A Year to Change Your Lives

Chapter 39

The morning had long since pinked up and a full sun was shining on Reader as she walked briskly but drowsily from her building on their gated campus to that which housed the boys. The cars were meeting at 6am to take them into the studios and the sooner she got to them, the sooner she could shut her eyes again. She wasn't even especially tired right now but the day in front of them all was long.

The cars and boys were already assembled in the underground carpark when she rounded the corner. Jungkook and Tae were huddling together and blinking wearily. Their proximity to the pick-up point meant they'd only had to wake up about five minutes ago. She gave Jungkook a quick peck on the cheek before hopping into the nearest van and greeting the others.

Deciding that the hour wasn't quite so unconscionable anymore, Reader pulled out her phone and wrote a text to Laura for her birthday. She had in her backpack the gift she'd bought in London and a card which under Jungkook's tutelage, she'd had a go at writing in Korean. He told her it was legible but like a toddler.

Since their return to Seoul earlier that week, she'd seen very little of Laura and what she did was oddly formal. Her translations had become much more to the point, with far fewer interjections of Laura's own opinion into the mix. Reader had tried to find time to have some one on one time with her but it hadn't been possible because their new schedules had kicked up a gear since their return.

The concerts, of which there would be three, would take place for certain now across the last three days of October. They were in strained talks at the moment about the content and the style of these shows. The various managers and producers, wanted it to be a straightforward showcase of everything that Reader had learned to do that year, but the boys were holding back on any firm plans just yet. Reader was leaving them to it. She had more than enough to worry about.

On the afternoon after they'd arrived home they'd been sat in front of a group of studio dancers who took them through the choreography for all of the new album songs which would form the basis of the released record and some of the concert set list, along with various past hits. Reader, who'd been riding on the high of her performance on the New York Lip Sync and the declarative conversation she'd had with Jungkook shortly after, had quickly sunk back down into a pit of nerves, seeing the huge amount she'd need to learn before her official debut.

They'd also had a meeting with the UK delegates of the World Exchange Programme. The popularity of the programme amongst UK audiences had taken off spectacularly, thanks in large part of the independent fan base that was growing around Reader and a counterpart of hers who had been sent to work with an Indian band of equal renown. She'd never met the man, but like most, she'd seen his picture going round and round much like hers was. To capitalise on the successes of them and other 'exchangers' there was a brewing idea for an appearance at the Royal Variety Show which would mean a separate performance, different rehearsals and another overseas trip.

"Have you got food?" Asked Hoseok leaning forward to Reader's seat.

"No, I'll eat at the studio." She told him cheerfully.

"You won't. The call got moved up so it's as soon as we get there." Namjoon put in, buckling up as the cars set off. Reader pouted. They were only leaving at this early hour because they needed to speak with New York, while the East Coast was still awake. Reader didn't need to be part of the call but she was completely joined with the boys now. The living, breathing BTS experience had become hers since their return.

"I'll be fine." She assured Hoseok who was looking worried, feeling confident she could find a snack or hold off until their first break.

"Do you have what you need for tonight?" Asked Namjoon.