2 days until Zahara's birthday
1 week and 2 days until Zahara's YouTube birthday

10:45AM

Huri: *the doorbell rings, gets up from the couch and opens the door to see BTS* hey!! *turns around* GIRLS THEY ARE HERE! *looks back at them with a smile* come in

(A/N: alright, let me explain. You know how in the last chapter, Taehyung was awake so early, then Jimin yelled at him that they had to go? Yeah, well, they had a photoshoot to do and after the photoshoot they boarded a flight to LAX to surprise Zahara on her birthday because if you don't remember, Taehyung had to lie to Zahara saying that the boys and himself weren't able to attend her birthday. Sooo yeah)

Boys: *walk in, looking around in awe*

Huri: *shuts the door*

Hoseok: *looks at Huri* where's Zahara?

Luma: *walking down the stairs* working. We don't know for how long. I think she's meeting up with someone after though, then we are meeting for dinner then hanging out.

Namjoon: when will she be seeing us though?

Cari: *walk to where everyone is*

Cai Lu: alright, well, she won't be seeing you all for all of today.

Jin: come again?

Yari: the surprise will be on her birthday, LA time.

Boys: *look at each other*

Yoongi: won't she see us here though?

Luma: you will all hide

Jimin: awh what..?

Huri: she doesn't check the other rooms other than hers, and ours so you all will be fine. If you do end up going around the villa, do it when she's not here or be really sneaky about it. Make sure she doesn't see you.

Kookie: ah, I wanted to hug Zahara though.

Tae: what if we want to go out in public?

Luma: have sunglasses on

Cai Lu: and if you end up seeing her in public, make sure she doesn't see you.

Yari: hopefully no one recognizes you guys.

Hoseok: you want to go out right now?

Tae: yeah..?

Hoseok: you're not tired?!

Tae: well yeah but I also want to go out

Hoseok: I'm staying here to take a nap at least

Yoongi: I am too

Jin: me too

Jimin: me three

Kookie: I don't know

Namjoon: I want to go out too!

Kookie: I don't know which I want to do. I want to go out but a nap sounds really good right now..

Tae: ahh come on Jungkookie! It'll be fun. We can take a nap later.

Kookie: mm..alright. Fine. Let's go!

Tae: *to the girls* do any of you want to join?

Huri: I'm watching a movie along with Lulu and Yari.

Luma: I was walking down to go join them but I'll join.

Tae: no one else?

HariLu: *shake their heads*

Huri: go choose your room before you leave.

Jimin: OH YEAH! *starts running up the stairs with his stuff*

Boys: *follow*

11:30AM

Zahara: *has finished filming with Tyler and has eaten breakfast at a café with Bryan Le AKA RiceGum, she's been friends with him for over a year now but the internet doesn't know that so after a lot of planning that started a couple months ago, they have made the 'perfect' skit together that they will film for Bryan's channel. Zahara also has a photoshoot to do at the beach which is perfect to include in this skit they are doing* after such a long time planning, we are finally going to film this video.

Bryan: hell yeah! Wait, are we filming something for your channel?

Zahara: *eyebrows furrow as they are both just walking around* uhm..I mean yeah, after we finish filming for you channel but I don't know what we should do. Maybe a challenge video...have you ever done acro yoga?

Bryan: ...no. *laughs a bit nervously* we're going to do an acro yoga challenge?

Zahara: We could do a not my arms challenge video

Bryan: alright but what will be done?

Zahara: uhm..you can do my makeup and I have to go out like that-

Bryan: deadass?

Zahara: deadass. I'm meeting up with the girls after and I don't know what we are gonna be doing but whatever you do to my face, it'll have to stay on.

Bryan: *laughing* no fucking way, I'm gonna feel bad after this.

Zahara: we'll record this after my photoshoot though and my makeup won't be the only thing.

Bryan: oh god..what else?

Zahara: mm, I think I'll let you choose.

Bryan: you're giving me that much power?

Zahara: yeah why not?

Bryan: *chuckles* okay okay, let's go back to my place and start filming for my video. After your photoshoot, we'll go back to mine to film your video.

Zahara: bet.....do you at least want to try the acro yoga?

1PM

Namjoon: *was sitting in the passenger seat, is the first to get out* and finally we've come to the beach!

Luma: *gets out of the car and stretches*

Tae: *dropped his phone on the ground but can't seem to find it*

Kookie: *secretly grabbed Taehyung's phone, gets out of the car, standing next to Namjoon* I have his phone

Tae: *rolls down the window* I can't find my phone

Namjoon: well hurry up and find it

Tae: *groans* where is it?

Namjoon: I don't kno-

Kookie: *can see Zahara in the distance, squints his eyes trying to make sure* hyung, I think that's Zah-who is she with?

Luma: *looks quickly, squinting her eyes*

Tae: *slightly pokes his head out, searching to see where she is, spots her then sees her with another guy he doesn't know and makes a face*

Namjoon: *looks at well* I don't know but she better not see us.

Zahara: where's your afro?

Bryan: right he-uh...shit..

Zahara: *shows it to him*

Bryan: *smiles* thank you..

Zahara: I'm pretty sure that's where we are suppose to go *points to an area that's was made separately for the photoshoot*

Bryan: yeah because the camera, the clothing, the set up and everything on that area didn't make it noticeable

Zahara: *laughs* shut up..let's go over. *they begin to walk over*

Kookie: hyung, I have your phone.

Tae: *glares at him and gets out of the car* I was searching for nothing

Kookie: *smiles innocently* ne

Tae: *shakes his head as he gets his phone back*

Namjoon: let's walk somewhere else before she notices us somehow

Tae: *puts on his sunglasses as he is still looking over at Zahara*

Kookie: I think she's doing a-yeah she's doing a photoshoot.

Luma: oh yeah! She did tell us she's having a photoshoot today.

Namjoon: alright but let's go some where farther away. *starts walking away*

Luma: *follows*

Kookie: *begins to follow but knows Taehyung isn't so he stops and turns around* Tae!

