American Debut Part 2

"That was the longest and the most tiring trip that I had in my life." Seiji-hyung complained for the hundredth time.

We just got out from our plane coming from LA. We were back to New York City for KCON. It was indeed the most tiring one since our flight almost got cancelled. Apart from the 6 hour flight, we had to stay in LA International Airport for 2 extra hours because of the delay. We still had to have our blocking for tomorrow's event. There were a lot to work on and we were running late.

"We know, Seiji-hyung. You've been complaining nonstop since we landed. I know the traffic there sucked and I know that the saesang fans didn't help. But please, just stop complaining." Yo Chul-hyung said.

We laughed a little because these two were like an old married couple that were bickering a lot. We waited for a while for the head of the security together with his team to arrive.

"Hey guys. Same thing as last time." The head of the security said.

"Got it." Matt-hyung gave an okay sign as he said that.

They did the usual search and body checks. Our passports were also checked as well. After making sure that everything was good to go, we immediately headed to our vans. Because of the American Music Awards and the shows that we were on, there were even more people that came to see us. It was really crowded this time.

I was beginning to be cautious because anyone could possibly come and cause trouble. We had the option of passing through the VIP route and avoid these people but we don't want to look like big-headed superstars that we would ignore our fans. That's why we chose to do things the hard way.

As soon as we got near the exit, the fans started pushing hard causing the security personnel to bump into us. Most of us almost fell down but we chose to continue moving back to the van. When we got to the van, we sighed in relief. It was really nice to escape chaos. One wrong move and the media would be firing daggers at us all day.

This was the downside of being a celebrity, the media would do their best to uncover what they think is the truth and ruin the celebrity's image. Although we can easily manipulate the media because of our connections, there are still some radicals who are willing to lose their jobs or die to expose what they think is the "truth". So it still makes things hard.

"For the first time ever, I just want to go home. American fans are way scarier." Jiwoo said as he shivered at the thought of what happened earlier in the airport.

Soon, we arrived at the Javits Center in New York City. This was the venue for this year's NYC KCON. It was already 9PM so I'm pretty sure that most of the people are done with their blocking now and even the stall managers are leaving too.

"Finally… some peace and quiet." Zhang muttered.

"Shentong… it's the first time I've heard you complain." Zee said.

Zhang didn't bother responding and just went ahead. We made our way to the back stage to see the equipment. It was always like this. There would always be briefings for us especially when it's our first time being in that place. We listened attentively to the person speaking. At first he spoke slowly because he thought that we couldn't understand him.

When he saw that no one was translating, he then questioned us. "Do you guys understand me? Why isn't there anyone translating? What are these people doing leaving a bunch of idiotic Asians who can't understand?"

"We can understand you loud and clear, you know?" Jeong Do said as he crossed his arms.

"Ah… really? Sorry about that… I just…" He tried to explain.

Dominic just rolled his eyes. "Uhuh… just continue explaining. We 'idiotic Asians' would LOVE to hear from you."

He smiled wryly at us. "I really am sorry… so…"

The person in charge continued to explain what we needed to do. Soon, he was done explaining and we started heading for the stage to do our blocking. We were told that as we were being briefed that there was currently another group doing their blocking on stage.

As soon as we went up the stage, there was a group that was about to pass by the stairs. When we saw each other we were surprised but were really happy to see them. Although we meet a lot at award shows, we barely have enough time to say "hi" to one another. That is why we have the liners to help us get to know each other better.

The rest of the members were already shaking their hands and greeting them with a bow. I on the other hand was walking towards a good friend of mine.

I opened my arms signaling for her to come and give me a hug. She crossed her arms with an angry look. I didn't budge and just stayed there with my arms wide open. She slowly smirks before she runs over to me and gives me a hug.

"It's good to see you, Wheein." I chuckled as I patted her back in our embrace.

She giggled as she hugged me tighter. "It's definitely good to see you."

