𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚, 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐈'𝐦 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲! || 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐨𝐤|| 𝐒𝐒 - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Ahri was fairly happy when she woke up the next day. She had been on the phone with Hobi this whole week. She made sure she stayed away from social media because there were still speculations about the doctor-museum girl in Hobis Life.
After Hobis's Mexican City show, he had two shows in each in San Antonio and Oakland. He was now in LA; tomorrow his show will start, then he'll have a day off, and then she'll be with him for a few days in his LA penthouse, getting to know each other more. His LA shows were already sold out.
Whenever she talked to him, he was always happy and optimistic. She didn't tell her parents about going to visit Hobi. Her dad will get an aneurysm first and then kill her. But they trust her and know she doesn't do anything to stir up love before the time.
They know her stance on purity and living by her high moral compass. She and Hobi even discuss that side, and he was okay with it. So long as she is happy and content, he'll respect her boundaries.
That is what made him fall for him every moment. She had to pinch herself as if she was still in a dreamworld, dating a superstar.
Hobi told her that Bangtan will kill him because it's been a week and a half and he still didn't add her to the chat group. Hobi told her Jin was starting to get impatient with him. She just laughed, telling him that she wasn't yet ready to talk to the global stars. How will she even talk to them, even online? Thinking about it scares her.
She was so busy wrapping up her schedules before taking off on her month-long leave. She can't wait to go to South Korea, visiting her grandparents for a few weeks.
She needs the new, fresh environment just to recoup and find her balance after the slew of online speculations. Fans want answers; Hobi is silent, and his agency is tight-lipped. Korean media were on fire, wanting everything out in the open.
Sori was the one who made sure she stayed abreast of all the BTS-related news. When she missed Hobi so much, she would watch the group's whole discography as well as Run BTS shows, which made her burst out in laughter.
They were effortlessly funny. She was now an avid ARMY, like her coworkers and Sori. Sori is done with her exam, and she even packed two weeks in advance. She's been with Granma on the phone for almost every day.
It was the start of the weekend, and Ahri felt free and relaxed. She had visited Mona only once due to the stalkers overfilling the museum in order to see her, but she stayed low-key and only went after closing date for 30 min. Which she thoroughly enjoyed.
When she reached her clinic, most of the clients waiting for their respective therapists were filled. You just smiled and greeted them; some were looking at her in awe, others with some recognition.
Since her and Hobi's alleged dating scandal broke the internet and placed netizens in a meltdown, she has tried to lay low.
It's been a week, and her relationship with her boyfriend was just getting better and more intimate. They were at the stage where they trusted each other, sharing sensitive information that concerned them. He was sharing about his debut years, where he wasn't regarded as popular; he was the one who got fewer fans and the hurtful online bashing he went through.
Ahri told him about the ridicule she experienced with her maternal family, especially because she was the one that looked more Asian than her natural blonde sister. She didn't fit in with her mother's family, who looked like royalty, typical English roses. But she was mostly teased about her magical gift, speaking the secrets of portraits.
But they were so surprised when English art scholars tried to pay her, when she was ten years old, to speak to the portraits they were studying, getting rare and deep insight into the background of certain backdrops. But her father put a stop to it and protected her from abuse.
But after that she kept quiet about her gift throughout high school and only revealed it to the guy she was dating, who took the pills.
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Scene: 25
Hated for loving
Settings: Ahris' office
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When she entered her office, her mind was distracted with her patient. A young schoolgirl with a deep phobia of stage fright, and she was a star actress at school.
She only had two morning clients. Before break she was just about to complete her reports when a text message from Sori came through.
She was at home because she was done with the exams. Her average was so high, but she will take a college admission test for a Korean art university.
Ahri furrowed her brows when she took her phone from the table and scanned her messages.
Sori: Hey, sis. Are you okay!?
Ahri furrowed her brows. What was Sori up to?
Ahri: What do you mean?
Sori: Good... I don't think you must go online, sis; there is a full-blown hate campaign on X about you dating BTS's J-Hope.
Ahris' eyes widened as her heart started to beat erratically. Did the hate train start?
Ahri: What!
Sori: Don't worry, it's either an anti disguised as an ARMY, but ARMY will never say something like that. It's like a fan war on X. It's better not to go on and ignore it.
Ahri's throat was dry.
Ahri: But they talk about me...how can I ignore it?
Sori: Sis, just don't go on; it will be mentally devastating for you. You're too sensitive.
Ahri shook her head by herself.
I don't want to be ignorant of what people think of me.
And I'm stronger than you think.
Sori: I know...the posts are brutal. Lost of jealousy and malice. These netizens are evil.
Ahri: Okay. I want to visit my portrait friends today. I haven't seen Warhol's Mona Lisa for a week now.
She talked a few minutes with Sori, who told her that she and her friends are going to go dress shopping for the final year dance. Their private academy always has their prom dances before university entrance exams later in the year. She is super excited. Her dad gave her a dance budget.
Ahri sat behind her test, contemplating if she must go on X. The temptation was heavy on her. Ahri sighed, braced herself, and opened the app.
