Today, Jungkook and I will be together in the loosest sense, and ninety percent of me is dreading it.

The other ten percent sees the possibilities that CEO Kimmy explored for us. Could this really work?

After a morning conversation, where we smoothed out all the details between CEO Kimmy and the members, it's back to practice. Heart Seonsaengnim pushes us harder than ever, focusing especially on the delicateness in Jungkook's movements. I catch myself staring, marveling at the way he learns so quickly, picking up all the little facets of a girl group dance.

Caren Seonsaengnim also doubles down, trying to unlock the various potentials of our vocals. Jungkook aces every assignment, followed closely by Jesstina. Nabi also soars after a little more time, while I struggle especially with my mixed voice.

"Why does it feel like I'm a trainee, except more so," Jesstina says, chugging a bottle of water in the hall.

I get what she's saying. "I don't think we'd ever stop needing to practice."

And soon enough, it's been a whole month since the Fates has debuted. We're topping the charts, "Weavers" going especially viral. Of course, Jungkook is adding tons of hype to our name—ARMYs are taking to his new role very well.

Today, the Fates is heading for our first university festival. In the summer, these festivals are all the rage as students release their stress by listening and dancing to their favorite K-pop artists. In short, it's an opportunity to get the Fates' name out there. Even though our stage at Shinhan University will be a smaller one, it'll still mark one of our firsts. Performing at a festival will be much more freeing than going on a music show, and I'm more than looking forward to it.

I lean back in the middle left seat of our van, going over the lyrics in my head. We won't just perform "Weavers," but a whopping all five of the songs on our EP.

"It's the first time," Jesstina says from the backseat. "Do you think we can get through all five without a hitch? My eyebrows are trembling."

Nabi giggles, a sound that's become more common after our debut. "I think we'll do just fine," she says. "We've run through it thousands of times in practice."

Jungkook makes a sound of assent. "I think so too. And it's a university festival, so we can be more free. We don't have to be too perfect."

I steal a glance at him, admiring his stage outfit. He wears a turquoise blouse-dress shirt hybrid. His long slacks are black and flowy, matching with the girls' and my black halter tops and turquoise denim skirts. His extensions are combed into elegant waves, and he just got his eyelashes and nails done again the other day. In short—stunning and beautiful. Although I'd never say this to his face.

"You look spectacular, Jungkook," Jesstina says, apparently in sync with my thoughts. "Like, actually slaying." She says the last word in English, adding a wink for good measure.

"Slaying?" Jungkook says, cocking his head.

"It means you look good enough to kill," I say, grinning when Nabi covers her mouth with her hand—a telltale sign she's holding back a burst of laughter.

The ride continues, and we fall into a comfortable silence. Outside, the sky grays, and droplets of rain fall and stick to the windshield. I watch them as they rivulet off to the sides, disappearing like the fickle moments of our lives.

In the silence, I reflect on the meeting with CEO Kimmy. Jungkook and I didn't deny any rumors, but at the same time we didn't have any chance to fuel them either. We haven't made many public appearances besides the music shows and some variety shows. Jungkook and I didn't have any chance to make googly eyes at each other while a camera so happens to be pointed at us.

We drive into the Shinhan University campus, making our way to the back of the stage. It's gated and sectioned off with tents, and I peek toward the sandy field where at least five hundred students are gathered, waiting.

In the van, the echoes of some student performers make their way in—extremely talented drummers, singers, and dancers. Although the Fates is advertised as the main event, I bet some of the students can challenge us in terms of talent.

The rain picks up, the droplets bigger and pattering loudly against the van.

The sky darkens further, and lightning flashes in the distance. I watch as Jungkook takes note of the dimming horizon. The only telltale sign of his worry is his picking at the skin around his knuckles.

"Are you sure we can survive this?" Jesstina says. "I mean, the rain may just knock us all right down. Like dominoes."

"We can survive," Nabi says, grit entering her three words.

"I think so too," I say. "The stage is slip proof, and although we've never performed in the rain, we can dial the power of our dance back a bit."

"We're checking if everything will be safe," Kristine says. "Right now, it looks like the stage and sound system are holding up."

Ten minutes before we're due, I form a little huddle in the van, telling us all to lean in.

"Alright girls," I say. "This is our first school festival performance. We want to make a good impression. We want to tell our story with these five songs. We want to be strong, feminine, and totally in control."

Jesstina, Nabi, and Jungkook nod, radiating focus even as the rain tries to distract.

"Let's crush it tonight," I say. "On three. One, two, three—"

"Carve your own fate!" We chant together.

