The show was fantastic! It's hard to describe everything about this experience, but I'll try. The EXO concert in Chicago marked my first Kpop and my first EXO concert. As a result, I had a lot of nervousness through the whole process (How do I get tickets?; What is the difference between the lightsticks?; Am I going to be able to see?, etc), and I wasn't sure how anything would go when I got to Chicago. The week leading up to Friday had been difficult; nothing went according to plan, and I worried quite a bit that this trip might have to be cancelled--that I might have to give up on this experience. I'm so glad I didn't. I entered the line at about ten minutes to 6. My mom, bless her, ran to the hotel across the street to purchase batteries for my lightstick, so I stood in line alone. My nerves jumped out of my skin, both at the loneliness and at the anticipation I felt. However, a serendipitous thing occurred. I stood in-between fans who loved to talk, and when I mentioned the weather (so windy and cold), that did it. They began to speak to me, but not like many do, with that "You're annoying but we'll pretend to be nice" voice. One of the girls, I found out, came from Cincinnati, and I thought, "Of all the fans I could have stood by, I found someone from my area!" When my mom returned from the hotel, she tried to find me in line. The sky had darkened completely, and it made it difficult to see. I attempted to call out to her, but my voice didn't carry as it normally does--nerves, I suppose. The two girls in front of me and the group behind me asked if that was my mom, and I said "Yes. She's trying to find me." They began to yell with me and wave. One of the girls behind asked me again if that was my mom, and when I affirmed so, she asked if my mom could be hers for tonight as well. I almost cried because I was touched. When my mom found our newly formed group, she fit in right away. The girls behind and in front of me talked to her and made her feel welcome. They laughed with her and helped me make sure she was okay (she twisted her ankle in Chinatown earlier in the day and her jaw hurt quite a bit). I wanted to say, "Thank you for being so kind," but the words stuck on my tongue like peanut butter. Soon we all separated as we entered the venue, filled with fellow EXO-L. By that time, the show was only 30 minutes away. We found our seats quickly, and I prepared for the show. My mom felt ill, and she asked if she could sit. I said yes, and I felt thankful that no one judged her for sitting during the show. I took some pictures of the stage and a couple selfies, but I took no photos of the concert. This was my first experience, and I wanted to see it fully. (I apologize.) The concert started with "Overdose," and I felt a wave crash down on me. That wave of feels overwhelmed me a bit, but soon, I cheered harder and harder. EXO impressed me with their humor and their concentrated effort to speak with us and interact with us. Even from section 209, I felt like I sat face-to-face with the members. The concert, our conversation. I didn't always understand the purpose of fanchants, but I realized that a fanchant is the initiator of a conversation with the group. For Chicago, our conversation with EXO was a grand one. At some point, the feelings got to me, and I teared up a bit. They worked so hard for us. I'd seen fanvids before and had seen how hard they performed, but there is nothing like seeing that intensity in person. You could tell and feel the love they have for EXO-L though their dedication on that stage. When the boys spoke of how much they enjoyed Chicago and the fans here, it gripped my heart. There's no doubt been issues on the tour, but our conversation with EXO stuck with them. We were one in that moment, EXO and EXO-L. It's an indescribable feeling, really. As the house lights rose at the end, I wanted it to continue. I never wanted it to end, this feeling, this connection with EXO and with EXO-L that I felt here in Chicago. When I go back and ruminate on this moment in the future, I know I will say that my twenty-ninth year featured growth, but also showcased enjoyment, taking a step outside of my norm, and being spontaneous. I know that these feelings will remain. EXO is a part of that history, a part of this memory, and yet, a part of this future. Thank you, EXO for a great first concert experience. I hope to have many in the future as I follow you. Thank you, EXO-L, for your kindness, for your openness, for sharing this experience. Thank you to those of you who read this expression of my sincerity and experience. We are one! Let's Love! Kelly ❤ P.S. Kai is even more sexy and dynamic in person; Chen, Baekhyun, and D.O.'s voices are so divine; Sehun is a sweet kiddo; Suho is funny, but not funny (lol, I died when D.O. said that to him); Xiumin slays as well--his eyes express so well; Chanyeol has so much energy--"Drop That" messed me up; Lay--EXO-L miss you! #MMTMoments #EXO2016