𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚, 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐈'𝐦 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲! || 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐨𝐤|| 𝐒𝐒 - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

It was a peaceful, golden morning when Ahri made her way to her parents' mansion in Kenilworth. The Sunday lunch yesterday was filled with laughter and excitement, maybe because the stoic and too serious portrait whisperer was dating a guy, and not just any guy—a world-famous celebrity.
Her parents still couldn't comprehend that she bagged a very extroverted and sunny rapper. Their worlds are vastly apart, but somehow they bonded and connected in a very unexpected manner.
She smiled as she drove into the walled, guarded suburban neighborhood, away from the prying eyes of the press. Dr. Sheryl, her boss, told her with understanding that she could have two days off just to recover from the pressures of what happened.
Her mom told her not to go online because it could rattle her fragile state. Pictures of her were posted online by the teens in the mall. She got famous by association with the global star. The fans and the haters were constantly speculating about the state of her relationship.
She needed a break not just from work because she got more client referrals because of the exposure of their clinic online. Sheryl was flabbergasted that more hospitals were referring their patients to them.
Theo's as well as Naomi's schedules are swamped with work. She was already overbooked but she told Sheryl to give hers to their only male psychologist in the clinic. She will be off for a whole month. Then she needed a break from the relentless speculation and camera flashes that. Followed her after the 'Hope on the Stage concerts.
To uplift her mood, she dressed herself in a soft designer lilac tailored suit that made her look fresh and chic. A pure, elegant look for the week. Her hair was glossy on her shoulder, and her face was covered with huge sunglasses that shielded her tired eyes.
She looked elegant, but she didn't plan to do anything extravagant to garner more attention. She just wanted to breathe, and her mom wanted her to spend a little time with her. She'll make her her favorite breakfast. Sautéed mushrooms.
When she arrived and entered the opulent foyer, her mom was already busy in the beautiful vintage beige and gold decorated kitchen. Her hair was still elegant in short waves; she must say her mom looked lovely for her 55 years of age. She cut her long, natural, golden, wavy hair a year ago, and she looks very elegant. Her mom has the week off.
Ahri smirked as she hugged her mom in a loving back hug. Her mom smiled as she turned her head and greeted her eldest daughter. Her mom, Elaine, comes from a distant aristocratic bloodline. Her great-grandmother was a royal lady; no wonder her dad always teased that her mom behaved like a royal princess, but she was a formidable attorney, a partner at a very prestigious law firm that has huge celebrities and politicians in their portfolio. Her mom is a well-respected senior partner. No wonder some media agencies stop posting invasive articles about her and Hobi.
Her mom looks fresh in a pink summer dress and a light apron fastened. The scent of sizzling beef sausages and spiced sautéed mushrooms lingered in the air as her mom cracked an egg into the pan.
She was shocked when she heard her mom hum a very familiar tune...🎶'smooth like butter, like a criminal under fire...'🎶
'Morning, Mom. Seems Mom woke up with BTS," Ahri grinned teasingly.
"Perfect timing. Ahri , morning, sweetie. We'll, Sori educated us about your boyfriend's band and even put that as my ringtone. Your dad's ringtone is Dynamite. He even knows the steps," she chuckled with sparkling eyes.
But then her eyes darken. "You look tired."
Ahri nodded and sighed deeply, placing her small Hermes bag, car keys, and phone on the marble on the counter. "Yeah...media is a nightmare. The speculation never stopped. I don't even use my Mona tote anymore. Gave it to Theo. It's like a sport to them...and the fans are all over. They wanted answers from Hybe.".
Her mom nodded, "I can imagine...social media can be worse for your mental health."
Ahri smiled, "You're right. That's why I log off all my accounts. Fortunately, nobody found my Instagram, where I post my art visits."
Her mom chuckled while she fried the bacon strips,"I heard Sori said your X account got almost 100k followers after your TV appearance with the media."
Ahri sighed as she went to pour water into the coffee machine, grinding the Arabian coffee beans herself, a morning routine she was used to when going up. Soon the rich aroma reached the atmosphere.
