Fans continued to push Julia forward, taking unsanctioned photos of the performers during the commotion. Julia was escorted out of the way and off to the side where a security guard opened the exit door. She shoved her pass in his face in panic.
“I’m a guest.”
The guard rolled his eyes and ushered her to a back dressing room instead.
Julia stood out of the way, hidden in a corner, waiting for herdate. Young Kim and some of the other trot singers, including a couple of young boys dressed up like little men, filed in. Seeing them up close with all their makeup and sweat felt a little too Barry Manilow for her. Young noticed her in the corner and walked up to her, asking her something in Korean.
Julia shook her head to let him know she didn’t understand.
“So sorry. You were at meet-greet outside. You spill water everywhere.” His eyes danced in delight like Julia’s clumsiness was the funniest incident he’d ever witnessed.
“Yes, sorry. I’m Julia Song. I think you and I have a date tonight?”
His brows rose as recognition hit him as to who Julia was.
“Oh shit. Hey, Julia. Sorry to keep you waiting. Was that you? That’s hilarious. Let me just get changed, and I’ll meet you back here in a few.”
Julia nodded in silent shock and agreement. What happened to the guy’s broken English? His accent?
Julia’s fingers itched to text Tae to tell him all about the concert and the odd Young Kim. She quickly grabbed her phone and snapped a picture of the performers before they changed out of their sparkle.
So I may have been mistaken when I said K-pop,she typed as she pressed Send on the photo.
Her phone rang immediately. “Oh my God. Is that Mr. Trot?”
Of course Tae knew Mr. Trot. There was literally nothing this man did not know.
“Yup. Never mind that I had to google what trot was.”
“Wait, your date is with Kim Young Gi?”
“I guess so? And apparently that’s a big deal?”
“He’s super popular in the trot circles right now.”
“Okay, about this trot. It was... awful.”
“It’s an acquired taste, for sure. But a lot of people love it almost as much as, some even more so than, K-pop.”
“I can’t believe I thought he was a K-pop idol. I was lookingforward to some fun songs and dancing and light sticks and fan chants.”
“Did you enjoy yourself at least?” he asked.
“Not at all,” she answered truthfully.
Tae’s chuckle came through the phone, and the sound poured over Julia’s nerves like honey.
“Well, if it helps, my mom would be jealous. Wait, yeah, that probably doesn’t help at all,” Tae said.
“Probably mine too. Okay, I think he’s almost done, and the date will finally start, I guess?”
“Don’t make a mean comment about his costumes, his dancing, or his singing. Or his hair.”
“I know, I know. I’m reformed. He’s here. Gotta run,” Julia said.
“Have fun,” she heard Tae say as she disconnected.
Julia shoved her phone back into her purse.
