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Scene 1

Whispers in the gallery

Settings: Paris

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Ahri sighed deeply when she threw her white doctor's cloak on her hotelrooms sofa chair. She smirked blissfully as she inhaled the crisp air of Paris. What an awesome day to spend a whole afternoon after the completion of their Psychology Symposium conference?. Now she can spend a few days visiting her painted friends.

Ahri shook her head, melancholy, thinking about her life at 27. Professionally single and ready to be catified as a certified spinster. Now prospects of a blissfully happy ending. All her Harvard college friends were either in love, engaged, married, or already divorced, but her quirky, straightforward manner and unique gift left her feeling somewhat alone. But she doesn't need validation from a man to be complete. She is a very satisfied and whole woman, even if she's average.

Her eyes narrowed as she walked down the cobblestones toward the Louvre Museum; several notifications lit up her phone from her overprotective parents and her 17-year-old teen sister, who bombarded her about not forgetting to book her and her friends some tickets to a K-pop star's concert that will take place in a week or two in Chicago.

Gosh, what a rip-off. Why are the tickets so expensive just to hear loud screaming crazies and a singer who might bore you with repetitive soulless songs? But hey, maybe she is just an aged fossil when it comes to modern pop culture, like her sister always reminded her. That is the beautiful gift you get when your sibling is ten years your junior and you practically help raise her.

Ahris' cocoa black eyes roamed over the huge glass museum as she stood across the street; her black gloved fingers were wrapped around a 'Cafe de Flore ' paper cup of a still warm vanilla latte, with the steam emitting into the crisp Paris air. The Louvre was massive, before her , impossibly grand, almost as if a palace collided with it, creating a masterpiece of art. The intricate stone building with the glass pyramid glitters beneath the somewhat overcast sky.

Ahri smirked as she just stood there admiring the artistic masterpiece.

She grinned to herself as she crossed the street, "I wonder if she is smirking again." She wondered out loud to herself, grinning. It's after 5pm; the museum will close at six. Somewhere beyond the archways and velvet ropes hung a prtrait that loved to tease her, mock her love life, and even offer fashion advice.

Ahri glided inside the huge foyer; she flipped her dark, black hair over her shoulder as she placed her cellphone in her tan-colored trench coat. Her coffee in her hand and armed with a wide smile, her first stop was the Renaissance hall, home of a famous frenemy, Mona Lisa.

There was a very odd vibe in the atmosphere. The security seemed beefed up at ever pillar or archway. Ahri furrowed her dark brows.

But strangely, her intent for the day was rudely undermined. Jules, the security guard, was turning visitors away from the hallway that leads to the Renaissance hall. He looked at her with regret.

"Wait...what do you mean I can't go in?" Ahri gasped with open jaws, where she stood in front of a red velvet rope. Jules, the cute, chubby security guard who already knew about her eccentricities since a week ago , okay, because she came here every day in the late afternoon, like a beauty routine.

Jules's grayish-green eyes looked regretful while he shifted uncomfortably on his soles. He knows by now, she furrowed her brows, perplexed, as her cocoa eyes penetrate his eyes with exasperation.

"Er...there's a video shoot today. Since this morning. Some K-pop star or something. Management just told me on my shift that no one gets through until it's done. Sorry, Ahri, I've always let you in after 6pm. Regrettably, I was unable to accommodate you today."
Ahri throws her arms in the air theatrically, tossing her straight velvet hair over her other shoulder, a habit when she's agitated or even overly joyful.

"Jules, you and I both know Mona will not approve of this." She sighed dramatically. Looking around with deep disapproval.

She looks so forward to visiting with all her oil-painted friends. Even though they were centuries older than her, she eagerly anticipated their visits.

Jules smirks as his deep laugh lines etch at the sides of his mouth,"Mona doesn't approve of anything."

Ahri stood with raised eyebrows, her hand on her hip, "Exactly!" She said as her voice started to raise, "She once told me that Van Gogh wouldn't last a day in therapy, and oh my, poor Frida didn't deserve a man smelling like cheap cigars."

Just then a small girl with smooth porcelain skin and clear blue eyes furrowed her brows with perplexity at Jules as she heard the guest talk about paintings as though they had personalities of their own.

Jules held back a small smirk, leaned down, and the intern next to him said in a whispering voice,"She's the one I told you about, a PhD psych , talks to portraits , but wanted to be a curator..." The intern discreetly snickered.

The museum was gossiping about this strange American girl with a weird tendency to talk to paintings. But she's so interesting, and they even let her overstay for an hour, and she would entertain the staff with anecdotes from the 'convos' with the paintings.

Ahri looked irritated as she waggled her perfectly manicured natural finger in their direction. ". I am still here, and I heard that! And for your information, I was going to be the best curator, but no, Dad thought a clinical neuropsychologist was more fitting, and with an IQ of 155, Jules! Do you know how hard it is to stay academically stimulated...burnouts and weak bladders? I need to use the restroom now!"

She stormed off to the restroom through the other archway. She came back after a few minutes with a calm and sassier attitude, but the way was still blocked.

Ahri looked defeated as she decided to spend an hour walking and chatting with the Impressionists. She is quietly giving Monet grief about his mistresses.

Then it was the closing announcement. Time seems to have passed quickly. A tall, older janitor stood with his cleaning cart in front of the opening and smiled softly.

"Time to go, Doc," he smiled.

Ahri sighed deeply and tightened the belt of her trench coat. She passed through the galleries, ready to head back to the hotel to order some Korean kimchi jjigae in her pajamas, as was her intent, until she saw and heard the production crew who were shooting in the Renaissance hall exit with multiple equipment. Some young guys were laughing and high-fiving each other as they followed suit.

Ahris' heart fluttered because the hall was finally empty, but some of the lights had been dimmed; only the wall lights next to paintings were slightly illuminated. Shadows cast across the huge hall, and she could see each painting clearly illuminated.

