American Debut

"Get ready to pass through the airport. Don't worry. We placed enough of our own security personnel and the airport's security to help you get pass the airport without being mobbed by your fans." The airport safety manager briefed us before we got off the plane.

After a month of preparation plus another month of promotions in South Korea, we were finally done with out major promotions. But we were now faced with another challenge and at the same time, a milestone – American Music Awards and KCON.

As soon as we heard the news, we've been really excited about it. In fact, we doubled our effort in our practices in preparation for the promotions and for this. It was exhausting but the excitement overpowered it. And now, we're finally here at Newark Liberty International Airport waiting to be mobbed by our American fans.

Oh…

Before this…

A lot of things happened. Long story short, Mina got a little bit aggressive in terms of asking and demanding time from me. This was so unlike her in the previous world. She used to be quiet and timid but in this world, well… she's still quiet and timid, but she initiates the conversations and our hang outs more than I did.

Not only that, IU-noona was also almost always visiting us in our dance studio to bring food and act like she was my girlfriend again by wiping off my sweat and preparing my stuff. Mina didn't like that, and that's why she became more aggressive.

My members were starting to get annoyed by it. They weren't too happy about the women disturbing our practices especially when they knew that we were preparing for our official debut in the US.

Enough flashbacks for now. Let's just focus on the situation at hand. Being safe from the fans… especially from the saesang fans. It's our first time here as Alpha so we still don't know what'll happen or if we even have saesang fans here in America.

It was different here in this world. They would check our passports and stuff first before we would head out. It was to ensure that we wouldn't be stopping over a lot and to avoid chaos and traffic inside the airport.

The rest of security then finished checking us. As soon as the head of security gave us the signal to move, we immediately went together by threes and started heading for the exits towards our vans. Surprisingly, the fans didn't really mob us. They were trying to get close but not to the point of almost creating a stampede. We entered our vans safely and immediately, we head for the hotel to rest for a couple of hours before heading to our schedules. It was still about quarter to 1AM.

Our call time was at 5AM because we would still be having our make-up done before 7AM to be in Good Day New York as their guest. It was estimated that we would end our time there at around 8:30AM. It was something to look forward to since it would be our first time to be on an American news channel.

Afterwards, we would be heading to a YouTube Channel's studio called, College Kids React by 9AM. In the previous world, the react channel didn't exist 'til later on. But since most of the technology in this world were far more advanced thanks to Atlantis, they were able to have it earlier now. Today, we were the main feature in channel.

We heard that the people that would be reacting were either hardcore fans of us or were somehow related to someone that was a fan of us and because of that they themselves became interested in us as well. It was really exciting.

Lunch was part of the schedule thankfully. But we'd probably be doing it in the airport since we'll be flying to LA just for tonight's AMA. We were the first group to debut here in America and on a major stage at that. And to do it at the American Music Awards was just mind-blowing!

In the previous world, this title was supposed to be for BTS, but I guess in this world, Alpha is literally "taking the lead".

I was so excited that I can't even close my eyes to sleep.

Kim Jinbo. Just close your eyes and sleep…

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"So what will you be performing for us this morning?" One of the hosts for Good Day New York asked.

The audience were cheering for us so we had to wait until they calm down. There were a lot of the Pack here today. They were even waiting out in the cold from 4AM in the morning just to watch us in this show.

I then gave the warmest smile, "So we recently released our new album called 'Boys Be' last month, and we'll be performing our title track from that album called, 'Adore U'."

The audience roared in cheers and excitement as soon as I announced what we will be performing.

One of the host had to wait a while before she announced that we'll be performing after we get back from commercial. As soon as we were done, the host asked if they could have a photo with us. Some of the fans also had their pictures taken with us too. It was really fun. Soon, the producers of the show then gave us a signal to standby and be ready.

We took our positions and waited for him to signal us again. As soon as the producer's countdown hit zero, Adore U started playing. The cheers from the audience were pretty loud and it even penetrated the sound proofing of our in-ear monitors. That was how supportive our fans were. They even sang and chanted loudly as well.

After performing they sent us off with a warm gift before we headed to our dressing rooms to change for our next schedule. Thankfully, we were only going to wear light make-up and casual clothes for the next schedule.

And before we knew it, we were on our way to FBE's React channel.

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"So why do you think KPOP is so popular nowadays?" The host for the react channel asked Reina, the person who was currently reacting to our music videos.

