Do You Like Cherry Blossoms?

Bang Chan POV

I heard the screams of fans and their loud, thundering footsteps. I was once again overwhelmed by the amount of people that love Stray Kids, and I was always confused as to why. But that wasn't a moment for now to be worried about. For now I had to give my best to our fans whom which waited in anticipation to see us perform. "Stays, are you ready for the best time of your life!" I yelled on the microphone, in my seemingly proficient Japanese. We were on tour and it was exhausting, but I could handle anything for Stays, our fans. They were almost my everything, and Stray Kids was also there, but after them it'd be Stays.

Among the fans, there was someone who stood out. She was wearing the least dull outfit among all the front row of girls, and she didn't really feel so entertained. I couldn't help but be curious about her, and I went a bit towards her direction. The girl next to her seemed as if she were almost about to pass out. I really couldn't understand why our fans thought we were so amazing, sure we made pretty good music, but other than that we were just like them. Sometimes, people just forget that. "Can I have your phone?" I asked the girl, in English. For a minute she didn't seem to understand, so I asked her in Japanese. "Sir, I understood you, but may I ask why?" she replied. I was baffled by her question. "You can have my phone!" the girl next to her yelled.

I was baffled by her answer, and I took the other girl's phone and filmed myself. "Hello, its me Bang Chan! You make Stray Kids stay!", I said, in a cutesy voice. I really hated doing aegyo, don't get me wrong, I love my fans, but they always forget I'm a grown man. Who on Earth would want a grown man making their voice unnecessarily high-pitched, just to sound cute? I did it anyway. "Sir?" I heard the strange girl scream, "Sorry to sound weird or something, but I really don't think you did that 'cutesy' act because you wanted to. You don't have to force yourself to act cute." She had me for a minute, and I just completely stared at her. What did she mean that I didn't have to act cute and do whatever my fans asked me to? They're my fans whom I treasure, and of course I'd do everything I can to make them happy.

I snapped out of my deep thought and smiled at her. "Looks like we had a lot of interaction, " I said as I walked away, and continued to perform the next song. I danced, sang and gave it my all, and I looked back to see all the members were doing so as well, in satisfaction. They really were the best. I concluded the concert with a heartfelt, yet short speech. As soon as we went back I collapsed on the sofa back stage. It was absolutely exhausting to perform in such concerts, but I loved the fact that I could interact with my fans. That atoned for the exhaustion. "I think we did really well, and can expect a good salary", Seungmin said. "I was surprised THAT many people came, I mean I know we're popular and all but I never knew we were THAT popular."

"Don't you think we're being a little too humble?" Hyunjin said. "We put a lot of effort into anything we perform so I think what you said was irrevocable mistake." With my last amount of energy I giggled, "I think both of you're right, but Hyunjin, if we can lower the exaggerated pride it'd be a good idea", I said. I somehow found the energy to go change and hop into the van that'd take us back to our hotel. the hotel wasn't a very expensive one, because the tour was a last minute plan, but it was good enough for celebrities. We all went to our individual rooms and the next thing I heard was the members snoring away from my room. I closed my eyes, and tried to get some sleep but soon my insomnia took over and I couldn't sleep.

By that time I wasn't too tired, so I decided to explore Japan a bit while wearing a black mask. Not too far from the hotel, there was a lovely tree filled with pale cherry blossoms that caught my eye. It stood with delicate, yet graceful branches with pink cherry blossoms around it. The tree's slender trunk contrasted with the delicate blossoms. As the wind blew, the petals drifted down in a graceful, fleeting dance. It made me want to sit under it each passing second.

Oddly, it was only me and the tree around, and I could sit under the safety under the tree. It was still rather dark outside, but at that moment, I spotted a rather familiar girl also taking sanctuary from the tree. "Is it alright if I sit beside you?" I asked in a friendly tone. "Sure?" the girl answered, unsure about whether she should let a stranger hijack her comfort zone. I sat next to her in silence, and it was rather awkward at first. I didn't take off my mask, or else I thought it'd be quite a problem. Luckily I got my phone to keep myself entertained. As I started so observe her secretly, I realized she resembled the strange girl back in the concert.

