𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚, 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐈'𝐦 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲! || 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐨𝐤|| 𝐒𝐒 - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

The day started out calmly for Ahri as she woke up from a restful sleep. It was strange at the calmness she felt, especially with the escalating hate train online. Her parents and colleagues, who knew her fragile mental state—that she always kept her hurt and pain within—all tried to urge her not to engage in any social media for the time being.
She even got 10k followers extra during the hate train week. Army or Hobi fans were shielding her, almost like protecting her from the antis and BTS haters. Some posts made her feel better about herself, but she listened to her boyfriend, family, and friends.
Today was Ahris' healing day; Dr. Shelby officially approved that she took a few extra days earlier to start her month-long leave. No work, no overwhelming clients, no obligations, just time for her to breathe and settle into her quiet space of solitude.
She and Hobi were texting non-stop every evening after the hate train. He was so caring and kind, making her believe in the good of people. He was like her calm in the raging storm. He even sent her a text that warmed her heart like a blanket in the cold weather.
"I love you, darling; rest and know you have found your home in me..."
It gave her a boost.
She'd woken up early, cleaning her small, upmarket, tastefully decorated apartment. It smelled fresher with lemon and lavender scents. In her kitchen it smelled of freshly baked blueberry and poppy seed muffins. She loved the sweet calmness of doing something so domestic. Her mind was occupied by a special playlist Hobi made her just to calm her soul.
After the batch was placed in an airtight container, she decided to spoil herself with a luxurious bath filled with her favorite oils and salts: lemongrass, lavender, black cherry, and chamomile mingling with the steam. Her bath was filled with white and pink soap flower petals. She lit up sweet-smelling Yankee candles in wild spice flavor. That gave her bathtub a romantic glow. It was a long soak of retreat and self-love. The thick steam around her made her feel like a shield was protecting her from the outside hateful world.
Wrapped up in a plush wine-red towel, she changed into her favorite Army hoodie that she bought from the BTS merch shop and slipped on her white Adidas sweater pants with pale pink stripes. The fabric enveloping her body was soft and comforting. Her hair was washed and blow-dried into a high ponytail. And after weeks of a whirlwind of emotions, she felt like herself again.
She didn't tell Sori that her leave started earlier or that she was home. She just needed solace and a welcome pause from all the outside questions, scrutiny, unwanted fame, and a public debate of her personal life.
Even Tia and Naomi already missed her. She was constantly bombarded with gossip. They sent her love and well wishes and urged her to stay sane.
She smiled brightly, and her heart was swelling with warmth and love for her caring friends. She decided to stay home and even refrained from visiting her portrait friends. No catching up. Today was her day and her binge reading of her favorite vampire series. These dark romances gave her the most thrilling effect.
It was past 5 PM, her stomach started to protest again, she was debating between ramyeon noodles or sushi, and she was just about to tap "order" for her takeout from a famous restaurant nearby when her phone rang.
Hobi.
Her heart started to beat erratically in her chest. He is voice calling her...not texting.
She picked up, and her breath hitched when she heard the little breathy chuckle at the other side. The warm familiarity in his voice made her want to cry, and she almost dropped her phone in time.
"Hi, my love," his voice gently said. "I just completed my first LA show, and today I've got a rare rest day before I'm doing the next show tomorrow. I thought I called someone I dearly missed."
Ahri gasped in disbelief, "You missed me...you just spoke to me a few hours ago." She giggled happily.
He chuckled softly, Surprised to hear my voice, baby?"
Ahri grinned. Of course, sweetheart. I thought you would use this off day to sleep in, rest, recoup...or be on a flight or something---"
Hobi laughed loudly, his cheery voice made you smile. "I'm just calling to tell you that you have a package at your door...a little gift to comfort you."
Her eyes widened as it darted to her locked door. A flicker of suspicion and curiosity bubbled inside of her. Oh my gosh. Did Hobi send her something at this time of day? Just say something to comfort her. The love she had for him welled up in her heart.
She tiptoed to her steel entrance door, even if her feet were clad in her plushie BT21 Mang slippers. She cautiously checked the small security monitor screen beside the door.
There stood Craig, the friendly middle-aged apartment security guard, who is like a dear father to her, always watching over her and making sure her hallways are always safe when she gets takeout or letters.