She quickly looked around cautiously and snuck in like a spy, her caramel Jimmy Choo heels clacking against the polished marble tiles.

"Mona!" Ahri hissed, standing with her hands on her hips as she faced the legendary portrait. "You're an absolute troll. I swear you're the one who rigged this, aren't you?"

Mona, in her smugness, stood back with her eternal smirk. Always judging.

"Gosh, it seems you are still judging me for being an old maid at 27. You are worse than your fake counterpart in the Chicago Metropolitan Museum...at least that Mona loved to compliment me even if they are four."

Mona just smirked, a strange glow in her eyes.

Ahri raised her eyebrows and said with a haughty tone,"At least I didn't pose for my toxic ex-boyfriends' portfolio just to be hung on a wall for eternity."

But Monas's smirk just deepened.

Ahri snort,"Oh shut it, you little, smug wrench. I'm going to talk to someone else, like my boy George there. At least he appreciates me and finds me quite interesting." Ahri spun around dramatically on her thin caramel heels , intending to walk off, but her foot slipped on the glossy tiles.

She heard a crack.

Ahri landed hard, sprawled like a snow angel across the floor, her hair in a disheveled mess. What makes it worse is that one heel snapped, and there goes her pride...deeply shattered.

Ahri groaned dissatisfied, hurling profanities in Korean; at least no stuck-up French visitors will judge her. "Oh my word! This is totally stupid. This is so me," she started to whine aloud, tears were burning behind her eyelids,"I get a day off. One bloody day. And now I have to hobble back to the hotel as if I'm a Victorian governess waiting for a chivalrous knight to whisk me away on a white horse. Maybe Mona's right. I'll die alone surrounded by overpriced candle essences holders and freaking plant books---" She sighed, just sitting there on the floor, feeling sorry for herself.

Then...she heard a snicker echoing in a dark corner. Ahri froze and looked bewildered around. She didn't notice any movement around her.

"Who's there?" She called out, a pang of fear in her voice; she brushed a strand from her face as she squinted around.

Then from behind a marble pillar emerged a tall figure in baggy denim jeans, a vintage brownish Gucci leather jacket, and silver rings catching the dim light. His hair, slicked back under a brownish snapback, framed his sharp cheekbones and jawline. But what was so comforting was the giant smile on his face.

She blinked twice; he looked Asian.

It was Jung Hoseok...Jhope from BTS. However, she didn't recognize him. He stood there with a wide, amused smile on his lips.

'Er ..." She said cautiously, trying to sit up on one elbow,"Are you lost? The museum closed like ten minutes ago." She tried to sound helpful but failed due to the slight ache in her foot.

He chuckled heartily, crouching down next to her; his eyes sparkled as he offered a hand to help her up. What a gentleman.

He pursed his lips, suppressing a smile as he helped her up. Her foot wasn't sprained or broken. Thank God for small miracles.

"Noona, I think you slipped on Mona's attitude." He uttered with amusement.

Ahri narrowed her eyes at him; he was clearly mocking her. "Do I know you?"

His eyes sparkled mischievously,"Oh you will," he said cryptically.

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Scene 2

Monas' favourite star

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Ahri scrunched up her small nose as she looked down and rubbed her sore ankle as the handsome stranger helped her up with ease that made her momentarily forget about her busted heel for half a second.

She dusted her coat and gave the guy a side glance.

"You're not planning to murder me here and steal my kidneys, are you?"

The guy laughs again heartily, and she is amazed at his mischievous demeanor, "No, just here to help you survive Monas' wrath." He gestured at the painting of Mona, then turned to her, "I'm Hoseok, by the way."

"Ahri , and thank you. But just for the record : never sneak on a vulnerable woman in a dark museum. I almost saw my name on breaking news... " She smirked, pulling off her other shoe and placing it in her tote bag also. Walking barefoot will not be the first time; she'll just call an Uber to take her to the hotel.

"Then you shouldn't talk about 500-year-old portraits like they owe you rent," he answered sassily. A deep smirk grazed his face as he watched her lift a mocking eyebrow.

Ahri then paused as she now had the opportunity to thoroughly look at the handsome guy, and then her eyes widened in realization. Oh my goodness! Why does he look like that K-pop star who even appeared at a Parisian charity show that was showcased a few days ago?

Her jaw dropped as she really looked at his glowing face. "Wait...no way...you're Hoseok...Jung Hoseok!...BTS jhope!!! Oh my word. The one who danced like a possessed angel that spit out rap like cinnamon fire."

Jhope's eyes widen as he blinks, "Huh! Cinnamon fire!"

Ahri chuckled," Yeah, I said what I said! You are Jhope, aren't you? I saw you performed with John Legend and Katy Perry at the Lè Gala des Pieces Jaunes organized by the French First Lady! Wow!" Ahris' huge anime-like eyes glowed.

Jhope chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed his neck,"Ah yeah, that's me...Hoseok!"

Ahris's eyes widen. "Oh my word! So you are that rapper dude that will be doing a show next week in Chicago. Everyone is freaking out. Gosh! Even the grumpy guy at the café near our clinic played Hope World during my therapy break! You're the cause of my bankruptcy." She pouted as she wiggled her fingers at him. His amused eyes were looking at her with renewed interest.

Jhope looked amused, "Er Clinic." He was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't freaking out, squealing, or even fainting in front of him, like the crazy fans.

She smirked and nodded,"Yup...I'm a psychologist. I'm here in Paris at a conference. Don't look so scared; I'm off duty, and I'm not going to analyze you...unless you insist." She winked playfully, her eyes amused at his awed face.

Jhope's eyes widen in realization. "Wait...," he asked , trying to hold his laughter back, "...so you really talk to Mona-Lisa?"

