The mansion was quiet. Too quiet.

Y/n was sitting on the stairs near the bottom, Namjoon by her side with his hand on her knee. He was rubbing the spot with his thumb; one hand on her leg, the other holding a book he read behind his glasses. Y/n stared at his side profile but didn't dare interrupt his task. She moved her eyes between him and the kitchen. Yoongi and Jin were inside, bickering about the amount of butter they should use. Seeing as it was late evening, they were cooking dinner for themselves. If Y/n begged hard enough, maybe Jin would cook her an extra portion. At the moment, she wasn't hungry, but it was an option if that changed.

The mansion was silent because of the obvious: the contestants were leaving tonight. Jungkook, Hoseok, and Taehyung were packing as Y/n sat there, her eyes averting to the ground. Her sneakers peered back at her as she waved her toes. Today was the last day she could spend time with her best friends in the mansion. It was almost over. All of it. In a few episodes, she'd likely never see Jen or the mansion again. Sure, she could hang out with the boys again, but each boy came here with the intentions of making money to pursue their personal goals. Jin with acting, Jimin's treatment, Taehyung's farm, and the list went on and on. Life would change. Y/n was terrified of that.

"I don't want life to change," she said, Namjoon tearing his eyes off his book to pay attention to her. "I like our mansion. I like our dynamic. I don't know if I can handle the others leaving." She laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Remember when I came here for the first time and you told me about dreams?"

"Of course I do," he whispered, putting his book aside. His hand went to her face, tilting it toward him. Their eyes locked, and it was like the world faded away for a moment. "I think about it every night. I'll never forget the way you looked at me that night. How could I?" When he rubbed her face with his fingers, she felt her breath hitch in her throat. "The boys like to tease Jimin and Taehyung for falling for you so fast, but I don't think they know the truth."

"What truth?" she asked, thankful her voice didn't crack or stutter. As much as Y/n prided herself in not being a bottom, Namjoon made her knees weak. Just one look in his eyes took away any dom bone in her body.

"I was first," he murmured, coming closer to her lips. "I fell for you long before Tae and Jimin ever did." Before she could process what she learned, Namjoon kissed her. Desire burned its way through the pit of her stomach, her lips moving against his in a flash. What was a gentle kiss became passionate in a matter of seconds. Her hands were pulling on his shirt and feeling each muscle on his arm, his exploring her waist and squeezing at all the right times.

Y/n was addicted to the way he held her. Sharp breaths were pulled from their tongues when they moved to deepen the kiss. Their figures formed one, Y/n sliding on his lap and keeping her eyes shut to enjoy each beat. Her lungs were screaming for air, but she denied them. Her lips went faster. Namjoon's did too. They lapped at each other, nibbling on the other's lower lip and teasing as much as possible. Right when Y/n was about to grant him access to her, she heard a laugh.

"Can you two stop showing off your healthy, not toxic relationship? It offends me."

Y/n pulled back with a groan, not surprised to see Jungkook standing at the top of the stairs. He leaned against the railing with a smug smile, a black, long-sleeved shirt hugging his muscles. Why he felt the need to dress warmly in California heat didn't occur to her, especially when he looked like that. What was it with attractive men and wearing clothes that made them even more attractive?

"Jungkook needs to get laid," Y/n said, Jungkook beaming at that. He showed off his bunny smile.

"Preferably with Namjoon."

"Don't hit on my man."

Y/n slapped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. She already said the words. Namjoon quirked a brow, and she hated that she could see the cocky smile toying with the edges of his lips.

"Oh, I'm 'your man' now, am I sweetheart?"

"Namjoon, don't call me that. My legs will literally give out and suddenly I'll start sucking your dick."

Namjoon blinked. "Sorry... sweetheart."

"Listen here you little b-"

"I hate all of you," Yoongi said from the entrance of the kitchen, the trio turning to face him. Grumpy cat personified was huffing and puffing his distaste for the three of them, Y/n taking the opportunity to slip away. Namjoon was too busy arguing with Yoongi and fending off Jungkook's dreamy eyes to notice Y/n run away. Well, he probably did notice. He just chose mercy. She was grateful for that.

