I was jolted awake by the sound of the alarm. With my hand, I lazily stretched out for the alarm clock on the lamp stand beside my bed. When I managed to turn it off and closed my eyes just to get a few minutes of sleep, I felt someone jump on top of me. It happened so suddenly that I thought I was being attacked. My eyes flew open by the sudden surprise and the weight of the person on me.
"Wakey, wakey, my little kitty!" Zoey shook me as she was still on top of me. She soon stood up on the bed and started to jump up and down in her pink pyjamas. I was bouncing along with the mattress and I quickly sat up.
"May you please stop jumping like a three year old!" I scolded at her, as I tried to rub off the sleep in my eyes.
"Sorry, but your alarm rang and I wanted to wake you up," said Zoey as she stopped bouncing on the bed. "We have a big day today!"
"Couldn't you at least give me a few minutes of sleep?" I asked, almost moaning. "I still need some. Besides, you're never up when the alarm rings and you wake up thirty minutes afterwards. What's up with you today?"
"Ah, dah! We have a fan signing event today," said Zoey as she continued to look down on me while rolling her eyes.
"Oh, I forgot." I said, putting up a smile.
"You should really learn to stop being sarcastic," said Zoey, as she folded her arms.
"What can I do? It's a part of me," I said with a smirk.
"Okay, now get up. Your sarcasm isn't the issue. We need to go get ready." Zoey jumped off the bed to the floor and she turned to face me, pulling away my bed covers. It was clearly a sign that she wanted me up and I did so anyway. I didn't want to have a pillow fight with her early in the morning.
"You can go on ahead and use the shower," said Zoey. "We need to be quick, you know?"
"We don't even know at what time the event is going to start and you're making such a big deal of it," I said, folding my arms.
"Sometimes you're so behind in life I wonder if you ever have a phone." Zoey rolled her eyes at me and she went over to her bed to get her phone.
"The fan signing event just came up at the last minute but they made sure they posted the information about the event and when it's going to take place on Facebook and Twitter," said Zoey, as she scrolled down her phone. When she found what she was looking for, she gave her phone to me.
I took her phone and I felt like slapping myself. The fan signing event was advertised on Facebook just like Zoey had told me. I haven't been checking up on what's going on online these past two days because I needed some alone time and not read critics about me. I really didn't care what people said out there. It's just that being famous was kind of tough and that shouldn't change who I was. I was one person who didn't like all the attention as you already know. I draw in energy by being alone and being stuck in my own little world.
"It says here that the event will start an hour before noon," I said as I looked up from Zoey's phone. "And this is just seven in the morning. Again, I'm actually shocked you're up this early."
"Aren't you that excited to meet your Korean fans up close?" Zoey asked as she held my shoulders and shook me. "And also, I can't wait for our surprise. I wonder what it could be."
"I'm happy about meeting our fans, but I'm scared about the surprise."
"Since when has a surprise ever been scary?"
"Ever since I got weird vibes about it when our managers told us. They should have kept it a secret instead of telling us that there would be a surprise."
"I think you're being paranoid for no good reason."
"Tell me when my intuition has ever been wrong, Zoey?"
Zoey looked up at the ceiling and furrowed her eyebrows deep in thought. I couldn't help but smile at her expression. These were the times when I enjoyed being right.
"Okay, I give up," said Zoey raising her hands in defeat. "You win, as always. But what makes you think there would be something weird about our surprise?"
"I don't know," I said as I sat down on my bed. "Maybe it's because I feel it has something to do with me."
"Mmmm," Zoey tapped her chin as she paced up and down in front of me. "Your birthday is coming up in September, so that's like four months away and I don't think it's anyway related to that."
"Seriously? You're counting in my birthday?"
"I'm counting all the odds of a surprise, Sam."
I couldn't help but sigh. I knew Zoey was my best friend and the last thing I wanted was to blurt out to her that she was acting dumb. She usually does, but that didn't mean she could come up with good ideas too.
"Well, it can't be a surprise birthday gift in advance," I said. "Think of something else."
"You're right," Zoey kept on pacing. "What could it be?"
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door and I went to open it while Zoey continued to pace back and forth. I opened the door and I found Christine also in her pyjamas with her sleeping gown on. Looked like she just got out of bed and she still had sleep in her eyes just like I had moments earlier.
"Hey, morning," said Christine as she found herself in our room. "What's up with Zoey?" She asked as she noticed Zoey pacing.
"Trying to solve my paranoia," I answered bluntly as I came to stand close to Christine.
"Paranoia? What paranoia?"
"I told her that I didn't feel right about our surprise. She thinks I'm being paranoid."
"Maybe you're," said Christine as she yawned.
"Ya, right. Where is Lee?"
"She left really early today. I woke up and she wasn't in the room."
"Looks like they are getting ready for the event. We also have to start getting ready too."
"Ya, sure. Come on, Zoey," Christine called out to her. "Stop trying to find out what the surprise could be and get ready. It's best if we see it ourselves."
"Well, I just find it weird," said Zoey as she stopped pacing and looked at Christine and I. "Why would they announce that there would be a surprise if it was best if they kept it a secret?"
I almost slapped myself on the forehead but I dared not to as I continued to stare at Zoey, hoping she would not read the expression on my face. Hadn't I suggested that minutes ago?
"To make you both paranoid and stupid," Christine answered as she stared at me and then at Zoey.
"Hey! I'm not stupid!" Zoey wailed, looking offended.
"And I'm not paranoid!" I snapped.
"Well, you're acting that way," said Christine.
"Never mind," I said, rolling my eyes. "Wake up the boys when you go out, will you?" I asked as I turned to address Christine.
"Okey dokey," said Christine as she headed for the door. Just as Christine opened the door, Mike and Daniel stood right there ready to knock.
"Hey, we were just about to knock on the door to wake you guys up," said Mike.
"Is everyone that anxious today apart from me?" I asked. "You guys are never up this early if we aren't going for dance practice."
"Looks like we are," said Daniel as he and Mike entered the room. "What's up with you anyway?" Daniel asked me. "Why aren't you that excited?"
"Because she doesn't like what she feels about the surprise," Zoey blurted out.
"Don't mind me and my intuitions," I said. "Let's all go and prepare ourselves for the event. I'm really not in the mood to start discussing why I feel this way."
"Oh, please tell us, oh, wise one!" Daniel mocked me as he gave me a playful bow. He looked like a monk bowing to a god in his blue pyjamas and robe. I huffed at him in annoyance. I always hated it when my brothers referred to me as the "wise one". As much as my gut feeling or I can say my intuition were always right, they always called me that and I hated it.
"Can you guys please, leave the room?" I asked, as I rubbed my forehead trying to control my frustration.
"Oh, no! These guys aren't leaving until you tell them what you told me," said Zoey.
This can't be happening. It was early in the morning and we were already discussing something as silly as this.
"Spill the beans, Sam," Mike insisted. "Tell us what you told Zoey."
"It's not important guys," I said. "If I were you, I would be hitting the showers. And in fact, that's what I'm going to do right now."
I started to walk past Christine, Daniel and Mike heading for the bathroom. But before I could even reach the door, Zoey, who I had left standing behind me a few seconds ago, went diagonal across the room, jumped on her bed and she found herself blocking the entrance of the bathroom. For a moment, I thought she just dashed like The Flash. But I realised that was too good to be true.
"Zoey, get out of the way," I insisted.
