When Stars Collide (English)

Chapter 02

I woke up and my whole body aches. This is my last day here in Mandeok-dong. I'm thinking of doing what to do list before heading out to have my breakfast of the day.

I will get myself ready first. I took a bath. I missed soaking in a bath tub, maybe after my escapade that's the first thing I will do when I return home.

For today's outfit. I wore a fitted black top paired with a ripped denim jeans. I wore my white running shoes. I didn't wear cap but I put on my short hair black wig. With my sling bag and camera, I guess. I'm good to go. I didn't a contact lens but i have my aviator sun glass.

I leave the hotel for a while. I ate my breakfast outside. I was walking down the street looking for street foods or a nearby restaurant when someone tap my back.

"Noona eodi gani?"

Oh it was him the young boy from yesterday. I smiled at him. How on earth did he recognize me. I was wearing a wig and even wore my eye glasses.

"Oh?annyeong haseyo..." I smiled at him.

"I was looking for some street food to eat. I haven't eat my breakfast.

"Come on I'll I know where you can eat street foods here in our district." he started walking ahead of me and I followed him.

"Here we are Noona." I looked around and saw a lot of street foods. I was so amazed. He started to introduced to me some of it.

" Noona thi is Tteokbokki (Spicy rice cake). This one is Gyeranppang (Egg biread), Yangnyeom tongdak (Korean fried chicken), Pajeon (Savory pancake),

and this one Corn dog."

I stared at it with open-mouthed. I even swallowed my own saliva. We both heard the rumbling sound of my stomach.

I looked at him and I saw him laughing so hard. I can feel that my whole face and ears are hot. I feel so embarrass right now.

"It's okay noona. You choose I'll buy it for you this time."

"You have money? Oh no! I can pay for my own food. Don't bother." I told him. I know he's a student.

"Gwaenchanh-a I have enough allowance noona." He insisted so I don't have a choice but to grab some food to eat.

I chose the Tteokbokki (Spicy rice cake) and Yangnyeom tongdak (Korean fried chicken). White for him he got the Pajeon. We bought soda for our drinks.

We ate together and chatted happily. I never felt like this. Having a conversation with someone you barely know while eating simple food. This feel surreal.

I found out that he's about to Audition for a talent search and plan to become a singer.

"Oh you can sing?" I looked at him.

He gave me a sheepish grin. " Yes, a little Noona." I raised my right eyebrow at him and I smiled.

" That's nice. Hope you do good. Whose your favorite artist?"

"IU and G-dragon." I nodded at him.

"Great choice. You must be good since your choices are one of the best artist in Korea." I saw him looking at me.

"You know them Noona?" He asked me with eyes wide open.

Oh my god. Why did I told him. My big mouth needs some punishment.

"I know them because I like them also."

" You can sing too Noona?" He was still staring at me.

" I showed him a tiny finger gesture." He laughed. He's cute when he laughs.

We stroll around the place after we ate.

We walked together on each side.

"What's your name Noona?" I was taken aback by his question. Do I need to tell him my real name?

"It's Aera. You can call me Aera." I told him.

"How about you? What's your name?"

"It's Jungkook Noona."

"Jeongguk-ah..." He looked at me.I had no intention of saying that to him. It was a slip of the tongue.

His face became red. He blushed! He can't even look at me. But then suddenly we stared at each other for a moment.

I became speechless also. What would I tell him? I cleared my throat first to clear the awkwardness between us.

"I'm leaving. Today is my last day and tomorrow I'll be leaving this place." I told him. A sadly smiled.

It was nice to know him. Even for a short time.

"C- can we see each other tomorrow Noona?" he even stuttered when he asked me. I looked at his face. I saw a glint of hope that I would agree to him.

I nodded. Slowly a smile becomes evident on his cute face. He walked with me until I reached my Hotel and he bid goodbye.

I'll be travelling to Haeundae. That's the only place I can go safely without being dragged by my Dad's men. I know if they found out anytime today that I'm here in this kind of place, my my family- specially Dad will be agitated.

I stayed in my hotel room the whole afternoon after Jungkook and I bid our goodbyes.

I've got nothing to do so I opened my bag and take out all my art material.

I started doing some stroke. I don't have any idea what to draw. My mind is muck up.

Then I remembered Jungkook, his sweet innocent face that was looking up to me everytime he sees me.

I started to draw a realistic face sketch of him. I was smiling while doing it. Every stroke my hand produces reminds me of him. Until I made the last stroke and was contented with the output. A beautiful sketch of him. So innocent.

***

The day has come. I'm about to leave. We agreed to meet on the same spot we hang out yesterday. On a bench near the intersection of a street nearby. Where there was an orange maple tree as a shade.

