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Scene 5

Choatic Brunch

Settings: Illinois; Clinic and Café

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Tuesday morning Ahri stepped into the Honey Spoon café located downstairs in the Health and Life Clinic. The Cosy Cafe is widely known for their fluffy blueberry pancakes and judgmental waitstaff. Ahri wore a designer camel-colored coat over a similar-colored suit piece. Her sunglasses are far too large for her small face. She let her hair down from the tight bun she had the whole morning.

Ahri sighed, thinking about the hectic weekend and the exhilarating concert she'd battled. Her daily life seemed more mundane and lackluster after the sparkles and glitter of the previous night. A soft smile grazed her lips as she thought about her budding friendship with the pop star. Even her mom was pestering her about her exact status with the star, and the fact that he was Korean already placed hopeful stars in her parents' eyes, but her lips were sealed.

Her co-workers were already seated at a double table in the middle of the café. Dr. Naomi Song, a Chinese child psychologist and a BTS trivia ninja; Theodore, just Theo, a sassy therapist with wild copper curls, adorable freckles, and light green eyes; and her dear boss friend, forty-eight year old divorcee, Dr. Sheryl, a devoted BTS silver veteran since 2013. She admitted that she even cried during a VLive '...because Jimin's heart is just...so pure.'

She did contemplate gifting her ticket to her and babysitting too. But she wouldn't have met and enjoyed a secret friendship with Hobi, ARMY's sunshine.

The minute they saw her, they were over the top with excitement. She wonders if something happened that she became this popular.

'Ahri!" Noami shrieked, her fork clattering on the table next to her ,"What the heck! Did you die this weekend? Why didn't you answer our group chat? Since when are you ghosting your friends?!"

Theo leaned in as Ahri grinned and took a seat next to "Tell me, were you either arrested, abducted, or on a romantic rendezvous?" She waggled her eyebrows.

Ahri laughed, "Hi guys, technically one of those?" She signed.

Naomi's eyes widen. "You were arrested for running over a cop's feet when he wanted to give you a speeding ticket."

Ahri snorts, "Okay, that was an accident, and I paid my ticket..."

Sheryl's dark brown eyes glowed,"Hmm it must be romance. Look how she's glowing!"

Theo gasped,"Romance, who popped the virtuous cherry?"

Ahri scrunched up her nose. "I'm not ready to give up my sacred shrine..." She casually dropped her phone and acorn keychain on the table , like a mic, as Theo's eyes widened when she spotted the leather brown acorn keyring in J-Hope's initials in gold.

There was first silence, then chaos.

Naomi grabbed it and studied it with bulging eyes,"This...this is from J-Hope's personal merch line. More expensive and limited. Ahri, you can't even buy this anymore. Even Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly complained on X that they wanted this exclusive keychain with his initials, but there were only 20 for his personal friends...like his BTS bro and rapper  friends how...did---oh gosh?"

She looked flabbergasted and suspiciously at a smug Ahri, who just grinned and gestured to a waiter to bring her a blueberry pancake and a huge mug of filter coffee.

The others were just as intrigued but more shocked.

Sheryl looked stunned. "Why do you have J-Hope's acorn keychain? ... We only bought the woollen ones for Rosemont. You went to his concert yesterday. No wonder you were absent," she gave Ahri a pointed look.

Ahri throws her hands up in defense,"It was a leave day for me, boss. Remember I told you I'm taking Sori out to see her favorite band member...it was her birthday weekend?"

Theo folded her arms with suspicion. "But still...spill the tea now!" She looked adamant.

Ahri gave her a deadpan," Okay, fine. I've unexpectedly met him in Paris at the museum. Mona Lisa introduced us." She casually let out.

Naomi almost spit out ! "Excuse me...WHAT!!" She waved with her fork, "Explain why you conveniently forgot about telling us...we need descriptive details and timestamps of when and how it happened."

Ahri smirked, "Well, if you insist, let me just eat some of my pancakes..." She smirked at the waiter and picked up her fork and cut a small piece in slow motion. " The table burst out in irritated groans and whines.

Theo whined, "Ugh, really, Ahri!"

Ahri pressed her lips not to laugh. "Okay, fine. Here I was after my conference, of course, busy arguing with the French security guard at the Louvre museum because Mona was being a smug little..."

"WAIT! Are you talking about the original painting of Mona Lisa?" Naomi asked, surprised.

