Chapter 1
Body covered in sweat and chest heaving, you wondered how much energy you had left. Your feet hurt from stretching and dancing on them for hours. You were exhausted. But this was your dream so the pain was worth it.
While you were just a ballerina at the Opéra Populaire and not in the spotlight, it was still better than anything you could have hoped for. It was grueling work but this was the best part of your day. Nothing compared to when you could be on stage surrounded by other dancers who shared the same passion as you.
Blurs of red and green costumes are fluttering all around you as you practice your routine for tonight’s show. Your best friend, Taehyung, gives you a wink as he grabs your hand as part of the dance. Behind his shoulder, you can see the dance choreographer, Jimin, watching closely. As always, he is dressed in an all-black suit as if going to a funeral. In his hand is a long staff, which he uses to scare us performers as needed.
The jingling golden chains on your costume and the music coming from the band do nothing to cover the screeching sound of Carlotta’s voice echoing throughout the concert hall. Taehyung gives you a side eye in response that makes you bite your lip to stifle your laughter. She wasn’t a bad singer exactly but she was a little tone deaf and entirely too loud. Even her speaking voice was like a squawking bird. The only reason she got this gig was because she was a rich socialite and her fiance, Piangi, had a lot of pull as well. You would feel bad for thinking this if she wasn’t so horrible to you and the rest of the group.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Please, if I may have your attention...” The group of dancers are too busy talking amongst themselves to hear the theatre manager trying to make an announcement. He sighs, turning to Jimin for help, who nods before bringing his fingers to his mouth and making a loud whistling noise. The response is immediate, everyone silencing in fear of the consequences of ignoring the strict choreographer.
“Thank you,” he begins, “Now, that I have your attention: I’m sure some of you have already heard as it’s hard to keep a secret around here but I wanted to confirm that I will be retiring soon.”
The crowd around you erupts into hushed whispers. You turn to Taehyung with wide eyes, not expecting this news. He doesn’t look as shocked, causing you to narrow your eyes at him for withholding information like that. It’s no surprise to you that he is in the know when it comes to these things as he is quite close with Jimin. Taehyung is lucky that the manager begins speaking again, grabbing your attention once more.
“And without further ado, I will introduce you to the two gentlemen who now own the Opéra Populaire: Monsieur Seokjin Kim and Monsieur Hoseok Jung.” If the crowd wasn’t loud before, they definitely were now. Everyone, including yourself and Taehyung, was murmuring and gawking at the two men that now walk across the stage. The previous manager was an older man, balding with a potbelly. You were shocked to see the new owners were absolutely gorgeous and dressed in fancy clothes.
The old theatre manager introduces Carlotta, the leading soprano, to the two men. She is beaming pompously as they both reach out to kiss her hand. After they exchange pleasantries, she is brought to the center to showcase her talents for the new owners. We all stand around to watch as she starts to sing, some rolling their eyes and crossing their arms.
Think of me, think of me fondly When we’ve said goodbye
Carlotta barely gets to finish the next line before a large sandbag suddenly drops from one of the ropes hanging up above. The stage is doused in chaos as everyone begins screaming and running for cover. Taehyung grabs your arm as you both run to the side.
“He’s here!”
“The Phantom of the Opera!”
You notice Jimin and Taehyung exchange a look that only fuels your concern. Looking up, there is no one to be seen. The theatre manager looks overwhelmed, but not scared exactly - like he was used to it.
“Settle down, everyone. I’m sure this was just an accident.” He tries to calm the crowd but it does little to ease their nerves. “Jungkook, get down here at once!”
Jungkook, the lead stagehand, is the only one who is usually up there managing all the ropes. At least, he’s the only one who should be up there.
“What the hell is going on up there?” Jungkook stands there looking wide-eyed and bewildered. In his hands is a long thick rope that has been severed. The other end of the rope that just hit the stage a moment ago.
“Please Monsieur, it wasn’t me. I left my post for just a moment. I-,” He bows his head as he says quietly, “I didn’t see anyone else up there.”
“It’s the ghost!” Someone from the crowd suddenly shouts, which causes another uproar. “The Phantom of the Opera!”
“Good heavens, if I’d have known this theatre would be filled with such chaos I’d-” One of the new owners begins. His business partner holds up his hand to silence him.
“Oh, come now, Seokjin. Let’s not judge too quickly.” His business partner, who must be Hoseok, replies. “I’m sure it was just a fluke.”
The old theatre manager looks relieved as he stutters nervously. “R-right, a fluke. These things do happen!”
Carlotta, however, does not look pleased. She laughs bitterly, “Yes, these things do happen. All the time!”
“They’ve been happening since three years ago and you never did a thing about it! Well, until you stop these things from happening, this thing does not happen!” She cries, running off the stage. Piangi huffs and chases after her.
“She’ll be back, don’t worry.” The old theatre manager tries to assure the new owners, but they give him an unconvinced look. “Well, I hope you both feel properly welcomed at the Opéra Populaire. I shall take my leave. Good luck and if you need anything, Monsieur Jimin Park is here to help.”
“But, Monsieur...!” Seokjin calls after him. Hoseok stands there assessing the crowd. Jimin makes his way over and stands before them.
“We are pleased to welcome you to the Opera Populaire,” he bows, “I have a message for you both from the Opera Ghost.”
“Oh please, you’re not serious. Do you really believe there’s a ghost?” Seokjin guffaws.
All pleasantries are gone as Jimin’s face becomes stern. “The Phantom is very real. You would be wise to heed my warning when I say: follow his rules and no one will get hurt.”
Hoseok rolls his eyes. “Oh yeah, what rules?”
“Box five is always to be left empty for him and he expects a monthly salary.”
Seokjin and Hoseok both burst out in laughter, clapping Jimin on the back. “Yeah, right! Salary my arse.”