Tae: *looks at Jungkook but then back at Zahara, he does that a few more times then sighs and follows them with his head down*

3PM

Zahara: *in the middle of filming with Bryan for her video. The photoshoot didn't take long*

Kookie: *sighs as he looks out the window* I hate traffic

Namjoon: I do too

Tae: *just looking out the window, looking at his phone screen, hoping to get a notification saying that Zahara has texted him but he knows he won't because he knows she's busy*

Kookie: *pats Taehyung's back, sensing how he's feeling right now*

Luma: *looks over at vkook*

Tae: *looks up at Jungkook*

Kookie: have you texted her?

Tae: no..because then she'll facetime straight away and I always answer her calls and if we can't be seen by her until her birthday then I can't answer.

Kookie: it sucks that we have to hide from her but at least it'll be a good surprise for her on her birthday, think of that.

Namjoon: what if she does end up checking one of our rooms or just seeing us around the house as we try to hide or sees us in public?

Kookie: *shrugs* nothing but the surprise will be ruined

Tae: wouldn't it be enough of a surprise if she saw us today though

Kookie: *eyebrow furrow* hm..I guess it would but that's not how the surprise is suppose to be..

Tae: *sighs*

Luma: I know you all don't want to hide from her and just want to hang out with her, but sadly that's not what Hobeom oppa's idea is and PB-nim agrees with his idea too. They are both our bosses and we must obey..

Zahara: *they finish up the video* I can't believe I'm actually gonna have to go out in public like this

Bryan: I actually feel bad right now, are you sure you want to stick with it?

Zahara: I gave my word. I never break them, I can't wear my sunglasses either. *laughs* this is going to be so embarrassed

Bryan: I wanna see how the girls would react

Zahara: *eyes slightly widen as she remembers* I wonder how they are going to react *shakes her head with a small smile* come along with me so you can help film and meet the girls in person.

Bryan: alright-wait, film what?

Zahara: no one will believe I went out in public like this so I'm going to film it and you're going to help *smiles*

Bryan: *shrugs* I don't really have anything planned to do for today so that's fine

Zahara: let's go-wait. *calls Huri but no answer. Calls Cai Lu, no answer. Confused, calls Yari, she answers*

Yari: hello?

Zahara: how come Huri and Lulu don't answer?

Yari: that's because they are currently trying to do some weird yoga pose

Zahara: again? Oh god..make sure they don't get hurt.

Yari: that's why Luma is right by them

Zahara: ah okay, do you girls remember where we are all meeting up?

Yari: I honestly have no idea. Wait I thought we were meeting for dinner..

Zahara: I finished earlier than what I thought so, I thought we could just meet up now.

Yari: Huri-ah! Lulu-ah! Get ready now!

Huri: what?

Cai Lu: it's time already?

Yari: Zahara finished early. Let's go!

Luma: *starts running upstairs because she needs to get changed*

Curi: *fall onto their backs* AH!

Yari: *laughing* pabo

Zahara: *shakes her head while she chuckles knowing what happened* I'll send you the address and you guys come here! *hangs up and sends address straight away*

30 minutes later

Huri: *walking into the building Zahara said to meet at*

Zahara: no but I'm sure that-Bryan they're here *trying to hold in her laughter*

Bryan: try to be serious about *pulls out Zahara's camera and starts recording*

Zahara: *gets serious as the girls walk over to where they are*

Girls: hi-*eyes widen as they look at Zahara*

Zahara: hey girls! *eyebrows furrow* what's wrong?

Girls: *just stare at her*

Luma: uhm..are you okay?

Cai Lu: *looks at Luma* are you seriously asking that? Clearly not.

Zahara: what? No, I'm okay.

Huri: uh..what happened?

Yari: *trying to hold in her laughter, not knowing whether Zahara is actually being serious or not*

Zahara: what do you mean?

Girls: *confused they just look at each other*

Cai Lu: what happened to your face?

Zahara: oh my face? I decided to try out a new look. Do you like it?

Caima: no.

Yari: are actually being serious?

Zahara: yes..? Is there a problem?

Huri: uhm.........are you sure?

Zahara: positive.

Girls: *eyebrows furrow in and they look at each other*

Cai Lu: *looks at Zahara* you look ugly. No.

Zahyan: *burst out laughing*

Zahara: omo, Lulu!

Cai Lu: what I was being honest..

Zahara: this isn't a new look I'm trying! Bryan did this to me!

Girls: WHY?

Bryan: *can't stop laughing*

Zahara: it's for a video

Girls: ahh

Huri: that makes sense

Yari: yeah

Luma: mmhm

Cai Lu: you always joke around so much! You are cleaning that off right?

Zahara: after we go back-

Yari: wait what? Seriously? Oh god..what if fans recognize you want to take a selca?

Zahara: they'll still get one. This *points to her face in a circle motion* won't change that.

9:30PM
Everyone is back at the villa

Zahara: *cleaned off the makeup, she's wearing a flimsy grey belly shirt with leggings and black converse low tops. She's currently looking around for her phone*

Jimin: *with Jungkook in the kitchen, snacking on some chocolate Jungkook bought earlier*

Jin: *in the living room with Hoseok, Taehyung, Yoongi, Luma, and Huri*

Namjoon: *drying off after taking a shower*

Cari: *playing the balance game in the hallway*

Zahara: *walks out of her bedroom, starts walking down the stairs* Has anyone seen my phone?

Luma: *eyes widen, whispers* go hide now!

Huri: *waving them away*

Jikook: *quickly go to the door that leads to the basement*

Rest of the boys (except Namjoon): *go down into the basement as well*

Cari: *walk into the living room, quickly sitting onto the couch*

Zahara: *walks into the living room* have any of you seen my phone?

Girls: *look at each other then shake their heads*

Zahara: shit..are you lying?

