Loving Hopekook 2: New Beginnings

Chapter 7: Three Muskiteers

Part 2: Sign of the times
-1 year later-
I posed as the cameras flashed and blinded me. I just kept smiling until it hurt. My manager, Jo, then directed me to continue on the carpet.

"What's the rush Jo? The cameras love me." I smile and wave at the paparazzi.

"Just trying to get you inside." He shakes his head and puts his hand at the smell of my back, pushing me forward.

"Jo, what's going on?" I stop and turn to him.

"Okay, fine. BTS is here." Jo sighs.

"I knew they would be here of course." I chuckle.

"He brought Chrystal." Jo cuts me off. I begin to feel a little numb.

"They uh...they've been together for about a year so...I'm uh...I'm not shocked." I say slowly, staring at my feet with the commotion of the red carpet around me.

"I'm sorry Maya." Jo frowns.

"I've move on." I shake my head and continue moving.

"Have you spoken to Laura?" Jo asks as we move towards the award hall.

"Not in the past three months. She and Hobi are busy with their lives in Korea. She finally started branching out and making friends, just like I told her to." I smile weakly.

"Well, I guess that's good." Jo nods.

"Maya!" I hear someone squeak. I turn to see Gem, my best friend.

(LAURDIY as "Gemma Green")

"Gem! Hey!" I smile as we hug.

"Guess who we are seated next to!" She whispers excitedly as we walk into the bustling award hall.

"Who?" I ask.

"Harry Styles." She cheers quietly.

"No fucking way!" I gasp.

"Maybe we can finally get you a date with him." Gem laughs.

"I wouldn't mind being his 'Only Angel'." I smirk at my own humor.

"Oooh." Gem jeers.

"So are we throwing a party back at the apartment tonight?" I ask Gem.

"Of course we are." She scoffs. We giggle and find our seats. We soon watch as BTS walks in the auditorium with Laura and Chrystal in tow, laughing and whispering.

"Hey, don't pay them any attention." Gem grabs my hand and gives me a squeeze. I nod and smile. Soon, Nathan comes and joins us.

(Ross Butler as "Nathan Drew")

"Hey beautifuls." Nathan greets us as he sits next to me.

"Hey Nate!" Gem waves.

"Sup." I nod at Nathan.

"Are we stalking your ex boyfriend?" Nathan whispers.

"Absolutely." I giggle.

"I should've vlogged this." Gem huffs. The awards show starts. Gem and I dance in our seats to the different preforms like Ariana Grande. Nathan just rolls his eyes at us. The awards continue. Soon it comes time for the award I was nominated for;

"This award goes to a performer who defines music themselves, someone who puts their soul into every beat and measure." The hostess says.

"The nominees are; Harry Styles, Sarah McLaughlin, Ariana Grande, Lee Chrystal, and Maya Rhode."

The audience cheers as my anxiety and anticipation builds up. I didn't know Chrystal and I were nominated for the same award. Now I'm hoping neither of us win. Gem and Nathan put their hands on my shoulders to help my nerves.

"The award for Artist of the Year goes to.......Maya Rhode." The hostess announces. My stomach drops as everyone cheers. Gem and Nathan urge me to go up. I walk numbly onto the stage, smiling the whole way. I accept the golden trophy and get to the mic.

"Wow. Okay what an honor just standing here with all of you. I'll be as brief as I can. I want to thank my producers and my label; Star Tracks. I'd like to thank my mother...who...believed in me until the end. I'd also like to thank my best friends Gem and Nate, you guys are family and most importantly Laura Hall. Thank you!" I smile and head off the stage as everyone claps and cheers. I make eye contact with Jungkook for a brief moment as Chrystal leans her head on his shoulder. I nod at him and smile. He does the same. We are both acknowledging the fact that even though I couldn't say his name up there because it would've been awkward, I still thank him and I'm still grateful for him. I go back to my seat as Gem and Nate hug me.

"I'm so proud of you!" Gem smiles and claps.

"Thanks Gem!" I nod.

After the awards finish we clear out of the auditorium and begin to walk to our car. Nate swings his lanyard with his keys on it around as I hold Gem's hand. She wore heels that are too high for her and she's afraid she'll fall over.

"Maya!" I hear someone call over my shoulder. All three of us turn around to see Laura walking towards us.

"Hey Laur." I smile shyly. I haven't spoken to her in three months.

"I haven't seen you in awhile...congratulations." Laura hugs me.

"Thank you." I smile.

"Hey we're in LA for another week. Do you want to grab coffee sometime?" Laura asks.

"I'd love that." I smile and nod.

"Okay. I'll text you." Laura says over her shoulder.

"Will do." I nod. I rejoin Gem and Nate.

When we get back to the house we change out of our ballgowns or in Nate's case; a tux, and into more relaxed clothing. I throw on a pair of black volleyball shorts and a navy sweatshirt. People start arriving at the house and we start the party with snacks and music blasting. Gem and I dance on the coffee table in the living room, whipping our hair every way. The pandora station then plays 'Fake Love' by BTS. I stop dancing even though Gem and everyone else around me kept on. I got off the coffee table and went into Nate's room, where no one was there.

"Hey. What's going on?" Gem asks me, walking in the room and shutting the door.

"Oh um...I'm sorry I just...seeing him tonight and hearing their music. It was just a lot." I shake my head.

"I get it. I can't believe you dated thee Jungkook. I used to listen to BTS all the time. My ex Josh, he was hard to get over." Gem thinks out loud.

"Josh?!" I raise my voice slightly and jump to my feet. My fists clenched.

"Yeah...Joshua Reynolds....did you know him?" Gem asks.

"...No." I exhale and release the tension.

"Maya, you good?!" Gem comes over to me.

"I umm...I think I need to start seeing a therapist again." I nod.