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Scene: 28

Welcome to the Zoo, featuring my heart...

Settings: Ahris Apartment

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Ahri smiled brightly when she entered her kitchen that beams with the morning sunlight. Her heart felt light, and she was so deeply filled with contentment and joy. Being with Hobi the previous night was such a welcome surprise.

The fact that her parents were mesmerized with his impeccable manners and etiquette. They fully immersed him into their family dynamics. She smirked as she looked at her sparkling Promise diamond ring.

Deep in her heart she was totally persuaded that he is her dream guy, the one she wants to build a life with. She loves him with all her heart. They knew after a week that their chance encounter was fate. It sealed their destiny together.

Her mom invited her this morning for their weekly mom and daughter brunch. Sori will not be accompanying them today because she and her two crazy friends had a date at the mall to shop for accessories for the final dance. With a full credit card, she was off to enjoy her final senior days. Ahri hopes she doesn't spill about her and Hobi. That will cause an unnecessary storm, especially with the online trolls.

Ahri was dressed in a cute off-white tailored designer checkered dress with a soft silk cream-white blouse, which made her look poised and elegant. She added all her diamond accessories—earrings, a bracelet, and a ring—from Tiffany's. She looks expensive and sophisticated. Her hair was in an updo bun, which made her seem innocent yet stylish. Her makeupwas elegant and natural. She and her mom love to hang out together, and every time they'll choose restaurants they've never been to before.

She quickly prepared herself a glass of cranberry juice with freshly sliced strawberries with a dash of Korean chocolate chip ice cream. Her morning was peaceful. She grinned as she took a sip from her refreshing drink. The tantalizing taste overwhelmed her senses.

Her eyes widen as she hears a buzz indicating some notifications.

As she opened her phone apps, she saw she was added to the 'Tannies and Choas' chat group. She inhaled deeply as she realized that this was the official and personal chat group of the chaotic supergroup. Hobi made sure she was added, and she felt her anxiety skyrocket. What will she talk about with the group? Although she doesn't know so much of them, only what was posted online and the well-known 'Introduction to BTS,'

The group was online. She saw that those who were still in the military were all online. She wondered if they got permission or if they were all on a break.

She blinked, then she smiled.

Hobi: Okay, everyone...please behave. No, talking nonsense or exposing my sensitivities.😅

Taehyung: Yeah, well... Heya, Ahri. Welcome.🌷

Jungkook: Nooooonaaaa, welcome. We're still recovering that Hobi-hyung got a girlfriend?

Jimin: So this is Ahri...if Hobi doesn't treat you right. I know a guy. 👀🫡

Hobi: Hey, you! Stop flirting with my girl. 😡

Jiimin: 🤣🤣🤣

Ahri instantly relaxed because the maknaes are so adorable.

Ahri: 😂 It seems I got a ticket to the zoo. However, it's a remarkably captivating experience. 🐥🐯🐰

The chat burst into laughing emojis from all of them.

Namjoon: Hi, Ahri. Welcome to our chaos chat! You're so quick. I like that. So, tell me, why did fate take so long to bring you to Hobi's life?

Ahri: You know how dramatic fate can be. It keeps things interesting. 😉

Seokjin: Finally, we're meeting the girl stealing Hobi's heart. You know you broke up, Sope.

Ahri: 😂 Who's that?

Suga: What the hell! Hobi, you didn't tell her. What a betrayal.

Hobi: 😄 Don't worry, Ahri...it's the BTS bromance ship. Guys, she's not a veteran ARMY! Give her some slack.

Ahri: Okay...I heard about it. So sorry, Suga. I'm not afraid to share Hobi with you.

Suga: Good! I hope you enjoy our chat group. Welcome again.

Ahri: Thank you. Must I call you Suga, AgustD, or Yoongi?

Hobi: Just call him Yoongi. Suga is the rapper, AgustD is the mental one, and Yoongi is the sweet and softcore one.

Suga: You want to die early before you and Ahri see the wedding altar.

Ahri: 😂😂 I like Yoongi. It's so safe.

