Idol Next Door

01

Taehyung fluttered his eyes open upon hearing his puppy, Yeontan, barking and licking his face.

"Shh. Let me sleep, buddy." Taehyung muttered, swiftly turning his body to burry his face on a pillow. However, Yeontan did not allow his owner to sleep more and barked right on the latter's ear.

As much as Taehyung didn't want to get out of bed, he needed to force himself to do so for he knew that his pet was as stubborn as him and it wouldn't stop barking unless he wakes up.

Taehyung groaned, sitting up lazily and picked up his puppy attempting to give him a morning kiss, but the pet quickly dodged his show of affection.

He then understood that the dog was already hungry thus acting like that. Obviously, affection isn't what Yeontan needed right now. He got up and filled the dog's bowl with food before heading to the bathroom for a cold morning shower.

Taehyung sighed as he opened his refrigerator, seeing only a jar of kimchi inside. He was hungry but was too lazy to cook for himself. There was not any available ingredients to cook anyway because he didn't have time to go grocery shopping last week.

This was one of the dilemmas Taehyung had to face when he moved out of BTS's dorm and started living alone 2 months ago. Living together with BTS for almost a decade, he was used to waking up with his members around.

Early in the morning, Jin's high-pitched voice would echo throughout the dorm as he continiously nags at them, especially at days when they have schedules. But the best thing on weekend mornings like this was that they together enjoy the delicious breakfast that Jin prepares.

If he did not move out, he wouldn't be slurping just instant noodles and kimchi everyday and would have enjoyed eating real food. Real, delicious food whole-heartedly made by their eldest hyung.

At times like this, Taehyung would miss his members. He missed hearing Jungkook's loud snoring, Jin's nagging, him and Jungkook's childish fights on whoever gets the last pancake, and Jimin and Jungkook's immature arguments on who was the original 'Busan boy'.

Sometimes he regrets his decision of leaving the dorm. But he doesn't want to be dependent on his members. He's an adult now and he figured that he should start to learn to live on his own.

Taehyung wore comfortable clothes and a mask as he decided to visit the coffee shop outside the condominium complex.

After informing Yeontan that he would be leaving for a while, Taehyung went out his unit only to be greeted by men carrying big boxes and some furniture. He noticed that the men were going in and out of the unit next to his.

He politely greeted some of the men that passed by and made his way to the elevator.

Taehyung had his unit at Hannam the Hill, a luxury condiminium complex mostly resided by businessmen, executives, celebreties and such high-profile people. Located relatively near the city, it had 30 storeys with 6 spacious units per floor.

Expensive rates but comfort and safety, all guaranteed. Perfect for a famous idol like him. His unit is at the 30th, and the only occupant there, but not anymore since someone was moving in today. He was finally going to have a neighbor.

Taehyung entered the shop, inhaling the strong scent of coffee circulating inside the air-conditionized establishment. It was the nearest from the complex and they served good beverages and some pastries. The place also had less costumers of which mostly are old people, thus he didn't have to worry of getting caught by public attention.

He visited the shop quite often that once he approaches the counter, he need not to utter a word as the barista already knew his regular favorite: hot chocolate with extra whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa.

Upon getting his order, Taehyung sat in a small table on a secluded corner of the shop where he had a clear view outside. Slowly sipping his drink, he observed the busy streets while thinking about what he'd do for the rest of the day since they didn't have any schedules.

He thought of visiting another museum or bringing Yeontan for a stroll in the park while taking random pictures with his camera. Or probably going to the dorm and spend time with his members. Or just camp inside his bedroom and watch movies or start an anime series that he, for sure would not be able to finish.

Taehyung's thoughts came to a halt when the dreamcatchers that hung on the shop's glass door chimed.

His eyes darted at the door that just opened, a girl entering. She wore a cream-colored hoodie, checkered pants, a black snapback with a mask covering the bottom part of her face.

Taehyung's gaze followed the girl as she approached the counter, obviously ordering something.

His eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at her intently as if she was some wanted criminal he saw on a poster days ago. She looks familiar. Very familiar.

After getting her drink and a plate of chocolate cake, she occupied the table near the glass wall, facing Taehyung. He waited for her to remove her mask so that he could confirm that she was the person who he thought she was.

Completely oblivious that someone was looking at her, the girl nonchalantly removed her mask as she lifted her cup to sip at her drink.

Bingo, I was right. Taehyung thought, snapping his fingers as though he won some bet.

He stuck his gaze at the girl for he does not want to approach or converse with her, because even if she's his fellow artist they're not really friends.

Sure, he sees her occasionally at some formal events, variety and award shows, but they were not acquainted. They would only bow at each other over the past years. He was surprised too, for this was the first time he saw her outside in a not-award-show setting.

He observed her more, amused at how the girl was enjoying her beverage. There was even some white froth that was left at her lips, which she didn't bother to wipe off and took a selca instead, puckering her lips a little to show off the froth.

Taehyung then drank at his now warm chocolate drink and he grinned for he already knew what he's going to do today.

He'd definitely go to their dorm and tell Jimin about this.