In a Split Second || BTS

Chapter 8

"Do you all have your passports and boarding passes?" Manager Sejin asks, patting his pocket to ensure that he has his own.

"Yes," the boys chorus.

I glance out the window to my left as another plane shoots into the sky and immediately feel the familiar burden of fear in the pit of my stomach. For the past hour, my mind has been flying back to the pure terror I faced on the plane trip to Seoul. My stomach rolls with anxiety, and I swallow hard, finding it increasingly difficult to remain calm and collected. I wrap my gray jacket tightly around me and clutch my black carrier so firmly my knuckles turn white.

"All right," the manager says with a warm smile. "We will be off to the gate, then."

We arrive at the gate right as boarding begins, barely giving me a moment to process my fears. My heartbeat is pounding in my ears as a woman scans my boarding pass and smiles as an indication that I may proceed. Someone brushes against my side and wraps their arm lightly around my waist.

"Namjoon?" My brow furrows with confusion.

"You look terrified," he remarks quietly.

Do I? I am finding it difficult to breathe, and my knees threaten to give out at any moment, but I did not imagine my fears were visibly drawn across my face.

"I-I am," I admit. Focusing on the pressure of Namjoon's hand on my waist takes my mind away from the horror that permeates me with every step I take towards the plane.

"Do you mind me asking why?"

"I hate... planes." I have to force the dreaded word out of my mouth.

His head bobs thoughtfully, a strand of blonde hair dropping over his forehead. "The fear becomes less prominent when you stop thinking about the technicalities."

"How would you know?"

"I don't like planes either. The whole concept is difficult for me to comprehend, and I am simply trying to cope with the fact that we will travel often from this point forward." He pauses for a moment, his lips pressing together in concentration. "Would you feel better sitting beside me?"

"Yes, thank you." I sigh, glad that someone understands my somewhat irrational fear. "I would like that."

He gestures for me to step on the plane first and my heart seizes up, yet his hand on my waist is steady and reassuring. The flight attendants beam at me, likely trying to ease my terrified expression, but I cannot take much notice of them. The attention of the majority of passengers on the plane has already been captured by their devices; their eyes are shaded with boredom as they wait for the plane to take flight. I am alert at all times, considering what I would do if the plane's engine suddenly petered out and... I quickly redirect my thoughts and concentrate on Namjoon's calm countenance. He told me not to think about the technicalities.

"Aisle, middle seat, or window?" he asks as we arrive at our seats.

"Window, please."

His eyebrows raise in surprise.

"The landscape helps me focus on something other than potential dangers," I explain.

A small smile pulls at his lips, revealing his charming dimples. "Only you, Cherisse-ah. Window it is." I scoot into the seat and hurriedly buckle my seatbelt, not wanting to be caught unprepared if the plane suddenly takes off. Namjoon sits beside me and takes his time in making himself comfortable.

"How are you so calm?" I ask breathlessly.

"Hmm? Oh, as I said, don't think about the technicalities."