strings of fate. | jake sim

3. the start.

the long awaited day had finally come.

a week has passed since i started preparing for the tour, and everything has been moving 2x speed the whole time. i had to rush learning all the sets and the chords, practicing their sounds. there were even days i slept at the studio, just to make sure it was perfect. at the same time i had to pack up my bags — basically my whole wardrobe, to move with me around the world.

i emptied the house, only taking with myself what i truly needed throughout these 7 months.
it actually felt like a new, carefree adventure — me and my guitar traveling the world, with new experiences awaiting the 2 of us.

as i packed my last essentials, i hear the doorbell ring. i open the door to Hyejin, 2 large, silver suitcases standing tall right next to her.

it was way too early in the morning, and i knew that today would be a quite long day.
"everything all set?" she asks me, while peeking inside. i nod in agreement, stepping aside to let her inside. she walks around, looking at the state of my house.

as we get our luggages all together, we exit my house.

—————

after arriving at the massive, luxury hotel and getting our rooms, i moved my things into my room and settled in. the hotel was big, spacious and filled with the staff for the FATE tour — no one but all involved with this massive world tour. it was a bright day outside, the sun shining through the curtains.

my phone makes a slight noise from my pocket, so i reach for my pocket and grab it to see who it was.

                                                                  hyejin unnie
hey moon, are you all settled in?
meet me in the lobby in an hour, the band practice will be starting then.

                                                                                              yes i am
                                                                                             will be there

i respond to her text, and slam my phone down on the bed. i take off my clothes and have a long shower, allowing everything to wash off before the day finally started.

————

sitting at the lobby, i wait for Hyejin to come find me. my guitar case was placed right next to my legs, waiting to be opened up.
there were more people than we saw a few hours ago, and everyone seemed to be in a rush.

the members of staff were scattered everywhere in this huge building, wearing all black tshirts with the printing of "STAFF" on the back of their shirts. i was dressed in roomy, comfortable black pants with a crop top and a black and white flannel on top. it wasn't a special outfit, but it stood out next to the army of black shirted workers.

it was the first ever band practice of the whole entire tour — we would meet enhypen and they would meet us, the band members who will be playing their songs all throughout the tour. to me, that was a big deal — and i had to be comfortable enough to make a good first impression.

suddenly, i spot hyejin among the pool of people, approaching me. i stand up from the couch, grabbing my case and placing it on my back.

"are you ready?" she asks me, checking my belongings in my hand.
i nod in response, and we leave the hotel grounds.