Ahri sat down with the steaming cup of coffee as her mom placed a steaming plate before her. Ahri dug into her warm breakfast of medium-done eggs, golden mushrooms, tomato rings, and crispy bacon.
Ahri shrugged,"I'm not into social interactions, Mom! I had 200 followers, and so many people were following me because of my connection with's J-Hope. Maybe it's mostly ARMYs and those haters."
Her mom looked curious. "So, are you and Hobi serious? You sure it's not a phase? Then run for the hills," she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ahri smirked as she sipped her warm coffee. "Is this an interview?"
Her mom laughed as she waited for her answer as Ahri just shrugged a little in a dramatic manner. "Mom, Hobi is not a phase." Her eyes stared into her mom's unique blue eyes as they softened. "He is so sweet and steady. And we trust each other. He accepts my eccentricities. I'm falling deeper in love with him; he makes me laugh, and he makes me think. He treats me as if I'm a precious gem, and he is so optimistic and kind. It's just...I need to adjust to his world. It's so...loud."
"You love him," her mom states, not really expecting an answer but seeing it as truth. Her daughter met the one, and now she will be forced to let more people in. Not only her safe family or coworkers, but she'll also have to navigate her life around the cameras, media scrutiny, and their millions of global fans."
Ahri chew slowly on a bacon strip, "Yeah, and his bandmembers even wants to add me on their personal chat group. Mom, they are famous!"
Her mom nodded, clearly touched, "I'm proud of you. I know how hard it is for you. But don't lose yourself. We all know you're a bit eccentric, and I love that about you. Just keep your sass; don't let the social media frenzy dim your sparkle."
Ahri just laughed, "Never, I'm not changing my persona to fit into a mold. I'm Kang Ahri, portrait whisper, high-IQed mind healer."
As if summoned, Ahri and her mom both smirk when they hear the front door open, with an energetic voice echoing through the house and a whirlwind entering the kitchen with fanfare.
"Family I'm home!" Her voice was loud.
Ahri smirked at her mom and said, "She's back from school earlier than usual—"
Her mom grinned and explained, "It's exam and test week. She usually comes at 10h00, but it's 11h00 now."
Sori burst into the kitchen, twirling around than dropping her bag by the door.
She looked suprised her jaws dropped when she saw her sister enjoying fellowship with mom," Ahri you here! hi Mommy! Oh my word! Life is seriously good. I nailed history, like every question." She looked so hyped up. Her newly re-dyed pastel pink hair was in a high, wild, curly ponytail.
She was skipping into the huge kitchen, a bright smile on her glossy lips. She's attending a very prestigious preparatory high school, 'St. John's Academy', partly owned by their church. She, Ahri, also attended the school since she was 4 years old.
Sori ran up to her sister and gave her a tight hug.
The school's uniform didn't change much. Still black and white, but the seniors' blazers are white with black trims, black pleated skirts with white trims, and long socks over her knees, that Sori wore like a typical Asian. And the gold crest on the pocket.
Her mom smirked, "Congratulations! We are going to have a wonderful summer vacation in South Korea. Your grandparents missed you. I don't think your halmeoni will be impressed with your pink hair; she loved your natural blond hair."
Sori just snorted," Mom, I love my pink hair. And guess what? I'm basically a celebrity at school. When my schoolmates saw my 'Hope on the Stage' concert pics and fancam on social media, oh my gosh! I gained, like, 2000 followers overnight! I've got almost 980k followers. Three advertisers wants to use me to advertise, new water bottles, their Kawaii clothing etc. YouTube is monetizing me well and I'm getting a new YouTube plaque one of these days...but you, Ahri, from 200 followers to 100k, that's a flex."
Ahri laugh softly," What did I say? VIP access suits you. And I'm not looking for fame...and 100k stalkers on my account...no thanks" she pulled a sour face.
