Rogue Hearts | PJM ✅

Chp. 6: Where's my Safe Zone?

Jimin POV 💫

It's been a whole week, and I'm back at Dallia's studio for another coaching session. I don't mean to notice, but she looks so pretty wearing a brilliant white blouse that looks like it would be incredibly soft to the touch. She's paired it with a long turquoise skirt that flows down to her ankles. She looks like the epitome of a summer goddess.

"Earth to Jimin," Dallia calls out, trying to get my attention.

"I'm sorry I was distracted because this week you are the one that looks like they belong on a magazine cover, trying to one-up me, I see," I tease since I've been caught red-handed staring at her.

"Very funny," she smirks good-naturedly. "I have a meet and greet with a potential high-profile client, and I want to make a good impression.

"More high-profile than me?" I ask with a cocked eyebrow and a devilish smile; I'm surprised when she nods yes.

Dahlia leans in and whispers softly, "The child of someone high up in the government, but don't tell anyone, okay?"

"Okay," I whisper back, and I think it is adorable that she is whispering even though we are safely inside her vocal room with the door closed. I'm slightly entranced when I get a whiff of a light floral scent on her skin.

Dallia smiles at me, and then she dives into this week's lessons. We've switched gears, and she is making sure that I learn some pitfalls to avoid when singing. She explains that sometimes my body may naturally try some misguided steps to make me reach high notes, such as increasing breath pressure, squeezing extrinsics, or raising my larynx involuntarily. Then she shows me some exercises to help me build on healthier techniques if I feel my body heading in those directions.

Of course, these are all things I knew a little bit about already, but Dallia has a way of going more in-depth so that I can really retrain myself and focus on her tips and tricks to improve my technique. She makes learning feel so effortless and enjoyable that I'm saddened when I glance down at my watch to discover our entire hour has almost already passed us by.

"Okay, let's hear you put it all together. Show me what you've learned today!" Dallia asks gently, and this sweet and sincere approach with me makes me feel at ease with her.

I close my eyes for a moment, compose myself, then sing a few bars from a song I've been working on in the studio, and when I open my eyes, I can't believe how much this one session has already improved my performance.

"Oh, Jimin," Dallia gushes. I watch as she lifts her hand and rests it atop her heart. "That...that was beautiful. The tone was so nice and clear. It wasn't strained...it was so pure," she trails off.

"Pure, like undisturbed snow on a mountain top?" I chuckle as I try to hide how pleased I am with her assessment.

"Pure, like the sarcasm that falls from your lips like a waterfall," she belly laughs.

I love how she joins in the jokes without hesitation. Stop thinking about her!

"No, but seriously. You really understand the techniques we discuss, and you are such a quick study. You should be so impressed with yourself!" she adds.

I feel that familiar blush rise on my cheeks that only Dallia truly pulls out of me. Sometimes it is true; I pretend to be shy or humble more than I actually feel inside, and I put on a bit of an act to protect myself in situations such as interviews on the red carpet. However, with Dallia, this is no act. It is different with her.

She doesn't feel like a predator.

I pause for a moment when that last thought truly hits me square in the face. I don't think I've entirely realized I've been feeling this way for some time. I may be flirty with some people, but unfortunately, I've also been hit on by many men and women from all over the world for years -and they can be so bold! Almost bordering on sexual harassment sometimes! I've even been offered money by rich strangers to keep them company, and I then had to find a way to politely decline even though I felt incredibly uncomfortable by their offers. Fame comes with many opportunities, but there is also a seedy underbelly nobody wants to talk about. However, Dallia does not make me feel this way at all.

Safe. Dallia makes me feel completely safe.

When Dallia compliments me, there is no hidden agenda. She means what she says. When she jokes with me, it's never overtly sexual. Dallia is in love with her girlfriend and just sees me as a human being, and I appreciate it so much. I love expressing my provocative side, my flirty side -but I need it to be completely on my own terms. I also like just being plain ole Jimin sometimes, and I realize that's all that Dallia ever expects from me. It is the most freeing experience I've had with someone outside of my circle.

"Well, I have a great teacher!" I smile as I gather up my things. "Same time next week?"

"Sounds perfect, Jimin -and hey, remember, when you wake up and realize you don't really need my help anymore, remember that I won't take it personally when you don't want to come for lessons anymore. Okay?" she says matter of factly with kind understanding.

"Oh, I'll be back, Dallia. See you next week!"

She waves as I exit her studio and I listen to her happily humming under her breath as she begins setting up for her next lesson.

She'll be seeing me for a long time.