Rachel and I arrived in New York and instantly went to our hotel. We were over the flight and just wanted to relax. We were staying at Holiday Inn, and so far, everything was pretty great. We even met a couple of other girls who were here for the Kpop festival. Apparently, this hotel came with one of the package deals. It was absolutely stunning here.
Rachel was laying in one of the beds on her phone, as I sat at the desk straightening my mane of hair. I wanted it to be bone straight for tomorrow when I see Fred, however, I always straighten my hair the day before so it would be easier the day of an event.
"Are you straightening your hair?" Fred asked. He, like me, was in a hotel room. He laid on his bed lazily chewing on a Twizzler. He was in a muscle shirt and sweats that were riding so low, that I could see the ban that said "Calvin Klein" on it. His hair was messy on his head. I part my hair with a thin comb then tied up the extra pieces.
"How'd you know?" I asked with a tease in my voice as I snapped my flat iron at the camera with a smirk. He half smiled.
"I'm psychic." He responded, looking at me with a look I couldn't decipher.
"Ooo, do tell me my future Great Fredrick."
"Hmmm, in what aspect?" He asked. "Romance, college life, fortune?" He wiggled his fingers.
"Romance." I replied softly.
"Oh well, that's easy. Eventually, you and I will be together." I blushed as Rachel coughed in the background. I looked back at her, then looked at him, and he looked smug.
"If I didn't know you, I'd say you have the confidence of a famous person." I responded.
"So if I asked you to be my girlfriend right now, you'd say no?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. I blush redder and went back to straighten my hair.
"Shut up." I mumbled, making him laugh.
"Exactly, I just can't right now." He said and sighed. My eyebrows came together as I paused.
"Oh...why?" I asked. Was he just playing with me? Did he actually not like me?
"My contract with L.Y.F.E states I can't be in an official romantic relationship with anyone." He said softly, watching me like a hawk as I masked my pain. I felt like throwing up.
"Oh, that must suck."
"It only sucks now. I haven't really been wanting a girlfriend. But with you, I don't want anyone else to be with you but me, and I don't want anyone else to be with me but you. I have deep feelings for you Audrey...it just sucks." He said, frustration clear in his voice.
"I didn't think that would be a term in a contract…" I said softly. My throat tightened and I knew I was gonna cry. I truly thought that we'd end up being together. But then again, how would it have worked out anyways? Contract, or no contract. He was in Korea, while I was all the way in Texas. How could I have ever thought we could work out? It's not like I have the money to travel.
"Audrey. You're thinking too much." Fred's voice entered my mind. I looked up at him, to see him sitting up now, as a tear rolled down my face. His eyes widened as he grabbed his phone, moving it closer. I looked down and wiped my eyes quickly. He went to speak, but I quickly cut him off.
"Hey, I gotta go. I'll talk to you later okay?" I said with a fake smile, then hung up, just as more tears rolled down my cheeks.
"I'm so stupid." I said through a sob as I felt arms go around my shoulder. Rachel held me as I shook with sadness.
"Audrey…" I got up and hugged her as I cried. She petted my head. "You're not stupid. Those contracts are stupid." She said softly.
"We can't be together. He could lose his job." I sniffled then continued. "Plus he lives in Korea and I live in America."
"Girl," She said, with a bit of sadness in her voice for me. "Well, you've only known each other for 2 months. Plus they come to America all the time. Fred comes even more because he's from the states. If you two want to be together, it will work out in the end," She said seriously. "I know you normally don't open up to guys, so I'm really happy you've found someone you like. Honestly, if it's meant to be, it will be." I nodded as I listened wiping my eyes.
"You're right." I said, feeling stupid for crying.
"Now, let's get your hair under control so you can look cute for your man's tomorrow." She smirked and winked at me. I giggled as I sat back at the desk.
______
"Oh wow!" Rachael said as we arrived at KParty. I swear, I've never been to a place that had so many people! It was crazy. There were a lot of people with different group shirts on as well as vendors who were selling snacks and merch.
Rachel and I were wearing out L.Y.F.E shirts that we created ourselves. It was like a dry-fit shirt that was cooling in this hot heat. They were both black, however, mine had "Fredrick" on it, as a joke for him, and had a little chibi face picture of him on my chest. Rachel on the other hand had a crown on her chest and "King" on the back.
We were walking around, looking for a map, when my phone buzzed again. I sigh softly looking over the past messages from Fred.
"Good morning, beautiful. Please don't cry anymore."
"Umm...hello?"
"Are you just gonna stop talking to me???"
"Audrey."
"I'm going to literally fly to Texas if you don't reply before KParty is over. I swear on my grandmother's grave." That was his final text and I felt very guilty.
"His feelings are hurt…" I said sadly looking at Rachel. She made a face reading the messages.