He was smiling widely like a Cheshire cat with too much cream in his bowl.
She opens slowly, "Afternoon, Craig...?"
He just winked and stepped aside. Giving her a wink, I left the hallway.
And that's when she saw him.
Wearing a black snapback, a mask tugged down slightly, a dark hoodie with a sleeveless jacket, baggy pants, a royal blue sweater, and his signature Jordans sneakers. His eyes were hidden behind light blue-tinted designer glasses.
Hobi ... her Hobi!
He stood at the door, his presence tangible. Her jaw dropped in stunned silence.
He lifted his head and grinned; his eyes sparkled when he gazed lovingly at her shocked and awed expression.
She was so dazed, and her knees almost buckled when a wave of intense joy overwhelmed her. Tears started to well up in her eyes as she saw him standing there with the most breathtaking bouquet of pink and white peony flowers she had ever seen, and a small light blue Tiffany & Co. gift bag dangled from his wrist.
"I missed you," he whispered warmly.
Without any resolve, she flung herself into his open arms, warm, solid, and protective. He hugged her gently and tenderly, which melted away all her fears.
"I missed you more than you'll ever know," she whispered against his shoulder; her voice was trembling with emotion.
He suddenly lifted her up, without a warning, and with a squeal, stepped inside, spinning them gently before setting her down in the living room. His arms were around her waist in her backhug, his chin resting. The soft contours of her neck She placed the flowers and gift bag carefully on the chair, still dizzy with disbelief.
Then, without another word, he turned her around, cupped her face, and kissed her slowly and deeply, like she was his entire world. The kiss wasn't rushed or wild; it was deeply emotional, and every hidden longing was etched in that one kiss. Her arms found their way around his shoulders as her fingers tangled in his loose strands, kissing him with the same hunger filled with yearning and love. When he finally pulled back, his hand found her waist once again, turning her in a warm back hug, resting his cheek against her hair.
"Ahri...I love you." Her murmured.
She looked up and turned in his arms, facing him, her eyes teary. "I love you too, Hobi...so very much." This is the best gift ever, after weeks..."
He looked at her with intense eyes. "I'm not going anywhere, darling." We're in this together. I told you I'm here to stay, to protect you...and I love you too much to let you go."
"Oh, Hobi! You are truly my safe place." She murmured against his chest, holding him tightly.
They snuggled up and cuddled on her sofa, their limbs intertwined. Together in their own bubble as he told her about the recent events, the agency's US-based PR company that offered him an NDA, and how they wanted him to help the media silence the dating rumors.
"Oh, Hobi "I'm so sorry; I've placed your life in such a disarray," Ahri breathily states.
Hobi looked down on her concerned eyes, still caressing her waist tenderly. "Darling...I don't care. Bangtan even said I joined Jinhit Entertainment, becoming a rule breaker and rebellious. But I found something genuine, and I want to pursue love."
Ahri chuckled softly, "That hyung of yours is so unserious."
Hobi grinned, "Yes,that is Seokjin. The PR company wanted to control my movements. They either wanted me to break up with you, deny we ever had anything going on, or keep you a secret..."
Ahri looked up at him with bated breath. "So...so what did you decide?"
Hobi chuckled, "I'm here with you because I defy any control over my decision. I will neither confirm nor deny the rumor. I told them that I alone will decide when to go public or not. My relationship is nobody's business. I'm an artist, not an object. Bang PD—he also supports me as long as I keep my movements discreet. Nobody knows I'm here in Chicago. I'll be flying back later tonight, but I had to come and see that you are truly okay...and I'm glad I did."
Ahri just stared at him with admiration mixed with concern. "So, you are okay with us dating discreetly. I dont mind signing the NDA...my moms an attorney and I understand how those things work. Its to protect the artist and all parties involved"
Hobi smirked and nodded. "They'll definitely send you an NDA and a list of dos and don'ts for dating a celebrity. There was also an instance where a woman tried to bait me into a so-called ambassadorship...but it was a trap from an anti. The intention was to involve me in yet another scandal. My management was too sharp for them; I didn't bite."
He brushed her cheek, lifting her chin, and planted a soft kiss on her lips. "I trust you, and I want us to be strong amid the storm and no games. I'm serious, Kang Ahri. I want to map out a future with you in it."