"Well, look who is all prepared to get ready for the fan signing event," said Zoey as she leaned her head to the side, with her eyes squarely fixed on me. "A while ago, you weren't even ready to go to the bathroom to get ready. What's happened now?"
"Zoey, come on, this is just ridiculous," I rolled my eyes at her. "We aren't doing this right now."
"Ya, we're," Zoey nodded her head. "Now, tell everyone what you told me about the surprise."
"Ya, now I'm more than curious," said Daniel. "What's about the surprise that's got you so paranoid?"
"I'm not paranoid," I said. I felt like I was repeating the sentence like the millionth time today and I was frustrated.
I turned to face the others and said, "I feel this surprise is related to me."
Christine, Mike and Daniel's mouth fell open as they looked at me.
"That's what you're worried about?" Mike asked. "Isn't that a good thing? I would be happy if I were you."
"I wonder what's wrong with you sometimes, Sam," said Christine. "Instead of enjoying the fact that the surprise might be yours, you're acting all weird about it."
"You don't understand at all," I said. "I have a feeling that I might not like this surprise."
"Forget it," said Zoey, as she stood aside from the door allowing me to pass. "You can go in. And make sure you wash away that negative thought of yours."
"Not gonna happen," I sneered at her as I went into the bathroom and locked the door behind me.
By the time it was eight, almost everyone had showered and dressed up except for Zoey and Christine who were taking their time in the bathroom doing each other's make up. Lee and Collins found Daniel, Mike and I seated in the lounge, all prepared.
"I figured you guys would still be asleep since you weren't going for practice today," said Collins jokingly as he entered the lounge with Lee behind him.
"Today is an exciting day and you expect us to be asleep at this hour?" Mike asked.
"Not really," answered Collins. "I can see the beauty queens aren't out yet."
"I'm right here, you know?" I raised my hand as I looked up from my phone.
"You know who I meant. You might be a beauty queen, but you're the sensible one and always on time."
"Careful," said Lee as she looked behind her. "They will hear you and those beauty queens might just turn into deadly assassins."
"As though I've never felt their wrath before," said Collins with a smirk on his face as he turned to Lee. "Anyways, have you all eaten your breakfast yet? We have to leave this place and head to YG in fifteen minutes."
"They will be up with our breakfast soon," I said as I stood up from the comfortable couch. "I'll check on Zoey and Christine to see if they are ready."
Before I could start heading for the rooms, Zoey and Christine appeared in the lounge, looking stunning. Zoey wore a stunning strapless light pink flared summer dress with black heels. Christine also wore a summer dress in green with matching white and green pumps. And the way they styled their hair, was amazing.
"Wow! I've to admit," said Collins as he looked at Zoey and Christine. "You have really out done yourselves today. You look like you're going for an after party or something."
"We dress to kill," said Zoey as she flipped her curled hair and with a bright smile on her face. She really did look stunning. Any guy would be dropping their mouths when they saw her.
"Yep, you're totally dressed to kill," I said as I smiled at Zoey.
"For reals?" Zoey asked as she looked at herself and turned around, her dress twirling as she moved. "Do you really think I look great, Sam?"
"I wouldn't have said all that now, would I?" I asked. "You both look stunning and every guy who sees you will drop dead."
"You just know how Zoey is," said Christine, "she wants to look perfect for G-Dragon."
By the mention of his name, I froze. Memories of what happened yesterday came flooding back. I've always known Zoey liked G-Dragon. But the fact that he might just like me as he drunkenly claimed he had, made me feel guilty.
"Thanks for all the lovely comments," said Zoey with a shining smile.
"Well, you aren't getting any lovely comments from us," said Daniel, pointing to himself and Mike.
"Don't worry," said Zoey, her face soon turned from pretty to dangerous. "I wasn't expecting anything from you anyway."
"Ya, whatever," said Mike. "I'm so hungry. Isn't our breakfast up here yet?"
I was so glad that Mike had changed the topic. I wasn't ready for another of their silly arguments. Their kind of argument was one that never ended as quickly as you wanted it to. And at the end of it, no one on either side ever won. As fun as it was to see Zoey argue with my brothers, now was clearly not the right time to sit and watch the entertainment unfold.
We had an event to attend to. Our breakfast came up soon afterwards. Toasted bread with eggs and juice. As soon as we were done, we headed downstairs. These past few days, whenever we went out, we never received reporters or paparazzi at the entrance doors of the hotel. They would usually wait outside the hotel gates. The last time that happened was on the first day we came here. But today, we were greeted by them in the lobby. Looks like the news of our fan signing event stirred up a frenzy.
Bodyguards surrounded us as soon as we stepped out of the elevator and the camera lights blinked everywhere around us. There was so much commotion in the lobby, walking around seemed difficult. But lucky for us, there were bodyguards and they made enough room for us to get out of the place and go outside. How I wish I wore sunglasses. The flashing lights from the cameras almost blinded me for a moment and I admired Zoey and Christine who were smart enough to carry theirs and wear them. Bummer!
We soon found ourselves outside and there were more reporters and paparazzi. Some fans who stood nearby cheered when they saw us pass through the glass doors of the hotel. Some waved banners and posters with lovely sweet messages, some in Korean in which I was able to make a few words out of, though it was a huge hustle to read because of all the excited commotion. We soon found ourselves in the black Chevrolet SUVs and I felt so relieved to be in the car at that moment.
"Wow, looks like we really stirred up a crowd today, haven't we?" Daniel asked as he looked out the car window where the reporters, paparazzi and the fans surrounded the car.
"Looks like we did," I said, as I also looked out the window.
"Hope everyone is in," said Collins who always sat in the front passenger's seat and turned behind to look at us.
"We all are," answered Lee. "Made a count and all your five piggies are in the car, Collins."
"Piggies!?" I responded in surprise with the other Toxins at the same time. That reminded me of Angry Birds.
"Ya," said Collins. "To me, you're piggies."
"I thought calling us monkeys was better," Zoey muttered enough for Collins to hear but he didn't respond as though he never heard her. I knew he did and I admired the way he ignored the comment.
The car soon drove away from the hotel and in a space of a few minutes, we found ourselves at YG. Collins said we would first stop here until it was time for all of us to go to the event. We first had to wait for the BigBang members to arrive and we would all go together.
In the meantime, we found ourselves in the recording studio waiting for the others by trying to keep ourselves busy by chatting. Lee and Collins had left to attend to something and they said they would return soon.
"Has anyone been online to see what people are talking about right now?" Zoey asked as she looked down at her phone, her face filled with excitement.
"No, what are people saying?" I asked as I scooted over her to see what was on her phone.
"Christine and I have totally killed it today," said Zoey. "People can't stop talking about how pretty we look."
"Well, that's nice," I said as I leaned down comfortably on the couch. "At least today it's not all about me."
"Says the person who thinks the surprise is all about her," said Christine who sat beside me. "Don't forget, your supposedly love story of you and G-Dragon, is still the major topic in everyone's mouths."
"Ya, that's why, I'm trying my best to avoid all posts relating to it all morning," I said as I looked down at my phone. "And so far, I haven't found anything else interesting at all."
"Thats because your love story is all what people are talking about," said Zoey. "Trust me. A lot of guys, probably the famous ones, are now jealous thinking that you're taken. And a lot of your haters are probably posting ridiculous comments about your relationship."
"Ya, a relationship that doesn't even exist," said Mike. "What's everyone's problem? One minute you say and do this and they twist things around."
"That's just the life of fame," said Christine. "People can twist anything when they feel like it."