Girls: no

Zahara: *sighs* alright, well if you need me I'm going outside. *walks down the hallway, past the kitchen and exits through a door that leads out to an open area, it's roofed, spacious, and has a grand piano as well out there*

*since I don't have my phone, I guess I'll have to sing*

Girls: *quickly get up and walk down to the basement to let the boys know*

Zahara: *gets into position, as she sings, she's also dancing* sweat dripping from my body, we both at this party, so come and show me your moves

Namjoon: *after getting dressed, he walks down the stairs, looking around wondering where everyone is*

Zahara: it's really late, you're getting close and the lights are off, your body's in sync to the beat of my heart and I can feel your nature rising while I whine on you

Namjoon: *follow the sound of the singing, to see Zahara dancing, watching her*

Zahara: Let's dance like we're making lo-o-o-o-o-o-ove ma-a-king lo-o-o-o-ove let's dance like we're making lo-o-o-o-o-o-ove ma-a-king lo-o-o-o-ove let's dance like we're making love

Cai Lu: where's Namjoon?

Boys: *shrug*

Girls: *look at each other, having a conversation with their eyes, then nod*

Yari: *stands up and walks back up, straight away being able to hear Zahara singing, follows it to find Namjoon watching Zahara, hits his elbow* pabo!

Namjoon: *eyes widen and turns around to look at Yari*

Yari: *grabs his arm and drags him down to the basement* found him.

45 minutes later

Zahara: *after dancing for a little bit, she showered, and has to head out to the studio very soon*

Boys: *in the basement*

Girls: *in the living room*

Zahara: okay, so there's something else I want to talk to you girls about..

Girls: *sit up and look at her*

Zahara: remember when we were in Jeju and my mom told me that there's something she wants to talk about with me, that's it's about time I know?

Girls: *nod*

Zahara: she never told me..I tried texting her but I haven't gotten a reply all day, my mom always answers me. Even though I don't have my phone right now, I bet you, no reply.

Huri: really?

Zahara: she doesn't answer my calls either. It goes straight to voice mail...

Girls: *eyebrows furrow*

*and we can't tell her*

Zahara: and-and, I don't know what to do.

Yari: I mean it's not like you haven't gone days without speaking to her

Zahara: I know but everytime I contact her, she ALWAYS answers.

Luma: maybe she's not ready to tell you after all and she's avoiding you?

Zahara: yeah...that's a possibility.

Cai Lu: Zahara

Zahara: *this isn't normal of my mom..but Victoria would have contacted me if something happened, right? Or..*

Cai Lu: *says a bit louder* Zahara

Zahara: *blinks and looks up Lulu*

Cai Lu: I understand why you worry, we all do. Your mom is a lovely person, and we all care about her too, but stressing too much about it isn't good.

Zahara: *sighs* I know, I'll distract myself at the studio for a little while. I'll be back late. I still don't know where my phone is but I'll be back soon. *kisses their cheek and leaves*

Kookie: this isn't my phone..*looking at the lockscreen*

Tae: *looks at it* that's Zahara phone *eyebrows furrow* why would she choose that picture? *her lockscreen is a selca with the results of the not my arms challenge*

Kookie: I don't know

1AM

Zahara: *enters the villa*

Tae: *in the living room, alone*

Everyone else: *in their rooms, trying to fall asleep*

Zahara: *walks past the living room, and straight into the kitchen to find her phone on the counter, checks it quickly, no reply from her mom, sighs* fuck! *smacks her hands onto the island*

Tae: *jumps because he didn't hear anyone come down nor come through the door, and he could tell, it's Zahara. Starts walking to the kitchen, slyly, right up against the wall, peeking into the kitchen to see Zahara looking down*

Zahara: *what the hell is going on? This isn't normal, AT ALL. If when my mom does reply, I really hope she tells me why she ignored me the whole day, and a good reason too, not some bullshit*

Zahara: *sighs*

Tae: *pulls his head back*

Zahara: *looks back up then walks to the glass slide door that leads to the backyard, slides it open, takes 5 steps out, and sits down*

Tae: *carefully watching her from afar, he can hear her*

*What is she thinking about..?*

Zahara: *I know I'm not alone. The girls are here with me, and I'm grateful for them, like always. They know everything there is to me, they are my sisters but..*

Zahara: *sighs once again and lays on her back, looking up at the stars, and the moon* Taehyung-ah, why can't you be here with me right now?

Tae: *eyes slightly widen*

*she wants me by her side right now..but..I can't be. I want to be with you too, Zahara, without having it to be a secret. I can sense you need me but I have to obey Hobeom hyung...*

Tae: *walks away, not being able look at her anymore because of his urge of wanting to go out there with her. Goes up to his bedroom, locking the door behind him*

Zahara: *shuts her eyes*

10AM
1 day until Zahara's birthday
1 week and 1 day until Zahara's YouTube birthday

Girls (except Zahara): *wake up all the boys*

Boys: *groan but stand up, walk out and look at them*

Huri: sooo good news, Hobeom oppa called me and said that you guys are allowed to surprise Zahara now but just let the crew set up, since it's suppose to be Zahara's birthday surprise and her birthday is going to be filmed and featured on our YouTube page so yeah.

Boys: *smile* yay!

Tae: wait where's Zahara?

Luma: asleep on the couch for some reason

Yari: quickly go get changed!

Cai Lu: *is quiet because she's kind of half asleep*

20 minutes later

Zahara: *still sleeping on the couch, everyone is surrounding her, Cai Lu is the one waking her up*

Cai Lu: Zahara..*shaking her a bit*

Zahara: *eyebrows furrow*

Cai Lu: Zahara

Zahara: *groans* get out of my dream, Lulu.

Cai Lu: *squints her eyes slightly* Zahara.

Zahara: sh

Cai Lu: Zahara!

Zahara: *sighs, stretches, forgetting she's on the couch, falls off and slams onto the ground, groans a bit louder now* crap..*her eyes open up to see everyone, blinks a few times, then rubs her eyes* I think I head hard because I'm seeing the boys *blinks as she looks again, eyes widen* oh shit this is real!

Everyone: yeah!

