Min-ho
Jade has become my genie.
It's funny to call her that Disney way, but I find her presence in my life fulfills my wishes.
She seems to have a radar that lets her know when I'm having bad moments, when I'm having a hard time, when I need to talk to someone or just laugh.
And she's there, with her funny grimaces, with that particular way of rolling her eyes when she pretends to be annoyed or when she stares at me for a long time and makes me feel like the center of her world.
I have many friends, many at work and some from childhood, but she has become my safe haven.
Seo Joon was a little jealous at first, but then he understood—and was amazed by—our relationship, so much so that he pestered me to know if I'd heard from her, what she said, etc.
This "threesome" seems strange, yet I find it wonderful.
It's hard to connect with someone who lives on the other side of the world, speaks a different language, and experiences a different culture.
Jade says that, being born in Korea, many of her attitudes are influenced by Eastern style, but those who meet her see nothing of my country in her.
She's the quintessential American beauty, with slang that has little of the East, even though she speaks Hangoul. It's a contrast to see her Western face, those sky-blue eyes, and hear her speak my language.
It was from the first moment I saw her, and she's remained in my heart.
Her world, so far from mine, attracted me, intrigued me, but when she started speaking with the typical Seoul accent, it was like hearing a synchronized dubbing and it created unknown expectations and sensations in me.
Then everything happened so quickly between us, unforgettable moments and moments when we couldn't quite understand what was happening, yet she transformed them into something amazing.
Her story, the pain for her family, her problems adjusting, have made her grow up quickly, mixing the typical impetuosity of the West with the thoughtfulness of the East, transforming a teenager into a thoughtful and special woman.
I haven't been able to tear her from my heart, even though now that she's far away, her absence has turned into melancholy.
However, my thoughts turn to her every time I'm going through special moments, and she's the first person I want to tell.
I haven't figured out if it's love, but she's certainly an important person in my life, and I don't want to lose her.
Today I sent her the poster for our tour and was anxiously awaiting her response for the American date, even if it shattered my eardrums.
Jade is a storm, she doesn't know half measures, and I'm happy she is.
I asked the manager to book her a ticket to the concert with a meet & great, so I could see her again, but Seo Joon turned up his nose.
He says Jade won't accept an invitation like that, and I haven't told him yet.
What's the point of having a relationship like ours if I can't give her the chance to join me?
I read the message to Mr. Kim again and snort.
I don't like indecision; I need certainty.
"Can I send you a concert ticket?" I text her.
"No."
There, Seo Joon was right.
Aish!
"Why?"
"I don't want any more gossip."
"But who would ask questions if I give you a ticket? Do you know how many people we send them to?"
"Give me an example."
I roll my eyes. Who is he, an FBI agent?
"Press, influencers, bloggers, advertising agents, representation agencies."
"I'm none of those things. If you send me a ticket, do you expect your manager not to ask questions? I've had enough of the Lee family's lawyer threatening me, I don't want another one telling me to stay away."
Ah, blessed girl!
Even though I think he's right, Mr. Kim would ask me questions about that.
"I was your coach, after what happened in the last episode. Do you think he's surprised I want you at one of my concerts? Maybe I could suggest you open the show…"
"Are you kidding? Do you want Reb3llius to tear me to pieces, after what happened at the Project?"
About twenty emoticons with angry or desperate faces follow.
I burst out laughing.
She doesn't know that Reb3llius would adore her, that they've often asked at signings if we'd ever seen her again, apart from those who hate any woman who could be a girlfriend.
But she's a true Reb3llius and they love her regardless.
"That wouldn't happen. And don't tell me it's a bad idea, because I'd really like that."
She doesn't answer for a few minutes, before commenting:
"You've been having some stupid ideas lately, you know? Anyway, the answer is no. I don't want to, and given the reason, I'm not even coming to the concert."
I'm devastated and dial her number for a phone call.
She answers on the third ring, apparently angry.
"What's up?" she asks.
"What do you mean, you're not coming?"
I'm a little angry too.
"I think it's not a good idea to show up. If anyone recognizes me, all the spotlight will be on me again. And I don't want to."
I huff loudly, collapsing onto the couch.
"Jade, I'll get you a seat in the VIP section, no one will see you."
"I mean, you think you can put me next to the VIPs, and you think no one will ask who I am? What am I supposed to do, wear a blonde wig and sunglasses, at night, in a theater?"
I bite my lip in thought. I actually hadn't thought about it.
"What if I get it from you in the stalls?"
"Oh, you want me to blend in with the crowd so you don't know me?"
This time I curse, not even that quietly, until I hear her laugh.
She's making fun of me, and I'm foolishly foolish.
"Jade..."
"Sorry, Sunshine, but you're too sweet when you do that. I couldn't resist!"
She laughs for a bit longer, and I relax at the sound of her voice.
"Tell me you want to see me..."
"I want to see you."
She says it with such sweetness and simplicity that it melts my heart.
"Do you miss me?"
"A lot."
"Aren't you going to ask me if I missed you?"
"Of course you missed me. How could you forget someone like me?"
I laugh.
Wow, this girl is driving me crazy.
And damn, I miss her.
"Can we arrange to see each other?"
I hear her grumble, and then she answers.
"Forget the ticket, I'll take care of it. I have to go now, my break's over, I'm going back to class."
"Jade, wait..."
She ends the call, leaving me staring at my phone like an idiot.
I sigh in confusion, but a notification arrives.
I open the message and find a selfie of her, with her lips in a heart shape, to send me a kiss, while she winks at me.
"I adore you, Sunshine. Keep shining for me."
I smile.
I can't wait to see her again.