Chapter 10: The Call

Author's Note: Hi guys! I'm really sorry if I wasn't able to update last week on my usual schedule. SCHOOL HAS BEEN TOUGH. We'll be having our DEVCOM (Development Communication) Week next week so these days we've been soo busy preparing, not to mention a ton of requirements have been pouring in, to the point that I've been feeling so drained. College is soo dang hard at times. T.T Thankfully, I've rested enough and I was able to finish this chapter. Once again, I'm really sorry for the delay. I'll try my best to upload two chapters next week as a way to thank you guys for your support until now. Saranghae! 3

Legend:

Bold - English Translation

Italicized - Inner voice/monologue

Normal - spoken in Korean

Underlined - spoken in English

It was another day in the life of an idol trainee. And today was language lessons/vocal training day. Language lessons was progressing quite steadily and impressively. All of us, (with the exception of Somi – unni of course, who has mastered Korean by heart) was mostly adept and up to date with our Korean, both in writing and speaking. Our Korean manual/textbook was almost finished and in just a few meetings, we will finish our Korean lessons as well.

I wonder what language we'll learn next. I wondered as I finished transcribing an English sentence into hangul.

Soon, Seonsaengnim gave us one of the last few of our Korean homework and dismissed us. Vocal training came up next and it was even more fun and astounding. We started off with the usual vocalization and scales. Then we reviewed the harmonies we tried last time and experimented on even more harmonies. There were many goose bump – raising moments for me as our voices blended well, and together made beautiful music.

Well, everything was swell until Ssaem played a particularly high note, and I (being the melody) had to hit it (with much effort) that I had to use falsetto and ended up squeaking a trilling note instead.

I quickly bowed in apologetic shame as I glanced around the open – mouthed reactions of everyone.

Yan, kasi trying hard ka eh. Hinay – hinay nga lang eh. Huwag pilitin ang di kaya. (That's what you get for trying too hard. Take it slow, eh? Don't force yourself to do something you can't do.)

"Y/N – ssi do you know what you just did?" Ssaem asked in shock.

I hung my head in shame again. "I – I know Ssaem. I messed up. I'm so-"

"You just went into whistle register!"

Immediately I raised my head. "Mwoh? But Ssaem I was off-key! There was no way that was a whistle note."

She looked at me sternly. "It only sounded like that to you because you've never tried that before. But my ears don't lie. I know a whistle when I hear one. And believe me, you just whistled."

Weh, di nga? Talaga lang? Eh nagtunog naipit na pusa lang ako eh! (Whoa, for sure? Really? But I just sounded like a cat that got run over!)

I nodded hesitantly, still unsure and dubious of what just happened.

"Whatever you say, Ssaem."

"You think you can do it again?"

I blew my hair out of my face. "I think?"

"Well, let's give it another try then."

She began playing the keys on the piano starting from the lowest and gradually going higher. She played the key earlier and I, after breathing, sang it the best I could. Ssaem played a key higher. I sang again. She played the highest key so far and I matched its pitch, closing my eyes to concentrate.

I slowly opened my eyes to see the even more awestruck faces of Ssaem and my unnis.

Yeah. I think I just did that.

Slowly, Ssaem's face melted into a proud smile. "See what I mean? You've got some pipes there Y/N. You better take extra care of them."

I nodded at her absently, the reality of everything just sinking in. "Ne, Ssaem."

We did a few more harmonizing exercises before taking a quick break. My unnis and I huddled in a corner while Ssaem went out. We chugged down our water bottles and had a little chit – chat.

Somi – unni wiped her mouth clean and gave me a surprised smile. "You know maknae, you never fail to amaze me. You manage to do something new every day!"

I smiled at her sheepishly. "You know what Unni? I'm shocked of myself too. I've honestly never done that before. It's exciting and scary at the same time."

"Scary? Why's that?" Feng Jiu – unni asked as she twisted her hair into a bun at the nape of her neck.

"It's scary because what if I lose my voice if I keep on using my whistle register? Very few singers can reach the whistle register and those who can are freaking legends."

Haru – unni patted my shoulder comfortingly. "It'll be okay, Maknae. I'm sure Ssaem is only testing the limits of what your voice can do. I don't think she'll do anything that can put any of us in danger. You gotta trust her. And you gotta trust yourself more, ne?"

I looked at her, worry reflected in my gaze. "Ne. I'll try unni. I'll try."

