"Beginnings"

ALARM RINGS

Donna opens one eye and clamps it shut, "I want to sleep for five more minutes. Ugh..college..."

She could hear her mom calling out to her, telling her to come downstairs for breakfast after getting dressed. Donna decided to check the time and sat up with a jolt. "6:20 a.m.!!! Gosh!!! College starts at 8:00."

She realised that she would be late on her very first day. "Well, Donna that's not going to happen because it would ruin it. All you need to do is step up your pace," she gave herself a short pep talk as she dashed to take a quick shower. She dressed in a cute dress but decided to go without any makeup as she had a natural glow. She went downstairs for breakfast only to find her mother glaring at her.

Her mother started to speak, "Honey I have to tell you something."

Donna whirled towards her as her mother's voice sounded serious, "What?"

It was her father who explained further, "Well, we are planning to go to London for business as there have been some issues there... and it will take at least five months for things to settle down there. We will leave after three days."

Mother added, "Today we have to go to Busan for a meeting for a new project and will be leaving in the evening when you return from college..."

Donna was astonished, "Five months?! That's a long time," and after a long sigh added, "Ask Jessica also."

Though Jessica was young, she had a mature head on her shoulders, "It's fine. Just go and don't worry about us. We will be fine here."

The parents replied in unison, "First, both of you eat breakfast and then we will pack our stuff."

They blew kisses towards their daughters who sighed and gave them a warm smile.

Donna turned towards her sister, "Jessica, I am leaving. I don't want to be late on my first day. Tell mom and dad and you also come quickly."

Jessica replied, "Fine! You leave, I will follow you!"

Donna replied, "I wonder if the people at the university will befriend me or how they will treat me!"

Donna made her way to her University, Seoul School of Arts. Her first stop was the administration office to pick her new timetable and seating schedule.

She knocked at the office and said, "May I come in miss?"

The person sitting at the table replied, "Yes, sure darling."

Donna said, "I would like to have my schedule please."

The unknown person replied gesturing at another lady sitting next to her, "Oh... sure sweety. My name is Katherine and she is Elena. We are the new counselors, so feel free to come to us for anything. Okay?"

Donna replied shyly, "Sure miss. I should leave as I am getting late."

She headed to her locker and saw a girl whose locker was besides hers. Her friends were standing behind her waiting for her.

The girl smiled and extended her hand, "It seems like you are new here. I am Jisoo, the oldest member in Blackpink and these are my friends."

The members of Blackpink chimed, "Hey!!!"

Donna replied, "My name is Lee Donna. I am 18 and live with my parents and my sibling. I am half British and half Korean. I hope I would make more friends and enjoy my last year here."

Some of the students at the University did know her as she had studied here for some months before leaving for London as she had to accompany her parents. She was back at her alma mater and that was the reason while she knew some things, but there were many changes as well.

Donna thought to herself, "I think these guys will be honest and won't bully me or use me for money. I understand how that affects you and can lead to depression and self-harm. My previous schoolmates bullied me a lot and that's why I get really conscious of people around me."

But Jisoo unaware of her train of thought began the introductions cheerfully, "This is Rose and this, Jennie. By the way, we have dance class next and we are short on one member. Would you like to join us?"

Rose added, "There is one more person with us. Her name is Lisa. She has taken a leave today."

Donna nodded and replied, "I would love to participate with you all."

AT THE DANCE CLASS

The teacher addressed the class and said, "We have a new exchange student here with us. Please, introduce yourself."

Donna got up and spoke, "Hello everyone! My name is Lee Donna I hope we can become good friends."

It was the turn of the teacher, "May I ask, with which group will you dance?"

Blackpink chorused, "She's with us."

The teacher asked them to start dancing.

Girl 1 was looking at her unblinking, "She's so pretty."

Girl 2 nodded, "Even better than Irene."

Girl 1 replied, "Yeah, exactly!"

But an unknown person stuck a note of dissent. "Oh! Please. She can't match our standard."

Jimin was standing in a corner and observing Lee Donna dance. He was thinking to himself. "I came to know that she is an old student but I haven't met her. She's so down-to -earth."

By that time the Blackpink had finished their routine and it was the turn of BTS. "Get ready boys," called out the teacher.

The BTS practically set the dance floor on fire. Lee Donna was engrossed and thought, "I recently came to know about these boys as I saw them auditioning at a company to train as professional singers so, I kind of know who they are. They are quite popular because of their looks."

Donna said softly, "Go Jimin."

He was staring at her and the moment Lee Donna smiled at him, his dance grew more energetic. But she didn't notice the change.

But the teacher didn't miss the transformation, "These boys are in a mood today," she thought to herself.

After their dance got over, Jimin approached her, panting lightly and sat beside her. Donna handed him a water bottle and a towel, "Here!"

Jimin flashed a smile, "Thanks," and thought to himself, "Awww....she seems to be caring."

Donna could see that other girls were jealous as he was talking to her. Ditto for the BTS members, who were jealous of Jimin.

Donna asked casually, "Which class do you have next?"

