𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚, 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐈'𝐦 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲! || 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐨𝐤|| 𝐒𝐒 - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

The city was still dozing off in those last hours before daybreak. Ahri sighed when she grabbed her glasses. Her hair was combed back and parted in the middle. She had dressed herself in a black mini dress, but to combat the morning chill, she grabbed Soris's lime green sweater to keep her warm and unnoticed.
She slipped on her black flats and grabbed her black purse. She was contemplating grabbing her trusted tote bag, but the level of fame her bag got made her halt in her steps. She swiftly transferred her wallet and other essentials to her understated black leather bag, acquired from a flea market.
She quickly slid into her small, shiny black Kia...a present her dad gave her for her 21st birthday. A trusted friend in times of severe trouble. Sori constantly complains that she earned enough for at least a cute sports car. But she's not flashy with materialistic things. She already bought her own apartment, so she's fine. Sori was still sleeping. After the concert the previous night, they went for a late supper at a trendy grill restaurant. Theo paid the bill.
She furrowed her brows and wondered what on earth made her agree to stand up so early at an ungodly hour for a meet-up before 6am. But it's Hobi, so she'll let it slide. He never did things halfway.
The coffeeshop café was conveniently tucked by a sleepy and understated corner, a warm and inviting place for avid bookworms who desire solitude amid the freshly brewed imported coffees. The Understudy coffee shop.
The city was practically asleep. Ahri parked her car in the open parking slot, and her eyes warily scanned her environment. The 'close' sign on the glass doors was flipped. But Ahri knew better. This coffeehouse always opens at 8am. But today it was booked by Hobi for them to meet discreetly and privately.
When she reached the glass door, it was immediately opened by a bodyguard, and she bowed slightly with a slight smile, her eyes scanning around for her sweetheart. He was standing up when he noticed her, a giant smile on his face as he appreciatively roamed over her fresh face. She only did a quick skincare routine, which left her skin flawless and glowing, and her lips got a cheery tint. She grinned when she saw Hibis's reaction to her visuals. She wondered what went through his mind as she noticed how he slightly bit his lips. With a little blush, they bowed in greeting.
One of his managers, who sat a few tables away, nodded at her, and the bodyguards smirked as if they knew a secret. Mr. Lee nodded with a slight smile, and a genuine smile graced her lips as she greeted them. The bodyguards were like shadows in a corner. Behind the counter was a cute blonde barista, the owner's daughter. She was a shy college student, but her eyes were giddy. She tucked a pencil behind her ear. She was the only waitress. They legally got the place for themselves.
Hobi wore faded baggy jeans, a white t-shirt, and a costly navy jacket with silver embellishments. He had a cute dark beanie on, his signature look. His eyes were sparkly, and when they met hers, they knew they belonged to each other. After softly greeting each other, aware that they couldn't display any affection because nobody, not even his management that they are secretly dating.
Where he stood, he looked at her as if she was the main event. "Good morning, Starshine! The earth says 'hello'!
He teased her, and in response, Ahri chuckled, "Good morning, Sunshine!" She teased back.
He whispered back, "I missed you..."
Ahri smirked as she sat down when he pulled a chair out for her. She shyly tucked a loose strand behind her ear. "Hmm...then you should've booked the moon and not the cafe. So, okay star...this better be worth the coffee I sacrificed my weekend sleep-in for."
Hobi just grinned, 'Seems like the coffee will get jealous."
Ahri smirks and says softly, "It will be if they notice the one who I am drinking it with. Are you well?" She asked, looking intensely at him. He must be really exhausted doing back-to-back concerts. Those illegal dance moves and hip thrusts must be highly tiring.
Hobi smiled softly, "Yes, I'm good. I went to bed early. After talking to you till 12 am".
Ahri gave him a deadpan. "Oh...you call that early? I'm still in my sleeping mode right now'.
