Before you disappear

Chapter 16

My friend had said goodbye to Jake and we both made our way back outside. The concert wouldn't start for another two hours so that gave us some time to get something to eat and enjoy the weather outside.

"We should go to the food truck over there," I pointed. "Stacey said she'd be there."

My friend grabbed my arm and pulled me close so she could link her arm through mine. "That was freakin' amazing," she whispered excitedly, "but let's agree to one thing."

"What?"

"Let's not tell anyone what we've just witnessed, okay? I don't feel like people bombarding us with questions and having us scrutinized or anything like that."

I nodded solemnly. "Couldn't agree more. Some might not be able to handle this." I winked at my friend, which made her chuckle. "Besides, I can't even believe what we just witnessed. I mean... we saw their rehearsal? We saw them up close?" I shook my head in astonishment. "If you tell me right now, I've been sleeping for the past two hours, I would believe it."

My friend laughed. "Same!"

"So, I didn't get to ask but... how was the date with Jake? He seemed like a great guy."

"Oh, he's awesome. Very funny, that British kind of humor, you know," she said. "There wasn't a silent or awkward moment between us, so... I guess that says something right?"

"So, you're going to see him again?"

My friend nodded. "He asked if I wanted to get something to drink after the concert, but I told him I wanted to check with you first."

"You should go."

"Really? But what about you?"

I tilted my head. "What about me?"

"If I go see him tonight, I feel like a bad friend. I mean, we came here together for a good time, together. If Jake gets more attention from me than I would give to you... That doesn't feel right."

I shrugged. "To be honest, I think after the concert I'll go straight to the hotel and into my bed anyway. I'm pretty tired already," I said. "I mean, enough energy for the concert, no problem there, but afterwards... Yeah, it'll be a date with my bed. So, I wouldn't mind if you wanted to see Jake and I get to see you in the morning."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "You did come here for him as well, right?"

She sighed. "Yes," she said exasperatedly, "but I honestly didn't think I would like him this much!"

I laughed at her facial expression. "Well, I'm glad you do! And look what it has brought you already!" I leaned closer, since we were surrounded by fans. "You actually had BTS within reach!"

She grinned and looked at me. "But you touched one of them! I couldn't believe my eyes when you did that!"

I flustered at the memory. "Me neither."

Someone called my name and both my friend and I jumped at the interruption.

Stacey approached us, laughing. "Well, you're both jumpy," she observed. "Got something to share?" She winked mischievously.

"No, no," my friend said and we both shook our heads profusely.

"We're just overexcited for the concert," I added. "I mean, the songs they'll play!"

Stacey frowned. "You know the setlist?"

My friend elbowed me and I instantly turned red. "No, no, it's just that we walked past the entrance just now and could hear a few songs. They must've been rehearsing?"

"Oh yeah, sure," Stacey said smiling. "They always do that. In other countries, you could get a ticket to be present there but here that's not allowed." She pouted her lips, then pointed at the food truck. "But at least we can eat some delicious stuff and talking with other ARMY, while waiting for the concert to begin right?"

"Right!" I said as I pressed my hand on my belly. "I could definitely eat something right about now. I haven't had a proper lunch yet."

My friend tilted her head as I said that. "You didn't eat your sandwich last night either. You have to take care of yourself. We can't have you fainting later on."

"Well, seeing the guys might cause that whether I've eaten properly or not."

Stacey laughed at my remark. "Is this the first concert you guys are attending?"

My friend nodded as we got in line for the food truck. "And you?"

"Second," Stacey said. "Oh, you're going to love it. The way the guys put up a show... I mean, it's so awesome!"

As she and Stacey started talking about what to expect, I glanced back at the stadium reminiscing about what had just happened. A once in a lifetime opportunity and I was granted access to that. Eye contact with not just Jungkook, who was my bias, but also experiencing the infamous Tae stare.

I swallowed hard. That man should be fined every time he looks at someone like that. Dangerous, very dangerous.

Though he wasn't my bias or bias wrecker – that honor belonged to the eldest, Jin – Tae sure was the one living in my head, rent free. But they all are, really.

Jungkook and Jin had a special place in my heart, but that didn't mean I disregarded the other members. All of them were special to me, for all different reasons. But seeing them up close, at least when it came to Jungkook, solidified the fact that he was my bias. I didn't have a moment with Jin, but perhaps that would happen during the concert. I grinned. As if.

I had already been so lucky to witness the rehearsals. No way was I going to have seats that would mean I could interact with the guys once again.

No one could be that lucky, right?

***

I was wrong. So wrong. My nerves heightened as I looked around me. No fans in front of me. The stage maybe five meters away.

"Oh. My. God."

"What?"

I turned at my friend's question.

"The tickets said a row number in the thirties... I had not expected that would mean, we'd be anywhere close to the stage." I pointed at the stage. "But it's right there!"

My friend laughed. "Amazing, isn't it?"

"How can we be so lucky?" I shook my head, withholding the urge to pinch myself.

"Did you know where we would be?"

My friend shook her head. "To be honest, I didn't even look at the seat numbers when I got the tickets. I was just glad we would actually be here, experiencing the concert."

I could understand that. "Even if we had the highest seats, the furthest away from the stage, I would still the happiest just for being able to be here," I said and then made a wide suggestion with my arms toward the stage. "But this..." I swallowed hard, trying to press down the emotions that suddenly came up.

"It's a lot to take in, isn't it?"

I nodded at my friend's words, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. "It might be too much."

My friend pulled me close for a hug. "It's meant to be, hon'," she said to comfort me. "We've been going through so much and this is the universe's reward. Just take it all in and enjoy the heck out of it!"

I laughed, raising my hand to the side of my head and saluting her. "Will do, ma'am."

***

Author's note

What do you think: should your friend and Jake come together? I haven't made up my mind about it yet, writing this as I go. The main storyline is clear, but it's nice to have a few unfinished plotpoints so I, as the writer, can be surprised to as to where the story goes! ;)