Ahri rolled her bunny eyes,"Yes, Naomi, the painting hanging in the Louvre Renaissance hall! She was mocking me about being single again. I thought I left her smugness in the Chicago museum, but now the original painting is much more brutal. Then I wanted to walk away, not talking to her...but I slipped on that flipped marble polished floor...should've sued them, but my heel broke, and I whined about my tragic life...okay, fine, don't look at me like that... I did swear in Korean for a few seconds, and guess what? A figure emerged out of the shadows laughing." Ahri pouted.

"And it was---" Sheryl grinned.

Ahri nodded and confirmed, "J-Hope."

Sheryl blinked twice,"As in...BTS... J-Hope?"

"Yup, he was filming a music video in one of the halls about Mona Lisa," she said nonchalantly, coating more maple and strawberry syrup over her pancake and slowly slicing it. "So, it turns out she told him she's still iconic, and she even bragged about the lyrics before the song was even released!"

Naomi whispered reverently, "You spoiled a J-Hope song...through a 500-year-old painting before it was released."

Ahrid shrugged," I'm gifted.What can I say? You must hear the lyrics; it's so cheesy..'.🎶 I like my girls pretty...so fine. One to the nine🎶 Just remember that part of it, if  you still doubt my portrait whisperer abilities." She sipped her coffee.

Her coworkers just shook their heads, intrigued.

Theo chuckled, "Okay, Miss Eccentric, then what?"

Ahri smiled, her eyes sparkling when she reminisced about her encounter. "Well...then we talked, and he gave me his keychain. Offered me and Sori exclusive VIP tickets, with soundcheck and backstage passes for both days. And...he asked me for my number...and after the concert he texted me again." She casually dropped the bomb.

It was instantly silent again.

Sheryl looked visibly shaken," Wait! You went to the actual concert...Ahri, you freak out with crowds! Remember that NBA game,you wanted to leave at halftime and you hate fangirls. And you don't even like BTS! and Hobi gave an anti-fan his freakin number!"

They looked at her as if she had just transformed into an alien.

Ahri shrugged, "That's what I told him...and he still gave me his number. I even told him I wasn't even good with regular guys..."

Naomi looked offended. "It's unfair! A BTS non-fan met my bias. I've dreamt about a moment like this for YEARS! And it happened to you because of your...creepy painting whisper magic...and we couldn't even get tickets...sold out when I was nr 48 764 in the queue. "She looked ,Iike she wanted to cry.

Ahri giggle and leaned back into her chair. "What can I say?...Mona Lisa ships us." She smirked as Naomi and Theo threw her with their dirty serviettes.

🎨🎨🎨🎨

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Scene 6

Oops I'm starting to fall!

Settings: Health and Life Clinic

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Later that afternoon when she came from an errand at Time Bank. Her secondary credit card was maxed out, overdrawn ; the last transaction was a luxury accessories bill of over $700 for designer handbags Sori bought from China. A great bargain, she said. Why in the world did she let her little cunning sister talk her into getting her a credit card? She has to rethink her life choices now.

Her eyes widened when she opened her office; she found it decorated with Hope on the stage and photocopies of J-Hope's face stuck all over the walls.

Naomi had written with a purple glitter gel pen, "Marry him or we will riot!"

Ahri laughed and pulled off the photocopies. Gosh, she still had appointments with a few crazy patients with unnamed mental problems.

Then her desk phone rang. It was from the front desk, and the receptionist said, "Dr. Kang, there's a new patient here with an excuse to see you. Apparently her therapist met J-Hope and didn't tell her..." There's a little giggle at the other side, and Ahri chuckled because she already knew it must be one of her coworkers.

Ahri sighed, "Send her in; I'll prescribe her a good dose of reality check..."

....

Wednesday morning was exceptionally chaotic. She and J-Hope were texting till late at night asking about likes and dislikes, the usual 20 questions. He was so busy the previous day with shoots and interviews that they postponed their museum date to Thursday. She was so flustered just thinking about the pop star. He was so charming and funny, and she thinks he borrowed his funny jokes from their Jin-hyung.

Her morning was filled with colorful patients: two crying teenagers with suicidal tendencies because of too high expectations, and the other can't get rid of the after effects of a breakup; a marriage counseling session that almost turned into a WWE wrestling match. Gosh, why did she agree to fill in for Theodora? She's not qualified to help married people. But at least she listened to their frustrations.

