Color My World Joon

Chapter 7: Battling the Fire

"Don't say that Mary," Gianna yelled at her, "Namjoon is your soulmate and it's a blessing to be here."

"A blessing? That's easy for you to say. You're not the one getting attacked! Actually, you're just mooching off of the fact that Namjoon is my soulmate," Mary angrily responded.

"You don't mean that," Gianna calmly replied.

    There were several seconds of silence before Mary dropped to the floor and burst into tears again. As she cried, Gianna sat on the floor with her and gave her a tight hug.

"Look at me Mary," she said, "We'll get through this together. But leaving is the easy way out. If you leave, you're letting the haters win."

"I find it ironic that you're saying that given you warned me about something like this before I met Namjoon," she said sniffling.

"I'm sad to say I told you so but I told you so."

Mary playfully punched Gianna. "I hate you," she said.

The girls laughed for a bit and Mary started to feel relaxed having Gianna's support. However, she felt bad for storming out on Namjoon.

Meanwhile, Namjoon was devastated as Mary had left him alone. He regretted posting the photo or even taking it. If it hadn't happened, it would've never made her cry. He was also concerned for her safety after what he saw at the Nordstrom. Namjoon realized he'd have to take some new measures with Mary and Gianna for their safety, at least until ARMY cooled off. He spoke to Manager Sejin about hiring a bodyguard for the girls so they could be safe when walking around the city. Manager Sejin agreed to find a bodyguard for the girls who also spoke English and could serve as an extra translator for them. Namjoon thanked Manager Sejin and excused himself to get some air.

As he walked outside, Yoongi was walking around the hallway heading back to the boys' room after getting himself a drink from the cafe in the lobby. He noticed Namjoon's low mood and approached him to see what was up.

"What's wrong Joon?"

"Did you see the comments on my photo with Mary?"

"I did yeah, is that what's having you down?"

"Yes, it is and I feel terrible."

    Namjoon explained to Yoongi what had happened as he attentively listened. He explained how it made him feel to see Mary in distress and how scared he was when he saw the man at the Nordstrom dragging her away. If only he would've been able to be there with her the whole time, she wouldn't have gone through that. He also expressed his regret about taking the photos and posting them. Yoongi offered his perspective.

"Listen Joon. We knew your relationship with Mary wasn't going to be pink and flowers all the time because of the world you and I come from. It's better she learns about it sooner rather than later."

"That's harsh Yoongi hyung. She never deserved this."

"You're right, she never did. But it's the world we live in. What can we do?"

"I just don't know how to help her through this."

"If you want my suggestion, it seems like she wants to spend more time with you. Why don't you let her tag along to rehearsals and our interviews? She can be backstage and away from us so she can be there but not be seen. Then you won't have to worry about her feeling lonely."

"Thanks Yoongi. I just hope she doesn't leave."

    Almost as if on cue, Mary came out of her room and noticed Namjoon was across the hallway and called out to him. Namjoon heard her and turned around; Yoongi saw himself out. Mary ran towards Namjoon and he ran to meet her in the middle where they had a long embrace.