HER

pt. 33 Ex

My plane ride was exhausting, to say the least.
I honestly didn't remember my trip from the States to South Korea being so long.
But that's usually how it is.
The difference between going somewhere you want to go, and somewhere you don't.

Don't get me wrong, New York City is a beautiful place. It just wasn't home, to me.

It was strange stepping foot into the airport, with majority English speakers and signs. I had to adjust not speaking Korean to everyone I interacted with.

Thankfully, New York wasn't as cold as Seoul but still much colder than the South.
I hurried to my hotel, and immediately bundled up in my bed.

I checked my phone.
Everyone I knew back in Korea had requested me to let them know I had made it safely.
Including Tae.
Nothing from Jin though.

After I made my replies, I went to sleep.

It was only morning in New York but jet lag hit me like a brick. I could not be tired for the big night the next day.

I spent the rest of the day and through the next resting, and watched our concept video over and over.

Butterflies in my stomach was a gross understatement.

When the time came to get ready, I sat down at the vanity in my bathroom and meticulously began preparing.

I didn't have Jimin here to help me, so I decided to wear a dress I already had. It was Navy blue, resembling the sky with tiny silver gems with a fitted bodice leading into a long tulle skirt. I made sure my hair was brushed and tamed with minimal makeup.
I chose a bold red lip though. I was really liking that lately.

I looked in the mirror and I felt the most confident I had in a long time.
This was me.

New York wasn't home but I was where I wanted to be.

This is what I wanted to be doing.

I smiled at myself.

Josephine LeRoux, dare you say that you might actually love yourself?

Maybe I should've applied a little more foundation to hide my easily reddened cheeks.

Well... Nothing's perfect.

I requested an Uber, and headed towards the convention center this event was being held at.
When I was dropped off, the nerves really started to kick in.

It was huge. And packed.

It seemed every company in the business was attending.
I checked my phone for the area Lee Gun Ho had told me to meet the team at and used the signs to find my way.

When I arrived, Jin was nowhere to be found.
Chae Young greeted me with a hug. "New York is amazing!" She gushed, "There are so many different people. It's exciting."

I smiled. "It is a beautiful city."

"Seokjin is arriving with his father. They'll meet us on stage when we debut." Gun Ho explained. "You don't mind making the introduction, Josephine?"

I gulped. "No, not at all." I lied.

"Well no need to be nervous everyone." Lee Gun Ho addressed everyone. "We worked hard and created something really great. Let's enjoy this evening in this great city!"

Everyone made a cheer in agreement.

Chae Young locked arms with me as we entered the main hall.

It was packed with all sorts of people from all over the world and they were all dressed to the Ts.

Chae Young received some looks and stares; she was definitely recognized from her online presence.
She was stopped a few times from fans.
I politely stepped aside as a small pack of women had excitedly asked for pictures with her.

As I stood awkwardly out of the way, I heard a familiar voice.

"Josie?"

I spun around.

A man I hadn't seen in almost a year stood before me. He wasn't as clean shaven as he usually was, with his brown curls styled more hip and modern suited to his New York persona.
He was very handsome still, but for some reason I didn't find him as attractive as I used to.

"Henry? What are you doing here?" I asked, folding my arms to close myself off from the hug he was trying to give me.

"My company is showcasing a new product here." He explained as if I should've known. "You remember who I work for right?"

Wow, he has gotten pretty condescending since his move..

"Oh yes, how could I forget." I said flatly.

"Are you here with someone?" He asked looking around.

Does he really think I just can't be here on my own?

Okay, stop, Josephine.

"I'm here with my company as well. I moved to South Korea." I told him.

He made a face as if he were confused and maybe thought it was a bit comical as well. "Oh yeah I heard about that."

That means he stalks me online.

"Did you ever get my text back? You never replied." He said, tilting his head.
Shit I forgot I did that..

"How's Jupiter?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"It's Juniper." He corrected me, frowning. "And she's... We broke up."

Boo hoo.

"Sorry to hear that." I replied, looking around for an escape.

"You look really great, Josie." He grinned, showing off the dimple that used to melt my heart.

He knows I hate that freaking nickname.

"Thank you." I said politely.

"Would you want to---" he cut off when a hand appeared on my arm.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," the most beautiful voice in the entire universe said.

Jin looked absolutely perfect.

There was no other word to describe it.
He had cut his hair; it neatly styled to the side part that complimented his face so well. He wore a traditional black and white suit without a tie, the fit nicely snug on his gorgeous shape.

I had to snap my mouth shut.

"Friend of yours?" Jin asked in English.

"This is Henry." I replied gesturing towards the man. "Henry, this is Seokjin."

Henry held his hand out, his posture straightening as if to emphasize his height.

He may be taller but he doesn't even compare.

I let my smile show.

Jin shook his hand firmly.

"We dated for a long time." Henry told him for some reason.

Like a jealous peacock trying to show off his obnoxious bright feathers..

Jin looked at me. He must've read something on my face since he slipped his arm around my waist.
"I see." Jin replied, smiling. "I should thank you then?"

Henry showed a glimpse of surprise at the comment before regaining his composure. "Well, I should go." He said abruptly. "Nice seeing you, Josie."

"It's Josephine." I corrected as he walked away.

I turned to Jin when Henry was gone.

He had moved his arm from my waist.

"Thank you." I told him with a smile. "When did you get here?"

"Just now," he explained, "I wasn't going to interrupt you but I could tell you were uncomfortable."

This man...

"I'm really glad to see you." I told him, placing my hand on his arm.

He opened his mouth to reply when Chaeyoung grabbed me by the shoulder.

"We're up!" She exclaimed.

Sigh...