Chapter Eight

When the carpool group arrived they gasped at the big building.

"Is this right? How could they be performing here? And look at all the people!" Choon-Hee gasped as she grabbed her phone and searched the address, sure enough this was the place.

"Maybe they're a side performance?" Obi suggested with an agape mouth. Kaehi's eyes were as wide as saucers as she saw all the people. She tried to climb over Mi-Sun to get out and bolt. Mi-Sun immediately wrapped her arms around Kaehi's upper body and Eun-Young wrapped her arms around her waist. Holding her back.

"Let me go! I will not go in there!" She exclaimed as she struggled and grappled at her friends' hands.

"It's too late to back out now Kaehi!"

"I dunno, I'm kinda nervous now too. I thought it would be a small concert!" Choon-Hee said, nibbling her lip anxiously. Choon-Hee being an ambivert, her introverted side and social anxiety was coming out now.

"Oh no! Not you too! Snap out of it!" Obi said as he finally found a parking spot.

"I guess it was a good thing we decided to come as early as we did. We'd be in lines for hours." Eun-Young said. Obi arched his eyebrow.

"No we wouldn't." The girl looked at him and he rolled his eyes. "You guys didn't even notice he gave us VIP tickets!?"

"He WHAT!?" Choon-Hee exclaimed.

"Yeah look at them." Choon-Hee quickly shuffled through her bag when she tried to hide a smirk. She slowly increased the pace she was looking and everyone was staring at her with wide eyes. Choon-Hee looked up with a panicked expression.

"Oh my god! They're not here!" Choon-Hee exclaimed as she pretended to look again desperately despite them being right there in her view.

"Don't fuck with me Choon-Hee! I just drove 100 miles here! Gas isn't cheap these days!" Obi said angrily.

"I'm serious Obi! I could have sworn they were in here when we left! Quick check the car!" Everyone began to search as Choon-Hee bit her lip as she began to laugh. She slowly pulled out the tickets and Obi was first to notice. The girls kept searching as they hit each other's head multiple times.

"Guys. GUYS!" Obi exclaimed and they stopped and looked up as Choon-Hee finally bursted into laughter.

"I was just joking." Everyone began to lecture her and yellow as Choon-Hee just cackled. They peered at it and sure enough in medium font on the bottom of the ticket it said VIP.

"Wow.." Everyone but Obi said since he knew already.

"Well then let's get to the front of that line." Mi-Sun grinned as she took a ticket.

"Let's go!" Eun-Young exclaimed as she kept a hold of Kaehi's waist and grabbed their tickets from Choon-Hee as well. Mi-Sun got out of the car and Eun-Young and Kaehi followed. Eun-Young still held tightly to Kaehi as they got out. Eun-Young and Kaehi had always been close and physically affectionate with one another. It made sense since they were online friends before Kaehi came to attend university. It definitely made Choon-Hee and Mi-Sun feel they were even closer than they were with each other. Choon-Hee and Mi-Sun weren't the touchy type of besties. Their love was Acts Of Service.

Obi locked the car as the group headed to the opening together. They spot the VIP line which was merely 2 people currently getting checked. Kaehi gripped onto Eun-Young anxiously.

"I don't want them searching me." She said in Eun-Young's ear with trembling hands. Eun-Young took Kaehi's hand in hers, entwining their fingers.

"You'll be fine. They have to protect the idols." Eun-Young said, comforting her. Choon-Hee and Mi-Sun couldn't help but feel touched by the scene of the two. Choon-Hee was a bit anxious as well and Mi-Sun immediately rested a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Choon-Hee gave her a smile with a shaky breath as Obi went through.

"Thanks." She said and went to do her scan as well. Mi-Sun, Kaehi, and Eun-Young came through last. They waited for the group before entering the building. Choon-Hee gasped as she saw a stand. "OH MY GOD! They even have lightsticks?! We're buying one!" She said as she grabbed Obi's arm and ran to get in line.