The amount of posts based on one tweet made her breath hitch. It was more severe than what she was expecting. The amount of sheer malice, slander, and lies she saw made her almost throw up.
Her eyes started to well up with tears as she read retweets after tweets. A venomous post came from a well-known obsessive fan @Army-Forerver Twitter account.
A pic of her in front of the paparazzi was the caption, but the words that followed were so harsh, slicing through her heart and soul. What did she do to these people?
@Army-Forever
"Is this who Hobis is dating? Are you kidding me?! She's not even a full, native Korean, not even an idol. Just some weird foreign girl who is a stupid doctor for crazies. Hobi must have lost his mind. She's just a clout chaser.
#stayawayfromhobi
It all started to go downhill from there. The retorts and quotes were filled with hate.
One accuses her of being a gold digger.
"She's probably only in it for the money and a day of fame. A doctor, please. She must've been using her psych degree to manipulate Hobi. Hobi is our sunshine...he deserves someone elite, not some fangirl turned leech. #protecthobi
One dragged her appearance.
"Let's be honest. She's so mid. She's nothing unique. Definitely not visual material. The way she dresses...she looks like a boring librarian-it's embarrassing, BTS. Hobi is a fashionista, but this girl is just weird and awkward, and Hobi can do a thousand times better."
One spread blatant lies.
"Heard from a friend who worked backstage that she faked her medical credentials just to get on his radar. No wonder she got close to him. She plotted to steal Hobi from deserving ARMYs.
The fourth post was drenched in envy and bitterness. She sounded from another fandom.
"So how come Hobi gets into a dating scandal, but nothing happens? If it were a female idol, she would've been forced or kicked out of her group. Look at the other labels; they clean house. But when it comes to BTS, it's like a free pass. It's so unfair. #kpopdoublestandards
Another one was next-level malicious.
'Imagine her dancing in a BTS MV. She looks so stiff, like an NPC. Lmao. Gosh, he and Nyeon look far better together. She must give up already.
The hilarious memes that follow, her face edited into crying clown bodies, and hate hashtags trended for hours.
Ahri wiped a tear from her face. She felt regretful that she decided to read these online trolls' posts.
But not all ARMY joined the hate train.
One user posted:
"Oh my word! You all need some serious help! Hobi is 30. And he's not any of your boyfriends. Isn't he allowed to love? Is he an alien? He's a bloody human being. If you are a real army , you want his happiness, not control. #lethobiliv"e
"They didn't ask for this madness. If Hobi chose her, maybe she is exactly what he needs. You don't know their story. Stop this parasocial behavior. Maybe you need her to check your mental brains. #Respecthob"i
So he fought fire with peace.
"BTS are artists, not property. You are so delulu and disgustingly toxic when you just hear a rumor of our boys with girls."
"We should support Hobi. Stop gatekeeping love."
"Strange how you all scream 'Support BTS ' until they want to date someone. You don't own them. You'll NEVER date them. So get over yourself.
"It's disgusting how you witch-hunt a girl-a doctor who helps people. Just because of unconfirmed rumors of her dating your bias. Grow up!!
There was a brief statement from HYBE also, but it was so cautious it neither confirmed nor denied.
"We are aware of the rumors involving a BTS member, J-Hope. As policy, we do not comment on the private lives of our artists. We ask fans and the public to respect personal boundaries and refrain from speculation."
Ahri's eyes were stinging as she sat there numb; her tears started to stream down her pale cheeks. It was too much to read all the malice.
She heard her office door creak open and a face peek through. It was Naomi with concerned eyes. Her eyes widened when she saw Ahri quickly wipe her eyes; her back was facing the door.
"Ahri...oh gosh! Sweetheart . What happened?!" Pulling her into a back hug.
Ahri inhaled deeply, and with a crack in her voice, she mumbled, "I didn't sign up for this. They hate me for being associated with their sunshine."
Naomi frowned, "What!"
Ahri showed her the malicious post as Naomi's furrowed brows scanned over the tweets. Her eyes widen in shock and disbelief. Ahri started to sob again.
"Oh my gosh...this is just...vile and malicious. The netizens have nothing to do but hate on innocent people. You and Hobi are just friends. Could you please explain the issue with the toxic ARMYs?" She rants out with clear fury.
She quickly runs to the little water filter in the far corner of Ahri's desk and pours her a glass of hot filtered water as she likes it.
Ahri smiled dryly, "Thank you."
Just then Theo burst in with a bright pink Krispy Kreme box with custom-made donuts. She also saw the tweets, and to brighten your day, she ordered the donuts and iced coffee from Starbucks.
Theo looked more concerned at your red-rimmed eyes. "We saw the tweets just now... Don't worry about those haters. You're incredible, and Hobi liked you." She placed the box and coffees on the table.
Naomi nodded. "Yeah...you help so many people with anxiety and even help me with those panic attacks. You're not just good enough...you're better than they'll ever be."
