"Excuse me miss, would you like any snacks or drink?" The flight attendant asked as she strolled the cart through the aisle.

I declined the offer kindly and examined my view from the small square window. The plane was landing soon and I still couldn't believe I was doing this. I am going to be in Seoul, South Korea alone by myself. A new place with unfamiliar faces that I'll have to adjust to for two weeks. Surprisingly, I was the only one who didn't know of Mark's plan. Even my parents knew that he wasn't going to be there for my graduation and that Mark had purchased me a plane ticket. I wouldn't have thought they'd approve, but as understanding as they are with the bonus of also favoring Mark, they allowed. Over the speakers, the captain of the plane had informed that we'd be landing in 10 minutes. Was I overthinking or were my hands actually starting to feel sweaty? Oh goodness, I don't think I'm ready to face Mark just yet. The butterflies might kick in and cause me to stutter. Well, I'll have to keep calm since I have no choice but face him and his perfectness.

I waited at the baggage claim just in time to see my suitcase. It was probably smart of me to not pack so many bags or else I'd wait forever. Just as I was searching to see if I could spot Mark since he said he'd pick me up, my cellphone light flashed.

Mark: Look for a sign with your name on it. :-)

It was such a coincidence because after I read his message, I lifted my face to see a beautifully decorated poster with my name glittered in bold letters. A smile naturally made it's way on my face as I sped up my pace to the person who's face was hiding behind the poster. He was tall and lean with a masculine look to him. Mark's physic changed a tad bit it seemed.

"Hi, I'm here...." I nervously presented myself.

He removed the poster from his face.

"I'm—I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else." I apologized for my mistake and was just about to turn when the guy spoke up to stop me.

"You're Kate Tran, correct?" He questioned.

"Uh—yes. Yes, I am. How do you know—me?" How can some stranger know me by my full name when I've never seen this person in my life ever? Traveling to a new country was already strange enough and meeting someone who knows who I am when I have no clue who he is, is just too much to handle right now.

"Ah, I'm Lee Il Sook. You are....." He stopped in mid-sentence to whisper at my level. "Mark Tuan's friend from California, right?"

I nodded, but I still didn't understand why he had to whisper at the mention of Mark. Before he continued talking, Mark had sent another message.

Mark: Sorry, I forgot to tell you my manager is picking you up. My company didn't want me to risk my image by picking up a girl at the airport. It'd be suspicious and rumors would start. Hope you understand. I'll be waiting for you at the dorm. :-)

I can't believe I forgot Mark was now an idol. Every he did was under close review. I understood his point, but there was a slight pain that my heart.

"Miss Kate? Are you ready to go?"

I've forgotten that Mark's manager was still waiting.

"Yes. Let's go." I smiled.

As we got into the car, I apologized for what had happened earlier. "Please forgive me back there. Mark didn't tell me his manager was picking me up so I was confused."

"No problem, kid." He steered the car out the parking lot and on the road, we drove pass tall buildings and busy streets filled with cars and people. "So, you and Mark are good friends, I see. I mean, he wouldn't beg for a VIP ticket and even go beyond for buying a $2,000 plane ticket for just anyone outside of his family."

Not knowing how to reply, I answered shortly, "It's unexpected of him."

"As quiet as he is, he has a good heart. You agree?"

"He has his moments, I guess." I lightly laughed.

"You seem like a nice young lady. From the way Mark describes you, you are like an angel." He took a breath. "With Mark here, it's not going to be like how you guys were back home. He's restricted and he needs to be careful from reckless actions so while you're here, be cautious. There are cameras and people everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this to scare you. I just want to inform you so you have an idea of what to expect. Nonetheless, I really hope you enjoy your time here and look forward to having you around." His fatherly image was warm. I knew he had good intentions for telling me this. I grinned and nodded in agreement.

Why is it that I feel so discouraged to be here already? Was it because I had to watch myself and also have an eye out for Mark too if we were to tour in public together? My thoughts took a toll on me and made time pass by quickly. We've arrived at the dormitory.

"Kate, I'll take you up to Mark's dorm and from there, we'll show you where you'll be staying after."