Ahri scrunched up her small, button nose cutely as she pointed with irritation towards the oil painting,"She started it first, with her smug 'know-it-all' smirk."

Jhope tries to play along as he gazes at the painting,"Hmm she does look like she's judging the whole world."

Ahris chuckled," Oh yes, she does. She told me days ago that Van Gogh wouldn't have been a good kisser. How rude!" She seriously told the star.

Jhope's eyes sparkle as he cracks a smile. "Hmm, that's truly wild."

He looked at her with intense eyes, "Do you know Korean?" He asked suddenly, amused, "Because I heard you swore in Korean when you slipped earlier."

Ahris' brows lifted, and she crossed her arms over her torso,"Do you just assume I'm Korean?"

He grinned. "Well. I heard a popular swear word come out when you hit the floor," he chuckled softly. , "Now that was a dead giveaway."

Ahri blushed," Yeah, well... okay, fine. Fair enough, but I could've been Taiwanese or Japanese...or a very cultured alien."

Jhope smiles wide and raises his hands in mock, "You're right. My bad, noona alien" She looked surprised at his expensive watch; she would have sold almost ten pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes just to get her hands on that watch. This superstar is wealthy. Lucky him!

Ahri gave a long, dramatic sigh, and then suddenly, she unashamedly linked her arm with his. That gesture surprised Jhope.

"Come on", Ahri insists. "You need to meet her."

Jhope looked flabbergasted. "Who?"

Ahri looked at the star incredulously. "Mona! She wants to meet you; she's actually dying to talk about you." She pulled him in Mona Lisa's direction.

Jhope looks at Ahri with pure horror. "Wait! What, you're joking, right?" Does Ahri have a crew loose? Because what she utters doesn't make any sense. He never met a girl quite like her. She must be crazy, but she's cute.

Ahri dragged him by his arm to the portrait with purpose. The lights were dim, but the focus lights on the paintings were enough illuminated. The gallery appears silent in. Its majestic form. Mona Lisa just smiled as Ahri grinned at her as if they had a silent conversation.

"She told me," Ahri began, "About your new song!"

Jhope looked utterly confused. "What song?"

"The one you sang about her," Ahri said, wagging a finger too in his confused face, "Don't play dumb with me. You said lyrics were, and I quote...
🎶I like my girls pretty, so fine
One plus the nine
How you get me goin', might just blow it
I like my girls pretty in the face
Art piece to frame
Mona, Mona Lisa, yeah, I need ya🎶'

Jhope's eyes widen with shock, his jaw almost to the ground. Ahri giggles a bit as he says, "Oh my goodness...that is a verse from my new song that we just filmed today. The song and MV are not even released yet! How!...how do you know it by heartl"

His flabbergasted expression made Ahri laugh in her fist.

"Told you," Ahri grinned, "Mona just spilled the tea when I looked at her just now. She heard you filming next door...How do you say...🎶I like my girls pretty ...sooo fineee🎶"

Jhope looked with apprehension at the painting where Mona just stared back; with that smudgy eternal half-smile, she was practically glowing under the soft spotlight.

Ahri tilted her head as she looked at the K-pop star, "Mona has been truly unbearable since your crew showed up. She keeps reminding me that she's been immortalized not only as a 500-year-old oil painting, but she's now relevant to the modern world. She thinks I'm crazy!"

Jhope started to chuckle as he lifted his eyebrow, rubbing his chin with a smug, "So Mona is busy flexing that she made it into a K-pop MV. She must be a true ARMY!"

Ahri groaned,"I don't know about that, but she said, and I quote, 'Even modern boys sing my name, and my ex still follows memes on TikTok and eats instant noodles,' as if I care about that loser."

Jhope murmured softly, "I don't know if I must be impressed or terrified. By the end of the day, I'm just tired of internalizing the strangeness of this bizarre situation." He looked again at the painting...that looked like it should an inanimate painting.

"She said you must feel both, and that you are a decent guy, and for someone who is form after oil painting was cool." Ahri shrugged.

Jhope burst out in laughter, "I have to tell Yoongi-hyung about everything; he won't believe me. My brothers will definitely think I've gone crazy after my Paris performance." His eyes shone in hers.

Ahri smiled, "She says he's got piano fingers...whatever that means."

They both burst out in snickers, and for a brief moment Ahri forgot about her sore ankle. As she stood barefoot on the cool tile floor, she forgot about her broken heels and even the exhausted week of the medical conference.

After a slight pause, Jhope looked with new eyes at Ahri, "So, I guess you must be a regular guest."

Ahri nodded, "Since I came to Paris, I've practically lived here, but it's so refreshing to speak to the original and magnificent Mona, although I'm used to conversing with a replica of her everywhere. I've made new French friends here at the museum; some think I'm weird and crazy. Well, I think that too. But weird is super underrated."

Jhope smiled softly as he looked at her animated cuteness; she was a head shorter than him, her posture was a little thin with beautifully shaped legs, her skin was flawless and a little tan with huge obsidian black eyes, her Asian genetics seeping through, a cute button nose, and beautifully shaped lips in a natural cherry gloss tint. Jhope's eyes roam over her thick, sleek black velvet hair in soft layers over her shoulders.

"I like weird," Jhope said with sincerity.

Ahri looked at him with sparkling eyes that were etched with a teasing You need to be careful; Mona might get jealous."

Jhope smirked as he looked at Mona Lisa's painting, "Tell her not to worry too much. You're my new favorite art piece."

Ahri's eyes widen as she adorably blushes, "Hmm, well played, K-pop boy. Well played. I didn't know you were this charming." She gave him a side eye, her breath hitched as he smiled slowly, and their eyes locked for a few awkward seconds.

