Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 1.1. INT. Y/N’S HOUSE - BEDROOM/ART STUDIO. NIGHT.

Y/N's Bedroom/Art studio is filled to the brim with canvasses finished and unfinished, art materials, sculptures, and books. She slips into the sliver of space left on her bed. Her bedroom has a balcony filled with sculptures as well, competing with the few dying potted plants there.

Y/N pulls her hair into a messy bun. She’s covered with paint splatters, and her clothes are tattered. She then resumes her work on her laptop, submitting her art portfolio to another possible exhibit. She finishes the cover page, checks the attachments, and hits send. 

Right on her side, on a big whiteboard beside her bed, she checks a box beside a list item. 

Just then, an e-mail arrives:

SUBJECT: RESIDENCY APPLICATION 2024

Dear Y/N

We are sorry to inform you that…

Y/N's eyes water red with tears. She lets out a shaky breath. She looks back at the whiteboard, and we see it as a whole for the first time. It’s a long list of submissions, checkboxes if she’s submitted them. 80% are already crossed out. She crosses out one of the submissions. 

She falls onto the bed. Tries to control her breathing. She closes her eyes and begins to visualize her happy future.

CUT TO:

2. EXT. FANTASY - ART PLAYGROUND. DAY. 

It’s a sunny day in the art park speckled with ice cream, and cotton candy vendors. Her art sculptures are displayed all over the playground. A lot of people are viewing them. Children are giggling as they play with her interactive art.

There, at the center, is the back of a tall man, looking at the largest piece in the exhibit.

It’s a merry-go-round with a column at the center. Sitting at the center is the sculpture she’s been making that is seen and obscured by petals that bloom and close as it spins. 

Y/N walks toward the man, her breath as even as the opening and closing flower. She stands beside him and sees his side profile: Kim Namjoon, smiling brightly. She feels joy wash all over her, as he seems to exude bright warm light, that gets warmer and warmer. 

BTS music slowly filters in.

1.2. INT. Y/N’S HOUSE - BEDROOM/ART STUDIO. NIGHT

Y/N opens her eyes to the strong lightbulb of her room. BTS music is in full volume. 

She looks at a photo of RM on her wall--her bias, and it brings a shaky smile to her face. 

She wipes her tears, but they keep flowing. She stows away her laptop and starts on the next part of her night: making art.

MONTAGE OF Y/N’S ART-MAKING PROCESS

QUICK CUTS:

Teary-eyed Y/N sketches ideas, going through several pages

She photographs her recent sketches and schedules the social media post. 

She tapes a sketch and makes it a basis for a painting

She records one swab of paint for her IG story. She schedules that post.

She goes back to a painting from yesterday and captures the last stroke for IG. She turns that into an IG reel. She schedules that post.

She unmolds a sculpture on camera. It breaks. She schedules that post. The sculpture is the one in her visualization.

She reuses the mold, pouring concrete into it. She schedules that post.

She gets started with painting a sculpture when her phone alarm rings. It’s midnight.

She brushes her teeth and washes her face.

She turns on a meditation podcast.

END OF MONTAGE

RECORDED MEDITATION 

Breathe in, Breathe out

Y/N stands on her bed, and spins in place, looking for space

RECORDED MEDITATION

Start with your toes,

Tense, and release

She awkwardly sits, stretches her legs

RECORDED MEDITATION

Your calves, tense, and release

Your thighs, tense, and release

Your hips, tense, and release

Exhausted, Y/N lies down but she quickly sits back again, poked by a bottle of paint and a pointy pencil. 

RECORDED MEDITATION

Your back, tense, and release

Your spine, tense, and release

She removes a few pieces of clutter from her bed only to put them somewhere else it barely fits in.

RECORDED MEDITATION

Feel the weight sink into your mattress

Feel your stomach rise and fall

She fits in her bed, and all the clutter, like a Tetris piece. She charges her phone. She checks the space she’s going to lie on. She turns off the lights. 

RECORDED MEDITATION

Feel your ribs, tense, and release

Your chest, tense, and release

Your shoulders, tense, and release

Your arms, tense, and release

Your fingers, tense, and release

Your neck, tense, and release

She turns on the fairy lights, straining her neck to reach for the switch.

RECORDED MEDITATION

Your jaw, tense, and release

Your tongue, tense, and release

She opens her mouth to stretch it. She yawns and sighs.

But her eyes won’t shut, try as she might. She looks at the board again, with all the rejections. She covers the board with a blanket. 

RECORDED MEDITATION

Your cheeks, tense, and release

Your eyes, tense, and release

Your forehead, tense, and release

Breathe

Relax

You are wrapped in a cocoon of love and wellbeing

She cries. The meditation continues to sound off its affirmations

RECORDED MEDITATION 

You are worthy. You are loved. You have an endless supply of creativity. You just have to believe in yourself and take one step at a time. 

She stands up. Turns off the meditation abruptly.

3. EXT./INT. Y/N’S HOUSE - BALCONY TO BEDROOM. NIGHT

She’s vaping on the balcony, sitting on an unfinished piece of sculpture. Vape between her teeth, she types up her thoughts for her IG story.

Y/PSEUDONYM (V.O) 

One of the most famous stories about trying and trying again was by Edison and his 1000 attempts at making a lightbulb. Too bad he was a fraud.

I’m so tired of trying. I’m so tired. FUCK.

She posts the story to her close friends. She gets an immediate reply:

GRAPHIC: Notification 

RM/MOONIE94 (V.O.)

Y/Pseudonym, you’re doing so well. I’m so proud of you, Y/Pseudonym. It’s hard now but it’ll all work out.

Y/PSEUDONYM (V.O.)

(typing)

Thanks. I just got rejected again.

RM/MOONIE94 (V.O.)

Their loss. I’m sure it’ll happen soon enough. Eventually, you’ll find more people who’ll fall for your art as I did.

Y/N smiles for a moment, but sighs, not completely believing him.

Y/PSEUDONYM(V.O.)

(typing)

I hope I’m still alive when that happens. I don’t want to be Van Gogh

Y/N looks at the phone with a sort of desperation.

RM/MOONIE94(V.O.)

You’ll be different.

When it happens, you’ll want to pause but you won’t be able to. Like a rollercoaster rider, you won’t have a choice. At some point, fun and exhilarating become tiring and nauseating. You need to learn to rest and pace now, for WHEN it happens, you won’t have time to

Y/PSEUDONYM (V.O.)

WHEN. I wish I could be as confident. Does the anxiety ever go away?

Y/N leaves the balcony and enters her bedroom. 

RM/MOONIE94(V.O.)

No, that’s why you need to cope with it now. And you’re amazing--don’t forget that. It just takes time. Rest for now! 8 hours of sleep + a good meal, ok?

She tries to find space in her bed. 

Y/PSEUDONYM(V.O.)

I can’t have 8 hours of sleep until I quit.

RM/MOONIE94(V.O.)

Quality over quantity then. Just imagine I’m right there beside you

Y/PSEUDONYM(V.O.)

Will you rock me to sleep like a baby haha

RM/MOONIE94(V.O.)

Only if you call me daddy

She laughs uproariously and it turns into tears. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

(Typing through the laughter and tears)

Hahahahah Ok daddy Hahaha

RM/MOONIE94(V.O.)

*cuddles you innocently to sleep*

As much as I love where this is going, I actually need to sleep. The last time we went overboard I fell asleep during rehearsals.

Y/N smiles again, as she wipes her tears and snot. She gasps.

Y/PSEUDONYM(V.O.)

Rehearsals? Are you an actor?

RM/MOONIE94(V.O.)

Something like that. One day I’ll tell you. You might not believe me haha

Talk to you soon again, ok? 

Y/PSEUDONYM

(she whispers the words as she types)

Sweet dreams :*

Y/N smiles and tries to sleep again. 

BLACKOUT AND CUT TO:

4. INT. RKIVE’S BEDROOM. NIGHT

RM’s bedroom room is pristine: uncluttered, minimalist heaven. Tucked in the center of this clean space, the only crumpled disruption to the smooth interior is Namjoon nestled with his phone.

RM

(RM whispers as he types)

Sweet dreams :*

He puts his phone on his chest. He releases a long sigh as he looks up at the ceiling. Something is still bothering him. His fingers drum on the phone.

SPLIT SCREEN:

Phone in hand, he turns to the side. Y/N's side slides in, she is sleeping on her side, as though facing him.

RM/MOONIE94

You know how much I love your art right? My work makes me so lonely, but your art is like a warm hug or a kind gaze.

He sits up, still facing her.

RM/MOONIE94

You make me feel seen and loved and un-lonely. When I look at your art, the world expands in possibility and meaning but contracts to fit into my perspective as if it folds itself for me. You inspire me.

Call me selfish because I don’t want you to stop for my sake.

Please don't ever stop

If you can’t do it for yourself anymore, do it for me. Please

Y/N's phone dings. She reads the message, eyes glossing over. She sobs.

Y/PSEUDONYM

I thought we said good night

RM/MOONIE94

I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t let you sleep, thinking you felt in any way lacking

While I’m here worshipping

RM lies back down again.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Worship might be too big of a word

RM/MOONIE94

If Hozier can use it, why can't I???! I hope I made you feel better even just a little

Y/PSEUDONYM

You better keep your promise to be at the art show gala date and location TBD

RM/MOONIE94

Wouldn’t miss it for the world. For realsies. Good night sweet dreams

Y/N gives him a flying kiss and smiles to sleep.

5. INT. Y/N’S HOUSE - BEDROOM/ART STUDIO - DINING. DAY

She wakes up to her alarm. She breathes in and out. She turns to the side and sees her whiteboard of failed submissions. She starts quietly weeping. 

Her alarm snoozes. She wipes her tears and she checks her phone.

He’s sent her a good morning meme.

GRAPHIC: Text bubbles.

RM/MOONIE94 (V.O.)

Good morning, baby

Have a great day! You can do it! Fighting!

She smiles, sobs, and sends something back

Y/PSEUDONYM

Good morning daddy LOL

Hope your day is as sweet as you

She drags herself to the bathroom. Off-cam, we hear the shower turn on.

DINING ROOM

Y/N is dressed like a typical office lady as she goes down the stairs. Black pencil skirt, pink blouse, blazer in one arm, messenger bag in the other. She comes down to eat breakfast with her family. Her dogs excitedly jump to see her. She takes a meal-prepped lunch. She kisses her mom, her sis, and dogs goodbye.

6. INT. HYBE - RM’S HOUSE. DAY

HYBE DANCE STUDIO

RM’s work schedule is hectic, frenetic, and is a constant bombarding of sound.

RM can’t seem to get a dance move. It’s frustrating him. He asks for a time-out, signaling with his hands. As he drinks water, he looks at his phone and sees her text which cheers him up. He sees her scheduled posts and likes them.

Jhope calls to resume practice. RM seems to have shaken away the blues as he comes back invigorated.

QUICK CUTS:

RKIVE

RM is editing music, headphones on, and focusing intently. We heard the music he was listening to. 

MAKEUP CHAIR

He’s surrounded by the noisy cacophony of people as he sits in the make-up chair. He is dozing off. 

STUDIO SHOOT

He poses for the camera. Photographer heaps praises and instructions. Music lightly plays in the background.

GYM

The same lightly playing music is now louder with his headphones on, but still, we hear the metallic sound of exercise machines, and the steady rhythmic labored breaths of people exercising. 

RM sweats profusely as he uses most of the machines in the gym-- running on the elliptical, pumping weights, burpees, pull-ups. He’s sweating profusely. He finishes up. Wiping himself with a towel.

BLACKOUT AND CUT TO:

7. INT. RM’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM

With a digital ding, and the sound of the door opening, the lights automatically open.

It’s eerily quiet but for the light electronic hum of his smart home. RM, in his black outfit, stands framed by the door, the huge expanse of his minimalist clean white home seemingly engulfing him. He sighs. The silence is punctuated by the light thud of his things dropped to the ground. 

RM’S HOUSE - KITCHEN

He opens his ref, but it’s empty except for some uniform bottles of water and a take-out box. The sad, empty, cold, quiet, shot of the inside of the state-of-the-art big refrigerator, mirrors the zoomed-out shot of him standing in front of the refrigerator, in his big, cold, quiet, and empty house. 

He texts the group chat, but they all have plans. He orders jjajangmyeon. 

On his sofa, with his delivery jjajangmyeon, tries to read a book, tries to listen to music, tries to watch a movie, but he gives up each time, looking out into the balcony, feeling lonely. The jjajangmyeon is only half finished.

BALCONY

RM’s balcony is mainly empty but for a few well-taken care of bonsais, wind chimes, and one solitary wooden chair. The gush of wind makes him shiver as he looks out, and looks down from his balcony. He changes his mind and comes in again.

He returns to his sofa and tries to read again. He can hear the clock tick. He feels his heart in his chest. 

CUT TO: 

BATHROOM

The shower squeaks on. The water douses his feet. We hear him sob.

8. INT. Y/N’S OFFICE. DAY

 WORK MONTAGE OF Y/N’S NORMAL WORK DAY

QUICK CUTS:

She does mind-numbing work all day in a boring office cubicle, with the clacking keyboard and spreadsheets. Her phone rings. 

Lunch time’s meal prep is a sad meal too as she eats it. She goes to the bathroom. She sets her timer for 5 minutes to cry. When it rings, she abruptly stops.

She makes coffee in the pantry. The coffee slowly drips and someone makes small chat with her but her mind flies away as she nods and smiles.

In her cubicle, she takes out her pillow from her office cabinet and sleeps. Her phone alarm rings.

She’s back working in her office cubicle as if nothing happened. We zoom in on the laptop’s clock which flies to 5 pm. Her alarm rings. She logs out

She stands up abruptly and everyone looks at her. 

Y/N

Bye, everyone!

9. INT. Y/N’S HOUSE. NIGHT.

DINING/LIVING

The door swings open. Y/N has just arrived.

Y/N

I’m home!

Her dogs run to her excitedly. She eats with her family—her mom and her sister—laughing and chatting with them.

She washes the dishes and kisses her family good night.

BEDROOM 

QUICK CUTS:

Her neck, back, and wrist hurt. She stretches a little. 

She pulls her hair into a messy bun.

She’s enjoying making her art. She’s lost in every brushstroke. It’s a big canvas that calls for big brushes and big bold swathes of color. On her side we see her phone dinging ignored.

She runs out of paint. She desperately scrapes every last drop. She double-checks her supplies for the color. She looks at her painting, then the spot missing color. She gets her phone, ignores the texts, and goes to her art supplier. She lists down the things she needs with prices, but the total is too much and she cuts out items.

She pays digitally, her bank account nearly empty. 

Looking at her bank account causes her to hyperventilate.

She tries to breathe.

She checks the texts.

FRIEND

I haven’t seen you in so long. CALL ME!

Y/N calls and gets an answer quickly.

Y/N

I’ve been busy

FRIEND

Come on let's eat out. I have so much to tell you. And we have a reunion coming up.

Y/N

We can chat? I don't have money and I don't really want to leech

FRIEND

Why don't you always have money? Your job pays ok, right?

Y/N

Just enough for my bills. I’m sorry. I have to go

FRIEND

Are you coming to the reunion

Y/N

I don’t think so. I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my plate these days.

She ends the call. She breathes heavily again.

MOM’S BEDROOM. NIGHT.

She goes to her mom and sister downstairs. Her dogs go wild to see her. They’re watching a movie. She joins in, fitting herself in the tight bed in front of the TV.

Her mom yelps in pain.

Y/N

Hey

MOM

It’s my knees.

Y/N and her sister massage her mom. You see they have a routine as they take out the massage oil and take over massaging a knee each. 

Y/N

Do you need more PT sessions?

MOM

It was too expensive.

Y/N

No, I’ll find the money.

SIS

Let’s split the bill.

Y/N

God, you already pay for everything else. I’ll find a way.

When the lights turn off and everyone is asleep, Y/N is still awake. She quietly scurries out.

10. INT. Y/N’S HOUSE - BEDROOM/ART STUDIO. NIGHT

 Y/N comes out of the shower and finds space in her messy bed to lie down. She grabs her phone to check the text. 

SPLIT SCREEN:

RM in his bathrobe plops on his bed. They face each other, their phone in the place of each other’s faces. They chat, speaking out loud as if they were actually beside each other on the bed.

GRAPHIC: Their IG pseudonyms in text bubbles.

RM/MOONIE94

Care to distract me?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Happily

They both smile.

MONTAGE

Quick typing ensues, as they lose track of time, laughing, smiling, as they share a flurry of memes, music links, laughter

Her alarm rings. She stops it and ignores it.

They resume their chat, rolling in their beds, guffawing. Their laughter calms, and so does their expression and conversation.

END OF MONTAGE

Y/PSEUDONYM

It’s silly to think anyone could complete you. But I’m guessing you feel incomplete after having to expand to take in another person, and then lose them

RM/MOONIE94

You'd feel a hole that only another person could fill

Y/PSEUDONYM

But that's not true. You can’t fill in grief. 

RM/MOONIE94

I keep thinking about the “you complete me” line. It’s so sweet, it’s so wrong, it’s so right--I haven’t decided.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Jerry didn’t know what he was missing. He felt complete before he met Rene Zellwegger. 

