMAs. VID 1 | VID 2 

A turbulent period, for sure!

[151205] Taehyung posts a selfie with Bogum.

[151211] Park Bogum makes a cameo in a Bangtan Bomb, being friendly and touchy with Taehyung.

Jeongguk keeps his distance. His body movements and expression show tensity (stiff), he's diverting his eyes. He bows to Bogum politely. The same stiffness is evident when he waves to the off-cam audience afterwards. 

THE LOVE SONG TRILOGY

The most interesting part. Jeongguk starts to release covers as a run-up to Taehyung’s birthday.

[151221] He re-releases “Lost Stars” on Soundcloud.

[151224] He covers “Paper Hearts”.

goodbye love, you flew right by love

remember the way you made me feel

such young love but

something in me knew that it was real

frozen in my head

pictures I'm living through for now

trying to remember all the good times

our life was cutting through so loud

memories are playing in my dull mind

i hate this part, paper hearts

and I'll hold a piece of yours

don't think I would just forget about it

hoping that you won't forget about it

everything is gray under these skies

wet mascara

hiding every cloud under a smile

when there's cameras

and I just can't reach out to tell you

that I always wonder what you're up to

And, finally,

[151229, 11:12 PM, 48 minutes before Taehyung’s birthday] 

Jeongguk and RM cover “Fools”, by Troye Sivan.

i am tired of this place, i hope people change

i need time to replace what i gave away

and my hopes, they are high, i must keep them small

though i try to resist i still want it allI see swimming pools and living rooms and aeroplanes

i see a little house on the hill and children's names

i see quiet nights poured over ice and Tanqueray

but everything is shattering and it's my mistake

only fools fall for you, only fools

only fools do what I do, only fools fall

only fools fall for you, only fools

only fools do what I do, only fools fall

oh, our lives don't collide, I'm aware of this

the differences and impulses and your obsession with

the little things you like stick, and I like aerosol

don't give a fuck, not giving up, i still want it all

only fools fall for you, only fools

only fools do what I do, only fools fall

only fools fall for you, only fools

only fools do what I do, only fools fall

...In the midst of BTS_twt posting non-stop about Taehyung’s birthday.

But it’s just a coincidence, right?

Well. I hope you like those, ‘cause they don’t end here.

-- END OF PART 1 --