Seokjin: Yeah...we like Yoongles more.

Suga: Can we talk about the elephant in the room? All of us want to know...about your portrait whisperer gift. Is it legit? How did you cope with it when you were young?

Hobi: Omg. I seriously dont know them🙈.

Ahri: It's okay. Sweetie, I'll answer.

Then instantly there was teasing on the chat.

Jungkook: Sweetie! From now on, Hobi becomes 'Sweetie-hyung 🤣🤣🤣.

Hobi: Stop it, kooks! You guys are embarrassing.

Ahri: To answer Yoongi. It was starting when I was really four. The pictures looked like they were calling unto me. They told me all their stories. But my family found out when I was in elementary school. By middle school and junior school, English art scholars are literally begging me to help them with their art essays. Even offered to pay me. My parent stopped it because it became too intense for me. They wanted me to concentrate on an academic career. So, my dad wanted me to. I have a normal high school life without being weird.

Seokjin: That sounds so tough. Where did that gift come from? You sure you're a muggle, cause you give Hermoine vibes.🤔

Ahri: 🤭🤭I was born with it. My brain just...reads visuals like they talk. It's weird. I know... I was registered by a society for supernatural human abilities.

Hobi: It's not weird. It's magical. My girl is the whole package.

Jimin: She's the main character. Okay, but...did you watch Hobi perform?What do you think about those sexy hip thrusts.?

Hobi: ????

Ahri: Yes, of course. I went with my sister to the Chicago shows, both shows. He is electrifying. So much energy, wow! And my baby is so talented. But I must say I physically get tired just watching so much energy.

Then came the inevitable.

Taehyung: So...were you an ARMY?

Ahri: I'll be honest. Not at first. My little sister, her friends, and my colleagues are avid ARMY. I have no idea about K-pop. I usually don't follow a craze because I'm too busy. But my sister Sori...is obsessed. She knows everything, and I've gotten to know about you through them. But things change when I meet him unexpectedly in Paris at the Louvre Museum, where he was shooting Mona Lisa! Mr.. I wasn't very impressed because I wanted to talk with Mona. He'll tell you how we met.... It's a bit embarrassing.

Hobi: She was so endearing. Straightforward and sassy. She even told me that she was only a chaperone for her little sister and her friends and that she was contemplating giving her ticket to a colleague or just leaving quietly before my encore. She broke her heel, and she was swearing in Korean. Then I knew...I want to know her. I couldn't let her slipped through my hands.

Jimin: So romantic. It was a scene straight out of "How I Met Your Mother." When we FaceTime'd Hobi. He was so flushed when we talked about you. He was Hobi-red-hyung.

Jungkook: Protect him at all costs. I'm so happy for my hyung.

Suga: Wait...just wait a minute. Ahri wasn't a fan! THIS IS BETRAYAL!!How can you not know Bangtan. We practically have huge stadium concerts and we've been on numerous shows. Where are you living, girl.

Ahri: 😢😭 I know, right? I've got an apartment under a rock. I only heard you wanted to date ARMY. I told Hobi...I'm not into all these hype. But he didn't care. He still pursued me. Sorry. But...I'm one now. So does it count? I've got all the merch, a favorite ARMY mug and I have BT21 mang slippers.

Suga: You're forgiven. Next time when we talk, I'm giving you an ARMY quiz. Because I heard you, your IQ is heavenly high. And Hobi, no help from you. It will be a random ARMY quiz. She needs to be educated in all things Bangtan.

Ahri: But I don't know your shoe sizes or your perfume preferences. You want me to fail for the first time. I have never failed any assignment or test before. Please be lenient. I'm not ready to study who farts the most.

Jimin: Don' t worry thats Jungkook. The ARMY tests are some of the hardest tests. Just be nice to Joonie, and he will give you the answers. He and Suga-hyung set it up. It will be for FESTA.

Jungkook: Chimmy you just want to be her favourite.

