Chapter 9: The Interview
TN Perspective
The morning in Berlin dawned gray, but with that soft clarity that invites calm. I dressed in something formal, but not too formal. I knew the interview would be relaxed, yet professional. Suga was ready before me, sitting in the dining room of the suite with a coffee in one hand and his cell phone in the other.
"Did you sleep?" he asked without looking at me.
-More or less.
-Me neither.
He said nothing more. There was no need.
We went downstairs together, escorted by the event staff, and soon we were in a spacious studio, filled with cameras, lights, and a production team that seemed to move in perfect choreography. I positioned myself where I always do: out of frame, but close enough to translate if necessary.
The interviewer, a German woman with a soft voice and a practiced smile, offered him a cup of tea and began with the typical questions: the new project, his creative process, the evolution of his sound. He answered precisely, in that measured, cerebral tone he used for the press.
I translated everything in my head, even though he didn't need me to.
Until the awkward question came up.
—Your lyrics convey very personal emotions. Is there anyone who directly influences that, currently?
I saw him raise an eyebrow, just barely. Then he gave a brief smile.
"There's always someone," he replied. "Not necessarily a specific person. Sometimes it's a voice, a presence... something that reads you without you speaking."
I felt the gaze. Not direct. Not obvious. But it was real. I felt it like a subtle pressure on my chest.
The interviewer seemed intrigued, but continued.
The rest of the conversation flowed, and when they finally finished, he approached me with that calmness of his that is sometimes more intense than any words.
"Can we sneak away for a while before going back to the hotel?" he asked.
I looked at him, confused.
-Where to?
—Let's go for a walk. That's all. I need some air.
I didn't know how to say no. I didn't want to.
We ended up on a quiet street near the river. He had his hood up and his hands in his pockets. I walked beside him, not knowing what to say.
"You were brilliant," I finally told him.
—Thank you. But I've been easily distracted lately.
-Because?
He stopped. He looked at me.
—Because I can't separate what I feel from what I think when you're near.
My heart skipped a beat.
—Yoongi…
—Relax. I'm not going to cross any lines. I just wanted you to know.
We remained silent, gazing at the water. The city continued its course, but for me, time stood still right there.
He didn't touch me. He didn't say anything else.
And yet, I felt that something important had changed.