I got hired as a part-time worker for events at the nearby concert stadium and was having so much fun meeting new friends. I made sure to get to know the guys in the sound booth, so I could have them play my songs while we cleaned up – dancing, singing, and cleaning with friends was actually the best part. Anyway, I also enjoyed being there during the events or concerts, since I was able to enjoy them but also enjoyed helping others have fun too. I had been working there for almost a year when the manager told us there were going to be two big nights of the same band coming in for concerts, so we all had to work and do our best with the crowds but be prepared to work later than usual since both shows were going to sell out. I had no idea which band could have that many fans, but it didn’t matter anyway- I was just having fun working part-time and hanging out with my friends.

It was June, school was out, and we had training all day Wednesday for the updated security procedures we would need- they also had to train a ton of new hires to even scan the tickets, so it was apparently a big deal. I ignored most of the warnings, focusing on my job as an usher, getting people to and from their seats in my section safely and keeping them from causing trouble, which was my main goal. I also wanted to make sure I didn’t have major spills to clean up after, so I spotted the best areas for extra trash bins and made sure to have bags available in my pockets in case I needed to empty any of them. Thursday, we had security meetings with the band’s team, from their own country of Korea, so we listened and made sure to follow all of their rules, which aligned with ours and made everyone happy.

The actual concerts were Friday and Sunday, with meet and greets before each one on those days as well, of which I was a part of the security team, since I was friendly and able to get people to do what I wanted easily without getting anyone mad- it was the teacher in me, I guess. Friday morning I showed up at ten am, bringing my extra outfit for the meet and greet event, since that uniform looks like a business suit, while my usher uniform is black cargo pants with a black button up shirt, plus our bright yellow safety vests, to help people find us in the dark. I love wearing my vest and had added many stylish accessories to mine in the past year, so everyone knows it’s mine if I forget it anywhere…

I was dressed in my uniform, including my vest, standing in front of the stage, getting directions from our manager, when he said we would be doing a quick walk through to make sure everything was super clean before the meet and greet, since the concert would be directly afterwards and we wouldn’t have time to clean before the fans began arriving, allowing us just enough time to change before we had to head to our assigned sections. I was not panicking, since I thrive under pressure, so I was bouncing my legs with excitement as I rushed to the top of my section and began bopping up and down each row, checking for anything amiss. The guys in the sound booth saw me, knew it was time for a quick song, and started blasting one of my favorites, “Unstoppable” by Sia, which of course I had to sing/dance along to, making all the other ushers laugh and/or join in and it put everyone in a good mood. I had no idea at the time, but the band was watching us on the cameras and wanted to know who I was and why my vest was so much cuter than anyone else’s, so my manager told them all he knew about me, but it didn’t help them much, since I’m actually a private person outside of this job.

We finished our precheck and headed to change for the meet and greet at noon, so I changed in the women’s room, with all the other ladies, then headed to our designated area for the final instructions. There were only 500 fans attending the meet and greets, no gift-giving allowed, only stop for a short time at each member, no photos, just autographs, and once they had all been through the line, the doors would be closed and locked-our main priority had to be the band’s safety. I nodded, then found out I would be directly to the left of the band, in charge of keeping things moving and generally watching for crazy people.

At 1pm, we began letting in the fans, some of my coworkers scanning the special passes they required, making sure we only had the exact amount we should, and once they were all inside, waiting in their lines, like a maze with our poles we had set up, we welcomed the band into the room, without the fans in yet, and introduced ourselves. I said hello to all seven members, making sure to smile and tell them I would help if they needed anything, then resuming my post right next to the one on the end, called Jimin. He asked if I was always part of the security team, but I told him no, I also usher people in and help with the cleaning, which he thought was fascinating and wanted to know more, but the fans had entered and he was now required to focus on them, so I started my polite warnings and made sure all members were respected throughout the entire process.