Boys: Good morning!

Zahara: *shocked* what is this? What are you guys doing here? I thought you guys weren't able to come..I'm so confused right now.

Everyone: *smiles*

Cai Lu: *helps Zahara up*

Everyone: *group hugs and recording is stopped*

Zahara: when did you guys come?

Namjoon: yesterday

Zahara: really? What time?

Jin: like 10 or 11 in the morning

Zahara: ......and I didn't know about this, why? *looks at the girls*

Yari: it was Hobeom oppa's idea! As a surprise gift for you

Zahara: wait, really? Omo, I really need to thank him. Well, we need to go out and do something! Like, right now. *starts running up the stairs and into her bedroom*

Hoseok: *feeling his pockets, sighs* I left my phone..*goes up the stairs skipping a few*

Zahara: *pokes her head out and sees it's Hoseok* Hobi, can you please come here?

Hoseok: *walks in her room* ne?

Zahara: I don't know what to wear..can you help me?

Hoseok: of course

Zahara: *lays out a few outfits on the bed* oh shit, I forgot to say good morning on snapchat. *grabs her phone, taking a selca, captioned with a good morning. As she uploads it, she looks up at her wall, eyebrows furrow* is..is that a spider?

Hoseok: hm? *turns around and looks*

Zahara: *eyes slightly widen* if that's a spider, it's fucking huge! Wait...

Hoseok: that's a frog!

Zahara: what the fuck? *records on her snap* uhm..so there's a frog in my room...*frog starts crawling up the wall, stops recording and uploads the video, records again* I have no clue on how this frog got in but it's here. *stops and uploads the video*

Hoseok: *screams and jumps as he watches the frog jump off the wall and land on his chest, watts it off of his chest, terrified*

Zahara: *eye widen and doesn't see the frog* what the..*records once again* so uh this frog, he's not on the wall anymore. He jumped off, landed on Hobi's chest and I don't know where he is now. *uploads the video, records another one, facing her this time* I don't actually know it's a he, but I'm making it a he and his name is Papito.

Hoseok: *looking around, on the ground then sees Papito, jumps and screams a bit once Papito hops, runs out of the room*

Zahara: *laughs* Hobi! *looks down* shit..where did he go? *takes a selca of her shrugging, captioned #WheresPapito*

Hoseok: *runs back to his room, grabs his phone and runs downstairs*

Zahara: *just chooses, black shorts with a simple olive colored crop top, with brown sandals, is wearing the bracelet Taehyung bought her, grabs her round sunglasses, puts them on, puts her phone in her back pocket, brushes her teeth, puts on deodorant, sprays some perfume on herself then walks downstairs* alright, let's go! Ah wait..*runs back up, grabs money out of her wallet, goes back down* I don't plan on bringing a bag so can someone hold my money?

Tae: *reaches out to grab the money*

Zahara: not you though, you won't let me use my money. You'll try to pay for things yourself. I know you very well.

Tae: *slightly smirks*

Luma: *takes Zahara's money and puts it in her bookbag*

Zahara: *smiles* thank you! Now, I have a photoshoot to do today in Santa Monica but that's in the afternoon. So, we'll go out for breakfast and just chill out. The photoshoot shouldn't take more than 2 hours-

Huri: wait why?

Zahara: it's for-

Yari: oh yeah

Zahara: yeah.

Boys: *confused*

Zahara: and then for the rest of the day, don't you worry, I've got us all covered. I'll just have to make a few phone calls..*begins to dial a number, holding her phone up her ear* hey-*looks back at everyone* come on *walks out the door*

an hour later
They have already gone for breakfast

Zahara: *is the first to get out of the car, smiling, is in a giddy mood bc she's with the girls and boys, plus she drank a caramel macchiato and the caffeine is getting to her. Takes a deep breath* ah, it's a beautiful day

Everyone: *getting out of the car*

Huri: so where are we-

?: ah Zahara, finally made it.

Zahara: I'm back once again. *faces BTS and the girls* meet Jack. (A/N: made that up, I don't actually know if there's a dealer by the name of Jack in Cali) He's why I have a boosted board, and today, he's letting us play around with all he's got.

Luma: *gasps* this is where you rode that motorized sofa right?!

Zahara: yeah!!

Jack: come on, I guarantee you'll all have fun. *walks over to the building*

Everyone (except Zahara): *follows Jack*

Zahara: *smiles because she can tell everyone is feeling happy*

Tae: *stops as he doesn't see Zahara, turns around* aren't you coming?

Zahara: *can't stop smiling, nods as she jogs over to where he is*

Tae: *smiles* are you feeling okay?

Zahara: mmmmmmmmmmmm no. Not okay, I'm feeling very, excited, full of energy today.

Tae: *reaches out to her hand, and holds it*

Zahara: *holds his hand back and they both follow everyone in*

Jack: *showing everything, then as everyone gets distracted, looks at Zahara*

Zahara: *nods as she follows Jack into the backroom*

Jack: let me see...*looking to find where Zahara's order is* ah here it is *grabs it and hands it to her*

Zahara: thank you so much Jack! *walks back out, is behind a counter so the box with the new boosted board isn't seen* can I have your attention?

Everyone: *distracted, playing*

Zahara: EYO!

Everyone: *looks at Zahara*

Zahara: *smiles* okay, so, originally, I was going to take this back to Seoul and give it to you there but *lifts up the box and places it on the counter* this a gift from me to you, Taehyung. In appreciation for buying me this bracelet *holds her wrist to show the bracelet* and I know how much you love riding my boosted board. I've had this planned for a while now soo

Tae: *eyes widen* a-are you being serious?

Zahara: no I'm just joking, this is for Huri.

Huri: *confused because she already has one*

Zahara: I'm kidding again! Yes, it's for you!

Tae: but Zahara-

Zahara: please buts, if it's a gift for you, you're suppose to accept it no matter what. *slightly smirks*

Tae: *she's using my own words against me*

Tae: *smiles as he walks over to her, around the counter and hugs her* thank you

Zahara: *smiles as she hugs back* no problem, now. *pulls away* open it up and have your first ride on your new board!

