Matilda and I had spent the day preparing for the event. We'd picked out our outfits, done our hair and makeup, and made sure we had everything we needed for the concert. Matilda was especially thrilled, as the fact that we were going to meet the Blackpink members backstage added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
As the clock struck past 6 PM, we joined the others in the vehicle, which was driven by Mr. Robert. The car was different from the one we used before, with three rows of seats. Owen sat in the front seat, engrossed in his cellphone, while Ethan claimed the middle row, leaving just one extra seat at the side.
"I call dibs," Matilda rushed to take her seat beside Ethan.
"Like I wanted to sit there in the first place," I replied to her childish act. My gaze then shifted to the back seat, where Jake sat with his right arm resting on the window.
He had a smile on his face upon seeing me and motioned for me to get in. I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Ethan and Owen. Seeing my reluctance, Jake spoke up. "I won't bite." His grin spread across his face.
"I know that," I replied bluntly, taking a step forward and helping myself inside the car.
The atmosphere inside the vehicle was a mix of excitement and anticipation. Matilda couldn't stop talking about meeting Blackpink, while Ethan was forced to listen to her constant blabbing and, for some reason, he was actually listening while also making eye contact.
Owen, on the other hand, remained lost in his own world, his attention still glued to his phone. I couldn't help but wonder what he was so engrossed in, but I didn't pry. Instead, I settled into my seat, watching as the resort disappeared from view, replaced by the vibrant lights of the city as we made our way to the concert venue.
We got to the venue a few minutes past 7 and joined the long line queue. "This is really happening," Matilda squealed excitedly, her enthusiasm infectious. After the long wait, we finally made it inside, and my heart raced in my chest as I gazed at the huge crowd, all waiting in anticipation.
"Here," Jake, who stood beside me amidst the crowd, handed me a light stick.
I gasped in surprise. "Thank you," I said, genuinely grateful. "This is my very first Blackpink merchandise."
"I figured you would like it since you snuck into my room the other day." Why did he have to mention that now? I bit down on my bottom lip as Matilda popped her head out, staring right at us.
Shit, she must have heard. "What did you say?" She asked, pushing past Ethan and coming to stand in between Jake and me.
"Did she tell you?" Jake said, grinning at me.
"Tell me what?" I shook my head, signaling him not to talk, but what should I have expected from him.
"She walked in on me naked."
"What!" Matilda and I yelled at the same time as she turned her gaze right at me.
"That's not what happened; you were just shirtless, not naked." I struggled to defend myself. My words cut up in my throat, especially by the way Matilda's lips curled up into a knowing grin.
I am so doomed; now she's going to tease me for the rest of my existence. "Someone has been keeping secrets," she shook her head, hinting disappointment, but her expression said otherwise.
I glanced back at Jake, glaring at him. My rage further increased when he mouthed, "You're welcome."
If only I could… I felt a nudge. Why was I moving backward? I was about to fall when.
Jake was quick enough to stop me from hitting the ground. His hand wrapped around my back, securing me in place. "Are you okay?" He asked me, placing me back on my feet.
"I am okay, I guess," I nodded in response, but why was my heart racing? After making sure I was okay, Jake turned his attention to a guy, pulling him by the collar. "Why don't you watch where you are going?" He spoke angrily.
"Now apologize!" His teeth clenched and grip tightened around this stranger's collar, who was clearly frightened.
"I am sorry, it was a mistake, okay." He spoke in his defense, voice shaking before Jake finally released his collar and pushed him backward.
The atmosphere inside the venue suddenly became electric, with fans of all ages buzzing with excitement. The stage was set, and I could hardly contain my anticipation as the moment we had all been waiting for drew closer. The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into cheers as the opening act took the stage.
Matilda and I danced and sang along to the songs, fully immersed in the experience. It felt like a dream come true to be at a Blackpink concert, and I couldn't believe our luck in getting such a close-up view of the stage. I was so excited that I had completely forgotten about the incident that just happened, the look of concern in Jake's eye. I haven't seen that look before, or maybe I was just seeing things.
As Blackpink finally took the stage, the crowd's energy reached a fever pitch. The girls delivered an incredible performance, and their talent and charisma shone through with every song. Matilda and I were on our feet the entire time, dancing and singing along with the rest of the audience.
After the concert, we finally met with the girls. It was a quick moment since there were many others here for the same reason. It was just a quick selfie, and I got each of their autographs.
Matilda and I then walked back to the car where Jake and the rest stood outside waiting for it. "We got it!" She ran toward them and then she embraced Jake in a tight hug. "Thank you so much for this, I owe you a lot." Jake pulled her out of the hug, a grin on his face as his hand held her shoulders firmly. "You shouldn't be thanking me; you should be thanking your friend over there." He lifted his gaze away from Matilda, and Matilda turned toward me.
"Of course, I am grateful for having an awesome friend like Piper." She smiled and blew me a kiss, but then she shifted her gaze, squinting her eyes, and she stared at my arm.
What was she looking at? I thought, examining my body before I felt a strong grip around my wrist. "Your arm is bleeding," Jake said, but something else caught my attention. I must have been fully focused on it that I didn't realize I hit my arm on a sharp metal when I fell.
I didn't notice I was even hurt, and worse, I didn't notice the blood now dripping down my arm staining the floor, all because I was staring at those eyes.