"How I wish I never tripped that day," I said as I looked up at the ceiling. "This wouldn't be happening."
"What's done is done, Sam," said Zoey. "And we're celebrities. We just have to deal with such things."
"Well, some don't," I muttered. That I knew was true.
The door immediately flew open and Taeyang, Seungri and Daesung walked into the room looking all casual and good looking.
"Hey, guys!" Zoey greeted the others excitedly as she ran over to them in her heels to hug them.
"Wow, hey, Zoey," said Daesung, surprised by Zoey's sudden outburst of excitement as she ran to hug him first. "Someone is really excited about today."
"Tell me about it," I said, still seated and rolling my eyes.
"And girl, you look stunning," said Seungri, as he took Zoey's hand and twirled her around. "Just stunning."
"Thank you, Seungri," said Zoey, as she hugged him.
"Lee wasn't kidding when she told us that we should prepare ourselves for what we were about to see," said Taeyang. "You look great!"
"Awww, coming from you guys, it means a lot, thanks," said Zoey, her blush clearly showing on her cheeks.
"Even Christine looks amazing," said Daesung. "I read on the social network that you two look stunning today."
"Thanks Daesung," said Christine with a smile.
"Hey, aren't we forgetting someone?" Seungri asked.
"Who?" this time it was Daniel who asked.
"Sam," Seungri answered.
Everyone in the room turned to look at me like I was a special case. At first, I was caught off guard and when I noticed all eyes on me, I shrugged my shoulders with confusion written all over my face.
"What?" I asked.
"Ya, what's wrong with Sam?" Mike asked as he stared at Seungri, probably as confused as I was.
"No, I just miss her and she looks stunning as ever!" Seungri said as he ran towards me, pulled me up from the couch and pulled me into a bear crashing hug.
"If you really missed me that much, you should have just said so," I said, trying my best to breathe but Seungri hugged me way too tight.
"We never really got to hang out yesterday, my panda," Seungri said as he stopped hugging me and stared at me.
"You look pretty as always. Did you really have a makeover or something?"
"No, I didn't," I answered with my eyebrow raised. "I'm not dressed up like Zoey and Christine, so why do I look stunning?"
"Though you look causal, you look pretty and really cool too."
I didn't know I looked that way and I quickly checked myself out. Though purple was my favourite colour, I liked black too. I wore a black tight fitting vest, a short flared black skirt with matching black leggings with black boots and a black baseball jacket that had a touch of white on the arms and the initials B.K on one side of the it.
"Come to think of it," said Taeyang as he came closer, carefully scrutinising me as though I was a work of art.
"You do look cool. Almost like a gangster but with a touch of coolness."
"Dressed up like a black kitty for sure," said Daesung as he gave me a genuine smile.
"Ya, I also thinks she looks cool," said Mike.
I almost blushed by the comments but I managed to put up a smile instead.
"Thanks guys," I managed to say.
"Told you you would rock it in black," said Zoey.
"Don't I always do?" I asked with a mocking smile on my face.
"Ya, you do," Zoey replied.
"Are G-Dragon and TOP on their way?" Daniel asked.
"Ya, they will be here soon," said Taeyang.
"Well, we will just have to wait then," said Seungri as he sat down and he pulled me by the hand and I found myself sitting next to him. "I don't mind waiting as long as my panda is here with me."
"Oh, brother," I muttered to myself as Seungri wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
"Haha, looks like Seungri really did miss you," said Christine as she stared at the two of us.
"I didn't," I said bluntly.
"It's okay, my lovely panda," said Seungri as he came close to my ear. "We have the whole day together and it will be so much fun."
"Ya, I've no doubt about that," I said as I turned to face him.
To be honest, I wouldn't mind if I had to spend the whole day with Seungri by my side. If it was one way of not getting too close to G-Dragon, it was fine by me.
"This is now nine," said Zoey as she looked at the time on her phone. "We're supposed to be there by 10. We still got more time to chill."
Zoey, Taeyang and Daesung came to join us on the couch. I was left chatting with Seungri while the others were talking about the event. I didn't really want to talk about it because of the surprise and I was glad that none of the Toxins brought up the issue about me supposedly being paranoid about it. I was also glad that Seungri kept me distracted from the other's conversation. I really needed to keep my mind busy and why not with someone like Seungri?
In what seemed like thirty minutes afterwards, Lee came into the room.
"Sorry to break up your little gathering, but we need to go," said Lee. "Your managers think it will be a good idea that we go early to run over a few things with you, especially The Toxins."
"But aren't TOP and G-Dragon here yet?" Daesung asked.
"They are waiting downstairs," said Lee. "Come on, we better get going."
Lee quickly left the room while we slowly stood up from our seats. I kind of felt bad that we were leaving sooner than I expected. I seriously wasn't ready to go downstairs and meet G-Dragon. After what happened yesterday, I didn't feel ready to meet him face to face. What was I going to say? Our group members now think the two of us are on speaking terms again when it was actually the opposite. We only spoke yesterday because it was necessary due to the song and the little encounter I had with G-Dragon. Now that it was nothing but a social gathering with the fans, what were the two of us going to do? And not only that, what were we going to say to each other in front of our fans?
I tried not to think of the worst case scenario as I walked out of the room with Seungri by my side. I had to act normal and not get caught up in my mind again. When I usually do that, most people think I'm being distant when I actually wasn't. I really hate the fact that I over think all the time, but there is always a time when I find it quite enjoyable.
We found ourselves on the ground floor and our two managers stood waiting for us with TOP. That was weird. I wondered where G-Dragon was because there was no sign of him in the lobby and I wasn't ready to ask.
"Look who we have here," said TOP as he slowly brought down his stunning sunglasses when he saw us approaching. I had to admit, TOP looked way cooler and handsome too.
He wore a black shirt with a red cashmere jacket and black designer jeans with stunning black shoes. I now realised what fans have said about him when they post pics stating that he dresses like he is about to take over the world. I wasn't going to lie, he did look like those cool guys in the movies trying to take over the world. And I wouldn't mind being by his side if he ever did.
"Zoey, Christine," said TOP as he drew closer. "You girls are looking elegant today."
"Thanks," Zoey and Christine said at the same time.
"You also look great, TOP," said Zoey. "Totally cool."
"Thanks," said TOP as he smiled.
I looked down when I noticed TOP's eyes on me. I was already blushing and I didn't want to look straight at him. With that bad boy look of his, who knows how I was going to react. Sometimes I never knew what to do or what to say when a guy as good looking as TOP was staring at me. I remember my school days and when a cute guy ever looked at me or even talked to me, I would always look like an idiot in the end. As normal and average as I was at first, my friends used to find me weird when it came to guys. As I grew older and got over the shyness, that still didn't change the fact that I acted like a total idiot sometimes.
"Wow, Sam, you're looking great," said TOP as he approached me. I found it hard to respond and I had to force myself.
"I....um." I cleared my throat. "Thanks. You look great too." "You look like a black kitty for sure. All you need are cat ears and a tail."
"I was just about to suggest that," said Daniel as he snapped his fingers.
"I don't need cat ears and a tail," I said. I could clearly feel my cheeks blushing and I looked the other way.
"And you could put on her whiskers too," said Taeyang, with a smile on his face.
"With a pink cute nose," said Daesung. "Just imagine how cute she would look."
"Awww, I can imagine how she looks already," said Zoey as she tickled under my chin like I was a cat. "Whose my little black kitty! Yes, you're! Yes, you're!"
