#dmml

~8 months ago~

You’d landed in Korea an hour ago, despite wanting to take what was probably the only day you would have free and explore what sites there were to see, you decided against it; instead settling for the afternoon in your hotel room. You were slightly jetlagged, and you figured it was better for you to be over prepared for tomorrow rather than not prepared at all.

It was nerve-wracking honestly, knowing tomorrow you were going to meet the people you had idolized the most in your line of work. Well, not meet. You’d met them once before at one of your first award shows about three months back. You had been beyond anxious that day, being new to the music industry, it seemed like everyone already knew everyone who was anyone. Meaning: no one knew, or quite frankly, gave a shit about who you were.

-

Keeping to yourself for most of the night, you’d stuck to the walls at the afterparty, quickly deciding it wasn’t your type of scene, and awkwardly shuffling to the exit; silently making your way back through to the halls and towards your private room. All of the artists that had announced or performed that night had gotten a room to themselves. Mainly for hair, makeup, warming up, the works. You were thankful that you had a place to escape to, away from the life of the party; where A list celebrities were drinking and socializing with each other, talking loudly to be heard over the thump of the music projecting throughout the room.

Sighing as you made it out of the bustling party, you headed off in the direction of your room. There were still a few people here and there throughout the halls, but none of them paid you any mind. The halls around this place were somewhat a maze, you can imagine yourself getting lost easily, so you made sure to pay attention to the arrows strewn around the place, left there for that exact purpose.

Just your luck that you decided to pay too much attention to arrows on walls and not to the people headed in your direction. Your socially awkward ass probably would’ve sprinted in the opposite direction if you had.

“Hey, Y/n.” A voice called out from in front of you. You broke your gaze at the wall and your eyes looked up, settling on the person- or people- who had called your name.

Oh.. fuck.

-

You paid your driver and thanked him as you exited the car and made it into the hotel after a short walk. You checked yourself in, having almost no trouble understanding what they were asking. Thank god you’d booked before you came, you imagine you’d have been a bumbling mess if you had to give all that information verbally instead of just writing it out online; where you could take as long as it took to answer questions without freaking out about people judging you mediocre Korean skills.

Learning Korean was merely a hobby to you, even before you’d met them, you’d been studying it; simply because you enjoyed learning languages. Although, you will admit after meeting them at the award show and speaking to them online about the possibility of collaborating, you did start to take learning it more seriously, making sure to take a bit more time out of each day to learn a few extra words than you used to.

Holding conversations in Korean was difficult for you, the language having nothing in common with English in the slightest, but you still tried your best. Always making sure to apologize for possible mistakes before you even make them. Reading was better for you, you could read basic literature, but pronunciation when you try to speak the words written? You had to laugh at yourself sometimes.

Unpacking your bag took an hour or so, as you made sure to organize everything in the closet and bathroom, rather than just letting it sit in your bag like you usually do. You were staying here for a month, you guessed, so may as well make yourself at home. Tomorrow’s outfit had been picked out and hung up in the bathroom. You’d also packed a small bag to carry your computer, notebook, and any other useful doodads you might need tomorrow.

Just in case.

Considering you were expected at the building at 11:30am, it would take you around half an hour to drive there, you also had to hire a car tomorrow morning, so you set your alarm for 9:00am. Your hair and makeup are usually pretty simple and shouldn’t take too long, and if you showered tonight, that would give you more time to sleep in tomorrow. Were you excited to see them tomorrow? Yes. Were you excited about waking up at an actual decent hour? No. Absolutely not. But you were willing to suffer for this cause: how noble.

After sitting around and watching a k-drama on and off for a few hours, working on some music, and endlessly scrolling through Instagram, you called room service for dinner. You ate faster than usual, but considering you hadn’t eaten since before getting on your fight that morning, you didn’t question why your food was gone within the first ten minutes of it arriving. Jesus, Korean noodles. Just yes. Or any type of noodles, actually. You weren’t a picky noodle eater.

After showering and setting your alarm, you turned off all your lights, saved and put your computer back into the bag for tomorrow, and pulled up Netflix on your phone. You watched an episode of Violet Evergarden, before plugging it in next to your bed, making sure your volume was all the way up, then turning into your covers, pulling the blanket tightly around yourself, ready to be knocked out for the next eleven hours.

~

Graceful is not how you would describe your awakening the next day. A blaring alarm right in your ear made your heart palpitate slightly in shock, as you rushed to turn it off. Never full volume again.

Mumbling slight curses under your breath, you rub your eyes as you swing you legs over the edge of the bed. You got ready slowly at first, but you woke up more and more as time went on, you were soon making your way down to the front desk to fill out forms for a rental car. Your nerves started kicking in when you were handed the keys to your ‘new car’, your body realizing you were now on your way to seeing seven people you looked up to not only professionally, but you looked up to them as people, too.

The drive felt a lot shorter than it actually was. Sometimes it’s concerning how you can drive somewhere and not realize you’re actually driving. ‘You’re at your destination, did you notice you were driving?’. You pulled into the parking area, and take a minute to compose yourself. You were never good at socializing, it’s what made it easy for you to do this job most of the time- you don’t miss people. You didn’t have friends, and your family was barely in the picture, but it didn’t bother you, you were always okay being alone.