We were already in FBE's studio for the React segment. Reina was the last fan that we were going to surprise today. She said that she was an avid fan of Alpha. Well it was pretty obvious from the way she screamed when she saw the first video which was the MV for Growl. All her reactions were genuine from the time the first video played up until the end. Now, it was the interview portion.

Our cue to slowly make our way and surprise her was when she answers who her bias was. Right now, we were viewing her from one of the monitors that were set up for us.

"Kpop is well known because of the catchiness of the song and the emotions that are being delivered by the songs and not just what the idols are projecting themselves. Imagine this with me for a while, majority of the listeners aren't Korean and yet they can RELATE to the song. This proves that music can speak to anyone despite the language barrier." She answered.

Wow… she actually does have a point. That's why I started loving music in the first place regardless of the origin, culture and the people singing it. Music conveys the emotions of the writer and the artists brings it to life. This girl knows her stuff.

"What song do you love the most from the band's discography?" The host asked again.

She giggled and squealed a little before she answered. "Smile Flower. JayB is just… amazing. It's the only solo ever done by their group but it spoke so much. Although it was originally written for IU, the band dedicated this song to their fans which made it more meaningful and nice."

"I think this girl has a crush on you, JayB-ya." Yo Chul hyung whispered as he teased me. The rest of the members of Alpha snickered as they heard him say that.

The host then went on to ask the last question. "So who's you're ultimate bias in Alpha?"

She screamed before she answered. "Yo Chul! PARK YO CHUL! He's just so cool and calm. Even though he has a girlfriend right now, I can still say that I like him a lot."

We then laughed at Yo Chul silently as his jaw fell from the girl's answer. We then ran towards her and did a jump scare. She was also surprised as soon as we entered.

She suddenly burst into tears. Yo Chul-hyung went to hug her and comfort her. She was really happy about it too. As soon as she calmed down, we exchanged a few words before we continued to shoot.

"Is there anything that you want to say?" The host asked her one last time.

She then turned to us still a little bit teary eyed. "First of all, I did not expect you guys to be here. All my reactions were genuine and sincere. Thank you FBE for this opportunity to meet my idols. I never expected to meet them in this life not alone hug them or talk to them personally."

We gave her the time to let it all out and comforted her a bit. She was really being a darling to us. For us, we're just regular people who also walk the same earth as they do. But to our fans, we were like their savior especially on Reina's case.

"I just wanted to tell you guys that you continue doing what ya'll are doing. You're all doing a very great job." We applauded from what she just said and were also thankful for it.

She then teared up a little. "You might not know it but a lot of the pack are really grateful for all of you. For me personally, I was in a very dark place before I heard about you guys. I was at the end of myself. But you guys were my light back from the darkness. So I'm here, still alive, because of you guys. So I want you to know that I'm pretty sure that a lot of the pack are like that as well. But thanks to you, we were able to find our way back. So thank you. Thank you so much."

After hearing that, I begin to tear up. I slowly stood up and gave her a hug. The rest of the members followed suit. Reina was one of the many people that's a living proof that our music is speaking to people. It was more than the popularity, I've always wanted to give them the music that would relate to them. And somehow, it worked.

The shooting soon ended and we thanked everyone that reacted. Unfortunately, we weren't able to spend much time with them because we still needed to go to the airport for tonight's performance.

We never expected to leave that place being so refreshed.

________

"Hah! I can't believe that we're finally about to perform on one of the biggest stage in a few minutes." Seiji-hyung said as he bounced up and down to warm himself up.

After arriving in LA from our 3-hour flight, we immediately headed to Microsoft Theater for our blocking. The stage was already set-up and our back up and the band was also good to go. We just need to do a couple of run-throughs with them. We toook about two hours to do so. And believe me, it was really exhausting.

Now after strutting down the red carpet for the first time here in America, and meeting some of the famous American celebrities here and there, we were already behind the stage trying to get rid of our jitters.

"Tell me about it. I'm not even sure if I can hit my lines." Jeong Do said as he shook his hands while pacing around.

I chuckled. "I guess we're all nervous as hell right now."

All of us laughed. Dominic and Zee started cracking some jokes which helped in lighting up the mood. After a while, one of the stage managers approached us and asked if we were ready. After making sure that our IEM and MICs were fine, we gave her a thumbs up. After our huddle, we lined up to prepare ourselves to go up on stage.

