I wish I could turn back time. Jimin Park is responsible for the three plus years (almost four) of my direct happiness. I was introduced to BTS because of his pure talent and stage presence.

After JIMIN I began to know everyone too, on a more intimate level. I decided who I liked, who I love, and who I am mediocre about or disagree with. The music was nice but it was more than that.

Every day with them I smiled. Like, a genuine smile. Some times I would even laugh. Now that 6 of them are in the military and one is on break, I have the distance to step away and really reflect on them.

I admit that 2022 (or 3)‘a Festa breakup tore me up, and for a while I couldn’t bare to see them. Then I got used to their solo debuts. But my happiest time is to see them all together again. I fell in love with BTS as a whole group; the way they work together, have cohesion, play together, sing and dance and everything in between. It’s them. I’m more OT7 than I realize.

Their impact on my happiness is immeasurable. Yes I spent a lot of money but I consider it an investment to my hobby. I watch other groups perform and none of them hold a candle to my guys. When they come back it’ll be 2025 and that means I’ve loved them for five years. Love, lust, walking the same road. Everything. They will truly be “old friends”, except that I’ll always think of Jung Kook and Namjoon as mine. Jimin too. They’re the trio I love love.

I have two girl friends that are old friends. But it just isn’t the same. BTS has been there for me and will always be there for as long as I want, whenever I want. They’re just a few clicks away. And maybe even more. I’m truly blessed to be part of the community too because I get a lot of fun photo cards, merchies, and connections / field tips.

On a self esteem level I decorate myself now. I also know what it is to be truly loved and to truly love. On an intellectual level, they inspire me to learn new things such as the Korean language, romanizing and therefore singing their songs, and playing spring day on kalimba. They also support my other hobbies like crochet (bt21) and even have an influence in my embroidery.

Everything that touches the light is ours. I do have some distance now and I pay attention to other things, sometimes bad (like that naughty influence) other times good (like my water park summer). They promised to release new content and it’s better than pre enlistment. I have yet to catch up to them.

So when I think of old friends, it’s them. My guys. BTS.

Always and forever.