As they lingered near the Mona Lisa, the museum lights were still casting a beautiful, soft glow. Ahri was leaning against the display railing , rubbing her ankle. Jhope was seated on a gallery bench, utterly fascinated with the weird girl and her quirks. He quickly took out his phone while she was distracted with her ankle and texted his manager and bodyguards.

He grinned and put away his phone as he gestured for her to take a seat next to him on the bench, "So your accent is so American; are you Korean-American?" He asks with curiosity.

Ahri chuckled and replied softly, "Yup, I was born in the USA, a Chicago native. My dad is from Busan; most of my Korean family is still living in South Korea. My dad met my American mom at Harvard. He was doing his PhD in Data Science, and my mom was studying law. I'm a neuropsychologist."

Jhope was very impressed, "Wow, smart genes, and you're a psychologist. Yup...smarty pants."

Ahri rolled her eyes dramatically, "Tell me about it. You know the pressure of growing up was wild! My initial dream was to become a curator after I found out when I was four that I could hear and speak to paintings. I dreamt about just walking around the museum and learning about the history behind the paintings. But, with academic parents and an IQ of 155, I was coerced to be a lawyer or doctor. So here I am fixing people's brains during the week and then talking to 16th-century paintings on the weekends. How fascinating!" She snorts.

Jhope looked more intrigued, "And your family."

"Oh, I've got a seventeen-year-old sister, no brothers. She was a shocking surprise, and I'm ten years older than her. Gosh, what an annoying girl, and mind you. She is the craziest and most obsessed BTS fan...how do you call your fans...ARMY!" Ahri shook her head.

Jhope's eyes lighten up like firecrackers," Wow!That's awesome!"

Ahri gave him a deadpan look, "Awesome?! You think? I had to battle a million bloodthirsty ARMYs just to get those expensive tickets for your show for her birthday. Four tickets! I've been in the queue three times and kicked out of the line when I was just about to get to the next step...gosh, what a battle. I had to sit up a whole weekend in front of my laptop to stay online until I bagged those tickets for her and her squealy friends."

Jhope bit his lips and tried not to chuckle, "That is a typical ticket war. I'm sorry."

Ahris' eyes enlarge,"Jhope you have no idea. I sat on my off weekend in a queue for three days. I had to cancel a bunch of plans with my colleagues, even a trip to a resort already booked. I barely showered as I didn't want to lose my space. When I finally got through, I screamed like a dying cow. My architect neighbor rushed to my apartment to see if I'm not getting murdered." She grinned.

Jhope laughs with twinkling eyes, "So...are you coming to the show when you're done here in Paris?"

She gave him a side eye, "Jhope! I have to babysit those three brats throughout the show. My mom's orders, or I'm dead! So I have my master plan ready...noise-canceling earbuds in, and I'm out before any encore." She looked smugly in his shocked eyes.

Jhope blinked several times, "Wait...wait. Do you even like BTS?"

Ahri shrugged and nonchalantly uttered, "Not really."

His jaw dropped in mock-betrayal. "Not really?"

"Jhope, sorry, no offense," she said airily, "You guys are super talented, but your ARMY is insane. And if I like it or not, my sister is basically my BTS gossip news agency. She lives on TikTok dancing to your songs in my bathroom."

Jhope clutched his chest dramatically, as if deeply pained, "Ahri. You wound me'."

She smirked and patted him one arm, "You'll survive. Just beat out one of those rap tunes of yours."

Jhope snickered softly and muttered under his breathe,"I should not like you this much."

Ahri furrowed her brows, not catching what he was, "Sorry?"

Jhope said quickly, "Er nothing," but then his eyes lit, " What if I give you and your sister VIP tickets for both shows in Chicago? Soundcheck access. Discount on merch".

Ahris's brows lifted, and then she narrowed her large eyes, "What's the catch?"

"Er... no catch," he said as he grabbed his LV sling bag and rummaged through it. Ahri's eyes widen at his expensive watch and his signature rings, "Here...just a gift. For the girl who talks to portraits."

He pulled out a cute, small keychain. A brown leather acorn with his initials embossed in gold on the strap. He held it out to her.

Her eyes widen at the keychain. "Isn't that ...your signature acorn thingy?" Ahri breathlessly asked. Her sister, Sori, was blubbering on about the Hope on the stage tour and the merch that she must buy her. Gosh, their ARMY must either be millionaires or broke. Now Sori wants her to feed her addiction to BTS.

Jhope smiled at her astonishment, "Yup, it's actually limited edition and available in different states but few countries, but this brown one is my personal design. Exclusive."

Ahris's eyes smiled in his as she took it and ran her gloved finger over the initials, "This is actually...really cute. Thank you."

Jhope looked at her and waggled his brows,"I have taste," then he looked intensely at her, "...and maybe, if it's not weird, I'd like to see you after the concert. Just ...get to know you beter, that's if you don't mind."

Ahri looked flabbergasted as she blinked, "Me?"

Jhope nodded,"You."

"Why?" Ahri asked incredulously, "I'm not even good at being friends with normal boys. What the hell would I do with a famous boy? The hate train will have my head on a stick before breakfast."
She inhaled deeply as if she wanted to hyperventilate. As K-pop star wants to be friends with the boring, weird, painting-talking, single psychologist.

Jhope's smile softened as he looked at her in shock," Because for the first time in along time I feel like things are real. I meet people who love me for being Jhope, but you? You just don't care. You made fun of me. You talked to Mona like she's your therapist. And that's...that's so different. I don't want to let it go." He uttered softly, a vulnerability in his tone. She can see that fame is not all that but real connection.

Ahri just stared at him with dropped jaws, her expression still dazed as she nodded slowly, "Er...okay." She whispered.

Jhope smile hopefully, "Can I get your number?"

Oh wow! A superstar wants her number! Is he for real?