RM/MOONIE94

Ah, meeting her, knowing that feeling of not having her in his life, only then does his life begins to feel incomplete

Y/PSEUDONYM

I'm perfectly happy now you know, as miserable as I am. As long as I trust that my career will work out, I can even stop being miserable. But if I were to experience some grand love, maybe I too would be possessed by a dizzying amount of discontent. 

RM/MOONIE94

(laughs)

We can be sort of happy as long as we don’t know what we’re missing.

I think, me too but I’m not where I want to be yet and I’m sort of at peace at that most days. Some days it makes me really lonely and I feel guilty.

Like I don’t have the right to feel lonely because other parts of my life are so good. But…

Career-wise, I’m ridiculously successful, but that means there are not many places left to go. Sometimes that makes me feel empty, especially when I look at it from high up

But I have to zoom in—on the little things. The art I make, the process, the interactions with my fans, my fans’ stories, those microcosms, it can really be meaningful and beautiful that way. There’s always something new there as long as I can look beyond myself. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

It’s easier said than done

RM/MOONIE94

After all, I am just limited by myself and my perspective. 

To be honest, do you know what makes me lonely? Really lonely to the point it makes me feel so pathetic

Y/PSEUDONYM

What?

RM/MOONIE94

My house. It's gorgeous. It’s crisp and smooth and elegant. I love it. I control and curate every inch. My friends call it a gallery, a museum. But it’s as beautiful as it is lonely. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

You need someone like me to make a mess of your house

RM/MOONIE94

Hahaha exactly. I find I keep making things clean and basic because the rest of my life is so overwhelming. But now it’s so safe and bare

Y/PSEUDONYM

Like a mausoleum? Or a hospital?

RM/MOONIE94 

Yeah. 

I mean, it has its use. Living a fast life, my house slows me down. It’s quiet. But I don't know. 

I wonder about moving in with my family, into a noisy house—but that just feels like a step back. I haven't lived with them in so long and I don't get along great with them. Plus, it’ll be so far from work. 

Maybe this beautiful, opulent, but lonely and quiet house is the price I have to pay for my success.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Ever thought maybe you’re being masochistic? Like you feel guilty so you’re creating a penance for yourself

RM/MOONIE94

I guess but I don't feel like I have a choice. I can’t just find a random wife or roommate just so my house would be populated. My status carries too much risk for something like that. But I know what you’re saying. Loneliness- can we actually do something about it?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Sometimes I wonder if my loneliness is self-imposed. Everyone else seems to find love so easy. But for me—I’m such a specific kind of person who can’t seem to succeed in romance. Sometimes I think I’m subconsciously avoiding it knowing the hassle isn’t worth it. How would that affect my career? I already have too much on my plate. What if I just waste my time on someone toxic?

RM/MOONIE94

And it’s weird to look for romance when you have that specific utility in mind. Like you’re shopping for a lightbulb. I don’t want it to be like that but I also sort of want it to be that honest and convenient. But you know, people aren’t things, aren’t lightbulbs haha.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Are we overthinking this? 

RM/MOONIE94

Of course, we are. Haha

You know I’d be a terrible bf. I’m not sure I deserve to be in a relationship

Y/PSEUDONYM

I feel like love will always take a backseat for me too. Family, and art, are my priorities. 

RM/MOONIE94

And you know, I used to have this sexist dream about going home and just finding peace in a wife-prepped home. I sometimes still think about that—coming home to a home-cooked meal at least—but I also think about how that can be sexist. What if she doesn't want to cook?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Hey, it's not sexist to want a home-cooked meal. I mean,e.g. I want to cook, and I’m a feminist, but also I want someone else to wash the dishes. But to be perfectly honest, if my mom wasn’t a housewife who absolutely suffered for it, I would have wanted to be a housewife who didn’t need to worry about earning money. The pressure of earning money is the worst. But also, I really do want to make art.

RM/MOONIE94

How is your mom?

Y/PSEUDONYM

In pain, as always. 

Anyway, I think the sexism in marriage is about learning to navigate and negotiate roles and responsibilities—it's either you split them or outsource some of them. But maybe like find a middle ground—share some domestic chores. I think it would be sweet, like an intimate regular bonding activity you both do for yourself and for each other

RM/MOONIE94

Like filing taxes and doing laundry together

Y/PSEUDONYM

Love that movie but I’d rather outsource filing taxes to an accountant though, dear god

RM/MOONIE94

Hahahah other stuff then

Y/PSEUDONYM

Yeah. Hmm cleaning the balcony together

RM/MOONIE94 

Making the bed together could be nice. Two pairs of hands in sync to pull the bed sheet real tight and straight

Y/PSEUDONYM

Cleaning the bathroom?

RM/MOONIE94 

(laughing)

Sure 

Y/PSEUDONYM

I love grocery shopping

RM/MOONIE94 

I can pay for the groceries or like be the soundtrack to grocery shopping

They both laugh. A rooster crows.

RM/MOONIE94 

I thought you lived in the city?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Fuck! Did you hear that too? A neighbor owns a fighting cock. 

RM/MOONIE94

A fighting cock? Is it a sex dungeon?

Y/PSEUDONYM 

No haha. It’s for cockfights. More importantly, the rooster crowing means it’s at least 3 am! 3 hours left to sleep. We need to sleep :( Melatonin time?

RM/MOONIE94

4 AM my time.

Do you have a sleeping meditation for today? 

They turn on the same meditation as they both look at the ceiling, smiling.

SLEEPING MEDITATION

Breathe

They both breathe and close their eyes.

11. INT. Y/N’S OFFICE.MONTAGE. DAY

She falls asleep at work. Her boss is trying to wake her up.

BOSS

I needed to see why you didn’t make the deadline.

She gets an earful. We see her boss giving her a lecture but she’s zoned out. The sounds are garbled.

BOSS

You should be grateful for this job

She nods.

Y/N

It won’t happen again.

She stares at her desktop. Her fingers shaking. Her breathing is deep but unstable.

RANDOM MALE OFFICEMATE

Hey, wanna go out for a drink? My treat. Blow off some steam. Saw you must be stressed out.

Y/N

Why not? 

12. INT. CLUB.MONTAGE. NIGHT

The club is loud, dark, and wild with strobe lights. At the counter, She does shots with her office mate. A few empty jiggers were littered by them. 

She runs to the dance floor to dance. The music is so loud she can't hear her thoughts. 

The random officemate gives her more to drink which she takes. Her moves are incredibly sloppy and drunk.

The random officemate is grinding behind her and she doesn't really give a fuck. 

A random office mate turns her around and tries to kiss her.

She’s suddenly possessed with clarity as she pushes back. The music garbles and distorts as they stare at each other awkwardly.

She feels like puking. She runs to the lavatory.

She exits a moment later, disheveled having just puked.  

She searches the bar for her office mate but he’s gone. The barkeep, with the receipt in his hand, comes to her to make her pay for their tab. It’s exorbitant especially as she now was to pay for them both.

She cries as she pays. But she finds her face is dry. The world quiets as the realization seems to startle her.

Y/N

I literally have no more tears

She sits by the curb, going on her phone app and needing to book a cab but her money isn’t enough. 

She looks up, imagining numbers above her head.

GRAPHIC: She thinks about her near-empty bank account. She thinks about the bar bill she just paid. Her net worth becomes red with debt. She tries to subtract the cab fair but it buzzes impossible. 

A text bubble disrupts her thoughts. Drunk Y/N slurs her words as she types.

RM/MOONIE94

Let’s impose a curfew next time haha

Y/PSEUDONYM

Mooooonnniiieeee

RM/MOONIE94

Yes Y/PSEUDONYM

Y/PSEUDONYM

I'm drunk 

RM/MOONIE94

Are you safe

Y/PSEUDONYM

Hmm for now

RM/MOONIE94

For now?

Y/PSEUDONYM

I don't have money for cab fare so I'm just sitting in front of the club crying hahaha

Rather laughing. I ran out of tears hahah

RM/MOONIE94

What’s the name of the club

Y/PSEUDONYM

Cyclo. Are you coming? Please come. I'll kiss you if you come. I didn't kiss my office mate

I don't like him like I like you

RM/MOONIE94

I wish I could come. What are you wearing?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Nothing daddy teehee

RM/MOONIE94

That’s impossible. For real

Y/PSEUDONYM

(Speaking as she types)

Fine

I'm wearing office clothes hahah. I wore office clothes to a night club hahaha

RM/MOONIE94

What color is your shirt

Y/PSEUDONYM

It’s pink and I have a black skirt and black boots

RM/MOONIE94

Ok I booked you a ride

Y/PSEUDONYM

How? You're not from my country right

RM/MOONIE94

I asked our tech. I’ll have to make it up to him for waking him at this ungodly hour. You’re lucky I’m awake. Can I call you?

She's super drunk. Her phone rings and she answers slurring

Y/PSEUDONYM

Helllloooo Moonie!!! Are you a silicon valley unicorn? A tech bro

RM/MOONIE94

No hahaha 

Y/PSEUDONYM

I can't pay you. I have no money. I was planning to walk home but alsoo I missed you

RM/MOONIE94

It's okay. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

Wait. Omg Moonie I thought we promised no calls

RM/MOONIE94

I just need you to be safe

How are you? 

Y/PSEUDONYM

I think I need to quit Moonie. I can't work properly. I might lose my only paying job. I have bills to pay. My mom is sick. And the guy I went here with, he fucking tried to kiss me and I pushed him away and puked. HAHAHHAHA. That’s not even the bad part. He left me with the bill! He said it was his treat. 

I’m not rich, Moonie. I’m barely paying for shit at my house. I'm making too much art too—I can't even afford to store them somewhere else. I’m an inch away from sleeping on top of my art. I barely have a bed

You know my family’s doing their best and I’m just a leech bitch. I should just sell all my paintings. Do something useful for once. I should have just kissed him, Moonie

RM/MOONIE94

No, you didn’t. Hey, you’re in a bad place. Don’t make big decisions. Aren’t you waiting for your big exhibit first?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Is it ever going to happen? My mom’s in pain now

RM/MOONIE94

Hmmm, sell me painting number 2 then.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Sold. Hahah. You won't even tell me shit about you how am I supposed to send it to your address?

RM/MOONIE94

I’ll get it from you one day. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

Moonie… I didn't call you to take your money. 

RM/MOONIE94

I know babe. But it’s mine to give

Your taxi’s there. 

A taxi is parked in front of her.

Y/PSEUDONYM

All I do is take and take and now I'm taking from you

The taxi door opens and speaks to her.

TAXI DRIVER

Y/Pseudonym?

She climbs in.

RM/MOONIE94

Text me when you're home. Be safe.

13. INT. Y/N'S HOUSE - BEDROOM/STUDIO. DAY.

She wakes up hungover. 

GRAPHIC: Text bubbles

RM/MOONIE94

Y/Pseudonym, did you get home ok? Text me when you wake up

Y/PSEUDONYM

Moonie. Were we really on a call last night

RM/MOONIE94

Yep. Glad you’re alive at least

Y/PSEUDONYM

I was so drunk I can't even remember your voice. Can you call me again? All I remember was that I loved it 💜 Thank you for last night

RM/MOONIE94

Hmmmm then you remember you sold me your painting too, right?

Y/PSEUDONYM

You don't have to buy it

RM/MOONIE94

Bank account details, please

Y/PSEUDONYM

You really don't have to

RM/MOONIE94

Hey. You said last night how you just take and take. Well this is how you give

Y/PSEUDONYM

Only if you really want to

RM/MOONIE94

The only reason I haven’t bought your art is that they haven’t been for sale. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

Send half and then send the other half when it's installed.

He sends the full cost plus a tip. Y/N sees it and her eyes widen.

Y/PSEUDONYM

You accidentally added a 0?

RM/MOONIE94

Doublechecked. Seems right.

Y/PSEUDONYM

This is too much Moonie

No

RM/MOONIE94

I want you to keep going for me. I get why you would quit, but I just happen to have the easiest solution.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Where should I send this?

RM/MOONIE94

Keep the painting for now. I’ll take it after all your exhibits. People need to see it. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

Moonie. This is too much. 

RM/MOONIE94

I'm your patron, Y/Pseudonym. That's how it works. It’s just money.

Quit your job, baby ;) jk haha

Y/PSEUDONYM

Where did you get this money? Are you a drug lord? Tell me the truth Moonie-- I mean daddy haha

RM/MOONIE94

I’m not! Hahaha. You know I’m a successful artist. I told you that. Just don't let this change things. If something happens, call me again, ok?

Her alarm rings

Y/PSEUDONYM

Always. You know I love you Moonie, right?

RM/MOONIE94

I love you too

Y/PSEUDONYM

When are we going to meet? 

RM/MOONIE94

At your art show!

Y/PSEUDONYM

The fucking show !! JUST HAPPEN ALREADY! Anyway, gtg XOXO

13. INT. Y/N’S HOUSE - MOM’S BEDROOM. DAY.

SIS

Not painting today?

She nods and watches movies with her mom, and her dogs. 

While they’re watching movies, Y/N sends her sister money.

She and her sister look at each other. She nods again.

Y/N

I sold a painting. 

SIS

(Happy)

A painting? One painting?

Y/N

(Trying to keep in her excitement)

I got a tip.

SIS

This was, “Just the tip”?

They laugh.

SIS

Did you also sell your soul?

Y/N

I clarified the terms, and my soul is still shockingly intact.

SIS

Who bought it?

Y/N

A patron I met through Instagram. You’ve heard of Moonie, right? Turns out he wasn’t shitting me. He really is ridiculously rich

SIS

Is he a drug dealer?

Y/N

I asked that too. He’s not. I don’t know what he does. But he just wants to help.

SIS 

You should just quit your job and marry Moonie

Y/N

Can I do that? Haha. Marry my investor

SIS 

Is investor what they call sugar daddies now

14. INT. DREAM SEQUENCE - GALLERY. NIGHT.

Moonie94 (represented by a shadowed image of a man) and RM are playing yut and RM keeps losing.

RM

You don’t really need me anymore, do you?

She wakes up. Quietly leaves the room.

BEDROOM

She makes a submission. She removes the covering on the board of submissions and adds another line.

An email arrives. She checks her email. She landed a residency x group exhibit.

She squeals.

She messages Moonie the screenshot and runs down. Her mom and sis are already outside there to meet her. They dissolve into squealing.

GRAPHIC:

MOONIE94

See you there! Congratulations! You deserve it!!

15. INT. Y/N’S HOUSE - MOM’S BEDROOM. DAY

Celebratory day with her family. They have a picnic on their bed while You’ve Got Mail is playing in the background. 

MOM

Will you survive being away from us for so long? That residency is 3 months long.

Y/N

I’ll find a way. We’ll video call often. I’ve never been so far from home for so long. Oh god I’m scared now that it’s real

MOM

Do you need money

Y/N

Moonie’s tip is still enough. Honestly, I thought of giving it back but now, I can’t. Now it really feels like an investment.

SIS

Everything is falling into place all of a sudden

Y/N

The oldest prodigy ever finally succeeds. Dreams might actually come true. Do you think I’ll actually meet RM?

SIS

Well, you’re getting closer

Y/N

from 1.2 M Usd away, I might be just 1 M away

SIS

I can't believe RM bought that glass chair for 1.2m

Y/N

Rich people operate with a whole different currency. They use euros like you would Japanese yen. But honestly, 1.2m Japanese yen is still 300000 pesos. 

SIS

Do you really want to be part of that uber-rich pretentious 1%

Y/N

I want to say no--but the thing is, it’s the only way I feel like I can make all the art I want and make a difference.

I might not even make it. 

And you know the closer I am, the more I’m realizing my exact dream might not play out

Like I probably won't have him fawning at my gallery

You know RM doesn't even like the type of art I make.

SIS

He likes pretentious overpriced abstract art right

Y/N

Don’t forget minimalist art

SISTER AND Y/N

Blech.

They laugh.

Y/N

1.2 M USD is the distance between us. To get to his vicinity, be his equal. 

SIS

I think it could happen—you reach that level of success. Who knows? Anything is possible. But I'm not sure RM would like your art. Art is very subjective. 

Y/N

Rm really is a placeholder of sorts. A marker. Like a flag at the mountain peak. You see it and go after it. But… I wish he likes it, by some miracle. I hope it comforts him. I see myself in him so much—except for the pretentious art pieces—and I hope when he sees my pieces, he sees a mirror and feels less lonely. He’d not just represent success as this place I physically reached, but also success in that I succeeded in being a beacon for people like me across spectacular borders—1.2 m USD wide borders. 

SIS

Just don't be too disappointed. You're not even supposed to meet your heroes. That never ends well. Circumstances can change but you know people don't change. And he has horrible taste.

Her sister tuns off the light and a second later they snore except for Y/N.. 

Y/N’s eyes open, she can’t sleep

A million colors in her eyes. She closes them with a smile. She starts visualizing.

16. INT. VISUALIZATION - GALLERY. EXHIBIT

Y/N is dressed in a spectacular maximalist outfit. She greets everyone at the museum. She spots RM at the back of the room.