Ahri chuckles a little, still the hurt lingers. "I never experienced so much hate before. This is all so new...today is actually my last day. I might go and visit some friends in LA before I go to Seoul next weekend with my parents."
Naomi smirked, "Hmm...I wish I was you. You must inform your celebrity friend; maybe you can attend his LA concert."
Ahri just scrunched up her nose, "Rather not...with so much scrutiny and hate. I'm staying far away right now."
Theo laughed, "Gosh, the concerts he performs are amazing! Next time, Naomi must attend."
They all nodded, then helped themselves with donuts and coffee. Dr. Sheryl came in later and wished her a great leave vacation, urging her to rest and come back safely.
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Scene:26
Love isn't a scandal
Settings: Chicago Museum
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Ahri decided to go to the museum just to wander around, helping to quiet down her thoughts. She never knew her first real relationship would be so public and complicated. Is dating a celebrity worth her peace?
Her footsteps were quiet on the wooden flooring as she gazed with a half smile at her favorite paintings. She wondered if her life would've been different. I'd say she was a museum curator. She doesn't think she might ever leave the museum.
She stood before Andy Warhol's pop art 'Mona Lisa.' It felt like Mona was quietly assessing her mood. Ahri stood before the portrait, her cheeks still faintly showing the dried tear marks. She just needs a moment of peace.
Then suddenly the room started to breathe, the air became warmer, and Mona started to move. Her subtle smile curved just a little more. Ahris eyes blink. Even Mona, also. It seemed she was laughing at her...
Ahri furrowed her brows. "Are you...just giving me a mocking smile...?"
Mona spoke; her voice was quiet but smooth, like rich wine.
"You looked like you were carrying a thousand secrets on your tiny shoulders."
Ahri let out a short laugh. "It's not secrets. It's just malicious strangers and their words. The forced hate and just because I might love someone I'm not supposed to."
For the first time, Ahri acknowledged that she loves Hobi...the BTS sunshine.
Mona tilted her head. "They hated me too, once. Said I was too plain, too mysterious. They called me a scarlet woman, a mistress , a ghost. While men fought wars, I remained steadfast. I made sure centuries talk."
Ahri looked troubled. "Oh, Mona, you told me you were a merchant's wife who needed a portrait of you. Leonardo painted you but never gave you back to your husband. He kept it for himself, and now we enjoy looking at your mystique."
Mona's voice resonated like a gentletle breeze. "See...you have that mystery. The world doesn't know you; that is why they can only hate."
Ahri folded her arms over her torso, "But what if I ruin him?" Hobi is so loved. If I stay in his life...it might cost him dearly."
Mona's voice was soft and firm: A woman doesn't ruin a man, Ahri...only fear does. Only cowards choose the easy path. You have to stand firm on what you want. Love is not scandal. It's liberating. We are created to love."
Ahri felt her heart constrict, her throat felt tight, "Mona, I just want to be his peace. His world is so fast-paced and stressful, with the expectation that it will be perfect. I just...want to be his home, you know. Not someone that will cost him his career."
Mona's smile widened. "Then be it for him, Ahri...but never forget your peace can be at war. If you must...just stand still. But stand with grace in the midst of adversity."
Ahri looked at the tears that began to flow freely from her eyes, not out of fear but as if they were almost like a release. She suddenly felt lighter.
The atmosphere in the gallery changes. Noises started to be heard. Life was back again.
And Mona Lisa was still, quiet, and ethereal, smiling that enigmatic smile.
Ahri wiped her tears and whispered, "Thank you."
Her phone started to buzz again. It was Hobi.
She pressed the accept button, still looking at the Mona Lisa.
"Hey," she answered softly.
"I miss you," he replied.
Ahri closed her eyes, her heart racing as she heard his sweet, gentle voice.
"Sweetheart...are you okay?" His voice trembled a little but sounded so tender at the same time.
He heard about the online hate train and the fact that Hybe sent a brief statement not actually denying or confirming the rumors.
Ahri hesitated a bit. "I'm sorry for all the inconvenience I've caused you, Hobi...maybe ...maybe you should move on from me. I just can't be the reason you lose fans... your career. I care too much about you."
There was silence. But then he answered firmly.
"NO! I'm not leaving you , sweetheart. Even through stress, hate, or anything...those haters will not decide who I love. You do, Ahri...and I chose you."
Ahris's breath hitched , her heart beat erratically. "You...you love me?"
She heard him chuckle, "Oh, silly girl. I love you with all my heart. You are it for me...and I'll chase you from all the corners of the earth. I love you."
Ahri whispered back, "I love you too, Hobi. I love you so much that it pains me to see you stressed out about these dating rumors.
Hobi smiled breathily, "Baby, even if everything goes wrong, I won't." Just so you know, I didn't fall for the girl the fans imagined or shipped me constantly with; I fell for the one I called every night. You are my love. You're not going anywhere. Not from me-"
Ahri pressed the phone against her cheek; her eyes welled up in tears.
And the first time during that trying day, a genuine happy smile grazed her lips.
Hobi confessed that he loves her...and she loves him.