I made sure they had water, one eventually needed a band aid, so I applied that as well, one needed chap stick, so I gave him mine (he insisted), so overall, it was very successful. The part I did not notice, but others did, was that Jimin continued to sneak looks at me the entire two hours, trying to get my attention, but other than a few smiles in his direction, I ignored him since I was in work mode and needed to be aware at all times. It finally ended at 4:30pm, a little overtime, but nothing major, so we closed and locked the doors, then began leading the band to their sound check on the stage, since I needed to change to begin my usher duties, which would start at five, when the doors opened for general seating. He hung back and asked me about my next job, so I told him I needed to change, then I would be out in the crowds, making sure the band stayed safe the entire night. He wanted to talk more, so I told him I would see him after the concert, since I was part of the cleaning crew and we always stayed late anyway.

He smiled and seemed happy about this, for whatever reason, so once he was headed on stage, I headed into the women’s room to change, focusing on my next task. Once I was dressed in my black clothes and yellow vest again, I headed out to the arena, just before five, just in time to hear their last few sound check songs. I was so focused on getting myself ready that I completely missed all the members pointing and talking about me- they recognized my vest from earlier and wanted to talk to me but couldn’t because they had hair and makeup to get done, while I had people to get seated. I worked so hard for the next two hours- then for the three hours of the concert, so when it finally ended at ten pm, I started helping people find the exits and made sure their items didn’t get lost or left behind.

I started at the top of my section, looking down each row for valuables, but luckily it was just trash tonight, so after most of my section had been emptied, it was already 11:30pm and I was able to get my broom, which was the sound booth’s cue to start my jams, which also helps the crowd leave because my songs are random and don’t always vibe with others. At midnight everyone had finally exited, so we were all sweeping and picking up big items for the trash, then one of my favorites came on, “What it Sounds Like” from the Netflix K-Pop movie and since all the workers know me, they helped me make up a dance and we all went crazy, rushing to the floor, doing our own moves, having a blast singing and laughing and when it was done, we realized the crowd of dancers was larger than normal- the band had snuck out when they saw us (they had been watching the cameras again) and joined in, having a blast as well. We all laughed, then they asked whose idea it was and everyone pointed to me, wearing my decorated yellow vest, which made them clap and rush over to me, spinning me, picking me up, and celebrating for some unknown reason.

I was confused, until I saw Jimin and asked what was happening, so he explained that they had seen me earlier, wearing my fancy vest and wanted to know me, since I was having so much fun and they had been watching the cameras after their concert because they knew I would be out here again. He said they saw me dancing and wanted to join in, so they ran out and surprised us. He was smiling so big I had to match his energy and laughed in return. As the next song played, he asked me if he could help me clean up, so I could hang out with the band and even though I protested and said it really wasn’t necessary, he would not stop, so we finished up on my area and went to help one of my friends who was struggling. The other band members also helped, which I thought was odd, but sweet and they later explained that even though they are rich and famous now, they started off as unknowns, and they will never forget how to be humble.

When we had everything done, I checked in with my manager, who said I could clock out, so I did and then went to find the band backstage. Jimin was waiting for me and motioned for me to join them in one of their dressing rooms because they were just making plans to head back to their hotel for food and wanted me to join them. I immediately declined, saying the only outfits I had were work clothes, which were smelly at that point, having survived trash duty for several hours, but he just laughed and said they had clothes I could wear, which embarrassed me, but they all promised it would be fine, and begged me to join them, so I had to agree and soon we were walking outside. I knew my car would be safe overnight in the employee parking lot, since it was always being watched and locked at night, so I wasn’t worried about that as we piled into two SUVs that had been waiting. I was in the very back, squished between Yoongi and Jimin, who looked as confused as I did about why I needed to travel with them.

Yoongi had been shy and quiet earlier, but in the calmness of the SUV he started asking me about my life, why I was working at a concert hall when I clearly had more abilities, then laughed when he found out I was actually a teacher during the school year and just worked at the stadium for fun. Jimin was full of energy and kept trying to flirt with me, but I kept raising my eyebrows at him in shock, which Yoongi found hilarious, since most females like all of them and often propose or say they love them. I shrugged my shoulders and told him I was unaware of this custom and would not be doing either one of those things, which made him laugh even more and pat my shoulder- he was impressed that I didn’t care who they were and treated them like normal guys.

