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Summary: An unexpected encounter happens when Zena Allen runs into Felix a member of Stray Kids, her all time favorite Kpop group. He invites her to their concert later that night where she meet Bang Chan. Will there encounter spark a relationship or will she forever be just a fan.
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Chapter 1: Grocery Store Encounters
Third Person POV —————————————————
With a heavy sigh, Felix pushed the squeaky shopping cart through the bustling aisles of the supermarket. His bandmates were waiting for him at the hotel, exhausted from their long flight to Texas for the end of their world tour. Despite his own fatigue and longing to relax and watch some Netflix, Felix had lost a game of straws and was now stuck doing this mundane chore. The bright lights and colorful displays of the market seemed to mock him as he begrudgingly tossed various snacks into the cart, each one representing another lost round in the game. A mix of scents wafted through the air - fresh fruits and vegetables mingled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods. But all Felix could think about was getting this errand over with so he could finally join his bandmates and rest after their journey.
His eyes scanned the neatly organized shelves, searching for any signs of chips, cookies, and candy. The bright packaging and tempting aromas called out to him, promising a satisfying snack for his hungry band mates. He quickly tossed them into the cart, hoping it would be enough to satisfy their voracious appetites. Not wanting to forget about hydration, he also grabbed some water bottles and soda cans, knowing how important it was to stay refreshed. Glancing at his phone, he saw that he had a few precious minutes left before he had to head back home. With a sense of curiosity, he decided to take a leisurely stroll through the store, his eyes scanning for any interesting finds along the way.
As he rounded the corner, a familiar tune filled his ears from the store's speakers. It was one of their own songs, "God's Menu". A smile spread across his face as he hummed along, feeling a surge of pride and joy. Creating music with his friends brought him so much happiness and sharing it with others was even more rewarding. The upbeat melody filled the air, making Felix feel like he could conquer anything.
He walked past the frozen food section and saw two girls standing in front of the ice cream freezer. One of them was dancing and singing along to the song, her body moving fluidly to the beat with unbridled energy. Her outfit was a reflection of her unique spirit, with ripped jeans hugging her curves, a white tee accentuating her hourglass figure, a black zip up hoodie providing some warmth, a denim jacket adding edge, and black combat boots giving her an added sense of power. Her head was adorned with a baseball cap, its tan color complementing the two-toned hair that shone brightly under the artificial glow of the fluorescent lights. One half of her hair was black while the other was white, mirroring the duality of her unique style. Her hazel eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she belted out the lyrics.
The other girl stood next to her, shaking her head in amusement while rolling her eyes at the other girl's antics. She had a small smile on her face, unable to hold back her laughter as she watched her companion dance without a care in the world. Unlike her companion's bold fashion choices, this girl opted for simple comfort in a tan shirt and jeans, but she still managed to look effortlessly beautiful. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail that swayed gently as she moved. Blue eyes looked bemused and slightly annoyed at having been dragged along on this unwanted grocery trip.
Felix couldn't help but stare at them both, amused by their contrasting reactions to the music. It was moments like these that reminded him why he loved creating music with his friends. It brought joy and happiness to others, even in the most unexpected places. He wondered if these girls just recognized the song or knew who Stray Kids were, but it didn't matter. In that moment, all that mattered was the shared love for music and the connection it brought between strangers.
Felix couldn't resist the urge to join in on the fun dance party happening right in front of him. The girl moving gracefully to the beat caught his eye, her shoulder length hair bouncing with each step. She radiated a vibrant energy that drew him in. Felix found himself smiling at her enthusiasm, admiring her endearing and lively spirit. With determination, he parked his cart nearby and walked over to them, his friendly smile reaching his eyes.
"Hey there," he greeted, his deep Australian voice contrasting with his youthful appearance. "I love your moves! Mind if I join in?"
The dancing girl came to an abrupt stop, her feet faltering as her brain processed the sight in front of her. Her eyes scanned the person standing before her, widening in disbelief as she took in the tall, slender Korean man with a bleach blond mullet. His face was freckled, his warm brown eyes radiating with a smile that could brighten up anyone's day. It was none other than Felix from Stray Kids, someone she had long admired. And he was talking to her. Heat rushed to her cheeks, turning them a bright shade of red, and her heart thrummed wildly in her chest. As a die-hard fan of the group, Felix was one of her favorite members and seeing him in person was like a dream come true. She had posters of him plastered all over her walls and had watched every single one of his videos and interviews multiple times. Meeting him was something she had always dreamed of, but she never imagined it would happen like this.
"O-oh my gosh," she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement and nerves. "You're Felix! From Stray Kids!" Her high-pitched voice contrasted with his deep one, but she couldn't help it. "I-I love you so much!" Her words spilled out in a rush, overflowing with adoration for the talented artist standing before her.