And there is Noami, who are still emotionally blackmailing her for 'betraying ARMY' just by bagging J-Hope's attention. How petty!

Ahri walked quietly to the staff lounge and plopped down, unwrapped her spicy buffalo shawarma wrap, and unscrewed her lemon iced tea. A few minutes of enjoying total solace help her to recuperate.

She laughs as she scrolls through her YouTube Shorts; she loves the BTS memes. Okay, fine, she stalked BTS profiles to learn more about them, especially about her new friend. The dancing machine. Hotness on legs. But she'll never admit that!

She was snickering at a Taehyung and Jimin meme at a restaurant. It was a scene from Jikook's show. Until---

A knock on the door distracted her.

It was Dr. Sheryl who poked her head in; she looked clearly flustered,"Er Ahri... There's, er, a patient here to see you...er, no appointment, but he is insistent."

She bit her lip, and her eyes betrayed her emotions.

Ahri groaned, "Can't it wai?... My sugar levels are rebooting now. My only resting time...why don't you give him to Dr. Curtis? He's always free..."

"Er ...I don't think so; he specifically asked for Dr. Kang," her boss's voice suddenly sounded squeaky, "... it's a psychological emergency!"

Ahri scrunched up her nose with inner irritation. She raised her brow and asked slowly, "Did he say what kind?"

Dr. Sheryl smirked as she looked at her furrowed brows,"Oh he said, and I quote, 'My soul can't stop thinking about a girl who talks to Mona Lisa. He thinks he might need psychological treatment..." She couldn't help but let out a little giggle at the end.

Ahri dropped her half-eaten wrap. "You're kidding, right?" She hopes he is not who she thinks he is, but the flutter of her heart already confirmed her latest patient.

Ahri stood abruptly up, brushed some remnants from her coat, and walked out, trailing behind her giddy boss. She nearly tripped over her own shoe when she saw him.

Jung Hoseok-Hobi. In a signature tan hoodie with the LV logo, very expensive glasses, and a black mask as if Covid came and said hi, still his aura screamed, I'm still a global star, even standing in the bland reception foyer. Next to him stood a terrifying broad man in a black suit and coat, scanning the hallway, expecting crazy sasaengs to jump out of the old vending machine.

When J-Hope saw her nervous face, he smirked and gave her a peace sign. The reception desk was empty due to Merle knocking off early; that's why her boss did the PA stand-in? She was too excited to maintain her professionalism and went quickly to her office but with the full view of the happenings in the small foyer.

Ahri blinked," Hoseok...you brought a bodyguard?" She gestured with her wide eyes to the imposing man , who looked oddly out of place in the clinic. J-Hope chuckled behind his black mask and took off his glasses and slipped them over his curly hair. He looked illegally hot.

Mr. Lee bows curtly, "Protocol, ma'am."

Jhope pulled off his mask just enough to let out his sunny smile, "Hi, Dr. Kang Ahri."

Ahri smirked and crossed her arms. "Are you my patient with the psychological emergency?"

Jhope's eyes were mock serious. "I could be. I'm actually deeply traumatized. I met a girl who claimed a Renaissance portrait spoiled my song and then ghosted me for 48 hours."

Ahris lips twitched in in a smile, "Gosh, you're unbelievable."she muttered.

He looked around interested. "So, this is the place where you therapize people?"

"Yup, the emotion-filled chaos factory," she grinned.

J-Hope winked, "Can I sit in and talk to the portrait whisperer doctor? I brought a lovely snack." He lifts a tiny white bakery package with a famous restaurant logo. Ahris' eyes widened. It was from a very luxurious celebrity restaurant group, Boka.

"You mentioned macaroons are part of your favorite snack. So I got you foie gras macaroons," he smirked at her shocked expression.

'How did you even remember that?" She asked, bewildered.

Jhope chuckled, "I listened and took note...so does my favorite doc have a few minutes to spare?...Mr. Lee will pay the consultation fees." He teasingly looked at his bodyguard.who just rolled his eyes.

Mr. Lee just cleared his," Er, sir..."

"I know, I know...10 minutes," Hobi mumbled , just waving him off. He winks at Ahri, who couldn't help but laugh, and gestures for him to follow her to her office. Luckily, Theo and Naomi had already gone home, and she was just ready to leave before the nice unexpected surprise.