"Stop it! Collins, tell her to stop!" I pushed Zoey's hand away but that didn't stop her from coming closer to me and tickling me all over my body.
I tried to move away from Zoey as far as possible. I ran around our group members and our managers running from Zoey as she tried to catch me and tickle me some more. I laughed along with Zoey as she chased me around. I had never felt so happy and excited in such a long time. I felt like a little kid again and I loved the feeling.
"Come here, Sam," said Zoey. "I want to tickle you some more."
"No way!" I said as I ran behind Taeyang.
"Can you two stop running around like little kids?" Collins called out to us as Zoey ran past him.
"Tell her to stop chasing me and trying to tickle me," I said to Collins as I continued to laugh.
To be honest, I wasn't ready for the fun to stop just yet. Just as I ran behind Daniel, I felt someone grab my waist from behind and I was drawn backwards. My back leaned on something hard. I realised that TOP was the one who grabbed me and I was leaning on his chest. This wasn't good. Zoey came over and she started to tickle me. I laughed so hard that I couldn't stop and tears fell out of my eyes. Zoey knew just where to tickle me on my sides and I laughed so hard.
I tried telling her to stop but I couldn't say so because I laughed so hard. Zoey was enjoying herself with this and TOP who held me, was silently laughing behind me. I was glad that TOP was holding me, because I would have dropped to the floor laughing. Everyone around us also started to laugh. I was told that I had such a contagious laugh that others around me start to laugh too.
I soon managed to break away from TOP when Zoey finally stopped tickling me. I was still laughing so hard that I wasn't really looking where I was going. I wasn't aware that I was moving backwards.
Then all of sudden, I lost my footing and at that point, time stopped. I didn't really mind if I found myself on the floor since I was laughing too hard.
But surprisingly, that didn't happen.
As I lost my footing, I was falling backwards and I felt my back lean on something. At first I thought it was a wall, but when I felt someone's hands around me to hold me steady, I knew someone had just prevented me from falling to the floor. I stopped laughing. With his arms around me, I knew who it was. It felt like my body knew exactly who held me without even looking. At that moment, I felt embarrassed even to turn my head and at him in the face.
"Wow, Sam," said Zoey at she looked at me. "Looks like you have been saved from falling. Again."
"And by the same person too," said Seungri.
I realised that everyone was looking at G-Dragon and I. I felt my face grow hot in embarrassment. I finally managed to straighten myself up and I turned to look at G-Dragon behind me.
Just like most of us, G-Dragon also wore casual clothes but surprisingly, he wore all black just like me. When I noticed that, I grew a little startled that I was lost for words. He did look really cool though. With a long black designer shirt and jeans with pretty cool white and black designer sneakers. A gold chain hang around his neck adding a perfect look to his outfit with diamond studs on his ears.
"Oh, wow!" Christine exclaimed behind me. "Is it just me or today is a total black Saturday?"
I knew this wasn't going to go unnoticed. When Christine blurted out that statement, G-Dragon looked at me from head to toe. I could feel his eyes analysing my outfit and that sent a tingle down my spine. I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
"Yikes! That's going to send a fashion statement to the whole world," said Lee.
"You two really surprise me sometimes," said Yang Hyun-suk. "Did you plan to go out like this?"
G-Dragon and I quickly turned at the same time to look at the others and we both said, "no."
For a moment, there was silence and G-Dragon and I looked at each other. I quickly looked away because I could suddenly feel myself blushing. Why was I blushing?
"I'm also surprised," said Mike. "But I have to admit, you two look awesome!"
"Here," said Zoey as she took out her phone and she quickly took a photo of G-Dragon and I.
I was completely caught unaware when the camera light flashed before my eyes. I wasn't even ready for the photo yet. What the heck! I didn't even want my picture taken either.
"Awww, so cute!" Zoey said excitedly as she showed the photo to TOP who stood right beside her. "They look awesome, don't you think?"
"Ya, they really do," said TOP.
"You should post that and see what people think," said Taeyang.
"Good idea," said Zoey as she started swiping and tapping on her phone.
"Oh no you don't!" I warned as I walked over to Zoey.
Before I could even reach her, TOP and Seungri blocked my path as they stood shoulder to shoulder like body guards.
"You've got to be kidding me," I said as I rolled my eyes at them. I knew it was already too late. Zoey is quick with sending out posts to our fans than she is with coming up with new ideas.
"Done and done!" Zoey announced. "Oh, look! In a matter of seconds, there are already 10 likes. Let's just see what's going to happen afterwards."
"I hate you, Zoey," I said after TOP and Seungri stepped aside and I came face to face with her.
"You'll thank me later," said Zoey giving me a wink.
"Now that your shenanigans are over," said Collins, "we better get going, the cars are here."
Thank goodness. All I wanted was for us to leave. What just happened was already embarrassing enough. And what surprised me was that throughout all of it, G-Dragon had not said a word at all. I was now starting to worry. But it didn't take long for my worry to evaporate as G-Dragon went past me and started a conversation with Zoey as we all stepped out of the building and heading the cars.
Well, that was a relief. For a moment there, I thought he was going to start acting weird again like yesterday. He was gladly talking to the other members with a smile on his face as though nothing was wrong. A small smile came across my face and I was glad no one noticed. I wouldn't mind bearing the silent treatment he gave me as long as he was okay.
The reporters and the paparazzi waited outside the YG premises and when they saw us leave the building, the camera lights blinked and even from a distance, the flashing lights were annoying. They called out to us to grab our attention and only a few of us waved at the reporters. Our managers and Lee got into the first SUV which meant the other two were reserved for us.
I already planned that I would stick around with Seungri for today, but it looked like Zoey had other better ideas.
"Hey, Sam, why don't you join G-Dragon and I in the same car?" Zoey suggested. "Not only would it be fun to have you two around, but just imagine what people would say when you two get out of the car since you two look all pimped up in black!"
I opened my mouth to decline, but the words never came out. Being around G-Dragon was already awkward for me and I couldn't blame Zoey. She didn't know what was going on. But if the two of us got to be in the same car, Zoey and the others will definitely notice that something is wrong. I bit my lip at the thought. What was I going to do?
I looked at G-Dragon and he still didn't utter a word to me. I bet he also thought the same way. I needed someone to save me right now.
"No, Sam, is coming with me."
My prayer had finally been answered. Seungri came and took me by the hand as he came to stand right beside me.
Our other group members had already settled down in the car of their choice and I hadn't even noticed. I was so relieved that Seungri just saved me from all this. I silently couldn't thank him enough.
"Sam and I already planned that we would be close today," said Seungri. "So maybe later."
"You two decided to be close today?" G-Dragon asked with his eyebrow raised and a questioning look on his face.
"I never really got to hang out with her so much yesterday. So, ya, I want her close today," said Seungri. "You wouldn't mind, right?"
"Not all," said Zoey. "It's fine by me. We better get going before one of our managers gets to stick out their heads out of the car and scold us."
Zoey was right. The four of us had wasted so much time talking. Seungri pulled me along with him, still holding my hand as we got into the second car while Zoey and G-Dragon went in the last one.
I was glad I was in the same car with Seungri, Mike, Taeyang and Daniel. I didn't feel like being with G-Dragon in the same car and better yet, in the enclosed space of the car. How was I going to even breathe in there? I wanted as much as to thank Seungri for saving my neck, but that was to come another day. I didn't want the others to get worried if they found out that G-Dragon and I still weren't okay with each other.