I started watching videos under the cherry blossom tree and suddenly the girl started talking to me, "Hey, do you like cherry blossoms?" she asked. I was a bit startled by her randomness but I answered, "Yes, I do. Why?" she then continued to show me her drawings. "You're really good at drawing. What's your name?" I asked her. I already assumed that I was older than her. "Sakura", she said. I suddenly noticed the fact that she was also wearing a black hoodie like me, and I also noticed that she didn't seem completely Japanese. She had a hint of darkness in her skin, and it was almost as if she she lay in the sun for a couple of hours.

"How old are you?" I asked. She seemed a bit baffled by the question, but replied, "I'm 23. You?" I smiled and answered, "Looks like I'm older than you." We spent the next one hour admiring the tree, and it was truly a magnificent time. We also talked about all sorts of things. We said our goodbyes when the sun was about to rise, and I went back to my hotel to get some sleep. It was a intriguing day. For the first time since several months, I actually slept peacefully, and only for a couple of hours. The next morning I woke up to Felix and Lee Know blabbering away about the city tour we were supposed to have. Yes I know, I'm a light-sleeper. As I stood up, I couldn't help but recollect the pleasant wind, while I sat admiring the cherry blossom next to me, Sakura. "Sakura", I whispered to myself as I made my bed.

"Huh? What was that Chan?" Felix asked. "Uh, nothing. I just thought that cherry blossoms are very pretty", I replied flustered. He smiled and nodded. "We're going on a tour of Japan today, it will be a really relaxing day. I'm surprised that JYP is giving us a break for once", Lee Know said. Felix seemed delighted and answered, "Looks like we'll have a seafood fiesta today!" he exclaimed. I smiled and said, "Shall we gather the other members?" they obediently left my room and I heard them waking up Han, Seungmin, I.N, Hyunjin, and Changbin. Sometimes it was scary how submissive they were to me. I never abused my power to them, but I also never went super easy on them either. We of course had a really strong bond, but I always felt guilty about over working them.

Just because I was harsh on myself doesn't mean that I had to be so with them, I knew that, but sometimes I just sounded like a military general. "Chan, go and get ready! We're going for breakfast soon", Seungmin shouted from the other side of the wall. "Okay!" I shouted back. Although I was the leader, it felt like I was the one who knew almost nothing about our schedules. I got my bag ready and went to shower. I rubbed all the shampoo left in the bottle on my head and did so vigorously. I needed all the greasiness to go away, or else I'd have enough oil in my head to feed hundreds. I once again found myself thinking about her soft, black hair which cascaded down her shoulder like the Niagara waterfalls.

Her eyes shone like the stars and reflected the cherry blossoms in full bloom. She had porcelain-like skin, and almond shaped eyes. She, Sakura, was enchanting. I stepped out of the shower cabin and went to dry myself up. Why did I keep on wondering about her? She was much younger than me. I focused on getting ready and put on my clothes. I went for some baggy jeans and a white t-shirt. "Whoa, looks like someone is ready for a fashion show!" I said as soon as I saw all the other members. Their iridescent clothing almost blinded me. "Shut up!" I.N said. "We're K-pop idols, we have to dress good." Han shook his head in disapproval, "I think we're going to attract a lot of attention." I agreed with him, but didn't say anything.

The restaurant we were going to for breakfast wasn't too far away. We walked for some time before finally reaching our destination. As soon as we walked in I noticed in each and every corner there was a fancy piece of furniture displayed. There was elegant decor along with fine china, silverware, and so much more. All the waiters and waitresses seemed polite and attentive, but one in particular caught my eye. Sakura. She moved swiftly between the tables and her arms were filled with drinks and food, which I as afraid she'd drop. She constantly smiled and refilled people's drinks and food. I smiled as I saw her. JYP our company, really knew how to pick out a good restaurant.

"Hello, how may I be of assistance?", a waiter asked. "I'd like to request a person called Sakura," I answered. The waiter seemed a bit baffled by the reques, and then I realized I wasn't speaking Japanese. "We'd like to order", Seungmin said, in Japanese. "Ah, yes", the waiter answered. "What would you like?" I skimmed through the menu, but couldn't seem to focus on it. My mind was where Sakura was. I finally saw her notice me, and her expression changed for the better, and she was walking in my direction. My heart was thumping as hard as rocks. What was I going to do?