IN THEIR STUDIO IN SOUTH KOREA
" Annyeonghaseyo. Hello guys. It's been a while. Hope you still remember my face.", said RM with a cute smile.
The kind of smile that made his eyes shut. The genuine kind of smile that comes onto his lips every time he sits across the computer talking to his fans on V Live.
" We have been very busy lately. With the concert dates coming closer, the practices have been going in full swing. We barely get any time to relax. But at the end of the day, it's all worth it. Though we are relaxing whenever we can cause mental health is way too important. Remember that Army.", said RM.
The members always wished for Army's well-being. After all their fans have done so much for them and they are thankful for it.
Their bond is something that cannot be explained in words. BTS and Army complete each other. BTS is not just a boy band to Army. To some they are their saviours who came into their life at the right time, to some they are an inspiration, to some they are hope, to some they are stressbusters, to some they are the only happiness in life but to all of them, they are the most precious thing in the world. What's wonderful is the members of the band feel the same way about Army. They believe that their fans are the reason they are what they are today and they do not miss out on a chance to show how much their fans mean to them. Whether it be in concerts or interviews or V lives, the members always make sure to show their gratitude towards their fans.
" I got some time to relax so I thought I would relax with you guys. It's been a while and I just wanted to talk to you people. So, what's going on with you guys?", he asked leaning towards the computer screen waiting for comments from Army.
" Aah. So many graduations. Congratulations to everyone. Also, I see a lot of comments about getting jobs. Congratulations to all of them too. ", he said clapping happily as if it was his own success.
" To all the people who are trying to get a job, or preparing for exams, keep working hard. Fighting.", he said punching his fist into the air.
" So, what should we talk about? We are really excited to meet you guys soon . Every time we are tired we think about you guys. You are our motivation. The fact that we would be performing for you gives us the drive to practice more.", he said looking into the screen.
One look into his eyes and you would know that he meant what he said.
" Apart from practice, I am also keeping up with my reading. Reading always helps me calm down and let go of the steam. Also helps with my English. ", he said while scratching his neck as his cheeks turned red.
He was embarrassed but he wasn't wrong. His English was getting better if that could even be possible. He sounded so natural now.
' What books have you been reading.' , Read a comment.
" Let's see. I have been reading through out most of my free time. But as long as I remember, I have been reading the same book again and again. Oh my God. I HAVE BEEN READING THE SAME BOOK AGAIN AND AGAIN FOR A WHILE NOW.", he freaked out.
He was a little taken aback that he read a single book for the last 2-3 months. He would have finished at least 4-5 books if he wasn't obsessed with the one. Suddenly his face softened.
" But it's okay, 'cause this book is worth it. I have been obsessed with the book since I laid my eyes on it. It's a beautiful story about people from different cultures getting along. But what caught my eyes was how the author showed that love is so much more than what we think. May it be an old love or a new one. Family love or friends love. Love for toys or pets. There is love in everything and every love is precious. She talks about how sometimes we can feel the essence of love and that's the love that lasts forever. The best thing about the book is that the author says it all without saying anything. It would seem like a story but in between the lines lies the real meaning. Every word holds so much meaning in it. It's a great book. 'Some Love Is Forever.' She taught me so much through her story but I have a lot of questions for her. I want my answers but unfortunately, she is not from Korea. Anyways. That's what I have been doing. Obsessing over a book.", he said smiling fondly at the book that lay there on his table, innocently, without a clue as to how much of a turmoil it had created in RM's head.
He was brought out of his thoughts by the ringing of his phone. He looked at the screen and the caller ID read 'Suga'.
" Waah. Man! Sorry guys but I have got to go. That's my call for practice.", he said as he shook his phone in the air that was still ringing.
" I wanted to talk for a little longer but I cannot. I am sorry. I will try to come live again as soon as I have time. Until then stay healthy and stay safe. Love yourself and be happy guys. Love you Army. Borahae. Saranghae.", he said making little finger hearts in front of the camera and turned it off as he answered Suga's call.
" Hyung. I will be down in 5 "
" For what?"
" Practice? Isn't that what you called for?"
" No. I called to ask you to stop obsessing over the book. I was watching your live. But the moment has passed. Now that you have called, you might as well come down and start practicing with me. More practice means more perfection.", Suga said in a monotone.
" Wow. It's weird. You asking for more practice instead of sleeping?", said RM chuckling.
" Yaahh. I practice a lot too. You just don't see me. ", Suga screamed.
RM put the phone away from his ears so his ears won't go deaf all the while laughing at his hyung complaining.
" Ok ok. I will be down there.", RM said shaking his head from side to side.
" Yeah. And please leave the book up there.", Suga said teasing him.
" Shut up Suga.", said RM winning and ended the call.
He walked towards the door. Just before he could turn the lights off, he glanced at the book one last time.
" How did you get to me so much? Is it just about the book or is their something more to it?", he muttered to himself.
He knew better than overthinking so he turned the lights off leaving back his thoughts in the dark and his shadow in the corridor as he walked away.
