Time ➳ BTS

09 | Scars of success

The arena reverberated with the echoes of ecstatic screams, each one mingling with the pulsating rhythm of the music that flooded the air. The concert had been underway for an hour and a half already, and amidst the chaos, you found yourself caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities.

Yet, even in the midst of your turmoil, you couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the songs that filled the arena. Each note seemed to weave a tapestry of emotions, captivating the audience and eliciting passionate cheers that reverberated off the walls.

The energy of the fans was palpable, their enthusiasm contagious as they danced and sang along with every beat. Despite the chaos, there was a sense of unity in the air, as if everyone present was connected by the shared love for the music pulsating through the speakers.

Amidst the throngs of fans and the energetic performances onstage, you juggled various tasks, occasionally stealing glances at the performers as you moved about. But just when you thought you had a moment to catch your breath, fate had other plans.

A staff member hurried towards you, urgency etched on their face as they explained the situation. Carla, the person you least wanted to be alone with, needed someone to watch over her. Despite your protests about being occupied with securing the area, you found yourself being whisked away to Carla's side, powerless to resist the directive.

The mere thought of being confined in a room with Carla stirred a wave of discomfort and irritation within you. Yet, as you begrudgingly complied with the task at hand, you couldn't shake off the sense of unease that settled like a heavy weight upon your shoulders.

"Oh, you again." You entered the room with a tired sigh, your spirits already deflated. The urge to swear tugged at your tongue, but you bit it back, not willing to ignite an argument in the current moment.

"Just because I'm here doesn't mean I even wanted to be in your presence." You made your way to one of the couches, your movements heavy with resignation. As you settled in, you couldn't help but notice Carla's eye roll as she took her seat.

"Why do you even hate me? Is it just because I separated you from Jimin?" You posed the question, a glimmer of hope flickering in your voice, perhaps seeking some semblance of understanding. Sitting across from her, you watched as she nonchalantly tapped away on her phone before finally acknowledging your inquiry.

"Yes, what did you even expect, huh?" Carla's response was laced with indifference as she set her phone aside, her gaze meeting yours as she moved to occupy the space in front of you. "Besides, you annoy me to the point where I want to just slap you." 

"That's... good to know.."

Her laughter caught you off guard, a surprising shift in her demeanor that left you momentarily speechless. "I'm just kiddingㅡ or not, depends on my mood though," she quipped, her tone a curious blend of amusement and sincerity. Slowly, you nodded, unsure of how to interpret her playful remark.

"I know that Jimin is your bias, but why being so... how do I say this.." You struggled to find the right words, your mind racing to articulate your thoughts without causing offense. To your relief, Carla seemed to grasp the essence of your question almost immediately, waving off your concerns with a dismissive gesture.

"I've been an ARMY since their debut, and it was my dream since then to work with them, or in general get close to them. Oh yeah, and Jimin's been my bias ever since too, so I guess I was a little... wild when I saw him up so close," she explained, her words carrying a hint of nostalgia and unabashed enthusiasm. As you absorbed her revelation, a newfound understanding began to take root within you.

So she wasn't merely an obsessed fan, but rather a devoted member of the ARMY since the group's inception. The intensity of her reaction, while initially perplexing, now made sense in light of her long-standing admiration for BTS.