The attendees clapped. RM stares.

She passes through the grazing table—cheese and charcuterie, hors d' oeuvres, caviar, and crackers. 

She sees RM staring in front of one of her works

He is standing in front of her biggest painting.

RM

I don’t get it

Y/N

What?!

RM

I mean it's okay. I guess.

Rm walks away, nonchalant. 

She wakes up sweating.

Chapter Text

17. INT. RKIVE STUDIO. NIGHT.

GRAPHIC: 1 MONTH LATER

RM’s monochromatic studio is filled with his favorite, minimalist, and abstract art pieces. 

30 minutes into the Vlive, RM takes that as a sign he can finish the Vlive. 

He stands up, stretches, then plops on the sofa

He posts a selfie on Rkive. He gets a thousand hearts in minutes. He scans them for her name: Y/Pseudonym. As soon as he sees it, he chuckles.

He changes users on his IG to Moonie94.

RM/MOONIE94

So what are you wearing right now?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Paint splatters on my thighs

She sends a vanishing photo of just her thighs with paint splatters

RM/MOONIE94

(biting his lips)

Sexy. Is there any on your chest

Y/PSEUDONYM

Nice try

RM/MOONIE94

I bet you got some on your cheek coz you're just as clumsy as me

Y/PSEUDONYM

Oh, I got it everywhere. But show me yours and I‘ll show you mine

RM/MOONIE94

It's a deadlock again, huh?

Y/PSEUDONYM

We’ll see each other soon enough

RM/MOONIE94

I can't wait. 

18. INT. GROUP ART SHOW GALLERY. DAY  

At the ingress of the group show, the artists are hustling about putting up their art. The place is a cacophonous mess.

SUZY 

(A fellow artist finishing up a painting)

Are you done with your stations that you’re just knitting?

Y/N

EMBROIDERING!

SUZY

What’s that for?

Y/N 

It’s a kinda prize for the first person to cry at my art. If somebody cries. I hope somebody cries. If somebody cried, that means I’ve succeeded. This is the real completion of my art.

Y/N finishes the handkerchief she’s embroidering with daisies and her signature.

19. INT. RM’s HOUSE. NIGHT.

All of BTS are drinking at RM’s place. RM’s clean place is littered with bowls of jjajangmyeon, bags of chips, and a variety of beverages such as coffee, beer, champagne, and makgeolli. 

LIVING ROOM

SUGA

(Suga is drinking but also working on the coffee table with his laptop)

Remind me why this is where we drink. Where you can drunkenly bump into art and accidentally owe Namjoon a million dollars?

JIN

Isn’t it so weird that out of all of us, Namjoon likes easily breakable expensive objects the most?

JIMIN

It’s the worst. Why is the god of destruction so fond of fragile things?

JK

It’s poetic, isn’t it?

JHOPE

We’re here because RM can’t drive. We can all drive to each other’s places anytime but he can’t just bike to ours. 

RM

I don’t know why I’m like this. Being clumsy is cute until you’re breaking ancient moon jars

JIN

Has it happened

RM

Not yet but the day is bound to come, right?

V

So you’re flying to Singapore tomorrow?

RM

Yep, finally.

JK

How long will you be gone?

JIN

You’re finally going to meet your penpal

RM

You make it sound like a 1940s movie

JIMIN

How do you feel, Hyung?

RM

Honestly, I’m a little anxious

JHOPE

But you’ve waited to see her for so long. I remember when you first messaged her and she didn’t reply for 1 month and you seriously considered telling her who you were. 

JIMIN

That was a really long time ago. Now you both know each other so well

RM

We’ve also basically imagined each other as these complete fantasy people who don’t actually exist

I’ve been building this in my head for so long. I don’t think it was a good thing we kept so many mysteries about each other. Now I’m expecting her to be a goddess and I know she’s not---

JK

Are you scared she’ll be fat

RM

I already know she's not skinny

JK 

And that was ok with you, Hyung? Beyond 99-kilos?

RM 

I didn’t know what I was saying then. 99 is ridiculous

V

Maybe you’ll love her no matter what she looks like

RM

You know how shallow I am. I know how shallow I am. She admitted to me that she is too. I’d be worried for myself if I didn’t for a fact know that she likes RKive’s thirst traps.

JK

SEXY NAMJOOOON

So she must love your thighs and your namtiddies, huh?

JHOPE,JIN, JIMIN

RM!!!

JIN

Lucky her. So you’re her bias

RM

I mean she could also be liking your photos but you’re not keeping track like I am

Still, it’s the only thing that comforts me. Hahaha I know she thinks I’m hot

JK

You did just win the hottest man alive. Rrrraaap Monstaaah

SUGA

Did you do that JK? As president of Namjoon’s fan club

JK 

I did not! It was all ARMY.

RM

It’s a disputed win. I got a spike of haters for that. Fucking Asian hate. Didn’t check Rkive’s DMs for a month.

SUGA

Do you really have no clue what she looks like?

RM

The only clue I have is that she usually references herself in her art. But you know, she does take creative license with every piece. She’s never actually made a hyperrealist painting of herself. All her pieces look different actually--you can’t really know which one she actually looks like.

SUGA

(Suga turns her laptop to show her art, a naked painting of her .)

So she looks like this?

Jin whistles

RM

Probably

JIN

Oh, she’s chubby. That’s hot.

JIMIN

Does that bother you, Hyung?

RM

I don’t know. She barely exercises, too. She has to work a day job and make art. 

I mean, of course, she’s not going to look Korean, or subscribe to the skinny standards of Korean beauty. And honestly, I’m so knee-deep in being Korean, because I am Korean, that I don’t know. You guys know my type.

JIN

Just forget about her RM. You said she was a really good cook--she’s probably fatter than you’d like. It’s ok. She won’t be too sad. I’ll date her.

RM 

Fuck you, Hyung. I’m sorry Hyung. 

JIN

(laughing)

Cussing at your elders. Tsk tsk. 

SUGA

I think you’ll be surprised, at her and yourself. This isn’t like every experience you’ve had. No matter what she looks like, you can’t discount how much you’ve already fallen for her beyond her looks. I think you’ll love her even if she looked like hmm… a potato.

JHOPE

A potato hahahah

JIMIN

I don’t think she can possibly look like a potato.

JIN

I’m allergic to potatoes but not if she’s one

SUGA

It’s a metaphor

RM

It’s useless to worry. But I can’t help but worry.

JHOPE

Then what are you so afraid of? Do you really think you can possibly not like her?

RM

I like to think that’s impossible, but when I run down what I know about her, she sounds too good to be true and that’s a red flag. I’ve over-idealized her. Put her on a pedestal. No one can match up to my imagination. I’m setting myself up for disappointment. 

It’s like when we get a bonus and don’t know yet how much. That moment before we check our bank accounts--if you hold it, as long as you don’t know the exact amount, you could be the richest man alive. 

JIN

So you think that while you haven’t met her, she’s perfect. So inevitably, you can’t escape that you’ll be disappointed.

JK

Hyung, I think she’ll be a little different from what you’re imagining but… she’ll still be good. Really good. And you deserve good things. She might be even better.

RM

I really hope so, Jungkook 

V

Where will you put the painting you bought from her?

SUGA

I’ve always wanted to say, but her art doesn’t really seem like your style.

RM 

She is an exemption. I think her art will need its own room in the gallery. And at my house… I’ll show you.

BEDROOM

Namjoon leads them to his bedroom. There’s a blank spot in front of his bed. The painting that used to be there is on the floor.

RM

It’s the only place where I think it fits. 

They look at the blank wall and imagine the piece he bought. 

Slowly, the boys stop staring at the blank wall and pass out somewhere--outside of the room, on his bed, on the floor. 

RM throws pillows and blankets on them. He makes space in the bed for himself.

JK hugs his waist. V hugs his foot. He chuckles. 

There’s an empty space beside him. He looks at the empty space.

He imagines she’s right there beside him--some imagined version of her artwork based on one of the paintings, beside him on the bed. 

GRAPHIC: a version of her art, hair flowy, on his bed. The facial features shift to the different versions seen in her paintings.

His imagination is disrupted by a knocking on the door. 

20. INT. LIVING ROOM. NIGHT

It’s his art manager.

RM

It's late

ART MANAGER

(sitting on RM's sofa)

I needed to sit you down for this

RM gets him a beer from the fridge and sits across from his art manager. A sleeping Suga is in between them on the couch.

ART MANAGER

You know you have a limited art budget right?

RM

Do I? 

ART MANAGER

I mean, we’re planning to open the gallery soon. That's going to cost. And I know you just spent on that one painting. You overpaid.

RM

Fine. So budget budget

ART MANAGER

It's not wise to overspend on new artists. And I looked at her pieces and they don’t really fit in your collection. She’s not very modern, and she’s not Korean and she’s not dead. She’s too young. Give her a year or two and she might mature. But there’s a bigger chance this is a one-off.

RM

You know this artist is my friend, right? You’re talking shit about my friend. And I am going to help her succeed.

ART MANAGER

The art world is different. It’s not like promoting Coca-Cola or gum or a theme park or even your album

RM

Army is everywhere—even in fine art

ART MANAGER

You know what I'm saying. Her aesthetic doesn't fit your collection.

RM

Some of it does. I won’t force the gallery to carry her things. I’ll keep some in my private collection. We’ll only have to display the ones that fit in the exhibit. 

ART MANAGER

Just be careful with your money. Don’t let her take addvantage of you. Emerging artists can be really desperate. 

RM

You’re walking on thin ice here.

ART MANAGER

Fine. I won’t say more.

RM

It’s getting late.

ART MANAGER

I’m going

He locks the door after his art manager. The conversation has put him in a bad mood. He starts cleaning up, gathering bottles. He looks at his flight status. His flight is going to be delayed. He’s frustrated. 

RM

Fuck!

SUGA

Namjoon? Your art manager got you in a mood? He’s an idiot. Don’t listen to him.

RM

My flight got delayed.

SUGA

Take a private jet.

RM

I can’t. She’ll kill me. She’s labelled artists with private jets as climate criminals. I can make it though, I’ll just be late. Fuck. I won’t make it to the start. 

21.1 INT. GALLERY GROUP SHOW. NIGHT

He checks in luggage at the gallery itself.

Before he goes to her art, he goes to some abstract pieces first for peace. He wants to look less frazzled at least. 

A girl approaches him. He looks at her quickly, checking her out as subtly as he can. Their eyes meet and he gives a small smile and quickly looks away.

Y/N

Do you like this piece?

RM

(being polite)

I do. I think it’s peaceful and calming. Do you?

Y/N

I have to be honest. I hate it.

RM

Why’s that?

Y/N

You know what looks just as pretty? Paint palates. 

RM

But these have intention. It’s an expression of the artist’s aesthetic. A distillation.

Y/N

I think it’s bullshit. 

RM

I disagree. Abstract art is feeling-led. Spurred by art instinct. Instinct honed and filtered by training. It’s the purest kind of art, undisturbed by reality or rules. 

Y/N

I think abstract art is as intentional as a predator preying on gazelles. Gazelles being pretentious rich people. 

RM

Are you calling me pretentious?

Y/N

It's not you. It's the whole system. Do you honestly think this is worth the fortune it costs? I can make this on a random Tuesday. 

RM

You know you don't have to shit on people if you don't like what they like. 

Y/N

Yes. And you’re free to like what you like but…

I personally think it’s criminal how much these things sell. One pretentious painting could feed a village! Or buy laptops for a school! Or support so many more starving artists. 

RM

And yet you’re here

Y/N

Well, I don’t have a choice. I need to eat

RM

Were you paid to be part of the crowd? 

Y/N

Hahaha. That's funny. I’m here because…

CELEBRITY

RM? Is that you?

RM 

Hyung!

Y/N scurries away and immediately texts her sister in a panic. She stands by a painting she actually likes, a more expressive and clear one.

Y/N

Omg. I just insulted RM. I called him pretentious. I just self-sabotaged in the worst possible way!

Y/N then texts Moonie94.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Hey where are you?

RM finishes his chat with his celebrity friend and sees her. He looks at his phone and quickly texts back. 

RM/MOONIE94

I’m in the area. Can you gimme a minute? Just need to finish something.

RM stalks over to Y/N, primed to fight.

RM

So is this the type of art you like? Something that shows skill. You know showing it off is pretentious, too. Art at its core seeks to express, innovate, to present big ideas, and showing off skill is just the Ego limiting art. Abstraction frees the artist and the audience from ego so that they can see beyond.

Y/N

Skill is not the point. Skill supporting a clear concept is. And a willingness to use that skill rather than just lazily handing off conception and rendering to the responsibility of the audience. Warhol was a scam.

RM

But isn’t capturing and inspiring imagination the greater feat? Isn’t that art? To inspire with the barest elements? Instilling in the audience that attitude to look at not just paintings but the rest of the world through a new lens? To find beauty in the mundane?

Y/N

People can use their imagination anywhere and wonder at the mundane in their own time. That’s most of our lives. The gallery, the exhibit is sacred, special, an oasis, a haven, a theatre--it’s not supposed to be mundane. It’s meant to be spectacular, provocative--and not just for the sake of provocation. The gallery is a place to elevate, to escape. Don’t waste our time with lazy pieces.

RM

You’re calling artists lazy, but should audiences be lazy? Spoonfed? These abstract paintings are ripe, pregnant with meaning too if they just spend some time reading artist statements, studying books, and using their brain to connect the visual and the words. And it’s in that mulling that makes it richer. To draw catharsis beyond the limiting design of the artist. It’s in that space, like in poetry, in that complicated coil, that art finds a meaning higher than both audience and artist.

Y/N

If these artists wanted to rely on words to express the meaning of their art, and not on their skill to capture or represent or symbolize through color, shape, line, and form, then they should have just written a novel. Or! In your words, a poem. 

Can you see this whole block of text justifying the worth of this paint splatter? These lazy ass blocks of color, this paint schmear? Like a salesman bullshitting his way to 1.2 m US Dollars. This is Criminal; a scam. The height of the dehumanization and commodification of art.

RM

Be honest. Don’t you feel anything looking at this piece? If you feel even a smidge then this piece of art is still effective. It still works as a piece of art.

Y/N

I do. It’s confrontational. It aghasts me that this is what the art world deems valuable. You know that was the original intent of abstract art. As a rebellion. But now, people are selling this nonironically. BULLSHIT.

Abstraction in itself is a problem. It’s an attempt to be vague instead of crystalizing the truth. Art is supposed to make abstract truths tangible and not even more abstract!

Fucking lazy! If visual art is like poetry, then abstract art is worse than Lang Leav who at least has something to say.

RM gasps.

RM

What do you have against Lang Leav? Against pop art? Aren’t people the ultimate measure of art? You’re a holier-than-thou gatekeeper. 

Y/N

I’m gatekeeping rich folks from monopolizing fine art into a masturbatory snoozefest of abstract art. They should just skip the charade and ejaculate on the canvas. WHICH THEY HAVE DONE.

RM and Y/N stare at each other. Shaky breaths, faces red, heart pounding.

Y/N

(huffs)

I’ve already said too much.

She turns on her heel and walks away dramatically. 

She messages Moonie94 again.

Y/PSEUDONYM

WHERE ARE YOU?!

RM checks his phone. Remembering Y/Pseudonym. 

RM

(shouting as he sees his phone battery dead)

Fuck! Shit! 

He frantically tries to find a charger, asking around. He can’t find it in his bag. It must be buried in his luggage. He needs to breathe. He feels so hopeless. 

He sees her collection and it calms him. He’s drawn. He can’t help it. 

Momentously, he sees the piece he bought in person for the first time. It takes his breath away, the full Stendhal syndrome. He puts on the headphones that come with the piece, helping him immerse fully in the sound of water.

CUT TO:

Y/N sees him from afar, looking at her piece. She quietly spies. She sees his shoulders shaking. 

Y/N

(incredulous, ready to be angry again)

Fuck, is he laughing?

Angrily she stomps towards him then gasps at what she sees: RM is crying. 

She walks backward, clumsily bumps against someone, then hides behind a fake wall. 

She takes out the handkerchief in her pocket. She looks at him. She’s conflicted. Her hand is shaking. She takes a step forward, then backward. She can’t do it. 

RM is crying so sincerely. He ends his crying down to a sniffle, then to a sob. 

The sight makes her cry too. RM actually loves her art and he’s completing it with his tears. She feels seen, she feels successful, but she also feels terrible. 

He looks around and tries to hide how he wipes his nose inside his jacket.

This makes her giggle. He hears it and she hides.

RM moves on to her next piece. 

She spots an artist. 

Y/N

SUZY! Pssst!

SUZY

Yes?

Y/N

Can you give this to RM please? Say it’s from the artist. 

SUZY

Why don’t you do it yourself? This is the completion of your piece.

Y/N

I fought with him, Suzy. I ranted against his taste in art like a shitty person. But I just can’t help myself. I hate abstract art so much. Fuck. Please just spare me the embarassment. Just tell him I’m sick or something.

I don’t want to ruin the experience for him. For him to find out that it was this annoying girl who made this art he cried over. 

SUZY

Fine. I’ll take a picture. You’re missing out. He doesn’t know you’re the artist? 