While the car drove out of the YG premises following the other car in front, Seungri and the other BigBang members took the time to explain what happens during fan signing events. Most of the time, fan signing events usually take place when a K-Pop group were making a comeback debut or promoting their upcoming album. Our fan signing event was a little usual since we weren't promoting any upcoming album just a single.
I soon realised that G-Dragon and I hadn't even worked so much on the song yet. I made a mental note to try and work on the song on my own for a bit before I went to bed tonight.
We soon found ourselves at what seemed to look like an audience hall. The parking lot was filled and packed with fans. The fans noticed the cars arrive and there was a huge outburst of excitement. The cars made a turn for the back where it was safer for us since our fans seemed to get out of control. Immediately we went through the back gate of the building, the gates closed behind us. The place was filled with security just in case things went wrong.
We came out of the car and I finally got to stretch my legs. I had to admit, I was a little nervous about the event and I hoped it went well. But then came the feeling of the surprise. I just hoped that this time around, I was wrong and I was being paranoid like my group members had told me earlier.
"So, are you ready?" Yang Hyun-suk asked as he, Collins and Lee came out of the car.
"These guys might be ready," said Zoey as she jumped out of the car with G-Dragon following behind her. "But I'm not."
"I'm also a little nervous too," I said. "There are so many fans out there and I don't know what to expect."
"Don't worry, Sam," said Taeyang. "There is completely nothing to worry about."
"Well, I hope so," said Christine as she twirled her hair. "We will go through a few things with you before the event starts," said Yang Hyun-suk. "Follow me."
Our managers with Lee led the way through the back door and we found ourselves in the dressing room where we were told to wait. We still had enough time till the event started so Yang Hyun-suk went through some things with us with what goes on during fan signing events. Though Daniel, Mike and I had already been told by Seungri and Taeyang about what usually happens, there were a few things they kind of left out that Yang Hyun-suk managed to tell us. Like the way the fans interact with their celebrities might be a bit freaky but it's part of the K-Pop culture. But he did emphasis to be ourselves when we go out there to meet our fans and interact with them. It seems there was really nothing to worry about.
We still had thirty-five minutes till the event starts, so our managers left and said they would send for us when the time came. I was glad that Lee stayed behind with us though I was quite sure Collins told her to keep an eye out on us, especially us, Toxins. Anyway, I needed her around. Since we came here, she and I didn't really have some time to talk like we usually do back home. And besides, Seungri completely ignored me this time around and was chatting with Christine and Daesung, so Lee was the appropriate chat buddy while we waited.
"So, I see you're clearly avoiding G-Dragon today," said Lee, who sat right next to me.
"No, I'm not avoiding him," I said. "He's avoiding me."
"Ya, I noticed the way he was giving you the silent treatment. He didn't even say you look nice or pretty back at YG."
"I don't mind." Lee gave me a look I couldn't describe. She had her eyebrow raised, her lips pursed together and her arms folded. I could tell she was studying me, but what was running in that head of hers, I was hoping to find out.
"Since when did you ever become the 'I-don't-care' type?" Lee asked.
"Ever since I realised that I'm not supposed to care what other people think about me," I answered.
"Mmmm, sounds like you really don't care or are you just bluffing?"
"No, I'm not. I just don't want things to get as complicated as it already is." I kept my voice down so that no one could hear me. "The others think G-Dragon and I are no longer fighting. And yesterday was nothing but weird. I don't want to worry the others while we are here."
I was seated at the corner of the room with Lee. It was a nice comfortable space for just the two of us to talk without raising much attention. Zoey sat with G-Dragon, Taeyang and my brothers on the opposite side of the room, almost close to the door.
"And you think it's going to last long?" Lee asked. "The two of you're supposed to be working on the lyrics together and that will require communication and stuff."
"Ya, well, that's not the issue," I said as I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm worried when our members are around. I'm glad they never noticed that G-Dragon didn't say a word to me so far, but what will happen later on? And in front of the fans?"
"Wait a minute. So you think, the others might just do something that may require you and GD to say something to each other?"
"I won't be surprised. I mean, we do have Zoey for those kind of things."
"True. Let's just hope the surprise won't trigger that to happen." This time, I looked at Lee who wasn't looking at me. I could clearly see on her face now that she was kind of nervous when she mentioned the surprise.
"What's the surprise, Lee?" I went straight to the point this time around and I wasn't ready to take no for an answer, though I knew I was surly going to get one.
"What? The surprise?" That almost gave us away and everyone's attention in the room turned to us because Lee spoke a little loudly. But no one seemed to care afterwards as they went on to what they were doing, ignoring us.
"Well, ya, and I know you know what the surprise is."
"But that's really top secret, Sam. I can't tell you."
"Really? Please, Lee. This isn't stuff to do with the Secret Service. Why don't you tell me what it is?"
"I can't and you know how those two managers are. They are going to kill me if they found out I told you what the surprise was."
"Okay, well give me a hint then. Is this surprise for The Toxins and BigBang or what?" Lee gave me a sincere look and I knew what she was about to tell me next was the truth.
"The surprise isn't for you guys only. It's for the whole world to see."
This time, I thought Lee was speaking in riddles. But somehow, it did make sense. But what would Yang Hyun-suk and Collins have planned as a surprise for the whole world? I now felt something was wrong. And with my last question in my mind, I just had to confirm with Lee.
"Okay, this is probably the last question I'm going to ask you," I said, assuring Lee that I meant what I said. "But I need to confirm something with you."
"Fire away then," said Lee. "I just hope it's not a complicated question to answer."
It took me a while to come up with the right words to ask. I didn't want to sound weird and I didn't want to start beating around the bush either.
"Does the surprise have anything to do with me?" I asked.
Lee looked at me, startled. I waited for her to reply but the door flew open and someone came in, one of the organising crew of the event, asking for Lee. Darn it! She had been saved by the bell. What was I going to do now?
"We'll talk later," said Lee, as she gave me an apologetic look as she stood up from the chair and left.
I had a feeling I wasn't going to get my answer right there and then. Looks like I had to wait till the surprise came. Too bad I couldn't get the answer I was looking for. But because of Lee's expression when I asked her, I might probably be right about the surprise. Or maybe I was just trying to comfort myself thinking that I might be wrong. Yikes! Self denial was one thing I never liked to tolerate but I had to look at the possibilities that I might actually be wrong for once.
I still sat alone in the corner, this time browsing on my phone about the latest news on Twitter. I tried avoiding any tweet involving what's happening today and also about the picture taken of G-Dragon and I. There were other better stories to read concerning what's happening around the world right now. Though I was one person who never really liked watching news concerning current affairs when I was young, reading about them felt quite enjoyable as I grew older. Ya, I'm one heck of a reader and right now, I was a reading a news article posted on BBC. Ya, I know what you're thinking. What's a superstar like me reading about such stuff? I should be concerned about what people are saying about me than reading this boring stuff. One thing I know, was that not everything is supposed to be all about me.
"Hey, why are you all alone?"
I looked up from my phone and I saw Taeyang looking down at me.
"Just reading something," I said as I pressed the power button to blacken my phone screen. It would be embarrassing if he and I fought over the phone like we did yesterday over the notebook. I didn't want him to see what I was reading. He might just mock me and call me a news person.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Yes, please," I said as I patted on the leather couch inviting him to sit.
"You look at ease this time around," said Taeyang as he sat next to me. "Zoey told us that you were acting paranoid about the surprise this morning."
"Can Zoey ever keep her mouth shut just for once?" I asked as I gave out a death glare at Zoey across the room. Luckily, she was too preoccupied to even notice. "I wonder why she hasn't revealed my deepest darkest secrets yet."