Until you felt lonely.

Grabbing your things from the front passenger seat, you haul yourself out of the car and throw your bag on your back, heading to the lift and pressing on the main floor button. Should you have brought them gifts? You’ve only met them once though.. you don’t really know what they like.. but maybe you should’ve gotten something generic? Why didn’t you think of this earlier.. You hoped they hadn’t gotten anything for you. Again, socialising? Was not your strong suit.

You slightly paced back and forth in the lift, twirling one of the rings sitting on your thumb as you waited for it to arrive at the right level. Walking out of the doors as they opened, you were greeted with a large lobby, filled with photos, artworks, and of course, a ‘Hybe/Big hit’ Logo along the top wall behind the front desk.

“Hello,” You say to the woman working at the front desk, you were about to continue, letting her know why you were here, but she seemed to know already,

“Ah, Y/n, Hello! Yes, I was made aware that you would be arriving today, they’re already upstairs, but let me call one of them down to escort you.”

“It’s okay, if you tell me where to go, it will be fine.”

“Alright, I’ll just let them know that you’re on your way up then.” She took a moment to put a number into the company phone, and waited for it to be picked up from the other end. “Yes, she’s downstairs, she said she could find her way up herself.” She waited for a reply. “Yes, of course, I’ll let her know.” She put the phone down as she looked back towards you.

“You’re all set to go, they’re on floor 13, room 78, although someone will be meeting you at the lift, so you won’t need to remember to room number.” She smiled, as she handed you over a key card, “This is to get through any security, and some rooms require the tags to get into. You’ll also need to use it in the lift, as any of the levels above level five are off limits to the public. Just place it near the scanner next to the floor levels.”

You take the card from her, deciding you’d store it in your wallet when you weren’t using it, just so you don’t lose it.

“Thank you, have a good day”, You bow slightly as you look behind you and turn away from the desk, walking back to the lift and waiting for it to arrive.

Letting out a deep breath, you try to compose yourself a bit more. It was hard to catch a lot of what she was saying, she spoke pretty fast, but you got the general idea of what she had been saying, and all you really needed was the floor level, thankfully; so, you didn’t need to fully understand the rest.

Pulling out your wallet as you wait, you walk through the doors as they open, scanning the card and pressing 13 as you put the key card into one of the holding pockets in your wallet. You quickly pull your bag off one shoulder to put your wallet back inside, then loop your arm back through the arm strap.

Someone was going to meet you outside of the door.. Should you hug them? Bow? You were in Korea, but you weren’t Korean… so would it be weird? Maybe you should just wave?

Why are you so weird…?

You’ve never collaborated with another artist before. You were still new to this industry, and you were usually by yourself, so it should be nice to learn some of the ropes from people who were well aware of what they were doing. Honestly, when they’d mentioned the possibility of a collaboration, you were kind of shocked. You were a bit of a nobody. Well, not nobody. Yes, you were new to the music industry, but your success came somewhat overnight; although, you had nowhere near the following or popularity they had. Had they even heard of you before you met at the award show? I mean, they knew your name when they’d spoken to you, but then again, you had performed that night.

You swallow back your nerves as you arrive at your floor, the door slowly opening. Stepping out, you came face to face with the leader himself. You smile widely at him as he smiles back whilst greeting you,

“Hey Y/n! How are you?” He opened his arms and pulls you into a hug before you can question yourself, you hug him back easily, thankful he’d made it easy for you.

“I’m good, thank you! I’m excited to be here.” You respond as you both pull apart. Even though you’d only been here for a day, it was nice to speak to someone in English. Translating everything in your mind before you speak was insane. Actually, Exhausting.

“How are you?” You ask.

“I’m doing good, too. How was your flight? Long?” He questions as he starts to lead you down the hall.

You chuckle slightly as you follow along beside him, thankful that you only felt half as awkward as you thought you would. You were always shy and somewhat anti-social, but you still wanted to be friendly, and make a good impression. “If I’m being honest, I slept for ninety percent of the flight, so it was pretty short. For me at least.”

He laughs slightly at your admission, “Yeah, I can’t say I haven’t done the same before.” He gently guides you to the right door, arm out in front of him as if to say, ‘this one’. He smiled comfortingly at you. Did you look nervous? I mean, you were, but you hoped it wasn’t blatantly obvious.

Namjoon opened the door, holding it open as you made your way through. You thank him, and he steps in behind you after you’ve entered. Slipping off your shoes, you placed them at the door next to the seven other pairs; also plopping your bag down next to your shoes- you don’t think you’ll need it right now.

You could probably guess who the other pairs belonged to.

It was a pretty formal room by your standard, three black -expensive looking- couches running along each opposite wall making a ‘U’ shape. There was a long coffee table running through the middle of the couches, making you assume that this room was probably used for somewhat casual meetings or lunch breaks. Behind the furthest couch, was a somewhat kitchen area- a sink, a coffee machine, cupboards, which helped confirm the breakroom suspicions. The long coffee table was set up with what looks like lunch; being littered with food and cutlery.