Ahri smiled brightly as she snaked her arms around his shoulders and kissed him without restraint. Hobi chuckled breathily in the kiss and flipped her over, pinning her underneath him.
With his hands caressing the strands from her face, he could feel her heart racing in sync with him. "I'm crazily in love with you, my portrait whisperer. You own my whole heart, Ahri. I...love you deeply. And I can't wait to make you officially mine." He leaned down and gently kissed her, leaving her breathless. She knew that Hobi healed her brokenness and chose her...
They were making out furiously on that sofa, their hands unapologetically caressing each other's bodies, with her slender hands under his shirt. Breathless and panting, they kissed each other, and Hobi, who knew and respected the boundaries they had both set, reluctantly pecked her lips as they sat up, breathless and flushed. Looking at each other awkwardly, they then burst into laughter.
"Wow! That was too intimate, darling. Forgive me...you were so enticing. How will I ever have the power to restrain myself?" He looked wide-eyed at her pursed lips and amused eyes.
"Do you still think we'll be safe together in LA? You're so hot and sexy. I might be the one who broke the boundary. Oh, I need help!" She fanned herself vehemently. She didn't know that Hobi was so virile and energetic. His kisses were as intense as his rap verses.
She will be in trouble, because now she knows she wants him, and her thoughts are not the pure ones of a faithful church girl.
Hobi chuckled, "You're not going anywhere. You'll be with me in my apartment. We will just...er...be careful." He bit his lip while you gave him a deadpan look.
"You think!"...
🎨🎨🎨
She thanked him for the beautiful flowers and the cute Tiffany & Co. diamond earrings that matched her bracelet. She hugged him with gratitude. She knows by now not to argue with Hobi when he wants to spoil her.
She gave him a cold bottle of Sprite as he complimented her beautiful high-rise apartment, fit for a successful doctor. She took him for a quick tour around her two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartment. He was impressed with the opulent interior. She told him that Sori helped her decorate; of course, she lives more with her than their parents. So the space is both their personality.
Then he asked softly, "Can you introduce me to your parents?" I like to meet them."
Ahris' eyes widen as it wells up again; Hobi wants to meet her parents. He is serious with her. "You...you really wanted to talk to them? Oh my gosh! They will faint."
Hobi grinned, "I have too...especially if you're going to be with me for a few days in LA." If anything happened between us...like, er, we're accidentally starting a family...they need to know that I'm taking full responsibility." He burst out in laughter when he saw her scrunching up her face. He mustn't talk like that... a moment ago she almost dragged him to her bedroom, forgetting momentarily about her morals. Gosh, she will be toast.
"Oh my gosh, please just don't tell them that. They'll throw us with Hobi water." She teased him.
They both just chuckled as she grabbed her laptop and FaceTimed her parents. Her hands were trembling as Hobi sat with a wide, comfortable smile.
When her mom saw them first, she could hear the silent scream as she yelled for her dad to come see who's on FaceTime. When her dad saw the superstar, he stood still, only blinking as if he couldn't believe the boy on Soris posters came alive.
Hobi greeted them warmly and with a respectable bow. His Korean etiquette and language were impeccable and respectful. Immediately winning your dad over. He was smiling from ear to ear to hear someone else speak his native language.
Ahri smirked as her family grinned, "Mom...Dad...this is Jung Hoseok...or just Hobi. He is my boyfriend, and I would like him to formally meet you." She nervously states.
Her parents' eyes glowed as they waved and greeted him warmly.
Hobi looked serious at her parents. "Sir, ma'am...I love your daughter," he said, "and I seriously want to date her formally, with your blessing." Despite the stark differences in our careers, we are open to exploring a relationship together.
Ahris eyes widened when he took out from his black sleeveless jacket a little red velvet box. In front of her stunned parents, he took it open and took out a beautiful, delicate, sparkling light blue diamond ring that shimmered in the light.
The atmosphere charged as he cleared his throat, gazing into Ahris's awed eyes. "This is my promise to her," he told them, "of my love and devotion to her alone." There will be an engagement...and a wedding at the right time when she's ready to be officially mine. But I want to start with this...with honor." He took Ahri's soft hand and slid the sparkling ring onto her trembling finger. Her eyes were full of tears when he softly kissed her and told her he would be devoted and faithful to her. Ahris's hand clutched her heart; she was too emotional.