IN THAT HOTEL ROOM IN SOUTH KOREA
" What is that doctor?", I asked her as she examined me.
" This? Well, this is a stethoscope. It helps me talk to your heart.", the doctor said smiling at me.
Listen to the heart?
So with this, I can listen to what people's hearts say and then I can find out why they don't play with me.
Now I can make friends.
" Can I have it? Please?", I asked her with puppy eyes.
" You would have to become a doctor for using it.", she said chuckling.
Oh.
Well, then that's it.
" Then I am going to be a doctor. I want to listen to hearts too.", I screamed.
My mom and the doctor started chuckling.
My mom hugged me and said, "You can be whatever you want to be. For now, let's focus on getting through 2nd grade. Okay?"
I furrowed my brows and sat there crossed hands, with a pout on my face. Why wouldn't she get it for me?
Well it's not her fault, I didn't tell her about my classmates.
" What's that pout for? Aah. I know what will turn that into a smile. An ice cream.", my mom said smiling at me.
She looked like a bright star at that moment. After all she was the only friend I had.
I jumped up and down in my seat. My mom thanked the doctor and we walked out of the clinic hand in hand to get that ice cream.
" Mumma.", I mumbled as my mom's face started to fade away.
I woke up with a jolt.
I wasn't in that street. The clinic was nowhere to be found nor was my mother.
Just the thought of her made my heartache. Tears started rushing to my eyes threatening to escape. But I have to be strong. I have to keep them in. I am on my own and I have to make it.
Suddenly the doorbell rang. I wiped off my tears before someone saw me like this. I walked to the door, took a deep breath to shake off the emotions overwhelming in me, put a smile on my face, and opened the door only to find out that it was Jeon.
" Hey. You never called.", he said.
" I am sorry. I fell asleep. But thanks to your lunch, I feel better.", I said stepping aside to let him in.
" That's perfect cause I need to take you somewhere. "
" Oh yeah. The surprise. Let me grab my wallet and we will be good to go."
" Yay!", Jeon said clapping his hands together.
I smiled at his cuteness. I walked to my night stand and picked up my bag. I slid my phone into the back pocket. Threw my ear pods into my sling, hung it across my body, put on my sunglasses and I was ready.
" Shall we?" I said putting on my sneakers.
" Yes! You are gonna love this.", he said jumping in excitement.
I laughed and tried to calm him down. We locked the door on our way out.
He kept telling me how great the place was and I kept wondering how did this happen. I mean we haven't known each other for more than 6hrs and we were already like best friends. He was cute and gorgeous but there was something more. Something about him felt very homely, warm, and nice. Being with him felt right. I was really glad that I met him.
We stepped out of the hotel and the familiar cold winds hit me. My body shivered but I immediately felt warm as I wasn't alone anymore. The same streets that turned brown in autumn, the crackling of the leaves when stepped on and the sun giving just the right amount of warmth made the silence between us the most comfortable thing ever. I hate surprises but it didn't matter as long as I get to feel all this. I looked at Jeon and he was smiling as he looked at the leaves fall. He seemed to enjoy the weather too.
" How much I wish these were the cherry blossom flowers.", he said looking at the trees. He closed his eyes feeling the winds, the warmth, the leaves that slid across his cheek as they fall.
It felt good to just look at him.
Suddenly he stopped in his tracks. I turned to him in confusion.
" We are here?", he said.
I looked around and we were still on the streets. When he said he wanted to take me somewhere, I thought we would be going for some sightseeing. But we were in the middle of some busy streets.
" Here?", I asked him making sure we were on the same page. I still couldn't figure out why we were here.
" Yeah. Look at your right.", he said pointing towards a board.
I turned to my right and spotted the board he was showing. It read,
' Twist and turn '
NO
NO WAY
HE DID NOT BRING ME TO HIS GYM.
I would have killed him if he wasn't so good-looking and if we hadn't just met.
A gym?
For someone like me?
For someone as lazy as me?
Moreover, I didn't even dress up for a gym. I took a look at my jeans and flannel. I pat my head in search of the sunglasses. I realised I was in trouble.
" Let's go. ", he said bringing me out of my thoughts and even before I could take it all in, he grabbed my wrist pulling me towards the gym.
Okay! So we are going to the gym. Well, it's not his fault. He doesn't know me. Anyways, he is cute so it better be worth it.
We entered the building and walked towards the elevator. Jeon looked at me and smiled. In fact, he has been smiling since we arrived. He was too excited that he couldn't wipe it off his face.
" You are gonna love it. Moreover, my people are going to love you. Don't worry. Everyone here knows English. So you wouldn't have much trouble. Most of them are foreigners. ", he was saying but was cut off by the elevator doors.
They opened and we stepped out to stand right outside the doors of the gym.
There was a huge board on top of the door that said 'twist and turn.' There were few plants placed outside the door on either side.
Plants in front of a gym?
Nice touch. Unique but nice.
" After you.", Jeon said making way for me.
As much as I didn't want to, it didn't look like I had a choice. I gave him a hesitant smile and took a deep breath. I pushed the door open ready to be hit by the loud rock music, the stink of sweat, and the sound of clinking metal from all the gym equipment.