Jimin replied, "I have history. And you?"

Donna replied, "Well, I have Maths and after that, I guess it is music."

Jimin smiled, "So do I. Maybe we could go together."

Donna agreed, "Sure. Yup can meet me at my locker and we could go together."

Suddenly they noticed that the other girls were staring at her, no, it should be called glaring at her as they wanted Donna to stay away from Jimin and his friends.

Donna nervously asked, "Jimin, why are the girls passing death glares?"

Jimin replied, "That is because I hardly talk to girls and try to maintain as much of a distance from them as possible. Second, I am their idol, I guess."

He chuckled.

Donna thought to herself, "So cute."

During the time they were talking, the others were pairing up to dance. It was finally Taehyung and Irene's turn and they started dancing.

Donna was observing them and said, "Jimin, can I ask you something if you don't mind?"'

Jimin nodded.

Donna said, "I don't think Irene is made for Taehyung. Like they both look cute but I don't feel right. Something's fishy going on..." Her look was confused.

Jimin agreed. "You think so too? So do I. We will find it out soon."

After the dance class got over Donna said, "I should get going, guys."

Blackpink replied, "Sure!! Or else you would be late for class."

Donna waved and said, "Bye. See you after the classes."

BTS called, "Sure! We would be waiting."

Donna headed to her class. Here too the teacher asked her to introduce herself.

Donna followed the well-rehearsed script.

The teacher said, "Thank you Donna. You can have a seat beside Suga. Please raise your hand, Suga."

Donna sat down beside him but she was waiting for the class to get over soon so that she could join Jimin for the music class.

Donna headed towards her locker, "Finally, I can go for the music class after that boring one hour lesson. I should wait for Jimin as he's late," she thought pouting."

On her way she saw a couple kissing. It wasn't difficult for her to figure out that it was Irene and Donna was horrified. She recorded the scene for proof. Even though she found making out at a public place extremely gross.

Donna thought, "I knew something wasn't right! I should show this to Jimin and ask him if it is right to show it to V."

Jimin sauntered in after sometime and said, "Are you ready to go?"

Donna, "Yes, we should! I have something to tell you before the class. Wait let me take out my phone."

Jimin asked, "What is it, Donna?"

Donna extended her mobile and played the video. He looked confused and sad. "We should show it to V," said Donna and all that he could manage to say was, "Yeah." His voice was cold.

Donna replied, "Let's go and we would talk about this in the break."

Jimin replied, "Come on," as the two of them headed towards the music room.

As the class commenced, the teacher said, "Hello! Today we have two new students. Why don't you introduce yourself to the class?"

Donna said, "Hello, everyone. My name is Lee Donna. Hope we could be friends."

Jimin waved to the class and said, "Hello guys. My name is Park Jimin."

The teacher looked from one to the other and said, "Would you like to sing for us?"

Donna replied, "Sure, miss."

She started to sing and her eyes shut as she synced with the piano being played by a student.

Jimin thought to himself, "Wow! I didn't know Donna could sing so well. I thought she is not a BTS fan girl. I will ask her about this afterwards."

When the song ended, the class applauded and Donna thanked them.

She saw a confused look on Jimin's face but decided to ask later because it was his turn. After completing his song, Jimin sat beside her while the others were singing one by one.

Jimin asked, "Donna, how do you know my song?"

Donna replied, "It is time to tell you the truth. Well, I didn't tell you that I am also a fan of BTS. I knew you were going to debut and how I came to know that is a long story. But I decided not to tell you and behave normally because idols also need space from their fans and need true friends. The moment I met you all, I was bursting with excitement but decided not to say a word. I am sorry that I didn't tell you anything but..."

Jimin replied, "I am glad you told me about this and I want us to be best friends. Promise me you won't hide anything."

Donna gave him a hug and a warm smile as he blushed and hugged her back.

"Oh Jimin, I won't hide anything again...we could hang out today if it's comfortable with you?"

Jimin nodded, "Sure I would love to."

Donna suggested, "Well, we could go to your favorite place."

Jimin said, "We can go to Starbucks if you want. It's been quite a while since I went there."

Donna was agreeable.

Jimin said, "If it's fine with you, I would like to spend some time with you to know you better."

Donna replied, "It's perfectly fine. We should go now. Would you want to sit with me during the recess?"

Jimin nodded and they made their way to the cafeteria.

The bell rang. Before she could reach the table, Jimin darted towards the counter and brought food for her as well. She sat in between Jimin and Jin.

Donna could only murmur a thanks softly as her eyes were filled with gratitude. And not just because he brought food for her but she foresaw the beginnings of a great friendship.

She was eating her meal quietly, when Donna felt something being poured on her head. She whirled around and saw the culprit. Irene. She was holding a bowl of soupy noodles which she had emptied on Donna's head.

Donna sputtered, "Just because I talk to you politely, you decide to be mean to me. What the heck are you doing? You wanna die?''

Irene's voice was sharp, "Stay away from my Taehyung."

Donna replied, "Oh now I remember! What a bonus for me. Sorry, Jimin, but I have to do this."