Jimin: Of cause. I don't like competition. Everyone knows the Jimin-effect. When you Jim-in you cannot just Jim-out.😘

Hobi: Babe, don't let Yoongi intimidate you. We'll cheat together on that test. I'll guide you through. Namjoon set very high tests. Even veteran ARMYS will not be able to passed it.

Suga: Typical. Love can make you do strange things.

Seokjin: For my test, just know what my favorite food is, my skin care routine, and reasons why you think I'm world wide handsome and you must wear a t-shirt with my face at  Hobis concert, etc.

Ahri: Okay. I'll study right away. But I need at least a scope.

Namjoon: Hobi will give it to you. So, Ahri, can you tell me about what you learned about the Mona Lisa? Something that few people really know.

Taehyung: But Hyung, you're an art collector. You know everything. Everyone knows Mona Lisa by her mysterious smile. You have art books in your apartment.

Ahri: Okay. The Mona in the Louvre is a bit savage and somewhat rude. She loves to tease me about my singlehood and even boasted that a K-pop boy sang about her, and I'm still searching. Gosh. But the real story is. She was the wife of a very wealthy merchant, RpFrancesco del Giocondo. The portrait was supposed to be a gift to celebrate the home they bought or maybe a pregnancy. She didn't elaborate on that. So she sat for Leonardo, but after he completed it. He didn't deliver the painting. It stayed with him for years. So it became one of the most treasured works in France, even though it was originally Italian. She said she was once stolen in 1911 but recovered years later. But they never returned her to Italy. She remained in France and was housed in the Louvre. Really poetic.

Namjoon: Wow! Incredible! If we visit Paris again, I would like you to introduce me to Mona. I never knew that. Hobi would you let me take her out on an art excursion.

Ahri: Okay, if Hobi is okay with that. She's very small behind a glass, but a while ago, someone threw soup on her in a protest.

Jungkook: Wow! Noona. You're like a real-life Da Vinci Code.

Hobi: I'm okay with it, cause I'm going with you.

Seokjin: Woah! That's wicked.

Hobi: I love Namjoon but not that much to let my girl in his care.😒

Namjoon:😱

Taehyung: If Namjoon get to spent time with Noona. The maknaes also wants a turn. We're  going to go somewhere special.

Ahri: That will be cool Taehyung. Yeah, but Mona is quite mellow in the Chicago gallery. The Warhol pop art of Mona is funnier. I made Hobi to tap into my gift, and surprisingly, he was the only one who could see the painting move and talk.

Yoongi: That is seriously cool. I'm going with you to the museums.

Hobi: I thought I was going mental. Mona Lisa is sassier than Suga-hyung.

Ahri: She likes Hobi...but she said his hip thrusts are lethal. She even spoiled his unreleased song.

Namjoon: Seriously. Woah!

Hobi: Then I knew Ahri was legit.

The group started to send teasing emojis. Ahri just laughs.

Ahri: Hobi didn't run for the hills; he's the only one that stays...and I love him for that. I felt safe with my gift with him. 🥰

Hobi: I love Ahri, guys. She's my dream girl. 🥰🤩😘

Taehyung: So romantic 😍

Jimin: So. So, do you guys have a wedding date?

Hobi: Omg!! We're not telling you guys anything. 😱

Seokjin: Why not? I'm still going to be the MC at all the Bangtan weddings. 🫢

Hobi: Yeah...just to embarrass us in front of the whole world.😒

Seokjin: I'm not going to tell the world you sleep with food still in your mouth. That will be just cruel. 😁🤔

Hobi: Seriously hyung!. Ahri is still online! 🫣

Seokjin: Oh, my bad. 😜🤭

Namjoon: Stop embarrassing Hobi...he'll become a military general with our future choreographies. 🤣

Ahri: You guys are so chaotic. 🤣 ARMY, stan the right group. 🫠

Jungkook: True. We love Army. 🥰

Suga: So, you're a neuropsychologist....What' that all about?

Ahri: Oh, it's like a bridge between brain science and human behavior. I study trauma, memory, and perception that influence actions.

