RORY
We finally finished the fan meetings and the whole group was so exhausted. There were a lot of interesting people there, especially that girl, Rika.
Man, I think we all just need a break. But I guess this is what we signed up for.
I walked into the dorms of our company. The dorms were pretty basic–we had a bed and a few places for storage. Anyways, we're barely in our dorms. We're always out somewhere or doing something… We didn't really have time to do anything else. Unfortunately, our company was very strict. NOVA entertainment was one of the most well-known companies for k-pop idols so I guess they would have lots of rules.
I finally sat down on my bed and started to relax when someone at the door knocked.
*Knock knock*
"Come in." I said.
It was Jake. "Do you mind?"
I nodded, waiting for him to ask me something. He walked over and sat down on the floor.
"There were lots of pretty fans today," Jake said as he gave a grin.
What?? He's so random... but I'll just go along with it.
"Yeah, but that's so random," I said laughing.
"I guess with all these strict rules, we'll never actually date anyone. I know it's not a big deal... but it seems unfair. You know?" he said looking down with an annoying smile.
I get where he's coming from… but it's not a big deal. Besides, I've never seen a girl who's my type or that I could see myself dating.
"I guess, but my advice is that next time you see a girl you like, ask for her number," I whispered with a small smile. "But be careful."
His eyes opened wide with an idea. I instantly regretted saying that to HIM of all people. He already does stupid stuff, he doesn't need any more encouragement.
"Wait, but don't forget the company's always watching. You know how strict they are. And think about the fans too… You don't want to disappoint them. So be careful dude." I said while patting him on the shoulder... I could only hope he won't make a stupid mistake.
*Beep beep*
Jake and I looked at our phones. It was the group chat.
Our group chat with our manager read:
"Get a good night's rest guys… We leave tomorrow at 7am for the NOVA event. Don't forget the event starts at 8am. Amazing job today, team!!"
"Good night!" Jake said as he walked out the door.
I closed my eyes, thinking about the NOVA event tomorrow. Basically the event we're going to tomorrow is where all our fans get to line up and say hi or just hi-five us or something. It's such a waste of time, but fans love it for some reason.
I sighed, setting an alarm for 6am, before placing my phone on my bedside table and laying in bed.
Tomorrow would be another exhausting day...
---
THE NEXT DAY
I stepped into our black Rolls-Royce Phantom with dark, tinted windows. We normally use this car for when we go to events.
We all got in the car, before driving off.
I decided to scroll on Instagram for the trip there. And before I knew it, we were already there.
We all hopped out of the car and were escorted to the back door instead of going through the front door. We always had to do this so the fans wouldn't go crazy when they saw us.
We walked through the doors into this huge hall where everyone was. Inside the building, we heard cheering and yelling. One crazy girl was literally screaming Asher's name. Jake and I looked over at Asher. He rolled his eyes at us. But his facial expressions were hilarious. He was giving her the side-eye, lowkey judging her.
Our manager organised everything and got us all to stand in a line horizontally.
"Hello! Thank you for coming!!" Gray said, as an annoying fan quickly grabbed his hands, holding them and smiling.
We basically just shook or held hands with all the fans. Bowing politely, saying thank you for coming, telling them how much we love them. It was all so boring. How did the fans even enjoy this??
I was about to scroll on my phone, until a girl walked up to me. She had short, brown hair and bright brown eyes. She had a confident and outgoing vibe about her.
"Hello! Do you know my friend?" She asked, holding her phone up to show me a picture of that fan I saw the other day. I forgot her name...
"Uh, I have lots of fans… I don't really remember every single one," I said.
"That's rude…" she said, frowning.
Ugh... fans these days. I do so much for them—can't they at least appreciate that??
There's so many people—I suddenly realised how loud it is...
"I'm so sorry, we have to go," My manager said as she grabbed my hand. "There were some fans cutting in line and a fight started... The group has to leave now."
I followed our manager, Missy, happy to leave the conversation with the girl.
Missy gathered the rest of the group together. Gathering us all on stage with her. I noticed, Luca looked uncomfortable and slightly annoyed.
I looked at Gray, confused. He just shrugged.
We all watched our manager grab a microphone and stepping in the centre of the stage.
