No matter what the mystery boy had said, Sakura still felt self-conscious sitting here alone watching a bunch of guys she didn’t know dance. She didn’t listen to music much. She faintly remembered someone mentioning this band once, but she hadn’t even been curious enough to check them out. But she had to admit that she did enjoy the song Hobi had practiced by himself. It seemed happy. Like him. She heard someone refer to it as Ego.
She loved watching him dance. She had the odd feeling she would love watching Hobi do anything. So the trick to today was to enjoy it while it lasted. He’d be gone tomorrow, and she’d be alone again.
She heaved a sigh as another beautiful boy sat down next to her. He had raven hair, but the tips were red flames. He glanced at her and smiled the prettiest smile. It was full of sweetness. His eyes were dancing with joy. He didn’t say anything, and his gaze was bent on the stage as the blond boy suddenly appeared on it. She and Mr. Silent sat side by side for the entire song. Then he smiled at her again and stood up before wandering away.
Jimin came and sat next to her then. “Are you enjoying the show?”
She didn’t know what to say, so she just nodded.
“Hobi said you didn’t recognize him, so I’m guessing you’re not a BTS fan?”
She shook her head.
Jimin grinned. “That’s okay. You can sit here for the show anyway. You’ll be the envy of every single girl here tonight.”
She wasn’t sure she wanted that much hate. It made her decidedly uncomfortable to be the focus of this much attention. She worked hard to blend into the background every day.
“Is there somewhere safer I could sit?”
Jimin just stared at her. What an odd question! “You make it sound like our concert is a war zone! No one’s going to hurt you!”
Are you sure? She wanted to ask him. But she didn’t.
“Hobi wanted me to check in with you and tell you that it will be a while before he can come see you again. He wanted to know if you needed anything.”
“No, I’m fine. But thank him for me when you see him. He’s so thoughtful.”
Jimin smiled at her before he too stood up and walked away.
—
An hour later, a sweaty Hobi dropped down into the seat next to her.
“You okay?” he asked, his chest heaving.
“I’m thinking I should be asking you that question,” she murmured dryly.
He grinned. “I’m great! Practice is going fabulously! And I get to see you right now.”
So sweet. How could this boy be so sweet? Were all South Korean boys this adorable?
She smiled at him.
“How’d you like our performances so far?”
“They’re really good. You’re really good. You’re very talented, Hobi.”
“Thanks.” He sat staring at her, concentrating on regaining his breath. In a few minutes, he would have to join everyone for another group song. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I was worried you’d be bored.”
“You were?”
“Yeah. I mean, I know you’re not a fan.”
Today might be changing that. She was definitely a fan of Hobi now. “That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy your music and dancing. You are all really talented. And the nicest group of guys I’ve ever met.” Her smile faltered as her eyes stared off into space again.
“Hey, where do you go?” He touched the top of her hand lightly.
“What?” Her eyes focused on him once again.
“Where do you go? You got that spacey look in your eyes again. I was just wondering what you were thinking about.”
“Nothing good,” she murmured.
He narrowed his eyes. “What?”
“I was remembering a time I met a very different group of boys.”
“Oh, yeah? Where?”
“At school.”
“So…they weren’t nice?”
“Not even a little.”
Hobi’s gaze sharpened on her. There was something in her tone that alerted him. He sat up straight, suddenly worried. “Did they hurt you?”
“They were going to. But they didn’t.”
“What happened?”
“One of them grabbed me.”
Hobi’s eyes were intent on her face.
“But he released me pretty quickly.”
“Why?”
She met his gaze and grinned. Though, at the time it hadn’t been funny. “I threw up on him.”
Hobi barked with laughter. It wasn’t what he’d expected. “Good for you!”
She smiled. He was the first person who had reacted that way.
He sobered after a moment. He had slipped his fingers around hers. Now he squeezed her hand lightly. “I’m glad you stayed safe. Was that the only time you were in danger?”
She met his eyes. “No.”
“Did you stay safe?”
“From everyone else. Yes.”
What did she mean, from everyone else?
Before he could ask her, he was called back up on the stage.
