Chapter 3

As Ryan was giving everyone else a tour, I couldn't help but stand back and watch, leaning against the door frame, smiling like a giddy school girl. Youngjae was listening intently as Ryan spoke while Daehyun just followed close behind looking bored but we all know that he wouldn't leave Youngjae's side. Jongup and Zelo were following along but I noticed they got distracted by the equipment and even attempted to throw a few kicks and punches on each punching bag. Ryan didn't seem to notice.

Himchan found himself eying the promotion posters on the walls, taking in the atmosphere. He would eventually join the others on the mat to resume the tour with Ryan. Yongguk, however, was too busy admiring the murals that were painted on the walls. I mean I couldn't blame him. The artist did an excellent job painting the place. There was a giant mural of a fighter holding up his hands in prayer. There was another one of the Laotian flag with the Laotian elephants. Not to mention the Buddhist shrines hanging up above. It was so like Yongguk to admire these things. Eventually, he shifted his undivided attention over to Ryan. (Note: some of the descriptions are inaccurate especially the murals. I wrote out this portion from memory but to get the feel of what Yongguk is looking at, you guys can click the links to see for yourselves.)

My gaze was clearly directed towards their tour guide in general. Even though he may not be the best looking guy in the room (I mean Hello?! He's in the room with BAP for crying out loud), I still find him appealing. There's something about his kindness and welcoming personality that always gets me. A guy like him deserves someone who is just as kind and welcoming with a caring personality. Someone like me, for instance. I see that he and the guys are off to a great start, which should be easy for him to warm up to them and then they could bring us closer together! It's full proof, I tell you! The future is looking great, it's looking—

“Ahem, excuse me?” an unfamiliar voice woke me from my reverie, startling me. “Is anybody in there?”

I sheepishly glance over to shoulder, only to be caught off guard by none other than the other guy who has caught my attention: Hot Anthony! It's official, I am internally fangirling at the moment. He sure fits the title perfectly. He's wearing a black t-shirt that hugged his body perfectly. He even grew out his facial hair. I mean he was once clean shaven before but to be honest, I kind of like the scruff he's sporting.

“Oh hi Anthony!” I sheepishly greeted him.

He smiled upon seeing me. “Hey! How are you doing?”

I grinned widely. “I'm doing good. How about yourself?”

He shrugged, smiling warmly at me. “Not too bad. Just been busy, that's all. What were you doing here?”

I glanced back inside. “Just brought some friends along to check out the gym,” I told him, motioning towards BAP. “What about you? Working out today?”

He nodded. “Yeah, it's my first time back in the gym since I've been gone awhile,” he said. When I gave him a look to enunciate further, he continued. “I've been busy with work and school so I haven't been anywhere near the gym.”

“Ah,” I nodded in understanding. “Gotcha. It must be great to be back, huh?”

He took a deep breath before nodding as he glanced around. “It sure does,” he said. “What brings you here?”

I glanced over at my friends. “I may have brought some new potential clients for the gym,” I simply said.

Anthony glanced over at the guys. “Are those guys your friends?”

I nodded. “Yep,” I said. “Ryan is just showing them around.”

He chuckled. “Well, I think he's done.”

I blinked. “Is he?”

Anthony chuckled and nodded. “It looks like they're coming over here.”

Soon, I turned around to find Ryan smiling over at us with the other guys looking curious as to who I was talking to. I may have mentioned Anthony to them before without knowing what he looked like.

“Hey, what's up, Ryan?” said Anthony with a nod.

“Hey, Anthony, how's it going?” Ryan greeted him before turning to the guys. “Guys, this is actually one of our fighters, Anthony. Anthony, these guys are BAP. They're friends of Amanda.”

Anthony nodded over to them, with a kind smile. “Hey guys, how's it going?”

“Hey. How's it going?” they murmured all at once.

“Wait. Why does this Anthony guy sound familiar?” Daehyun muttered under his breath.

“Maybe it's that guy she talks about a lot, I think his name was Anthony,” Youngjae said, looking over at them in confusion.

“Hot Anthony?” Himchan chimed in.

“Aha! So that's who he is!” Daehyun mused aloud with a sly grin as he walked over to me and Anthony.

By the look on his face, I could already tell this wasn't looking good. “Dae...”

“You know,” he spoke up, directing his attention to Anthony. “I knew there was something familiar about you.”