They both laugh. The blonde waitress came and took their orders. Ahri ordered a dark chocolate muffin and a hazelnut coffee latte, and Hobi opted for a cappuccino with a honey croissant with mixed berry jam and cheese.
Ahri smiled, took her muffin, and dusted the crumbs off it. Hobi just smirked at her antics. While sipping their drinks and chewing their food
They engaged in genuine conversations filled with jokes and teasing. He reached over and casually played with her fingers, causing her to nearly faint. It felt so comforting and safe. Now and then they softly smiled into each other's eyes. Their chemistry was palpable, as their entourage discreetly occupied themselves to provide the couple with a bit of privacy. No one was allowed near their table.
Hobi smirked, his eyes gleaming. "You were the real star last night. Theo nearly exploded when I remembered her name. You talked so much about them. You have good friends...funny but good."
Ahri's eyes widen with a soft snort, "Oh please...with Sori and Theo's starstruck antics...they were the main event. Theo cried all the way home in the car. Guess they were happy tears. I would've found it cute if she didn't cry and place all her snot on my tote bag. She must thank the heavens it wasn't my Chanel bag," she uttered, rolling her eyes.
Hobi chuckled, "Yeah, but when you walked into the artist room, I couldn't look somewhere else. My manager said I didn't even hear a word he said, and when he tried to converse with me , I nodded at a wall. When I was on stage, I couldn't stop looking up in your direction... Did you get my subtle greeting"?"
Ahri giggled,"Oh my gosh, that was such a charming gesture. That wink...totally classic and clueless Jung Hoseok. Sori and Theo went into a meltdown."
Without them realizing, as they talked, they were slightly leaning into each other as if their presence gravitated toward their connected hearts. They were laughing, talking about the concert and how Theo nearly fainted when she actually had to touch him and how Soris ' jaw dropped when she saw the backstage setup and the crew around the star. His aura was an understatement.
But time was flying. Hobis's flight will be in a few hours to Mexico City, and he looked apprehensive, not too willing to leave his girlfriend behind.
Hobi smiled gently, "Gosh, Ahri ... I wish you could accompany me. How will I function without your weirdly charming presence? Can I just sneak you into my luggage?
Ahri smiled softly, "You forget I need a shoe luggage bag of my own. But you always travel, like you were part of the hidden cast of 'Coming to America.'"
Hobi burst out in laughter, as he could remember the numerous suitcases of the Prince of Africa. "So true...and being an ambassador for brands, my wardrobe is endless."
Ahri looked tenderly in his eyes and whispered, "Don't worry , we'll be together in LA , remember? And then we'll see each other in Seoul. I'll get a month of leave, and then I'll join you there. Our family will go on a vacation and visit my paternal grandparents in Busan. After that, we might attend your encore performance and meet the rest of Bangtan. Sori will have a nervous breakdown. So I didn't even tell her about it."
Hobi looked stunned, more delighted. "Wait—you're going to be a whole month on leave, coming with your family to Seoul. Wow! I need to arrange something for them in Seoul."
Ahri's eyes widen. "You...you want to meet my family."
Hobi grinned,"I love to meet them...and my sister already got wind of you, and she demanded to meet you. She's a nightmare. It will be fun, you'll see. And Bangtan knows about you and wants to officially meet you...can I add you to the Bangtan chat group?"
Ahri's dark eyes enlarge dramatically. "Excuse me! ...what! You want to throw me like Daniel in the lions' den! Seokjin is going to kill me because I'm not a registered ARMY! And those naughty maknae-line. They'll text me early in the morning hours just to annoy me or show me thousands of memes. Oh gosh! Spare me!"
Hobi laughed."Oh, you'll fit right in. Do you know who Namjoon's dream girl is, you?" He teased her, his eyes glinting playfully.
Ahri's eyes widen. "Wait, what! Does he like weird girls? I need to tell Naomi that!"
Hobi snorted, "He loves artsy and very intelligent girls. Apparently the boys complained that I set the bar too high. Now, they have to pray for the right girl that has the entire package. You made Bangtan nervous." Hobi chuckled .