Y/n went to the back storage room of the mansion where Taehyung and Hoseok were, speaking with Jen about their departure. They didn't need to film anything else, so they were stalling at that point. Jen knew, but she humored them. Whether that was because she was too tired to argue or because she was trying to make up for the Jimin situation, Y/n didn't know. Either way, she appreciated Jen for letting them stay longer than needed.

"If you come on set, you might get caught on camera or distract the boys. I'm sorry, but I can't allow you back on set after you leave. It's only for a few more weeks, then you can talk to them freely," Jen said, Taehyung and Hoseok deflating at that. "Hoseok, you can stick around for one more episode because of what we discussed. Taehyung though? You have to-"

"Wait what?" Y/n asked, Jen jumping. Hoseok and Taehyung did the same, peeking at Y/n with their brows raised. "What did I miss? Hoseok is coming back?"

"It's a surprise. What are you doing back here?" Jen asked, but there wasn't any hostility in her tone. "Aren't you supposed to be sucking Namjoon's dick?"

"I- how do I even reply to that? Anyway, literally any other topic. When are the boys getting evicted?" Y/n leaned against one of the crates of supplies, not minding how dusty it was. The back storage room was the messiest space in the entire mansion. The dark cases contained film equipment as expensive as her sister's treatment. Y/n had never seen such intricate equipment. Especially for a reality show. It wasn't like they were shooting some high budget sci fi movie. It was just a mansion and dumbass men twerking for each other. Why did that require such fancy equipment? Oh, wait. It was probably to capture Jimin's ass in 4K ultra HD. Okay. Y/n couldn't blame them.

"Ten minutes. Say your final goodbyes," Jen said, motioning for Tae and Hoseok to leave the room. "I'll be in here if you need me. The crew will be around to make sure you guys go, so don't try anything."

Y/n agreed and left her alone, bringing Hoseok and Taehyung with her. Taehyung was skipping by her side, taking her hand and grinning that boxy grin of his that made her heart soft. She chuckled at his excitement, but she could tell he was pretending. There was hurt inside his irises. She wished she could make it go away.

"We'll see each other again," she said, knowing it was little comfort, but she hoped it'd be enough to get them through the day. "After we're done filming, let's meet up and talk about all the drama that happened on set. I'm sure you'll miss a lot. After all, Jin is still on set. Jin. He causes drama just by breathing."

"Fair point," Tae said, chuckling. "I'll miss you guys though. I'll miss this. Even after we meet up, I'll still miss the mansion and the challenges. It's been a wild ride, hasn't it?"

"It's had its ups and downs," Hoseok replied, his lips breaking out into a soft smile.

"And a lot of making out. Don't forget that," Y/n said with a smirk. That earned her a nudge from Tae and Hoseok.

They went to the lobby where Jungkook was while the others were missing, Y/n noticing the bags that were propped against the staircase. Taehyung and Jungkook went over to the bags and took their items, throwing the backpacks over their shoulders and tightening them. Y/n watched the entire process with her jaw threatening to fall open. How did they get here? It started with Taehyung hating her and Jungkook so shy he could barely utter a word. Now they were about to leave the mansion, and she was in love with both of them in different ways.

It didn't help that it was silent in the area. She had no idea where the others were. Likely in the kitchen, but she couldn't see inside the kitchen from her position. She heard distant humming from what sounded like Jin, but she couldn't be sure from this far. The silence gave her time to think about what had happened over the course of the past few months. They had been filming together for over half a year. They were closer than Y/n was with any of her other friends. They were her family. Being without them even for a month was a prospect she wasn't able to confront yet.

"Alright, I'm ready," Jungkook said, motioning to Tae with his head. "Want to go out to eat to celebrate our retirement?"

"I would, but you'll probably talk about Namjoon the entire time." At Jungkook's glare, Tae snickered. "I'm kidding. Let's do it. You choose a place and I'll follow you there."

Jungkook agreed, the two calling out to the mansion that they were leaving. It took two minutes of stumbling, shouting, and cursing, but the rest of the boys came. Hoseok was staying a little bit longer for an unknown reason Y/n was upset she didn't get to know yet. So it was just Taekook. They were leaving the mansion for good. The realization bit at her heart until it bled, her hands trembling as she attempted to hide them behind her back.