Feng Jiu – unni shot me a warm smile. "That's the spirit! Keep your head up, Maknae."

I was about to thank my unnis for their confidence – boost when my phone suddenly rang. I quickly grabbed it and looked at the caller ID. Immediately, I shot up from my seat, quickly excused myself then went outside to take the call.

I answered the call, put it to my ear and was immediately met with a familiar screech that I've missed for so long.

"Y/N! Where the hell have you been? You said you'd call me after you moved in? It's been two weeks! No text, no call, nada!"

I smiled wryly at my friend's concern. "Hi Youngie. I miss you too. Sorry if I wasn't able to call. It has been hectic since we moved."

"Don't you 'I miss you too.' me! Tell me everything now."

I chuckled then immediately told her everything in a concise manner choosing to include some of the important stuff, while leaving out the rest.

After I finished, a stunned silence was heard across the line before she spoke again.

"Whoa. Now I feel like such an ass. Sorry chingu – ya."

I chuckled at her. Aigoo Youngie.

"It's okay. I know you were just worried about me. I still love you."

"But, seriously? You almost got into a fight with Jungkook? The Jungkook, the Golden Maknae with the bunny smile who couldn't even hurt a fly except for his hyungs?" Youngie asked clearly appalled.

I snorted at her reaction. "Jungkook, the Golden Maknae with the bunny smile who couldn't even hurt a fly except for his hyungs?" Youngie asked clearly appalled.

"Yup. The one and only."

"B – But how? He's too precious! My bias – wrecker is a ball of fluff!"

I snorted at her reaction. "Believe me Youngie, when you went through the same thing as him, I doubt you can remain a ball of fluff to the person who did that to you. Thankfully, we're okay now. We're even friends."

I slowly shake my head in disbelief as to how so much could happen in just two weeks. I've been with my unnis since then. I've also been hanging around Bangtan. It feels like it's been forever since I've had them in my life.

Youngie gasped in awe at what I said. "Waah! You're so lucky, Y/N! You're gonna be an idol soon, spend so much time with BTS and you even have Jungkook as your friend! You're living the fangirl life, dang it!"

I snickered at her outburst. Youngie can be such a fangirl sometimes.

"So what are BTS like in person? Are they handsome? Is Jimin as hot as he is in the photocards? Are they as kind as all the ARMYs say?" Youngie asked excitedly.

Believe it or not, even though Youngie was an ARMY for a while now, she hasn't met them or seen them in person. The concert we watched together was her first time. When I asked her before about it, she told me she hadn't bought enough albums to qualify for a fanmeet.

I thought for a while before answering. "They're handsome, I guess. I don't really see them in that way. Jimin is hot (if we base it on a normal girl's standards, which means not mine), don't worry. They're very kind and accommodating, not at all like the extravagant, world superstars that they are. They crave the simplest things like good food and proper sleep. Oh and they are even bigger dorks in person."

I heard Youngie's squeal of delight from the other end of the line and I couldn't help rolling my eyes in endearment.

"Waaahhh! That's so cool! UGH! Can you tell Jimin I said hi, pretty please?"

I giggled at her forwardness. Youngie is amazing that way. "I will. I'll tell him my pretty, fangirl friend said hi. I'm sure he'll be delighted!"

Youngie squealed even more that I had to pull the phone away from my ear for a second. After putting it back on, she managed to calm down a bit.

"Y/N you're the best! Saranghaeyo! Speaking of which are you free this week? Can we meet? I honestly miss you so much. I wanna see you!" She whined pettily.

"Yah, calm down." I reprimanded her gently. "Yes, I'm free on Sunday. We can meet then. Is it the usual?"

She gave an excited hum before replying. "Uh-huh! Oh I can't wait to see you! You'll be in for a surprise!" She cackled mysteriously and I gave another snort in reply.

"Oh really? What surprise would that be?"

"You'll just have to wait and see! Well, I gotta go. I still have a ton of papers to grade. Annyeong chingu – ya!"

"Annyeong Youngie – ah!" I ended the call the slipped back inside just as Ssaem came back. We all gathered round again, reviewed one last time the harmonies we practiced and sang five songs all in perfect harmony. By the time our day ended it was around 7pm and we were starving.

When we arrived home, I zipped to the kitchen and hastily whipped up dinner. When it was cooked, I called everyone to the kitchen and we had a hearty meal filled with teasing banter and idle chat.