"I apologize everyone! We weren't expecting this many people to suddenly show up and the crowd is overwhelming some the idols." She said bowing. "Please forgive me, but our idols safety are our first priority."
*Boo*
The crowd didn't sound very happy...
I really did want to leave at this point... I grabbed Jake's arm and walked over to stand at the front of the door, where the rest of the group was walking over. Security right with them.
People started complaining—and it somehow got even louder.
We were guided into our vehicle by security, and we all got in the car.
"What's wrong, guys?"
"Luca," Gray said. "You okay? That was a crazy—some fans are too much..."
Luca just nodded.
He was holding his wrist. He injured it.
The rest of the way back home was quiet.
Today was kinda crazy... But I guess crazy fans are something we'll just have to get used to. Especially now that we're getting really popular. Why can't fans be respectful though...
---
RIKA
I screamed out loud. NOVA just released the tickets for their next concert, and apparently they had a special announcement at the end. I just had to book a VIP seat.
Unfortunately, Luca wasn't going to be there due to an injury.
His wrist injury was all over the internet and fans were going crazy… Three fans had gotten into a fight over Luca and he had gotten hurt. I really feel bad for him.
I looked at my phone. It was already 4pm and the concert starts at 5pm… I rushed out of the front door to get to my car. My mom was sitting in the driver's seat, she would drop me off because I only had my learner's license.
We got to the stadium right on time. A concert stadium feels like a city of its own, built just for music and fans.
From the outside, it's gigantic—curving into a bowl-like shape that towers above the crowds and the front is usually decorated with banners, LED screens or posters of the idols. I saw fans gathering around taking pictures at the front of the stadium before even going inside... I could also see merch booths and long lines around them, with fans holding lightsticks.
Inside, the space opens up into a massive arena. The seats wrap all the way around the whole stadium. The main stage is just huge, with a giant LED screen towering behind it. And, of course, the catwalks that leads into the crowd so the fans can see the idols close-up. I've heard some stadiums even have stages in the very center.
A lot of fans would agree that the best part is when the concert starts. Every light is turned off and the music suddenly blasts loudly, the bass so strong that the ground feels like it's shaking. Then, there's the lasers, smoke and confetti that really add to it. The fans get really excited, the idols too.
But the stadium isn't what gets me the most excited… For me, It's Rory. I mean, he's basically waiting for me!! Me specifically!!
I ran inside and rushed to quickly sit down right on time, before the concert would start. I had paid a lot for a VIP ticket just so I could have one of the best seats, up close to the stage. This was one of those concerts where the idols don't really dance, they just go around on the stage hanging out around the fans and sing a few of their songs.
Just as I sat down, the lights turned off… The crowd quickly went quiet. Then, the group walked into the middle of the stage… Everyone was still quiet, waiting for what happens next.
Rory, my love, walked up in front of everyone to the very edge of the stage.
"Unfortunately, Luca will not be joining us… I'm sure you all know he's recovering from a wrist injury," Rory said, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Uh, well… Let's all hope that Luca will recover quickly," Gray said, resting his hand on Rory's shoulder. It was silent for a second… I could tell some of the members were anxious.
"Tonight, we are performing Obsession! I hope you all will enjoy it!" Gray said, bowing. Then he nodded to Jake… Probably signaling him or something.
Jake brought the microphone to his mouth before yelling, "SEOUL… MAKE SOME NOISE!!!"
Everyone started screaming. I joined in, I'm so excited.
The music starts playing, and Jake brings the microphone to his lips and steps forward.
Gray sang, closing his eyes. Everyone was cheering and waving their lightsticks like crazy.
Then, during the song, Jake walked over to my side of the stage, standing almost right in front of me. He was making eye contact, before he suddenly winked and walked slowly back to the group, as the song continued.
They all bowed politely as the song ended. The crowd was clapping and screaming, some fans even crying...
"Thank you!" they all said together.
Gray walked into the middle of the stage and brought the microphone to his mouth.
"As you all know, we have something special to announce…" Everyone started cheering even louder. "This announcement is for everyone that paid for a VIP seat. As a way to thank you, we would like to invite all of you up on stage... to properly meet us!" He continued excitedly.
No way. This was my chance.