The heavens are really testing me. I try to stifle a yawn as an old balding guy in front of me keeps on blabbering nonstop about his life. If this is in Canada, she can easily manipulate the conversation; but this is Korea. Her above average Korean will not convey her negotiation techniques right. Well, not without appearing rude.

“For Pete’s sake sign the contract already. Why did I choose this job again? Oh right. Money.” I need to be in a fan sign event. Yes, my name is on the album site. Can you believe it? I have never been this lucky with draws before and this businessman in front of me is a proof of it. I sneaked a look at my phone, its 5:30 pm and the event will start at 7:30. He is not showing any signs of stopping his motor mouth at all. I bet my phone’s battery will drain first before he stops. Great. “Coffee please.”

Mr. Motor Mouth stopped after an hour. Thank God. Or not. I only have 30 mins left. How am I supposed to go back to my hotel and change? Saying that I am overdressed for a fan sign event is an understatement. Chuckling to myself, I hurried to catch a cab. I did not spend my hard-earned money just to pass on this. K ELF unnirs can raise their eyebrows all they want. I need to see my men.

I arrived at the venue with 10 minutes to spare. Relief washed over me when I saw people rushing as I do. Then shame. All of them are in casual clothing. They are looking at me like I’m a panini head in a black turtleneck tunic dress. “Shrug it off woman.” I know I look stunning. Nonetheless, I feel nervous as hell as I take a seat. This is so not me. Damn. I hate Suju.

Determined, I turned to my seatmate “Annyeong, so it’s my first fan sign, what do you usually say to them when it’s your turn for a signature?” She didn’t answer me though. Maybe my Korean . Or maybe she is a Chinese noona. I was so deep in my thoughts I was startled when she squealed. Leeteuk, Donghae, Eunhyuk, Siwon and Yesung just walked in.

I was stunned. They look like superstars. And human. They look real. . They. Are. Real.

Next thing I know, it was my turn. I prepared letters and gifts but I forgot to prepare myself with the eye contact. See. I am an ordinary fan girl after all. I am inches away from Kim Freaking Jongwoon. And Choi Siwon. I tried my best to stop staring at Leeteuk’s dimple. Yesung is looking at me expectantly.

“Hello, I’m Saab from Canada. You are my bias for 8 years but this is my first time to see you. Anyway, I hope you like my gift. This Kobe Bryant jersey is so hard to get. I prepared a letter too. I probably talked too much about you eating there. Oh, right could you please make a rock album?” He was looking at me stupidly. Did I stutter too much? Then Siwon laughed and translated what I said in Korean. . I talked to Yesung in straight English.

“Mianhae, I know Korean.”

Yesung smiled, “Gwenchana. You bought me a Kobe Bryant shirt? Wow that’s really expensive. Gomawo.” My heart. He seemed genuinely pleased as he signed my name. “Saab. Beautiful name.” Omo.

I talked to Siwon in English. He was so nice and smelled so damn good. I was floating. From the start to the picture taking at the end. Everything was such a blur. “That’s it.” I told myself. “I’m going to treasure this once in a lifetime moment forever.”

How very wrong I was with once.

After the fan sign, I decided to take a walk. Besides, I got to eat. Seoul is bustling even on a work night. The restaurant I found was so aesthetic I lost track of time. I have work tomorrow.

Just when I set foot on the sidewalk, a heavy rain poured. Crap. Everyone was hustling for a cab. I got no time for that. “Thank God for KakaoTaxi”, I mumble with myself as I take my phone out. My dead bat phone out. Double crap. Why is this day such a rollercoaster?

_____

“Hyung, look at your face. You look like you drank the whole bottle by yourself and you only had one glass. Why didn’t Heechul hyung joined us instead. We wouldn’t be going home so early.” Hyukjae was teasing me since we got in the car. Why do we have to sit in the same car? Annoying. Good thing Siwon is the one sitting next to me. He is pestering him now.

“Siwon-ah treat us again with Heechul hyung.”

“Okay, tell me when you’re free I have to fly to LA tomorrow.” Siwon replied as he yawned.

Silence at last. Hyukjae has his eyes set on the window. The heavy rain is doubling the usual Seoul traffic. Yesung took his phone out to check NBA updates. He suddenly remembers, “Ah! I can’t wait to try that Kobe Bryant jersey.”

“Yah. Hyung.” Suddenly Hyuk is looking at me intently.

“Wae yo?”

“Why are you smiling like that?”

“What do you mean?” This brat just won’t let me