After eating, I took a quick shower, dressed in jeans and a powder blue hoodie and took my Korean homework and Jungkook's English module. Then I barked a hasty goodbye to my unnis and was off to the Bangtan dorm.

I rang the doorbell and this time, Suga – oppa was the one who let me in. He gave me a friendly nod in greeting and I gave a bow and a small smile in response. Entering the dorm, I found the living room to be empty.

Strange, they usually hang out here when I arrive.

Noticing my confusion, Suga – oppa gave me a smirk and gestured towards the kitchen.

"We just started eating when you arrived. You have the worst timing, you know that?"

I gave a quick bow in apology then rubbed my neck sheepishly. "Sorry, Oppa."

He waved my apology off as if to say it was fine then sauntered towards the kitchen and I followed after him. When I arrived I was met by a bunch of oh's and wah's with Tae's being the loudest.

"Y/N!" He called out in surprise before showing me his happy, boxy grin.

I grinned back at him. "Annyeong Tae!" Then I bowed to the rest of the members in greeting. "Annyeong everyone!" I winked at Jungkook and he gave me his usual bunny smile in response.

"Annyeong, Y/N!" Jin – oppa replied in behalf of everyone. "Have you eaten yet? Would you like to join us?"

"I have. Thanks, for the offer though." I turned again to Jungkook who had his mouth full with lettuce wraps.

"Jungkook – ah." I called him and he glanced towards me.

"Mmmna."

"Yah! Don't talk with your mouth full!" Jin reprimanded.

I snickered. "Do you mind if I go ahead in the study? I'd like to prepare tonight's lesson."

Jungkook shook his head. "I dom mumd."

"Yah! I told you not to talk with your mouth full!"

Whoops. My fault. I shouldn't have asked.

I shook my head in mirth. "I'll take that as a yes then."

I waved to the guys then went towards the study. I sat down, opened the book to the night's lesson and started highlighting important concepts. I was almost done when Jungkook sauntered in with a determined grin, with Hoseok – oppa, Jimin – oppa and Tae trailing in behind him, sans Namjoon – oppa.

Strange.

I raised my eyebrows at Jungkook who just shrugged nonchalantly, as the three of them turned to sit down.

"Where's Namjoon – oppa?"

"Well Namjoon – hyung thought I was well enough in my English to be left alone."

We shall see, Jungkook – ah.

I turned to the other three guys who were wearing similar masks of excitement, Hoseok – oppa being the most excited, as he was hopping up and down in his seat.

Ever the ball of sunshine.

"What brings the three of you here?" I asked teasingly.

Hoseok – Oppa raised his hands in the air like an excited little kid. "We wanted to join in on the class." Then he switched to his adorable broken English. "We want to learn English too."

I held back a startled laugh as Jimin – oppa chimed in. "Yes! We want help."

"Please, Y/N. For ARMY. Teach us." Tae pleaded with his puppy dog face.

Well, I suppose I could do it. I do have experience teaching a group of people. I think just the basics would do. But we still have to finish the module.

I looked helplessly at Jungkook who just shot me an evil smirk as if to say "How are you going to handle all this, Noona?"

Naku, itong tarantadong batang toh! (Why this evil little!)

I flipped the remaining pages of the manual. Only a few were left unanswered. Huh. We're almost done then. We might be done in two or three meetings' time.

Glancing up, I looked at the hopeful faces of the three, then shot them a gentle smile.

"Okay. Sure."

What followed was a series of high – fiving between the four and Hoseok – oppas ever shrill shrieks of joy.

I held up a finger. "But, you have to listen carefully, remember everything you've learned and put it into action. It's no use learning a language if you don't practice using it regularly. Understand?"

"Ne! Understood!"

"Also, I'll just be teaching you the basics. Jungkook can help you with the rest since he's going to finish the module soon." I looked to Jungkook who glanced back at me attentively. "Jungkook are you ok with that?"

He nodded, puffed out his chest with pride and gave a two finger salute. "Ne! There is nothing the Golden Maknae can't do."

"Yah. What are you talking about?" Jimin – oppa jokingly complained as the other two members bickered playfully with Jungkook.

I shook my head at them in amusement.

I'm going to be teaching a bunch of kids stuck in grown men's bodies. Hang in there Y/N!

I clapped my hands to get their attention. "Okay that's enough."

I handed Jungkook the module that was open to the current lesson. "I'll be briefly explaining this part to you then you'll be answering the exercises that follow." I swiveled to the older members "While he's answering, I'll be teaching you guys some of the basic sentences used in conversation. Is that okay with you?"