When she walked past Sherly's office, she gave her a thumbs-up, and her boss grabbed her chest and let out a dreamy breath. Ahri just laughs.

Mr. Lee was standing outside her door like a K-drama extra with a Bluetooth earpiece.

Inside her office, Hobi plopped, exasperated, on the soft couch. His eyes gleamed at her as she sat in a chair.

"Wow! So your patient sits here while you psychoanalyze them." He looked appreciatively around her well-decorated space. A place to make anxious people super calm.

Ahri grinned, "So what made the global star come to my little clinic? Do you need me to read you like the portraits?"

A wide smile appears on his lips," Only if you tell me what Mona really said also about the concerts."

She leaned in, her chin resting on both her arms, which were resting on her knees as she looked at his beaming face. He looks so relaxed ," she told me that you sing about her because you secretly believe that no one in the modern world has mystery anymore. She's quite taken with you, Jung Hoseok."

Jhoped jaws dropped," Wow! That is disturbingly accurate. She amazes me every minute."

Ahri chuckled ,"Don't look at me...I'm just the human interpreter. She's not even that nice to me...a real stuck up overrated portrait celebrity."

Jhope chuckled softly.

Then he pulled from his hoodie pocket a sleek, black envelope with red lettering and handed it to her.

Ahri frowned,"What's this?" She asked, confused.

"Your official invitation. VIP seats, soundcheck, and backstage tours for the final Chicago show. For you and your sister and any special guests or those loudmouth friends of Sori , she summoned them through dark TikTok rituals".

Ahri giggled, "Wow, thank you. Bless you...why am I so lucky?"

Jhope looked quietly over as she studied her envelope with a soft smile. She looked so fresh-faced, without overdone makeup, her hair in a professional bun. "Ahri, you are not like anyone I ever met. You're so refreshingly weird in a good way." His eyes held an undefined emotion as he scanned her blushing face.

Ahri chuckled softly, "I've been called worse, and most of my potential suitors always run for the hills in Russia when they find out about my particular gift of talking to oil-based nobility...I'm a modern witch."She looked suddenly deflated. No guy wanted to stay.

Jhope leaned forward and said softly, "Well, I don't want to run. I want to stay and get to know you more, about your art, your gift and your family...mostly about you as a person." His smile almost gave her an aneurysm.

Ahri blinked and blush beetred, her heart beating erractically. Jhope is truly interested in her. It's too hard to swallow.

"Really. But why?" She uttered softly,"I'm not famous, or glamorous or poised...I'm just a boring, professional single...eccentric and constantly talks to invisible things. I'm strange and I'd accept that---"

Jhope jumped from the coach , his lean figure hovering over her, as he crouch down in front of her amazed eyes, he took her soft hand in his, she bit her lip as she stared down on his strong veiny hand, there was an undeniable chemistry in the atmosphere.

He smiled as his eyes were earnest in hers,"Ahri that is exactly why. You so real and you see the world so refreshingly different. I...want to be part of that world. Authentic and unapologetic. I don't want to miss out what Fate might be offering me. My world is filled with fake verneer, where indulgence and excessive pride is the norm. I need Authentic connections...and it's you."

That undeniable moment between krept in and they both know that there was a shift in their budding friendship.

Ahri looked up into his soft eyes and grin slowly,"Alright then. But if you free tonight, maybe to let Mona critique your concert outfit."

Jhope groaned , stood up and pulled her up with him, 'Gosh, even inanimate women are judging me!" He throw his head backwards and laugh.," And your a lucky girl, I'm free...done with rehearsals for the day."

They both started to snicker, unaware that his cool hand still clutching hers.

There was a little knock from the outside,and a soft strong voice said in Korean, " Sir, time..."

Jhope sighed, let go of her warm hand, and took out another acorn keyring, from his pocket, a similiar one but with a gold KA initials, " Don't loose it, is my pass to see you again."

Ahris'eyes widen in shock. He made a matching one exclusively for her?

He smiled as he walk to the door, then he called over his shoulder.

"Ahri...you're not allowed to fall for any other painting before Friday." He winked at her.

Ahri smile widely and rolled her eyes,"Only if Mona behaves."

🎨🎨🎨🎨

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Scene 7

Museum Gossips

Settings: Art Institute of Chicago

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It was almost closing time when Jhope and two bodyguards discreetly entered the Art Institute of Chicago museum. He found Ahri in the Portrait Hall in front of a painting called The Girl with the Pearl earring.

