Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 12

"ROSÉ?!"  Fans called out, their voice slicing through the bustling noise.

"JENNIE!!"

"JISOO, YOU'RE AMAZING!"

"LISA...LISA!!"

The atmosphere crackled with energy as we, BLACKPINK, manoeuvred through the throng of fervent admirers at the airport. Even with our bodyguards by our side, the tide of eager fans surged toward us, their excitement nearly palpable as we attempted to  our way through.

"Rosé, I brought your favourite ramen!" A fan's shout pierced through the crowd, and Rosé's eyes lit up at the mention of food, her head snapping toward the voice. I couldn't help but chuckle at my best friend's unyielding love for food, even amidst what felt like a chaotic battlefield.

Jisoo offered a bright smile and waved at the sea of faces, but I could feel her underlying tension. She was worried about our safety-not because we doubted our fans, whom we trusted completely-but due to the unpredictable nature of the world beyond our protective bubble.

Though serious incidents involving idols were rare, Jisoo's instinct to protect us always kicked in, and she couldn't shake off her concerns about potential threats. I tried to brush those thoughts away, not wanting to dwell on them.

Meanwhile, Lisa beamed her signature smile and waved at the crowd, though I could sense her eagerness to escape the scene as soon as possible.

We've always had a distaste for being squished together like sardines, just as we do now. Yet, Rosé seems to light up at the thought of "meeting the fans," as she likes to say. But deep down, we all know it's the food that truly excites her, and our fans have caught on to this little secret. So, her loyal supporters often try to catch her eye by waving food in her direction or tossing treats her way.

After a bit of a struggle, we finally squeezed ourselves into the van. Once I plopped down in my seat, I peeled off my face mask, which had been suffocating me. A manager handed me a bottle of water, and I expressed my gratitude as I took a refreshing sip.

"Did you manage to snag any tteokbokki?" Lisa asked Rosé, placing her food on the seat beside her.

"Nope, and even if I had, I wouldn't share," Rosé shot back.

"Great," Lisa huffed, her face falling, before she buried herself in her phone, scrolling through social media.

Suddenly, Lisa let out a blood-curdling scream that sent my heart racing.

"Could you please spare our eardrums for at least a week?" Jisoo groaned, shooting a glare at Lisa, whose eyes were glued to her screen, looking as if they might pop out at any moment.

"What's the drama this time?" Rosé inquired, and Lisa quickly turned her phone around to show her the screen. Rosé gasped, covering her mouth in shock at whatever spectacle was unfolding.

Jisoo, unimpressed, slipped on her headphones and shut her eyes, trying to drown out Lisa's commotion. Meanwhile, my curiosity began to bubble up.

Lisa caught my inquisitive look directed at the phone that Rosé somehow managed to grab, likely because of whatever had captured their attention.

"I never thought he could be this captivating," Rosé exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief as she stared at Lisa's phone.

"Same here," Lisa replied, snatching the device from Rosé and passing it to me.

The moment I caught sight of the screen, I nearly sputtered in astonishment.

There, in all his glory, was Kim Taehyung, dazzling on stage with his group as they performed their latest single. Even though he was always this great and attractive on stage, in this performance he gave an extra undeniably alluring performance.