Y/N

Fuck no. I didn’t tell him my name. And he never will.

She watches from afar as Suzy gives it to him. He looks taken aback, surprised.

RM

(quietly, utterly shocked as Suzy looks nothing like the paintings)

Are you Y/Pseudonym?

SUZY

Oh no, I’m not. I was just tasked to give this to the first person who cried over Y/Pseudonym’s art. 

RM

(sighs in relief)

Oh, where is she?

SUZY

She’s… sick. Really embarrassingly sick.

RM

Oh, really? That’s disappointing. 

The thought of not seeing her makes him sad, and he wipes his eyes with the hanky. RM looks at the hanky in horror. 

SUZY

I know it looks really pretty. But please, use the hanky. That’s part of the design. Before you spread your snot on your expensive suit.

RM chuckles.

Y/N, watching from afar, takes out her matching hanky, then crumples it in her fist, hiding it again.

Y/N

Fuck.

Suzy leaves him alone. Y/N watches as he goes to her next art piece.

In an attempt to be friends, Y/N approaches him. While she’s formulating her words of apology, RM beats her to say something.

RM

Please don’t ruin this for me

Y/N

I’m sorry for fighting you earlier. 

RM

You know, I can appreciate all kinds of art. And I know what you were saying--like with these. Art that seems to be clear rather than vague. Art that honestly gives everything to connect. You can see this artist’s sincerity. You can see, feel, and hear her do her best. She’s the antithesis of abstract art without being a realist. 

To be specific rather than be a blank canvas for people’s imaginations and projections.

But I don't think the beauty of this art cancels the value of other art styles. 

Y/N

You mean pretentious concepts and abstract art styles

RM squints at her and points to a corner. 

RM

Can you wait for me there? I just want to finish these pieces. Please just let me have this.

RM tries to focus but can’t. His eyes keep shifting to her.

Y/N waits. She’s bewildered why she’s waiting. She feels affronted, incredulous, like a child being put on time out. 

They’re both a mess, itching to interact and put each other in their place.

RM

You know you’re censoring them too. You're making art even more exclusivist.

Y/N

I'm not censoring them by expressing my opinion. I am not actually moving to abolish their creation. I am debunking the perceived value of Hotel art vagueness. Like white sheets designed to be cleaned easily, fit easily, and universally loved. You are comparing monogamous romantic love to the love meant for your neighbor. 

Hotel art is art but they’re not in the same league as actual good art.

Y/N AND RM

Ugh, you’re the worst

RM

There’s really no point in talking to you

Y/N

That’s something we can agree on. Can’t argue with a brick wall!

They part ways and he finds someone he’s looking for.

RM

Sir, I heard you were the curator?

CURATOR

Ah yes! I heard you cried at Y/Pseudonym’s and got her embroidered hanky. Do you want to meet the artist?

RM

Yes, please. But I thought she was sick?

CURATOR

Hmm… let me check

The Curator calls Y/N while looking around.

Y/N, who is hiding, is startled by the call. She rejects it. She’s checking her messages to Moonie94 and he hasn’t seen her messages yet. She’s startled when her phone rings while she’s crying at the back of the gallery. 

CURATOR

(text)

RM wants to meet you!

Y/N

(panicked wide-eyed)

I’ve already left the building. I’m sick!

Y/N runs away.

CUT TO:

22. INT/MOVING. TAXI. NIGHT

Y/N shuts herself in a hailed taxi. The curator calls again and this time she answers. 

CURATOR

Really! Oh dear, you poor girl. You’ve been waiting for this night to come!

Y/N

Fuck! I’m sorry. Tell him I’m sorry. Cough.

CURATOR 

Rest up.

Y/N calls her sister crying in the taxi.

Y/N

The worst thing has happened.

SIS

What? 

Y/N

I’m enemies with RM. I’m a terrible person. Fuck. All my dreams I self-sabotaged, smashed to smithereens. I mean I know RM is more of a symbol of the 1%, representing success, but even before that, he was my ultimate bias. I was inspired to keep going, to pursue my art because of him. Now I’m his sworn arch nemesis FUCK DON’t MEET YOUR HEROES.

Oh, and Moonie won’t even reply. 

21.2 INT. GALLERY GROUP SHOW. NIGHT

CURATOR

I’m sorry but you really did miss her. 

RM 

It’s fine. I just want to make sure I can buy the whole collection. 

CURATOR

Pardon?

RM

I’ve been a fan for a long time. 

CURATOR

One of the pieces though is already sold. And there has been a few offers with the others.

RM

Thank god. I’ll buy the rest. I’ll outbid any previous offers on the others. Oh, and can I borrow a phone charger?

The Curator and RM go into a room to sign some papers. His phone is finally being charged. 

23. INT. BACKROOM - GALLERY. NIGHT

CURATOR

I think you put a typo on your check

RM

Thats a tip for the artist. You won’t deduct from that right?

RM’s phone wakes up and he texts Y/Pseudonym.

RM/MOONIE94

Did you really just get sick?

CURATOR

Ah best you write a separate check for the tip so it can go straight to the artist. 

RM looks extremely sad and frustrated. It seems like an overreaction.

CURATOR

I am sorry about the hassle.

RM

Ah, no I’m not upset about that. It’s no big deal. I just really wanted to meet the artist. And I spent my time arguing with some stranger instead. I’m so stupid.

CURATOR

I’m sure she’ll meet you one day. She’s super friendly too. Do you want us to ship the art to you right away?

RM

No, let it finish the exhibit. Actually, if the artist has other shows, just let her hold them until those are finished, too. 

Y/PSEUDONYM

I’m sorry I got sick.

RM/MOONIE94

Rest up :(

Y/PSEUDONYM

We can meet tomorrow

RM/MOONIE94

Best you rest

Y/PSEUDONYM

Day after tomorrow then? I’ll be at the gallery again, 7pm. 

RM smiles

RM/MOONIE94

It’s a date.

24. INT. A DIFFERENT MODERN ART GALLERY. DAY

This exhibit is even more modern, more minimalist, and more abstract. Y/N is walking by, phone in hand. 

Y/N

Good news or bad news?

SIS

Good news first because I know you’ll want to rant

Y/N

All my pieces are sold. I’m rich

SIS

Bad news

Y/N

All by one person meaning I didn't really generate much interest

SIS

That's not very bad news

Y/N

Oh, it gets worse RM bought my art. He might have done it to spite me

SIS

Has he finalized the sale

Y/N

I think so, but my curator hasn’t given me the check yet. More bad news coming.

You know RM posted about the gallery last night. He didn’t include one photo of my work

SIS

What? 

Y/N

Probably because my schtick was too much of an aberration from his aesthetic. Or maybe he changed his mind and actually found out who the artist was

I have worse news. Since I ran away pretending to be sick, I didn't meet Moonie.

SIS

You sure he was there?

Y/N

He sent me a photo of my paintings. We were so close and yet so far.

SIS

Are you sure he’s not a scammer

Y/N

A scammer who gave me money haha. We’ll try to meet tomorrow. Can’t meet him today, since I pretended I was sick. I’m the scam.

Remember when I didn’t reply to him for a month because of his skeevy account. 2 digit followers. No posts. Private account. All the signs of a fake account. He said he was just a really private person.

SIS

Something a serial polygamist would say.

She takes a selfie with a piece and sends it to her sister. She squints her eyes at the piece but she grimaces out of sheer hate.

Y/N

I’m trying to give abstract art a chance

I’m not saying it’s ugly, but 200000 USD???

I’m trying!

Absorbed by her phone while walking, she physically bumps into RM who was focused on a piece.

RM

It’s you!? Oh god, you don’t know what you cost me last night. Why do you even bother with going to modern art galleries when you hate it so much? Are you a masochist?

Y/N

FYI, I’m trying to give abstract art a chance but I can’t help it that this experience is proving me right. You probably buy NFTs.

RM 

What's wrong with NFTs?

Y/N

It’s everything that’s wrong with the art world! It literally makes art into money. MONEY! Some NFT buyers wouldn’t bat an eye if the physical paintings were burned! And that’s going to be sustaining art now, a bunch of tech bros buying NFTs.

RM

For your info, I buy NFTs to support artists

She laughs.

RM

Don’t judge the art until you have the brush in your hand

She laughs.

Y/N

Your thought process is interesting—but entirely you're wrong. 

RM 

This is exactly what’s wrong with you. You’re so dogmatic. You fixate on right and wrong. You’re bent on overlaying a pseudo-moralistic perspective on modern art which exists to destroy the limits of didactic moralism. Why are we still even talking?

They turn in opposite directions.

A few minutes later, she goes out of the bathroom and bumps into him. They touch each other’s chests accidentally. 

They mirror each other's horror.

Y/N

Let’s pretend that never happened

They part again. 

A few minutes later, at a corner, they bump into each other again. They almost destroy a sculpture.

Y/N

Oh my god. You seriously almost ruined my life.

RM

WHAT? 

Y/N

That fucking ugly piece of shit costs more than my fucking life. That would have thrown me in jail!

RM

You’re questioning the price of this piece? You don’t know everything that it took to get to this piece! You’re limiting the value of art.

Y/N

BAD ART should have limits.

RM

Who’s to call this bad art?

Y/N

ME

RM

Then don’t buy it! And you are assigning purely monetary value to the art. This art, for all you know, is as priceless and as unique as a fingerprint. 

Y/N

Ha! You’re just justifying that the pricing of art is purely economic--it’s based on the law of scarcity. It’s not about art. It’s about the commodifying power of the hegemony

She points at the piece they almost smashed.

Y/N

You seriously think this is worth a million bucks?

RM

(conflicted)

Uhm.. I… I-It’s great!

Y/N

God it’s just like that glass stool you bought for 1.2 M USD! 

RM

It was high art! 

Y/N

Says who?!

RM

The gallerist! The Art world! Several books I read.

Y/N

You were scammed! My shoe is in this gallery! Is it high art? I bought it at a fucking sale for 20 dollars but it’s prettier than that fucking shit!

RM

Well you’re not a curator! What are you even? Just a tiny troll spreading hate at random art galleries?

Y/N

I won’t be distracted by your insult away from your flawed logic. So you think THE CURATOR DETERMINES WHAT’S EXPENSIVE? So for you, the value of art is dependent on the status of the people who like it and not on the art itself!

RM

But isn’t all art valued because of the audience anyway? Art’s universality is exactly what makes it great—the way it transcends borders to reach audiences.

Y/N

To measure value by audience size is to minimize the value of art to logistics and a stroke of luck! What if a great artist simply got unlucky and all their works were buried in a catastrophic landslide? Would that diminish their value in the absence of an audience?

RM

You’re taking my words out of context! You’re twisting my words intentionally. Of course, that art would still be valuable. He was just really unlucky!

Y/N

Then this whole world is just a luck game that’s been rigged by the big wigs. The value should not depend on the status of the audience! Great art serves as a voice for the voiceless. If it only broadcasts the voice of the rich, the 1%, then it’s just another vehicle for hegemony and capitalist authority, and a way to keep money away from the poor.

RM

Are we arguing about socialism now? If you’re so against the capitalism of art then why are you in this art gallery?

Y/N

That is ad hominem! We are arguing about art

RM

You’re a hypocritical capitalist arguing for marxism

Y/N

I am done with this argument as it is no longer focused on the actual conversation. Albeit I can refute your accusations, I will not dignify them with an answer

RM

(sarcastic)

Sure! Let’s pretend you can rebuff me. 

They stubbornly move the same direction.

Y/N

Are you following me?

RM

I can’t help it! I’ve seen the art that way, I need to go this way

They’re approached by an art attendant and guard.

ART ATTENDANT

Hi sir, and ma’am. We have to ask you to leave. You’ve been making quite the ruckus and have endangered some art pieces.

CUT TO:

25. EXT.OUTSIDE THE GALLERY. DAY 

The door is closed behind them and they both look embarrassed. They both see an ice cream vendor and walk there. When they realize they’re headed the same way, they start speedwalking. 

RM is there first but she screams her order at the vendor at the same time he does. It’s the same order.

When she gets there, she sees there’s only one left of their order and the vendor looks conflicted.

RM

You can have it

Y/N

No, you have it

RM

You have it

Y/N

You have it

RM

Fine. Let’s both not have it

They both order different flavors.

They sit at the opposite sides of the fountain nearby. They both don’t like the flavors they get.

She goes to the trashcan which is in his line of sight. She throws away the unfinished ice cream.

RM

Even the ice cream isn't to your standard, huh?

Y/N

Seriously?

RM

Wait, before you say anything.

He huffs and stands up. He throws his ice cream away too.

RM

Want to share that last cup of ice cream we actually wanted? 

Y/N

Are you sure?

RM

I’ll buy it. Let’s stop being kids.

They sit together with two spoons, RM holding the cup for them. Y/N has to hold his hand to scoop.

Y/N

Look, I’m sorry.

RM

I’m sorry too.

Y/N

We just bring out each other’s worst.

RM

We don’t have to like or agree with each other to be decent humans.

Y/N

I agree. 

RM

We do agree on this ice cream, too.

They chuckle and eat in silence.

Y/N

It was pretty good.

Her phone rings. She answers and her face changes into a look of pure joy. 

Y/N

A Solo Exhibit? Oh my god, yes. A residency? Yes. Yes. Yes! 

Y/N jumps, dances and laughs. Her joy is infectious that RM can’t help but beam back a grin. Seeing his dimpled smile, she forgets they’re enemies, remembers instead that he cried, and hugs RM. RM squeezes her back, even lifting her off of her feet a little.

Y/N pushes him away, remembering everything.

Y/N

Uhm I’m sorry about that. And that.

There’s ice cream on his shirt from the spoon in her hand

RM

Well, I’m sorry too.

He was also holding a spoon and her shirt’s also messed up.

They laugh together.

RM

Congratulations. I didn’t know you were an artist.

Y/N

That's why I was at the gallery haha.

RM

Look, let's not be enemies

Y/N

It's a silly thing to have World War 3 because of that

RM

You know the art world had a hand in World War 2

Y/N

I know—Hitler didn’t pass for art school.

RM

He made it a decision to destroy degenerate art—pop art.

Y/N

So technically this is a valid reason for another world war, and you’ve compared me to Hitler.

They laugh. 

RM

Let’s not fight. I think we should go on our separate ways now before we ruin the peace.

Y/N

Before World War 3.

They laugh and shake hands before parting ways.

26. INT. GALLERY GROUP SHOW. NIGHT

Y/N and RM are at the group show once again to meet their unknown penpals. They see each other from across the room and part of them forgets that they’ve made peace. It’s too late to avoid each other’s eye contact. He stalks over to her and she holds her ground.

RM

I see you cant help participate in shows you hate.

Y/N

I thought we had a ceasefire?

RM

I thought we were friends now? We can banter.

Y/N

I don’t think we can. Excuse me.

She walks away. They both make the rounds at the exhibit but they they bump into each other again.

Y/N

I’m sorry. I’m usually very polite. I’m not so easily riled up but but you did start the personal attack.

RM

It was banter! A joke!

Y/N

A joke too soon?

RM 

You did come after my love for art.

Y/N

It wasn’t entirely personal. 

RM

You basically attacked my taste in art, and every purchase and investment I’ve made.

Y/N

There you have it. Investment. Art is a commodity to you!

RM

Investment in that when I buy them, I see them as adding value to myself. Not for resale. But would resale be so bad? It would help the artists. 

Y/N

Do we need to keep talking to each other? Are you so desperate for approval? I’m not negging you. I'm telling you I don't like you. I was a fan. And I still am—of BTS. And you must be a lovely human. But all humans are arguably lovely. But tragically we are simply incompatible even as acquaintances.

RM

Fine, you’re right.

RM is now the one to first walk away. 

RM 

(speaking to himself)

I don’t even know her name but I hate her so much. God, I was sidetracked.

Rm finds the curator again who was nearby.

RM

Is the artist in today?

CURATOR

You were just talking to her?

RM

Pardon?

CURATOR

Pretty girl this height in a shiny holographic outfit. Really loud outfit… Didn’t you know? That's Y/Pseudonym.

RM’s mouth is agape.

RM

Excuse me.

He messages Y/Pseudonym on IG:

RM/MOONIE94

Hey what are you wearing right now?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Is this a sext? 

RM/MOONIE94

We’re supposed to meet today right

Y/PSEUDONYM

I’m not really in a state to sext.

RM/MOONIE94

So what are you wearing so I can find you already

He watches her reply on her phone. She looks happy and excited. His heart hammers wildly and he can’t move.

Y/PSEUDONYM

I'm in a holo sequined romper and black thigh-high suede boots. I’m unmissable. 

RM

SHIT.

He takes a step then hesitates. He backtracks. He goes around in circles.

Y/PSEUDONYM

What are you wearing? I can find you instead.

RM covers his face. He walks out of the gallery for a breath.

He calls the BTS chat group. When Jin, Suga, and Jhope are on, he starts his story in Korean to minimize people understanding of him.

RM

Remember that girl I talked to you about last night who sabotaged my meet-up?

V

Do you have a pic, Hyung?

RM

No! 

SUGA

I thought maybe you hooked up by now.

RM

WHAT!? NO!

