Rewrite the Rules

Serendipity: Part 1

Not all detours are wrong turns. Sometimes, the most beautiful destinations are discovered thanks to a little serendipity.

I awoke in the lap of luxury, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of a Vegas hotel suite. The room was beyond my wildest dreams, adorned with exquisite furnishings, a bed dressed in thousand-count Egyptian cotton, and soaring 12-foot ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of the dazzling Las Vegas cityscape.

Carlos, ever the MVP of Vice Presidents, had orchestrated this six week stay in this palace of a suite. Gratitude warmed my chest, a counterpoint to the hollowness in my stomach. Hunger gnawed, a grounding reminder even in this gilded cage.

My phone buzzed – Carlos again, with a curated list of Vegas eats for me. A fifties diner, all chrome and checkered floors, caught my eye. Could greasy spoon fare live up to this opulent start? Intrigue bubbled, urging me out of the plush cocoon.

Three years. Three long years of waiting. Military duties over. Daydreams fueled by old music videos and dance practices. BTS, my solace, my escape – their world tour was finally here, and Vegas was their stomping ground for the next six weeks.

Carlos, the ultimate closer, had snagged prime seats – the kind I wouldn't have dared dream of – for the first and third shows. Excitement, a fizzy anticipation, danced in my veins. These first two nights, though... those tickets were the crown jewels of this entire adventure.

Being an IT nomad had its perks, working from anywhere with a decent internet connection. But this suite, these tickets – they came with a hefty price tag. Kargoo Industries, a cyber-near-hacking victim a year ago, was my current Everest. Their CEO demanded me, by name.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a solitary figure bathed in the soft glow of the lights. My heart hammered against my ribs – a prickle of nervous excitement mixed with a healthy dose of surprise.

This man, one of the seven who had consumed my thoughts for the past few days, well years, stood there, radiating an aura of quiet confidence. His casual designer outfit spoke of success, but his eyes, when they met mine, held a warmth that disarmed me instantly. A subtle aroma, a delightful mix of a red candy apple scent drifted towards me.

Suddenly, the rumors about celebrity guests staying on the penthouse floor seemed a lot less like idle gossip. Could it really be him? My mind raced, caught between disbelief and a flicker of hope that dared to ignite.

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs. This was it. My one shot. He stood there, a walking enigma in full K-pop disguise. A low-brimmed hat cast his face in shadow, a black mask hiding his smile – but I knew those eyes. Bright, like sunshine trapped in dark chocolate.

Taking a fortifying breath, I swallowed past the lump in my throat. This is my chance. I willed myself, stepping closer. He remained oblivious, gaze fixed on the worn linoleum floor.

"Excuse me?" My voice came out a squeak, barely audible over the elevator's gentle hum. He flinched slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his masked features.

"Thank you," my voice gaining strength. "I lost my love and passion for music, finding you guys brought it all back to me. I can't wait for the show. Again, thank you."

A sliver of curiosity peeked through his eyes as they flickered towards me, then darted back down.

The elevator lurched to a stop, the digital display announcing the sixth floor. Relief washed over me – a few more floors and I would have missed this golden opportunity.

The doors whooshed open, revealing a gaggle of girls, their faces plastered with excitement. A collective gasp filled the air.

"J-Hope! " One of them shrieked, her voice bordering on hysteria. "Someone saw him earlier."