"Sure," Ahri said,a little giddy but masked her surprise, "But no promises. I'm still contemplating giving your concert ticket to my forty-eight-year-old coworker, Carly, who owns a Jungkook plushie and named him Sir Kookie."

Jhope burst out in laughter as she pulled out her phone. He recall a tweet of an ARMY who had concert tickets of another group, and when Hope on the stage tour was widely publized, she sold those tickets to get Jhope tickets. That was mad!

After they exchanged numbers, she stood and glanced around, watching the time.

"It's strange. Jules usually gives me only an hour after closing time to spend time with Mona, but it's almost two hours. Wow! Oh my gosh ...your crew might be waiting for you and now you wasted your time with a weird girl, sorry." She looked at the amused Jhope, who smirked.

"Don't worry, I spoke to my manager. Er Ahri...can I take a pic of you...you have beautiful eyes. It is giving me an inspiration. Would you mind?" He looked hopeful.

Ahri inhaled deeply, "Alright...but make sure nobody gets hold of my pic and not ready to be devoured by your fans or those strange kpop leaks that is going on."

Jhope nodded and, with a wide smile, took a quick pic of Ahri; then he abruptly pulled her closer and took a selfie with her. Ahri was so flustered when she sat tightly next to him. He smelled expensively amazing. Gosh, her nonexisten hormones decided to come and collect rent.

Jhope waggled his brows, "So are you coming tomorrow too?"

Ahri nodded, "Yeah...Mona wants me to come and it's my last day in Paris before I'm flying home. Why?"

Jhope grinned, "We're wrapping up here at the museum, we are callborating to promote the museum also. So, I can meet you in this hall to pick up where we've left off." He gave her a lopsided grin.

Ahri grinned, "Okay...then I'll let you meet the rest of the portraits."

Jhope's mouth went ajar, "You mean...you talked to more portraits?"

She nodded and, "Of course... I have a whole social circle of portrait friends...but Jhope, it was good to meet you. Surreal but nice."

Jhope's eyes soften, "You too, Ahri...it was indeed surreal but nice."

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Scene 3

VIP access

Settings: Illinois, Chicago

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The next evening after closing, Jhope found Ahri leaning over the railing infront of Mona Lisa painting, laughing heatedly. The Renaissance hall was empty. The Louvre was dimly lit.

Jhope shook his head, if people truly see Ahri right now ,they will definitely think something is wrong with her, but the previous night he couldn't stop thinking about her and he needed to see her. She made a huge impression on him. He never felt so drawn to a girl like he's drawn to her. She looked so cute in a grey pencil skirt, black pumps and a preppy check pullover and light blue shirt. She looks simple but stunning.

His presence made her turn as she smiled up at him. He grinned happily.

"Hi Ahri" he softly greeted her, as he stood next to her looking at Mona, who just smile knowingly.

Ahri grinned, looking appreciative at his cool appearance, "Hi Sunshine! "She teased him, Jhope laugh and just roll his eyes. He looked hot in his grey loose suit and white shirt. His expensive glasses were mounted on his messily styled hair. He was effortlessly handsome. Her heart fluttered for a second.

"Ugh stop it Ahri!,she reprimanded herself.

"So you late today?" He looked at her smiling.

"Yes, was wrapping up the conference, packing all my luggage and got a quick souvenirs hunt for my family."

Jhope nodded,"Don't worry , we wrapped up the meeting and promotional video for the Louvre museum. We'll be heading home soon.Still have a Louis Vuitton event going on..."

Ahri click her tongue, and sigh dramatically, "Oi the busy world of being a popular kpop artist."

Jhope smirk,"Yeah okay Ahri, stop mocking me. But you right it's quite a busy lifestyle but also rewarding."

Ahri nodded," Okay...come Mona is very sulky today...complaining about me leaving her with the hall full of fossils.Let me introduce you to the other paintings...just a pity most of my favourite portraits are at the Chicago Art museum. I can't wait to go see them "

She unashamedly linked arms with Jhope and dragged him to another wall lined with Portraits painting. Jhope smirk and wonder how Namjoon would have felt with this girl in his world. He'll definitely stole her away cause of her brain power. Jhope just smirk to himself when he thought about his brother's who are still in military.

Jhope pursed his lips not to laugh loudly, cause this girl got a short fuse, "So, you had little beef with our Mona."

Ahri snort,"She thinks everything is about her... always wanted to be the main event. Can be annoying."
They reach the Portrait of Gabrielle' d'Estrees and her sister.

Ahri gestured with a snort laugh to the portrait,"Jhope meet the iconic gossip sisters!"

Jhope squits as he tilts his head, his mouth open,"Oh wow! What are they doing? Is that a nipple?"

Ahrid, "Yup, you're right; they told me three days ago that it was a dare. Gabrielle said she was just proving to her sister that she could make King Henry blush across the floor, and it apparently worked. I wouldn't even sell my toenail for such a dare."

Jhope's eyes widen as he looked incredulously at her," She told you that?"

Ahri grinned," Hm. Yeah...her sister said you were very cute, and she called dibs on you. The glasses make her 'flustered.'"

Jhope blinked in shock, "I'm truly flattered, but slightly
scared...though more flattered. "

Ahri noticed in her side vision two burly bodyguards, including the ever-stoic Mr. Lee, who stood at the gallery entrance in full black suits, with their arms crossed.

One of them was nodding curtly at cleaning staff, wordlessly shooing them away from the Renaissance Hall. Jhope had insisted on privacy tonight, not from his fans but for this strange magical experience he couldn't stop smiling about.

They reach another portrait of the fierce Charles de Solier.

Ahri quietly whispered ," He's the drama king of the Renaissance. He told me you'd totally rock his outfit with better shoes." She giggled.

Jhope stood straight with his hand on his hip." Okay, tell him to accept the challenge,"

"So, you agree to wear ruffles and that amount of silk...you brave, Jung Hoseok!" Ahri chuckled teasingly.