"Because she's your best friend."
"Ya, but she wasn't supposed to bring that up. I know I didn't tell her to, but there is a time to talk about such things and she chose wrongly."
"It was just a slip of the tongue."
"For Zoey, there is nothing like the slip of the tongue. You should already know that by now."
"I guess you're right. But why think too much about the surprise?"
"Maybe it's because-" I paused. "Why do I have to tell you? I bet you already know since Zoey told you that I was being paranoid. Which, as a matter of fact, I'm not."
Taeyang chuckled and said, "I know you're not paranoid, Sam. Let's change the subject."
"Thank you," I said as I stared up at the ceiling feeling relieved.
"What's up with you and GD?" Taeyang asked with a serious look on his face.
"Pfft! What are you talking about, Tae?" I asked as I twirled a strand of my hair.
"Sam, you're twirling your hair. What aren't you telling me?
Dang it! Taeyang was just too good. How did had he known that something was wrong between G-Dragon and I?
"How....do you...I mean..." I stammered trying to find the right words. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I know G-Dragon and I could tell he has been giving you the silent treatment today. Did you two argue?"
"No, we didn't."
"Then why isn't he talking to you?"
"I...eh...I don't know." I kept on twirling my hair. "Why don't you ask him?"
"I know he won't tell me anything. I didn't even try to bring it up. So I came to you."
Really? This cannot be happening! What was I going to say? I couldn't lie to Taeyang. And if he could have noticed that something was wrong, it wouldn't be long until the others found out too. But it looked like I had no choice.
"Aren't you going to tell me, Sam?" Taeyang asked, this time, bringing me back from my thoughts.
"Now you're the one being paranoid," I said. I wasn't twirling my hair this time around. That's what gave me away the first time. It wasn't the right time to tell Taeyang. Not yet. Not when we were about to meet our fans. That would be crazy.
"What do you mean?" Taeyang looked confused. Oh, no. I shouldn't have started the conversation like this. I had to figure out what to say next. And fast!
"G-Dragon and I aren't arguing. We just had a little bit of a misunderstanding when it came to the lyrics for the song. That's all."
What was I saying? G-Dragon and I barely worked on the song at all yesterday. I hope Taeyang was buying this. He might not ask GD about what I've just told him, but I was really hoping he wouldn't tell the others either.
"Why? He didn't like your lyrics?"
"The first two lines were okay," I continued to lie. "But as we continued, we had a little bit of a conflict here and there. It's nothing that serious."
"Then why isn't he talking to you?"
"I don't know." I shrugged. "Some of us just wake up on the wrong side of the bed and we don't tend to talk to some people. I didn't want to tell you earlier since I noticed his behaviour from the beginning. Maybe it's in some way related to that. I don't know."
I hope the last bits of my sentence would make Taeyang believe my lie. And I hoped he wouldn't ask me any further. I still couldn't tell him that his best friend despite looking so sober yesterday, came drunk. It wouldn't feel right, especially for G-Dragon. It somehow wasn't clearly his fault that he came in that way. I was to blame for it too.
"Oh. I thought the two of you were still not talking to each other because of that previous argument about all of us working on the lyrics together."
All I could do was put up a fake smile to assure Tae that it wasn't about that. I hated lying to him and I couldn't tell him that apart from my stupid idea about working on the lyrics, there was another reason why G-Dragon was still mad at me. Taeyang quickly changed the topic and I was glad that I could finally get a breather.
It was fifteen minutes till the event and soon the makeup artists came into the room to get us ready. We were remaining with five more minutes and we were quickly told that it was time to go and that the security would escort us up on stage.
"OMG, guys! Who's ready for this!" Zoey asked as she rubbed her hands and bounced on her feet nervously.
"Not me," said Daniel. "I'm actually terrified."
"Please, it's not like the people out there don't like you," I said. "They are our fans for a reason."
"Come on, we better get going," said Seungri. "This is going to be exciting."
"Tell me about it," I muttered to myself. Luckily no one heard, not even Taeyang who stood next to me.
We started filing out of the room and I was the last one. Just before I took a further step out of the door, Collins came and stood right in front of me. That's weird. I hadn't even noticed him coming in the hallway and the others were leaving me behind, not one of them giving a backward glance.
"What's going on, Collins?" I asked as I looked past his shoulder hoping to see if the others had noticed and were waiting along the hallway, but nothing. They had disappeared round a corner.
"Get inside, Sam," was all Collins said to me, motioning me with his head to go back in the room.
I noticed his tone was serious and without my eyes leaving his face, I took a few steps back into the room. Collins then came in and Yang Hyun-suk quickly followed behind him. This was strange. I hadn't noticed Yang Hyun-suk in the hall either. This sent weird vibes to my brain and I knew something was up. The two managers looked at me with serious looks on their faces. I figured I might have done something wrong for them to want to talk to me alone. But what was it then? It can't be related to G-Dragon and I arguing the other day.
No. I ruled that out immediately. They possibly couldn't have known all that. I trusted Lee didn't say anything. But why hold me up alone in the room if I wasn't in trouble?
"May I ask what's going on here?" I asked. "I'm I in some kind of trouble?"
"No, you're not, Sam," said Yang Hyun-suk. "We wanted you to stay behind for another reason."
Phew! I wasn't in trouble then. "May I kindly ask why?"
"It's about the surprise."
I thought I felt something in my brain shatter like glass. I knew the surprise had to do with me. I knew it! I knew it! I KNEW IT!
"Huh...." I scratched my head, trying to look confused in front the managers. "So what's about the surprise?"
Before they could say anything, Lee came in the room since the door already stood ajar. She had a big wide box in her hands. Was this the surprise? And why were they giving it to me? I thought the surprise was something for the whole world to see. What was going on here?
"Wait, what's that?" I asked as I pointed at the box, while I faced the managers.
"That, Sam," said Collins as he looked at the box, "is the surprise."
My mouth fell open and I had no words. What was in there? I looked at Lee to see if she could give me a hint or something, but all she gave me was an apologetic look. I didn't like this at all.
"You can open the box now, Lee," said Collins, as he put his hands in his pockets. He had a little smile on his face, including Yang Hyun-suk. I slowly turned away from my managers and I looked at Lee and the box. She slowly opened the lid and dropped it to the floor. What I saw in the box gave me goosebumps.
"So? What do you think?" Yang Hyun-suk asked, this time, with a grin.
I still had no words. I was as shocked as before and I was startled just by looking at what was in the box. Now I understood when Lee said the surprise was for the whole world to see.
I looked at the managers, then at Lee and lastly at what was inside the box.
I am so dead!
***
I couldn't help myself from scratching as I walked along the hall with a body guard ahead and the managers and Lee behind me. As we were heading backstage, I could hear the sound of the fans in the huge hall and I was pretty nervous. Oh gosh! I couldn't even wipe my sweaty palms. This was just great!
When we were backstage, my heart continued to beat with each dying minute. The fans were probably waiting since the event couldn't start without me. I bet they were wondering where I was and probably my group members too.
I stood behind the curtain and I pulled it away a bit to see what was going on. There was a long table on stage and all my group members and BigBang members sat there waiting for me. They looked to be talking amongst themselves, obviously wondering why I took so long. I looked to the side of the fans and I could see the place was fully packed.
There was noise from the fans and there were camera lights everywhere as well. I looked back at the table on stage and I saw that one seat was vacant right next to G-Dragon. Seriously?