Jimin comes on. 

JIMIN

What are you guys talking about?

SUGA

Namjoon is super hot for the girl he met yesterday.

RM

That’s not it Hyung! Well…

V

So what is it? Your vibe is confusing

RM

Do you really know what I’m talking about? The girl who hates me and I… I well sorta hate

SUGA

Sorta? Realized finally it was all sexual tension.

RM

Anyway, that girl, she’s Y/Pseudonym.

JIMIN

Wooooaah

JIN

That makes sense

V

What?

JHOPE

You couldn’t have known, hyung.

SUGA

I believe Jin

JK comes on

JK

Rrrraaap Monstaaah why did you call? Hello Hyungs

RM

Quick recap, girl I’ve been fighting with I just found out is Y/Pseudonym.

JK

Ah so it really was sexual tension

RM

No! My issue is that I’m… I don’t know how I feel. We were at each other’s throats. We have been. In fact, before I found out, we both decided to just stop interacting. And now… What am I supposed to do?

JK

Make up sex!

JIMIN

I’m with JK on this one

SUGA

Surprisingly, I'm with him too

RM

That’s preposterous. And she hates me!

JIMIN

Hmm... that is a problem. How hateful were you?

RM

Equally to tell you the truth. We were equally mean. 

JK

Ah you found your equal Hyung

RM

In the worst way. 

JIMIN

Ah this is so cute

JK

You’re like the god and goddess of destruction who’ve romanced each other violently

RM

That’s not what happened. Aren’t you guys going to help me?

SUGA

RM, calm down. Try talking to her. Try befriending her. Tell her. You know, like an adult. Hmm if you can’t get a hold of your emotions, if you can’t be calm, run away. Then back to the drawing board.

RM

THIS IS THE DRAWING BOARD, HYUNG!

JIN

But, there’s a chance a misstep right now will make them permanent enemies. So I’m actually advising you to be more cautious.

JHOPE

Ah, Namjoon. I think you need to strategize. You don’t really have time to overhaul this since you need to fly back soon. Our world tour is about to start. I don’t even know how you got clearance to travel now of all times. You need to start practicing choreo.

RM

Thank you Jin Hyung and Hobi Hyung.

V

Hey, how about me?

RM

Thank you JIN Hyung and HOBI Hyung.

RM puts the phone down, breathes, and comes back to the gallery. 

27. INT. GALLERY. NIGHT

RM returns to her. 

RM

Uhm, hey

Y/N

(tired)

Yes? Are we fighting again? Because I really can't, I’m waiting for someone. I know you think you're the best idea since sliced bread but the guy I’m meeting he’s nothing like you.

RM

There’s a lot you don't know about me. You’d be surprised if you scratch beyond the surface.

Y/N

And have you bothered to scratch beyond my surface? You don’t even know my name. 

And honestly, I’m not a fan of wasting time when I already know what I’d find…

Instead of a brain, a paycheck,

Instead of a heart, a taped banana. 

RM

You have a knack, don’t you? For the perfect blend of poetry and meanness. I’m sorry Jhan for wasting your time.

RM looks visibly hurt as he walks away. Y/N, too looks stricken, realizing that RM knows she’s the artist now, and also, that she’d been the worst version of herself.

Chapter Text

27. INT. LIVING ROOM - RM’S HOUSE. NIGHT

Sitting against the sofa, long legs stretched underneath his coffee table, RM is hugging a box of tissues and clutching the hanky in his hands. There are bottles of makgeolli in front of him.

Around him are the rest of BTS with their drinks as well. Jhope’s barely awake. JK is taking care of the playlist.

JIN

So, what did she look like?

RM

You would have loved her, Hyung. Don’t steal her from me. But she’s not mine, to begin with

RM weeps again.

JIMIN

Do you have a picture?

RM

Of course, I don’t! Should I have just snapped a selfie while we were yelling at each other about art?

She was beautiful. Not what I typically go for. But you know what, I don’t know shit. I think I know shit, but I don’t. I look at her and that’s so clear. I didn’t know I could find someone so beautiful and so fucking smart.

SUGA

I told you you'd love her no matter what she looked like.

JIMIN

Even if she looked like a potato!

RM

But she wasn’t a potato. I wish she was. So I could just move on instead of being convinced I just ruined my chances and ruined my life.

More than her features, which were really, really pretty, it was her expressions, her reactions, her face constantly shifting, transparent, honest to whatever she felt or thought that split second.

She was spitfire but when she hugged me, it was warm, tight, soft, and tender. Firm but gentle. She melted and molded against me like butter. She’s like a paradox.

JIMIN

You got to hug her, Hyung?

RM

She found out some good news that made her so happy she momentarily forgot she hated me. At that time, I was still focused on Y/Pseudonym--my pen pal, who I didn’t know at that time was her. So I wasn’t really looking, looking at girls--but god. The way she lit up. It’s seared in my brain, her smile, her laughter. I was trying not to pay attention, but I have a pretty crisp image of her in my head. Turns out, I’d been subconsciously memorizing her face while we were arguing. I remember each time she walked away, her silhouette, her ass. Is it because I’m a man? Or that she just boiled my blood each time and that confused me.

Which makes this all the more painful. I have an image in my mind of how she hates me. I know what she looked like when she felt all those hateful feelings. I know the exact shade of her skin, the slight tinge of a blush, the height of her nose, the fullness of her cheeks, the fullness of her lips, and the shape of her eyes as they sparkled and flamed in disdain. When she hugged me, I even got to feel the texture and smell the scent of her hair. Fuck, I felt her boobs against me. Turns out I had been keeping tabs. I tried not to notice, especially as I tried to concentrate on our debates, on logic, and trying to understand the big words she casually threw around. You guys were right. It was sexual tension, huh?

SUGA

Ah, RM, our genius who’s so clueless with everything else

JIN

It was a tricky situation

RM

You know, I kept thinking, in the throes of our many arguments, how brilliant, how beautiful, how wild. My breath was always held, hostage, I thought, out of anger. I kept pushing those thoughts away, but I was whipped from the start. She held my heart in that little palm of hers.

Jimin, JK, and V hug RM, taking up different parts of him. 

V

I’m happy you’re in love Hyung. I know you’ve always wanted to be in love.

RM

I’m in love and heartbroken at the same time. I don’t think this is a good thing, V.

SUGA

At least you’ll have a lot to write about now.

JIN

Should BTS release an album of heartbreak songs or unrequited love?

JIMIN

I wish I was there. I love seeing you argue, Hyung. 

JK

I’m sure she thought you were sexy arguing with her. You’re sexiest when you’re using your big brain.

JIMIN

Hyung, I have a feeling this isn’t over yet.

RM

You should have seen how final our last fight felt.

JHOPE

(drunk, smiling, slurs)

RM Hyung met his match

JIMIN

It makes sense you fall in love with someone like her and not just a pretty girl, Hyung.

RM

How can she be so smart AND pretty? She was so cocky about it too. She was so confident. I loved it. I could just go all out and she could take it, and she dished back. I really loved it. Haha. I can admit that now. We were on fire. I felt so alive.  I was so free.

Fuck. Of course, only she could do that to me. Who else would argue with me that passionately? That freely? That bravely? That brilliantly? I should have known from the start, given the venue, given her perspective, that she was an artist, that it was her all along.

SUGA

It does sound like a puzzle you would have solved if you weren’t so distracted.

RM

I’m an idiot. I love her more now. Fuck. I’m hopeless. She hates me.

JIN

Has she dumped your online persona?

RM

I don’t know. She’s messaged Moonie and I don’t want to see it. What am I supposed to say?

Jimin takes RM’s phone and flashes it on his face to unlock it.

JIMIN

(reading from RM’s phone)

Where were you? I don’t get it. Did you get in an accident?

I hope you didn’t. But if you didn’t, I really hope you have a good explanation.

Jimin types.

RM

Tell her I’m sorry.

JIMIN

Oh let's say you saw her with that celebrity and felt insecure.

Jimin presses enter.

JIMIN

Oh she’s online right now. 

(reading from RM’s phone)

I know that's not true

She knows it’s not true, Hyung. Why is she so smart?

RM takes the phone.RM types and Jimin reads it aloud for everyone.

JIMIN

You'll see me differently if you saw me. I'm sorry--RM said. 

RM wipes his face then it dings with her reply.

JIMIN

(reading from RM’s phone)

You know I couldn't have done this without you. I really wanted you there.

Jimin, Taehyung, watch Y/Pseudonym texting.

JK

You really broke her heart, Hyung.

SUGA

Give RM some privacy, Jimin

JIMIN

Don’t you want to know what happens, Hyung?

SUGA

He can tell us later.

JIN

Aren’t we stopping him from drunk texting?

SUGA

Why would we stop him from maybe accidentally telling the truth, hyung?

Jin nods.

RM gets serious as he types.

RM/MOONIE94

I know, that's why I was afraid. I didn't want to ruin it

Y/PSEUDONYM

If you were going to reject me, at least, just rip it off like a bandaid

RM/MOONIE94

I’m not. I'm sorry

Y/PSEUDONYM

You've made me feel incredibly lonely. Did you run away when you saw my face? Think I was too fat?

RM/MOONIE94

You’re not ugly. You’re gorgeous. You’re prettier than every painting you’ve made combined.

Y/PSEUDONYM

I’ve painted myself a lot, and some are way too flattering. Now I know you’re lying.

RM/MOONIE94

I’m not. None of your works do you justice. Maybe you’re not such a great artist haha

Y/PSEUDONYM

Haha.

You’ve hurt me Moonie.

RM/MOONIE94

Can I make it up to you?

Y/PSEUDONYM

I don’t think you can. I just wanted to see you. Hug you. Maybe kiss you. Maybe more. But now we’re both lonely because you never talked to me. If you haven’t actually sent me money, I'd think you were scamming me.

RM/MOONIE94

Did you plan on kissing me?

Y/PSEUDONYM

It was a possibility

RM/MOONIE94

I missed out

Y/PSEUDONYM

We missed out and I hate playing the blame game, but it’s hard to miss whose fault it is! You could have saved me from the worst interactions I’ve ever had in my life

RM/MOONIE94

What happened?

Y/PSEUDONYM

I thought iId grown out of that part of me. But I met someone who brought out the worst in me. The argumentative girl who always thinks she’s right and will fight people for inane things. spoiling for a fight. And it felt good--to be that mean. But I was mean. I hated it. I hated that I loved it.

RM/MOONIE94

I'm sure it was provoked

Y/PSEUDONYM

maybe I should just accept we’ll just write to each other forever. Like old-style penpals with life-long correspondences.

28. INT. ART RESIDENCY - GALLERY. DAY

Suzy, Y/N, and the New Curator are hanging out at the reception of the gallery. 

SUZY

Congrats on the sold-out show.

Y/N

Thank you.

Yours picked up a lot of steam. You deserve it.

SUZY

Here’s to hoping my shit sells out eventually.

CURATOR

You really got lucky with RM buying all your work.

Y/N

Did I?

CURATOR

He outbid even the half-stickered art pieces.

Y/N

Now he can lock up my work in obscurity.

CURATOR

I’m sure that’s not his plan. He said we could keep showing the pieces for your show.

Y/N

He seems pretty bent on not giving me buzz. You guys saw his post, right? Included a piece from every artist except me.

CURATOR

Well, how about that other buyer?

Y/N

Can I give you his contact? So you can arrange to ship to him as well. You can deduct it from my fees.

CURATOR

Sure, sure. Why do you think RM has something against you? He bought all your art and gave you a tip.

Y/N

Probably to shove it in my face that I’m a hypocritical capitalist arguing for Marxism. RM and I got into quite a tiff. We fought incessantly for three days.

CURATOR

3 days? What did you fight about? The man is such a peaceful, agreeable, polite man. But I do remember you two having passionate discussions before he left.

Y/N

We were arguing about abstract art. You know I personally don’t like it. You have some in your permanent collection. And well, I just hate it. A million reasons you won’t need to hear. But the debates got really heated. There was name-calling from both sides. Not my proudest moment. But anyway, we ended on a very severe note.

I guess I was also in a sour mood given the love of my life kept on ghosting me.

SUZY

Oh, about that, did he get into an accident?

Y/N

He’s fine. He’s alive. He is. Confirmed he’s alive so I can't help but assume he just took one look at me and jet. He says otherwise but he could be lying.

CURATOR

Or maybe he really is ugly. Plus, you were constantly with RM. Might have made him feel more insecure. You and RM--if I didn’t know, you looked good together. I thought you were just hitting it off.

Y/N

My whole life is karma. I have a list of guys I rejected because they weren’t my type. Who gave me the right?

SUZY

Could you still love him if he wasn’t your type?

Y/N

You know RM is--was my bias in BTS. But at first, I was drawn more to Jin, Jimin, or V whose faces were more classic and delicate. But then I just fell in love with RM--the masculine persona, the brain, the muscles. I’d been in love with Moonie’s soul for so long, I’d think that would have completely colored how I saw him, no matter what he looked like.

SUZY

Even if he was balding?

Y/N

Except that

They laugh and stop talking, getting on their phones. The Curator sees something interesting.

CURATOR

Is this you, Y/N? The hair looks like yours and you did say you were together for three days.

Y/N looks at the Curator’s phone showing a viral video of Y/N and RM sharing ice cream, then hugging in front of the fountain and laughing at their ice cream-stained shirts.

Y/N

Oh shit. That is us. But please don’t tell anyone.

SUZY

Are you dating RM? That was 3 days. Did you tell him after all? That you were the artist?

Y/N

We really hate each other

SUZY

Then why are you locked in a passionate embrace

Y/N

It was a brief cease-fire. I just found out I got a residency and he was there. And I don’t know, it just happened

CURATOR

Oh my god, look at the comments

SUZY

They really hate you

Y/N

That happens. I’m not surprised.

CURATOR

Ooh, these are bad. But not to worry, they don’t know you.

SUZY

As long as they don’t figure out who you are, I guess you should be safe.

CURATOR

I really find it hard to believe you hate each other. That’s not how enemies hug

Y/N

I mean if you look at his aesthetic on his page, it would be clear to you how our taste is wildly different. That’s what we primarily fought about.

SUZY

But he loves your art. He even bought all of it. That says something.

Y/N

He bought it probably to spite me. Show me that art is a rich man’s game I can’t win.

Actually, Suzy, you’re right. Really, I was just an idiot. It doesn’t really matter that he has horrible taste in art with his penchant for minimalist and abstract--the thing is, I was just scared to find out he didn’t like my art so I repelled him before he could reject me.

It mattered so much to me because RM is actually my bias. I think the world of him and deep in my heart, I was so sure he wouldn’t like me.

It’s too late now though. We’ve seen each other’s worst. We’ve hurt each other. We reached a point of no return. We’ve resigned to hate each other.

We couldn’t stand each other to the end.

CURATOR

At least he could stand your art.

29. INT. RKIVE. DAY

RM is scanning on his phone when the news reaches him headlined: RM’s secret lover exposed. On the cover photo is that hug by the fountain.

He opens the article.

The news article contains her name and her photo from the exhibit. Highlighted in the story are: Y/N hates RM’s taste in art… finds him pretentious. Enemies… used to be biased toward RM.

RM scrolls down and sees the hate comments.

V.O. & GRAPHIC:

How dare she?!

Boycott her art!

She has nothing better to do. She should just kill herself.

Her art isn’t even that good.

She doesn’t get abstract and minimalist art because she’s ignorant.

OMG, she’s so fat and ugly.

Our dear leader RM is so kind. He should have slapped her.

She’s just jealous of abstract artists.

Looking to get some of that RM clout, huh?

She probably sold this interview to cash in on his name.

She should be deported.

It’s not RM’s fault you’re a stupid ugly bitch

He’s still scrolling when his phone rings.

ART MANAGER

How much did you spend on Y/Pseudonym?

RM

It’s not your business.

ART MANAGER

You’ve seen the stories, haven’t you?

RM

I paid the price tag. The tip I give her will be deducted from my personal account and not the gallery’s budget.

ART MANAGER

You just threw away your money like that?

RM

They're investments 

ART MANAGER

They're investments in a hater. How can you expect Army to attend her exhibit at your gallery now? They’re going to think you betrayed them if you forgive her. You need to return her paintings.

RM

I don’t need to do shit. I buy art I love. That’s always been the core of my collection. Sure, most of it is Korean, minimalist, abstract--but those are just details. What’s important to me is I love them. And I love this artist. You can just shove your advice down someone else’s throat.

RM puts the phone down. It rings again.

BANG PD

RM, again? Why do you keep getting these nasty rumors? And a hug picture? You should know better than that.

RM

I’m sorry Bang PD-nim. I was careless. I was abroad. Can you help me protect her?

BANG PD

I was going to ask if you wanted us to sue her for defamation or libel.

RM

No. Please don’t.

BANG PD

Is she your girlfriend, then? Should we sue the news outlet?

RM

No, she’s not my girlfriend and she probably did say those things.

BANG PD

We can still sue.

RM

Maybe we can get the stories taken down? But also, I’ll write a letter for weverse--I’ll write it in two languages. I’ll come clean.

BANG PD

Who is she RM?