Sori looked so elated when she shared, " The girls were screaming when they saw my selfies with Hobi oppa. They were freaking out. Some ask if I'm his cousin. As if every Asian is family. Nova and Piper almost fainted that I had an individual pic with him. The other ARMYs did group photos. They couldn't believe our VIP seats. My super-rich classmates told my friends that the cost of the Allstate Arena VIP suite ranges from $15,000 to $30,000. And a BTS concert must've been over the top. I posted pics of the VIP suite, and they were stoked. We posted all our pics on every social account. The likes I got, woah...2.4 Million on my fancam from the VIP area!"
She grabs a fork and nibbles a piece of tomato out from Ahri's plate, who just rolls her eyes.
Sori grinned,"Don't worry...they're not sure if you're the real museum girl. Dad's lawsuit threat did wonders. They're too scared to say anything if they knew about Hobi and Ahri, in case the school gets sued too."
Mom smiled,"Well that's one way to protect our daughters."
Ahri just shook her head. "The footage of me in front of the harassing paparazzi was quickly taken down. So obviously some people won't recognize me easily."
Sori leaned over the counter. "Does Bangtan know you and their sunshine are dating?" She was still too elated with the news that her sister is dating a Bangtan.
Ahri drank a sip from her coffee as she hesitated, "Er, not yet. Maybe they know about us, but Hobis's mom and sister know. We keep it under wraps, and it's too soon to go officially public, and the scrutiny can wreck any relationship. We're just protecting what we have right now."
Sori smirked, "You're so brave dating a hot celeb. You're going to be the envy of every ARMY girl...think about free charter flights to every tour across the globe. Gosh, you'll be Y/N in fanfictions. Cast as the villain after Hobi. Oohh, I must tell Piper. She loves writing fanfictions online. "JHOPE AND THE PORTRAIT WHISPERER "
Ahri grinned as they laughingly high-fived each other, "You guys are so silly, as long as she doesn't use my real name. I'm glad to be her muse...she must mention the Mona Lisa totebags. Mona would be pleased."
Their mom just smiled, "I'm just glad you are happy, sweetheart. And you gave love a chance."
Her mom just smiled as she looked at her beautiful daughter, the eldest, who was a dad's face card, Asian through and through, but her surprised lastborn came ten years after Ahri. She was the total opposite. Extroverted and loud, but has a great hero worship for her older sister.
Ahri enjoyed a few hours with her mom and sister. Her mom wanted her to stay for dinner with the family.
🎨🎨🎨🎨
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Scene: 18
Gracias ,ARMYS!
Settings: Mexico City
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The arena at Palacio de Los Deportes was pulsing like a thumping heart. J-Hope took the stage amid the fact that he developed a slight flu and he was feverish. But as the professional, he didn't want his Mexico fans to be let down, so he hyped himself up with some meds.
The arena was deafening with the elated screams echoing throughout the venue. The energy was electrifying. Mexican army fans just waved their ARMY bombs, and the Mexican fans, crying , singing, and chanting, screamed his name. He was radiating joy and charm, commanding the stage.
The warmth of the Mexican army was exhilarating. The music was pulsating, and Hobi danced like his body was fluid, flowing with precision and purpose. His dance choreography was making the fans breathless. Between songs he was walking with his bodyguards in the background to the edge of the barriers, crouching low, talking to the adoring fans.
"Gracias, ARMYs," he greeted them affectionately in Spanish. The fans in the front rows were crying, reaching out their hands for him to touch, as he made heart signs, blew kisses, and even took a small flag from a small fan , waving it with glee.
The bodyguards stood nearby as shadows; they were alert but respectful, ensuring that the fans were safe. The dried, mostly the girls were clothed in BTS merch, flower crowns, and glitter-covered cheeks , cried and screamed joyfully.
After his final song played, money confetti streams rained down, floating like dreams over thousands of outstretched arms.
Hobi went offstage breathing heavily, drenched in sweat, but he grinned, satisfied. His dancers were standing around in a semicircle as he gave each one a small hug, thanking them personally and warmly, "Gracias, Diego. You killed that move." They exchanged fist bumps, hugs, and shoulder claps, all while laughing and celebrating. He thanks his staff and crew as well.