We got to their hotel quickly, since it was just a few blocks away, then we all piled out and headed upstairs in the elevators, Jimin found me and pulled me gently next to him, saying he would find me some clothes to change into and I was thankful, since my work clothes really did stink to me (he said it wasn’t noticeable to anyone else). He also told me that even though they each get their own rooms, they always end up in each other’s, so don’t be surprised if the guys show up suddenly and eat with everyone else or sleep in the same beds- they are used to cuddling and sharing everything. I laughed and said that was not different for me- I haven’t had personal space in eleven years. Once we entered the main room, he took my hand and guided me down the hallway to his room, then started digging through an open suitcase for clothes.

I laughed when a pair of blue underwear went flying past my head and landed on the bed, causing him to blush and snatch them back quickly- I was laughing so hard I didn’t notice him coming over to me with a pair of pants and a hoodie. He pointed to the bathroom, then said I could leave my uniform in there and he would remind me to take it whenever I left. I stood up to thank him, then smiled and went into the bathroom. I changed quickly, thanking myself for having worn a tank top underneath my uniform that night and for bringing my deodorant and mouth wash. After I used the bathroom and washed my hands, I stumbled out of the bathroom and headed to the main living area, realizing I would need help with the outfit, since it was extra big on me and I couldn’t even walk properly. I turned the corner, tripped on one of the long pants legs and would have landed on the floor if Jimin hadn’t reached out and caught me, standing me upright and holding me for a moment as he asked if I was ok. My face started burning from the embarrassment, as he noticed the pant legs and said he had forgotten about me being so short, which caused me to pull away and put my hands on my hips, with his hoodie arms not allowing my hands to even be seen and with my attitude, he burst into laughter at the sight of me.

Looking back, I can see why that would have been so humorous, but in that moment, I was furious at him, how dare he make fun of me! He had to gasp for air as I attempted to attack him, slipping all over, unable to catch him, only making it about three feet before he wrapped me in a giant bear hug and carried me to the couch, where he set me down and began rolling up the pant legs. I turned my head, pretending to be disgusted or annoyed, but when he gently pulled one of my arms over to him and began rolling up the sleeve, quietly chuckling to himself, but still teasing with his sideways grin, I couldn’t resist a little smile in response. I let my arm fall onto my lap when he was done and held my other one out for him, clearly resigned to accepting his help at this point, which he appreciated and once I was fixed, he held his hands out to help pull me up, but I hesitated, not sure if he was going to tease me anymore, so I just stared back up at him, towering over me now, until a few second went by and he said, “Please don’t be mad forever. I promise not to tease you anymore.” He was clearly very charming and even though I really wanted to ignore it, that sideways grin was working a little too well, so I held my hands up and he easily pulled me right in front of him, causing me to stumble a little, him catching me with a hug and apologizing for causing me to fall.

I just told him I didn’t think he knew his own strength, which actually made him blush, but then there was a loud knock at the door, and he ran to answer it. I slowly walked to the hallway, finding three of the other band members there, also wearing loose clothes like me, without the hems rolled up, so when they ran up to me and hugged me or spun me around, I was not shocked this time. They were all talking loudly in Korean about what they wanted to eat and how much they should order from room service, while they said the others were showering first, then they would join them. I just sat with them while they chatted/argued, not knowing what was being said, but understanding it was about the food at least. I was super tired from working all day, which Jimin noticed and came to sit next to me, after the food had been ordered, asking if I would be ok. I was worried about getting home, since it was already super late, but that’s when he quickly said I wasn’t going home- I was staying the night with them, that’s what he meant by hanging out, which caught me off guard, so I was shocked, then asked how I would brush my teeth.

He laughed at that being my biggest concern but squeezed my hand to let me know he would solve that problem before bedtime. I was not convinced, but didn’t see any other options, so accepted his confident answer. Soon, the food had arrived, the guys literally carried me to the table and handed me chopsticks, then began handing me random food items to try, which made Jimin laugh, so I was definitely considered part of their crew apparently, I found out later. We ate and chatted for almost two hours, then it was nearly 3am and I was fading fast. I had already set down my chopsticks on the plate and was leaning on Jimin’s arm, barely staying awake, when Yoongi noticed and said it was time for me to sleep, since I was clearly exhausted. Jimin looked down, saw my sleepy eyes, then carefully got up and helped me stand, then led me down the hall. He handed me a toothbrush, got the toothpaste, waited for me to brush, then waited outside the bathroom while I used it and washed my hands. He gently guided me over to the bed, then pulled back the covers and said, “Remember what I said about us always sleeping together? Don’t be surprised if you wake up to find lot of guys sleeping around you, ok? It’s a sign that we like you and accept you, so you should consider it a good thing.”