Anthony furrowed his brows in confusion. “You do?” he asked. “I'm sorry, I don't think we've met before...”

“No, of course we haven't met!” Daehyun corrected him, glancing over at me emphatically. “I've just heard so much about you from Amanda here,” He placed an arm over my shoulder. “You must be Hot Anthony!”

My eyes widened. And soon, the whole room grew silent.

“Hot Anthony?” the guy in speaking repeated.

I swallowed hard. My breathing hitched and I could feel my face turning beet red. Oh, how I wish the floor could open up and swallow me whole... Jung Daehyun, you are dead meat! Everyone in the room soon shifted their attention to me. “I-I...” I began, fumbling with my speech before bursting into a laughter. “Hahahahahahah... Oh Daehyun, you're so funny!” I grabbed a handful of cookies from the plate nearby, walking over to Daehyun to shove it into his mouth. “You sure tend to say some funny things when you're hungry, is that right?” I said through gritted teeth, staring back at him.

His voice was muffled with his mouth full, as he glared back at me. He asked for it. He should have known better than to open that big mouth of his. Before long, he started to cough.

“Alright then,” Ryan spoke up, diffusing the situation. “Let's go get your friend some water, shall we?” He suggested, leading everyone out of the room towards the equipment room where there was a refrigerator full of bottled waters, conveniently. “Here you go, man.” He said handing Daehyun a cold water bottle.

“Thanks,” replied Daehyun in a raspy voice.

“So,” Ryan spoke up once again. “What do you guys think so far? Will I be seeing you guys again?” His tone sounded hopeful. I was hoping my friends would be a bit more considerate. I mean they hit it off with Ryan so they couldn't just downright refuse him, right?

In turn, I gave them pleading looks. So far, it seemed to be working since Yongguk exhaled then nodded. “I guess we'll be seeing you tomorrow,” he finally said.

I gave him a relieved smile. Thank you, Bang! I owe you for this, I internally told him. He simply nodded in return.

“Great!” Ryan grinned widely. “I can't wait to work with you guys.”

“Wait, are you guys joining the gym?” Anthony asked curiously.

BAP nodded. “Yep.”

Anthony grinned. “Well that's great,” he said, “I welcome you guys with open arms. If you guys need any help, let me know. I'd be more than willing to help.”

“Will do,” Yongguk grinned back at him. “Thanks, Anthony.”

“Anytime,” he said turning to me. “Does that mean you're working out too?”

I looked down to the ground in defeat. “I guess so,” I shrugged.

“Well, it's about time,” he said playfully pretending to punch me. If I could have playful fights with Anthony, I should have signed up earlier.

“I know, right?” Ryan added with a playful glint in his eyes. “Finally.”

“Oh, would you two shut up!” I exclaimed defiantly, blushing.

Ryan chuckled, shifting his attention over to BAP. “I'm sure you all know by now that Amanda doesn't work out,” he pointed out.

“Oh, we know,” Himchan smirked knowingly.

I shot him a death glare.

“So, I'm glad you guys decided to join. At least you're motivating Amanda to finally try this out,” said Ryan, smiling tenderly back at me.

I could just melt into a puddle of goo right then and there. If working out at the gym is going to make Ryan smile like that at me, then I'll just stick it out forever.

“Oh, we're sure Amanda has other reasons for joining the gym,” Youngjae said with a wink.

I gaped at him. Not you too, Jae! These guys are all going to be the death of me and Yongguk isn't even doing anything to reprimand them! Turning to face the guy in speaking, he's just standing there with this amused expression on his face.

“That's right,” Ryan spoke up as a thought soon came to mind. Turning to Anthony, he said, “Would you mind helping me out with them tomorrow? I was gonna have them partner up and we're short a person.”

“Sure thing,” nodded Anthony before turning to face us. “I should be heading inside. It's nice meeting you guys. See you guys tomorrow.” He said with a wave.

“Bye,” we all waved back to him. And with that, he was soon out of the room.

“Right, I guess I'll be seeing you guys tomorrow as well,” Ryan finally said. “It's nice to finally meet you guys. Amanda talks about you guys a lot.” He chuckled.

“She does?” Himchan perked up. “Like what does she say about us?”

“A lot of nice things,” Ryan replied, winking over at me. I couldn't help but blush. “I really appreciate you guys coming here and I really look forward to working with all of you.”

“Well, we look forward to working with you,” said Yongguk.