3pm

Everyone: *in Santa Monica*

Zahara: *is changed for this photoshoot, currently getting her hair done, has Sasha's 8 year old daughter, Bella, on her lap. They are looking towards the mirror, making silly faces*

Everyone else: *just chilling*

Zahara: Sasha, how come I have to wear this style of makeup? My face won't even be showing.

Sasha: I mean, you never know. Trent ordered me to do so.

Zahara: *sighs* but I already told him what I would like the cover to be..

(A/N: Trent is Zahara's manager for Lambency Records, Zahara's first/American label and this photoshoot is for Zahara's mixtape cover 👀)

Bella: Zahara, can I have lip gloss too?

Zahara: *looks at Sasha through the mirror*

Sasha: *nods*

Zahara: *smiles* of course, sweetie. *grabs the small brush, applies one that's a bit sparkly with a light tint of pink on the brush, and applies it on Bella's lips*

Bella: *giggling as she applies it*

Vkook: *watching Zahara from afar*

Kookie: *looks at Taehyung then back at Zahara* she's not even an actual adult yet but she's wife material.

Tae: *not taking his eyes off of Zahara* yeah..

Kookie: how much do you-oh seems like she's done getting ready.

Zahara: *looks around* where's Travis? (A/N: the photographer)

Sasha: he was just here before-where's Trent?

Zahara: *eyes widen* where's Bella?! I just put her down.

Sasha: *eyes widen* WHAT? Bella!!

Tae: *eyebrows furrow, stands up and walks in between Sasha and Zahara* what's going on?

Zahara: I-I literally JUST put Bella down and she's gone. I-I-I don't know where she is. Crap!

Sasha: *takes a few steps away from them with a slight smirk*

Bella: *comes running up behind Taehyung and pushes him into Zahara with a giggle*

Tae: she couldn't have gone-*eyes slightly widen as he is pushed into her*

Zahara: *hands on his chest, eyes slightly widen, can feel Taehyung's breath right against her lips. Looks into his eyes then back down to his lips, her cheek turning into a pink shade, tilts her head down as she looks to her right*

Tae: *also blushing, straightens up with a small smile*

Sasha: good job Bella-I mean, Bella!

Bella: *giggling, jogs to her mom and hugs her legs*

Zahara: Bella..

Bella: what? I didn't do anything wrong.

Zahara: *just looking at her with a small smile* are you lying to me?

Bella: Mommy told me that he was your boyfriend, I just wanted to see if that was true.

Zahara: *eye widens, as she is now red*

Tae: *smiles feeling flustered*

7pm

BTS and LFTM have had fun all day, hanging out with each other. It's therapeutic for each. They've all been stressed with not only from work but from personal reasons as well. They are now all back at the villa.

No sign of Papito

Zahara: *in the bathroom in her room, Zahara's bedroom is the only one that has it's own bathroom in the whole villa, preparing a bath*

Tae: *laying on his side, watching Zahara with a warm smile*

Zahara: Sasha gave me a few bath bombs. So I want to take a bath..I can also make a bubble bath........or both *slightly smirks*

Tae: can I join you?

Zahara: *cocks an eyebrow and her eyes widen slightly as her smirk fades away* w-what? *turns around and looks at him*

Tae: sorry, may I join you?

Zahara: you want to join me, like in the tub?

Tae: *nods*

Zahara: *slightly blushes, feeling flustered* T-Tae..

Tae: hm? *realizes what she thinks* oh no! *giggles* silly Zahara, not nude. With swim wear of course! We're not taking a nude bath just yet.

Zahara: yet..?

Tae: what? You really think we won't potentially have those?

Zahara: I-I-I.....*looks down, blushing so much*

Tae: *she's so adorable..I love making her feel flustered*

Tae: *stands up and walks into the bathroom, pulling her into his embrace, kissing the top of her head* I mean, if you want to take a bath fully nude...

Zahara: *looks up at him* I don't know if I'm ready for that..

Tae: *chuckles* I'm kidding, beautiful. Not yet, whenever you are ready.

Zahara: *smiles and lays her head against his chest, hugging back, listening to his heart beat*

Tae: *his heart rate rising because of the way Zahara makes him feel*

Zahara: *kisses his chest then pulls away* well, go get changed. I'm going to change.

Tae: *nods and leaves her room, doing as told*

15 minutes later

Zahara: *the bath is ready and they both get in. The bath tub in Zahara's room for this villa is massive. Very spacious. She is sitting in front of him, so they are facing each other, studying his facial features, smiles*

*this guy, is someone who likes me and..I like him back. This handsome guy, who always knows how to make me smile, make me laugh, make me feel okay. I don't think he knows how happy he actually makes me. He doesn't even have to say anything, his presence is more than enough. He makes me feel..safe in his arms. Something I never felt before. He is a major impact on my sanity right now.*

Tae: *I wonder if she knows how gratefully I am for having her in my life, I may not be able to actually call her mine..which is scary because what if she leaves? What if she ends up falling for another guy? But I don't want to ask her out...not yet. It's probably too quick to do so...*

Zahara: Taehyung..

Tae: hm?

Zahara: I know should have asked this a while ago but how are you feeling?

Tae: what do you mean?

Zahara: mentally, how are you doing?

Tae: ... *looks down* come here..

Zahara: *scoots over to him, sitting right next him, lays her head on his shoulder*

Tae: *lays his head on hers*

*It's about time I tell her..*

Tae: you know how I'm VERY defensive when it comes to the respect a male gives a female..?

Zahara: ne

Tae: uhm...*sighs, as he begins to tear up, sniffles, lifts his head up*

Zahara: *looks at him* Tae..you don't have to tell me, I understand..

