Closer than Ever

Chapter 78 - Paris

Taehyung leaves for France on Friday, and I am surprised by how nervous he seems, along with his excitement about it. As we're kissing goodbye, I ask why he's anxious, and he tells me that he doesn't want to disappoint the fans.

"It's not a performance, though, love. You're just going to watch some models walk around, right?"

He rolls his eyes at me. "It is a performance, though. I have to represent myself, BTS, and the Celine brand. I've never done it before!"

I study his eyes, then smile. "Just be your usual beautiful, amazing self, babe. That's more than any fan could ask for." He squeezes me. "You're going to be there with Blackpink Lisa and... I forgot the actor guy's name..."

"Park Bogum," he says, smiling down at me.

"Park Bogum, that was it!" I laugh apologetically. We kiss again. "Well, have a wonderful time, my love! Call me if you get a chance. Safe flight!"

He steps into the elevator. "I'll call you for sure, Birdie. I miss you already!"

"Miss you, too!" I blow him kisses as the doors close.

Once again, I watch the Dispatch footage of him at Incheon. He looks so cute in his leopard print shirt! I chuckle fondly and blow him more kisses through the TV screen. 'It's amazing how you can get used to things,' I think. 'It's not even freaking me out to see my sweetie man waving to screaming fans at the airport wearing the same thing he just left the house in, anymore.' I watch him turn and head inside with his bodyguards and manager. 'He was so offended when I didn't even know who Hedi Slimane was.' I laugh. 'Why would I know that? Silly bear.'

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I feel sort of tired and listless over the weekend, and don't really get anything done. I watch online news reports about Tae and Lisa and Park Bogum being greeted by screaming crowds who had camped out since midnight to see them, and another about Tae choosing his look for the fashion show. He looks incredible in a black sequined shirt, a red leather jacket, and black leather pants, with an asymmetrical diamond cascade necklace. Lisa has a black dress on, and looks painfully skinny to me. 'Gosh, if I knew her, I would nag her to eat, too!' I think, and laugh at myself. I feel faintly sorry for Park Bogum, because he has the fewest people yelling his name from the crowd. He looks nice, though, in a black outfit with a similar necklace to Taehyung's except straight across and with smaller gems.

The entertainment reporters are naming off all of the celebrities as they arrive at the venue, and I have never heard of any of them. I shake my head, and look at Lulu. "Who are these people, and why do they care about clothes so much?" I ask her. She has no answer.

Tae and the others pose for a bunch of photos before the show begins. I am amused to notice that he is the only person who is bopping and drumming his fingers to the background music when the models start prancing down the hall. 'He looks more handsome than a model, but he's still a musician. This is so weird and kind of awkward. Why are they doing the show in a hallway, instead of one of those, whatchamacallit, catwalk things?' I frown at the screen. 'This is the actual show, right? It must be.' As soon as it's over, I think, 'OK, come home now, babe!' and laugh at my own impatience. Then I remember that his family wants him to start picking a bride when he gets back, and I grimace and sigh heavily.

I am eating an early lunch in the employee lounge on Monday, after meeting with the songwriters. Tae was supposed to be home this morning, but his flight was delayed until early afternoon, so I'll head back as soon as I'm done with my meal. 'Shit, what am I going to do about his family?' I wonder. 'We haven't even been together for a year. I know that Korean couples sometimes marry after a few months, but this is so fast by American standards.' My heart is pounding as I absent-mindedly twirl my chopsticks around in my japchae.