Chapter One

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"Miss Kim, you're taking forever, it's been almost two hours. We are going to be late! Please!"
I saunter down the stairs in my outfit for the day, hooking some dangling earrings in. My heels clack softly against the hard wood as I descend from the upper level of my apartment.
I'm wearing a pink summer maxi dress with off-the shoulder sleeves, with white and red flowers decorating the fabric. The dress is short enough to reveal my strapped sandal heels. I've  put on a natural, pink tinted makeup look, and curled my long black hair to create beach waves, which I then tie up into a high ponytail. I'm wearing dangling earrings that match the dress, with little pink and red roses etched into the design. The outfit is from Givenchy.
"First, Luna, you worry too much. We're not going to be late, everyone else will simply be early." I reply, rolling my eyes as I cross the room, doing a twirl for my best friend as some kind of outfit check. "Second, drop the formalities, unnie; we've known each other since primary school! Third, what do you think?"
I feel like she finally takes notice because her eyes open wide, her blue orbs sparkling with newfound interest. "That outfit is giving me clothing envy! I'm calling for a clothing swap, right now! Please?" She whines, putting her hands together and getting down on both knees, begging to swap outfits. I shake my head, hiking up my dress and backing up theatrically to taunt her. Luna's head hangs in dramatic defeat and she once again stands up. She pats her skirt down, brushing off the dust from her clothes.
"I love messing with you, (Y/N). It's so funny, your facial expressions are always priceless! But seriously, everything about that outfit is fire. Let's get going, though, or we'll seriously be late." We grab our belongings, and our high heels clack against the hallway floors as we descend down the back staircase of the apartment complex. I can already hear the rapid clicking of camera shutters outside the door upon our arrival.
"I suggest we put our sunglasses on. And no need to worry, I've called two security guards to keep the crowd back so no one gets hurt." Luna says, putting on her black sunglasses, and I do the same thing. "Always prepared. Remember that when they bring you in for my evaluation. I want to a raise, by the way." She whispers the last part, causing us both to start giggling. The door opens, and we venture outside, swerving through the human traffic. The security guards keep everyone back, and yet everybody shouts over each other. I used to say that I'd love it if someone would beg for my attention, but it's kind of degrading to me now. It makes me feel like an object, instead of a person.
"(Y/N), baby, over here! Over here!"
"Can I get a picture?"
"May I ask you a question, Miss Kim?"
"Look over here! Over here!"
I stop and take pictures with as many fans as possible. I wouldn't be as high in demand for modeling work as I am right now without them. They're the reason I was discovered, and was invited to an open audition for a swimwear company. I'm so grateful for everyone who supports my career. I was bullied as a little girl, and told that I would never make anything of my life. Talk about proving someone wrong.
The pictures of my first photo shoot emerged to the public and my life only got more busy. I couldn't stay in Ilsan with my family anymore because of all the job offers, and so I had to move to Seoul. My management company gave me keys to my own apartment close by their headquarters so I could get there quickly if need be. But soon enough, my best friend, Min Luna, was hired and assigned to be my manager. I rarely go in to the management building anymore unless I have to speak to the CEO about a big opportunity. Speaking of which, after the fashion show this afternoon, I need to go and see my boss about an audition for a music video.
I hop into the car, Luna bounding in behind me, her claustrophobia almost kicking in. The security team climbs into the backseat and I smile and wave one more time before Luna closes the door. The chorus of shouts and cheers is drowned out in an instant and I can breathe. I try to scoot over to make room for Luna to calm down, but I bump into something.
"Hey, leave me some room, pabo!" A husky and deep voice exclaims next to me. No, it couldn't be...
"TaeTae! I missed you!" I turn around and face my left, where my cousin is sitting just inches away from me. After two years, we're finally back together in the big city. I wrap my arms around his neck as he pulls me in, one hand on the small of back and the other on my neck. The car engine comes to life and we take off down the road towards the venue.
I can feel him shaking, and drops of wetness falling on my shoulder. Oh no, he's crying! I can't stand to see or hear him cry. I pull away slightly so I'm still in his arms, wiping his tears away with my index fingers.