You hope they knew you were a vegetarian. You don’t know if you’d have the heart to turn them down after buying all this for you.

“Y/n!” A few of them called out, they all stood from their seats and made their way over to you. You received a hug from each of them, and they welcomed you in English, asking how you were, which made your heart constrict a little. They thought about you. They want you to be comfortable, so they’re speaking to you in your own language, despite you being in Korea.

You had spoken to them in pretty broken Korean when you’d met at the awards. Actually, embarrassingly bad Korean in comparison to now. You were sure they probably thought your Korean still wouldn’t be good, having only been a few months ago. Hopefully your efforts recently have paid off, even if only by a little.

“Hello, it’s nice to see you again. Thank you for inviting me.” You watch, amused, as a few of them exclaim at you speaking to them in Korean. They weren’t expecting this, you laugh to yourself.

“Woah your Korean, so good!” Jin enthusiastically gives you two thumbs up and you giggle slightly. You can’t imagine him saying anything else, really. You heard Jimin mumble a ‘really,’ whilst Hoseok laughs and claps at Jin’s English. You can feel your face reddening at all the attention being on you.

“Ah,” you laugh out, “No, my Korean, I’m still learning. I’m sorry for my mistakes.” They just wave you off,

“No worries! You’re doing well. Are you okay with us speaking in Korean?”

“Sure,” you smile reassuring them, “Maybe slowly, please.” They all nod in understanding.

“Are you hungry? We have lunch prepared.” Unable to ignore the food, or your hunger any longer, you nodded; but could you eat this food?

“Thank you.”

“Don’t worry,” Namjoon interrupted your thoughts, “We brought vegetarian options for you. Our managers spoke to some of your people to organize a few things for when you came over, what you could and couldn’t eat was apart of that.” You all made your way to the couches, although you did sit somewhat isolated from the rest of them, not wanting to make them uncomfortable by sitting directly at their sides. You weren’t ‘friends’ just yet. More like work colleagues, if anything.

Get to know each other a bit more before you make yourself comfortable. Don’t be invasive.

There was slight banter during lunch, but after a few minutes it was almost completely silent, everyone focused on eating. By the time all of you were finished, the contents on the table is nearly completely cleared. You were guilty of helping clear most of the containers, too. Dumplings, noodles, rice, they’d made them all available to you- who were you to refuse! You had always had a good appetite, always having been a foodie, you’d had your (more than fair) share for lunch today.

“Did you enjoy it, Y/n?” Taehyung asks as you all lean back on the couches, satisfied and full.

“I did, it was delicious, thank you.”

You help them clear the table by taking the empty containers to the bin, with seven people, it only to a minute to finish tidying up. Everyone went back to their seats; you’re assuming to talk about what was going to be happening today and throughout your stay here in Korea.

~

They spent the next hour chatting back and forth with you about what the plan was for the next month of you being here. The talk included producing the track: which was already three quarters done, Lyrics, Choreography, the possibility of a music video, etcetera. You tried your best to understand, although from time to time you found yourself glancing over to Namjoon when you didn’t quite understand something; and he was quick to help interpret what they’d said.

The boys were all very patient with you, and they seemed to be using pretty simple words when they could. You appreciated their efforts. A lot, actually.

Afterwards, they handed you a sheet of paper. “You can just take a photo, or type it on your phone if it’s easier, but these are the rooms that we’ll be using the most.” Hoseok explains, “These are production rooms, with different instruments and mics, The dance studio, The breakroom, which is where we just came from, if you look through the list, you should be able to find anything you’ll need, and if you wanted to practice alone, or if we ask to meet us at a specific room; this is how you get there.”

“Our phone numbers are also on the bottom of the page, too. If you need something, let any of us know, and we can help you.” Jungkook adds, pointing out their names and numbers on the lower right corner of the sheet of paper.

“Oh, okay. Thank you.” Pulling out your phone, you quickly type all their numbers into your contacts and send them all a collective text. “I will send a message. So you know it’s me.” Their phones went off in their hands, or pockets.

Yoongi looks from his phone up to you, putting it back in his pocket before asking, “Is there anything you wanted to do today?” You shake your head slightly and he nods, “You want a tour?” He follows up, and you smile at the way he sounds in English.

“Sure! That’s a good idea. Thank you.” You step aside, letting them walk in front or behind you as you follow along.

Jimin walked beside you and made small talk when you weren’t being told fact about places in the building, or what room is which. You made sure to speak to him too, asking questions about them now and then; you don’t want every question to be about you. The younger three were still playful with each other, you noticed. It was definitely toned down- a lot from what you’ve seen from watching RUN!BTS episodes and Bon Voyage.

All of them felt safe. Made you feel comfortable so quickly and easily; you found yourself becoming more relaxed -calmer- around them as the tour went on. You couldn’t help but smile as your chest felt fluttery. Maybe you weren’t a complete loner after all.

Maybe you could make friends.

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