"There's so many people! How can they be at this place without a company?" Eun-Young said as she draped an arm over Kaehi's shoulder. They stood in line with the group. "I've never heard a group that is not with a company perform here. You guys do remember it's hard to become popular in Korea without signing with a company… right?" Choon-Hee rolled her eyes at Eun-Young.

"Of course we remember that. They're probably just having a small performance for their group!"

"Like a side stage?" Eun-Young said doubtfully. Eun-Young knew the most about these since she was the party girl and raised in Korea. "I don't know. As far as I'm aware this is only rented out by companies for their groups."

"Let's just enjoy it!" Choon-Hee said despite her slight anxiety and claustrophobia kicking in. They finally got to the front and they all bought a lightstick.

"Holy shit these are rad!" Mi-Sun exclaimed as she looked at the galaxy styled lightsticks.

"Wait, Stranded?" Kaehi said as she read the name of Christopher's group. "That's wild, I listen to a K-POP group named that, like almost religiously." She said with a laugh.

"Really? That's a shame, I thought they had a unique name!" Choon-Hee pouted slightly as she turned her lightstick on.

"Come on! Let's hurry and try to get close to the stage!" Obi exclaimed and the group quickly rushed towards the stage. Luckily they were only letting in VIPs right now. They wouldn't let the others in for another half hour.

Choon-Hee looked around curiously seeing about fifty other people holding lightsticks and other things in celebration. Choon-Hee sucked up the courage to chat with another female nearby.

"Hi!" She said with a big smile.

"Hi."

"Are you here for Stranded too?"

"Too? Honey, I'm only here for Stranded." She said with a grin as she held up a stuffed duck. "Jae's my bias. What about you?"

"Oh, um, I guess Chan is my bias." Choon-Hee said with a smile. "What's that stuffed animal?" The girl arched her brow.

"It's their stuffies, like Stray Kids. Jae is the Duck."

"Oh I see, sorry. I'm new to the fandom." Choon-Hee smiled.

"Ohhhh! Okay that makes so much sense."

"Wait a minute… is that Jae's stuffie?!" Kaehi exclaimed, dragging Eun-Young by her waist since Eun-Young was still keeping a tight hold.

"Yes!" The girl said and the two quickly went into fangirl mode together.

"Wait! Wait! You haven't met Jae!" Choon-Hee said, confused.

"Stranded! The group I told you I listen to that has the same name as this guy's band!"

"Wait.. you do realize you are the THE Stranded Concert right?" The girl said, confused now.

"What!? No way! Oh my god! Are they selling the stuffies here?"

"Yeah I think so. I bought this at a different concert though so I'm not sure."

"I have to go back and find one." As Kaehi left with Eun-Young in tow it slowly hit her. Wait, so Chris' group isn't some small self made group?! Did he lie about everything to her? It suddenly made sense why he was always in that get up. He was hiding his identity. And why he took her to an expensive restaurant with private booths. Her phone dinged as the other people started filing in. Choon-Hee flocked back closer to her group of friends despite not going far. A text from Chan.

Flower boy<3

I'm so glad you came.

Choon-Hee stared at the text in disbelief. Did the person she knew this whole time actually exist?

Choon-Hee

Why did you lie to me? I thought you were a small self made group! Not signed up with a company!

Flower boy<3

I'll explain everything! I promise! Please don't leave! I'll explain after the concert! Please!

Choon-Hee sighed in annoyance and didn't respond as she shoved her phone back into her pocket. She couldn't believe this. After an hour or so the place became crowded and her anger was slowly placed with anxiety as she felt other people's bodies brush against her. She tried to make herself smaller but they just came closer. Obi noticed and dragged her in front of him, her back against his chest and his arm wrapped around her so nobody else was touching her. She silently thanked her thoughtful friend as the lights of the surrounding room faded off. The room filled with excited screams as people shook their lightsticks in the air aggressively. Choon-Hee put little energy in bouncing her lightstick.

The stage lights shot out blue, purple, green, and yellow and swirled around the crowd as Christopher's group came into the stage. Everyone screamed out saying they loved them or holding posters saying the absolute most delulu things.