"Yah! Stop crying, Taehyung, or you'll get me to start crying!" I fling myself back into his embrace, my arms encircling his torso. "I'm really here, I'm here, oppa!" His body calms down, the shaking beginning to cease and teardrops drying. He pulls back and cups my right cheek with his hand.
"I'm so proud of you, (Y/N). I always knew you could do it, I'm so happy!" His signature box smile lights up the car, his eyes twinkling. He kisses my forehead and hugs me close again.
"Oppa, I'm so happy you're here today, it's going to be so much fun with you there with me. I promise I'll continue to work hard and make you proud." He shakes his head, the smile on his face never leaving.
"You already have made me so proud, (Y/N). Taking the plunge and moving to Seoul to chase your dream was a big step, and you've already done so much. It's only been six months since you got here and you're a household name already, everyone loves you! I'm so happy that I'm the only one who gets to chant "THAT'S MY COUSIN" at the television when they mention you. Also, you don't have to promise that you'll work hard because I know you will." Taehyung coos, being careful not ruin my hair. He knows me all too well, and that includes how to calm me down.
He keeps his arm around me as the car continues to move down the road, and my half-awake self decides to lay my head on his shoulder.
"So, Luna, have you and Mark picked a wedding date yet?" Tae suddenly asks, making Luna jump to attention. I raise my eyebrows at her, as if to say "WHAT?"
"We'd have to be engaged for that to happen. Mark's been very busy with his Japan promotions for GOT7, he's not even here in Seoul, or Korea in general. We haven't had time to meet up and see each other again." She answers after gaining her composure again. Her cheeks are bright red. "You really think he'd propose?"
"You two have been dating for five years. Everyone's who's been following your relationship is waiting at the edge of their seat for him to propose to you." I chime in, giving my two cents on the subject. "And when he does, I'm going to be in the bridal party, right?"
She simply nods, starting to giggle. "Sure thing, maid of honor." All of us start laughing.
"I want to be a groomsman!" Taehyung jumps back into the conversation, to which Luna starts to double over in laughter. I'd say she's feeling better.
"So, (Y/N), speaking of relationships, did you do it?" Taehyung startles me next, and I begin to blush.
"Do what?" Luna is confused. They both know I have a thing for Kim Namjoon, Taehyung's bandmate and best friend. He basically helped me to get set up to confess my feelings.
"Yes, oppa, I confessed, and he accepted me! He told me that he loves me too! We're dating now!" I almost shout, shocking the both of them. I've been waiting to tell someone, but Namjoon-oppa told me to keep our new relationship a secret. Luna pries me from Tae's arms and hugs me close, squealing.
"Oh my God, thank goodness! I thought you were going to be single forever, and that I'd never be your maid of honor!" She proclaims. I start to laugh.
"You pictured my wedding and not yours? You're too good to me, LuLu! It's official, then, you're helping me plan it!" We hug each other, squealing. "This is top secret, got it? And that goes for everyone in this car! I want to keep the details of my relationship private, okay? Please keep quiet?" I beg everyone in the car for their silence on this topic. Everyone nods and/or winks, promising to keep silent. "Thank you so much!"
"Oh, I've got some words for you, Kim Namjoon..." Taehyung mutters, but when he sees my half-glare, half-amused look at him, he simply smiles at me.
"I heard that, oppa. We can talk to Namjoon together if you're going to be that overprotective, which is still very sweet. Do you want me to come with you? That way, you can hear how we got together." I offer, smiling the whole time. "Please?"
"Okay, (Y/N), but only because it was you that asked." He reluctantly gives in, and puts his arm around me once again. We change the subject and laugh and joke together the rest of the trip.
The car pulls up to the back door of the venue, and there he is, standing against the door, a red rose in hand. My boyfriend. I can't believe I get to say that! The door opens, the security team exits first, holding the door open for The rest of us to exit. Luna leaves first, to answer a phone call from management. As my head pops out of the door, Namjoon's bright eyes sparkle even more.
"Jagi, I brought you a red rose for..." My boyfriend stops mid-sentence when he sees Taehyung climb out of the car. "V-ssi, I can explain..!" Taehyung holds his hand up, stopping him.

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