We pulled apart and I asked, "How long has it been? When was the last time we saw each other?"

She placed her hands on her hips and pondered. "It probably about two months ago. During our 95 liners meeting."

"I hate to break up your tearful reunion but these guys need to practice." Solar-noona said. She looked so exhausted that her cheerful smile was nowhere to be found.

"You okay, Solar-noona?" I asked with a tinge of concern in my voice.

"Yeah… Yeah, just... a bit tired." She replied forcing a smile.

Wheein leaned closer to me and whispered, "She's just pressured because we're not doing so well in the charts lately. 'Um Ah Oh Yeah' topped the charts at one point for 3 weeks straight but after a you guys made a comeback it was gone."

I felt sorry for them. That's just how it is. It's not just a matter of fanbase but it's about the people's taste in music. You have to give them what they want but at the same time it has to sound fresh and new to them. That was the challenge every producer had to tackle.

Moonbyul-noona also leaned to whisper. "She's also pressured because a certain TV show just called her."

"Ya! I can hear you!" Solar-noona angrily yelled.

I chuckled. "WGM also called you, huh?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wha- How did you know?"

I rolled my eyes. Because you were part of it in the previous world. Of course I didn't say that so told her something that only I know. "Because they also called me about it."

"Don't tell me…" She started to fade away.

I shook my head as I laugh. "That's not likely to happen. I'm pretty sure that you still have to work your schedule for the year so you might start later than me. So don't worry. We won't be paired up."

She thought about for a while before she nodded. "Probably. I'm not putting my thoughts on it that much since it's still tentative. But I wouldn't have minded it though."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, right."

After conversing for a few minutes, our manager went in to scold us for not starting yet. And so, we said our goodbyes and began our blocking and rehearsals.

__________

"Are we seriously doing this?" Seiji-hyung asked.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but… I'm with Seiji-hyung on this one." Yo Chul-hyung added.

Seiji-hyung then snapped his head towards Yo Chul-hyung. "Ya! What do you mean-"

"Guys… Focus…" Matt-hyung rebuked them.

KCON finally started and we were still performing in the afternoon. For now, we were asked, together with some idol groups that were performing to join some challenges around the arena. The fans were really excited but of course, this was only for the VIPs. There was a section of the arena which was tightly guarded by security and were for selected people only. Only 200 of them could get in.

And here's the fun part, we could freely roam around and do whatever. The goal was to join as much of challenges that we could without being caught. So… we're not that free. But if we were caught, it was still fine. People would just start to surround us and ask for pictures and autographs, which is still fine by the way.

Again, we can pick any challenge we want but there is one challenge that the organizers picked for us ahead of time that we had to do. And unfortunately, we were supposed to look for the "I Dare You" Booth and do at least 1 dare each.

I chuckled. "Let's just get this over with. I'm pretty sure the fans would be happy about it."

We met with the booth managers and told them that we were tasked to take dares from their booth. They were about to scream when they saw us coming over. We told them to keep quiet for now. We were about to be exposed just like that. Thank goodness they happily complied. There was a camera following us around so the organizers would play it later before we perform. It didn't help in keeping us low key though.

"How do we go about this?" Jeong Do asked.

I pondered. "From youngest to eldest?"

"Ya! Hyung! Don't be like that!" Jiwoo complained.

But the rest of the group agreed to it. Only the Maknae line were very persistent in saying no to it. Zee was very adamant in saying no as well.

"Either way, we'll end up doing it. So might as well end it now, Jiwoo-ya." I tried to convince him.

He sighed before he nervously put his hand inside the mystery box. After giving it a whirl, he finally pulled out a piece of folded.

The paper was being unfolded slowly and he closed both of his eyes while doing it. The rest of the members gathered around him to see what it was. He slowly opened his eyes to see for himself why everyone was groaning and patting his back saying their condolences.

When he finally saw it, his jaw dropped and I swear I could see him sweating. He gulped and said, "My girlfriend's going to kill me."