Ahri smirks, "Well, he is cute...but---"
Hobi narrowed his eyes," ---but"
Ahri pressed her lips together as she sensed a tone of jealousy, "but you take the cake. You're so handsome and---" Then she discreetly looked around, waved him over to her, and then she whispered in his ear, "You are hell hot and sexy." She said sultry in his ear.
Hobi's ears became a red tint as he became all hot and bothered, then he whispered back, "Ahri, please don't do that in public...you'll cause a stir. What if I throw you down on this table and kiss you senseless?"
He laughed heartily as he saw her blush. She is so cute and definitely innocent.
Ahri grinned dryly and said, "My soul will leave my body. Please never do that, ever! You hear me...you would rather not meet the ferocious feline in me...and I didn't talk about that Yoongi cuteness!" She waggled her eyebrows. Hobi just smirked.
Hobi shook his head. "You're so cute, even if you convey this whole serious, stoic, and fierce psychologist look. So, can I add you to the group? Seokjin already warned that they will add you. And believe me, that hyung can get every piece of info on anybody. So, what do you say? Ready to chat with Bangtan. Meet the chaos behind Bangtan."
Ahri inhaled deeply, "Okay, but tell Jin if he sends dad jokes , I'm blocking him on the spot. I saw how chaotic they are on your Run BTS shows. They can turn on each other in an eye".
Hobi just nodded , "Okay. Jungkook wants you to have twin wallpapers, and Namjoon and Taehyung want to visit museums with you. Namjoon wants some answers from certain paintings... I sent them a cute pic of you."
Ahri just smirks but then groans, "Oh! Great. I eagerly anticipate the scrutiny of seven men who own more skincare products than I do. You are truly close-knit brothers. I wish I had a brother, but I'll probably already murder him."
Hobis' tone became softer. "They'll love you. So, do I have any love rivals out there? I can't believe a beauty like you was single under all the guys' radars. They must've been blind."
Ahri slowly sipped the final drop of her latte. "Oh yeah...but a long time ago. I had a boyfriend...sort of in senior year of high school. But being my charming self, our relationship lasted a staggering seven days." She pulled a face.
Hobi furrowed his brows. "Ouch! That must've been a life experience."
Ahri sighed and shrugged,"I liked him, and I didn't want to keep secrets , so I told him about my peculiar gift, that I can actually talk to portraits anywhere and anytime. I can hear them telling me ancient secrets. He ran for the hills, said I was weird and creepy, and then he dumped me a day before homecoming. I cried so much and felt so useless and rejected and swore off love entirely."
Hobi looked sad,"Oh baby, I'm sorry, Ahri; that must've been tough."
Ahri pursed her lips and replied, "Yeah, that's the story of my life."My parents freaked out and made me enroll for an academic degree and not an art history major that might make my life weirder. Mom said it was to protect me and make me feel more normal if I had a degree or career where I could be distracted from portraits. Unfortunately for my parents, that ship was halfway to Narnia already. Destiny had captured my heart. She let out a brief laugh, but Hobi could tell that it had an impact on her life.
Hobi asked quietly, "Did you ever get in trouble with that gift?"
Ahri rolled her eyes and smile,"Oh plenty of time. I once went to a sort of government dinner party with my parents at a senator's palatial home. I was sixteen. Oh gosh, they had a portrait of the senator's regal grandmother. We were socializing after dinner, and guess what? The portrait told me the senator has an affair with another governor's wife, and he hides the love letters inside a hidden compartment of their grand piano. I told my mom, who stood next to me, but unbeknownst to me...the senator's wife stood behind us and heard----let me just say the evening turned out more eventful than ever."
Hobi was laughing so hard, almost spilling his cappuccino. "You're insane!"