RM

Well, what I’ll tell Army is that she’s an artist I truly admire, whose art I truly love. And I’ll tell them it doesn’t matter what she thinks of me. It doesn’t even matter if she’s my hater. I’ll still love her art. And the thing is, we said these things to each other’s faces--disagreed with each other’s perspectives. And that’s completely all right. It’s okay to disagree. And Army should be okay with that. They shouldn’t hunt her down. I just need to show them that they can be tolerant. Oh god, I hope they don’t ruin her life.

BANG PD

But who is she to you RM?

RM

PD-Nim, she’s… She doesn’t know how much I want her in my life. We ended on the worst terms. I completely ruined my chances with her and now, I might be ruining her life.

BANG PD

Hey, we’ll do our best. And RM, you’re a good boy. I’m sure it’s not too late. If your word doesn’t work, we can send the 6 boys to serenade her. Or just tell her point-blank how awesome you are. You know those 6 boys worship you. We can always do something. It’s not too late.

RM

Ah, PD-nim, I really hope so.

RM stands. He finishes the call and goes to his laptop. He starts typing:

Dear Army…

30. INT. SINGAPOREAN GALLERY - STAFF PANTRY. NIGHT.

We can see reflected in Y/N’s eyes the flood of hate messages. Her eyes water with tears. In the back, we see the Curator engaged in a call--their words indecipherable. They come into focus, standing beside Y/N.

CURATOR

They won’t sue and RM won’t cancel the sale at least. Oh, god, what a miracle. Would you know who leaked it?

Y/N

It doesn’t matter who and it doesn’t really matter.

Y/N deactivates her account.

A noise builds. There’s a protest at the exhibit. BTS and RM stans are screaming.

CURATOR

I think, for your safety and ours, you may need to vacate and end your contract.

A tear falls. Y/N nods.

Y/N

Will you handle Moonie’s as a favor?

CURATOR

Of course. Just sign some papers? All of your paintings are sold, so at least I can wire you the money ASAP.

Y/N signs them quickly, absentmindedly.

31.1 EXT. PARK. DAY

In a park, a weeping Y/N is lying on the grass, staring at the sky, her luggage surrounding her. She takes out her phone. 

CURATOR

Wired your payment! I’m so sorry for all of this. Good luck!

She checks her bank balance. We don’t see the amount but we see her expression of shock.

She texts her sister:

Y/N

I can’t come home right now, but I hope this money can be of help. I split the money just so I can run away. I don’t know when I can earn again.

She stands up, leaving her luggage, and looks at the manmade lake, at her reflection there. She looks like she’s about to jump in. She stops herself.

Y/N

Breathe.

She comes back to her luggage. She lies down exactly in the same place and naps.

32. EXT. DREAM - PARK. DAY

She’s in the same park, her luggage still there, but the colors are different. She stands up and all her art is littered around the park. Faceless people pass by and grow into a crowd. The crows grows increasingly aggressive and frenetic as they bump into her, pushing her to the edge of the lake.

RM is there, holding the statue she made.

RM tilts his head at the piece and laughs. He throws it into the lake.

She cries and is pushed into the lake. 

31. 2 EXT. PARK. DAY

Y/N is violently woken up by the rain. Her phone is still exploding with texts.

She runs to a gazebo, leaving her luggage behind. Her phone rings, it’s the New Curator. 

THE NEW CURATOR

Hi, Y/N. How about we move up your residency date? If you’re willing to tackle the theme: A Post Modern Rebellion Against Post Modern Art

Y/N

I’ll be there. Thank you.

The call ends. She wipes her face dry. She starts tapping a message to Rkive, RM’s official account.

Y/N (V.O.)

Hi RM!

I hope this reaches you.

I’m sorry for constantly showing you the worst side of me. Even the news caught on how horrible I’ve been to you.

In truth, I’m a big fan--I won’t say number 1--but I’m up there. I’ve studied your songs, your lyrics even studied some Korean. One of my paintings is actually based on your hands.

33. EXT/INT. MONTAGE - RM’S BEDROOM - RM’S LIVING ROOM - TAXI. DAY

QUICK CUTS:

RM’S HOUSE - BEDROOM

RM is curled up in bed, sad, looking through his phone. RM sees her message on RKIVE.

Y/N (V.O.)

You inspired me in a way no one else could. There was a time that I had picked the steady, normal life--but then I found BTS, I found you, and I fell for your art, and Kim Namjoon’s story.

He wipes his eyes.

Y/N (V.O.)

Our circumstances were wildly different, geographically, financially, and socially, but still, you felt like a kindred soul

RM goes online to buy a ticket back to Singapore.

Y/N (V.O.)

And you showed me to go after what I needed as an artist: an audience. You helped me brave that process.

RM packs a backpack and books a cab.

Y/N (V.O.)

I fantasized about you falling in love with my art.

When I met you, I was just scared that you wouldn’t like my art. I was afraid of your rejection so I rejected you first. I was nervous and my words ran away with me. And every rebuttal you made only confirmed my deepest fears--fed into the lie I believed. I found it so impossible that you’d like my art that I tried to escape the inevitable pain of your rejection.

RM is pacing. The car arrives on his app and he rushes out.

RM’S LIVING ROOM

Y/N (V.O.)

It was silly of me.

He returns. He changes his slippers into his shoes.

Y/N (V.O.)

When I saw you cry at my art, it was too late. I kept hitting new lows and couldn’t seem to stop sinking.

RM’s tears are falling as he ties his shoes.

Y/N (V.O.)

I’m sorry. What I should have said when I met you was:

RM leaves.

TAXI

RM looks out, looking sad. Y/Pseudonym’s IG is still deactivated.

Y/N (V.O.)

Thank you for your sincere, comforting, brilliant art. Thank you for inspiring me to continue on and grow as an artist. Thank you for being something to hold onto when I felt lost. Thank you for being the stars I shot for, that have helped me reach the moon. You, buying my art, I’ll always be grateful, a dream come true.

Thank you for being you.

34. INT. AIRPORT. NIGHT

RM is at the airport, with just a backpack, running to his flight to Singapore.

Y/N too, is at the airport, though, but about to fly out to her next residency somewhere in Europe.

35. INT. EUROPEAN GALLERY - SINGAPOREAN GALLERY. DAY/NIGHT

SPLIT SCREEN:

Y/N just arrived at the new gallery while RM is frantic at the Singapore Gallery.

Y/N arrives at the new gallery. She reactivates her IG. She sees Moonie’s text.

RM/MOONIE94 (V.O.)

Where are you? I checked the gallery and you left?

I’m sorry we never met. I’m sorry I kept running away. I wish I could hug you now. I’m sorry for everything that happened

The European Gallery folks arrive. The New Curator welcomes her.

RM is frantic at the Singaporean Gallery. He finds the Curator and gets the news she’s left. He’s shocked.

RM sees Y/Pseudonym’s reply:

Y/PSEUDONYM

It’s not your fault.

I left the gallery. They terminated my contract. Luckily my next residency wants to take me in ASAP. I can’t come home either-- they found my identity.

They did a better job than you haha

END OF SPLIT SCREEN

SINGAPOREAN GALLERY

RM gets a call

SUGA

Our world tour is starting tomorrow. Why are you in Singapore?

RM

I’ll fly back, Hyung.

EUROPEAN GALLERY

Her sister calls.

SIS

YOU NEED TO LOOK AT RM’S IG STORIES!

She goes to his account and sees the IG story.

RM (V.O)

Dear Army,

You may have seen the video of Y/N and me sharing an innocent hug by now and also the news about how we have very different tastes in art. These two news stories though gave you an incomplete picture. Out of love for you, I will set the story straight.

She finds that his Rkive IG story is also posted on WeVerse, BTS’ Youtube.

RM (V.O)

Y/N is an artist I admire. I even bought her full collection and intend to show it to you one day at my exhibit.

She walks down the halls of the new exhibit, tears welling in her eyes.

RM (V.O)

My love for her art is unaffected by our different preferences. You can even say I appreciate how different we are. Her perspective allowed me to reflect and grow.

She’s led to the shared studio. She looks around.

RM (V.O)

So please do not hunt her down. Please do not bash her. Please don’t call her names. She does not deserve your hate. Y/N is a good, loving person--you can see it in her spectacular but kind-hearted art. She just doesn’t like abstract and minimalist art and that’s ok.

She’s led to her new bedroom. She lays down her luggage there. She stares at the room.

RM (V.O)

Y/N is also not my girlfriend. I will tell you when I get into a relationship. I hope when that time comes, you will be supportive of me and also give my future girlfriend, and future wife, respect.

She starts to unpack her things.

RM (V.O)

Please be kind--not just to me, not just to BTS, but to everyone.

I will always wish you happiness. I will always wish the best for you. I hope you wish that for me, too.

She lies down on her new bed and looks at her phone again.

SPLIT SCREEN:

Y/N looking at the IG story

RM looking at her message.

They both look completely wrecked.

35. INT. EUROPEAN GALLERY - STUDIO. DAY

GRAPHIC: 1 MONTH LATER

Y/N is painting, eating and on a video call with her sister.

Y/N

I have to confess something to you

SIS

Have you finally had sex in Europe?

Y/N

Sadly no. You can take me out of the church but you can’t take the church out of me.

SIS

hahaha

Y/N

Hmmm well my confession is sorta

SIS

What

Y/N

You know Moonie, right?

SIS

Damn it, Y/N. Of course, I “know” him.

Y/N

Yeah, we’re still talking and you know hehe We’re sort of a thing but you know, I told him, it’s not really a thing coz we haven’t officially met

SIS

After he stood you up so many times

Y/N

I can’t help it. I’ve always been bent against martyrdom, but here I am. but he did put his money where his mouth is

SIS

Weak-ass motherfucker He bought your painting that one time. And that’s not a valid reason unless you’re a sex worker, which is fine, but are you a sex worker?

Y/N

I’m not. I shouldn’t ignore the red flag huh? you know He actually flew to Singapore the day that I flew out. we must have been at the airport at the same time but didn’t see each other

SIS

That's sweet but romantic relationships, not that I know shit, aren’t supposed to be a series of toxic behaviors and apologies. You know this.

Y/N

I do.

SIS

Don’t be stupid for a boy. That’s what we’ve been fighting for our whole lives

Y/N

It’s why I’ve been single my whole life

SIS

Well, you’ll be single for a longer time with him in your life. He’s keeping you from seeing the rest of the world and its possibilities. You don’t have to be so lonely in the hottest place in Europe. Instead of being open to the hot people around you there, you’re pining over an anonymous stranger with a track record of standing you up.

Y/N

I’m really stupid.

SIS

You know, you could have dated RM by now if you weren’t so hung up on Moonie94.

Y/N

You know he hates me. And I knew all this time he was a fan, even found out he was my single buyer, and still, I chose to pettily rag on him about his taste for Abstract art.

SIS

But he said all those nice things to you in his letter to Army.

Y/N

He had to. I mean, he’s going to hold my show in his gallery one of these days. And it’s part of his brand to be nice. He’s had the paintings you know. Has them hostage but hasn’t contacted me or my representation on where that’s going. Also, he’s not crazy enough to date me.

SIS

It would have sucked dating RM anyway. Imagine, a world star as your boyfriend. You’d be jealous of ARMY all the time.

Y/N

He wouldn’t have time for me. The World tour schedule must be wild as fuck. Imagine fitting little whims for affection with that crazy schedule.

SIS

Impossible. But if you do happen to meet him one day, again, and you aren’t at each other’s throats anymore, you would help me meet JK right?

Y/N

Sure, in some alternate reality where we don’t hate each other’s guts.

Oh, speak of the devil.

RM/MOONIE94 (V.O.)

Hey, I’m on my lunch break right now. Have you eaten? I missed you.

Y/N

We talked last night! Haha. I’m eating too

Y/N types “I miss you” too but deletes it.

Y/N

Hey, focus on eating. I don’t want you to pass out because you were too busy talking to me during lunchtime

RM/MOONIE94 (V.O.)

Yes, ma’am! Talk to you later tonight.

Here’s a song that reminded me of you.

SIS

(having watched her smile while texting him.)

You love him, don’t you?

Y/N

How could I not?

Y/N plays the song he just linked her to.

36. INT. BEDROOM - EUROPEAN GALLERY RESIDENCY - RM’S HOTEL ROOM SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD. DAY

Facing each other as if talking to one another in real life, but thousands of miles away.

SPLIT SCREEN:

Y/PSEUDONYM

Now that I’m successful, aren’t you going to ask for money?

RM/MOONIE94

No!

Y/PSEUDONYM

Are you sure? This scam is going horribly.

RM/MOONIE94

Hahahahahah

Y/PSEUDONYM

I mean, you had this vague profile photo and had like 20 followers. And your followers looked the same. You weren’t in any of your photos too. Your private account checked all the boxes.

RM/MOONIE94

What made you reply?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Well, you were commenting about my art. How could I not?

RM/MOONIE94

Your art is your Achilles’ heel, huh?

Y/PSEUDONYM

Exactly… and well isn’t that so unfair? You know my weakness but I don’t know yours

RM/MOONIE94

I thought by now it would be obvious

When we do meet--and it will happen--I’ll be completely under your thumb.

Y/PSEUDONYM

I hate that I trust you because you sent me money once.

RM/MOONIE94

I can send you money twice

Y/PSEUDONYM

That’s just wrong

RM/MOONIE94

You know I would run to you now if I could but I really can’t leave where I am right now. But, I did ask for special exemptions for the day of your exhibit. I used my veto power and everything.

Y/PSEUDONYM

Veto power? Are you the president of a country?

RM/MOONIE94

Haha, some sources say yes--but not really.

Y/PSEUDONYM

That sounds like President Namjoon.

RM/MOONIE94

HAHAHAHAHAHAH I love you

Y/PSEUDONYM

I can’t say that back. I won’t say it until I see you

RM/MOONIE94

Will, you still love me if I were ugly

Y/PSEUDONYM

I’d like to say yes, but I can be pretty shallow. It’s my number one character flaw.

RM/MOONIE94

Thank you for being honest haha

Y/PSEUDONYM

And who’s to say I love you now? I don’t even know you

RM/MOONIE94

You do, you do, you do, and soon enough you’ll know every inch of me

Y/PSEUDONYM

God, why are you so secretive? It’s fucking me up. Are you married?

RM/MOONIE94

Some sources say yes--but not really. Hahaha

Y/PSEUDONYM

Cruel

RM/MOONIE94

How?

Y/PSEUDONYM

I just… Part of me wants to tell you I’ll stop talking to you until I actually see you but I know if I do that, both of us would suffer

RM/MOONIE94

Hey, I’ll be there. I’ll put an old-fashioned carnation on my suit. You won’t be able to miss me.

37. INT. RESTAURANT. NIGHT

It’s late in the afternoon, and The New Curator and Y/N are at a restaurant, waiting for RM who agreed to meet them the day before the show.

THE NEW CURATOR

We’re lucky with the timing. They’re currently doing a world tour but he just happens to have a week free.

Y/N

Good for them. World tours can be pretty toxic.

Y/N keeps fidgeting, nervous.

Finally, RM walks in and their eyes connect. All the breath leaves them both. They’re overwhelmed with feelings. They remember their last messages to each other.

RM is looking at her, trying to memorize her face. This is the first time he let himself really look at her.

THE NEW CURATOR

Hi RM! How was your flight?

The New Curator jolts Y/N out of her trance. She steps from behind the table, standing in front of him, and immediately bows.

Y/N

I’m sorry.

RM bows back.

RM

No, I’m sorry.

They look up and make eye contact. They smile and laugh. It’s just like that day at the fountain.

RM

Water under the bridge?

Y/N

Of course but, you know right? This show’s title? It’s a little passive-aggressive as it talks about my feelings about abstract art.

RM

I think it’s great.

Y/N

Even if it sort of rides on the scandal for marketing. I was just desperate to fly away.

RM

I’m thankful something good came out of that. I’m glad you escaped.

Y/N

Thank you for doing damage control.

RM

Thank you for the letter.

They smile at each other widely. Y/N offers a handshake.

RM

May I hug you instead?

Y/N nods and RM hugs her tight. They both start sobbing.

RM

You keep making me cry

They laugh and reluctantly part. RM takes out his daisy-embroidered hanky. Y/N takes out her matching one.

RM

(sniff)

It’s a matching set!?

Y/N

Yeah, the design was how our feelings for the art connect the artist and audience permanently.

RM

Friends?

Y/N

How can you be friends with an idol? Do you have time for friends? Haha

RM

You’d be surprised. You know I did make time to be here. I mean, you’re not just any friend, you’re honestly my favorite artist. 

Y/N

Well, we’re friends then.

THE NEW CURATOR

Wow, you guys don’t need me here.

Y/N and RM look horrified as they look at the ignored curator. They both bow.

Y/N and RM

I’m sorry!

THE NEW CURATOR

(laughing)

How did you guys ever think you were on different sides? You’re practically twins!

The New Curator then signals for the waiter to come and bring the menus. RM rushes to pull a chair for Y/N. Y/N comes to the chair and RM pushes it in a bit hard, hitting her awkwardly.

Y/N

Ouch!

