The Rolls-Royce parked right next to us and the driver got out to open the door for us. Rory looked over at me, hinting that he wanted me to get in first. My dress was so tight that it was pretty hard to get in. After I was in my seat, Rory got into his.
I looked down at my seatbelt. He looked at me confused, before smiling and putting my seatbelt on for me. I couldn't help blushing, and smiled back, but he just turned away.
I cleared my throat. "So… this event is just with idols and their plus ones, right?" I asked.
"Yes, kinda, there'll probably be a huge crowd in front of the entrance though…" Rory said calmly.
Why does he sound so calm? It sounds scary…
"Oh." I said looking down. "To be honest, I'm pretty nervous... like with the photos and cameras… and talking to idols and the interviews," I admitted.
"Uh, It's okay… just stay with me… I'll help you." he said, finally looking at me, smiling.
I couldn't help but smile back.
The car ride was pretty quiet, but when we got there, there were a lot of fans waiting at the entrance just like Rory had said there would be. They were yelling, cheering and pushing around.
There's so many people… Why do I feel so nervous right now…?
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. I sighed, then looked up, and was surprised to see Rory staring at me. He looked… concerned.
We parked near the front of the entrance. The security stood in front of the fences that separated us from the fans. When we stepped out of the car, I noticed there was a long, red carpet that led straight through the front door, and there were two big security guards standing at each side.
"Uh, staff explained everything already, right? How to act, what to say?" Rory quickly whispered to me.
What?? I was never taught anything…
I just shook my head slowly.
He sighed before walking towards the front doors, "follow me."
I quickly followed, walking right beside him. It actually felt like we were a couple.
So this is what it's like to date a famous idol.
Once we got to the front of the entrance, the two security guards opened the doors for us, and Rory walked in… forgetting me??
One of the guys looked at me, confused. I just looked back, feeling just as confused.
"Uh, your coat, miss." The guy on the right held out his hand.
"Oh, of course…Thank you!" I said, before taking it off and passing it to him.
Once I walked through the doors, I felt everyone's eyes on me. I scanned the crowd for Rory, and found him just standing around. We made eye contact and he tilted his head slightly, signalling for me to come.
I walked up to him. "Careful, if you keep staring like that, it'll look like you're actually falling for me," I teased, flipping my hair.
"Mhm," he replied, rolling his eyes.
Then, suddenly, two people walked up to us, one with a camera and the other holding a mic. It was an interviewer.
"Gosh! It's Rory and…?" The interviewer held the mic near me.
"Uh, I'm Rika."
"So… Can you two tell me something about yourselves?" she asked, holding the mic out in front of both of us.
I straightway looked at Rory for help, but he just smirked at me.
"That's easy! She's crazy," he said with a laugh.
"Yet, you just can't stay away," I quickly replied, shaking my head with a smile.
"Ah… I see how it is," she laughed. "Can I ask you both a question?"
We both nodded.
"Do you believe in love at first sight?" she smiled.
"No." Rory said firmly, looking straight into the camera.
"What? Then how else do I describe how I felt when I first saw you?" I asked, laughing.
"What?? You're really in love with him?" she gasped.
"Apparently not, according to him!" I rolled my eyes.
We all laughed then, and after a few questions, she walked away. I looked up at Rory. He gave me a confused look.
"What? Did I do something wrong?" I asked.
"No, NOVA staff will be happy with what you said… all the flirting and everything, it'll give us more attention, especially me. People will either like it, or I'll just get hate."
Then he walked off.
I quickly tried to follow behind him, looking around the building to find the bathroom.
"The bathrooms are down that hall," Rory said pointing.
I smiled and nodded before walking off to the bathroom. I couldn't help feeling confused though…
Why is he being like this?? Ugh… I need to fix my hair.
I fixed my hair in the mirror, then left the bathroom. I couldn't find Rory anywhere though… I decided to walk around and try to find him, almost jumping when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.
"Oh, my gosh… You scared me," I breathed.
It was Jake.
"Hey. Where's Rory?" he asked.
"I don't know… I can't find him anywhere," I said, scanning the room.
"Ah… Selfie?" he asked.
I nodded and he walked up to stand beside me. I held my phone up at an angle, giving a soft smile, then took the photo. I looked at the photo, and noticed Jake was standing really close to me… I just laughed it off.
"So, this is the dress you hid from me," Jake said, noticing my dress.