Before long, the door soon flew open, entering a petite figure. “Oh,” a surprised voice spoke up. “I didn't realize you had company. Hello.” She greeted them with a shy wave.

“Hi,” BAP greeted her in unison.

“Guys, this is Sue, our secretary,” Ryan announced. “Sue, this is BAP. They're friends of Amanda's.”

Sue then turned to face me, smiling widely. “Hey Amanda! I didn't know you were here!” she exclaimed, coming over to hug me.

I returned her hug with ease. “Yeah, just thought I'd bring you guys some new clients,” I said with a chuckle.

“You never told me they were hot,” she whispered, giggling.

I glanced over my shoulder to look at them. “Sorry,” I sheepishly apologized. “I didn't think it was that important.”

“And you seriously don't have a thing for any of them?” she asked.

I sighed. How do I know she was going to ask that? “I did at one point with one of them but not anymore,” I told her.

She gasped. “Which one?”

“The one with the gummy smile talking to Ryan,” I replied dryly, motioning over to Yongguk. He glanced over at us and smiled. We slightly waved back.

“And you're sure nothing's going on?” she asked again.

“No! Of course not!” I shook my head. “We're just good friends. Besides, I don't think a relationship would work out anyways.”

“Why not?” she asked.

“Well, he's an idol and it's hard for idols to date nowadays. The unwanted media attention and the crazy fans. Yeah, it seriously won't work out,” I pointed out. “Not to mention, he's way out of my league.”

“Don't say that,” she said, “You don't know that.”

“Sue,” I flatly said. “I know for sure that it won't work out. Me and Yongguk are too different. He has to put up with my childish antics along with the other five so no. And also, there are a bunch of prettier more compatible girls out there for him. He just needs to meet the right one and be happy.”

“What about the other guys?”

“Himchan has too much of a wandering eye,” I pointed out. “He's also a huge flirt so that's a big NO.”

“Daehyun is too whiny.”

“Youngjae is a bit too young for me. I'm pushing 23 and he's barely 20 so it's not a good idea given the fact that he's entering his prime. When he's a little bit older, I might think about it but in other words, NO.”

“Don't even ask about Jongup or Zelo. Both are way too young for me. Jail bait material. Zelo is Erick's age and if Erick were to find out if Zelo has a thing for me, Zelo would probably get his kicked. So either way, everyone's off limits to me.”

Sue gaped at me for a long moment. “Well...” she said clearing . I could already tell she was at a loss for words. I mean I couldn't blame her for asking me about the guys. Everyone did and I always gave them the same answer.

Another part of me didn't want to pursue a relationship only for fear of losing out on a valuable friendship. Besides, I like Ryan so I won't lose out on anything with BAP. And then, with Hot Anthony into the mix, this week has gotten even more interesting. I seriously cannot wait for the lessons to start.

Soon, we were approached by Himchan. “I don't think I introduced myself, I'm Himchan, by the way,” he extended his hand with a charming wink.

I looked on in disgust as I witnessed Sue blushing and giggling. “Hi, I'm Sue,” she said, shaking his hand.

Oh gosh, I internally groan, rolling my eyes.

Before long, Ryan stepped in. “Okay, I'll see you guys tomorrow,” he said firmly, leading Sue to the desk. She was clearly dazed from Himchan's charm. He had that effect on women.

Eventually, the guys all gathered to leave. “Alright, see you tomorrow,” they said before heading out the door.

I was one of the last people to leave along with Yongguk. Watching the way Ryan acted with Sue kind of upset me and I was pretty sure it began with Himchan trying to charm the pants off her and Ryan stepping in to place a possessive arm around her. And what's worse is that she didn't seem to deny him. I turned to Yongguk. “I'll meet you outside,” I told him.

He seemed a bit reluctant before nodding. “Okay, see you outside.”

Taking a deep breath, I walk right over to Ryan and Sue. “Thanks again for today, Ryan,” I said as soon as he looked up at me.

“Hey,” he grinned. “Anytime. Thanks for bringing your friends. They all seem really cool.”

“They're really nice guys and they're hardworking so I see them giving you no trouble in the future,” I assured him. My smile eventually turned grim. “Alright, I should probably get going now. See you tomorrow.” I said.

“Alright see you tomorrow,” he said, grinning back at me.

I lingered a moment, allowing him to step out from behind the desk to hug me. I hugged him tightly for a long moment before letting go.