CHARISMA...Jan Rozmanowski(a sequel to apricity)

Tempura

The sound of loud chatter and laughter can be heard from behind one of the expensive looking wooden doors as we march through the empty hallway, our steps echoing behind us. I take a second to observe, letting my eyes wander up the walls, over the countless paintings and finally down to the carpeted floor. It seems as if every hotel has carpeted floors in New York.

The lights are dimmed to a comfortable warm orange, giving the space an overall cozy vibe. Jan, the flower boy he is, is checking out the numerous plants a few feet behind me, taking pictures for his instagram story every now and then.

"I love gardenias," he exclaims, smashing the white button on his screen repeatedly, "they just look so pure, I guess, and oh-my-god they smell amazing,"

"Why don't you become a florist if music doesn't work out?" I ask, sarcasm evident in my voice as I turn to face him.

"Yeah...I too have thought about it, but I think it's too late for that now, don't you think?" he matches my tone, a mischievous glint in his eyes. It is true, though. Most of the shows already sold out during the presale which to this day sounds unbelievable. I would say music is working out pretty damn well (It's been doing a lot of Bulgarian squats, Im too funny).

The laughter suddenly comes to a stop, reminding me of why we're here. I take a quick look at my phone and check the three figure number Marta sent me to not accidentally disturb the wrong room. I approach the correct door and knock a few times, then take a small step back. I don't know about you but I wouldn't want to get hit by a door tonight, I have stuff to do and places to be at.

Eventuality the door opens, a crowd of 'hello's coming our way in an instant. Jan greets them back without missing a beat. Me--not so much as he nudges my shoulder. I freeze but manage to say a quick hi anyway. Recently my social anxiety has been through the roof and given the fact that I've never had any problems like that, it's weird. It probably has something to do with meeting all these new people and trying to leave a good first impression.

Jan senses my discomfort and gently snakes an arm around my waist, pulling me close to his side(HOLD ME CLOSER ALTHOUGH YOU'LL LEAVE BEFORE THE SUNRISE). I smile a little at the sweet action, my cheeks flushing. We enter the room and make our way to one of the velvet couches. As Jan shakes hands, I let myself sink into the pastel green cushions and exhale a breath I didn't know I was holding. My eyes close by themselves, the day full of traveling finally catching up on me.

Not even a minute later I feel a hand on my shoulder. It startles me. I flinch at the contact, my eyes fly open in a nanosecond, vision blurry.

Next to me sits a nice-looking older woman who I haven't happened to notice yet. Her hair is dark brown, though the slightly grey roots are hinting it's not natural, her brown eyes have the tiniest bit of green in them. They look...welcoming in a sense. Like a home should. She's smiling. It's the kind of smile that makes you forget who's a stranger and who's not. So sweet and also, homey.

"I'm Edyn. And so you must be Julia," she introduces herself, her smile growing impossibly wide.

Oh. My. God.

That's Sirius's wife.

"Oh my- yes! I'm Julia nice to meet you," I stutter, trying to reach out a hand but she pulls me in for a hug instead. Her arms wrap around me like a safety blanket. She's warm and smells of flowers, the typical grandma type perfume but yet it suits her perfectly. As we part, I also notice Sirius in the corner of the room, fist bumping Jan who's looking at me. He grins at the both of us before continuing his talk with the brunette.

-

After finally getting to know the whole team, we collectively decided it would be a good idea to get dinner. Late dinner then, as it's almost 2 am. Sirius Introduced us to what he calls the JannMobile--his innovative take on a relatively normal tour bus that he promises offers a unique experience. JannCrew2 was also created due to us still wanting a more private chat. We're territorial, what can I say. We are the OG's. Anyway.

The bus navigates the city streets as we head to a sushi restaurant handpicked by Jan that's surprisingly still open. We've gathered in the lounge of the bus. The radio is blasting iconic pop music and everyone is singing along, even Edyn. I learned from Annia that she's with us to visit her daughter in Idaho which means she won't be with us for most of the tour.

As the vehicle starts making turns I snatch Jan's sweater from his lap, quickly pulling it over my head and let out a sigh. It's oversized and comfy, his cologne bringing me comfort and making me feel fuzzy inside. He looks over at me, a playful smile dancing on his lips as he raises an eyebrow.

"Taking advantage of my sweaters already?" he teases, nudging my side. I just shrug, pulling the garment tighter around me.

"It's chilly outside," I retort, snuggling closer to his side as the bus continues its journey through the city streets.

After a while, JannMobile comes to a halt. The crisp night air greets us as we step out of the vehicle, the familiar scent of the city mixing with the faint aroma of nearby restaurants. The neon glow of the sushi place beckons us closer, promising warmth and good food.

Sirius locks the bus behind us with a click, joining the group as we make our way inside. The cozy interior of the restaurant is a welcome change from the chilly air outside. The lively chatter of other diners fills the space.

We settle into a large booth, Jan sliding in next to me with a smile. The menu is passed around, and we excitedly discuss our sushi preferences, sharing recommendations. I choose the snow crab tempura and so does Jan. Such a copycat, just kidding. The rest of the group orders two collections of all different kinds of sushi.

As we wait for our food to arrive, conversation flows effortlessly around the table. Stories and gossip about the music industry are shared as well, laughter fills the air, making me feel even more comfortable than before.

The sushi finally arrives, a colourful array of rolls and sashimi delicately arranged on rectangular plates. We dig in eagerly, savouring each bite. When we're done, we pay and leave a generous tip before leaving.

The JannMobile awaits us. As expected, we find Sirius leaning against the drivers side door, a cigarette between his lips. I chuckle to myself before entering the vehicle followed by Jan and the others. Sirius starts the car and on the highway we are.

As we settle back into the lounge of the bus, the radio resumes, filling the air with the familiar strains of iconic pop tunes.

"So, Julia," Jan begins, his voice soft in the dimly lit interior of the bus. "I was thinking, maybe tomorrow we could-"

Before he can finish his sentence, the bus comes to a gentle stop outside our hotel. With a reluctant sigh, Jan untangles himself from my embrace, his hand finding mine.

As we step out onto the deserted sidewalk, the city lights cast a soft glow around us. In a matter of seconds the crew is gone, leaving us completely alone.

Slowly, we make our way towards the entrance of the hotel. The lobby is quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the elevator as we ride it up to our floor. I'm so busy with counting the tiles beneath my feet that I don't even notice Jan getting closer to me. When I do, a breath hitches in my throat. I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks, as Jan takes another half step towards me, our noses now almost touching. Before anything more can happen, the elevator grinds to a stop, the heavy metal doors sighing open to reveal our floor.

With a smirk, I pull him out the claustrophobic chamber with just enough force for him to become flustered.

As we reach our room, Jan frustratedly fumbles with the keycard before finally unlocking the door with a triumphant grin. With a playful glint in his eye, he holds the door open for me, gesturing for me to enter first.

"Such a gentleman," I tease, stepping into the room with a playful twirl. Jan follows close behind, the door automatically locking behind us.

"Userb6738940 started following you"

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Hey guys...it's been a while hasn't it? ummm, my only explanation is school and concerts. I've been to at least eight concerts during my break, it could be more but I literally can't even keep track anymore im so done.

how have y'all been?

I completely changed the idea for this story lol so get ready for some crime type shit.

Muchas Gracias💋