"Yes! Like it?" I asked, twirling.
"Of course, you look stunning!" he declared, blushing.
Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I quickly turned around to see Rory frowning. At first, I thought he was frowning at me. Then, I noticed it was Jake he was annoyed at… Then he just smiled.
"Jake, you have your own plus one," he reminded Jake with a laugh, as he stood beside me.
They just stared at each other for a second. Then, Rory grabbed my wrist, walking away.
Why is he so mad? I don't want to ask though. He might get mad…
"It's time to take pictures on the red carpet now," Rory said, as we both waited in line.
Wait, what?? I don't know how to pose for this… Uhhh, what am I supposed to do?? Just pose??
Once it was our turn, we both stood in front of a small banner that had the words "Star Plus One" on it in big, bold letters. I just stood in front of it awkwardly.
Rory noticed. He looked down at me, then couldn't help but smile.
"Face your body to the left slightly, and place your hands like this, and face your right leg to the left a bit…" he instructed me quietly, moving my shoulders to face the camera properly.
Then, he grabbed my hands and placed them together at my waist. "Don't smile. Just look at the cameras," he whispered.
I looked at him and smiled.
Even after a while, we were still taking pictures. I guess the photographer and staff are enjoying taking our pictures… I have to say it was really fun taking pictures with him.
"Alright, can we get a photo of you two looking at each other?" The photographers asked loudly.
We both looked at the guy that had said it, and I saw Rory glare at him... He rolled his eyes, then turned to me. Surprised, I looked at him too, we made eye contact and I couldn't look away.
Then, suddenly, someone walked up on the carpet, shoving me even closer to Rory. There was barely any room between us! I looked up at Rory, turning completely red.
"Alright, that's it. Thank you!!" The photographer said.
We both bowed, before walking away.
I looked at Rory and noticed he was staring at someone on the red carpet. I followed his gaze and saw that it was another idol. It was Amelia from Nyx! Confused, I looked up at Rory to see why he was staring at her. Then, I noticed his expression. His eyes held an apology he couldn't express.
"Roryyy!! It's been so long… Ahhhh!!" A girl was screaming behind us.
I turned around. It was Sophia from the K-pop group Lovelys.
She looks so hot… She's wearing a long, pink, mermaid-style dress. Her hair is tied up into a long ponytail and it almost looked like a waterfall. She was also wearing a bright, white necklace made of pearls. She looked so perfect.
Rory instantly turned around to face her.
Sophia leaned in closer to Rory, playing with her silky, long hair.
"Ah, Sophia. Yes, it's been a while." He replied, taking a step back.
"Oh, who's your friend?" She asked, giving me a side eye.
"This is Rika."
She glared at me. I quickly took a step closer to Rory, trying to show her that we came here together. Rory just rolled his eyes, obviously knowing my intentions.
"Uh, if you don't mind, Rory and I will be going." I said quickly, bowing before giving her a grin. Then walking off.
"Bye, Sophia. It was nice seeing you again," Rory said before turning to follow me.
We both walked away, when l noticed Evelyn! I ran to catch up with her. As I was running to catch up to her, I accidentally slipped. I tried to catch myself, before embarrassing myself even more.
At the corner of my eyes, I could see a guy running up to me to help, and I landed safely in his arms. I looked up and saw that it was Jake!
"Are you always this clumsy? Or do you just want me to catch you?" Jake teased, tilting his head.
"Uh, sorry… It's these stupid heels…" I said, looking down at my feet.
"She's fine, Jake. Leave us, please don't make this weird." Rory said, helping me stand.
Oh my gosh!! He's so strong.
"It's fine, Rory." I patted his shoulder, letting him know to let go now.
He slowly let go.
"I was just helping her, bro… Last I checked you weren't…" Jake said, rolling his eyes.
"Guys… Can we not argue here? There's cameras everywhere," I sighed, standing between them.
"Fine."
Then, I saw Evelyn again in the corner of my eye. I have to talk to her!! I started to chase after her, walking slower this time so I don't trip again.
When I finally caught up to her, I tapped her on the shoulder. She instantly turned around to face me, surprised.
"RIKAA! Oh my gosh… You didn't tell me you got in, too!!"
Then, from behind Evelyn, I saw a girl with long, blonde hair and big, brown eyes. It was an idol. Amelia from Nyx… She looked beautiful. She was wearing a purple, one shoulder dress and the colour was dark. Her hair was also tied up into a messy bun,
"Oh! Who's this, Evelyn?" Amelia walked up and held Evelyn's hand.