Ahri looked at the quiet figure standing next to her and smirked. He looked like a typical K-pop celebrity in not-so-good disguise. He had a tan beanie on, a white mask, and was dressed comfortably in signature baggy clothing. He exuded the coolness of a rapper. His eyes smiled brightly as he softly touched her back in a greeting.

"Hi, pretty girl..." he teased Ahri, who just blushed.

"Hi, Mr popstar...ready to meet the rest of my social circle." She whispered something in front of the painting, and Jhope's eyes widened as the girl's painted lips curved into the tiniest smirk.

"Did she just..."Jhope looks at Ahri with a bewildered expression. Is he hallucinating now?

"Smile. Yup she likes you,"Ahri nodded," She says you smell like spring."

Jhope smile goofily at the painting and give a little bow. Then Ahri gently grabbed Jhope's arm and led him to the painting of Frida Kahlo. Ahri winked candidly at the portrait.

"She says your aura is like a tangled gift ribbon. You are full of creativity but also stubborn; however, she senses a hint of sadness surrounding you". Ahri looked intensely at him.

"That's so accurate...I'm leaving on Saturday." He quietly confessed. He doesn't want to leave Chicago.

Then they quietly moved to Van Gogh's Self-Portrait.

"He describes your rhythm as being like brushstrokes-highly unexpected and energetic." Jhope just smirks at Van Gogh.

Than they stopped at American Gothic, and Ahri leaned over and whisper," She said ditch the overalls it's a vibe killer...don't know what she means---" Ahri looked perplexed, maybe Hobi knows what it means.

Jhope whispered back,"Noted!"

Then they stood in front of the Scream painting.

Ahri started to laugh as Jhope looked amused at her.

Ahri chuckled and said, "This is one dramatic guy... He actually screamed when I wore Crocs. I just wanted to say hi when coming from the supermarket. Gosh!"

Jhope grinned; she was very intrigued now. They came to Whistler's Mother. Jhope looked at the old woman in the chair; she looked stern.

Ahri inhaled deeply, "She says you better not break my heart."

Jhope's eyes blinked, "Wait. She talks too?"

Ahri grinned and stood in front of Jhope. His breath immediately hitched at her close proximity. Her delicate floral scent attacked his nose. Ahri could see him gulping visibly.

"All the paintings talk; you just have to empty your brain and close your eyes." She gently touched his eyes; she could feel his breath becoming harsh, but although he was skeptical, he complied.

The room became eerily silent.

And then...he gasped audibly. He swears he just saw a movement in his closed eyelids. The tiniest twitch of an eye occurred. The lips of the Whistler Mothers moved ever so slightly.

"What the hell..." he whispered, then yelled in Korean as he opened his eyes and looked at Ahri in awe.

"How...how are you doing this?" He whispered, looking at her with new eyes.

Ahri smiled gently, "I'm part of the supernaturally gifted community. My parents accidentally discovered my abilities when I spoke to a painting during my first grade performance. But I knew since I was four."

" You're telling me..." Jhope whispered , turning slowly to her: "You really started talking to paintings when you were... like six?"

"Actually seven," Ahri corrected him with a shrug. "Okay, technically six and a half. We were performing a play titled "The Four Seasons," and I played the role of a flower. There I was, cutely dressed in a flower costume, about to ascend to the stage when I heard this painting softly humming to me from the hallway. "

She chuckled as they slowly walked to admire a Vermeer painting." The painting was called "The Girl with the Lemon Ribbon,' painted by a student decades ago. It 's a painting that won a national school art competition. An innocent girl with twin buns and a yellow dress is holding her hand out to a bird. "

Ahri smiled as she reminisced about her first experience in the fantastical world.

Jhope's eyes widen. "You went and talked to her?" He was extremely invested now.

"But she talked to me first," Ahri said, turning to look at his awed expression. "She told me that my Art Teacher, Miss Greer, used to be her and that she once wanted to be a ballerina. However, her mum died of cancer when she was eight, and after that, she just stopped dancing," Ahri shrugged.

Jhope stared at her as if she grew antlers, "Wait a minute...and you just went and told your teacher that?"

"Well, yeah," Ahri grinned as her eyes sparkled, "Just like that in my daisy costume, very theatrically. I told her I knew about the lemon ribbons."

Jhope's eyes beamed. "What did she say?"