I followed closely behind as we entered the main lobby and pressed for the elevator to bring us to the floor. Once the door opened, we stepped in and waited to be brought to our destination. The dormitory building looked like a private college dormitory where students would stay in. It was designed very elegantly with an artsy feel to it, almost like a private condo for the very fortunate. Soon enough, manager Il Sook got to the door and took out a key to open it.

This was it. I was actually going to see Mark and it will really be him this time.

"Mark, were here!" Manager yelled.

"Annyeong manager!" 

There was one of the guys sitting at the table eating ramen. He slurped up the broth in his spoon and walked over to where I was standing.

"Annyeonghaseyo, JB-minida."

Due to my lack of understanding and speaking Korean, I bowed. Bowing was the only thing I knew that Koreans would do when they greeted one another. It was something I remember learning from a Korean exchange student during my junior year in high school.

"Who's here?" Another voice came into the scene. "Oh hi, I'm BamBam." He spoke in English with a slight accent.

"Nice to meet you." I bowed again.

A male with a cap appeared suddenly after. It felt as if they all planned to appear one by one after each other. "What's up, I'm Jackson."

In my mind it clicked for me that he was the one Mark shared a room with. He stuck out his hand for me to shake and as if I was about to am grasp it, a hand slapped Jackson's wrist away. I lifted my gaze from the hand to the owner of the body in front of me. It was....................

"Mark?!" My eyes popped and a smile spread upon my lips. "Mark!"

He smiled heavenly and opened his arm for a hug. I took the advantage immediately. It took me to meet manager, JB, BamBam, and Jackson before I got to Mark, but what matters it that I was finally meeting someone with a familiar face, someone who I knew, someone who made me feel at home in such a strange place like this. Honestly, I already felt homesick, but Mark made me feel better.

"So glad you arrived safely! How was the flight?"

We sat in the living room and chatted.

"It was long, but I was given a lot of time to read so I guess it was perfect."

"You nerd. Can't believe you still read." He teased.

"What's a part of me will never leave." I replied confidently.

"Mark why did you leave her? Aren't you a part of Kate?" Mark's roommate Jackson who was obviously eavesdropping interrupted. His silly character portrayed that he was teasing Mark. I held in my laugh.

"Jackson, shut up. You won't be sleeping tonight." Mark threatened.
"Just ignore him. Anyways, I can't believe it has been 2 1/2 years."

"Right? It's been quite long. How's life here?"

"Different." He lowered his head. "Hard."

"Mark, express what ever you need to. I'm here now." I knew he was feeling a mixture of emotions. I could sense it was a sensitive topic but I knew he needed to vent so I reassured him that I was there to listen.

"I really miss home and having you here makes me closer to home." He walked out to the back balcony and waved for me to follow him out so no one would hear our conversation then he continued. "It was difficult for me to adjust but over the years, it's become comfortable. From time to time, I wonder how home is, how my parents are, how my brother's doing at all his choir performances. I wonder about our friends. Everything. Sometimes I still think about if I was to give college a shot. Where would I be if I wasn't here?"

"Mark, being here isn't bad at all. Focus on now, today. Think of how hard you worked for to get here. If it wasn't what you wanted, you wouldn't be here. Being here defines you. You get to present your talent of singing, rapping, and dancing. Aren't those the things you love?"

"They are. I love what I do, but I love the people I left back home too."

"Look, we are all right behind you to support you. Although we may not be physically here to show you, we truly support you. Your parents never shunned you down when you mentioned becoming an idol. Us friends never doubted you either."

He smiled eventually. Finally. "Thanks so much, Kate. This is why I miss my best friend. I miss hearing you give me encouraging words. It's refreshing." He placed his arm over my shoulders as we looked across to the tall buildings.

I wish I could also take in my own encouraging words, Mark. Being with you here, I already sense how hard it is going to be for me in the next two weeks to hide my face and be invisible once you're out as Got7's flying member, Mark. Times like this of just you and me, I wish they'd be longer. I get to have my friend, Mark....I get to have my crush, Mark. Times like this, I wouldn't have to share you. This feels like real home.