Then his manager, Hobeom, and his head bodyguard, Mr. Lee, looking satisfied but tired, their expressions filled with pride.
Once inside the private VIP artist lounge, Hobi plopped down on the beige suede couch. His sigh was satisfied as he took an energy drink and refreshed himself. The fever has subsided, but he wants to go to his hotel. The management will be booking him into another 5-star hotel because saseangs fans found out about the hotel they were staying at the weekend.
Hobi took big gulps of his drink and leaned back, glancing up at the ceiling.
"I feel ...empty," he muttered as he wiped over his face, "like I've given my all, but I still feel empty..."
Mr. Hobeom raised his eyebrows, and Mr. Lee was standing near the door, arms crossed, a smirk on his lips,"Maybe you need to call someone..." a knowing smirk on his lips, "Maybe a...Ms. Kang."
Hobi's eyes lit up. "I will...but privately. Cause you guys are just going to tease me all the time."
He opened his phone, and there was a text from his beautiful girl, Ahri, wishing him a successful show. He told her not to go to bed early because he'll be calling her when they arrive at the hotel.
He checked also, and then he grinned. It was his hyungs on the chat group. Also wishing him a great show and asking him to take care of his health when he told them he stood up in the morning with a touchnof flu and he was feverish the whole day, but he could still perform energetically.
The rest of the maknaes in the group are still at different military bases and couldn't be on their phones. He'll speak to them the coming weekend.
Jin sent him a photo of himself getting his makeup done: "I've been at a Fred Jewelry promo all day. Then Laneige shoots tomorrow. My skin is very tired but flawless."
Yoongi had a bowl of rice in one hand: I'm on lunch break but also working on that collab we talked about."
The group joked , shared memes, and laughed a bit. Hobi's stylist came in with dry clothes. He quickly dressed down in a charcoal tee, black bomber jacket, matching jeans, and a black beanie with dark sunglasses.
🎨🎨🎨🎨
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Scene: 19
The luxury of kindness.
Settings: St Regis Hotel foyer
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He looked effortlessly hot. Upon arriving at the opulent St.Regis, a sleek black SUV pulled up at the main entrance, adorned with marble pillars.
Inside the foyer, chandeliers sparkled, and there was even a huge metal artwork in the middle. When he and his entourage entered the huge foyer, numerous guests became flustered as they stood mid-sentence when they recognized the star at their hotel.
The bodyguards stood around as Hobis' management staff went to arrange for his room key. He sat with Hobeom at the blue designer seating. He took out his phone, but before he could go online , a beautiful hotel staff girl with golden blonde hair, sleekly back in a bun, and her ocean blue eyes sparkling, approached him with a tray with a huge glass.
She smiled softly. "A complimentary mango and lime cocktail."
Then she discreetly left a folded note as he took the glass with a huge smile.
He furrowed his brows when he opened the light yellow Post-it note, his eyes widening when he read inside.
"Welcome to Mexico City. I'm ARMY. Please enjoy your stay and feel loved always—a fan. P.S. My favorite is Mang."
A tiny BT21 Mang sticker was neatly pressed on the corner. Hobi smiled widely and gave her a subtle thumbs-up as she bowed and returned to her duties. A faint grin graced her beautiful face.
Hobi's heart was warm as he muttered, "ARMY...really, they are everywhere."
His eyes behind his designer glasses scanned the foyer as he noticed, with a small smile, some fans whispering, and some with their hands clutched to their chests in disbelief.
After a security sweep of his presidential suite with a private terrace, Hobi felt relieved and relaxed to enter his opulent and luxuriously decorated suite. Plush cream carpets, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city, a private spa tub outside the terrace, and a small baby grand piano in the corner.
He sighed as he removed his bomber jacket, pulled his Louis Vuitton luggage bags to the sofas, and unzipped them. He unpacked most of his designer T-shirts and sweatshirts from his first Louis Vuitton bag.
