POV: Jade
"Happy B-day, little star."
Only my dad could send such a saccharine message.
I smile as I open the blue paper package they just delivered, and I actually beam when I discover what's inside: the latest neon Nike Blazer Customs, with black silkscreened soles. A must-have for anyone who wants to street dance.
I hug them to my chest with a squeal of joy.
My wonderful dad always knows how to soothe my heart.And my vanity, too, let's face it.
I throw away the slippers and try them on: they look amazing.
And with these, I can create my latest custom choreography, which I'll record wherever I want.
And guess where I thought I'd do it?
In the studio basement!
I've already asked Ha-Eun for permission, and she's staring at me like I'm crazy. But when I explained my idea to her, she seemed to appreciate the project and expressed curiosity about seeing the live performance.
I choose a black tank top with underground designs from my closet, paired with a black sports bra. I pair it with dark cargo pants with fringe, chains, and fluorescent inlays, and tie my hair into many little pigtails, inserting colored elastic bands.
I look like a little Alice in Wonderland, in color, but I like the effect.
Contrasting with the darkness of the place, by playing carefully with the flashing lights, I can achieve the spectacular effect I'm already imagining.
I smile with amusement and rush out of the room, take the elevator, and go to floor -1.
The rooms are dark, illuminated by cold lights.
I find a girl and a boy from the staff waiting for me; they'll have to help me tamper with the neon lights for my choreography. I had to promise not to cause any damage, otherwise I'll have to pay the company, so I asked if I could be accompanied by someone from the technical team to avoid any trouble.
I thank them and set up my smartphone for filming.
I do a few tests, moving between the various heating pipes, simulating footsteps, and then evaluating the recording. I can't take up too much space, otherwise I'll go out of frame, but I think I can do it.
I try a couple more times and then decide to record.I turn on Bluetooth, connect the speakers, and play the backing track.
Naturally, I chose a Reb3ls track: were you unsure?
I smile, take a breath, and... action!
At the end of the half hour I requested, I thank my two companions and return to my room.I'm sweaty, dirty, but happy.
The futuristic effect I wanted to convey has come through; it loses its voice a bit in such a large space, but I think the essential message is there. I slip into the shower and let it run for a long time.
I've finished my projects, and today I can finally take a few minutes for myself.
And for my birthday.
OMG, I'm an adult!
Dad will have to resign himself to letting me do what I do. I've amply demonstrated that, even though I cause many disasters, I know how to take care of myself. I'll never be able to repay him for his presence, his affection, his patience, but from today I'll decide what to do with my life and my future.
A piece of it is right here, in Seoul, and today I truly hope to be able to make it happen.
I'm wringing out my hair with a towel when there's a knock at the door.
I open it, showing only my head, and find a young woman from the staff.
"Was something missing, Miss Park?" I ask, puzzled.
I feel like I've brought everything requested for the fittings.
She bows and shakes her head.
"I have to deliver some things that arrived for you at the reception," she says with a smile.
I frown, surprised, and nod.
She turns and invites two men I hadn't seen to join her.
I step aside, making a turban out of my hair and towel, and stare in astonishment at the quantity of stuff being placed on the table, the sofa, and the floor.
"I think there's a mistake…" I begin, examining the various packages.
She smiles again, shakes her head, and prepares to leave.
"From your fans, Miss Lee."
The other two bow and leave the room.
I stand there like a piece of cod, staring at the packages, parcels, and colorful flowers.
My fans??
Curious, I approach and then stop.
I see it among all the others.
Unique.
Different.
A lime green package with a sticker, a small, shining sun.
Your Sunshine.
I don't know why, but my heart starts pounding.
Min-ho.
No, it's not possible.
I reach over and pick it up with shaking hands.
I can't even untie the ribbon, I'm so nervous.
Finally, I tug on it with my teeth and break it.
I lift the lid and am stunned: a splendid, thin necklace with a white gold pendant, composed of a crescent moon adorned with crystals embracing a shining sun.
My cheeks are wet with tears and I hug it to my chest.
It's him, I know.
My talisman.
Sobbing with happiness, I hook it around my neck and rush to look at myself in the mirror.
It's so beautiful I can't take my eyes off her.
I caress her and feel her voice, her laugh, her breath on my neck, enough to make me shiver.
I don't know how long I'll stand there admiring her, because my phone starts buzzing and I wake up.
It's Ari.
"Korean Jade, I heard it's your birthday. Run down to the bar and I'll buy you a piece of cake."
I laugh through my tears, moved by her gesture, and I promise to come down in a few minutes.
I take in all the other gifts and promise myself I'll be able to open them as soon as I get back.
I touch a bouquet of yellow tulips with my fingers and savor their scent: they're beautiful.
I'll take photos with each gift and post them on my social media to thank each and every one of those who wanted to be with me on this day.
Except him.
He's special.
He's unique.