Tae: ani..it's about time you know...*takes a deep breath, not being able to look at Zahara, his voice is cracking* a few years ago..my cousin, s-she

Zahara: *can already tell where this is going*

Tae: she was dating t-this guy. He was so disrespectful to her and-and he would let his friends hit on her, just like how that one employee was when I-I bought you the bracelet..and not only hit on her, b-but they would always r-rape her.....*tears are rolling down his cheeks* my cousin, she was such a sensitive person, wasn't very strong. S-she couldn't do anything, a-and she kept it a secret for so long, because her boyfriend threatened her. I-I managed to get it out of her though....but I made a promise, to keep her secret. She ended up breaking up with her boyfriend but h-he wasn't with it....so he had people follow her, and they abducted her and-and *sniffles again, looks up and blinks a few times, voice cracking a lot more* and they raped her and *crying, looks back down, in a more hushed tone* t-they k-k-killed her.....

Zahara: *shuts her eyes for moment, not expecting all of that, choosing not to bug him for the aftermath, inhaling a short breath, exhaling while opening her eyes back up, puts her index finger under his chin, lifting it up, makes him look at her* I'm sorry. I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sorry for questioning you about it back then. I'm really sorry and I sincerely mean it. I know this is hard for you to talk about, and it means a lot that you shared it with me. I mean it when I say I'm here for you for whenever and whatever reason...*wraps her arms around his neck* cry it all out, it's good to cry sometimes.

Tae: *hugs her back, letting his tears just stream down* Zahara, mentally, I-I just don't know how I'm feeling but all I do know, is that whenever I'm with you...I feel a hell of a lot more better. I know I have the guys and the rest of the girls too but for you, i-it's different.

Zahara: that's exactly how I feel..

Tae: *sighs as he pulls away to look at her*

Zahara: *wipes his tears, giving him a reassuring smile*

Tae: *sniffles again* what about you? How are you doing?

Zahara: *smile fades away* we don't have to talk about this now-

Tae: please Zahara, I really care about you, you know that. I really don't want many secrets between us anymore..

Zahara: *looks down, fiddling with her thumbs, thinking whether she should vent a little or not. She doesn't want to end up arguing with him* I'm scared, Taehyung. Really scared. Exactly how I was when I was young and I first saw my father lay a hand on my mother. Exactly the same of when he laid a hand on me. Exactly the same fear I felt when my father nearly.......*takes a deep breath in, then releases* nearly killed me...*trying so hard to not let those tears roll down her cheek* Even if I'm not around him right now, he haunts me. Everything I do, his voice comes in my head. I thought being away from him would ease my depression and anxiety but instead, it made it worse. Taehyung, my mom didn't answer me all day yesterday, today as well. You know it's not normal of my mother..I'm really worried, terrified, w-what if something happened? W-what if-

Tae: *pulls her into his embrace*

Zahara: *is hugging him back tightly, tears rolling down her cheeks, her voice is cracking A LOT* I-I-I don't want anything to happen to my mom, Tae. This life she lives, she doesn't deserve it. My c-career, all started because I thought of my mom. I want to buy her the things she never got to have. I want to buy her a house, her dream car, I work so much because I want to fulfill the life she deserves, a-away from that fucking asshole. The asshole that made my life growing up an actual living fucking hell. The asshole who constantly is disrespecting my mom, beating her, raping her, putting shit in her head, messing her completely up. *in a hushed tone, eyes shut as she just let the tears flow down her cheeks* W-Why do people like him have to exist....?

Tae: *rubbing circles on her back*

11:55pm
5 minutes to Zahara's birthday in Cali
#HappyBirthdayZahara is trending #1 worldwide
#HappyZaharaDay is trending #2 worldwide
The hashtags have been trending worldwide
Zahara wasn't really on her phone that much all day so she really hasn't paid much attention to it
Each member of LFTM (except Zahara) and BTS have each tweeted out something for Zahara's birthday. Again Zahara wasn't really on her phone so she hasn't seen it.

Huri: I can't believe she's actually asleep right now *watching the camera crew set up*

Tae: she's been working, plus most of her energy was sucked out of her because of today.

Huri: I know..but still.

Yari: so how are we going to wake her?

Hoseok: are we going to go in and jump onto the bed?

Kookie: or surround her and yell "Happy Birthday!"

Cai Lu: or both!

Yoongi: or should we prank her?

Jin: why prank her?

Namjoon: yeah, why prank her?

Jimin: because of all the pranks she's done on us.

Luma: oh yeah! Let's get some pans-

Tae: I don't think it's a good idea..she's extra fragile tonight guys..

Everyone: *thinking*

Huri: how about we *points to the girls in a rotation motion* will be on the bed, one us will wake her up and you boys surround the bed. Once she kind of wakes up and questions us, we'll yell "Happy Birthday" so we don't frighten her.

Namjoon: I think we need something else, but I don't know what..

Jin: hm..

Jimin: party poppers! Where are they?

Yari: but they're for la-

Hoseok: that's a good idea where are they?

Cai Lu: it'll make such a mess in the room

Tae: I don't mind *smiles, it's his room Zahara is currently sleeping in, because they were all watching some movies when Zahara fell asleep and Taehyung carried her up to his bed*

Girls: *look at each other, having yet another conversation with their eyes*

Huri: I guess why not. I mean, there are quite a lot we could use.

Luma: why are there so many and why so big?

Huri: *shrugs* I didn't buy them.

Yari: who bought them?

Huri: *shrugs again*

Yoongi: then let's do it!

Huri: *runs to the closet and gets out 7, so each one of the boys can pop one, runs back and hands each of them one*

Cameraman 1: ready

Cai Lu: *looks at the time and nods* it's 11:58 let's go up.

Everyone: *goes up quietly*

Huri: *opens the door quitely*

Girls: *sit around Zahara on the bed*

Boys: *around the bed*

Luma: *looks at the cameraman who's looking at the time*

Cameraman: *nods signaling it's time*

Luma: *shakes Zahara a bit and wakes her up*

Zahara: *opens her eyes but squinted with a slight groan, looking at Luma, then blinks hard and opens her eyes fully, looks around the room* mm? what's going o-

Everyone: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Boys: *twist the bottom part of the massive party poppers or confetti cannons whichever you call them, causing them to pop*

Zahara: *smiles as she claps her hands together, and laying the side of her face against them* awe you guys...*looking around the whole room at all of them*

Yari: how could you fall asleep?!