Jhope chuckled as he winked at her," If it guaranteed me another night like this, I'd wear the entire silk collection."

Ahri just shook her head; this K-pop star is truly interesting and also funny. They then reach the portrait of the Astronomer by Vermeer.

Ahri leaned over to Jhope. "He said your aura is like a comet. He loves your energy. He is very poetic."

Jhope looked at the portrait and said with a soft tone in his voice, "That is quite...beautiful."

"Don't let it go to your head... A few days ago he called me a caffeine bunny. Not so nice."

They quietly reach Napoleon in his study, by Jacques-Louis David.

Ahri rolled her eyes and gestured to the portrait,"He said you have a royal aura...Napo is a typical micromanager."

Jhope widened his eyes and chuckled, "Really...is it a compliment or a warning?" He furrowed his brows.

Ahri shrugged,"Both I guess...oh, he thinks you are the kind who conquer hearts instead of countries..." She smirks.

He looked at her with an undefined expression in his eyes as he stare at her. Ahri flushed bright red at his intense eyes.

"You already let me conquer yours, didn't you?" He teased.

Ahris' cheeks redden again as she elbowed him lightly. "You're lucky I like art boys."

They move chuckling to another portrait of La Belle Ferronnière.

Ahrid muttered," She's often mistaken as Mona Lisa's cousin... Mona isn't that impressed to let someone else ride on her coat tails. Oh, she says you're different." Ahri murmured, "That you don't just smile with your lips." She blushes as she conveys the message.

Jhope blinked as he looked at the painting and then at Ahri, "I don't know when I'm with you." He said softly as they smiled into each other's eyes for a moment. Jhope got a little red behind the ears as Ahri blushed adorably.

Behind them, still guarding the entrance to the hall, Mr. Lee smiled unnoticeably. He knew right then and there that this night at the Louvre brought an unexpected shift in the global superstars and the eccentric portrait whisperer life that will turn out timeless.

🎨🎨🎨🎨

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Scene 4

Concert choas

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After Ahri landed back on home ground in Chicago, Illinois, her days at work were hectic, and to crown it all, her little overhyped sister and her besties were staying with her for her birthday weekend. It was a few days before the highly anticipated concert. JHOPE ON THE STAGE at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Ahri stood in her hallway adjusting her denim jacket over her BTS-slightly acceptable outfit. Sori insists that she also buy herself some concert merch. A long black sweater with concert graphics of J-Hope's name. She had a tan cargo pants on, red Converse sneakers, and a tan concert cap; her hair was in a low ponytail. She looked as if she was still 19 years of age. She. and J-Hope were texting each other when they were free. He was at the Louis Vuitton fashion show and came back a few days ago.

It ws a surreal time in her life, being secretly friends with a global superstar. He insisted she send him her current ticket info, and in no time her tickets became VIP with all the additions for both days.

She could buy the most expensive merch for her sister as a birthday gift. Her sister had no idea of t
heir ticket positions. When she heard two days before the concert that they had VIP seating and soundcheck tickets.

J-Hope told her she will have a special backstage pass. That was the one thing she kept from her sister.

Sori came bursting out of her room like a hyped-up, caffeine-induced bunny, wearing her oversized Hope on the Street merch, glitter stickers on her face, and an army bomb with its cute cap. Her pink hair was in double space buns.

Her friends, Piper and Nova, were conversing in the lounge with highly excited, animated movements, talking about BTS and the concert. They were over the moon for Ahri, who got exclusive VIP seats that might cost the poor single girl a huge fortune.

Soris' eyes widen as she screams, noticing her in the hallway,"Oh. My. Goodness! You're actually dressed for the concert...you're really going with us. You Kang Ahri really decided to GO WITH US! I thought you were bluffing!"

Ahri snorted and gave her a deadpan look,"I told you guys I need to babysit you guys. And my boss, who wanted the ticket so badly, has a dental appointment. And if I had to drag three teenagers out of the mosh pit by their ponytails, so be it!"

Sori jumped on her sister with elation,"You're the best sister in the whole wide world and the best birthday EVER!" She was tightly hugging Ahri.

Ahri grinned, releasing Sori from her grip. "Yeah, okay! It was the most expensive birthday ever...eating out on Friday, going to the amusement park on Saturday, going to premier movies and games on Sunday, and today, the soundcheck! Gosh, you're going to pay me back after you get your full salary".

Her two best friends were bouncing up and down behind her in full BTS mode. Piper with glitter on her cheeks and the other Nova withl J-Hope merch. Ahri looked at them, shaking her head.

"Remember, I'm responsible for you tonight. If one of you gets trampled by a screaming fan. I will fake my death and move to Iceland. So, you make sure you go to the restroom before we enter that arena." She waggled her finger at the giddy three teens.

"Gosh, relax, sis!" Sori grinned, "We got VIP, remember...special check-in times, and we're going to get our merch at the event and all our cool stuff...I'm so excited!"

Nova's azure blue eyes glowed excitedly,"I wish I had you as my sister. You got us the best seats!"

Piper's dove-grey eyes also shone like disco balls; her platinum blond hair is in a high ponytail. "You got so lucky in the tickets queue. Those tickets are usually sold out in minutes because most celebs buy them."

Ahri just smirks slightly. "Yup, we just got lucky, I guess..."

They all ride in Ahris's small Kia toward the arena. BTS songs were blaring out of the USB, and the teens were singing with high voices. Ahri just sighed; it's going to be a long night. At least they are two hours early, like most of ARMY, who were already camping out since the previous night and early morning.

The atmosphere at the arena was highly electrifying. Fans were connecting with each other; some were dancing and giving out some small merch to each other. The lines were massive. Ahri shook her head. J-Hope must be really popular as a solo artist.