Jae, I thought this was our date! Why are there so many people here?

BIN PUT ME IN A CHOKEHOLD

Sky, In-And-Out date after the concert? I'LL PAY!

NIKI MARRY ME!

Choon-Hee shook her head and laughed softly as some hype music started playing. Choon-Hee tried to fight the urge to dance but Obi was already swaying her side to side and the second they started singing she felt all her anxiety and anger fade away. She watched the Stranded in complete awe as they danced hard choreo with lots of flips and quick movements. She began to bob the lightstick with more energy as she got into the music with a bright smile. She grinned and laughed when she looked over to seeing Kaehi scream the lyrics on the top of her lungs as Eun-Young hugged her from the back.

Choon-Hee couldn't deny what she already knew. Christopher was a leader of a very well known and popular and amazing boy group. Not just because they were all serious visuals but because they were amazingly talented. She knew he produced music but the songs they were performing was beyond her imagination.

By the time the concert was over Choon-Hee and her friends were exhausted from screaming and dancing to the songs. Kaehi had a huge smile on her face as she held up eight little stuffies in her arms. Choon-Hee was grinning like an idiot as well. She wasn't sure how Chan was going to be able to talk to her after the concert considering it would immediately start a scandal for his group and company. Choon-Hee received a text from Christopher telling her to meet his group at an address. He sends an address and Choon-Hee sighs. Should she go? She wasn't sure if she was safe and this is when she realizes that their relationship would have to be a secret. These thoughts would always be in her mind. Choon-Hee quickly gets Obi's attention which wasn't hard since he was still trying to block her from the crowd.

"Can we go? I need to talk to Christopher." She yelled up to him. She felt him nod as he shouted to the others.

"Let's get to the car!" He shouted as he guided Choon-Hee carefully with the flow of the crowd. "Hey, what's the name of the guy with red hair?"

"Hm?" Choon-Hee said as she looked up at her friend. "You mean Sam?" She offered.

"Yeahhh. He was really hot." He said, biting his bottom lips slightly.

"Ooooo!" Choon-Hee said teasingly as she poked him with a knowing smirk. He rolled his eyes with a smile. They got up in the car and Choon-Hee entered the address Christopher gave her. They drove for about 10 minutes before they arrived.

Choon-Hee stepped out nervously as she looked at the lit up company building. They looked around A bit confused until a guard at the door offered them some help.

"Are you here for the celebration party?"

"Um, yes." Choon-Hee said hesitantly. Chan hadn't told her there was a celebration party.. he just said they would talk.

"Code?" The male asked. Code? He didn't tell her one unless she didn't see it. She pulled her phone out and she found an unread text.

"Oh, 1143578." Choon-Hee said and the guard nodded. Another guard came and guided them to a lit up room. Only a few people gathered there. The guard asked them to put their phones into a basket and Choon-Hee hesitated.

"It's for the protection of the members and their friends and families privacy."

"Right…" Choon-Hee said and they put their phones in the basket.

"Hi, who are you guys related to?" A girl that might still be in high school asked curiously. "I've never seen you guys at these small celebrations before." Choon-Hee and her friends eyed each other.

"Um, we aren't actually related to any of the members." Choon-Hee said with a smile.

"Ohhh so close friend? Who of?"

"Um… Christopher?" Choon-Hee said hesitantly.

"Wait, my brother?"

"YOU'RE BROTHER!?" They all said at the same time.

"Yeah, I'm Cassie! Christopher's younger and more talented sisters!"

"I like her! She's sassy!" Obi said with a grin.

"Oh, well hi! I'm Choon-Hee. This is Obi, Mi-Sun, Kaehi, and Eun-Young." Choon-Hee said, pointing at each of her friends. "I've never been to these obviously. What exactly is going on? Chris just sent me the address and asked me to meet him here."

"It's a mini celebratory party that the company allows since they're a small company. The members get to invite family members and close friends to come to the company building. Kind of like an after party except without the drinks." Cassie winked with a laugh. They laughed with her.

