CHIHIRO | Billie Eilish

Chapter 7: Billboard

Nayla's POV

Winter break was a welcomed respite from the hectic pace of school and university life. With only my online entrepreneurship job to focus on, I found myself with some much-needed free time. But amidst the holiday cheer, there was a lingering sense of disappointment—the missed opportunity to see Billie Eilish in concert weighed heavily on my mind.

One day, as I was taking a leisurely stroll through the city, I spotted a billboard announcing Billie's upcoming tour. The sight reignited the pang of regret in my heart, and I couldn't help but lament the fact that I would miss out on the experience.

Feeling a mix of longing and frustration, I decided to record the billboard myself and share it on TikTok. With a heavy heart, I captured the video, making sure to highlight the tour dates and locations. As I uploaded the video, I added a caption that captured my feelings: "the fact that I'm gonna miss this...".

Two days passed, and my video had garnered a modest number of views and comments. But then, as I was checking my notifications on TikTok, I received a message that stopped me in my tracks—a text message from none other than Billie Eilish.

My heart skipped a beat as I read the message, my hands trembling with excitement. Billie had seen my video and wanted to reach out to me personally. My mind raced with disbelief—was this really happening?

With trembling fingers, I opened the message, my heart pounding in my chest.

The message from Billie read:

"Hey? I think we ran into each other a while back, remember that night on the street when you dropped your stuff? Saw your TikTok about missing the concert. If it's you, I'd love to hook you up with tickets for the London show! Let me know!"

My heart skipped a beat as I read the message. I quickly replied:

"Oh my god, Billie! Yes, that was me! I still can't believe that happened. Thank you so much for reaching out! I was really bummed about missing the concert. I'd love to go! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!"

Billie responded promptly:

"Awesome, glad I found you! I'll get my team to sort out the tickets. Can't wait to see you there :)"

I couldn't believe what was happening. I re-read the messages over and over, my excitement growing with each read. It felt like a dream.

Weeks had passed since that surreal text conversation with Billie. One day, I got a message from her again, asking for my email. I sent it to her, feeling a flutter of excitement, but that was it. No further messages came.

Finally, the day of the concert arrived. My anticipation had built up to a fever pitch. I arrived at the venue an hour early, wearing my favorite jeans and a top, ready to soak in every moment. At the entrance, I presented my QR code, the digital ticket Billie had sent to my email. The security scanned it, and I was in. I felt like I was floating.

The atmosphere inside was electric. Fans were buzzing with excitement, talking and taking pictures. I found my spot and settled in, my heart pounding in anticipation. The lights dimmed, and the crowd roared as the first notes filled the air.

Billie's performance was everything I had imagined and more. Her voice was mesmerizing, her energy infectious. At one point during the show, our eyes met. She smiled, and I felt like the only person in the crowd. It was a brief moment, but it felt incredibly personal.

As the concert came to a close, I lingered, soaking in the last bits of the experience. People were streaming towards the exits, but I walked slowly, not wanting the night to end. Just as I was about to step outside, a man approached me. He was tall and muscular, clearly one of Billie's bodyguards.