Jimin, Yoongi, Jin, and Namjoon entered the lobby. Namjoon fled from Jungkook, but Jungkook was faster. Jungkook jumped on the poor man, hugging him so tightly Y/n swore she saw Joon go pale.

"I'm gonna miss you so so so so much, Joonie," Jungkook said in a sing-songy tone, squeezing Namjoon tighter.

"I... can't... breathe... dumb... ass..."

"Awh, Namjoon likes my ass."

"That's not at all what he said," Taehyung mumbled, facepalming at Jungkook's enthusiasm. The man pulled away from the Namtiddies, skipping over to Hoseok to hug him as well. Jungkook and Tae took turns hugging the boys until they finally got to Y/n, hugging her. Jungkook poked her ass and slapped it, her not even surprised. Tae brushed his fingers across her hips and made her act up, but she did her best not to show it.

"It's been fun. We'll see you again soon," Jungkook said. She could hear the cracks in his tone and the way his voice quivered. Jin heard it too, and much to her amazement, Jin stormed forward and brought the young boy back into his arms. Jungkook yelped from the sudden embrace. "Jin? What's wrong?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Jungkook deflated at that.

"I know I chose to leave, but I don't want to go anymore. I love it here. Do I really have to go?"

"You know you don't have to hide your emotions around us," Jin said in a mumble, rubbing Jungkook's back. "You can talk to us about anything, including this. I know you don't want to go. None of us want you to go either. The mansion won't be the same without you, but we'll make it work, okay? No matter what, we'll see each other again. We'll party and laugh and get wasted. Focus on yourself for a while, and we'll be right here when you're done."

"That was so cute. Who are you and what have you done with Jin?" Jungkook asked as he pulled away. Jin grinned, but there was a softness in his eyes that had Y/n's heart aching.

"We love you, Jungkook."

Jungkook stared at Jin with his mouth agape. Then, he regained his composure and gave Jin's shoulder a squeeze. "I love you guys too. I'll miss you." Jungkook went over and kissed the top of Y/n's head, chuckling. "Especially your ass."

"We were having a moment," she said, the others groaning at Jungkook's comment.

"Sorry princess, couldn't help it."

"Hey," Tae said, scowling. "That's my nickname for her. Back off."

"It's mine," Jimin replied, glaring. The three youngest of the boys fought over the princess privilege, Yoongi trying to sneak away only for Hoseok to grab his sleeve and tug him back. Now Hoseok and Yoongi were fighting, but that ended in them giggling and hugging each other while making heart eyes.

"Anyway," Taehyung said after he had enough, clapping his obnoxiously large and... gorgeous... veiny... hands- okay Y/n, what the fuck?

"We should get going before the restaurants get too packed. Ready to go, bud?" Jungkook asked, Tae agreeing. However, they didn't leave yet. Jimin came forward and hugged Tae so tightly Y/n thought he'd suffocate the poor man. Tae gasped and hugged back, Jimin's arms refusing to let him go. "Am I chopped liver?"

"Shut up before I make you," Jimin said, closing his eyes and enjoying his embrace with Tae.

"What are you gonna do about it, pipsqueak? Nibble on my ankles?"

"Okay, that's it-"

"Conceal don't feel. Cosplay Elsa, okay?" Tae said, holding Jimin back from inflicting his short rage on Jeon Jungkook. Jungkook had a shit-eating grin on his face, giving Jimin a little wave.

"Ugh, you're right, you two should go," Jimin said, Jungkook agreeing. Tae and Jimin exchanged one final hug, vowing to text each other daily and send pictures when possible. Tae immediately said he'd send as many pictures of his feet as Jimin liked. Jimin forced a smile and nodded.

"You ready?" Jungkook asked Tae, the others staying close as he opened the back door. Tae looked around at the group of boys and Y/n, each of them waving with tears in their eyes. Although they'd see each other again one day, it'd be strange to stay in the mansion without them. Y/n wasn't ready for her best friend to leave, and she certainly wasn't ready for Tae to leave. She loved both of them. If only there was a way they could stay.

Then, Tae sucked in a breath and flashed them one of his signature boxy smiles that highlighted his cheeks. "Let's do it, Kook," he replied, going to his side.

And then they were gone.