"She looked at me with shock as I told her about the painting and her childhood aspirations. Then, she smiled at me, gazing at me as if I were magical, cupping my face and telling me that some gifts are gentle whispers, so I should be kind to mine". Ahris's eyes soften as she brushes her hand gently along the velvet barrier. "She never brought it up again...like keeping my secret, but then she started to leave little art books on my desk like she knew I wasn't imagining it."

Jhope's eyes smiled deeply in hers. "Wow...what a remarkable teacher. What happened to her?"

Ahri sighed, " She retired when I was a freshman in high school, but she passed away from Covid a few years ago.I was so sad and I wanted to become an Art curator but my parents wanted me to be 'normal'...so I changed my career path." Ahri just nonchalantly shrugged.

Jhope was a little silent for a few moments to digest her life story.Then he exhaled a long breath, realizing that his perspective on the world had just shifted.

" This is the next level of Harry Potter!"He whispered. " But in the best possible way. Your like a painting psychic. "

Ahri grinned,"More like a portrait whisper," she said, nudging his arm.

Behind them, Mr. Lee and Hobeom stood guard near the archway, with Mr. Lee's eyes darting to any lone tourist or cleaning staff who wanted to curiously peek at the two solitary figures inside the Portrait hall.

Jhope leaned conspiratory," Do you think some of these paintings has a crush on me..." he chuckled with a teasing tone.

Ahri giggled rather than say dryly, "Oh, several, but I told Napoleon he must forget it because he didn't stand a chance."

Jhope burst into laughter as his laughter echoed throughout the room, while Ahri just snickered into her fists. Jhope is so funny."Girl, you're going to ruin me. And I mean it in the best way."

Ahri just shoved his shoulder as he strolled and admired some of Picasso's paintings.

Ahri looked at Jhope and said, "It's almost 8 PM. Don't you think you've had enough of my presence?"

Jhope eyes widen," No, I don't have enough. Somebody needs to eat...care to accompany us to grab something to eat."

Ahri inhaled sharply," Jhope...are you crazy! You can't be seen with a girl. Your media will have a meltdown...your ARMY...oh gosh no!"

Jhope whined," Come on, Ahri...I don't care. Please don't reject me. I won't have time to spend with you after the concert."

He made some aegoys.

Ahri sighed and looked exasperated, "It's quite challenging to decline your requests... however, may I choose the place? Did you visit Korea town? My dad used to take our family to Korea town, and the food is so authentic that you won't miss Seoul."

Jhope's eyes shone brightly. "Really,I heard about it but never personally visited it.Management only orders dishes from various Korean restaurants, but it would be great to stroll through a Korean town at night. "

"Well, I'll take you out then. It's my treat; just check with your management to see if it's alright for me to take you out. Just remember to keep low profile. Put on those cool glasses of yours..." she looked appreciatively at him.

Jhope was beaming and had a the widest smirk when he converse with Mr Lee and his manager. Mr. Lee's eyes darted from him to your still posture and the pleading look in Hobis eyes played the trick.

Hobeom was surprised that Jhope had found a special friend in Chicago and urged Ahri to put on her sunglasses as he led her out the back of the museum into the black van, where two more bodyguards stood in awe of a girl who would accompany them discreetly; a few minutes later, Mr. Lee and Jhope entered the van. Ahri's heart was beating erractically, as she couldn't believe that she found herself in Jhopes' private vehicle all the way to Korea Town.

🎨🎨🎨🎨
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Scene 8

Bulgogi and Breaking news

Settings: Korea Town, Apartment

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The buzzing atmosphere felt like Seoul. J-Hope couldn't hide his delight at the energy around him. His tan beanie was pulled low over his face, and a few strands of hair framed his face. His look was rounded off with his silver-wired glasses. He looked piping hot. With his oversized, baggy attire, he pulled off the low-key idol look.

Ahris' mission was to feed him the best Korean BBQ. Mr. Lee gave Ahri a black snapback as she pulled her hair into a messy bun. Mr. Lee and two bodyguards looked low-key in black and blue baseball jackets, bucket hats, and sunglasses.

"I told you this place is low-key and nobody will recognize you," Ahri assured him as she tugged her cap lower over her face.

"You sure about that?" He squinted his eyes at the red Bulgogi neon sign. "I just saw an ajumma inside winking at me."

That's just her face; she does that to everyone. Ahri grinned as Mr. Lee and two bodyguards discreetly entered with the two of you behind.