"This is Rika. She's my best friend!"
"Nice to meet you, Rika. Who did you come with this evening?" Amelia asked with a polite smile.
She was so gorgeous… and Evelyn was looking amazing, too! She was wearing purple to match Amelia. It was a long A-line dress, complimented by a beautiful silver, princess necklace.
"Me…" Rory said, coming up from behind me.
"Yes… I can see that. It's a pleasure to see you again," Amelia said, bowing.
Everyone went quiet. It started to feel awkward…
"You two look beautiful!" I said quickly, trying to start conversation.
"Haha, thank you… Oh and by the way, your instagram is ItzRika, right?" Amelia asked.
Amelia… has seen my instagram?? Oh my gosh!! Am I known by some K-pop idols??
"Yes… I'm hoping to start posting K-pop fancams and some selfies…" I said laughing, covering half of my face in embarrassment. "Mostly fan content."
"Maybe we can take a selfie right now?" Evelyn suggested.
"Yes, let's do it!" Amelia smiled.
We all stood next to each other and posed. Amelia tilted her head slightly, smiling. Evelyn hugged Amelia with a big smile. I just smiled and took the photo.
It looked so good!!
"So cuteee!! You girls are such cuties!!" Evelyn said, hugging Amelia tighter.
Rory looked uncomfortable just standing there. I felt bad… Maybe we should do something else… There seems to be something weird between Rory and Amelia. They're both obviously uncomfortable around each other.
"Well, Rory and I have lots to do… Have fun, girls!" I said, hugging them both, before walking off with him.
Rory seemed off. I started feeling bad that he had to just stand there, when he obviously felt uncomfortable.
Then, suddenly, NOVA's group manager walked up to Rory and I. She whispered something to Rory. I tried to hear what they were saying, but she was too quiet. After she was done talking, Rory just nodded and looked at me, before grabbing my arm and walking to the corner of the builder where there were big, red curtains.
"Let's record a reel for your Instagram," Rory said, grabbing my phone and setting it on a chair.
I have to say, this background was amazing with the red curtains and solid hardwood, black flooring. It's perfect!
I agreed, and we decided to do a dance challenge. We improvised a dance together to the tune of one of NOVA's newest songs, "Soul's wish".
I went through all the steps in my head. First step, move your left leg forward. Then, lean slightly forward and bring your right hand up, then down your body. Then, you do a body wave from your chest to your hips and step back, looking at your partner. With both hands, make a motion like you're pulling your partner's heart from their chest. Then the last step, is to surprise your partner with a cute pose at the very end.
It's pretty simple! Even though it took us like… five tries.
"Alright, I think I got it now!" I said, giving him a high-five.
"Are you sure you're okay dancing with that dress?" Rory asked, looking concerned.
"Don't worry!"
I pressed record, and we jumped right into it. It was pretty hard not being able to hear the music though. We went through all the dance steps in sync, then it was time to do our ending pose.
Rory grabbed my hand, spinning me around as he held my hand, then I walked off, blowing him a kiss.
It was a perfect ending!! I was pretty surprised with the spin though… I didn't know he was going to do that!
"Yay!" I said, grabbing my phone.
"Yes… We finally did it," Rory said, tilting his head, smiling.
"I heard there's a reward for the best looking duo tonight…" I said slowly.
"Yes… We should be making our way to the stage."
"Alright, let's go!" I said, with a big smile.
We started walking to the big stage, where they'd be announcing the winners for the "Best looking duo".
Then, out of nowhere, Gray and his +1 walked up to us, waving. Gray was holding a pair of black heels in his hands…
"Hey! How are you guys enjoying tonight?" Gray asked. He wore a simple, dark blue suit, and the girl wore a pretty, blue strapless dress.
"Great! I'm having so much fun… you two look amazing!" I replied.
"Why are you holding those heels?" Rory asked.
I was wondering the same thing…
"My legs got tired… so Gray offered to help me out. So he's holding my heels for me…" the girl replied with a shy smile.
Wow! Gray is such a gentleman! That's so sweet of him.
"Well I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable." Gray said quickly.
Then, suddenly, the speakers in the building started to make noise.
"We will now be announcing who won tonight's prize. Everyone, please make your way to the stage."