Her mom burst into tears of joy. She never thought that she would see this day coming. Ahri was adamant about not getting involved with any guy because of her peculiar supernatural gift and the fact that she thought nobody would love her. But to everyone's surprise, she bagged a member of one of the world's most famous boy bands. A boy everyone admires and wants. She got his love and genuine affection.
Her father smiled and immediately approved because of the pure affection the couple looked at each other with. They know Ahri will be safe with him.
Everybody suddenly got startled when they heard Soris scream behind her parents.
"OH MY GOSH! I'M GOING TO BE FAMILY WITH AN IDOL. BTS IS MY FAMILY. GOD SERIOUSLY LOVES ME."
Ahri, Hobi, and her parents started to laugh at Soris' excitement! She was beyond happy. Her life started to be more rosy.
The joy was electric. As Hobi waved at Sori, who was still fanning herself as if she would turn into a hyperventilating goo.
Ahri shook her head. "It's just Hobi; seriously, this fandom culture is exhausting!"
Her dad smiled, "She's a genuine ARMY." Ahri, let your sister be herself."
Her mom smiled graciously. Her grey-blue eyes sparkle. "You are welcome in the Kang household. You're our first son. And I know Ahri will be safe with you. Just don't mind her eccentricities."
Hobi smirked, pulling Ahri against him as she gave her mom a look. "I love her with her adorable quirks. I hope Mona will be pleased. That friend of hers who is painted is very hard to please. He chuckled softly.
Her dad looked surprised. "Were you forced to meet her portrait friends?"
Ahri threw her hands in exasperation. "Dad!---'
Hobi grinned and nodded. "I met all of them, and I like them. Mona is something..."
Her mom giggled, "I don't know if I'm relieved or frightened for you...that gift is so peculiar." Although the gift is still puzzling for us, the Supernatural Society has registered Ahri as a member. Mensa and this secret society."
"Mom! Don't say it like that...Hobi might think I'm part of a witch coven." She berated her mom gently. Her mom just didn't care as Hobi started to burst into his infectious laughter that even her dad was laughing.
Hobi chuckled as he looked at Ahri, kissing her on the side of her head. "Sweetheart...I love you just the way you are." One day, I plan to accompany you to all the world's museums, where you will encounter countless paintings that will delight you, and I will always be by your side.
Ahri's eyes watered as she looked at him with deep love. "Really?... You'll do that just for me?"
Hobi nodded. "Yes, baby. I love all of you."
Sori and her mom just utter a soft "awwh" sound. Her dad smiled contently, deeply grateful that God gave Ahri her match.
Then Hobi grinned, "I heard you will be in Seoul." I would love you all to attend my last show. My Bangtan members will be formally discharged by then. And I would like to introduce you to my family, as they are literally dying to meet their future daughter-in-law. The girl that got it right to capture my heart."
Sori almost faints. "Oh my word! I'm going to see Bangtan! Kookie and Chimmy! Oh, life has seriously sprinkled fairy dust on me!" She yelled out dramatically. Ahri just rolled her eyes. Gosh, her sister can be a little nightmare. Hobi laughed because his eldest sister is just like Sori.
Her dad smiled, "We would be delighted to meet your family, Hobi. We'll also want you to come to Busan to meet her grandparents."
They talked for a few moments more until Ahri had to remind them that Hobi must fly back to LA.
It was after 7pm that Ahri ordered dinner for them from Bulgogi Garden restaurant. Hobi loved their food. They ate at the small dinette table, feeding each other. They talked about their future, their dreams, music, his memorable shows, love, and faith. They even talked about if they decided to have kids in the near future and how many they want. Ahri said she would like to have three boys and a girl because Hobi wants a daughter as beautiful as Ahri.
By 10 pm, after they enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate and muffins, his bodyguard, Mr. Lee, and manager were there to pick him up, ready to whisk him away to the awaiting charter flight because tomorrow is his last show in LA, and then he and Ahri will have a few days enjoying knowing each other at his LA penthouse.
They kissed each other goodbye with deep love.
Both of them are anticipating their togetherness in two days.
That night Ahri went to bed with her heart filled with joy and wholeness.