Addicted To You

4 - Bebe

The guys jokingly introduced me as the 8th member, and then Kyun pointed out that there was a 9th. The others looked at him like he was nuts. He held up his phone to show a photo of Jinki that I didn't even know he had taken. The hosts and audience 'awed' in unison. He told everyone about her, even how she uses the toilet instead of a litterbox. It was obvious he was head over heels for my cat, just like I was for him. My affection for him was no secret. He is my Ultimate Bias, after all.

The host, Deirdre, turned the conversation back to them. She was clearly under their spell and seemed to have done her homework. So many times in their history I have seen interviews where the questions were standard fair that one would ask of Western artists, including the forbidden dating question. They didn't understand that the music industry is different in Korea... or maybe they didn't care and just wanted to put them on the spot. This was not one of those times.

The guys were excited about their new adventure as an independent group, and it showed. They talked about their tour and latest comeback. They said they were excited to see Monbebes at the fanmeets they had arranged, and they hoped we enjoyed them. I just kept quiet and let them shine. That is what they do best.

The host came back around to me and asked, "I've seen so many comments about how you are the luckiest Monbebe in the world. I have to agree. How is it being in such close contact with the members? I don't think I could handle it, personally. They are so handsome." She almost gushed.

I could not stop the smile that took over my face. "It is like a dream. I still have to pinch myself every morning when I wake up. It was overwhelming at first when I would be around them. I will admit, I have caught myself fangirling more than once, but I am adjusting. Slowly," the audience laughed. "But I can tell you, these men are just as amazing off stage as they are on it. They are the perfect blend of sweet, sexy, and chaotic... and I can't wait to show you guys more of that." I looked into the camera and pointed to the viewers. The audience screamed in response.

"Rileigh, you are obviously more than just the world's luckiest blogger. Tell us a little about yourself. I am sure the viewers are curious," I had rehearsed a short version of this in anticipation of the question.

"You are right, Deirdre. My background is in PR and writing. I worked at a mid-sized PR firm in Atlanta for two years and then got recruited into an Indy music company in Atlanta doing band promotions for ten years. In high school, I wrote a children's book for my cousins which I published years later. It has been on the best-sellers list for a few years, and I have been a freelance writer for a couple of years now."

"That's impressive. You are only 35 and have achieved so much success already. You have a bright future in front of you." Her smile was genuine as she looked down the line at the guys and then back to me.

"And for you guys, how is it having a female around all the time?" the interviewer asked the guys after the studio got a little quieter. I thought I detected a little jealousy in her voice, but I could have been projecting.

Jooheon spoke for the group, "It is not much different than having our stylists or staff around. Many of them are female. I don't think people realize we have interactions with women every day since they mostly just see the seven of us always together. Back at our other company, there were girl groups and trainees that we interacted with regularly too." Even I hadn't really thought about that. I was in a unique position as far as my interaction with them, but I wasn't the only girl around. I liked to think I was their favorite girl though. "Rileigh-shi fits well with us. We like having her around," he grinned at me and those dimples caused the entire audience to swoon.

They wrapped up the interview segment and while they cut to a commercial break, the guys took their places on the performance stage. I waited in the wings and watched them. The host came to stand beside me.