"I see, that's interesting. Because Bin didn't—" Mi-Sun started but was cut off by loud clapping and cheering as the members entered the room with their faces full of pride and confidence. Chris spotted Choon-Hee with her friends and his sister. He immediately smiled and approached them. He put an arm over Choon-Hee's shoulders.

"I see you guys have met my annoying little sister already!" He said in English, his Aussie accent thick.

"Who's the annoying one!?"

"You are!" Chris said, sticking out his tongue.

"No, you are!"

"Anyway, I'm so glad you came to the concert." Christopher smiled at Choon-Hee and then his sister. "Ah, where's mom and dad?" Christopher asked and Choon-Hee froze. His parents?! Oh no, she wasn't ready to meet his parents. She didn't want to meet them. Especially since she made up her mind.

"Oh, they couldn't come. They had work so they allowed me to fly here by myself." Cassie said with a grin.

"How did you manage to convince them?!" Chris asked with wide eyes.

"I have my secrets." Cassie laughed as she flipped her black hair over her shoulder in a sassy way. Choon-Hee let out a sigh of relief as she looked at Chris who was looking at her with an arched brow.

"You don't want to meet my parents, Chamille?" Choon-Hee's first instinct was to smack his shoulder.

"Hey! I said don't call me that!" She fumed at him and realized her friends had abandoned her. Obi was talking to Sam and Kaehi was with Eun-Young and was fangirling while talking to Jae.

"What are you gonna do hmm?" Choon-Hee crossed her arms in annoyance at him.

"I think you're right, Cassie. He's definitely the annoying sibling."

"HEY!" Chris exclaimed and Choon-Hee laughed into her hand. Christopher pulled his arm off of her shoulder in offense.

"Are you two dating?" Cassie asked with a smirk.

"No."

"Yes." Christopher said at the same time and there was an awkward silence as Cassie's smirk dropped and Choon-Hee and Christopher avoided each other's eyes. "It's actually complicated, which speaking of, I need to talk to you." Christopher said. "Privately." Choon-Hee nodded in agreement.

He pulls Choon-Hee to a door that goes into another small room with a deal and a couch. He lets go of Choon-Hee's hand and sits down. She stood awkwardly as she looked around as she felt her eyes burn and hands shake. He pats the couch.

"Take a seat." He said as she slowly sat down. "I'm sorry for not telling you. I just didn't want you to see me any different."

"I can't help but think how I was stupid enough not to notice. I mean the get up you were in whenever I saw you? A mask, hoodie, and baseball cap. It was clear you were hiding your identity so rumors wouldn't spread. And the restaurant? I'm guessing it has some kind of privacy protection?" Chan bowed his head down. "Let's not forget the amount of MONEY you spent on me! Do I even know you Chan? Chris?" Choon-Hee said with a shaky voice as tears slipped down her face.

"Yes, of course you do! Everything was real. I never lied about myself!" He said, taking her trembling hand in his as he wiped away her tears.

"Really?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Okay."

"So are we okay now?"

"Actually…" Choon-Hee said as her heart aches. "...Our relationship won't go any further Chan."

"What why?!" He asked as his eyes widened. "Did I do something wrong!? I know I didn't correct you about assuming I was a self made band but I thought we were okay now? What can I do to fix it?"

"Let me… let me ask something, Christopher." He nodded as he held her hand tightly. "Would we have to keep our relationship a secret?" His eyes widened as he looked down at their hands and slowly nodded.

"Yes, we would."

"I can't live with that pressure on our relationship. I can't live with the constant worry of someone seeing us together and spreading rumors about us. I don't want to always have to go to expensive private places for our dates. I want to do things other couples do! That's why I can't."

"But… but I- I love you, Choon-Hee." He said as tears slipped down his face, making hers fall faster.