A flush of embarrassment rose to her cheeks and she quickly covered her mouth with a trembling hand. Her outburst had been unexpected, and she couldn't help but feel a hint of panic at the thought of being judged as crazy or creepy. She shifted her gaze to her sister, whose expression was a mix of confusion and amusement. Oh, how she wished she could shrink herself and disappear into the cool depths of the freezer, away from the embarrassment.
Felix couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction, finding it both flattering and amusing. He thought she was adorable and enjoyed her candidness. Extending his hand for a handshake, he introduced himself as if she didn't already know who he was. "Nice to meet you, I'm Felix," he said with a smile. "May I ask what your name is?"
With her heart racing, she stammered out her name as his warm hand enveloped hers. She could feel the strength in his grip as he gently held onto her. "Zena," she repeated, the sound of her name coming out in a breathless whisper. It was almost as if her name had taken on new meaning in that moment, tingling with electricity. "Zena Allen," she finished, the words sounding foreign and yet comforting at the same time.
Her name rolled off his tongue smoothly and made her cheeks flush with warmth. "You have both a lovely name and a stunning smile," he praised, causing her to blush even more. "And you have great taste in music, might I add."
A playful twinkle danced in his eyes, causing her to giggle nervously in response. Suddenly, his face lit up with an infectious grin that made it clear he had an idea brewing. He leaned in closer, his voice low and excited.
"Hey, I have a proposition for you. How would you like to join us at our concert tonight? I can pull a couple of strings and get you and your friend VIP tickets and backstage passes. You'll get to meet the entire band and spend the evening having some fun with us. What do you say?" His offer hung in the air, laced with excitement and anticipation.
A surge of excitement and disbelief coursed through Zena's body. She couldn't believe her ears - was he really inviting her to his concert? And not just any tickets, but VIP ones. It felt like a dream, and she was afraid to wake up from it. With wide eyes shining with gratitude, she nodded eagerly.
"Oh my gosh, yes! I would be honored to go!" Her voice rose in pitch with each "yes" until she was practically squealing. "Thank you so much, Felix! You truly are the best!" A sense of gratefulness and happiness washed over Zena as she thanked her newfound friend.
He couldn't resist being captivated by her authentic kindness and warmth. He was eager to discover more about her.
As he looked at Zena's companion, he noticed she had been observing them with a curious yet questioning look on her face.
He greeted her with a friendly wave and introduced himself. "Hi there, I'm Felix. And you are?" he asked politely.
"Zara," she replied coolly, acknowledging his introduction with a nod. "Zena's sister."
Unlike many others he had met, Zara didn't seem impressed by his fame or charming demeanor. She held no interest in KPOP or Stray Kids, finding them overrated and annoying. Her loyalty lay with Zena, whom she loved deeply and was fiercely protective of. KPOP was simply not her cup of tea, despite being close to someone who adored it wholeheartedly.
"Well, Zara, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said with a cheerful smile. "Will you be joining us at the concert?"
Zara shook her head firmly, her long blonde ponytail swaying as she did so. Her blue eyes held a hint of defiance.
"No, thank you. I'm not particularly fond of KPOP. I have other plans for the evening," she replied with a slight untruth. She didn't have any concrete plans, but the thought of spending her night surrounded by rowdy boys and frenzied fans was unappealing to say the least.
Although she was a music lover, this specific genre was not up her ally.
Felix felt a pang of hurt wash over him as he furrowed his brow. His mind raced with questions and doubts as he tried to get her to change her mind.
"Are you absolutely certain? It's bound to be an unforgettable experience. Our songs are catchy and our dances are lively, and we all have unique personalities that shine on stage. I truly believe you might enjoy us if you just give us a chance," he pleaded, his tone tinged with hopefulness and desperation.
Zara shook her head for the second time. "No, I'm positive. I have other tasks to attend to. Zena would appreciate it much more anyways," she stated, not giving it a second thought.
She spun gracefully on her heels and sauntered over to the next aisle to retrieve an item from their shopping list, giving them a moment alone. She returned in a matter of seconds.
A twinge of guilt and sadness tugged at Zena's heart as she thought of her sister. She longed for her to be by her side, sharing in this incredible experience. She considered declining Felix's offer and staying with her sister because it wasn't as fun to go by yourself, but then she looked at him with his concerned and hopeful expression. A small smile played on his lips.
Felix turned to Zena, his tone gentle and sincere. "You're not changing your mind on me, are you?" he asked. "It'll be a blast, and I really want to hang out with you and get to know you better. And I'd love for you to meet the rest of the band. What do you say?" His words enveloped her like a warm hug, tempting her to forget her concerns and have a fun evening with this truly kind man.