All four momentarily glanced at each other, seemingly sending mental messages before nodding in unison.

"All right then. Let's begin."

I started discussing the topic as the older guys sat quietly, trying their best to listen and understand what the heck I was talking about. Soon, I finished and left Jungkook to answer the exercises. I turned to my new tutees whose faces swiftly changed into sheer determination.

"Ok. This will be pretty simple. This is basics after all. I'm going to act out three scenarios. And in each scenario you have to respond appropriately and as best as you can in English. Call?"

"Call!"

"Ok. First scenario. You're in a fanmeet in the US. Your interpreter is nowhere beside you. I'm a die – hard fangirl who doesn't understand a lick of Korean."

I took a deep breath then put on the most whiny, girly, overwhelmed voice I could muster and rambled on in English. "Jiminie – oppa! I love you! You are so hot and you dance so well and your voice sounds like heaven and oh my god I LOVE YOUUU!"

Jimin – oppa flinched back in shock at my sudden outburst which grew even more as I suddenly grabbed his hand and held on it tight.

Time to take it up a notch.

I started sniffling, as if I was in tears, still clutching on his hand tight. "I – I never thought I would be able to meet you in person! Omg this is such a dream come true! I could just die! Thank you so much for the music you guys make! It inspires me every day and you inspire me every day!"

I threw in a few more sniffles before I looked at Jimin – oppa meaningfully urging him to respond. He blinked a few times before it finally sank into him. Gathering his wits, he smoothed his hair back, put on his mochi smile and replied in English. "Thank you. I love you. Take care."

Hmm. Pretty good.

I let go of his hand (to his utter relief) and nodded in appreciation. "Good. That was what you wanted to say, right?"

Jimin – oppa smiled in his sheepish mochi way. "Yes. But I only understood that she loved me and that something about dying. Other than that, I have no idea what you said."

I sighed. "Ookay. So you got most of what I said right. I was saying how much the music you guys make inspire me every day that you particularly inspire me." Jimin – oppa squealed at that and I grinned crookedly. "Also that I could die from meeting you since I never expected I ever would." Jimin – oppa nodded thoughtfully, processing everything I said. "All in all, it was good. You got your point across. Sometimes, less is more. A little tip though, if people say too much and it gets hard to understand, pick out words you do understand and start from there. Then ask for a confirmation if that was what they really meant. Ok?"

"Ok. Thank you." Jimin – oppa nodded with an understanding beam.

I was about to turn to Tae when booming, shrill laughter came from my left. Jungkook was laughing his ass off and clutching his stomach in mirth.

I put my hands on my hips and put on my most stern expression. "What's gotten into you?"

"Noona! What's gotten into you? What character was that?"

"That was a fangirl finally meeting her bias in person, Captain Obvious."

"Well I can see that but I've never seen you so girly and screaming like a girl! You looked so silly!" He laughed even harder with tears forming at the corners of his eyes.

"Well, I'm sorry if it wasn't up to your standards, Jungkook PD – nim." I retorted as I scrunched my face at him in disgust.

"I thought it was cute!" Tae suddenly intercepted as he dreamily and goofily placed his face in his hand.

Jungkook and I looked at him in shock.

"Cute" was not an existing word in my vocabulary.

"Hyung! You can't be serious! It was cringy at best!"

"Ya!"

Tae shook his head, a boxy grin on his face. "Nope, it was cute alright. Right hyungs?" He turned to Hoseok – oppa who was holding back his own laughter as he gave a thumbs up then to Jimin – oppa who winked in appreciation. "Can you do aegyo during my turn?"

I inwardly shuddered at the thought.

I'd rather die.

I smiled apologetically at Tae. "Sorry Tae. But I've got something else planned for you." He looked a bit glum. Then I shot Jungkook a stern stare. "And you Mr. PD – nim-who-thinks-he-knows-it-all, get back to work."

He scrunched his nose at me then chuckled evilly. "Fine, Cringy Noona."

Well Cringy Noona is a vast improvement from Byeontae Noona.

I rolled my eyes at him while he went back to his work. Then I faced Tae who was looking at me with a mixture of glumness and expectancy. "Alright Tae I know you wanted aegyo but I can't for the life of me do that. Instead you'll be helping me, a foreigner who is lost in Korea."

I schooled my face into the most worried expression and started wringing my hands. "Excuse me, Sir? Can you please help me? I'm not familiar to Korea and I don't know Korean. Can you tell me how to reach Seoul Tower?