Ahri giggles, "I know from that day whenever we go somewhere my parents will ask the host to remove any portraits in their home if they don't want their family secrets to be revealed by a sixteen-year-old. I have been called names such as witch, fortune teller, and ghost whisperer... you name it. There were a lot of funny instances, like the time I told a hated PT teacher that the previous principals portrait said he was a fake, never won any track competitions, and was a college fatbag... but I'll leave that for our next convo. That's why I stopped even entering into the dating market...you can't tell people you hear dead people on the first date...only if you want them to leave you alone."
Hobi smiled softly, "And now ?"
Ahri grinned,"Oh I met a French doctor in Paris. Handsome but too smooth and boring. I ghosted him."
Hobi laughed ," Pun intended."
Ahri nodded and chuckled, "Absolutely."
Hobi then leans in and whispers, "You're mine...Ahri, just so we're clear."
Ahri's eyes had a teasing tone,as she just clicked her tongue, " And you're not even my type!"
Hobi raised his eyebrows, amused. "Dead lies."
Ahri smirked and shrugged,"Well, I like guys who don't own more than a dozen Louis Vuitton bags."
Hobi chuckled, the affection in his eyes for his girl just intensified, "LV is a lifestyle."
Ahri just clicked her tongue,"Hmm and here I thought Sori was high maintenance."
They laugh again.
"So...your turn. Are there any love rivals I should know about? That cute Nayeon girl from Twice? Okay, my bad. Don't answer... I forgot Bangtan is the only seven boys who date a million ARMY girls at the same time." She teased.
Hobi shook his head. "Tried dating pre-debut. But she cheated and dated another guy. But it's difficult to maintain or form connections. Our tour schedules are insane, and we don't even get enough sleep. How can we date...but now---" He looked at her with affection. "I'll make time for connections, and you are my light...and don't worry about the shipping culture in K-pop. K-pop idols, including my own members, have shipped with me. I'm shipped with Suga and Jimin. But Nayeon is just a friend...almost like Jiwoo, my sister. We are wonderful friends with Twice members and even Blackpink. Jin and Jisoo are known as siblings. ARMY princess."
Ahri smiles softly, "Good to know because I'm not good at sharing, but I'll share with ARMY."
Hobi smiled softly and said, "Remember, my heart only beats for you."
Ahri grabbed her heart playfully and exclaimed," Aah...and now I'm truly alive!"
They both snickered. It was almost 8am. The mood shifted again when it was time to leave. Hobi needs to be on his flight to Mexico City, and the deflation in his eyes when they both stepped out, flanked by management and bodyguards, Hobi turned before she got into her Kia and wrapped her in a tight embrace.
Her back was almost pressed against her Kia as he whispered something like a phrase in Korean she didn't quite catch, but her heart got the message loud and clear.
The bodyguards wait by the black, intimidating SUV until they have ample time to say goodbye. Mr. Lee and Hobeom could see that Hobi wasn't quite ready to let go.
But then, still in an embrace, a sudden flash went off. A single paparazzi was instantly spotted behind a building, but the bodyguards were quick. Ahri and Hobi looked startled at the sudden invasion of their privacy.
What the heck? It seemed that someone had either tipped off the paparazzi, was following the star's whereabouts daily after the exposure, or, worst of all, might have been following Ahri specifically.
These people have no shame. But luckily the pap was pounced on by the three lethal bodyguards, his camera was confiscated, the film removed and destroyed, and the guy almost tripped over himself in the bid to get away when another fierce Asian bodyguard took photos of him and threatened to sue or press charges.
Ahri, still in Hobis arms, looked frightened and exhaled her bated breath,"Oh my word!" She looked up into his wary eyes.
Hobi muttered,"Welcome to my world.' He said, his forehead still resting against hers.
🎨🎨🎨🎨
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Scene : 11
Shopping trip
Settings: Woodfield Mall
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Ahri sighed deeply with a heavy heart as she drove back home, but she felt this way because it was almost time for most of the shops to open and for life to return to normal during the day. Ahri decided to pick up some of Soris' favorite cinnamon buns and a small mango-flavored cream cake to take to her parents on Sunday. Her parents always want their children to eat together for a Sunday meal.
