Across the World - NCT Chenle

Chapter 20

"Jeez, I'm tired" I yawn.

We're around six weeks into the term - the last before we break up for February half term. I've been training non-stop in amongst school and homework leading to little free time. The small amount that I have had has been spent with my friends or sleeping. Not that I'm complaining since the change in my voice and dance is incredibly visible, a great improvement. Mia's come round once or twice though none of the others have since they've all been busy.

Today, luckily, is a Saturday. Normally we'd being training though, for some reason, my uncle has called it off. A day trip apparently. He's ordered us to pack a bag each - or share even. It's not a long trip that we're on - just one night apparently. That doesn't stop my curiosity from growing though - not in all the four months I've lived with them have we gone away.

And I'm beginning to have my suspicions. Around an hour and a half ago we all piled into the mini bus - just fitting by the time you include my uncle, Managers Kim and Lee and the three instructors. I know these roads well enough from when I had a rugby season ticket to tell that we're heading to London - or more specifically Twickenham. The home of England rugby.

I'm sat with Junseo and Chan, something I've become accustomed to on our numerous trips to and fro from school, squished in the van with them, Chenle and Jisung. Plus, I can't always sit with Chenle - the boys are convinced that there's something going on between us.

My suspicions are confirmed as we take a turn by the roundabout - a course I know too well. It's the start of the Six Nations - the rugby tournament held between England, Italy, Ireland, Wales, France and Scotland every year - and I was planning to stay at home and watch the England vs Wales match later. I was rather disappointed when I discovered we were being forced to go out somewhere. I even bought Doritos. Then again, if we're watching it live, this will be even better.

We drive down a few more main roads, turning down a couple of alleys and smaller ones before eventually driving into one of the makeshifts car parks bordering the stadium. A field in other words, belonging to the neighbouring school.

"Guys, get your stuff ready and smarten up a bit - just straighten out your jackets and stuff" my uncle instructs, motioning to their crumpled shirts and jeans. We were told to be in smart casual for today - something we're all used to - whilst for tomorrow we just need casual clothes.

I'm in a thick cream woollen sweater, a red velvety skirt and brown, suede ankle boots. I'm rather pleased now that I also decided to wear a pair of my tights along with my big bobble hat that'll keep my head warm. At least it means I'm not gonna freeze. I grab my backpack, one that matches the outfit, and stand up ready to get off the coach and into my spiritual home. I'm not even joking, I've been here so many times I know it like the back of my hand.

"Hurry up" I complain to the boys, eager to get going.
"Why?" Jeno asks, slightly confused.
"I wanna go to the food stands and the shop before kick off!" I groan, nearly stomping my foot like a toddler.
"Am I missing something?" Jisung says, scratching his ear - his normal habit for when he's unsure about something. "I mean, I know it's a stadium and everything but..."
"Have I taught you nothing these past four months? It's the home of England rugby - twickenham stadium. And we're here to watch the opening match of the Six Nations! The best rugby competition of the year." I dramatically announce, ecstatic. It's been a long time since I've watched rugby live.
"Come on boys. There's food!" Manager Lee tempts, causing them to immediately rush whatever they're doing. Food always works.

I can't go anywhere though, having to wait for Junseo to move first so I'm stuck with him as he empties his bag, bringing only the necessary stuff whilst piling the rest in Chan's bag in exchange for carrying Chan's vitals. Why they couldn't have done this before we arrived, I don't know. Some people need to shop and they're simply holding them up.