March 6, 2020
Two weeks later, Bella was checking into the Holiday Suites Inn at Puerto Princesa, Philippines.
The coronavirus was starting to be a very real threat worldwide and Bella decided that her overwhelming desire to visit Malacca could still be contained. Health was more important than any overseas tourist activity. Even if it was to a historical city such as the one she had planned to visit.
As the virus had not yet entered the Philippines, Bella decided on a local destination instead. Checking the local airlines, it turned out that AsianAir had a sale for Puerto Princesa.
Once everything was planned and set on her side, Bella sent a message to Namjoon on Line informing him of the change in her plans.
Xiao Tian Shi: Namjoon-Oppa? Sorry to bother you. I think it would be best if I deferred my trip to Malacca. It might not be a wise decision to enter Malaysia yet. I’m traveling to a local Philippine destination instead.
R2DJoon: Hey baby sis! You’re never a bother! Hmmm… You may be right. Where are you headed?
Xiao Tian Shi: To Puerto Princesa, Namjoon-Oppa.
R2DJoon: Are the dates the same as the ones for Malacca?
Xiao Tian Shi: Yes, Namjoon-Oppa. Still from March 6 to 9.
R2DJoon: No sweat! I’ll gather the troops and the hyungs will see you there, okay?
Xiao Tian Shi: Oh wow! Seriously? You guys are joining me? That’s awesome!
R2DJoon: Of course, baby sis! The moment you mentioned your trip, I made sure to move our schedules around so that we could come see you. Taehyung and Jimin will be staying behind to guard the fort but the rest of us will be where you are.
Xiao Tian Shi: Namjoon-oppa, I couldn’t impose that on you. I really hope it wasn’t a hassle for anyone. Did you have to ask for special approval or something to do that?
R2DJoon: The managers and the rest of the staff were a bit surprised at the request, honestly. But I made sure to keep them in the dark about where we would actually be. I just told them that the five of us would be off-grid for a few days but that Jimin and Taehyung would be continuing on with their schedules.
Xiao Tian Shi: Jake mentioned that your schedules are set about a year ahead, Namjoon-oppa. Is that change going to affect anyone?
R2DJoon: Don’t worry too much about it, baby sis! Everything’s all set here and we’re good to go. Wherever we're supposed to go! Haha
Xiao Tian Shi: Alright, Namjoon-oppa! I trust your leadership :P
Xiao Tian Shi: Should I take care of the hotel and tour packages? I actually only booked the ones for me since, you know, I didn’t know you were going to come. We might have to change my joiner tours to exclusive ones.
R2DJoon: I’ll leave that in your capable hands, Bella dear. Let me send you my credit card details so you can use it to book the tours and hotel. That’ll be four rooms, including yours.
R2DJoon: ***picture of black card***
Xiao Tian Shi: That’s way too kind of you, Namjoon-oppa! And I appreciate it but I really don’t mind paying for my own expenses. Thank you for the offer, though.
R2DJoon: Baby sis, you’re practically family. If you feel a little shy about having us pay for your room, it’s cool. But we’re paying for everything else. Put everything on my card. Please, I insist.