He sat and placed his phone, his chargers, and his LV sling bag on the table. A smirk entered his lips as he looked at the brown acorn keyring. His heart started to grow warmer as he thought about his beautiful, introverted girlfriend.
Hobi couldn't believe that he actually found the one. He and his brothers were always too busy with rigorous tour schedules to find active times to date, and when they became attracted to girls, they couldn't even pursue the girls due to the dating scandal culture.
The maknaes could try the dating scene, but any woman seen with them got massive hate, and most of them refrained from pursuing girls they liked due to backlash, but this time he won't let the media or even company rules dictate to him. Whether there are funeral wreaths or not, his career will not be harmed by jealous netizens or antis.
Yes, it hurts when so-called fans despise the group for liking girls as if they are robots without feelings. His sister is married and expecting her first child, and he is over 30, and he wants that experience to love and be loved in return. He doesn't pursue wealth or fame.
Kang Ahri is so different. She isn't concerned about being famous or going out there boasting about knowing him or revealing their personal interactions on social media. She is his silent strength, a girl he can return home to and feel safe in her presence.
He put down his sunglasses and leaned back on the sofa , combing his damp hair with his fingers. He needs a refreshing shower now. He told management that he will have room service.
His luxurious suite has a cute kitchen, and he'll just heat some food or make himself hot drinks from the numerous selections of coffees and teas. Ahri told him to try Earl Grey-flavored tea, and he will.
Hobi grabbed his phone and checked his battery life. The battery was still at 60%.
He called Ahri.
"Hey, babe," his voice tone became softer." Concert done. It went well. Mexican ARMY is insanely supportive. But I kept thinking of you..."
He pulled off his sneakers, placed her on speakerphone, and set the phone on his bed while he neatly unpacked the rest of his shirts and skincare.
He heard a soft, breathy laugh on the other side: "I missed you too, superstar. So you're finally back at the hotel."
He laughs, "Yes, management got us a new hotel, St. Regis. Several sasaeng fans made reservations at the hotel I was staying at this weekend. They even gather outside, and most of them are not even ARMY. I've now made myself at home. Gosh, the Mexican ARMY is wild, beautiful, and kind. I even met some at the barriers. But...I needed your voice to settle down again."
Ahri laughed gently. "I missed you too. Dr. Sheryl, my boss, gave me two days off just to recoup after the hectic weekend. I had Sunday lunch with my family, and this morning I had breakfast with Mom and Sori."
Hobi chuckled and said, "Your sister has a wonderful vibe. I like her energy...you do know i have a soft spot for ARMY. "
Ahri giggles, "Yeah, and because of you liking her Instagram and YouTube fancam, she gained 2k followers over the weekend. She's so famous. How did you know her account details? Even my Twitter X account was stalked. I got 100k followers after that paparazzi altercation. You are too famous for your own good. Do you know your power? You can take over a country with Namjoon as president and you as 'Minister of Socializing'." She huffed.
Hobi chuckled, "You flatter me, babe. That's all you...but its actually true. Bts has buying power. Your sis is a vibrant teen...she has apparently stolen your phone...she got my number under 'Sexy Mang.'"
He heard her gasp in shock and exclaim, "Oh my gosh! I'm going to kill that pink brat! Im so going to un-sister Did...did she truly call you? Hobi, I'm so sorry...I'm mortified."
Hobi burst out in laughter, "Don't worry...she said she just wanted to see if it was really me...but she sent her Instagram and YouTube socials, hoping it was my number."
Ahri chuckled, "Don't fret... I know my sisters' antics too well. She always did that with boys I liked. That's the number you gave me at the museum to get the VIP tickets. However, all of our secret chats take place on my other private number, which is saved under my 'mental clientele' contact groups. She won't fiddle with my work contacts. Phew!"
Hobi snorts,but then yell, "My personal number is under the 'mental clientele' contact list!!. You wound me, babe."
Ahri giggles, "Yeah...I've got doctors contacts also there.... You are Dr. Wang Ting on my contacts!"