A friendly older lady escorted them to a secluded table far in the back, away from any invasion.

They were placed at Table 15. The place wasn't that full few tables around them were empty, so the bodyguards occupied tables near them. They were surprised when they found out the bill was on  Ahri. The owner of the place knows Ahri since she was a teen and secretly told Ahri the whole meal was on the house.

Ahri expertly barbecues the meat on the grill with her chopsticks. Jhope was pleasantly surprised that she could still master the chopsticks. She grinned as they both flipped the marinated slices on the grill and layered them with ssamjang, garlic, and perilla leaves.

Jhope chuckled softly, his mouth full of succulent food. "You're scaring me; you grill better than Jin-hyung."

Ahri giggle,"Don't let him hear you; he might fly over here with his spatula and pink slipper."

She handed him a lettuce wrap, and their fingers touched. Ahri froze for a second, but he just beamed up at her.

"I really like this. There is no noise, stylists, or script involved. Just the beef," he grinned, looking around the empty section. The bodyguards were still alert around them but enjoying the BBQ.

They were handed more interesting veggie side dishes that they thoughtfully enjoyed. They laughed and teased each other, talking about their families and funny anecdotes from their everyday lives. She told him her father who was working as Goverment Defense Director was contemplating emigrating back home and start an Intelligence Company and because Sori wants to study in South Korea and maybe become a trainee as an actress.

J-Hope told her about his band that was still in the military and how he missed them, but he and Jin-hyung and Suga usually meet up when they are free. The maknaes are spread out in their bases, but they communicate through a chat group- Bangtan is💜seven

Jhope griined as his eyes sparkle with a teasing glint," I can't wait to see you at the concert...are you a slight ARMY fan now?"

Ahri winked at him. "Maybe still needs more persuasion but your energy on stage is quite exhausting. Are you on a sugar rush?"

J-Hope burst out in laughter, "I'm naturally full of life...and dancing is my thing."

Ahri quietly says, "I like it..." than she looked down on her plate blushing.

Jhope's eyes shone happily. "I'm glad..."

"So when do you leave?" Ahri asked quietly, changing the subject.

J-Hope smirks, "Going to miss me already... After the concert on Saturday, we will leave for Mexico City for a two-day show, followed by San Antonio, Oakland, and finally Los Angeles. After that, I will begin the Asian leg of the tour, which will continue until June. Maybe spend some time with my family and wait for the much anticipated return of Bangtan from the military."

Ahris' eyes widen. "Wow BTS will soon be together. The world is waiting with bated breath...you must be exhausted from all the energetic performancs. Please rest well and make sure to eat well, okay?"She looked concerned.

Jhope beamed at her obvious care. "I like when you worry about me. Don't forget to look into your black invitation envelope. Okay."

Ahri just rolls her eyes teasingly, "You spoil us too much. Sori wouldn't be able to concentrate on her studies, and being somewhat friends with you...makes her more annoying."

Jhope laughs softly, "I like your fangirl, Sis...she is a true ARMY, unlike some people I know."

Ahri pulled a face as she drank a little grapefruit soju. "Yeah, well...rowdy crowds and fangirling were never my thing. Too much energy..."

Jhope smiled, "I like you just the way you are...you are authentic and yourself. And you're magical."

They start snickering together. Mr. Lee and Hobeom shook their heads, very elated that the 31-year-old started to spend time with a girl other than their stylists. They hope she won't get burned in this type of situation.

But what they didn't see was a young couple deep in the far corner, snapping pics with an iPhone, discreetly, of the star and the girl with the cap. They were trying hard not to squeal. J-Hope laughed heartily.

They couldn't believe their luck that on this quiet evening they could see the global star dining at the same popular place in Koreatown.

....

🎨🎨🎨

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Scene : 9

Social media meltdown

Settings: Apartment

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The next morning, Twitter/TikTok and E-Entertainment had a field day as Ahri was still unaware of what was happening in social media. Her phone was off charging near her bedside.

On Twitter: Breaking news: Is BTS's J-Hope secretly dating in Chicago? #mysterygirlBBQ was trending worldwide.

There were various clips of the restaurant and some grainy footage showing how cheerily and joyfully Hobi was being with Ahri and how she was smacking his shoulder; even his dimples were on full display.

On E! Entertainment

The anchor, Kelsi, wore a deep, smug smile as she giddily presented the breaking news with the same footage that had sent social media into meltdown.