Zahara: I was tired!

Cai Lu: or did you do this on purpose to avoid us? *points her index finger at her*

Zahara: maybe-I mean nnoo, noooo.

All: *all look at her with a 'really?' facial expression*

Zahara: *chuckles* no really, I was tired, honestly I forgot the fact it was going to be my birthday, but thank you all so much, I love you all.

All: *smile*

Namjoon: awh come here Zahara!

All: *group hug*

12:10AM
Zahara's 18th Birthday
1 week until Zahara's 4th YouTube birthday
Everyone has gone to bed, except for Taera

Taera: *in the living room, Zahara's laptop is connected to the tv and currently they are just playing music from YouTube. What is on at the moment is Put Your Dreams Away by Frank Sinatra is on*

Zahara: *putting her camera on a tripod, as she is wearing a sheet mask*

Tae: *in the bathroom, putting one on himself*

Zahara: *turns on camera and hits record, has the screen flipped so she can see herself* as you all can see I have a sheet mask on so sorry if you can't comprehend what I'm saying. *trying not smile as she laughs* I look creepy yet funny at the same time

Tae: *walks back to the living room, stands next to Zahara, bends down until he's equal to her height*

Zahara: *she was unaware he was putting one on* you put one on-*looks at him, and the sheet mask in sliding slightly down his face, slightly giggles*

Tae: *shuts one eye as the mask covers over half of it and begins blowing upward bc a bit of the mask is falling onto his lips*

Zahara: *trying hard not to smile as she's trying not to laugh, kind of fails* that's not going to help..*continues watching him do so as the mask continues to slowly slide down his face*

Zahara: *shakes her head* do this *fixes it for him*

Tae: I was too lazy to do it

Zahara: yet you had the energy to put it on

Tae: yeah but that's something different

Zahara: *eyebrows furrow but then remembers she has the sheet mask on too, straightens up*

15 minutes later

Taera: *both have taken off the sheet mask, still recording, Hard Headed Woman by Elvis Presley is currently on*

Zahara: *lip syncing to the music as she dances*

Tae: *giggles as he watches her then joins her*

Taera: *the guitar solo begins to play, the both start to play the air guitar to it, they laugh at each other. After the first guitar solo they continue dancing but in a silly way now. They are just having fun, trying to burn off energy since they need to sleep*

Zahara: *stops dancing as she's dying of laughter bc of the face Taehyung is making while doing a ridiculous dance move. Knees slightly bent, head tilting downward, eyes shut*

Tae: what are you laughing at? Hm? *acting all tough, straightens up, lifting his head a bit, looking down at her as he takes a step closer to her*

Zahara: *looks up at him and straightens up while calming down, going serious as she plays along* I'm laughing at you, is there a problem?

Tae: ne, in fact there is a problem. *takes another step closer*

Zahara: *folds her arms against her chest* oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?

Tae: *slightly smirks* this. *grabs her and begins to tickle her side, and giggles*

Zahara: ANI STOOOP! *laughing*

Tae: *doesn't stop*

Zahara: *turns around quickly, still laughing too much, turning red, tickles him, causing him to stop and release her. Runs, steps on couch, goes over it so she has some distance away from him. Points her index finger him* ani

Tae: you clever little-*shuts his mouth, as he walks over to the camera, presses button to make it stop recording then shuts off camera* come here

Zahara: no you'll just tickle me

Tae: I promise I won't

Zahara: pinky promise?

Tae: *extends his pinky out*

Zahara: *walks around the couch and closer to him*

Tae: *until she's in his reach, he pretends he is about to tickle her*

Zahara: ANI! *turns around but Tae grabs her wrist, pulls her back around and closer to him*

Tae: *wraps both his arms around her waist*

Zahara: *smiles, looking down at his chest, sees a piece of fluff on his shirt, eyebrows furrow as she stares at it and goes to pick it off*

Tae: *looking at his chest* what is it?

Zahara: it's a piece of fluff..*pinches it, pulls slowly, does not get off, tries again, fails, now focused on getting the piece of fluff off of his shirt, gets closer, looking at it then pinches it and finally gets it off. Straightens up and holds the piece of fluff in between her fingers* sly little shit

Tae: *smiles and blows it but it doesn't budge*

Zahara: *loosens her grip on it a bit*

Tae: *blows the fluff once again, and it floats away*

Zahara: *wraps her arms around his waist as she lays her head against his chest* Tae..

Tae: mm?

Zahara: *slightly yawns* we should go to bed

Tae: alright *pulls away then picks her up bridal style*

Zahara: what are you doing?

Tae: I'm taking you up..again.

Zahara: I can walk..I'm awake

Tae: and I can carry you up

Zahara: yeah...but I can walk

Tae: well maybe I'd rather carry you up

Zahara: *looks at the camera and laptop* I need my camera and laptop..*looks at the tv* and we need to turn off the tv and the lights

Tae: *carries her over to the tv so she can turn it off. Carries her over to her laptop so she can grab it, then over to the camera and tripod. Then as he exits the living room, stops so she can turn off the lights and carries her upstairs*

Zahara: Can I sleep by your side tonight?

Tae: of course, you don't even have to ask.

Zahara: well..I never know-

Tae: well now you know.

Zahara: *smiles and lays her head against his shoulder*

Tae: *walks to his room, stands in front of the door, lets her open the door, enters the room while pushing the door shut with his foot, walks over to his bed and lays her down softly*

Zahara: *props herself up with her elbow*

Tae: *grabs her laptop and camera, placing it on the nightstand, on the side he knows Zahara will sleep on. Turns on lamp on the nightstand. Puts tripod to the side*

Zahara: I could have done that

Tae: I didn't want you too

Zahara: why-

Tae: *places his hands on the bed, one on each side of Zahara, looks deeply into her eyes* baby, I'm just taking care of you.