I was wearing a hoodie paired with black leggings and a rubber shoes. I have my hiking backpack with me and my camera. I brought my present for Jungkook. The one I drew last night.

I sat on the bench and look up at a beautiful falling orange leaves from the maple tree. It's drifting into the empty air.

I waited for a couple of minutes. Then minutes turned into hour. Then hours passed by but no shadow of Jungkook has showed up. I guess it's goodbye. I smiled sadly.

I leave the paper bag on top of the bench. I don't know if he will see it. But I hope if someone will find it here, that someone knows him. I wrote something on a maple leaves and attached to the sketch board.

Jeongguk-ah,

Nice meeting you.

This is not goodbye but a good hello.

jal boseyo!

Cares,

Aera

I looked up at the maple. This tree was our witness that I met a cute little boy in this lovely place.

I carved our names on the bark of the maple tree.

Aera

(star sign)

JK

I leaved the place with a heavy heart. I was looking back until it was disappearing in my sight little by little until it was gone.

I was inside a train. I booked a ticket from Mandeok Station going to Haeundae Station via Line 3. It will take 45 minutes to reach my destination.

Haeundae, Busan

I arrived at Haeundae-gu, Busan and someone is waiting for my arrival. It was no other than my brother with his flashy red ferrari.

He was smiling and welcoming me with his open arms.

"Welcome my Princess!" I pouted at him and lifted eyebrow in disapproval.

"Yaaah! Are you mad? It's not my fault why your little escapade was cut off. It was hyeong." He sounded so defensive.

I didn't answer him. I walked past him while stomping my feet. I'm not in the mood to talk anyone of them.

I settled at the shotgun seat inside the car. He followed me and drove immediately to the Hotel.

Our family owns a five star Hotel and Resort in Haeundae, Busan. The only five star hotel in the City. It has a selection of top class facilities that will enrich your stay in Busan.

It was being manage by my brother. He lives here with his wife and my two nephews.

We arrived at the hotel. Someone immediately escorted me to my suite. I saw flashes of camera. I know, no matter how I tried to hide there's no use. The flashy car of my brother is very visible. The moment I went outside the car they knew that it was me. The youngest son of Lee family never allow any woman to be in his car. It's his only sister that can seat inside and drive his car. People knew it.

My brother is not an idol, but he's very famous because he sometimes do some modelling. He is a well known womaniser. From idols, actresses and models. Not just in Korea but in some other countries as well. He has his own business which is a clothing line. It has many branches and quite successful. I'm so proud of him.

I saw hyeong approaching me. I supposed to walk past him also but he grab my one arm.

"Aaliyah Aera! What an attitude is this?"

He was enraged of my stupidity. I bite my lips and look at him.

"joesong habnida Hyeong." I bowed down my head in respect to him. He immediately hugged me.

"It's okay. You rest first I know you're tired. Just ask them anything you want." He kissed me in my forehead and let me go.

I went up to my suite. It is located at the top of the building. You can see how beautiful Haeundae from up here.

I laid in my bed and tried to sleep. But, I couldn't sleep. I was thinking about Jungkook. Will he able to see the present I left on top of the bench? I was in deep thoughts then I fell I sleep.

Morning came and I'm bored staying in my suite. I'm not allowed to go outside because many people will flock at the entrance when they found out that I am here.

What a vacation I have? This is not what I've imagined before coming here.

If this will continue until the next day I will go back to Seomyeon, to my grandmother. I can stay there longer than staying here in this suite.

Before I will go crazy staying in a suite. My brother told me to stay in their house and my nephews wanted to be with me. I immediately agreed to him.

I played with my nephews. I enjoyed playing with them. I took some photos and posted it on my IG account. I read many positive comments. Of course my nephews are handsome and at the same time smart.

My vacation was over and It's time to fly back to Seoul. I used our private plane. My Dad didn't allow me to ride a train. He went berserk when he found out what I did. My three brothers were being punished because of that. I was sorry when I heard about it.

I know my Dad is overprotected when it comes to my safety. As well as my three brothers. I know it's all my fault. I promise, I'll make it up to them.

***

Time flew so fast after I got back to Seoul. Days, months and years passed by I didn't notice the last time I had a vacation. I did some shoots for my new commercial and my upcoming drama at GBS. Many people, specially my fans are expecting that it will have a high viewership rating.

I didn't fail them. It became a highest rated drama again. A congratulatory party was held again for me and to all the crew.

I won many awards due to that drama. Including at Baeksang Arts. My success is like a rocketship. It became unstoppable and unreachable. I became one of the highest paid korean actress.

I visited KYG Entertainment. Their office located at Hongdae. I saw GD rapping inside their practice room.

