Sun and Moon

Six

Hope's POV

***

I pulled up to the hotel garage private entrance, grabbing my lanyard with my parking pass and swiftly swiping it. After the gate opened, I pulled around into a spot reserved for our group of cars, just another sleek black SUV amongst the crowd. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I just sat there, not moving to open the door yet.

I pulled off my beanie and raked my hands through my hair, not thrilled with the prospect of what I was likely about to face inside. Controlling my breathing, I sat there for a second just clenching my jaw. It felt so strange. I'd been so happy just a few minutes ago. These last two days with Luna had been some of the happiest I had passed in months. Why did it feel like it was all about to come crashing down around me?

I thought back to three days ago when I had met her...Had it really only been three days ago? It seemed like we'd known each other for so much longer. We just felt right.

We had finished practice and I had told the guys I wanted to go to the beach. Jimin had wanted to come, too, but he was taking too long to get ready and I was in a hurry to get there before it got dark so I could take some pictures of the sunset. Not to mention, the more of us together in the daylight with more and more ARMY flying into LA for the concerts every day, the greater chance we had of getting spotted.

JK could tell I was antsy to get going. "Hyung, it's okay. I'll go with Jiminsii later when he gets out. It will be dark so it will be easier for a group to go at that time anyway." I had smiled hugely at my youngest brother.

"Oh, bro, you're the best!" I teased as I pulled him into a one-armed hug. He fought to get free, his bunny smile, as ARMY had cutely named it, coming out in full force. He had such a good heart and he knew I couldn't say no to Jimin on my own.

When I arrived at the beach, all the worries from the last few days had disappeared as I looked out at the cyan water. I was convinced the ocean was one of the best medicines for the soul. No one could look at the giant expanse of water and not feel like their problems were small and insignificant.

Still, I had to be careful. As much as I loved being an idol and loved ARMY, there were some that got overzealous, making it dangerous to be noticed in public without a body guard, which I had not wanted to bring. I did a quick scan and didn't see anyone on the beach looking at me. There were very few people on the beach anyway at this hour. A few people walking their dogs and one girl sitting alone close to the waves.

I set up my camera and goofed around a little. I was so happy being this close to the water, humming and singing under my breath. I wanted to take some photos of the pretty beach and snap a few for ARMY, too. After filming a little and taking a picture or two, I noticed the girl by the water was looking at me curiously. Her hair was so blonde, it almost glowed in the setting sun, like moonlight. She turned back around and I decided she didn't seem to be ARMY, so I was probably safe, but I kept an eye just in case. Yoongi would say you can never be too careful.

As I stared out at the ocean, the girl by the water kept catching my eye. Her hair was like a beacon with the glowing light catching it now and then and she had her legs tucked up, making a melancholy figure against the horizon. She had looked back at me again and I thought I saw a small gleam on her face as she turned. Was she crying? She turned around before I could look closer, but she seemed to be wiping her eyes. I knew it was probably not my best idea, but I wanted to go to her.

Wanting to make her smile,  I came up behind her and sang out "Hellooooooo!" The girl jumped and startled me, making me jump in turn and curse in English. When I collected myself, she was looking at me and said hi back in a small voice.