Rewrite the Rules

I Have a Secret: Part 7

I have a secret, one I wasn't eager to reveal to anyone.

In my daydreams of rocking chairs and retirement homes, I pictured myself leaning over to Daisy, my best friend, and whispering, "Guess what crazy thing happened to me?"

Her eyes would widen, alight with anticipation. Then, the bombshell: "I kissed Kim Namjoon's cheek and had breakfast with him!"

The inevitable response? A snort of laughter followed by a playful jab: "Don't be ridiculous, Emma. You've finally gone off the deep end!"

The thought sent a blush creeping up my neck. Was I delusional? In the days leading up to the concert, my emotions had been on a rollercoaster ride. Pure, unadulterated joy one minute, crippling self-doubt the next.

Logic told me this extraordinary encounter was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Doubt would creep in, whispering insidious questions: "Should I have told someone? Maybe Daisy or Samina? Would they even believe me?" The "what ifs" and "should haves" played on a relentless loop in my head.

Logic told me this extraordinary encounter with Namjoon was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Yet, a stubborn ember of hope flickered within me. I couldn't resist indulging in fantasies, replaying the stolen kiss, the shared breakfast, the warmth of his smile. This secret, this precious memory, was a treasure chest I clutched tightly to my heart, a reminder of a day that defied explanation.

Today wasn't just a concert, it was a pilgrimage. My first BTS concert, a rite of passage for any loyal ARMY member.

Merchandise tents, adorned with colorful banners and sparkling lights, stretched as far as the eye could see. Each one boasted a seemingly endless queue, a testament to the unwavering devotion of the ARMY.

My VIP ticket, clutched tightly in my hand, felt like a passport to a world I never knew existed. Soundcheck access – a perk I hadn't fully comprehended until now. The weight of it settled in my stomach, a delicious mix of excitement and nervous butterflies.

As I navigated the throngs of fans, a wave of warmth washed over me. The air crackled with a sense of camaraderie, a shared purpose that transcended language or cultural barriers.

Everyone here, decked out in purple light sticks and fan-made T-shirts, was united by the same love – BTS. The kindness and support radiated from the crowd, a palpable energy that chased away any lingering doubts.

This was the first North American concert since BTS's return from their military service, and the excitement was infectious. High-fives were exchanged, snippets of conversations about favorite songs drifted by, and laughter echoed through the air.

A pang of disappointment stabbed at me as I surveyed the distant first stage – my designated spot seemed miles away. But then, my gaze landed on the walkway leading to a second stage, where I had secured a precious seventh-row position. A thrill shot through me.

This closer vantage point promised an intimate experience, a chance to witness the magic up close. The anticipation crackled in the air, a shared secret between me, the stage, and the hundreds of excited fans around me.

The stage bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. It loomed large, dwarfing the smattering of early-bird fans already gathered. Goosebumps erupted on my arms, prickling against the cool air-conditioning. This wasn't just a stage, it was a portal to a world of music and joy. The excited chatter of the crowd hummed in my ears, a rising tide of anticipation that mirrored the churning in my stomach.

Then, a roar erupted from the crowd. BTS! The familiar figures emerged from the wings, a burst of color against the muted backdrop. Gone were the glitzy stage outfits I'd seen in photos - they were clad in comfortable practice clothes, a relatable touch that sent another wave of excitement through me.