Fire On Fire [TK]

(12) Bed of California Stars

"I'd like to dream my troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my starbed, make another day
Underneath my California stars"

- California Stars, Billy Bragg & Wilco

❀

- Jk -

Seventeen tiring hours of travelling later, Jeongguk stood outside LAX, glaring at the pavement like it had personally betrayed him.

The thing was, their manager, Sejin, had informed him beforehand that it was going to be warm and sunny in LA. Warm and sunny sounded friendly. Manageable. And such an underestimation of this devil's furnace he was currently standing in.

The heat smacked into him the moment he stepped outside-dry, relentless, crawling under his clothes like it had every right to be there. The sun sat in the clear cornflower blue sky like a big floral wedding hat, unapologetic and massive. Trees rose to the occasion, donning their best verdant hues, leaves bright and smug. And he would've appreciated the scenery more, if only his shoes didn't feel like they were melting right onto the asphalt.

Sejin laughed when Jeongguk tugged at his collar. "Welcome to Los Angeles." He got them a cab, and they left for their stay. A freezing can of cola and an indulgent hamburger later, Jeongguk felt human again.

They checked into their BnB, a simple house with two rooms, hosted by an old lady who smiled kindly and didn't ask too many questions, nothing extravagant, but largely comfortable.

The minute he reached his designated room he put his phone on charge. The battery had died long ago. There were unread messages everywhere, his parents, his brother, the group chat. Even though it was probably last on the list, his thumb went to Taehyung first.

I hope you've reached safely Jeongguka! I miss you! >.<

Jeongguk smiled before he could stop himself.

I miss you too, hyungnim!

The group chat exploded the moment he opened it.

Park Jimin: Did you reach?

Park Jimin: Jeongguka? Did you reach?

Park Jimin: Jeon Jeongguk? DID YOU REACH

Hoseokie hyung: Someone take his phone away.

Yoongi hyung: He will text when his flight lands, stop pestering him.

Hoseokie hyung: and us.

Park Jimin: My concern is not called pestering.

Rapmon hyung: Jeongguk does not reply that easily.

Park Jimin: He will, I made Taehyunga also text him. He always replies to Taehyunga. ㅋㅋㅋ

Hoseokie hyung: Priorities.

Hoseok rarely made the wrong assumptions.

Jeongguk laughed softly and sent the photo Sejin had taken at the airport.

Hoseokie hyung: Aigooo Jeongukka! You look so cute.

Rapmon hyung: we miss you kuku

Hoseokie hyung: It feels so empty without you!

Min Yoongi: a little peaceful I must say

Park Jimin: no sleeping beauty to wake up :(

Park Jimin: Yoongi hyung misses you the most you know.