If You

Personal

"I still don't understand why they want to interview me," Emily grumbled. "I'm not an idol."

"You're dating one, and that's almost as bad," Daesung said, elbowing her gleefully. "Besides, everyone's dying to hear from you after the attack."

"But my Korean is still horrible!" Emily protested. "I'll only embarrass myself."

"They just want to interview you for a few minutes," Seunghyun said calmly. He looked out the car window as they rolled to a stop. "Looks like we're here."

Emily looked up at the tall studio building and groaned loudly. "I'm gonna puke," she pronounced, touching her forehead to the warm glass.

"Not in this car you aren't," Youngbae said firmly, opening the door. "I just had it detailed."

They all climbed out and were immediately surrounded by a wall of security guards. "This is getting old," Seungri mumbled. "It's been weeks since the attack."

"You just look so pitiful in that sling, Seungri," Emily teased. "Like a duckling with a broken wing."

The other guys laughed as Seungri's ears reddened. "My arm is fine," he sniffed, leading the way into the building.

Jiyong was already in the dressing room, sipping a cup of coffee on the couch. "It's about time," he said, setting his cup down. "I was beginning to think I'd have to do the whole show by myself."

"More like hoping you would," Daesung teased. Sagowa knocked on the open door. "We've got some time, but I just wanted to reiterate my offer of an interpreter."

Emily groaned again. "I can't go out there with an interpreter," she said, folding her arms resolutely. "I need to show everyone that I can hold my own without being catered to every step of the way."

"Babe, your Korean is really improving, but yesterday you called that police officer a-"

"I apologized!" Emily snapped, cutting Jiyong off. "I can't give people reasons to distrust me. Not after the attack last month."

Sagowa sighed. "Fine, but I'm holding you responsible for any messes that come out of this."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Emily called as he left the room. She collapsed into a chair. "This is going to be horrible," she pronounced despairingly.

They heard running feet and laughing outside and Emily raised her eyebrows. "What was that?"

"Probably another group," Youngbae said, opening a water bottle. "They're interviewing a lot of people today."

Suddenly their door was thrown open and half of EXO spilled into the room, Chanyeol in the lead. Everyone froze and no one spoke for several seconds, except for Chanyeol trying to stammer an apology. "I, uh... we, um..." he locked eyes with Emily and his mouth fell open. "Emily Carter?" he asked, taking a step into the room.

"Chanyeol!" Kai hissed from the doorway. Emily stood up awkwardly. "Yes, that's me," she said, extending a hand. "It's fine, really," she called to the other EXO members.

"Junmyeon's gonna be pissed," she heard D.O mumble to the others. Chanyeol walked forward tentatively, sliding by the BIGBANG members like they were sleeping lions. "I'm Park Chanyeol," he said, bowing before taking her hand.

"I know," Emily replied, "I'm a big fan of EXO."

Chanyeol grinned and turned back to his bandmates. "Hear that? She's a big fan!"

Emily glanced at Jiyong, who seemed stunned into silence by the whole thing. There were more footsteps and Suho came around the corner, his face draining as he took in the situation. "Chanyeol, we need to go," he said tensely, giving them a pained smile. Chanyeol seemed torn between his leader and his curiosity, looking at Emily interestedly. "Can I ask you a question?" he asked politely. Emily nodded. "Please do."