"You're gonna see him in 20 minutes, he'll be ok." She said as we found the area the L.Y.F.E meet and greet was going to be. I made a face as I looked at the line. We got here 30 minutes before the meet and greet was supposed to begin and the line was way out of the area.
"More like 40...I just want to reassure him. I don't want him to be distracted." I said with a slight pout.
"Just tell him you're not mad." Rachel said and I nodded.
"Hi, I'm not mad. Rachel had just been dragging me around everywhere and I haven't been able to get to my phone." I replied to him. Rachel scowled.
"Sure, blame me." She said and I narrowed my eyes.
"It was your idea to not text him back this morning!" I hissed. She pressed her lips together.
"My bad." She said with a pout. I rolled my eyes and bumped her with my hip gently.
"It's cool,"
______
It wasn't long after that when we heard the tell signs of screaming fans. Suddenly, all 6 of the men were on the big screen waving. My heart started to beat fast as I looked at Fred. While he was smiling, I could tell it was a fake smile. His eyes didn't close all the way like they usually did when he was happy. His body was tense, and he looked a little upset. I looked at my phone and saw he didn't even open it. My heart shattered.
"He didn't get the message in time," I said looking back up at the upset male that was on the screen. He waved at a fan then ran his fingers in his hair sitting at the table. "Oh no Freddy…"
"Hello, KParty! We are L.Y.F.E, thank you for having us!" Kwan said with a half-smile as he sat down with the rest of the members. The crowd screams and the meet and greet got started.
Each time we moved, the more I got nervous. What if he didn't want to see me anymore? What if he thought I gained weight? What if I smell weird? I bite my bottom lip nervously. However, my thoughts were interrupted by someone behind me.
"It's Fred." A girl said. I turned to look at the girl who was decked out Fred stuff. From her hat, her shirt to her shoes. She was giving me a look. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
"I thought it was funny." I simply stated.
"Hmm, we'll see how he feels." She said, crossing her arms.
"Yeah, we will," I said then glared. "We'll also see how he feels about your attitude." I said as she scoffed and I turned. I went back to worrying as we were the next people in line. I could see his jaw clenching as he chewed on his gum a bit roughly. His eyes were kind and focused, but he also looked a bit fidgety as he sat behind the long table. I smile softly, realizing even though he was a pretty famous person, he was human too. He was nervous. All I wanted to do was go up and hug him tightly.
"Is your group just you two?" The coordinator asked.
"Yes." I said. Like he had sonar, Fred's head snapped in our direction. His eyes widened when we made eye contact. He looked back at the fan he was talking to, bouncing his knee as he finished a conversation with her. He then stood, looked over at us, then at the fan before giving her a hug and sending her on her way. He shifted his weight on his feet as Rachel and I walked on stage. Before I could say "Hi" I was in the arms that I wanted to be in for so long. I blushed brightly as he picked me up. I squealed softly and giggled happily hugging him back. The crowd, although confused, cheered to see their idol show affection.
"Hi, Freddy." I giggled softly as he put me down. He looked into my eyes, then pulled away and put his hands on his knees.
"Oh my GOD! Audrey, you're killing me!" He exclaimed as I giggled. "This is why you didn't reply?" He asked, looking at me, standing straight and grabbing my hands. I nod softly.
"Yeah, I wanted to surprise you, but in the end, I think I hurt you. I'm sorry." I said softly, I put my arms around his waist to hug him. I took in how soft his black long sleeved shirt felt against my cheek. I could hear how fast his heart was beating, making me hold him tighter.
"I thought you'd never talk to me again." He said, pulling away softly. His eyes were glossy and I felt my heart flutter.
"I love my Idol too much to leave him." I spoke gently as I teased him. He half smiled.
"I could kiss you right now." He said giving me that look again. I shivered and pulled away.
"Not here you won't mister." I pointed at him and he grinned. Then he placed a hand over his heart.
"Oh my gosh." He said.
"Audrey!" The others said when we stopped talking. Rachel was talking to them at first. She grinned and hugged King.
"We have to hang out later." Kwan said, putting an arm around me. Fred gave him a look but nodded at his statement.
"Definitely." Rachel said.
"Guys...We have to get the program back started." A coordinator said. I nodded and smiled at Fred.
"See ya later." I said and Rachel and I were about to walk off the stage when Fred grabbed my hand and pulled me to his chest.
"See you later." He said, making me blush as he embraced me with so much emotion. I bit my bottom lip and waved at him.
I couldn't help but look over at the rude fan. She was in shock. I grinned and gave her a sarcastic wave, then turned away wondering where the night would take me.
______
"What hotel are you staying at?" Fred texted me as I was getting dressed. I was wearing black shorts with some open toed shoes, as well as a loose fitting olive shirt with a blue jean jacket. I was putting on some blush as I sent him the address of the hotel.