"Hello helloooo!" I made a loud noise. GD saw me and hugged me.

"I miss you princess." he whispered as he hugged me back.

"I miss you more. Are you busy?" I asked him. I want to eat with him.

"We are, you see." He shrugged off his shoulder and hold my both hands.

"Next time okay? Cheer up! Congratulation. We installed the drama, we will watch it once we are free." He told me and giving me some assurance.

They always support me. That's why I love this group. They are my true friends.

I was about to go out when I saw Papi. It's Bang PD.

I walked up to him slowly like a theft in the night. Then I surprise him.

"Papi!" I shouted.

His reaction was priceless. He looks like he saw a ghost in me. I was laughing so hard , I was even holding my stomach.

"My God Aera! Are you gonna kill me with heart attack?" he scolded me. I hissed at him and hugged him.

"I miss you Papi. Let's eat please. I'll treat you." I told him and he agreed.

" What's keeping you busy nowadays?" I asked him while we wait for our orders.

"I put up a boy group. Actually they will soon debut. I'm looking for a nice place they could stay and practice comfortably." he told me.

"That's good. I'll be cheering for you with that." I nodded and I think he needs me. " Do you need anything I can do?

"Actually we are lucking of.. f- funds." he was kinda hesitant to tell me.

"You can use my old place Papi, I'll send you the key. About funds, use this. This is my savings. Use this all you want. Just pay me when you become super rich." I handed him my card. He didn't accept it.

" This is too much Aera. The place is enough for us to use."

"Please accept this. Can I see them?" I ignored what he said and asked him to bring me with him.

"They are practicing some steps for their debut. You want to come with me?" he asked me and I nodded happily.

We left the restaurant after I paid our bill. We went to an old office and from the outside I can hear the loud sounds. But a good music.

I saw a a small room. There were seven boys dancing and singing. I guess it's the chorus of the song

Chorus: Jung Kook, Jimin]

It's a lie, you such a liar

See me see me ya, you're a hypocrite

Stop telling me to switch paths, hey, take care of own business

Please don't force me

(La la la la la)

What's your dream? What's your dream?

(La la la la la)

Is your dream just that? Is your dream only that?

"Can you hear them? What do you think?"

He was looking at me nervously as if my opinion matters.

I smiled at him. "A beautiful song. They dance well. They are passionate of what they are doing. Just like now. They can make it." I told him and smiled.

"Don't forget to treat me to an ice cream parlor when you get rich Papi. You will, because of that seven boys." I tapped his shoulder.

Someone called him and he was busy now talking on the phone.

I continued watching them. Suddenly my heart beats so fast. I wonder why, is it because of what I ate before coming here?

Ahh..I don't like this feeling. My heart is beating so fast and I feel nervous. I looked inside the practice room once again. There I saw a familiar face.

My whole world stops. The deafening loud sounds of my heart is visible. I was stunned for a minute.

"Jeongguk-ah..." I whispered his name. I am not mistaken. It's him, the boy in Busan. I touched my heart. Still, it was beating fast.

I remembered how many times I sneaked out from my body guards and travel to Busan for a day and sat on the bench beside the maple tree for an hour or more. Hoping I could hear his voice calling me over and over again. Wishing he will show up like a vast tornado.

I didn't take my eyes on him. I'm afraid I might be dreaming. I saw Papi ended the call and turned his gaze at me. Wondering what happened to me.

"Papi, who's that cute guy member?" I asked him.

"That's the youngest. Jeon Jungkook, he is also the main vocalist. You want to hear his voice? I'll send you a copy of their album. You will be the first one to have it." I nodded at him.

"Okay Papi send it to me asap."

His dream in becoming a singer came true. I'm happy for him. So happy that I can't help but to smile. I'm proud of you. You are really good.

I asked permission to Papi that I will leave.

"I'll go for now Papi, I'll lend you my place. You can do anything you want. If you want some renovation just tell me okay?"

"Thank you Aera. I will. Drive safely okay?" he smiled.

"When  will they debut?" I randomly asked him. He was taken aback by my question.

"This coming June..." he told me. I nodded and left the place.

***

June 13, 2012 ( Melon Showcase )

"Oh A new group debuted. They'll be performing. Iyah! Come here!" It was Mia calling me.

"What?"

"A new group debuted. Let's watch." I got curious so I sat beside her. A seven boys appeared on the screen. Then i saw him. I got teary eyed.

"Iyah...gwaenchanh-a?" she worriedly looked at me.

"Yes, I'm okay. I'm just happy." I smiled at her.

"Do you know them? Their Papi's new boy group." I just ignored her.

I know RM, the rest I don't except Jongkook. The cute boy I met in Busan. I missed him.