To be honest, I didn't want to sit next to him. Not when he was giving me the silent treatment.
"Hey, are you ready?" Lee startled me from behind and I almost jumped, slightly moving the curtain. I looked at her gave her a frown.
"Don't scare me like that!" I said silently as I held my forehead.
"Sorry. Just wanted to see if you're alright."
"Alright? I'm not alright! I've changed my mind. I'm not going on stage."
"You can't do that and you know it. You have to go out there or else the fans will start to worry."
She was right. The fans might not worry but turn their worry into a rampage.
I sighed in frustration. When I go on stage, I felt things were going to be different.
"Sam," came Collins as he walked up to me. "You're up. You've to go on stage."
I shook my head at him. I wasn't going on stage. No way!
"I can't go on stage," I said. "You can kill me if you want to, but I'm not going!"
"Stop acting like a child, Sam," said Yang Hyun-suk as he came to join us. "You very well know the show must go on. Now do us all a favour and go."
"Don't do it for us," said Lee. "Do it for the fans."
I never liked such kind of moments when I was told that I should do things for the people who are most important. She was right though. I was here for the fans and nothing else.
I felt the back of my leg itch and all I could do was scratch it with my other foot. I slowly nodded my head at Lee and the two managers. I turned to face the curtain and took in a huge deep breath, trying to calm myself. But I was quickly disturbed by snickering behind me and I quickly looked behind again.
"Seriously, I told you not to laugh at me!" I whispered angrily at Lee.
"Sorry, can't help myself," said Lee. The urge to laugh still showed on her face and it can clearly show on the managers' faces too.
"This isn't over yet," I said. "I'll get you for this one day, you will see."
Since I was so pissed, I quickly withdrew the curtain and I went out on stage without thinking twice. I suddenly felt the change of scenery and I stood right there on stage, stuck. I couldn't breathe and I couldn't move. I bet everyone in the hall was feeling the same way too. I looked out at the audience and they were all quiet. Obviously stunned at what they were seeing right now and trying to take it all in. I also felt stunned and gosh! I was trying my best not to scratch my itching butt right now in front of everyone because all this was too embarrassing already.
I looked beside me on stage and the other Toxins and also BigBang were also stunned, with their mouths open and silent as they looked at me. My head felt hot and itchy and I couldn't reach out for my scalp to scratch.
This moment felt like forever when I knew I had only been on the stage for like thirty seconds. I quickly looked at my feet which, I couldn't see anymore, until a scream from a fan out there in the hall made me jump in fright. Soon afterwards, all the fans started screaming in delight and they all stood up for me cheering and calling out my name.
For a moment, I felt kind of shocked until I realised they weren't making fun of me but were really delighted. I put up a smile and waved at the fans. I walked up further to the centre stage where the others were. I continued to wave and I also blew out kisses to them. That just made them even wilder and I smiled. What couldn't be better than seeing happy fans?
I took a bow this time, the way Koreans do as a sign of respect. That almost caused an uproar in the hall. All I was doing was thanking my fans out there for their support. I bet that sent a smile on Yang Hyun-suk's face. I totally nailed it.
Through out all the screaming from the fans, I heard Zoey behind me and I saw her quickly rush from behind the table to come and hug me. The fans loved it and they continued to cheer some more.
"OMG! Sam! You look so adorable!" Zoey shouted so I could hear her among the screaming fans. She stopped hugging me and looked at me from head to toe.
"Thanks," I said with a smile. "Apparently, this was the surprise our managers were talking about."
Zoey pinched my cheeks as though I was a little baby. Seungri also came up to me and instead of receiving a hug, he pecked me on the cheek. That almost sent the fans dying, including me since I couldn't stop blushing.
"Loving the new outfit, Sam," said Seungri. "Looks like you aren't cute as a black cat but also as Pikachu too."
I looked down at myself and I couldn't tell if I really did look cute in this Pikachu costume. I still felt hot and itchy in it despite it being new. I knew I looked ridiculous and I had objected to wearing it the first time I saw it.
"Thanks, Seungri," I said with a smile.
Zoey still couldn't stop looking at me with an adoring smile. Obviously still trying to take in what she was seeing. The others soon came from behind the table to hug me. They all made funny cute jokes about my Pikachu outfit.
TOP and Taeyang even made fun of my tail, that looked like a symbol of a power charge, by pulling at it a few times. I quickly held the tail in my hand giving them an angry stare. I had to admit, I felt kind of possessive over my tail and the fans couldn't help but laugh at the sudden show of comedy on stage.
Christine and Daniel also made fun of the ears and they tagged at them as well. The others were having so much fun as they continued to smile at me and pass out silly comments.
I was so caught up with their attention, I completely forgot about G-Dragon. I turned to look at the table and he wasn't there. That was strange. Where was he?
I soon realised that he had just turned round the table and was coming up to me. I felt my face grow hot at his sudden approach and he looked kind of serious. Was he going to make fun of me? Well, a lot of people probably have but I don't know what G-Dragon was going to say.
I absent mindley scratched my nose. My fingers weren't so much in use right now under the costume so it was kind of difficult to scratch. I heard an "Awww!" in the crowd. The fans must have obviously found that cute. Even Christine and Zoey couldn't help but find it cute too.
"Awww, so cute," said Christine.
"Do that again so that I can put that on video and send it to mum," said Mike who already had his phone out and taking a video. "Mum is going to love it."
That to me wasn't all that important right now. What was worrying me was G-Dragon as he got closer. I gulped and I couldn't breathe. I felt like running off the stage and not only will that paint a funny picture, people will start to wonder what's going on. I stood still like a statue, ready for the worst.
As GD stood in front of me, I heard Taeyang speak through the mic. Where did the microphone even come from? I wasn't going to ask because what Taeyang said almost made me drop dead.
"So, GD? What do you think of Sam's outfit? Does she look pretty?"
I looked and felt ridiculous if he'd asked me. Taeyang first asked in English then in Korean. I couldn't stop the itchiness that now crept up my body, this time in full force.
I continued to look at G-Dragon, who was still not giving me a hint of a smile. He was really making this hard for me. He should at least smile a little. G-Dragon took the mic from Taeyang and my heart continued to beat even faster. I wanted to cover my face for the hammer blow I was about to receive, but that would only show that I was being shy in front of him. GD brought the mic to his lips and I balled up my sweaty hands into fists.
"She looks really ridiculous," said G-Dragon. Well, at least he was being honest but it still came out as a shocker for me, and also the fans too.
I felt my heart ache a little and my eyes starting to tear up. Was that pain I felt?
"But she looks so darn cute at the same time," this time G-Dragon put up a smile and he pinched my cheeks just like the others had done earlier. I thought he was going to pinch me real hard, but he didn't. I tried to hold back my smile as I blushed.
Afterwards, G-Dragon did the unexpected. He hugged me! And this sent the fans cheering so loudly I thought my eardrums might just burst. I was shocked by his gesture. I thought pinching my cheeks was enough, but he had to hug me too.
When I looked at Taeyang who stood behind his best friend, I saw him smile widely. I hoped that settled his doubts of G-Dragon not talking to me. When G-Dragon pulled away from hugging me, he took me by the hand and led me at the back of the table where we took our seats. Again, I wasn't really expecting that.
The others soon came to join us at table. It was time for the fan signing event to begin. I thought that time would never come given that ever since I wore this Pikachu costume, time seemed to have slowed down a little.
