The Lucky Fans (LEE JUN HO'S FANFICTION // ENG VER)

23. The Secret

October 6th, 2023

The day they had been dreading had finally arrived. They had just two days left to shoot for The Lucky Fans. Hwang PD announced that they would be filming in Japan to celebrate a farewell party coinciding with 2PM's concert in Tokyo on October 8th. That's right—2PM was kicking off a two-day concert to celebrate fifteen years since their debut in Japan. So, all the 2PM members had already headed off to Japan that day.

"Can you believe how fast time flies? It feels like just yesterday we met, and now we're already saying goodbye," Elisa tidying up her things. They were set to leave later that night since they would shoot first thing in the morning.

Rhea gazed around the apartment that had been their temporary home while in Korea. So many memories were packed into that two-bedroom space, memories that were hard to let go of. The living room where they had played games and belted out karaoke, the dining table that was always overflowing with fascinating stories, the kitchen where Elisa and she whipped up late-night ramyeon, and the balcony that had silently witnessed all that Rhea had done for ONE Publishing.

Was it because she enjoyed every moment with her new family so much that time flew by? Every moment had been a blast. Rhea just hoped that once they returned to their countries, they'd still keep in touch. She wasn't sure how things would play out with the members of Super Junior and 2PM, but it seemed like their relationships would be just fine. Outside of filming, they often chatted privately—like she did with Hee Chul—and of course, Jun Ho, plus Hana with Jun K, and Jennifer with Dong Hae.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Sang Hee opened it to check if the lucky fans had finished packing their things. "I'm really going to miss you guys," Sang Hee said.

"We'll miss you too!" Kayla hugged her, signaling the others to join in for a group hug. There was no denying that the past month had been incredibly meaningful. While most people might forget moments spent with strangers, they were part of that twenty percent who would keep in touch like family even after parting ways.

After double-checking that nothing was left behind, the lucky fans loaded their bags into the van and hurried to the airport. As they drove, Rhea soaked in the sights of Seoul, knowing she would miss it dearly. So much had happened in this city.

They arrived at the airport just as the Super Junior van pulled up behind theirs. The flash of cameras greeted them as they stepped out of the van. The Lucky Fans had successfully captured the attention of many—not just in Korea, but globally.

"Don't we look like real celebrities?" Hana whispered to Kyung Mi, who chuckled in response.

Although they walked casually, they were actually racing against the clock. The plan was to have dinner with 2PM before their first concert the next day, so they needed to get through security as quickly as possible.

This wasn't Rhea's first time being in the spotlight or walking alongside bodyguards, but it still felt strange to her. Just a month in Korea, and her life had suddenly flipped upside down. She found that people recognized her when she was out and about. Even her Instagram requests had skyrocketed; if her account wasn't private, she'd probably gain thousands of followers.

"Rhea-ssi, this is for you." A man who had been waiting for the lucky fans and Super Junior, along with other fans, stretched out a small paper bag toward her. Even with the guards trying to block him, he was determined to hand it over.

Rhea stepped closer and grabbed the paper bag. "Thank you," she said with a smile behind her mask. She quickly returned to the line after receiving the bag to go through check-in and security.

"Seonmul badasseoyo?" Hee Chul asked from behind her as they waited in line.

Rhea nodded. "Looks like it. I haven't checked it out fully, just a glimpse." While they queued, Rhea and Hee Chul chatted about various things, laughing together without a care in the world, even with dozens of cameras snapping away at them.

-ooo-

The Lucky Fans had intentionally scheduled filming for the second day of the 2PM concert so everyone could head home that night. Once filming wrapped up, Rhea wouldn't be heading to the airport with the others. She was flying back to Jakarta with Okta, who had already booked a room at the Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel, conveniently located near Ariake Arena. That's right—Okta was totally up for flying to Japan to catch her idol group's concert. After all, it had been about two years since 2PM went on hiatus, and now they were finally holding concerts, but only in Korea and Japan.

"After the concert, just head straight to Sotetsu Grand Fresa and wait in the lobby. I'll grab my stuff first before coming to your hotel," Rhea said as she answered Okta's call. The others had already gone into the 2PM waiting room. Initially, Okta planned to wait at a 24-hour café nearby while Rhea picked up her things. But Rhea couldn't shake off her worries. After all, Okta was a woman in a foreign country, even though she had traveled abroad many times.

Rhea hung up the call, distracted by the noise on the other end. As she entered the waiting room, she was greeted by laughter and teasing. Since it was their last day together, the lucky fans weren't missing their chance to snap photos with 2PM and Super Junior. The staff from The Lucky Fans were busy setting up cameras around the venue to capture some snippets for the final episode.

Ji Hye was showing Rhea a video of the concert that had taken place the night before. Rhea was curious about what 2PM was like during a concert. Were they just as wild as Super Junior? Because sometimes, concerts were the one place where idols could truly be themselves, aside from interacting with fans, of course.

Rhea's gaze accidentally locked with Jun Ho's reflection in the mirror. He had just finished fixing his hair and adding a touch of makeup. Through the mirror, Rhea raised her left hand, showcasing the bracelet Jun Ho had given her when they were in Jeju. She wondered if he would keep his promise.

Rhea intentionally posed on the floor, holding a banner, with Jun K and Nichkhun flanking her. They snapped a ton of photos that would later be shared on the official social media accounts of 2PM, Super Junior, and The Lucky Fans. Once the group shots were done, some of them started taking selfies—especially Kyung Mi, Elisa, and Jennifer, who were all Hottests. Seriously, when else would they get to take selfies with their idols without any barriers?

"Don't you find something a bit strange?" One of the 2PM staff asked Ji Hye, who was busy sorting through the photos.

"Nope. What's up?" she replied.

"Didn't you notice the bracelets Rhea and Jun Ho Oppa are wearing? They're the same! Is there something going on between them?"

Ji Hye suddenly froze. Her gaze was fixed on Jun Ho, who was chatting with Si Won, then shifted to Rhea, who was taking pictures with Eun Hyuk, Chan Sung, and Dong Hae. Her focus was drawn to the bracelets they were wearing. There was no way those bracelets were just ordinary accessories; after all, they were the only ones wearing them. Plus, each bracelet had their initials engraved. Could it be that they were hiding something?

FOOTNOTE

1. Seonmul badasseoyo? (선물 받았어요?) : Did you get a gift?