Lisa P.O.V.
I woke before dawn, a stillness clinging to the apartment. It was the kind of early that mirrored those perfect sleeps followed by a sudden, heart-stopping awareness of the moon hanging lazy in the dark. I glanced at my phone – 3:00 AM. Wonderful. Now I doubted I’d fall back asleep. One last look out the window, then I dragged myself to the bathroom to freshen up.
I traded pajamas for something more presentable, pulling my hair into a bun and pinning the bangs back. A quick wash, then I dabbed aloe vera gel onto my face. It looked slick with oil, but that would subside in five minutes.
Back in my room, I grabbed a black hat and a disposable face mask. The kitchen beckoned, and I checked the refrigerator. As expected, Jennie had raided it again. I sighed. No matter. I couldn’t police her; she needed to be active at night, with Jisoo… and whatever else they got up to.
I left the apartment, pulling on a long black coat. Stepping outside, the chill air was a welcome shock. Thankfully, there weren’t many guards stationed tonight. They’d let me go, but reporting it to Papa YG would be… problematic. I scanned the street, the city lights electrifying the darkness. Seoul never truly slept, even at this hour.
I headed towards the convenience store. It was closed, so I continued to a farther one. This side of Seoul was quiet, almost deserted. I pulled my mask up a bit; it was humid underneath.
Walking beside the Han River, I watched the moonlight dance on the water. Even polluted, it was breathtaking. I raised my mask again as I approached a couple. My heart quickened as I walked past.
“Did you hear Rose sing, though? Her voice is amazing! I wish I could meet them,” the girl said to her boyfriend. He chuckled.
“I want to go to a concert, but I don’t have enough money,” she pouted. A pang of sympathy struck me. I hadn’t realized Blinks liked us this much. I stopped, unsure of what I was doing. I wanted to tell her it was me, but the trouble…
I debated for what felt like ages. Finally, I decided to approach them. As I turned, they were just a few steps away. I quickened my pace, huffing slightly. “Sillyehabnida,” I said, and they turned around. I walked up to them.
“I’m sorry to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t stand it anymore,” I said, pulling down my mask. I offered them a smile. The girl’s face lit up.
“Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod it’s Lisa ahhhhhhhhh!” She grabbed her boyfriend’s arm. “I’m so happy,” she exclaimed. I just stood there, smiling, then something clicked.
“Would you like an autograph?” I asked, and she nodded vigorously. I pulled the pen from my pocket, waiting for her to offer something.
She held out her purse. I hesitated, not wanting to ruin it. I gave her a questioning look, and she nodded. I signed the underside of the bag.
“Don’t tell anyone about this, please. I’ll get in trouble. Have a safe night, and please don’t follow me,” I said, earning another smile. She thanked me, and walked away with her boyfriend. I stayed until they were gone, then continued to the convenience store.
I checked the time – 4:00 AM. An hour out. I quickened my pace and finally reached an open store.
● ● ●
Walking out, I saw a tall man heading to the same store. I stepped aside, trying to look down, but my eyes were drawn to his. They were familiar, as if I’d known him somewhere before.
His eyes landed on me, widening in recognition. I knew exactly who it was: Jeon Jungkook from BTS. I bowed. “Anyeong oppa,” I said, stepping out of the way. He nodded and before entering the store, gestured for me to wait. He grabbed a pack of pizza-flavored chips, paid, and walked back to me.
We walked towards a bench beside the river, staring into the water as we ate. “What’s a girl doing out here alone?” he asked after a few crunches. I smiled. “I woke up starving, so I wanted to get something to eat.”
“Why is famous Kookie oppa out here?” I countered, and he blushed instantly. He looked at me, starting to laugh. “Di-d you just call me Kookie?!” He tried to compose himself. “What? All Armys call you Kookie, so why can’t I?” I huffed, looking at his flushed face.
“So you’re an Army?” he asked, and I nodded. I guess I did like their music. “That’s nice. I was out for the same reason – I couldn’t sleep and was going to starve.” “By the way,” he continued, “we’re the same age. Are you older or younger?”
I shook my head, unsure. “Let me check,” I said, bringing up my phone. I searched for his birthday on Google, activating my data. September first, 1997. I smiled. “I guess you have to call me noona, Jungkook.” His eyes sparkled.
“So I’m your noona,” he said, smiling, crinkles forming around his eyes. I smiled back and stood up, gathering my phone. “Sorry, Jungkook, but I have to go now. My members might wake up, and we have practice.”
I explained my situation, and he nodded. He stood up too, grabbing his chips. “Ah, noona, before you leave, could I have your number? Just so we can keep in touch.” He scratched the back of his neck.
“Of course,” I replied, handing him my phone. I saw he’d saved his contact as “Kookie.” We parted ways, and I walked back toward the dorm, humming softly. The sun was rising. I glanced back and saw his silhouette.
I don’t know why, but this feels like the start of a new adventure.
- Min♡