In the dark

32

Jimin sent a text message to the group chat every day with the countdown. Peri appreciated his thoughtfulness, and it gave her something to look forward to. No, Peri wasn't sitting around in the apartment all day waiting for the day when they would walk back in. She gave herself tasks to do throughout the day. 

She could read and write on her computer. She researched the sugar gliders and discovered they were social creatures but didn't like strangers. Peri would visit them periodically if she was already out and about in town. The weather was warmer. Spring was turning into summer, and Peri could be found sitting in the lush, green grass of a park with the sun heating her bare shoulders.

The part that she was looking forward to was the interaction with the men- live and in person. With them away, Peri had to imagine them smiling at her jokes. She had to wait for them to answer any text she sent versus a real-time response. If she wanted to watch them sing and dance, Peri would have to look at a video. She could walk into the dance or production studios if they were here. Peri had to face facts; she was missing them. Even after knowing them for a short time. Even after the fight and the makeup where she lost so much time. Peri couldn't wait to be around them again. 

Peri only had another week and a half to go. That was a feasible goal to achieve. She could hold out a little longer. She just had to keep her mind occupied with other things. She had done that before, and she could do it again. 

She would start that goal tomorrow. Today Peri was eyeing her phone. She knew they had made it to Hong Kong. BTS was going to be spending five days there at some music expo. One day for a dry run of the show, followed by four days of performing. Then away, they go to their final destination. 

Her fingers wiggled over her phone as if she was casting a spell to make the phone levitate. Peri was deciding who to call. She knew they would be practically unreachable, but a quick, five-minute call wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience. Or that's what she convinced herself to do. Her fingers hovered over the contact list as Peri closed her eyes and tapped on the screen. She decided to let the fates make her choice.

"Hello," he said coldly.

Well, that was not the greeting Peri had expected from the man who always seemed to be in the best of moods. "Hobi?" she asked, making sure she had the correct member.

"Yeah. What's up?" again, his response was dry.

"I was calling to say hello, but if you are busy...."

"No. I mean, yes, I am, but it's ok. I could use a break. How are you, Princess?" Warmer greeting, but not the Hobi-ness she knew he was capable of.

"Are you at rehearsals right now?"

"I am, but I asked how you are doing."

"So, Dance leader mode is on right now?"

"It is. Are you going to answer my question?"

"Dance Leader. Yikes! I have seen that man. He's scary!" Peri said with an overdramatic, fear-trembling voice. Hobi let out a hard laugh. "Ah! A laugh. That is exactly what I needed to hear. I am great, thanks to you! How can I return the favor?" More laughter came on the other end. Peri, herself, had to give a wide smile. His laughter was music to her ears. 

"Yes. Dance Leader is very scary!" He smiled even more because of her antics. 'She is so cute!' he thought. His smile faded so that he could get on a more serious topic. "I am just stressed. Big shows like this always put me on edge. I am sorry if I was short with you earlier."

"How is this show different from the other ones?"

"The Expo is similar to an award show. There are many different artists and groups here to perform their music, so everything needs to be exact. We have to be on top of our game. We can't have any mistakes. There is a lot of pressure."