I could hear the hosts crack a couple of jokes from the stage. The last set of awards were already announced and they were just transitioning it to the closing performance which was… us.

"And now, please help us welcome…" Justin Timberlake said.

"The first Korean boy band that would be making their official US debut…" Mila Kunis continued.

They both turned to look at each other and yelled, "Alpha!"

With that, Adore U started playing. We decided to go with something recent first. As soon as the fans heard it, they were already yelling and screaming. Even the American celebrities were shocked with how the crowd was responding.

After finishing our performance for Adore U, a marching band, dressed in their red uniform, came in. They started playing a drum line version of Call Me Baby. They started forming a circle around us to hide us from the audience. After they cleared a path for us, we already finished swapping our costume to a golden version of the marching band's uniform. Afterwards, we performed Call Me Baby.

It was one of the most memorable moments in my life. The crowd screaming, the celebrities cheering for us as well, and our name finally reaching to one of the major countries in the world. It was truly magical.

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"So last night was indeed a blast, right?" Ellen said as she started the interviewing us.

After the event last night, we were too exhausted to go to the after party. We went back directly to our hotel, packed our bags and slept. We were going back to New York this coming afternoon for KCON tomorrow. We were just finishing the last part of our schedule on the list which was being on the Ellen Show.

"Yeah, it was practically amazing and mind-blowing for us." Dominic answered.

Since all of us can speak English fluently, I didn't really need to be the speaker for the group today. It was like being in a casual conversation with other people.

She smiled at us. "So why don't you guys introduce yourselves."

Which we did. It took us a while because most of the audience were members of the Pack so they really made some noise once one of us introduced ourselves. But thankfully, there were no saesang fans at the moment.

Ellen then continued to ask questions about Alpha and we didn't realize that we were starting get really comfortable. All of that was fine until we started talking about our girlfriends. Well, my member's girlfriends. They were able to answer it professionally.

Soon, the bottle just stopped spinning towards me as Ellen asked, "So I heard that one of you just recently broke up with their girlfriend. Is that right?"

Zee tried to play it cool. "I don't know what you're talking about Ellen."

"Yeah. What are you talking about?" Matt-hyung tried to help in covering it up as well.

But she didn't let this go. "I heard that you're leader, JayB, had a recent break up. Are you okay now?"

I tried to respond in a cheerful voice. "Of course. We're actually friends now."

"Oh really?" The screen behind us then flashed a picture of me and IU back in the Café in Busan. It looked like I was hurting her and she was crying.

"Where did you get this?" I asked. The fans were slowly "oohing" showing that they were a bit disappointed at me.

"A friend from Dispatch wanted me to confirm it." She continued.

I sighed. "Like I said, we remained friends even after our break up. We work in the same company and it would be awkward if we weren't okay about it."

She then chuckled. "So what about the picture?"

"It was because she was asking for an advice about a recent… event in her life." I lied.

"You mean, the break-up?" She joked which made the audience laugh this time.

I laughed. "There's no getting out of this, is there?"

The audience laughed as well which eased up the tension from the place. Thank goodness.

"No, there isn't." she answered nonchalantly which made the audience burst into laughter.

I sighed. "Like I said, we're just-"

"HAAAA-" A man popped out from the table beside Matt-hyung. Because of his instincts, he immediately punched the guy which knocked him out cold. Ellen and the rest of the staff were shocked.

"I am SO sorry." Matt-hyung said.

Serves him right…

Guess Ellen didn't know who she was dealing with when she planned to scare us off.

"It's fine. Wow! You're instincts are good." She gracefully skipped the topic which made the audience laugh.

The next thing we know, we were already far away from that topic. Thank goodness. We then performed Adore U later on after our interview. Afterwards, Ellen approached me and apologized. She didn't know what the script writers were thinking. Of course, it was fine for me.

"Is it okay to ask though? Why did you guys break up? You were really the cutest couple when I researched about it." She asked and was careful not to step on anything.

I chuckled. "Fate wasn't too kind to us. We loved each other, but the Korean Entertainment industry isn't like the American Entertainment industry. A lot of things are different. Especially in dating."

"I see. Well, I won't pry too much. Thanks again for taking the time to come to my show. I have to go now. But here's what I want to say, I do hope FATE would be kinder to you both in the future. And who knows? Fate MIGHT bring you guys back together." She said before she went back to her dressing room.

"Yeah, me too." I replied in a whisper.

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