He then went around to scout his potential target wearing his black cap and face mask. When he finally made his choice, he approached a red head girl who was really cute and said, "Hey there."

As soon as the girl turned around to eye him, she smiled and said. "Hey… can I help you?"

"What's your name?" Jiwoo asked.

"Sarah." She answered with a smile. She was obviously intrigued as to why there was a guy wearing a disguise while being followed by a camera.

"Sarah. What a beautiful name. Yeah. So umm… I know this would sound crazy right now but…" He gulped before he continued. "Can I ask for a kiss on the cheek?"

Her eyes widened in surprise but responded with a giggle. "It must be a dare. Isn't it?"

Jiwoo just nervously laughs and nodded.

The woman chuckled. "Well, I can't kiss you if you're wearing that mask, you have to take it off."

He raised his eyebrow. "It's just a kiss on the cheek, not on the lips."

"Take it or leave it." She replied in a teasing tone.

Jiwoo sighed as he took off his mask. When the girl saw who it was, she recognized her and started squealing. "Well this changes things. I can't kiss you now."

"Well, you have to otherwise I'd have to pay for the punishment." Jiwoo explained.

She hesitated for a while before she leaned in before she apologized at the camera. "I'm sorry Tzuyu. It's just a dare."

A quick kiss was planted on the cheek. They soon got to know each other and she explained that she was a fan of Twice and Alpha so that's why it was hard for her to do the dare. Tzuyu was also her bias which made it even harder. Jiwoo promised her that if Alpha came to visit here with Twice next KCON, he'll introduce her to Tzuyu as a sign of his thanks. He gave him his card to give to the security in order for her to meet her back stage.

Jiwoo is just too kind. Makes him one of the cutest and nicest Maknae ever.

Jiwoo, Zee and Yo Chul-hyung were the only ones who had girlfriends so they were really hoping that they wouldn't be able to pick such dares. Unfortunately, Jiwoo got one of the worst dares. He immediately called Tzuyu about it and apologized profusely. Tzuyu on the other hand was just laughing at him. She was very supportive towards Jiwoo and she actually knows that he can't cheat on her.

Next to have a go was Zee. He picked a dare that wasn't too bad. He was supposed to kiss the hand of a stranger. Surprisingly, the stranger turned out to be a fan and considered Zee as her bias. He made the fan really happy and sad about it. Happy because her idol kissed her hand. Sad because she knows that Zee has a girlfriend. Zee explained that it was just a dare from the dare booth. She understood and said that she was glad to be able to help.

Zhang got the dare "Pinch a stranger's cheek and wink at the person." Although the person wasn't a fan of Alpha, she recognized us and played along with Zhang which made it easy for him. Lucky him.

Jeong Do was next. He got a pretty easy dare. The dare was to let him go near our merchandise booth and ask a fan of ours for directions to the main entrance. It took a while for the fan to realize that she was talking to Jeong Do. When she finished explaining, she turn to ask Jeong Do if he was really Jeong Do. He confirmed it which made the fan cry out of joy. It was a dream of hers to meet Jeong Do which was her bias that was why she spent so much just to meet him.

She was actually diagnosed with terminal cancer and was just scratching off stuff from the top of her bucket list. Jeong Do then brought her to Seiji-hyung and Dominic to ask for a favor. They were happy to help him but she had to wait after the event. They were going to cure her. In this world, there was a cure for cancer, it was just limited and very VERY expensive. She couldn't hold her tears back and started thanking them profusely while crying.

I finally get why the organizers picked this type of gimmick.

It was for the fans.

We sometimes get too caught up with the lights and the fame that we sometimes forget that any of this wouldn't be possible without the fans. So this was our chance to give back even just a little of the joy that they gave us throughout this time.

Realizing this, Dominic surprisingly got excited to do the dare. He went and pulled out a folder paper from the mystery box. His eyes widened but ended up smiling. It was the first time I saw him this excited.

I wonder what he got?

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