CHAPTER 9: MAJOR L.A RETURN

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I basked in the familiar embrace of the sun, its gentle rays caressing my skin with a warmth that felt like a long-awaited hug. The salty tang of the ocean breeze danced around me, weaving through strands of my midnight-black hair as if to welcome me back home. Every sensation confirmed what my heart already knew: I had returned to Los Angeles.

For weeks, I had eagerly anticipated my return to L.A., but the thrill intensified knowing I was accompanied by BTS. Their presence fueled me with a sense of motivation and determination to excel as their major while back in my hometown. Graciously, they had guided me through Korea, and now it felt like my civic duty to extend the same courtesy to them in Los Angeles.

As our plane touched down at LAX airport, security escorted us through the back exit, steering clear of the bustling front terminals to evade the throngs of fans and paparazzi. It dawned on me then that this discreet passage was a common route for well-known celebrities, a sanctuary from the chaos of fame. Thanks to this clandestine path, we slipped through unnoticed, and in that moment, I couldn't help but ponder why such a measure couldn't be replicated back in Korea at Incheon International Airport.

Upon reaching the end of the passageway, security adhered to the standard protocol, assigning separate private vehicles for each of us. BTS occupied one vehicle while I settled into another, accompanied only by my assistant, Soohee. It was a solitary ride for me, a stark contrast to the lively energy that usually filled our shared journeys.

Soohee: Los Angeles! I bet it feels good to be back home, Aria.

Aria: It sure does! I never thought I would be back this soon!

Soohee: BTS is growing rapidly in the U.S as well as many countries, therefore expect many more visits here for now on. If I can count, this is my fifth time here.

Aria: Really?

Soohee: Yes, in fact, I remember the first time I was in L.A when BTS first arrived there to work filming an alternate music video for their single Boys In Luv.

Aria: It must have been a fun experience for them.

Soohee: Yes, it was. It is great to experience and adventure when with friends.

As Soohee mentioned the topic of friendship, thoughts of my bestie Amanda flooded my mind, reminding me of the distance that my current position imposed between us. Though she was aware of who I worked for, I had never revealed my plans to return to L.A. I feared that if I admitted I couldn't meet up while in town, it might upset her. Thus, I opted to keep my return a secret, shielding her from potential disappointment.

As our driver trailed BTS's vehicle, I soon realized we were headed towards a prominent hotel in the city. Upon arrival, a flurry of assistants and hotel staff eagerly awaited us, swiftly whisking away our luggage as other assistants facilitated the check-in process. To maintain anonymity, I stuck close to SooHee as we approached a separate hotel desk for our check-in.

Once settled, our accommodations were arranged on the highest floor, with BTS and their manager occupying the 20th floor. SooHee, the assistants, and I were situated on the floor just below. Security personnel were stationed on both floors, but the 20th floor, where BTS resided, boasted heightened security measures to ensure their privacy and safety.

As I settled in my hotel room, I heard my phone vibrate on my nightstand. I grabbed it and checked my messages. It was Namjoon.

Namjoon: Hey, we're heading down to the outlet to go shopping, wanna come?

It was merely seven in the morning, and knowing that most shopping places didn't open until around nine, I couldn't help but wonder how this plan would unfold if everything was closed. However, without second-guessing, I promptly responded, eager to see how the day would unfold despite the early hour.

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