Snow White & the 7 Idols

Chapter 17

Ji Soo tried to move the reporters aside as we fought our way to the dorms. This was the second time this week I had been hounded by reporters. The trailers and promo pictures came out over the weekend and the press conference was tomorrow. The only reason I was even here was to grab my things to move into the trainee dorms at the company. I'd managed to talk to Aaron and Abby a few times over the phone, but I hadn't really had a chance to come back now. We got inside and I took off my sunglasses. Abby and Aaron were waiting for me in the lobby. When they came closer, Ji Soo kept them back. I smiled lightly.

"Ji Soo, it's okay. These are my friends," I informed her. Ji Soo nodded before she took a step back.

"Laine, what the hell happened over the last few weeks? Did you get caught?" Abby asked in English. I looked around before I shook my head.

"No. While working as a manager, some of the videos JungKook took of me went viral. The PD asked me to try auditioning for a role on an upcoming drama. It went well so we start shooting next week. I'm playing the second lead. That's why I haven't been home lately," I explained. Abby took a look at all the faces watching us before she grabbed my arm and pulled me to our dorm with Aaron and Ji Soo trailing behind us. When we got to the room and the door was closed, Abby turned to face me as she crossed her arms.

"You mean to tell me you're an actress now? Does that make any sense? You, who gets uncomfortable at the thought of even appearing in front of people, are an actress," Abby asked as she raised an eyebrow at me. I shrugged.

"The show airs in a month," I confirmed. Abby sighed and ran her fingers through her hair, pulling at it slightly.

"Okay, fine. Let's say this works out for you. Do you plan to stay after our year is up, do you even plan on graduating?" she asked.

"For now, I only agreed to this one drama. I'm still graduating. And I don't know, I might stay. I haven't thought that far ahead yet," I admitted timidly.

"All this for one guy?" Aaron huffed. I glared at him.

"No, I actually enjoy acting. It's fun and I didn't realize how much I liked it until now," I retorted. Ji Soo looked at the three of us confused. I guess her English wasn't that great, which was a good thing in this situation.

"Look, I have to pack. I have to stay at the trainee dorms for now because of the media," I explained as I pulled my suitcase out.

"You're really just going to drop us like that?" Aaron asked as I unzipped my suitcase. I sighed and put my hands on my luggage as I looked at him.

"I'm not dropping anything. I just happened to find a job that was this, and it keeps me really busy. You're both still my best friends. I just have to go so the school isn't crowded by reporters and paparazzi every single day," I explained.

"Best friends?" Aaron laughed humorlessly. "I kind of have the feeling that we've been replaced," Aaron said before he stormed out of the room. I sighed and looked at my suitcase.

"Abby, you're Ms. Positivity. I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and did something that I actually enjoy. Are you not happy for me?" I asked as I turned my attention to her.

"I am. I am," she said as she shook her head to clear her thoughts. She gave me a tight smile. I could tell something was bothering her, but she wouldn't say what.

"What is it?" I asked sincerely as I started pulling clothes from my drawers to put them in my suitcase.

"It's just... I'm kind of shocked. I think I just need time to let it sink in," she said honestly. I nodded in understanding as I continued to pack my important things.

"I get it," I said. I finished pulling all of the important stuff in my luggage while leaving most of my clothes behind. I zipped up my luggage and Ji Soo grabbed the handle as we headed for the door. I paused and turned back to Abby with a small smile.

"I'll call you later," I promised. She sighed and stretched.

"I'll try to calm down Aaron's green monster," she joked. We left, pushing through the reports again as we went to the trainee dorms. Inside felt like a boarding school for pretty people. Ji Soo took me up the elevator to my room and dropped off my suitcase.

"Is there anything else on the schedule today?" I asked Ji Soo as I looked at the schedule I had for BTS.

"You have a spa appointment in an hour. And then the press conference tomorrow morning," she answered. The boys had a late night of practice and the morning off. I thanked her and let her go before I texted Namjoon.

Are you busy right now? I texted him. A moment later, he was calling me. I answered the phone with a small smile.

"Where are you?" He asked. I sighed as I looked around the small but cozy room.

"I just brought my things to the trainee dorms. I'm in the company building," I answered.

"Want to meet up in the trainee lounge? The guys miss you and we're on a short break," he said.

"Sure. I have an hour before I have to get back to my schedule," I agreed.

"We'll go there now," he said. We ended the call before I went to the café that served as the lounge. I ordered a chai tea as I waited for them. When they came through the doors, everyone's eyes went to them. They were sweaty and excited. I stood and waved at them when they found me.

"Laine!" They smiled before they buried me in the middle of a sweaty group hug.