"Beware, there might be fans in this hotel." I added.
"Yeah, that's the hotel they told us not to go to lol." He replied.
"Do you want us to meet you somewhere?"
"No, we're on our way." He replied. I paused and looked at my phone. Buddy was really comfortable with breaking rules.
"Are you sure??"
"Of course, we're driving already." He said. I sigh, why was he so rebellious? Should this be a red flag? I wondered as I moved my thumb across the keyboard.
"Ok. Let me know when you get here." I sighed softly and went back to fixing my hair and makeup.
"Picture?" Rachel asked when I finished. I smiled and we posed in the mirror taking a couple of pictures.
I pop a piece of mint gum in my mouth as I sat on the bed, waiting for Fred to text me.
"What room number?" My phone pinged.
"450." I replied quickly. I swallowed my minty saliva as I stood.
"They are here." I said to Rachel who squeals.
"Oh my gosh, do I look ok?" She asked. I nodded.
"Beautiful."
"What about my ass?" She turned and I giggled.
"Luscious." She sighed in relief.
"Thanks." I rolled my eyes laughing as there was a knock at the door. My heart sped as I peek out the peephole and saw Fred's eyes. I took a breath, and opened the door.
"Hi, where is everyone?" I asked as Fred walked in, instantly embracing me. Kwan laughed while removing his mask.
"Back at our hotel, they can't hang," He said. King walked to Rachel and hugged her. "Wow, I've never seen them so affectionate." Kwan said as he closed the door. King and Kwan started talking to Rachel as Fred and I entered our own world.
His touch was so gentle, yet firm. His breath was as minty fresh as mine was. His scent was so strong and yet sweet, filling my nostrils, putting me under his spell. He was so much...he was my everything at this moment. I look up at him, forgetting he basically towered me. He was looking down at me with his mesmerizing eyes again. Goosebumps rose on my skin as I stared up at him. He wasn't wearing any of his show makeup, he wasn't pretending to be anyone but himself. Right now he was my Fred. I smiled at him.
"My man." I said putting my arms around his neck. He smirked and moved to rest his forehead on mine.
"Your man." He agreed and leaned forward, as I leaned up letting our lips connect, confirming something we already knew. A silent agreement that I was his, and he was mine.
______
Outside that room, however, it was a different story. The men had to protect their identity and wore medical masks and sunglasses. We were hungry, so we were going to a Korean BBQ place. According to Kwan, it was the best Korean food place in New York.
"Shit, I'm hungry." Kwan said, sliding into one of the private booths, getting comfortable with us.
"Did you just curse?" Rachel laughed seeing a new side to the idol she always admired.
"Sometimes it just wants to come out, and who am I to deny the most colorful worlds of the dictionary?" He half smiled at her, making her laugh. I chuckled as well, grateful for the curtain that acted as a door that separated us from the crowd. I knew the boys felt relaxed because of that. Fred had removed his mask and sunglasses and put his arm around my shoulder. He chuckled at Kwan who sat at the head of the table. Rachel and King sat on the other side of the grill, whispering to each other softly. Apparently, the language barrier didn't bother them.
"I'm excited, I've never eaten Korean before." I said looking at the menu. Fred gasped. King looked up wondering why Fred gasped. Kwan, just as shocked as Fred, translated what I said. King shook his head at me.
"It's good." He said, his Korean accent thick, but understandable.
"Well, I hope you guys have some recommendations." I smiled at them.
"Definitely, but just know that home cooked is always the best." Fred said, kissing my head.
"Well, I can't wait to try some of your food." I lean over looking up at him. He blushed shyly as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Do you really want burnt food?" He asked. "I can do ramen." He offered. I giggled and nudged him with my shoulder gently, then leaned back.
"Sure, I'll eat it if you make it. Ramen or cereal." He looked shocked, but blushed more and grinned.
"Ok." He said softly and I giggled at his bashfulness. King smiled at us and spoke to Fred in Korean, then looked at me.
"He wants to know if you want him to take a picture of us." Fred asked and I nodded happily.
"Please." I said. We smile at the camera and take cute friendly pictures. However, when King gave us our phones back, Fred cupped my cheek.
"Now one for just us." He said softly. I kiss his palm looking up at him with big eyes. I lean into him as I feel myself falling for the man in front of me. Without realizing it, our lips were on each other again.
We stayed that way for most of our trip in New York. For the next two days, we couldn't keep our hands off each other. I wanted every touch, every smell, every feeling that I knew I wasn't going to feel for a while.
Leaving each other was hard. Fred had come to the hotel room again and I couldn't help but to cry, hold him tight and let him kiss me with everything he had. As I silently wished we could stay in our paradise.