When they reached their VIP line, there were only a few girls and a family before them.

Special staff were ushering them in; a quiet security guard glanced at Ahris' pass and gave her a subtle nod as another event VIP staff ushered them to a different line where different packets of merch were awaiting them. It was a little suspicious. Did J-Hope do something different? Because the staff just smirked subtly.

According to the VIP staff member, it was special for their tickets. The three teens were squealing at their gifts...they received their laminated VIP lanyards, a backstage pass after the show , their gift package, and a cute box with special snacks. Nova and Piper already took lots of live footage for their social media.

Inside the arena, the crowd was still organized for the soundchck. Fans were buzzing, waving Army Bombs, some already adjusting their phones for the best angles to do livestreams.

Sori was already crying, and the show hasn't even started yet.

They are in the VIP section, where they will have the best front-seat experience. Ahri discreetly took out her phone as Sori and her friends enjoyed themselves taking selfies.

Ahri: I'm finally here. Barely survived the teens.

Within seconds there was a reply. Ahri smirks.

Hobi: Look for the guy in a glitter suit. 🤣. Wait, that's me. You'll know when I spot you. Trust me. 😏.

Jhope discreetly peeked through the black curtain, scanning the VIP section. And then he saw her , arms crossed , looking around with narrowed eyes at the glittering and hyped-up teens around her, looking very out of place. Jhope wanted to burst out in laughter, and he knows the portrait whisperer is not in the least impressed with the noise levels.
...

They could hear the music starting J-Hope strolled onto the stage, his signature baggy jeans, oversized white hoodie, sunglasses, and playful sunny smile. The crowd was cheering.

J-Hope waves casually at ARMY and gives a playful spin. "Are you guys ready?" His voice echoed throughout the nearly empty venue as only VIP ticket holders for the Hope and Stage package holders. He was starting to rehearse a few songs with high energy.

Ahri was enthralled by his smooth dance moves. He was awesome. Her heart unexpectedly fluttered.

But then, Sori lost her mind and screamed at the top of her lungs," Jhooooppppeeee!" She sounded like a broken siren.

Ahris eyes widen. "This is spiritual warfare." She muttered.

Nova and Piper were waving their light sticks madly. The fans were asking questions, and J-Hope grinned into the mic and answered them candidly.

He was sweating, and he walked around with a towel slung around his neck and a water bottle.

He gave an equal sigh as he walked around the edge of the stage, looking over the crowd. "Any questions from my VIP family here?"

Suddenly Nova shouts out from the first row, and Jhope smirks as he sees how Ahri pulled her back by her hoodie to cool it. Piper and Sori were laughing with their phone cameras in their hands, ready to capture the interaction.

"What do you call ARMY who doesnt scream at your dance breaks?" She laughs, looking discreetly at Ahri, who just rolled her eyes.

Hobi burst out in laughter, his eyes fleetingly met the smirking Ahri,"Oh very suspicious!"

He grinned as more questions flew in from the excited crowd.

Ahri's eyes got horrified when Sori yelled, " Hobi, you're so fine! Marry me...or my single sister!"

Ahri groaned, embarrassed, "Oh my goodness! I'm going to un-sister you. You're walking home, I swear." Ahris's cheeks were flushed when she heard Jhope laugh in the mic, moving to their section again. Ahri felt like hiding under the stage.

"Hmm...I want to shout out to someone in the crowd tonight," as he switched effortlessly from English to Korean, the crowd was buzzing with excitement, "there's this super cool noona I met in Paris...who talks to Mona Lisa." He made sure not to look at Ahris' row.

Ahris' breath hitched, eyes widened, and jaws dropped. Then Sori looked at her with perplexity.

"Wait! That's not YOU...is it?" She whisper-yelled.

Ahri winced and said softly, "Er...maybe?"
Sori's eyes widen. What the heck! You...you and J-Hope. YOU MET HIM? WITHOUT TELLING ME!" She was starting to hyperventilate as Ahri slapped her on the shoulder to keep it down.

Ahri pressed her lips, but before she could answer her shocked sister, Jhope continued,"She said she's not a fan of BTS," he laughed as the crowd started to yell but she's here tonight, and I made her a promise."

He grinned as the camera zoomed in as he fiddled in his jacket pocket and took out a brown acorn keychain and lifted it up. The keychain was displayed large on the screens as the crowd started to react and scream and urge him to tell them who she was.

"She has the matching one," he chuckled as he discreetly scanned where Ahri and the teens were. He laughed heartily as he placed his hand on his chest," You guys are chaos...but I love it. I'm keeping the portrait whisperer identity a secret...for now!" The crowd went mad. Someone got their sunshine's attention.

Sori and her friends were out of their minds as Sori grabbed her sister's arms and whisper-yelled amid the noise. "Oh my goodness! You have the same one with his initials. It was not limited edition; it was exclusively owned by J-Hope! Are you telling me you're DATING J-HOPE?!"

Ahris's eyes almost bulged out as she nervously looked around, but the crowd was screaming and yelling. She pulled her sister down on the seat,"Are you crazy! You can't just blurt something like that out here, and of course not! We're not dating...we met once or, er, twice. He seemed interested, but it's complicated, okay?"

Nova, on hearing that, unceremoniously fainted, and Piper had to fan her with a BTS photocard.

Sori looked at Ahri with wide eyes." Oh my goodness!"

Ahri sighed as she said softly in a whisper, "He is too famous, and I'm freaking out now!"

After another rehearsed song, soundcheck was overs J-Hope waved at the crowd with a deep bow.

When the time came for the concert, Ahri was ecstatic for the hundreds of ARMY members who were excited and energised for it. Her sister and her friends were capturing a multitude of photographs and expressing their excitement throughout the event. Ahri made the decision to capture the fancams, allowing Sori to fully appreciate the experience. Jhope exhibited exceptional professionalism and enthusiasm. Behind the stylish red glasses, his gaze is always drawn to Ahris' section.