I smiled and held out my hand, which he kissed, as I replied, “I look forward to a giant cuddle, but I probably won’t remember it. I hope you are in it too Jimin.” He was surprised for a moment, then happy because he liked me a lot, but hadn’t been sure if I returned the feelings, since there were six other members who were much more flirtatious than him. He brushed back some of my hair from my face and promised to cuddle me, which is the last thing I remember. I woke up some time that morning, Jimin right beside me, his arm around my shoulders, me resting on his shoulder and holding onto his shirt, with JK and Tae on the other side of me, both touching my arms/legs. I smiled, knowing it was super sweet and adorable at the same time. I panicked for a second, thinking there was another concert that day and I was late for work, but then remembered Saturday was an off day, so I wasn’t actually working and had asked family to watch my little doggie, so I was ok.

My panic had woken Jimin, who opened his eyes and whispered, “What’s wrong sweetheart?” I patted his chest and replied softly, “Nothing, I just thought I was late for work and had a moment of panic, that’s all. I’m sorry I woke you. I just wonder what time it is…” He kissed the top of my head and checked his watch, showing me it was 11am. That’s the latest I have ever slept in my life, but then I remembered I wasn’t in bed until 3am, so it made sense. He said the other members usually sleep until at least noon or 1pm, so we didn’t need to get up if we didn’t want to, but I said I needed the bathroom, so he got up as well, helping me crawl out from under JK and Tae in the meantime. I said how sweet they were to include me in their cuddle and Jimin agreed- apparently there had been some sort of minor argument over who got to actually touch me last night, which I now quietly laughed about because I knew it would have been ridiculous and epic at the same time. Jimin went to use the other bathroom while I used the main one, then he came to meet me in the hallway, since I was having trouble walking again- the pants had come unrolled during the night and the hoodie was also causing me trouble.

He disappeared for a second, then came back with extra clothes again- this time a t-shirt, which I was thankful for and he could tell I was trying to be modest so he looked away while I took off the hoodie and put on the t-shirt, but he wasn’t prepared for my reflection to be in the microwave glass and he accidentally saw my tank top for a moment, causing him to panic and turn red, which I noticed when I brought the hoodie over to him, now wearing the oversized t-shirt instead. He immediately confessed and apologized, which I appreciated, and said, “Jimin, I just don’t think changing is appropriate in front of guys I have just met. I think covering myself is way better for the moment, since we don’t know each other that well.” He nodded, then muttered, “But if you ever do feel confident enough to change in front of us, I wouldn’t mind at all.” I could tell he was extremely embarrassed about saying it, but I thanked him for telling me the truth- at least now I knew he liked me as more than just a friend. I squeezed his hand to show I understood, and he just leaned his cheek on my hair, standing silently for a second, before looking around the empty kitchen, realizing they had no coffee or tea, or food or anything.

I saw his face, laughed, then asked if we should order room service for the guys, so they had food when they woke up, which he thought was genius and wrapped me in a giant hug as a result, smelling my wild hair. I was now the one embarrassed, but he liked my blushing cheeks, so he said he hoped I never changed, and I told him I probably wouldn’t- compliments are always hard for me to handle. He asked the hotel main desk if they had coffee or tea, or if they could make lattes or what was possible. Apparently, they had a whole café set up downstairs, so he decided to order a bunch of drinks and surprise the guys- I was worried because how in the world do you know what each one will drink, but he said not to worry- he’s known them long enough that it won’t matter, as long as they each have something.