“I’m sure you will be able to afford it, what with your new patron, the viscount.” The new owners sigh at Jimin’s response. Many cast members murmur to each other excitedly at the news of a new nobleman coming to the opera house.
“We were hoping to make that announcement ourselves, Monsieur.” Hoseok deadpans, “Please at least tell me you have an understudy for Carlotta’s role. The show is tonight.”
“Yes, we do.” Jimin says confidently, looking over at Taehyung who nods. “Miss Y/N can do it.”
Before you can even blink, Taehyung is grabbing your arm and pulling you forward. You look over at him in shock, not expecting them to volunteer you like that.
“A ballet girl?” Seokjin asks snobbishly.
“Just listen to her sing!” Taehyung ignores the poisonous daggers you’re shooting at him from your eyes.
Jimin nods, “She is incredibly gifted. I can promise you won’t be disappointed.” The two owners roll their eyes but nod reluctantly.
Heart racing and palms sweating, you begin to sing the same song Carlotta didn’t finish before and not without a shake in your voice. You are so nervous, never having sung in front of such a crowd before. The only people who have heard you sing were Taehyung, Jimin, and of course your angel of music. Taehyung gives you an encouraging smile while Jimin gives you a stern look as if daring you to stop now and embarrass him.
As the song progresses, your voice becomes steadier and stronger. When you finally begin to belt out the chorus, Seokjin and Hoseok’s expressions change as they begin to see you’re not just a ballet girl.
Remember me, once in a while Please promise me you’ll try
And before you know it, it’s evening and you’re on the same stage you’ve performed in front of an audience countless times. Only now, you are the star of the show. Your first ever solo. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time.
Up above in the box seats, a certain viscount named Kim Namjoon watches on in wonder at this new performer. He whispers to himself, “Can it be... Y/N?”
The show ends with an amazing reception from the audience and you couldn’t be more pleased. You can’t believe you actually did it. If it wasn’t for your mysterious vocal coach, your angel of music, you never would have made it here. Ever since you began working at this theatre, he had been giving you singing lessons. He was a brilliant teacher but you had never actually seen him, only heard him. For that reason you believe he had to be an angel. You only wish one day you could really meet him.
Taehyung engulfs you in a bear hug as soon as you head backstage and exclaims, “You were unbelievable, Y/N!”
Off to the side, Jimin stands straight with a slight quirk to his mouth. “Yes, you did well. He will be very pleased.”
After thanking everyone, you decide to head back to your dressing room. Today’s chaotic events took a toll on you and you were ready to pass out. Just as you were stripping out of your costume, there’s a knock at the door. You quickly slip on a robe before shouting out for them to come in.
A tall, strong-looking man that you don’t recognize enters. As he gets closer, your hearts stutters a bit as you take in his incredibly handsome features. His expensive-looking clothes lead you to believe he must be a socialite or someone in high society.
“Y/N,” He breathes, stepping closer to you, “is it really you?”
You stare at him for a moment, confused. Taking a closer look at his face, your neck reels back when you realize who he is - Namjoon, your childhood friend who you haven’t seen in years. Before your parents passed away, they were quite close with Namjoon’s parents. Memories flood back of you two as children playing together in his family’s garden. He has surely grown a lot with big muscles and a mature face. His hair is still that dark brown and styled in a way fit for a prince. And you could never forget those eyes.
“Namjoon?!” His face breaks out in a laugh at your exclamation. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, I came to see the show but I had no idea you would be here tonight. Let alone, be the star.” Namjoon pulls a rose from behind his back and hands it to you.
You can’t believe your luck. Not only did your dream come true tonight, but you get to reconnect with someone special from your past. As the two of you converse, you can’t help but reveal your angel of music and how he led you to this role.
“Do you remember my father said the angels would always protect us?” Grabbing his hands, you tell him excitedly, “Well, it’s true. I’ve been blessed with an angel of music.”
“Blessed indeed,” he smiles, squeezing your hands gently. “I’m taking you out to dinner tonight and I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll be outside when you’re ready.”
“Namjoon, wait! You don’t understand-” You try calling out to him but he’s already out the door.
Once he’s gone, you turn back towards your mirror and inspect your reflection. You’re glowing after tonight’s events. It’s a voice from somewhere that startles you - not just any voice but his voice.
“Insolent fool! Who does he think he is showing up here, trying to bask in your glory?”
“Angel, is that you?” Your heart races as you spin around the room trying to find the source of his voice. “Please, don’t hide yourself from me.”
“I’m right here.” Just as you turn to look in the mirror again, you see him. He looks a bit distorted and there’s some strange fog, but it’s him! You step closer to get a better look and are shocked to see his hand stretching out towards you, grabbing your wrist and pulling you closer into the mirror.
You feel as if you have been put under a spell, briefly wondering if you have died and gone to heaven. You can’t explain the things you are witnessing but it must be the magic of him being an angel - that’s the only possible answer you can find. Finding yourself in a dimly lit hallway, you peer up at him. He is dressed in a black cape that drowns his form with a white mask covering half of his face. It’s hard to make out any of his features and that seems to be purposeful as he quickly turns away, leading you elsewhere. This man is basically a stranger to you, but for some reason you trust him.
Namjoon’s voice shouting your name in search of you sadly falls on deaf ears. You are completely entranced by this man, your angel of music. He is finally revealing himself to you and you can’t help but have your full attention on him. From behind him, you can make out his beautiful wavy blonde hair. He leads you to a shimmering river inside the building and helps you get into a small rowboat, sitting you down as he stays standing. He begins to sing, gracing you with his beautiful voice as he rows. You recognize the tune as one of the songs he taught you before.
Let your soul take you where you long to be
Only then can you belong to me