Hobi burst out laughing and said, "Okay... that's creative and funny. I become Chinese overnight...so, babe you actually simp after Mang." He was pleasantly surprised that she knows about their BT21 charactes.
Ahri laughs, "What can I say? He's so cute and playful and he's hot. I'm thinking of cheating on you with him...hes has a space on my bed right now, that pony mask is doing something to me."
Ahri bought it with those 50%off merch coupons from her VIP tickets. He doesn't know, she even got new pj's, stationary and a little phone case.
Hobi chuckled and placed her on video. Ahri giggled when her eyes met his, which were filled with amusement. She show him her plushie, hugging him tightly." You do have a naughty side...good to know." He teased her.
Ahri giggled softly; her hair was in a side plait, and she was sitting on her bed with a white, lace like tank top. Hobis' breath hitched at her fresh beauty. She had no makeup on, revealing a shiny and flawless bare face. She was stunning in her simplicity.
Ahri smiles widely, "Hmm...I'm a whole onion. You will explore layer after layer as time goes by."
Hobi pursed his lips. "Ooh...I'm all for that!" He teased her, waggled his eyebrows.
Ahri rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh my gosh! Not that...you know what? Go get a shower. I can smell the concert sweat through the phone, babe. It's giving eau de armpit and stadium lights." She deadpanned.
Hobi gasped. "RUDE! I danced for two hours and gave my heart to 15,000 people. Give a little respect!"
"You gave what is mine to the fans. You gave 'my heart' away?! And now you need to give your body to the soap," she sasses him. "You can call me later, Romeo, before you start teaching rap to your shampoo bottle."
Hobi laughs, "You'll be missing out on premium shower vocals."
Hobi's eyes gleamed as he took the phone off his bed. Ahri could see him move, his image distorted. Ahri thught he forgot to end their chat. She placed the phone on her lap and reached for her favorite Doritos chips to munch on some more.
Meanwhile
The presidential bathroom suite had a gleaming glow and luxurious feel from the marble tiling and chrome accessories. Steam was surrounding the bathroom as Ahri suddenly heard a rainfall shower.
Hobi smirked at the other side as he mounted the phone on the marble counter.
When Ahri saw him in the bathroom, her eyes widened in horror.
"Oh gosh! Jung Hoseok! Are you seriously still on the phone? Please don't tell me you brought your phone into the showers with you." Her voice strangled in mortifying mock horror.
Hobi chuckled as he carefully adjusted the phone on the bathroom shelf so that she could see him. "Why not? You said you missed me, so I'm giving you the full post-concert boyfriend experience."
Her eyes widen. "Hoseok, you better not try teasing me. My cellphone eyes might never recover."
Hobi just chuckled, pulling his charcoal shirt over his body. Ahri giggled and playfully closed her eyes with both her hands.
Hobi burst out in laughter. "Why? You already know how this body looks," he playfully teased, knowing that Ahri, as a non-army, might not have seen footage of him bare-chested.
'Still, there are differences between imagination and high-definition trauma. I really don't need to see or hear you fighting for your life in the shower," she said with laughter in her voice.
She heard him walk away from her sight and give a low groan. "Aaahhh, this water understands a tired soul... he joked,"...not like someone who wants to hang up on me..."
He started laughing when he heard his sassy girlfriend yell, "That's it! Bye...go scrub your soul and that cloudy mind while you're at it."
They both laugh.
Hobis' voice was still filled with laughter. "Okay, fine. You're so dramatic , like my stylist on hair wash days... I'll call you later, sweetheart." He just heard her snort.
Before she hung up, he said, "Thanks for making me smile tonight, darling.
She softly states, "I'll always ... Now scrub, superstar!"
Then her voice became quiet as he heard a click. Hobi grinned as he looked at his phone and then put it flat on the marble counter.
Hobi smiled as he stepped into the hot rain shower. His heart filled with warm affection after talking to his girl. She instantly made him feel safe and like himself. She clearly didn't treat him like an idol, but rather like a simple , hormonal boy.
Gosh, he misses her!