Shattered promises // JJK

Chapter 5: MEET-CUTE?

It was the first day of snow of the year, almost 4 years ago. I was in Venice, Italy, for a private art gallery opening. I was seeping through the corridors, enjoying the beauty of each stroke of paint.

Being surrounded by art gives me comfort. Paintings say a lot without uttering a word, and communicating with them makes me forget the outer world and gives me peace. Suddenly, a suspicious-looking man in a black outfit, wearing glasses and a mask, approached me. I pretended not to notice him. I did not have a good feeling (I should've trusted my gut and ran away). He proceeded to follow me and try to initiate a conversation. I ignored it, walking away. However, this man was so adamant about following me.

"Why are you following me?" I finally snapped, turning around.

"I am so sorry. I did not mean to creep you out. Can I ask you something?" he said in broken English.

"Sure, go ahead," I answered rudely.

"I heard you speaking Korean earlier on the phone. Are you from Korea?"

"Yes, why?" He looked so relieved to hear that he physically relaxed.

"Oh, thank God! I am from Korea too. Art is fun when you exchange opinions with others, which I could not do due to the language barrier. Can I join you if you don't mind?"

"Yeah, sure, that is fine." One thing I love to do next to painting is talking about it with other art enthusiasts. We had a very great afternoon. He is a very easy-going and smart person. After the exhibition, he invited me to dinner. Normally, I would decline, but I was contemplating to myself. Nothing is wrong with having dinner, right? I always resisted people who tried to communicate with me, but I found it hard to resist his cheerful nature. I reluctantly agreed to dinner. He picked me up from my hotel after an hour. He wore a suit, and the glasses were gone. His car is a Mercedes-Benz, elegant as him. I could not see his face properly, but his physique and confidence screamed well-built. We arrived at an authentic Italian restaurant. Surprisingly, it was empty. This place was always crowded; many tourists and locals preferred it.

"We are lucky today. There was a long line to enter here every time I came," I shared my surprise.

"Oh yeah, it is because I booked the whole place for some privacy," he told me.

That was a bit extra when we just met, but my introverted self loved it. A waiter, who looked like he was in his mid-20s, came to take our order. He had a big smile and was extra nice. He brought our appetizers first. The man in front of me removed his mask. Damn, I don't even know his name, but I followed him here. Ted Bundy would have a field day if he met me. As expected, this man looks unreal. He looks like what I would build if I were to make the perfect-looking man in the whole universe.

As if he read my mind, he asked, "By the way, what's your name?"

"I am Choi La-Ra," I answered.

"It is nice to meet you, Ms. Choi. I am assuming you are not married since I used 'Ms.'"

"Just call me La-Ra. And yes, I am single."

"That is good to know," he smiled.

"Aren't you gonna tell me yours?"

"Well, I figured you would know that by now." He chuckled a nervous laugh.

I gave him a confused look. I am pretty sure he didn't tell me earlier. However, he looks more confused than I do; it made me doubt myself. "I am sorry, did you tell me earlier?"

"No, I did not. You don't know who I am?"

"Am I supposed to? Have we met before?"

"No, no, you are right. I apologize. My name is Jeon Jungkook."

"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Jeon," I smiled.

"Please call me Jungkook. So, you have never heard of this name? I thought you lived in Korea?"

"I do live in Seoul, but I never did. Are you a celebrity?"

He looked like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I am an idol within a boy group called BTS."

"Oh my God! I have heard of BTS. You are a big star then." Booking the whole place made sense now.

"So you have heard of us?"

"Well, it is impossible not to. You guys are the biggest boy band in K-pop. I am sorry if I offended you. I am not that active on social media."

"No worries. If anything, I am happy. You amaze me," he said with a wide grin.

I basically lived under a rock forever. This is the only time I am getting out of my comfort zone, and I love it so much. My cheeks hurt from smiling too much.

Little did I know, after 4 years, I am regretting that day.