Culture Shock

Chapter 13: There's A First For Everything

Jae stood backstage with the rest of his group mates as they prepared to go on stage.

Sam and Maya were both backstage; Sam for her new agreement with Amazing, and Maya both for Sam's moral support and because Jongho wanted to treat her. This was Sam's first K-Pop concert, and Jae was nervous despite being able to do the performance in his sleep.

They all stood around talking as managers and tour staff took care of last-minute details.

Jae couldn't help but note the juxtaposition of the two sisters. It would have been comical had Jae not wanted Sam to enjoy herself so much. Sam had a scowl on her face and her arms crossed over her chest as she stood off to the side looking like she wanted to be anywhere else. Her silence setting her apart from everyone.

Meanwhile, Maya spoke with everyone and was a ball of excitement and positive energy.

"Thank you so much for getting me a ticket and pass to come back here with Sam." Maya gushed at Jongho. "I'm excited enough for the both of us." She added shooting a pointed look at Sam who rolled her eyes and shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

Jongho stood grinning with smugness as he responded to Dabin's translation of Maya's words. You would have thought he had orchestrated both sisters' presence himself. Jae shook himself free of the thought, preferring not to add to Jongho's legend as spymaster. The man was persistent and conniving in ways Jae hated to think about.

"He says he's glad you are excited." Dabin translated.

Sam took a deep breath and moved her mass of hair over one shoulder before tossing it all back behind her.

Jae nudged her with his shoulder and gave her a smile. "You were going to come to this anyway. You might as well try to enjoy it a little."

"Yeah, Sameera," Maya agreed from Sam's opposite side. "Be mad at Producer Lucas, but do it later. I fully intend to freak out in the crowd and be a good fan of these beautiful men." Maya took a Vanna White stance and motioned with her hands at each member as if they were just-revealed letters on Wheel Of Fortune.

Sam tried biting back a smile as Maya elbowed her in the side. She lost her battle with herself and relaxed, smiling at her sister with affection disguised behind annoyance. Jae felt his chest fill with warmth at the sight of her smiling. Finally.

Sam glanced at Jae for a moment with that smile too before looking away and nodding. "Okay, okay, you're right."

Dabin frowned. "Wait, who's Producer Lucas? Are you talking about Lucas Cahill?"

Maya nodded. "Yeah, he and Sameera have known each other for a long time. He's an idiot."

"Why? What did he do?" Jinki asked intrigued by the turn of conversation. He had been a little off since before they arrived at the stadium, but his question set Jae at ease a little.

Sam sighed. "Can we not talk about him right now? I don't feel like getting mad again."

"Oh, now I really want to know." Minki said and Jongho nodded his enthusiastic agreement as Dabin translated what was going on for him.

Jae shook his head and held a hand out to his group mates to halt the inquisition he knew was coming. "We'll drop it for now." He gave each of them a look and they deflated. "Right?"

Jongho pouted but nodded. "Fine, but I can tell you know something." He added with his own pointed look at Jae.

Jae knew he'd get questioned as soon as Sam and Maya left to go to their seats, but he wasn't going to spill without Sam's permission.