BTS fans are speculating about the identity of the stylish and confident girl dining with Jhope at a discreet diner in the heart of Koreatown known as Bulgogi, a popular Korean BBQ establishment'. Sources say she's a Korean-American and possibly a museum curator where they allegedly met...'

Even fans had zoomed into her Mona Lisa tote bag with the acorn keychain.

'She's the girl from the concert...Monalisa girl.'

'Is she his girlfriend?'

'She's so pretty. I'm shipping them.

'Maybe she's the girl of the unreleased MV.'

.....

Meanwhile, in her cozy, upmarket apartment, Ahri was humming to herself while she was fixing her velvet black hair , brushing it in silky strands. Her dark , mysterious eyes held a deep secret that nobody knew. She remembered the VIP invitation. Jhope gave her and Sori all access pass. Special Jhope guests. Today she decided on a cute black silk top and blue skinny jeans that accentuate her beautiful fit body.

She quickly slipped on her red Converse sneakers because she had a museum date with J-Hope later today, and she didn't want painful toes at the end of the visit. Her phone was buzzing non-stop on the bed with notifications. It was absolutely blowing up. But she quickly had to brush her teeth because she had breakfast.

Sori was dropped off last night to spend a study day in her apartment until Friday for their last VIP access concert. Sori will be only with her sister because they will have a full backstage tour and a snack pack to enjoy. This time they will be placed in a celebrity area at the top of the arena, with some of his management.

Sori suddenly screamed loudly and ran to her bedroom with her phone in her hand. She looked bewildered, her pink hair disheveled and Ahri almost bumped into her, wide-eyed, toothbrush in her mouth.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Sori was hyperventilating, and Ahri looked perplexed at her sister that didn't know how to breathe.

"What is it?" Ahri asked, concerned.

"Ahri, look, you're on E-News. I was browsing TikTok, and I came upon this breaking news! Nova just called me!" She practically screams, jumping up and down.

Ahri , who was still brushing her teeth , mumbled inaudibly, "What did I do?"

"What the heck, Ahri! You had Korean BBQ with Hobi; that's what! You made Jung freakin... Hoseok laughed like he was in a K-drama. It's all over social media. Mom's going to freak out!"

Ahri ran to her bathroom, spat out the contents of her mouth, and groaned. While rinsing her mouth, she wiped her mouth with her white fluffy towel and threw it on the basin. "Oh no! The ARMY hate train is going to pull into the station right now. What the hell!" She whined and wiped her face, exasperated.

Sori giggled, "There's no hate yet, just speculation on your identity, and some thirst tweets wanted to know about your flawless skin and skincare routine and how you got on Hobi's radar."

Ahri furrowed her brows, but her heart was beating erratically. "I didn't sign up for this!" She plopped down on her bed, kicking and hitting the bed while Sori was laughing and still reading the tweets. Her sister is going to be famous!

Just then, next to her on the bed, her phone was buzzing again. Ahri was too scared to open her messages. But the latest one was from jhope.

Jhope: I viewed E-news this morning.We were exposed. Are you okay? I'm so sorry, but I'm glad they mistook us as a couple. Call me later, museum girl.😉"

Ahri: I'm freaked out; I'll call you later...no museum visit today. Mona can wait for now.

She stared at the message a little speechless, not fully comprehending what J-Hope just said.

Until she heard a soft hum in her ears... Mona's voice echoed in her mind...

'Well , well, look, our darling girly might not be professionally single anymore...'

Her other messages were sounding frantic! It was sent earlier in the morning.

Naomi: Ahri, go on Twitter. Now!

Theo: Girl, what's going on?? You and J-Hope??? Is this real or edited? Heard he visited our clinic in our absence!

Sheryl: You are literally trending right now! Pick up your phone!

Mom: Excuse me! What's going on!

Dad: Ahri . Since when have you been dating?

🎨🎨🎨🎨

A/n: Ahri and Hobi are growing closer.

Thank you so much for your interest in this short fic. Kindly comment inline at the scenes and tell me what you think about the story so far.

1. What are your thoughts on her friendship with her co-workers?

2. Which scenes did you enjoy the most?

3. Do you like Ahris' personality?

4. Do you think Jhope will pursue her or succumb to the pressure of his agency concerning the dating scandal!

A little h🔥tress!!!

https://youtu.be/ECqGCH1TfLY