Seokjin: Wow! Come work for BigHit. K-pop artists go through a lot of traumas.

Hobi: That's an idea.

Suga: We need someone like you to help us maintain our mental wellness. It's crazy here in Korea.

Ahri: That's something. I'm too scared of ARMY. The hate train will start all over again.

Namjoon: We'll protect you. You are one of us, Ahri. We love whatever Hobi loves. Come to Hobi's final Seoul concert. We're going to be discharged soon, and we will love to meet you in person. Maybe go for BBQ. We're going to spoil you. It will be the first Bangtan girlfriend privilege.

Ahri felt so honored. They are so lovely with her.

Ahri: That means a lot. I'm so touched.

Taehyung: Can you please post a pic of you, noona? We want to see what our Hobi-hyung was hiding and what royalty looks like.

Ahri took a selfie. She's so glad she looked elegant and well-groomed. A charming smile and elegance.

Shocked emoji follows. The chat was exploding.

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Seokjin: Hobi. YOU.LUCKY.MAN 🙉

Hobi: That's my heart, boys. 🥰

She's stayed humble, brushing off the praise.

Ahri: It's just me.

Jimin spams with a lot of heart emojis.

Jimin: 💓💓🥰😍 Fate and beauty combined. Dangerous combo.

Jungkook: It's unfair. Hobi set the standard too high. Where am I going to meet a girl with a high IQ and so pretty?

Namjoon: It is higher than your math grades. Hobi literally dates my dreamgirl.

Hobi: Yup...when you don't look for love. You'll find it unexpectedly.

Namjoon: Hobi, she's beautiful. You truly outrun us this time.

Suga: Ahri is in danger of becoming our favorite.

Jungkook: Can she be our stylist too?

Ahri just blushed at their compilments. Who would've known that she will be friends ith the whole global superstars? They are so down-to-earth and humble. No pretense or that superiority celebrity syndrome.

Ahri: You are all too kind. I'm just a plain, weird girl who loves beauty, brains, and...your sunshine

After a few more minutes of chatting. Ahri had to go meet her mom, and Hobi had to go for his sound check. The rest had to go back and be productive. Seokjin was in the studio rehearsing for an upcoming tour.

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Scene: 29

Paid in kindness

Settings: Totu Bene Restuarant

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Later, she and her mom almost arrived at the same time in front of the Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago. Her mom drive a red Sportscar.  Her mom wore a stunning light blue Celine suit, accentuated with gold earrings and a necklace. Her golden blonde hair was in soft waves, and her kind grey-blue eyes looked happy. She was the epitome of elegance. She always admired her mom's inner calmness and intelligence. But she was a feared attorney.

They talked about careers, family, and Hobi as they sat in the upmarket and cozy atmosphere. They laughed as they shared espresso, creamy truffle pasta, and bruschetta.

Her mom was looking at her thoughtfully.

'Sweetheart...would you consider moving to Seoul to be closer to Hoseok?"

Ahri inhaled deeply and said, "I haven't actively thought about that, but since I flew to LA tomorrow morning early, we might bring up the subject."

Her mom nodded, I understand. His whole career is in Korea. His life, actually. According to Sori...they are regarded as national assets, and they add to the Korean. Wave to their country."

Ahri grinned, Gosh, I never knew I'd be dating such a highly regarded citizen. They contribute billions to the state treasury, but the jealousy and hate directed towards them is concerning. I can attest to that. How they came after me. The haters and antis are ruthless."

Her mom smiled and said, "But you're a strong girl. You came out of your shell and decided to experience love. I'm proud of you, Ahri. You never stayed down, defeated by love, but you took courage to put yourself out there. You will be alright. Just don't wait too long to bring our first grandchild."

Ahri grinned, "We talked about having four kids if God wills. I love him, Mommy." She said with teary eyes.

Her mom chuckled, "We could see that. He loves you too. Be kind to each other. He has a very public image, and the scrutiny is always severe. Just by being with him, you indirectly became a celebrity."

Later, as they sipped another round of specialty hot drinks and Italian desserts, Ahri noticed at a nearby table how two women subtly snapped pics of them.