With a burst of energy, I follow a bodyguard as he shelters me with a black umbrella. Jungkook, Nabi, and Jesstina follow with their own guards.

"Are you ready for the Fates?" a DJ screams from center stage. The field erupts in cheers, many of them calling Jungkook's name.

I rush up the steps, greeting the crowd before falling into my position for "Weavers."

I start off the song strong, giving it all I have as the wind and rain whip into me. I smile, flipping my hair in the less busy parts of the song, savoring the way I get drenched—knowing that I'm sharing the sensations with everyone in the crowd.

As I pose with the girls and Jungkook, we hold the position for around a dozen seconds as the screaming turns almost violent. Breaking away, I grin at the hundreds of students. "Thank you for giving the Fates such a warm welcome. I'm Karma."

"I'm Jesstina."

"Nabi."

"And I'm Jungkook."

The crowd roils. I smile wider, gesturing to the stage—much simpler than our music show stages, almost bare if not for the large screen behind us.

"I just want to say—"

And then I see him. Dirty blond hair, diamond-blue eyes.

He's just the right height, standing with the same brazen swagger.

Sam. The leader of the group of boys back in high school.

Suddenly, my whole world turns upside down, and I'm left staring at the sheets of rain, which reflect the lights of the stage like ghostly hands. I freeze, checking the exits of the stage for a quick getaway.

I don't know for sure that it's him, but my instincts are telling me to flee and ask questions later. The members noticed my falter almost immediately, and they lower their mics, scanning the crowd for something amiss.

But they wouldn't know anything about what Sam looks like.

Jungkook draws near, his eyebrows twisted in concern. What's wrong, he mouths.

I can't help myself. Sam's already seen me at my weakest. I fall into Jungkook, and when he catches me, I find strength in the solidness of his arms, the lines of his frame. Nabi and Jesstina follow, surrounding me and shielding me from the view of the fans.

"It's him," I whisper above the confusion.

Jungkook's eyebrows furrow, then he seems to read my mind. He nods, barely perceptible. He wraps his arms around me, nudging my face against his chest.

And then, Sam's presence falls backward. The comfort in Jungkook's embrace comes to the forefront, casting a shroud over everything else. "If you're really sure he's in the crowd," Jungkook says into my ear, "don't be afraid. You can show him just how strong you've become."

Jungkook's breath wisps over my damp hair and toward my scalp. As Nabi and Jesstina lean further in, I realize that Jungkook is right. Where I am now—leader of the Fates, rookie idol—the two year journey elevates me higher than Sam and his groupies.

Jungkook's grip makes my chest flutter. I draw back slightly, looking up into his deep brown eyes. Determination pours down my throat like hot tea.

And I do the unthinkable. I tiptoe and kiss Jungkook on the cheek. He veers back only slightly, eyes widening. Then he recovers, smiling like we've done this many times before.

The cheers return, my little breakdown forgotten. I stand on my own, giving Nabi and Jesstina a nod to their concerned expressions.

It's time for our second song. I no longer see Sam in the crowd. Maybe I imagined him. Maybe he's still there, watching me like he did in my high school's hallways. If the other four guys are here, then let them see.

Let them see how strong I've become. My voice steadies as I take my position in the center of the group.

The lyrics from "Ocean in the Park" speak to me as I sing it with my lower register.

All the mysterious of our friendship

Are like water on dry land

A beautiful anomaly

Like an ocean in the park.

This song was a tribute to what Nabi, Jesstina, and Yuna and I shared. Our friendship was this ocean. Now that Jungkook stands beside me, the song takes on a new meaning. His presence was always strange to me at first, too overpowering, so different from the girls'.

But I kissed his cheek for a reason. Not as a distraction, but an admission to myself that he's a part of me, that my falling for him is real—no matter how many complications are involved.

Sam can watch. And he and his boys will haunt me. But today, I'll finish this performance.

Jungkook grabs my hand in the middle of "Ocean in the Park," the pop ballad sparkling with the magic of his vocal tone.

Someone's cardboard sign catches my attention. Karma + Jungkook, a match made in the brightest part of heaven.

I'm not sure whether I agree with the fanciful wording—but could it be really true? That Jungkook would look at me and see a girl he might like?

The wonderment and possibility opens up before me, and by the time we start our third song, Sam recedes to the back of my mind. The kiss tingles against my mouth, and I imagine whether there will ever be a chance for more.

A/N: Yes!! Be brave, Karma. 

This scene was inspired by the time I went to Shinhan University for a festival. I got to see HyunA, who performed in the rain with such amazing energy.

I'm praying that we can all see BTS live at least once. I'm still waiting for my turn!