Tae scratched his head and spoke hesitantly. "Seoul Tower? Yes. I help you. Uh you ride train line 4 blue. Stop Myeongdong Station. Wait for car. The end."

I nodded slowly, half understanding what he said. "Ahh I see. Thank you."

Tae showed me a funny face. "You're welcome."

Hmm. Understandable but needs more work.

I nodded my head thoughtfully. "Pretty impressive. You understood the gist of what I said. The challenge is how you make yourself be understood, especially if you're giving directions. I suggest trying to observe proper grammar and using simple sentences as much as possible. Or you can tell the person to ask direction from someone else since you can't really explain the directions well."

"But that's rude! I want to help as much as I can." Tae retorted. "Don't worry I'll practice on my English more."

"Ooh you've got spunk. Nice one Tae!"

He smiled charmingly in response.

"Me next me!" Hoseok – hyung jumped up and down in his seat.

I laughed. His cheerfulness was contagious. "Of course Hoseok – oppa. I won't forget you. For you, you'll be answering interview questions."

I put on the air of the most professional journalist and brought an imaginary mic a little close to Hoseok – oppa's face. "So J – Hope how has your stay been in America?"

Hoseok – oppa smiled brightly. "Good. People good. Food good. Good."

"I see. What's your favorite event so far?"

"The Billboard Music Awards! Many people. But Jiminie dirty water me. Bad Jiminie."

"Eh? I did not!" Jimin – oppa denied vehemently.

"Yes, you did. By accident."

"Um so do you have any fears? Anything you hate?"

Hoseok – oppa looked thoughtful before realization dawned on him. "Hateu? Yesu! Snakeu! I hate snakeu!"

Snickering I put down my imaginary mic as the other members guffawed as well.

"Hyung! What was that?" Jimin – oppa wheezed.

"It was English speakue!"

Tae was slapping his lap in glee. "Yes but do you have to add the 'ue' at the end?"

"It's how I talkue!"

Jungkook was cackling like crazy. "Hyung daebak! Only you could do that!"

"Yah yah. What are you talking about? It's cool."

Coughing out the rest of my chuckles, I smiled proudly at Hoseok – oppa. "Well done Oppa. The pronunciation could use some work but your comprehension is quite nice."

Hoseok – oppa placed a hand over his heart. "Wah. Really. Wah. Thank you. I will work harder!"

"I know you will."

Finally I turned to Jungkook who was looking at me challengingly and with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"So are you done yet?"

"I was done ages ago."

"Oh really?"

"Uh – huh."

"Ok then. Let me see."

He handed over the module and I was about to check it when DNA suddenly blasted from my hoodie pocket.

Crap.

"Wah. It's our song! Y/N are you ARMY too?" Tae asked excitedly.

You weren't supposed to know that Tae! Blast it!

I shot him a shaky smile before pulling out my phone. I looked at the screen in shock and the boys were alarmed by my reaction.

"Noona, are you okay?" Jungkook asked worriedly, a furrow in his brow.

"Y – Yeah. I'm sorry but do you guys mind if I take this? It'll just be quick."

"No, not at all. Go ahead, Y/N." Hoseok – oppa spoke for the group.

"Thanks Oppa." I said before I scurried out of the room, the chorus to DNA blasting like a storm.

I chose a secluded corridor, took a deep breath then accepted the call.

A familiar, warm voice spoke from the other line and I felt my insides warm and frost at the same time. "Hi anak! Kamusta ka na?" (Hi dear! How are you?)

I clenched my fists at the sides to keep them from shaking as I felt my own voice quiver in response. "H - Hi po Ma." (Hi Ma.)

I am so done for.

Author's Note: Sooo yep seems as though Y/N is slowly discovering more of her talents. It appears there is more that she can do, that even she is unaware of. LOL. Has that ever happened to you guys? xD

And yes, there's no POV for Jungkook for this chapter, I'm sorry about that. I wanted to build up more of Y/N's character. :(

But he will have PLENTY in the next chapter don't worry! 3

What did you guys think about the little English sesh with the Happy line? (and by that I mean Jimin, J – Hope and Tae.) I sneaked in some Easter eggs in there, too. xD

But it seems as though Y/N is in BIG trouble. But what trouble could it be that has her so shaken up? Any ideas? ;)

Find out more in the next chapter! Annyeong! ^_^