Zahara: *slightly blushes, fiddling with her thumbs, looks down towards her hands which are on her chest* I'm fine though

Tae: stressed and tired

Zahara: *looks up* but-

Tae: *shuts his eyes as he leans in quick, kissing her*

Zahara: *her eyes shut as well as she kisses back, wrapping her arms around his neck. After a few seconds, smiles against his lips*

Tae: *pulls away with a smile* I like shutting you up this way

Zahara: *rolls her eyes, still smiling*

Tae: *stands up straight, turns off the lights, walks over to the side he will be sleeping on, lays down*

Zahara: *turns over so she's on her belly, crawls over to his side and lays down on her side. Some moonlight is shining in the room, but not too much. Lays her head by his shoulder, looking up at the ceiling, with a small smile*

Tae: *looks at her and smiles*

Zahara: *laughs a bit*

Tae: what are you thinking about?

Zahara: the ridiculous facial expression you made while doing that one dance move downstairs *looks up at him, smiling*

Tae: *turns on his side, he's facing her, wraps his arms around her back, pulling her closer to his body*

Taera: *legs intertwine*

Zahara: *covers herself along with Taehyung with the blanket*

Tae: *with one hand is stroking her hair*

Zahara: *shuts her eyes* Taehyung-ah

Tae: ne?

Zahara: *shrugs* I just wanted to hear your voice

Tae: *smiles as he stops stroking her hair and kisses her forehead*

Zahara: I don't feel tired

Tae: me neither but, we have to sleep. It's late.

Zahara: I know..

Tae: *shuts his eyes, not letting his grip on her get loose*

Zahara: goodnight handsome

Tae: goodnight beautiful

Taera: *slowly drift to sleep*

4:33AM

Walking into her kitchen to see her mother on the floor with her eyes shut, liquor bottles, whiskey bottles, vodka bottles, surrounded.

"Mom..?"

Walking over to her mother, kneeling beside her, shakes her slightly.

"Momma, wake up."

Hoping her mother would wake up, she continues to shake her mother, but getting no response. She checks for a pulse, just to find the slightest one. Tears forming in her eyes, she quickly stands up and walks over to the house phone to call an ambulance, but he stops her.

"I don't think so"

"I'm not just going to let my mother die!"

"I think you should"

"And I think you think wrong"

"Excuse me?"

Getting angry, he grabs her roughly, slamming her to the ground. He begins to choke her. Struggling, she tries to get him off of her but can't. Letting her right hand, roam around to whatever is in her reach and can feel the leg of the small table. Grabbing a tight grip around it, she yanks it down with all her force, causing it to fall, hitting his head, knocking him out cold, loosening his grip of her neck. Crying, she gets away from him, holding her neck, quickly calling the police. After she calls, she quickly grabs his ankles and drags his body into the closet in the hallway. Quickly cleaning up the mess she made before the police and ambulance come. After she does so, she quickly runs back to the kitchen, kneeling beside her mother once again, laying her mother's head on her lap.

"Stay with me, momma. I know this life is shit but I promise, one day we will be released from this curse and I will give you the life you truly deserve. Please momma, I love you so much, please don't leave me alone with that monster."

Zahara: *sits up quickly as she wakes up, gasping for air, tears rolling down her face. Sitting Indian style, she props her elbows on her knees, her head lowers as her face is in her hands, she's just crying, silently.*

Tae: *is awoken by the sudden movement, groans as he stretches a bit, fluttering his eyes open. Squinting, he looks over at his side* what time is- *realizes Zahara is crying, quickly sits up, placing Zahara on his lap, hugging her, rubbing circles on her back*

Zahara: *wraps her arms around his neck, as she lets her chin rest upon his shoulder, letting it all out as she's slightly shaking*

Tae: *after a few minutes of comforting her, she calms down a bit and he lets go so he can look at her* what happened?

Zahara: I dreamt a horrible memory...I shouldn't call it a dream, more of a nightmare b-but..it was of the time my mom almost died from all of the alcohol she was consuming..

Tae: your mom was an alcoholic?

Zahara: she was..but after that day, she stopped..I mean, I hope she hasn't gone back to it *gasps* Tae! What if my mom went back to drinking and-and she hasn't replied to me because she's in the hos-wait...Victoria would tell me..*sighs, looks a bit down as she massages her temples*

Tae: *hugs her again, continues to rub circles on her back as he looks at the time on the clock* baby, I know you're worried, but you need some sleep. *kisses the side of her head*

Zahara: *nods slowly, as takes his arms off of her so she can lay back down*

Tae: *lays down as well*

Zahara: *lays her head on his chest as she wraps her arm around his waist*

Tae: *wraps his arm around her shoulder, holding her close to himself, kisses the top of her head*

Zahara: *inhales a deep breath as she shuts her eyes, then exhales*

Tae: try go to sleep and not think about it. I know it'll be a struggle but it's your birthday, babe. I don't want you to be upset on your birthday.

Zahara: *as he spoke, she opened her eyes. Looks up at him and gives him a peck on the lips. Then goes back in the positions she was, shutting her eyes to go back to sleep*

Tae: *smiles as he shuts his eyes*

------------------------------------------------------

Hey guys, so sorry that it took longer than usual to publish this chapter. As school is starting very soon for me, I apologize now as updating will most likely be a bit more slower. I'm currently working on a few other stories but no worries, out of all, It Isn't Easy is my number one priority.

I'd like to thank my two lovely friends Reshma and Bella. Reshma is the one who named Papito the Frog. Bella is the one who inspired me to insert that little part with Sasha's daughter 😂 btw, Bella isn't actually 8 years old like I made her be in this FF. Sorry Bella 😂

Reshma, Bella, love ya both 💜

Also, if you're reading, I love ya too 💜

Voting, following, commenting all very much appreciated. Thank you all so much!