RM

Oh god

Y/N

(laughing)

It’s okay

RM sits across her and The New Curator sits on the chair beside Y/N.

MONTAGE

They’re offered the menu

The three of them engage in conversation with laughter and smiles

The New Curator is talking and RM and Y/N sneak glances at each other

The food arrives and Y/N puts food on RM’s plate. The New Curator follows suit, about to add shrimp to RM’s plate. Y/N stops them and RM looks at her gratefully.

Y/N shares a story boisterously, looking at the curator and RM. When she looks at RM, he winks at her and it distracts her

Y/N

What was I saying?

The three laugh. RM’s foot touches hers.

RM is then talking about something, makes wild hand gestures, and accidentally breaks a glass of water.

Y/N and RM laugh as people rush to them to help. Y/N and RM then get on the floor to help but they’re told to just sit down as they might wound themselves. They apologize profusely again.

END OF MONTAGE

It’s already dark. 

THE NEW CURATOR

Oh, look at the time. Big day tomorrow. You guys can stay. Y/N finished ingress early, too, so you can arrive just a few minutes early tomorrow at the launch.

Y/N

See you tomorrow.

RM

Take care.

Y/N and RM, now alone, look at each other.

RM

Do you want to transfer to that booth and get some light dinner and coffee?

Y/N

How about fries and we can share bingsu?

RM

Better

They move to the corner booth and call for a waiter. They order a fries and a big bingsu to share.

Y/N

Uhmm… I think you should know, that when we first met, I was actually supposed to meet my boyfriend then. So I was just extra anxious.

RM

Do you have a boyfriend?

Y/N

Sort of. We’re serious but it’s complicated. We haven’t met.

RM

I thought you met him that day?

Y/N

Logistics I guess. We kept missing each other.

RM

Why haven’t you met him since?

Y/N

Well, I’m meeting him tomorrow at the launch.

RM

Then you’d need your beauty sleep.

Y/N

I must look like a mess. I haven’t been able to sleep.

RM

You still look beautiful. Just that, you look tired. You’re prettier when you’re healthy.

Y/N

Thank you. I mean, you’re handsome too.

RM

Just forget about him. Global superstar phenom RM is right beside you telling you you’re gorgeous

Y/N

Hahahaha. You’re really funny. 

RM

I have something to say and please don't be angry

Y/N

Yes

RM

You really look extra tired for this show. You even sound tired.

Y/N

Well, not sleeping is really bad for my mental health.

The fries and the bingsu arrives and they start digging in.

Y/N

I’ve just been trying my best to keep it together but really I’ve been a crying and laughing panicky mess for this show. And all these good things—they make me really happy, but also very manic. But it doesn’t cancel out my anxious depression over the million things that can go wrong.

RM

Sounds like when I’m launching a new album.

Y/N

It’s nerve-wracking.

RM

But you’re at the finish line. And tomorrow is a big day. You’d want to be fully awake then so you can fully enjoy the day.

Y/N

I probably won’t sleep tonight.

RM

Let me help you sleep then. There’s this meditation I know

Y/N

Send me the link

RM

No, it’s not a link. I have to personally guide you through the meditation. I have like special melatonin tea that goes with it. It’s my pre-launch ritual now so I can look refreshed on the day. All my stuff is in my hotel room.

Y/N

Pardon?

RM

You wouldn’t want to miss the RM Sleep Routine Special

She side-eyes him

RM

I know it sounds like a ploy but I just know you need sleep. I know how bad that can get. If I left you alone, you’d probably just overthink the night away, too.

Also, the hotel I’m at has the best bed and bedsheets. Look I’m not going to be weird or try to seduce you while you’re groggy. You need to sleep. You should see yourself.

Y/N

After this then?

RM

I’ll pay

Y/N

We invited you to this.

RM

I’m the patron, remember? This is nothing. 

RM pays and they continue eating together.

Y/N

Is this cheating? Am I cheating on my sort-of boyfriend? Be honest, RM.

RM

I promise you, all I want to do tonight is help you sleep. I'm a little jetlagged too. And honestly, it’s your boyfriend’s fault for not meeting you sooner if you accidentally fall in love with me.

Y/N

I shouldn’t

RM

Send him a text and ask his permission then. But does that sit right with you? You’re a feminist.

Y/N

I don’t know. I’ve never had a boyfriend. And I’m not sure if he’s even my boyfriend.

RM

Then his opinion doesn’t count. In the great words of Beyonce, if he liked it then he should have put a ring on it.

Y/N laughs. They finish the bingsu and RM books a cab.

RM

Taxi’s here.

38. INT. RM’s Hotel Room. NIGHT

His hotel room has one big bed.

RM

I’m going to book another room for me don’t worry. I’ll leave as soon as you’re asleep.

Y/N

You should know I don’t do this with anyone.

RM

We’re not having a one-night stand.

Y/N

I know!

RM

Look my technique never fails. You need good sleep. Want to shower first?

Y/N

Are you sure you’re not expecting a one-night stand? Also, I don’t have clothes to change in.

RM

I don’t think a one night stand’s possible with us.

RM digs around his luggage and gives her a big shirt and boxers.

Y/N

Do you think my boyfriend would understand if I did have a one-night stand? I mean, he’s technically not my boyfriend. And you’re supposed to have a free pass right? If you get the chance to bang your bias? I shouldn’t have said that.

RM

You shouldn’t have. But I did promise not to try anything tonight. Maybe tomorrow I’ll steal you away. I’m really taking it seriously you know, maybe more than you are. You need to sleep, princess.

RM vanishes into the bathroom and she hears him turn on the bathtub.

RM

Hey, come here.

Y/N comes in. The tub is full.

RM

I had a feeling you’d want to see this.

He throws in a multicolored bath bomb. Y/N laughs.

Y/N

You know me so well already.

RM then accesses the BlueTooth music in the bathroom and plays Cigarettes and Sex.

RM

Enjoy. Now, I’m putting this on loud so you can like fully relax, however you see fit

Y/N

Did you just imply that I should

RM

What?

Y/N

Nothing. I’ll finish bathing quickly.

RM

Don’t waste the bath bomb by bathing too fast.

Y/N

Fine but I won’t do anything… extracurricular if you must know

RM

If you won’t, then I won’t

Y/N

Were you planning to?!

RM

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just going to set up outside. Come out when you’re ready.

RM leaves, locking the door behind him, laughing all the way.

SPLIT SCREEN MONTAGE:

Y/N bathes, giddily playing with the bubbles.

RM in the other room pulls the covers. He turns on the humidifiers and starts making the tea.

She uses all the fancy lotions set out for her after. She smells his perfume. She wears his clothes.

He changes to pajama pants. Considers going out shirtless. Laughs at himself and puts on a shirt. Changes his mind and puts on a tank top instead.

He dims the lights and puts on soft music.

RM comes into the bedroom with two cups of tea. The teacups fall out of RM’s hands at the sight of her in his clothes.

They laugh as they clean up together.

END OF SPLIT SCREEN MONTAGE

RM

I’ll make the tea again. You jump into bed.

Y/N

Are you sure you're not seducing me?

RM

Y/N, I’m trying to be strong here.

Y/N slips into the bed while RM is making tea again.

RM lies down beside her but on top of the covers. He gives her a cup. They sip tea together, besides the bed, a little awkward.

Y/N

This isn’t Roofie’d right?

RM

Do you think I’d need a roofie?

Y/N

Someone’s cocky

RM winks at her.

Y/N

Stop winking at me!

RM laughs.

Y/N

I’m not sleepy at all.

Y/N hands over her empty tea cup. RM puts down their tea cups.

RM

We’re just starting, babe. Lie down, get comfy.

Y/N scoots down.

RM

Can I touch your hair?

Y/N

You may

RM pats her head softly, then starts massaging her head.

RM

I’ll turn off the lights now. Just listen to my voice.

He turns off the lights.

Y/N

Namjoon, why are you so nice? We were sworn enemies

Y/N holds his free hand.

RM

Say that again

Y/N

We were sworn enemies

RM

No, when you said my name

Y/N

Namjoon

RM takes a deep breath.

RM

Can you be my little spoon?

Y/N turns her back to him and he molds into her back. He returns to massaging her hair.

RM

Breathe in, Breathe out

Start with your toes,

RM’s feet rub at hers.

Tense, and release

Your calves, tense, and release

Your thighs, tense, and release

Your hips, tense, and release

Y/N

(laughing)

Hey this is just a basic sleeping meditation

RM

(laughing)

Shhh just listen to my voice and focus on your breath

Should we start from your toes again?

Y/N

You scammer

RM

Hey the drinks, the music, the sheets, the bath bomb, the humidifier

Y/N

Fine. Start at your toes

Y/N rubs her feet against his.

RM

Breathe in, Breathe out

You hear their breaths sync.

Start with your toes,

Tense, and release

Your calves, tense, and release

Your back, tense, and release

Your spine, tense, and release

Feel the weight sink into your mattress

Feel your stomach rise and fall

Y/N starts to snore

RM

You are worthy. You are loved. You have an endless supply of creativity.

RM shuffles to leave.

Y/N

(groggily)

Just stay and get under the covers. We’ll just sleep, okay?

RM slips into the covers and cozies up to her. She turns to face him, and to his surprise, hugs him. A second later, she snores.

BLACK OUT.

39. INT. RM’s HOTELl ROOM. DAY

FADE IN:

Y/N wakes up alone, a little confused.

She sees a note on the bedside desk with a bottle of water.

I’ll be back!

-Namjoon 

She checks the time, it’s midday.

RM comes back and she pretends she’s still asleep. She hears him shuffle and she peeks. He takes off his shirt. She audibly gasps. RM turns to her, arms akimbo, towel in hand.

RM

Good. You’re awake. How was your sleep?

Y/N

Best sleep I’ve had in a while.

RM

Sorry I wasn’t able to change rooms.

Y/N

No, I’m sorry. It seemed like a good idea while I was sleepy.

RM

It was a great idea.

They look away with a blush.

Y/N 

I can't believe we use the same sleeping meditation, haha

RM

You listen to it enough, you have it memorized

Y/N

There's this quick version that does the same, where you just tense all your muscles at the same time, and release. I read the tension-release pattern mimics orgasm, and that's why it makes you sleepy

RM 

Are you saying we just skip the meditation and go for the real thing?

Y/N

It was just a little fun trivia!

RM laughs and Y/N reluctantly follows, blushing.

RM

Hey, I'm just trying to read between the lines. What does bacon sound like?

Y/N

I love hotel bacon the best

RM

Just not hotel art--he winks.

He picks up the phone.

RM

Hi, room service? Yes. Yep. 3 servings of bacon, two waffles, and fruits. Hmmm… Butter.

He covers the phone.

RM

Anything else?

She gives a thumbs up.

RM

And a bed table, please. Thanks, that’s it.

RM puts down his phone.

Y/N

After this, I think I better get going. Need to fix my hair and stuff.

RM

I don’t know. I kind of like your hair like this.

Y/N

Don’t be silly.

They laugh and he caresses her hair.

RM showers in the bathroom and sings loudly, and off-key, making her laugh. He exits fully dressed, and plops on the bed, turns on the TV to some random show to play in the background.

The food arrives and he gives a tip and rolls the food in himself for privacy. He turns on the He places the food tray for them both and they munch on it happily.

Y/N

HOTEL BACON.

Y/N is euphoric as the bacon crumbles in her mouth.

RM

Stop seducing me, Y/N.

Y/N

What!?

They laugh and continue eating. RM puts a strawberry in her mouth. The tension thickens as they look at each other. Y/N abruptly stands up.

RM

Want to go check out more galleries?

Y/N

To argue some more?

Y/N comes to the table where her clothes are neatly folded.

RM

Confession. There were times when we were arguing that I enjoyed. When we weren’t being mean, and just passionately reasoning.

Y/N

Like an enjoyable spar with an equal?

RM

Was I really your bias? Or did the paps get that wrong?

Y/N

I thought we weren’t going to talk about that

RM

You mean how you talked shit about me and got exposed

Y/N

I’m SORRY.

RM

Eh, it’s ok. Hahaha. So was I really your bias?

Y/N

You are my bias.

RM

Are , huh?

Y/N nods.

Y/N

I mean, it was the bathbomb that did it.

They laugh.

Y/N

Didn’t I say it in my letter?

RM

Wanted to hear it in person.

Y/N

The real reason is the same with all the RM stans. Namtiddies and dem thighs

RM

Hahaha

Y/N

I was a few days into being baby Army when I watched your BBMA Butter performance. I was still undecided. I was just generally in awe. Then, in the end, you winked at the camera.

Y/N holds her chest and falls to the bed in fake death. RM chuckles.

Y/N

And that was the first time a BTS member made my heart skip a beat. My sister and I heard my extra LOUD gasp. I mean you’re smart and everything--but there are a lot of smart people in the university. Couldn’t find that wink in a university.

She covers her face with a pillow.

RM removes the pillow and hovers over her. Her eyes are closed, her face scrunched comically.

RM

Open your eyes

Y/N

NOPE. TOO EMBARRASSED.

RM

Open them or I’ll kiss you.

Y/N opens her eyes.

RM

You didn’t want me to kiss you?

RM stares at her lovingly for a second before he winks at her.

She rolls to the side to cover her face and squeals into the mattress.

RM

Damn it that’s cute. I’ll store that tidbit for next time.

Y/N jumps back up off the bed, trying to wiggle the tingly feelings away.

RM sits on the edge of the bed. He gently holds her wrist and coaxes her to stand between his legs.

RM

You’re going to get ready to meet your boyfriend, huh?

Y/N

I have to

RM

Or you can stay with me?

He looks at her hands and measures their small size against his large ones.

They look at each other.

RM

What if we met some other way? Right now, in this hotel, we'd be arguing about which museums to go to for our honeymoon.

Y/N

Predictably, I’d insist we see Van Gogh

They stare at each other.

Her phone rings. It’s an alarm to get ready for the show.

Y/N

I need to go. Thank you for last night and brunch.

RM lets go and she goes in a hurry.

INT. Y/N’S NEW GALLERY. NIGHT

GRAPHIC: 10 minutes before the opening

Y/N gets a notification about RKIVE tagging her in a post.

It's a video of RM overseeing the art pieces in his gallery, sprinkled with shots of her art.

RM (V.O)

Let me show you some of the pieces of my favorite artist.

I’m sure some of you will love it the same way I do, but some of you won’t. That’s ok. Art is very subjective. It’s an old saying but it’s true: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

And for me, her art is an experience I want close to me at all times.

Her works make me feel seen, feel loved even--to think of an artist, so different from me, so far away, and yet to mirror my heart, my mind--I don’t know how it can be. Sorcery? She gives me hope.

Like when you listen to our song and feel embraced, a little less lonely, I feel that too, for Y/Pseudonym’s work.

(He doesn’t include showing the one piece of art in his bedroom)

RM walks into the gallery after she sees it, and she’s crying in a corner instead of celebrating her exhibit.

RM

Hey, hey, hey, are you ok?

She sniffs.

Y/N

I struggled for my art, and not just for me, but for my loved ones too. I hated seeing abstract artists get rich based on luck and the big wigs they knew--it was heartbreaking for me.

But in truth, no matter what I feel, even if I wholeheartedly feel I am right, how I argued and fought with you crossed a line.

I’m sorry for the way I treated you. There is no excuse for my behavior.

RM

Hey, I was mean too. I said some things. And I kept adding fuel to the fire.

I kept pestering you I think because I hadn’t felt my heart beat so loud outside of exercise for so long--I thought I was just mad, that I was angry. And I was livid, but really, I WAS enjoying watching you on fire and setting you on fire. I enjoyed fighting with you. I loved how someone was brave enough to disagree with me and engage with me intellectually.

And you were beautiful.

RM touches her face, about to kiss her. She’s confused and avoids the kiss.

Y/N

It’s not fair to you. I’m really fresh from a breakup. It’s not even an official breakup yet. Either way, I'm unavailable.

RM

How many times has he ghosted you?

Y/N

This time he was in an accident. He said he’d go to my next exhibit.

RM

You know where your next exhibit is going to be, right?

Y/N

Where?

RM

My gallery.

Y/N

Oh, oh!

RM

It’s almost complete. So you’ll date him at my exhibit?

Y/N

No, yes, no. I don’t know

RM

Ah, you hurt me.

He has a hand on his heart.

RM

Refreshing to be rejected. But you do know he’s probably either lying or ridiculously ugly?

Y/N

He’s telling the truth. I know him. Know him better than anyone. I think.

RM

Then why is he doing this to you? Just change your lane and kiss me.

Y/N

RM, how many women have you convinced to cheat on their boyfriends?

RM

I don’t have time to play around. Only with you, babe. Is he at least more handsome than me?

Y/N

I don’t know

RM

You don’t know? He can send you a picture, you know. How can you trust him?

Y/N

Our relationship is beyond physical

RM

You’re saying no to me for him? He’s basically a stranger?

Y/N

He’s not a stranger! What we share--I don’t know if I could be where I am without him. Not just because he bought a painting, but because he saw me without seeing me.

RM

Just let me steal you away. I think you should make some new art for your next show, inspired by the locale.

Y/N

Do you mean paintings inspired by my country?