Ahri sighed, "Mom, don't look, but the table in the corner is taking pics of us."

Her mom furrowed her brows with a little annoyance. "That's rude. You're not public property."

Ahri nodded. "I know...but being associated with a global star will get you into unpleasant situations. The obsessed fans hate me for being friends with him, but their real fans supported him."

Her mom just pursed her lips. Let's just ignore them."

Ahri nodded and ate another piece of her Italian kisses. It's for my own sanity. If they are haters, let them have their one minute of fame. If they are fans, let's give them their moment."

Ahri and her mom just enjoy their time together, ignoring the admiring looks of even the waiters who found out who you were. The restaurant manager constantly comes and asks you if you enjoyed your food.

Before they left, the manager himself brought their receipt, just to find out that someone paid their brunch bill.

Your eyes widen in shock. "Wow! Seriously?"

Your mom was just as surprised at the news.

The manager chuckled and said softly, "The person gave me this to give you..."

He handed her the receipt with a few candies.

On the receipt was a note written.

"Don't worry about the haters. ARMY approves! Enjoy your meal. It's just a token to apologize for all those haters who lack a life and a job. They are not fans but toxic Sol stans."💜💜

Her eyes teared up as she read the note, and she gave it to her mom to read, who looked flabbergasted, and then a soft smile grazed her lips.

"There are still good people in this world.' She said.

Ahri smiled, "That is the BTS ARMY I know. The caring and loving non-toxic section of their fandom."

Her mom just nods, "You will be okay."

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Scene 30

An unwelcome surprise

Settings: In front of Ahris' apartment

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Ahri said goodbye to her mom because she needed to prepare for her flight to LA early tomorrow morning.

But when she stepped out of her Kia with a light heart, she was instantly bombarded with sharp and overwhelming flashes from so many paparazzi.

Ahri stood frozen on the steps in front of her Chicago apartment block. She was perplexed at the unexpected invasion around her. Her anxiety skyrocketed as questions were firing at her.

"Are you confirming your relationship with BTS's J-Hope?!

Why do you keep it a secret?

Does Hybe approve?

You're so pretty!

Smile for us!

Give us a pose!

Ahri felt her heart painfully constricted as she covered her eyes with her hands. Fortunately, her apartment security guard quickly intervened when he saw her distress.

He quickly waved off the relentless reporters and paparazzi and used his jacket to cover her face as he led her up to her apartment.

Ahri wanted to cry because these people are so invasive. She thanks her door security guard and, with relief, enters her apartment. She signed in, relieved when she entered her lounge. She placed the takeaway pasta on the table and plopped down on the couch, her feet stuffed in her BT21 plush slippers.

She already sent Hobi good luck affirmations to calm his anxiety during the concert.

She took a shower and got herself into her PJs, and armed with her laptop in her bed, she watched the live fancams of Hobi in LA.

She was pleasantly surprised when he sang Mona Lisa with Miguel as a special guest. It is so surreal to see her boyfriend doing what he loves on stage. He is truly a K-pop dance master. She enjoyed all the numerous fancams.

She was surprised when her colleagues called her and told her about a post on Twitter (X) with her and her beautiful mom. Also a pic of her on her apartment steps. The fandom was in meltdown for her beauty and high-fashion clothing. They were speculating about the elegant woman next to her.

At least there wasn't a lot of negativity. Jealousy is everywhere, but she will not focus on unhappy people and their antics. She just sent a love message in audio form to Hobi about how much she loves him and wishes him a successful finale.

That night after a light dinner, she went to bed early, and she slept like a baby.

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A/n :Ahri spent time with her mom.

Thank you so much fir all your support. Please comment your thoughts.

1. What was your favourite scene?

2. Which Bangtan member did you like best in the chatgroup?

3. Do you think Ahri is Namjoons' type?

4. Who do you think Ahri might like a littke bit more?

5. Do you think Ahri must settle with Hobi in Seoul?

Hobi is so hot🔥🔥