"To the Beginning" (Book 1 of the "K-Pop Mysteries" Series)

Old and New Friends

I'm about to run and jump into the water when...

"Andrew?!"

I swirl around in shock and slip on the slightly damp ground. Thankfully, I catch myself before I fall. I know that voice!

Me: Rose?! What are you doing here?!

Rose: I live here!
Me: No, I mean, shouldn't you be on tour?!

Rose: We have a break for a couple days, so I wanted to come to the river. Speaking of which, what are you doing here, and why is BoA with you. Hi, BoA.
Me: I had a really odd vision, and I came to check it out. And BoA is my tour guide.
BoA: Hi, Rose, good to see you again.
Rose: You too. What vision? And tour guide?
Me: Regarding the vision, don't worry about it. And yes, she's my tour guide. I didn't really have time to explore last time I was here, remember?
Rose: Of course. So how long are you here this time?
Me: I don't know yet, but while I'm here, I wanna explore as much as possible. And I would love to spend time with you a little bit too, if possible.
Rose: Fair enough. And sure, if I can. Where are you staying while you're here?
Me: Same room as last time. The bellhop actually remembered me.
Rose: Oh yeah, Yugyeom is fantastic at his job, and he has eidetic memory like no one's business.

Me: Yeah, I noticed. So anyway, where are the other ladies?
Rose: Oh, they're relaxing at home.

BoA: So why did you come to the river instead of relaxing with your mates at home?

Do I hint some skepticism in BoA's voice? I glance at her, but she avoids my gaze, keeping her eyes on Rose.

Rose: I came to see a childhood friend that I haven't seen in many years.
Me: A guy?
Rose: Yes, but babe, don't worry, okay?
Me: Okay. Can I meet him?
Rose: Maybe soon.

Red flags start popping up in my mind.

Me: Why not today since I'm already here?
Rose: Babe, can't you just trust me?
Me: Look, I may have forgiven you, but you still have a long way to go before you earn my trust back. And you didn't answer my question.
Rose: Because I don't want him to feel awkward.

Me: So you wanna meet another guy alone and not let your boyfriend meet him because your friend might feel awkward? You don't realize how ridiculous and sketchy that sounds?!
Rose: It's not-

Me: Yes, it is babe. I wanna meet this guy and see why you don't want me meeting him.
Rose: Babe, please-

Me: No, Rose, I'm meeting him. I wanna make sure that he knows not to make advances on you.
Rose: He won't.
Me: Really? Have you told him you have a boyfriend?
Rose: Well-
Me: That's a no. So he might think you're single. And you are gorgeous.
Rose: Babe-
BoA: Rose, look. I'm with Andrew on this one. You don't have a good track record of being trustworthy. Let him meet this guy.
Rose: But-
"Rose?"

We all turn towards the voice, which belongs to...

Me: Wait, your friend is Felix, and you're telling me not to worry?!

He come up to us.

Felix: Hey, Rose, long time, no see.

I could swear I see Rose blushing a little, and i clear my throat loudly.

Me: Hi, my name is Andrew, Rose's boyfriend. How are you?

We shake hands.

Felix: Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Felix.

Me: Nice to meet you.
Felix: So Andrew, you're her boyfriend? How did you two meet?
Me: At a concert here in Seoul about three years ago or so.

Felix: Interesting. Well, you have an intriguing vibe.
Me: Funny, I was about to say the same thing about you.
Felix: Well, don't worry, Andrew, I know better than to make a move on another man's woman.
Me: Good. I will hold you to that. So I have a question.
Felix: Ask away.
Me: Any embarrassing stories?

Felix smirks, and Rose's eyes go so wide, they look about to pop.

Rose: No.

Me: Come on, everyone has embarrassing childhood stories.

Felix: Exactly.

We both laugh until BoA clears her throat loudly.

BoA: Wow, Andrew, way to leave me out to pasture.

Me: Oh crap! Sorry about that, BoA! Felix, this is BoA. She's a good friend, and she's my tour guide while I'm here.

He looks a bit speechless when he looks upon her.

Felix: H-hello. N-nice to meet you.

I snicker as they shake hands, and Felix tries to playfully punch my arm. I block it, of course.

Me: I'm just teasing.

Felix: I know.
Me: Can you believe Rose thought that you would feel awkward meeting me?
Rose: Hey!

Felix: Nah, I'm not surprised.

Rose: Hey!!

We all laugh like crazy. Then out of nowhere, I suddenly get lightheaded. As the ground rushes up to meet me, a pair of very muscular arms grabs me, and the world goes dark...