I fed off his happiness and waited while he placed a gigantic order- then I realized how much it would cost and he told me not to worry again- the company pays for everything, which almost made me faint, so he came swiftly over and stood behind me, using one of his strong arms to wrap around my waist, then whispered, “I promise we will take good care of you and you never need to worry about money because it’s always taken care of. I would never let you suffer sweetheart.” I wanted to believe him, but was still nervous, then heard someone in the bedroom stirring, so I turned around to face him, not realizing my face would then be inches from his, his arm still around my waist, him being extremely handsome and strong and very attractive in that moment.

I blinked up at him, unable to form words, which he saw and smiled about- then he kissed my nose and said, “I like having you close to me. I hope it happens more often.” I could not comprehend his words, but my cheeks caught fire, which he very much enjoyed kissing each one before stepping back and allowing me to cool down before someone else witnessed our little moment.

He ran his hands through his hair, winked at me, and did that sideways grin that I knew meant trouble, as I attempted to face the windows to cool my cheeks before anyone else saw. He laughed when I spun around, then said good morning to Yoongi, the one who was walking down the hall towards us. I really like Yoongi, so I was able to calm down quickly and start talking to him, since he wasn’t so shy anymore and we told him we had ordered coffee and food for everyone, which he was thankful for. Yoongi was a little confused about why I was still there but then remembered the night before and remembered seeing the guys arguing about who was going to cuddle me, so then he laughed. He said he did not argue about that because I am a real person who gets to have her own opinions about cuddles, which I appreciated greatly, but obviously didn’t matter because I had been asleep at the time.

His hair was just as wild as mine, so he wanted to brush it and smell it, just like Jimin, so I let him of course. Well, smell and touch it, but not brush, since I actually didn’t have my brush with me, or anything I needed actually… I suddenly realized I didn’t even have a change of clothes or anything to shower with because I had not planned on being away from home overnight… Jimin saw the worried look on my face, then assured me whatever I was thinking about he would help me fix or solve after they had eaten breakfast, but I was not convinced. After about an hour, the food and coffee arrived, I had my usual Chai, which Jimin and Yoongi tried and said was ok, but not their favorite. The other members smelled the food and soon joined us, so that by 1pm everyone was awake, wild hair and all, slowly chatting and asking what they should do since there was no concert that night.

I said they should go on a little hike, since there were lots of hidden little trails nearby that nobody would recognize them at and they would actually have a chance to be regular guys. I guess that shocked them because all seven just stared at me, like I had said something wrong, but then I looked at all of their faces as I swiveled my head and saw them changing from shock to admiration to impressed to affection (Jimin) to agreement. Jimin immediately agreed, wanting to do anything with me, with JK and Tae copied, since the youngest three almost always stick together.

Jin and J-Hope were more hesitant because they don’t like nature that much, but Joon and Yoongi were fully on board with my idea, mostly because it involved being treated normally. Yoongi said I lifted some of the pressure he felt because my happiness was like the sunshine that helped chase shadows away, while Jimin just wanted to be near me, which I was not surprised about after this morning. I asked how we would get anywhere- none of them had cars in America, but they said they could drive the SUVs from the night before, they just had to ask. Also, I did make sure I would be allowed to get my car and go to my home to shower and change at some point, especially since I worked the next day… They all agreed that was a fair deal, so after they had finished eating, they changed for a trail walk and I waited in the main living area. Jimin was the first one ready, and he came bounding over to me, laughing and singing random lyrics at the top of his lungs. I laughed so hard Yoongi and Jin came out to see what had happened, then they saw Jimin proclaiming his love, to which Yoongi rolled his eyes and ignored it, but Jin got upset because Jimin beat him to it. I was now mortified that anyone would think of such a thing, but then JK and Tae joined in, so I knew it was an inside joke, and I should not take it seriously. J-Hope did his famous side-eye judging and I loved it- it actually made total sense this time, since those four were being so overly dramatic and ridiculous!

Finally, everyone was ready and Jimin was able to stop the torture. He told the guys to head down to the cars, then gently took my hand and led me down the hallway towards my shoes, then tied them for me, which was unnecessary, but very sweet at the same time. I was worried about the other guys accepting me all day, but Jimin assured me that the hardest part was over- once they ate and cuddled with someone, they were part of the family and there was no looking back.