Ahri knows her parents were concerned about the media exposure. Especially because of her past mental overload and depression. She sighed again, thinking about the irony of her life. A psychologist that cannot combat her own mental struggles of anxiety but is talented at helping heal others to overcome them.
When she got back to her apartment, she was surprised that Sori was already awake and cutely dolled up for a mall date. With her two crazy best friends, Piper and Nova. Her clothing look more like a K-pop star. She was in the lounge playing with the remote.
Sorry Wow! Thanks for my cinnamon buns; I'll eat them tonight during our movie marathon. Is that delicious cake for tomorrow's dessert?
"Yeah! I'm going to my room now." She looked a little deflatedby as she entered her room. On the way, she grabbed a packet of her favorite spicy Doritos snack and went to her favorite corner in her bedroom, overlooking the city of Illinois.
Ahri sighed deeply with a heavy heart as she drove back
Sori trailed behind her, telling her how cool it was to see Hobi.
"Ahri, you and Hobi are so cute together. It's disgusting!" She pulled a face.
Ahri grinned, "I know I threw up twice."
Sori laughed, "You must go on my Insta account and check out how many likes I got for my photo with Hobi, and my cancan from where we sat was lit. I'm so famous." She giddily exclaimed. Her friends called her nonstop because of her VIP BTS tickets.
Ahri opened up her chats, where she found a text from Theo thanking her for the wonderful time they had.
Hi Ahri, Thank you again. I don't think I'll recover emotionally. I'm astonished. I couldn't sleep. I'll be screaming about this till I'm 80. Also, you and Hobi? Couple goals. Just date him already. Just saying.
She and Sori were watching intriguing fancams and all the comments Sori got on her Instagram post.
After a few minutes, Sori left as Nova came to pick her up with her light blue sports car. St. Johns, a highly prestigious prep school, enrolls the three teens. And Nova's parents are medical doctors.
Then by 1pm she had to meet her two colleagues, Theo and Naomi, for brunch. Ahri quickly grabbed a light peach silk blouse, skinny jeans, and her silver diamond-encrusted sandals. She was ready to enjoy a relaxed girl time at the mall.
Naomi suggested a trendy and popular Asian cuisine restaurant. They ate bulgogi and japchae, all while Theo recalled every second of the thrilling concert.
Thea's light eyes were glowing as she chewed her food . "VIP Suites.The stadium towered above us!d above us! I felt like I was at a Hogwarts Quidditch game, but only for Armys.
Noami nodded, "I could hate you both. Gosh, finally Alex asked me out, and I'm no longer a single Pringle, like the two of you."
Theo grinned and looked at Ahri, who sipped her grapefruit and strawberry majito,"Well...I don't think Ahri will be single any longer. The K-pop star really likes her."
Ahris gave them a deadpan expression, "Please!!"
Naomi's eyes widen. "Is there anything I should know?"
Ahri shook her head vehemently, "Of course not! Why would a K-pop star date a weirdo like me?" She nonchalantly uttered.
If her friends discover the truth, they will require immediate medical attention. Hopefully her and Hobis' morning breakfast date will not find their way to E-news.
Theos, I'm telling you, Naomi, he is so fine! The energy and aura of his stage performances were top-notch."
Naomi0 looked at Theo and said, "I wish I could attend one of his shows in my lifetime." Every one of his shows has sold out. Did you hear that Hybe posted an announcement that even his Seoul encore concert was sold out by ARMYs?
Theo smirked, "I am so glad that I saw a BTS concert, even if it's one membeReal group concerts will be very costly..".
Naomi looked at Ahri with hope: "Since you and Hobi are friends, could you please help us get tickets for the shows?"
Ahri pulled her face. That's nepotism. But which concert would you like to go to?"
Naomi smirked and said, "In LA, the scalpers charge three times the price for a ticket that is far from the stage."