"Chris, we both know you won't give up your career to be with me. And I don't want that either. This is just what's best." Choon-Hee knew, in the end, their relationship wouldn't work. A rumor would get out sooner or later. She wouldn't take that risk. She could handle not seeing him often but she couldn't handle the constant worry of being caught. That's usually why it's hard for an idol to date a non Idol.

"Please, Choon-Hee. Can't you just try? I don't want to give up on us." He sobbed and Choon-Hee sniffled as new tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Chris, don't you know how selfish it is to ask me that? Do you realize how selfish it makes YOU look?" She asked and he nodded.

"I know, but I've never been selfish. You're the only one I want to be selfish with." He cried as he kissed the top of her hand and it shattered her heart even more as she felt a tear drop from his face onto the top of her hand. He sniffled as he looked back at her as he wiped it away with his thumb. He took her cheek in his hand and kissed her on the lips. The two shared a sorrowful goodbye kiss. When he pulled from her he pressed his forehead against hers as they closed their eyes and tried to collect themselves.

"You really won't change your mind?" He asked softly and they both let out heartbreaking laughter.

"No, I'm sorry Chris."

"I'll wait. I'll wait for you." He said as he gripped her hand.

"Chris I—"

"I don't care what you need to say. I'll wait, for however long it takes. I'll wait for you." He said and Choon-Hee felt her bottom lip tremble as tears threatened her eyes once again. She just softly nods.

"I should leave." He looked like he wanted to say no but he reluctantly pried his fingers from her. She stood up and took a shaky breath before leaving the small room and without saying anything left. She knew her friends saw her so there was no point. She grabbed her phone and ran to Obi's car. She sat on the curb and waited for her friends. A couple minutes letter they came out and the silently agreed to have Kaehi, Mi-Sun, and Choon-Hee in the back.

Choon-Hee sobbed all the way home and she immediately locked her self in her room despite the knocks and pleading from her friend to let them in. Eventually, the left but Mi-Sun returned and unlocked the door herself with the keys from the junk drawer. She shut and locked the door behind her as she looked at her friend curled up under her blankets, sobbing quietly.

"Choon-Hee… what happened?" She asked softly as she sat on the bed but she only received silence as Choon-Hee sobbed louder. Mi-Sun sat there and waited patiently.

"It's h-hurts s-so much, Mi-Sun. I love him!" Choon-Hee sobbed harder as she realized this.

"What happened? Did he break it off?" Choon-Hee sat up at lightening speed as she threw off her blanket.

"NO! I DID!" She screamed. "I'm so stupid!" She sobbed as Mi-Sun took her in her arms.

"You aren't stupid." Mi-Sun said as she rubbed her best friend's back.

"Yes I am."

"Why did you break it off?"

"Because I couldn't deal with us being a secret. I couldn't handle the pressure of getting caught."

"Okay. That's okay."

Kaehi and and Eun-Young sat in her room. It was clear that Eun-Young was annoyed.

"Did you really have to be all over that guy? Take or whatever?"

"It's Jae, and it's not everyday you meet an idol like that." Kaehi replied as she sketched in her book.

"Yeah but still! You were all over him!" Eun-Young bitched and Kaehi sighed in annoyance as she slammed her sketchbook.

"Why does it bother you SO much?!" Kaehi exclaimed, getting ready to leave.

"Because.." Eun-Young tried to find the explanation but she didn't have. Her body moved on its own as she grabbed Kaehi's ivory face into her hands a pressed her lips against Kaehi's. Kaehi's eyes widened as Eun-Young licked her lips. Her mouth parted in surprise and Eun-Young quickly slipped her tongue in, devouring Kaehi. Kaehi finally regained herself and shoved Eun-Young off. She wiped her mouth and looked at Eun-Young who looked like she immediately regretted what she had done.

"Kaehi, I'm sorry I didn't—"

"No. Stop." Kaehi said as she got up. Eun-Young quickly grabbed her hand. "Kaehi please—"

"Why did you do that!?" Kaehi asked angrily. Eun-Young casted her eyes downward.

"I-I don't know why…" Kaehi shook her hand off as she left with a slam of Eun-Young's bedroom door.