I was waiting but it never happened. All I could hear was hip-hop songs and melodies overlapping over each other. I opened my eyes slowly and saw two groups of people standing in front of a mirror wall and dancing off?
" Ohh. The dance battle is going to start. We must hurry up.", Jeon said and ran past me.
I walked in timidly but in awe.
It wasn't a gym. It was a dance class.
I looked around and as far as I could see there were only people in tracks, yoga pants, and shorts. They all looked like professionals. Some were stretching, some were practicing moves, some were teaching others and some were talking probably discussing their strategy. My heart started to pound, not out of fear but out of excitement. This was everything I needed right now. It was perfect.
" Hey, come here. I want you to meet someone.", Jeon said pulling me by my wrist.
We were moving towards a group of dancers who stood around discussing something. Out of all of them, one stood out. He was approximately 6 '5, well built, towering over his group in a tank top and tracks. He looked very intimidating. He must be the leader of the group as everyone kept nodding to whatever he said.
" They look busy. Maybe we should wait.", I said frankly scared of that guy.
" Don't worry ", Jeon said looking at me.
He left my hand and started running towards the group. What happened next, froze me. I couldn't move. I was in shock, was an understatement.
" Danny.", he said running and jumping into the scary dude's arms. The guy caught Jeon and twirled him around.
" Hey, babe. I missed you.", he said and kissed Jeon.
I thought my heart would be broken knowing that Jeon wasn't available but it didn't happen. I felt warm looking at the love radiating from them as they stood there head to head, eyes closed, just feeling each other's presence. That's the kind of love that stays forever because it could make others feel it too.
" I want you to meet someone. Remember that girl I told you about?", Jeon asked him and called me over.
" This is Daniel. My boyfriend and the owner of this dance club as well as the leader of his dance crew.", Jeon said proudly holding on to Daniel's arm.
" Hi. Nice to meet you. You can call me Danny.", he said extending his hand. I shook his hand and smiled
" And she is the best dancer I have ever seen. May be even better than you", Jeon said and that rose Danny's eyebrows.
Blood started rushing to my cheeks embarrassed to heights .
" I am not that good.", I said timidly.
Jeon dismissed me with his hand.
" Oh stop. She loves dancing and she is great at it. She could use this opportunity until she figures out what to do. She is from a faraway land she needs our help This can make her feel at home. Moreover, I thought you could use some extra dancers . "
I looked at him with teary eyes. Less than 6hrs and he already knew what made me feel good. He didn't have to care but he was humble enough to go out of his way to make a lonely soul feel alive. I didn't wait for Daniel's response cause despite what he had to say, Jeon already made my day. I wrapped my arms around Jeon and choked him until he was breathless.
" God. Can't breathe.", Jeon said. I jumped off of him and started apologizing but he just laughed.
" Daniel didn't agree yet. ", he said laughing yet trying to catch a breath.
" I know. But it doesn't matter. You made me feel so much better today. I cannot thank you enough.", I said as he ruffled my hair. My eyes could only see an angel in him. An angel who took me under their wing.
" That's a great idea Jeon. I need a few members for another crew. But you know how it is. I cannot cut her slack just because you are friends. She would have to audition and get selected. Only then can she be a part of the troop.", Daniel said to which Jeon fell silent.
" I am sorry. But we are really strict with the rules. Every day dancers from our academy are selected by a label company to dance for their bands. Our crews are called to perform on big stages or open for concerts. So we are really strict about the selection process. ", Daniel said to me with soft eyes.
I couldn't believe that such an intimidating person could have eyes as soft as a dove that would make you melt in an instant.
" It's okay. I will do everything as per the procedure. Don't cut me any slack. If I don't make it, that's fine. I can still just come here with Jeon and learn whatever I can from such beautiful and immensely talented dancers here.", I said looking around.
" That you can do. I will set up an audition tomorrow. Is that okay?", Daniel asked.
" Okay? It's better than okay. Thank you so much for the opportunity.", I said shaking his hand.
Jeon started jumping around and Daniel looked at him with eyes overwhelming with love. The kind of love that could make others feel the essence in it. This is one of a kind.
" Okay. So for now, you can watch the dance battle. It's hip hop versus contemporary today.", Daniel said winking, and walked away followed by Jeon who was still hoping out of excitement about my audition.
I looked at them and my mind wondered. Maybe this was all meant to be. Maybe my bad days are over. This is bliss after suffering.
Thoughts were rushing through my mind but I decided to stop them. I wanted to live in the moment. Cherish while it lasted.
With that thought, I ran to Jeon and put an arm around him waiting for the battle to start.
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Author's Note
I don't have the knowledge nor the experience to talk about love but I sure know the need for love. The kind of love that can get you through your hardest of times even though it disappears at your happiest moment.
What is your take on love?
Hope you liked this chapter.
Please consider pressing on that litter star and vote if you liked the chapter.
And if you have any feedback please feel free to comment.
Thank you.
Keep spreading love and love yourself.
Love
Manny❤