"Theos," hmm...to sit at the door seats at the back."
Ahri inhaled,"Are we going to buy clothes?"
Naomi's eyes gleamed. "Oh yes..."
After their brunch, the girls strolled through the Woodfield Mall in a relaxed manner. They walked, chatted, and laughed. Their excitement made Ahri feel so relaxed and took her mind off her boyfriend, who resumed his rigorous tour. They visited renowned brands such as Zara, Fila, and Tiffany stores, etc.
They arrived at Victoria's Secret. Theo wanted them to check out their latest items. Ahri just rolled her eyes as Naomi and Theo lifted up the silky and lace colors at the cute displays. Ahri's eyes drifted to the beautiful silk shorty pajamas. She loved the silky feel to her touch, wondering if she could just buy two pairs for her and Sori.
Before she could call on a shop assistant, she heard Naomi giggle, "Ahri, don't you think we should get you something purple...your BTS colors...you know, for your 'Purple Monday?"
Ahri just rolled her eyes because they always teased her for her eccentricities, like naming her plants, keeping a dream journal, and even having personal theme days, like Purple Monday, where she dresses in purple clothes. Then she even has theme food days. She enjoys Italian pasta nightBut they love her despite all her quirks.ks.
Theo grinned, "You know something Hoseok might enjoy.
Naomi laughs. "Oh, come on, Ahri...do you know how cool it will be to date a 'star' ?" I've always wanted to be like Shen Yue...and date Dylan Wang. Think of all the perks. You have to fly out to different exotic places. Allow yourself to enjoy their concerts without any restrictions.
Ahri looks amusing. "Seriously, can you girls just stop... I'm already on the radar. People can get the wrong idea: armies could kill me!"
Theo just That K-pop star likes you a lot. They don't go out of their way to get you a VIP suite with catering and your own private seating area without mingling with the crew up there. The other VIP winners didn't get that PrAhri just shrugged and said, "It's part of our special ticket. Ticket was for Hope Stage!"
She knows she lies, but she can't confess that she is dating Hobi. Her friends will die, and Theo would want to meet Jungkook and RM and Naomi, J-Hope and Jin, and Sherly loves Taehyung, Jimin, and Suga.
The girls stroll to the checkout with their expensive purchases, and Theo wore sunglasses, while Ahri was exploring their vast ranges of summer hats.
Just then she heard a loud squeal. They turned to face the source of the shriek. It was a young preteen who painted at Ahri , who stood with furrowed brows. She was pointing directly at Ahri, who stood like a deer caught in headlights.
She and her friends looked flabbergasted as they quickly grabbed their paid items and quickly walked out. Ahris' colleagues don't want her to experience that anxiety she had during the Paps invasion.
But the little girl drew a crowd's attention.
The teen girl whisper-yelling, "Oh my goodness! It's the girl from TV...Hobis girl."
Ahri blushed beetroot red as she tried to hide behind her small gift bags.
In the mall walkway, more teenagers heard the yelling. The group sighs deeply as they know that dealing with over-obsessed fans can cause Ahri unnecessary anxiety.
"Oh my gosh!" Ahri whispered at two awed friends, who couldn't believe that little TV exposure caused instant fame for Ahri.
Teens and young adults who came from the entertainment court ran up where they heard the screams.
Theo asks them to back off from Ahri and Naomi looked more flabbergasted and exclaimed, "So many teens know about BTS!"
The three colleagues looked apprehensive, especially when they walked off, but the teens were trailing behind them, screaming.
"Museum girl! "
A selfie please
Are you and Bts Jhope dating!
Theo shook her head and look at Ahri," please provide them with what they are requesting . This is free promotion for our company. They'll be satisfied with a photo."
As more teenagers gathered, she stood still in the middle while taking pictures with the teens. There was giddy laughter as the teens took out their cameras, aiming them at Ahris' beautiful face.
Ahris' and her colleagues were simply mesmerized by the unfolding events.
Their friend became a celebrity just by default.