Her heart was in turmoil, torn between two opposing desires. On one hand, she craved to join Felix at his concert – to witness his performance, meet his bandmates, and have a carefree time. Yet, on the other hand, she couldn't bear the thought of going without her sister. She grappled with the burden of conflicting wants and her sense of duty towards both Felix and her sister.
He stood by, waiting for her answer without any sign of impatience. The thought of spending time with him, making him happy and enjoying his company, sent her heart racing. However, when she glanced over at her sister, a twinge of nervousness passed through her.
With one last deep breath, she made a decision.
Her lips parted, her breath catching in anticipation as she spoke. "Thank you, Felix," she said warmly, her heart overflowing with gratitude for his invitation. She could feel the weight of his kindness and generosity in every word.
"I would be happy to go." Her words were filled with excitement and curiosity, and as she gazed at Felix, she saw his face light up like a starry night sky. His smile widened, revealing a set of perfect white teeth, and his eyes sparkled with joy and relief. It was clear that he was just as excited about their plans as she was.
His face lit up with hopeful disbelief. "Really? You would? That's incredible!" His voice rose in excitement, causing the words to tumble out in a rush. "I'm so glad you said yes. You won't regret it. Trust me."
She turned to her sister, afraid to see her reaction. But Zara's eyes were filled with pure joy and excitement for her. A wide smile spread across her face, expressing her approval and shared enthusiasm for her beloved older sister.
A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she playfully rolled them at Zena. She gestured towards Felix, a kind and patient man who stood by with a warm smile on his face. "Come on, Zena," she chided gently, "let's not be rude. Say thank you." Her voice was filled with warmth and affection for her sister. Zena returned the smile and nodded gratefully, her demeanor softening under the gentle reminder.
Zena's gaze met Felix's once again, his eyes still brimming with hope and eagerness. She couldn't help but smile at his expression, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him in a hug, surprising both him and herself. "Thank you, Felix," she whispered into his ear. "Thank you for being so kind and generous. And thank you for inviting me to your concert." Her voice was filled with genuine appreciation and excitement. As he hugged her back, she could feel the strength of his embrace and the warmth of his body against hers, causing a flutter in her stomach. "I have no doubt it will be an amazing night," she added with a grin. "And thank you for that mini concert," Felix replied with a chuckle, bringing a blush to Zena's cheeks.
With a twinkle in his eyes and a playful grin, he broke away from their embrace and locked his gaze onto hers. "Hold on," he said, reaching into his pocket, "let me give you the tickets and VIP pass."
"Why don't you give me your phone number? That way I can text you all the details." With a fluttering heart, she recited her number to him. He quickly typed it into his phone and sent her the ticket and pass links along with a sweet message: "Hi, it's Felix. I'm thrilled that you're coming to our concert. Can't wait to see you. xoxo". The warm feeling in her chest intensified as she watched him put his phone away, knowing that they would soon be reunited at the concert.
He said with a gentle smile, "There, that's taken care of. Now, I must go. I have to check out and get back to the hotel before the rest of the band wonders where I am. But I'll see you later, okay? Don't forget about me."
His brown eyes sparkled mischievously as he winked at her. He turned on his heels and strides towards the cashier, leaving her breathless and in disbelief.
As she watched him go, she couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. A sense of joy bubbled up in her chest, mixed with excitement, giddiness, wonder, and curiosity. She pulled out her phone and began looking at the text he sent her moments before.
Zena's sister gazed at her with a mixture of bemusement and admiration, a smile dancing on her lips.
"Oh my gosh, Zena," she exclaimed with exaggerated enthusiasm, "you're going to a Stray Kids concert with Felix! How do you feel? Are you bursting with excitement? Are you a bundle of nerves? How did you manage to score the tickets? Give us all the juicy details!" She playfully held an imaginary microphone up to Zena's face, as if conducting an interview for a popular talk show.
She shook Zena's arm in an attempt to elicit a response. "Come on, sis," she prodded teasingly, "don't be silent. Say something. Anything. You must be over the moon right now. Tell me." Zara's playful whining continued as she eagerly awaited her sister's reaction.
Zena's laughter tinkled through the air as she playfully shoved her sister.
Her heart was racing with excitement and nerves, still in disbelief that she had just met a member of Stray Kids. She couldn't stop looking at the tickets and VIP pass on her phone, trying to imprint them into her memory forever.
As Felix disappeared through the door, Zena couldn't help but exclaim, "Dreams really do come true."
She turned to walk away, her sister trailing behind her, their conversation already turning to what Zena should wear for the concert tonight. Every step felt light and buoyant, as if she were floating on a cloud of pure joy and anticipation.
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Note: I know Chan hasn’t been introduced yet but he’s coming in the next chapter I promise. I’m building it up to that point. So bear with me.