Daesung and Zoey took the floor by giving out the opening remarks. Soon afterwards, the fans signing event begun. There was a line of fans down the stage and the guards only selected ten fans to come up.
At first, I was nervous when a fan girl came to sit down in front of me. But when she gave me a cute smile, that kind of subsided my fear for a while and I also gave her a smile. We started to talk a little and she shyly gave out cute compliments about my Pikachu costume. It actually felt kind of nice to talk to her and in the end, she ended up giving me a handmade bracelet. It was really beautiful and it looked like she put all her hard work into and I loved it. I made her put the bracelet on my wrist. Well, my Pikachu wrist. Yang Hyun-suk did say the fans might just give us gifts which sounded a little awkward at first but it really made a pretty nice gesture. After the fan put a bracelet around me, I gave her a high-five and signed an autograph for her.
The fan signing event felt like forever. Within an hour, I had tons of gifts from the fans. I also had a crown of flowers on top of my head and so did the rest of my group members and BigBang.
We obviously looked cute with those crowns over our heads. I obviously looked ten times cuter with my Pikachu costume on. No need to brag or anything. After yet another hour, the fan signing event was over. I really had a fun time and I didn't feel tired at all. I bet the fans who couldn't make it for the event were probably watching the videos online and I knew they felt like they were here too.
G-Dragon gave the closing remarks. It was soon time to leave the stage and there was a sigh of disapproval from the fans. It was obvious they didn't want us to leave but we had to. I also didn't want to leave. They were such amazing fans and getting to interact with them was really fun. I was hoping to do it again soon, but I realised that we weren't going to stay for long.
Before we left the stage, we all took the centre stage and we bowed to the fans. I hope that made quite a happy ending for them. The fans cheered and clapped. They also started to chant the words "The Toxins" and "BigBang". It was amazing and I couldn't help but smile.
We soon left the stage and we found our managers and Lee. "Well, that went well, didn't it?" Yang Hyun-suk asked.
"It sure did with our Pikachu here," said TOP as he raised his hand to try and tug at the ears of my costume. I quickly slapped his hand away in annoyance and everyone laughed.
"We should have believed Sam when she told us that the surprise was all about her," said Mike. "Who knew she would end up wearing this cute costume?"
I slapped my face in frustration as the two managers now looked at me with shocked looks on their faces. Mike shouldn't have brought that up in front of them.
"How did you know all this?" Collins asked. Then he turned to look at Lee. "Lee?"
"Don't look at me," said Lee with her hands up in surrender. "I never told her about the costume."
"My gut feeling told me that the surprise had to do with me," I explained. "I didn't know it had anything to do with the costume."
"And as usual, she was right," said Zoey as she put her hand on my shoulder. "How can we have ever doubted you?"
"You do that all the time," I answered with my eyebrows raised.
"Looks like you have one strong gut," said Daesung. "No wonder you trust it more than anything or anyone else."
I smiled at Daesung. "Ya, I always do," I said this as I patted my tummy. "Speaking of guts, I'm really hungry right now. All I had was water out there and I'm starving."
"Same here," said Daniel.
"Well, you guys all deserve a feast today, so why don't we all go to the best restaurant in town?" Yang Hyun-suk suggested.
"Oh, yes, please!" Christine and Seungri said at the same time.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go," said Taeyang.
"Wait a minute," said G-Dragon. Everyone paused and turned to look at G-Dragon. "We can't leave without taking a group photo," he said with a smile on his face.
"Ya, I wouldn't like to leave this place without all of us taking a photo," said Zoey. "For memories sake."
"Okay, you guys gather around and I'll take the photo," said Yang Hyun-suk.
The two groups gathered around together and I surprisingly found myself close to G-Dragon, who didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he looked really happy. Maybe he was back to his old self again. Well, hopefully. I noticed the time we sat down together on stage that he kept on giving me sideway glances and smiling. I obviously looked ridiculous in his eyes and I pretended not to notice his glance as I kept on talking to the fans. But all in all, I hoped he would stay like that forever.
After taking a few photos and posing in weird and ridiculous ways, we also took a few photos with Lee and our managers. Soon, almost everyone had their phones out to take selfies and group photos. It was so much fun.
"Okay, now that we're done, can I please go take out this costume?" I asked. "I don't want to go to a restaurant looking like this."
"No, don't take it off," said Mike. "We still need Pikachu around."
"But what for? The event is over and I really need to change."
"Just stay in it for a little while longer," said Seungri. "I bet the fans want to see you in this the whole day. Besides, you already look too cute to take it off now."
"Ya, I also agree," said G-Dragon. "The day isn't far from over and we will still need you in that adorable costume."
Did I hear GD right or did he just say adorable? I blushed like crazy and I thought twice of keeping it on. But I shook my head and protested some more.
"No, guys. I really do need to change. You don't know how itchy this costume is."
"Please, Sam!" Zoey pleaded, giving me the puppy dog eyes. "Come on, Sam," said Taeyang.
Everyone started taunting me about not taking the costume off. Even Lee and the two managers joined in. I rolled my eyes and covered my ears, but that somehow didn't stop their voices from taunting me. I finally gave up.
"Okay, fine," I said as I raised my hands to silence them. "I'll stay in the costume but let's not go to a restaurant. That will be weird."
"Okay, then where should we go?" TOP asked.
"Let's go to some open food court or something at the mall," I said. "That will be great and right now, I really need some junk food. Besides, the fans would love to see us in the open and interact with us, don't you think?"
"That's not such a bad idea," said Yang Hyun-suk. "You really do come up with good ideas."
"Thanks," I said with a smile. "What are we waiting for? I'm dying of hunger and I'm in need of a burger right now."
"Okay, then, let's go," said Collins. We followed our managers leaving the backstage and heading out back the way we came.
I had to excuse myself from the others when I realised that I had left my phone in the dressing room. When I got to the dressing room, I found my phone on one of the leather seats.
When I got my phone, I paused for a second. I felt the hairs at the back of my neck rise. Someone was in the room with me. But who? I dared not to breath or move. Was it one of the organising team of the event? No, something felt off and I wasn't liking it at all. Was this person trying to attack me? Well, I hope not.
The sound of soft footfalls filled my ears. I was one good listener and I knew the person in the room was either trying to creep up on me or was planning to bolt. I quickly turned around to catch the person off guard, but I was already too late.
The person had planned on bolting and the door swung open. I quickly ran to the door and looked down the hall. There was no one there. Whoever was here was probably fast enough to make him or herself disappear. The person must have hidden behind the door for a good escape. A started to think of the worst and I remembered what happened on Thursday when I had gone to the park. It was obviously the same person and I had no doubt about it.
As I made my way to the exit, I found the others all settled in the car apart from Zoey.
"Hey, why aren't you in the car?" I asked.
"I was waiting for my Pikachu," said Zoey.
"Looks like that's my new nickname," I said.
"Ya. Hey, are you okay? You look to be somewhere other than here."
"No, I'm fine. Um, did you see anyone come out through the exit?"
"No. No one came out there apart from you. Is there something wrong?"
I thought of what to say next. But now, wasn't the time to tell Zoey about the stranger. It was only going to spook her and she would tell the others, obviously. Besides, it was best I found out who that mysterious person was myself. Right now, everyone seemed to be in a good mood, even G-Dragon. I wasn't going to ruin this now.
"Forget it, I'm hungry," I said, shaking my head. "Let's go."
"I thought you were never going to say that," said Zoey.
She put her arm around me and the two of us got into the car with big smiles on our faces.