RM

No, paintings inspired by South Korea.

Y/N

Then I’d need to be in Korea?

RM

You can live with me. I don’t have an official residency program, but we can make one up as we go.

Y/N

That’s too much.

RM

It’s half my love for your art, half an excuse to be with you as much as possible. You should learn to just say yes. Like when I say kiss me, just kiss me. Kiss me

Y/N is still staring at him in puzzlement.

RM

The show is happening, and it’d be better with your hand in the cookie jar.

Y/N

(she smiles)

Are you the cookie jar?

RM

The show is the cookie jar! Haha you dirty little girl

Y/N

Now I can’t ask to sleep in your hotel room again because you’ll just willfully misunderstand

RM

I mean, you’d think that, but I would literally just book you a room beside mine. After all, I need to aid my artist’s welfare

Y/N

Surprisingly a gentleman

RM

Surprisingly? You insult me. Let me remind you I wasn’t the one caught drooling over someone changing their shirt. So what do you like about this sort of boyfriend of yours?

Y/N laughs. 

Y/N

One thing, he cried at my art

RM

Hey, I also cried

He takes out the special embroidered handkerchief from his pocket.

Y/N

I watched her give it to you

RM

Is that your kink? Watching men cry?

Y/N

It kinda is, hahaha. My dad never cried. Not when I exposed his lies. Not when I asked him to leave. Not when he moved out. Ooooppps. Yeah, so seeing men cry, seeing them willing to be vulnerable, honest with their feelings. It’s not a sexual kink--but I love it.

RM

I’m sorry to hear that. But also, I’ll cry you a river.

Y/N laughs.

Y/N

I’m sorry to say it. I don’t know why I said it

RM

You know, that’s why you shouldn’t go with a guy who keeps ghosting you and is probably really ugly

Y/N

And what is your counter-proposal? You? Do you really think you’d be any better as a boyfriend? You? An Idol? Squeeze in a girlfriend during world tours? Keep me a secret from ARMY?

RM

OUCH. You got me. I’d be… I’d do my best. But I am scared that no girl in her right mind will actually suffer through the trouble. If I’m even worth the trouble. It’s true. It won’t be easy. And I can’t give up my career. I don’t know. I’m not really sure if I’d be worth it.

Y/N

Hey, I’m just hurt right now. But, Namjoon… Look at me. You’re worth it. You’re… If I wasn’t so heartbroken right now, I’d grab you and kiss you in a heartbeat and risk everything.

The gate is opened. People are starting to arrive. 

RM 

Hey, how do you feel right now?

Y/N

I’m happy. I’m nervous. I wish my sister was here.

RM raises his hand and then places his big hands on her shoulders. He turns her around.

RM

I have a surprise for you 

Her sister and her mom enter the gallery. She squeals, seeing them. Tears suddenly run down. She runs to her family. Hugging them. She pivots and hugs RM again.

Y/N

I haven’t seen them for so long. Thank you, thank you so much. 

Y/N takes RM’s hand and drags him with her as she returns to her family.

MOM

Thank you, RM, for bringing us here.

SIS

Y/Pseudonym’s pretty lucky

RM

You’re very welcome. 

He bows really deeply for her mom. Y/N’s mom laughs.

Y/N

In our culture, we kiss our elders on the cheek, RM.

RM kisses her mom’s cheek. Her mom has the biggest smile. RM bows again.

Rm touches the small of her back.

RM

Are you happy? They’ll be here the whole week. I also hired a sitter for your dogs, by the way. We did consider bringing them here but that might have been too dangerous for the art.

Y/N 

My dogs are here? How can I ever repay you for this?

RM

You don’t. Oh, and I hope you don’t mind they also decided to come.

The rest of BTS come in and a few spread-out people lost their shit at the sight. 

Y/N

Oh my God.

RM 

Do you guys want to meet them?

RM raises his hand, waving at them to come over.

Jungkook runs to hug RM. He then turns to Y/N

JK

We’ve heard SO much about you.

JIMIN

It feels like I know you already.

V

I love your art.

SUGA

You really do look like your paintings.

Jhope says nothing and goes for a hug. When his mouth is beside her ear he whispers.

JHOPE

Take care of my best friend

Jin looks at her shyly, smiles and bows.

JIN

RM!

Jim gives RM and Y/N a weird funny thumbs up. 

RM puts an arm around her tightly and leans down

RM

They’re not stealing the show, right?

Y/N

They can have it.

Oh, JK, V, RM, Jin, Suga, Jhope, Jimin, please say hello to my mom and sister, too. 

All the boys bow to her mom respectfully.

MOM

I’ve never felt so old.

They all laugh. 

The New Curator signals it’s time to start the program.

Y/N

Do I look okay?

Her sister moves to check her but RM beats her to it. The group watches as RM fixes her hair a little and wipes just below her lower lip. They share a charged look and Y/N flusters and distracts herself by looking at her sister.

Her sister has a knowing smile. 

Y/N gives her mom and sister a hug again before walking away. Y/N comes up on the stage for her short speech. 

Y/N

Hi everyone! Thanks for coming!

She bows

Y/N

So a month ago, I was approached by The New Curator to create a collection about rebelling against Post Modern Art ironically through Post Modern Art. As you may know, I was knee-deep in a scandal at that time with our guest of honor here, Kim Namjoon, aka RM. 

I got a lot of hate at that time when my debates—to put it nicely—with RM were taken and shared with the world. I knew at that time, that no matter what I said wouldn’t change the direction of the narrative for the haters. But thankfully—RM—even when we disagreed with each other, wasn’t a hater.

He had all the right to be. But instead, he spoke in my defense. And I guess this too, is like that— hmm

I am both embracing and being critical of post-modern art—including abstract art—RM and I’s main tiff. I am being self-reflective and humble but also, I’m not letting it silence me. 

I can’t change or influence the haters, but I can speak to fellow artists. I can talk to RM about this. 

Postmodern art was born after World War 2—a violent reaction to the authorities that led populations into mass murder. People were disillusioned by God, the government, religion—laws, and hierarchies. So they rebelled. They rebelled because they wanted to live, they wanted to survive. 

Post-Modern art is a celebration of newfound post-war freedom to disagree, protest, and rebel. It was born in a time of peace where artists, though expressing a past fraught with violence, lived in a mangled and yet safe, loving present that enabled their voice. Though Post Modern Art draws from violent inspiration, it can only exist in an elevated, inclusive, bold society where disagreements do not spell death.

We’re several decades from those wats but the tools Post Modern Art gifted us are still here today. And I celebrate Post Modern Art by going back to its original catalyst: the need to disagree, to change, to evolve, to break free from the rules people and ourselves have imposed on us. 

Instead of abstraction, I’ve created 4 experiences for you that seek to bombard your senses to express complex truths about how life expresses itself through the four states of mass: Solid, Liquid, Gas, and Plasma. In each experience, you will see these states and their polarities. 

I think I should stop there, and let my art talk for itself. Or have I already spoken too much?

They laugh. 

Y/N

I’m sorry The New Curator, this exhibit is not so much of a rebellion, but rather, a counterproposal, a gentle: what if? We’re living in new times—it’s time to change perspective. 

Anyway, please do enjoy the show. Or don’t. 

Everyone claps. 

Y/N stays in the main hall while everyone experiences the art. Different people talk to her including her folks, BTS, and art connoisseurs. 

She smiles to herself, and looks at her phone, at Moonie94’s chat box promising he’ll be there with a carnation. 

RM

Hey, can I steal you away?

Y/N

Of course

RM takes her hand and brings her to GAS. 

RM

Is this me? 

RM points to the painting of a galaxy with pareidolic swirls of faces.

Y/N

Yes. You had to be here right? You did inspire this whole thing. 

RM 

This leaves me no choice but to buy it huh?

Y/N

You don’t have to

RM 

Of course, I have to buy the whole set. 

Y/N 

You’re too much haha

RM 

This piece actually… since it’s the cosmos, makes me think of god. Was that in your head when you made it?

Y/N

Do you know how astronauts tend to believe in God especially after seeing space? 

RM

Do you believe in God?

Y/N

Yes. Because you exist. You’re my proof. 

They laugh.

Y/N

And you know, the rest of nature exists. The world is this grand complex creation that must have a creator. A complicated watch found on the beach must have a creator. 

People get stuck up on images of God—different ways religion sees him—but he’s beyond that. He is larger than what our minds can imagine or fathom. We can’t even fathom the sea—90% is unexplored, nor grasp the vastness of the universe. An existence that is supported by complex mathematical formulas yet discovered by man—that too is an expression of God. That’s the God I believe in. In secular philosophy, it’s called Logos, and it takes nearly a whole semester to get a glimpse of what it means—who, what, how, and why, God is. God is being itself, and it is his love that enables us to share and take part in their being. I want to believe in that Creator--that divine artist--who breathed, spoke, painted, willed existence, and even this tiny earth just so we can share moments looking at the painted sky, enraptured by beauty. And my burning desire to create is just me mirroring the image of God. That urge to make that space for communion, when God created life, that’s love.

RM

I didn’t believe in God.

Y/N

Didn’t? What's your rebuttal?

RM

There’s no rebuttal. Not everything has to be a debate, Y/N. 

They laugh. 

RM

Sometimes, what you believe in is the truth in front of you, and sometimes, it’s a truth you were made to believe, and sometimes, it’s what you want to believe. Not believing in God—was affected by so many factors, but it was deeply rooted in my sense of self, and my insistence on controlling my destiny. But recently, I’ve seen how much bigger life is. It’s both meaningful and random at times—and that wholly depends on the truth you believe in. In a way, your truths shape your reality. But every now and then you get contradictory evidence and you have to be humble enough to shift.

I’ve been humbled so many times over the years. I’ve evolved in so many ways. And I think, that has been making me rethink my position on God—but I haven’t sat down on it. But often I’d say things like pray to Army. In a way, it’s like they make me believe in God. It’s really the Other, that awe of the Other that humbles you to the probable existence of a higher being. 

And your existence and the things you said, it’s further affirmed that change that has slowly been building in me. 

I think I’ll serve the god you serve. Fold me into your cult, please

Y/N

Really?

RM

Are you the head priestess? How do I convert?

She laughs.

RM

Well as the head priestess of this sacred order of God the creator, do I offer you my blood? Swear allegiance? Swear service?

Y/N

Are you making fun of me?

RM

God, no. I’m worshipping. Half joking. I’m sure you won’t baptize me with blood. 

They laugh

But I am really convinced.

Y/N

Really?

RM

Have faith little one

Y/N laughs.

RM

Not sure how this actually changes my life. Does the priestess demand my celibacy? I’ll have to reconsider depending on your answer

Y/N

How high do you want to be in this church?

RM

Co-head high priest / right hand of the cult leader

Y/N

Then I’m sorry to say but that does require a big sacrifice

RM

Oh no

Y/N

You know in religions, it’s either you’re a eunuch--so the sacrifice of no sex is the point so you don’t concern yourself with your own progeny. Proof of having no other purpose but god’s purpose, his progeny But in Christianity, and thus my offshoot cult, you marry God--and that’s why you’re celibate. 

 In a way you don’t lose your identity, you just join them—having children together. You may have to marry the god if you want to be the co-head priest.

RM

If you’re the goddess then yes, I will marry you. Let’s do it

Y/N

HAHAHA, You’re wild. I’m not even sure I’m the marrying type

RM

Why is that?

Y/N

Marriage can both be better or worse. It can be a prison but it can also be freedom. For most of my life, I watched my mom imprisoned by marriage. Experientially, that's all I know. The ideals I have in marriage--I don't have proof of them. They might as well be fairy tales.

RM

I'm sorry to hear that. Good marriages do exist though. It doesn't even require as much metaphysical proof as believing in God.

Y/N

You're right. Fear and trauma are the real hurdles. But also just finding the right person. Someone who understands that marriage doesn't mean losing your identity in a person but expanding it. Like not giving up your goals, but rather finding someone with a common goal. I’m not sure I can ever find someone with a common goal. You?

RM

There's really no point in marriage with the wrong person. I'm happy now, and I don't need someone to make me happy. But finding that person--I imagine even greater happiness as we build on our lives. Grow, explore, work as a team, reach even higher--that’s the goal. Make love and make art together. Art that heals. But also you know, someone to just lean your humanity on and vice versa.

Y/N

It’s just hard to find that other person huh?

RM

Or maybe you’ve found them already *wink

Y/N

All we’ll do is argue

RM

We’ll challenge each other’s wit

Y/N

That’s a nice way of putting it

RM

Imagine all the art we can make together

Y/N

We’ll heal the world haha

RM

Or at the very least comfort each other

Y/N

Do you really need comfort? You’re living the life

RM

Yes. Since meeting you, all I’ve known is pain

Y/N laughs, RM laughs

Y/N

(laughing)

I’ll leave you then, don’t want you to suffer

RM grabs her hand, keeping her from leaving

Y/N

People are watching

RM entwines their fingers.

RM

Let them. And I won’t let them twist the truth this time

Y/N

You’ll clarify that you’re holding my hand because you're a masochist who likes the pain?

People's attention is slowly drawn to them. A few pointed gazes and hushed whispers.

RM

I'll tell them that every second away from you is torture. 

RM looks into her eyes and leans into her space. 

RM

I can’t live without you. Isn't that obvious? I'm always out of breath chasing after you because I need you. Even before I knew it, I loved you. I kept coming to you, like a moth to a flame. I set myself on fire for you. I’d do it again and again. 

Can’t you hear it? My heart pounding, hammering in my chest, trying to break my bones to get closer to you.

Y/N is at a loss for words. She hears a click, and a camera flash wakes her from her reverie. 

Y/N

I have to go. People, cameras are here. 

RM

Wait, there’s one more thing. 

He tightens her grip. More cameras arrive

He takes from his suit’s inner pocket a  mangled, and crushed carnation in his poclet and puts it in her hand. 

RM

Rest assured my love isn’t fragile like this flower. 

Y/N laughs. Then it dawns on her, what the carnation in her hand means. 

RM

You complete me. 

Like Jerry McGuire, I can’t go back to life before you.

You’ve been in my heart for so long—and you don’t just have a part of my heart but you’re the very oxygen of my heart, pumping in every vein and artery and chamber—you own my heart, the reason it beats.

Y/N

Moonie?

RM nods. 

Y/N’s knees buckle and RM catches her in his big strong hands caging her arms.

RM

I love you. Please end my pain and let me kiss you

Y/N pulls his face down for a kiss. RM's arms wrap around her as he kisses back.

Cameras shutter at a dizzying pace as the crowd goes wild. Security has to step in. Y/N and RM don’t notice the rest of the world losing their mind as they make out. 

Gasping for breath, Y/N pulls away.

Y/N 

(whispering to his ear)

I love you too, you scammer

They continue kissing. The crowd captures them on social media, kissing from different angles. 

In another corner, BTS are dancing in celebration and some reporters go to them to ask questions. 

Y/N’s sister, who the reporters have forgotten about, snaps a pic of the crowd and of them at the center kissing. 

CREDITS ROLL.

EPILOGUE

40. INT. LIVING ROOM - BEDROOM - RM’S HOUSE. NIGHT

The light turns on and we see the picture Y/N’s sister snapped framed in the hallway of RM’s house. 

Y/N and RM stumble raucously into RM's house offscreen. We hear them: a clattering of keys, their things haphazardly thrown away, groaning, moanings, lips smacking, and roughly making out against the wall. The painting shakes. 

Camera shifts to them. RM and Y/N keep hitting paintings as they make out, earning grunts of pain and gasps of worry.

Y/N

Fuck

RM

Ouch

They almost break a sculpture again.

Y/N

Stop! Pause! Wait

RM walks backward and leans on the wall. They stand in front of each other and find the whole situation funny. After a round of laughter, they catch their breaths.

RM

Let’s just calmly walk to my bedroom. It’ll cost less.

Y/N walks forward and RM spanks her ass as she walks away.

Y/N

Which way is your bedroom?

RM

(laughing)

Already walking around like you know the place your first time here.

He takes her hand and they get to his bedroom door.

RM

Oh close your eyes and don’t open them. 

BEDROOM

RM guides her in. 

Y/N

I thought we agreed to keep the kink for later.

RM laughs and helps her sit at the foot of the bed. 

RM

You can open your eyes.

She sees the only painting Moonie bought.

She sheds a tear and then kisses his cheek. 

A moment later, she roughly takes the blanket on the bed all of a sudden. She throws it over the painting. 

RM

(flabbergasted)

What are you doing?

Y/N

I think you need to find a new place for this painting. Gonna be weird fucking in front of a painting of myself

They laugh and kiss and jump in bed together.

SEQUEL TEASER

JHOPE

Hi, Noona. So you know about Y/N and RM too right?

SIS

I only found out when RM called us telling us he bought tickets. Swore me to secrecy

JK

Your English so good, Noona. You study in America?

SIS

No, haha. We learned from television like RM.

JK’s jaw drops, his eye doe-like.

JHOPE

A family as smart as RM?

SIS

No, haha. I’m not good at math. Haha. I’m good at languages. I’m actually trying to learn Korean. 

JK

Ah! Can you be our English teacher then? 

THE END