Following the event, J-Hope acknowledged the ARMY with a wave, his gaze subtly shifting towards a VIP staff member who was engaged in conversation with Ahri. He then guided her and the astonished teens towards the backstage artist lounge.

The atmosphere was electric during J-Hope's dynamic concert. Ahri was trailed by the bewildered teenagers behind them; they all looked like typical ARMY members, decked up in expensive merchandise. Piper, Nova, and Sori were all shivering with excitement.

They wear special lanyards that grant them a free pass. Soris' light hazel eyes were fixed on her composed sister, as if she were leading a double life as a spy, while Nova and Piper leant on each other, their eyes filled with admiration.

"What the heck, Ahri? You mock BTS on a daily basis. And now you are experiencing it backstage, J-Hope? Who are you?" Sori looked at her with furrowed brows.

"Your ride home, so shut it!" Ahri snapped.

Then Jhope walked in, his face fresh, with a towel around his neck, beaming where Ahri and the girls were standing, speechless. His presence lit up the lounge like stage lights.

Ahri looked at her teen brigade that was speechless. They just stare at Jhope with wide eyes. Then Piper started to utter an excited scream in her fist whenJ-Hope greeted them.

Ahri rolled her eyes, annoyed." I swear on Monet, if you faint again, I'm not going to carry you out!"

Jhope laughed as he looked soft-eyed at Ahri. "Ahri, you came, my favorite portrait whisperer," he beamed as he gave her a gentle high five that turned into a too-long handhold.

Sori let out a whisper-scream, "Oh my goodness! He knows you personally. I'm calling Mom!"

Ahri's eyes widen, and she grabs her phone. "Oh no, you don't!"

Jhope chuckled as he looked at the two sisters.

Ahrid." Er, J-Hope, this is my cute little sis, Sori, and her friends Nova and Piper, as you can see, hardcore ARMY!"

Nova nudges Piper, her eyes sparkling,"Is this real life?"

Ahri looked at the girls, who were too dazed. "You guys wanted this moment; say something normal before Jhope thinks I dragged you here against your will." She gestured amusedly at an amused J-Hope. Sori forgot how to speak English as she waved shyly and greeted him in Korean. Ahri just rolled her eyes.

Piper cleared her throat and asked with a cracking voice, "Er, can I hug you? Or is it illegal?"

Jhope looked at Ahri,"Only if Ahri says it's safe."

Nova moved forward and said with a squeaky voice, "You're my bias---" just then she promptly tripped over a backpack strap and fell onto a couch. One of the snacks got a life of its own, as when she fell on the couch, her hand landed on the snack plates of the staff, and some were flying, and a mochi ended up perfectly on J-Hope's shoulder. He calmly winked, took it off, and popped it in his mouth. "Hmm, strawberry. Must be my lucky day."

Poor Nova was mortified and her friends started to snicker.

Ahri closed her eyes , covered her face, and groaned while Jhope grinned amusedly at the teen's antics.

Ahri smirked, "Yup, these are the chaos rabbits you requested. Handle with care. That's what we got for letting teenagers backstage."

Jhope laughs," They are adorable. But I think you might be the chaos leader."

Ahri leaned in to Jhope and whispered, "You owe me...my ears are half deaf after those million screams out there. I can't hear myself think."

Jhope grinned, his eyes shining in," Then let me make it up with another museum date---" he winked and whispered something in her ear. Ahri blushed beet red as the teens just watched the two openly flirting with each other.

Their jaws dropped. Sori and Nova joined Piper on the couch because their legs were suffering under the excitement.

Nova whispered, with wide eyes,"Did he just ask your sister out on a date or not?"

Sori shook her head, "I'm gobsmacked!"

After the chaos and lots of snickers from the staff, the group took some selfies with J-Hope. Ahri didn't want to be part but Jhope dragged her into the group picture. They took numerous selfies, which was the highlight for her sister and her friends. Before they were led out by a VIP staff member, J-Hope pulled Ahri slightly back.

Jhope whispered, "That will be a memorable meet and greet for your little friends. Can we meet again?"

Ahri nodded and smile,:"Yeah, come visit the art museum...text me I'll send you the deeds..."

J-Hope smirked, I'll text you later tonight; don't fall asleep---"

....

In the car back to the apartment, the teens were beyond excited and giddy for the unexpected meeting with the star. They couldn't believe Jhope and Ahri knew each other personally.

Sori grinned,"Did he ask you out? Are you sure you guys are not dating? They vibe around you." She looked smug.

Ahri just smirks.

Nova laughed, "Did you say yes?"

Ahri rolled her eyes , but the reddish cheeks said everything. "I mean, he's got nice dimples. What was I supposed to do?'

The girls squeal loudly in the car, and they couldn't stop talking about the evening.

Piper and Nova will be sleeping over, and they'll be dropped off at school by Ahri the next morning. After they swore to keep Ahris' friendship with the star a secret.

Later that night, Ahri and Jhope were texting.

J-Hope: We're still laughing about the machine missiles. P.S.: You looked so cute pretending not to fan over me...you're so cute.

Ahri: Haha... Don't be too smug, superstar! Mona wants to give you some critique on your performances.

Jhope: As long as I'm with the portrait whisperer, then I can overcome anything. See you tomorrow evening.

Ahri: Just make sure you're incognito because your ARMY will be on the lookout.

Jhope: Don't worry ...I have it covered...

A/N : What do you guys think of this story so far. Must it be a two or three shot?

1.What are your thoughts on this unexpected meeting of Ahri and Jhope?

2. Do you think Jhope will be able to keep her Identify hidden?

3. Do you think Ahri will give the kpop star a chance to know her more?

4. What do you think about their encounter with Mona?