01|

I heaved a deep sigh, my fingers lingering on the cool metal of my car door as I stepped out. The familiar scent of leather and pine air freshener clung to my clothes, a stark contrast to the smoky, wild aroma I'd grown accustomed to with Tairn.

Tairn. My dragon. My best friend. My... something more?

I shook my head, trying to dispel the confusing thoughts. Sure, I rarely drove anywhere these days - why would I, when I could soar through the clouds on Tairn's powerful back, the wind whipping through my hair? But sometimes, a girl just needed the normalcy of four wheels on the ground.

As if summoned by my thoughts, I felt a familiar warmth in my chest. Tairn's presence, always there, always comforting. I could almost hear his rumbling voice in my mind, see the mischievous glint in his eyes. Lately, those eyes had been watching me differently. His touch lingered a bit too long. His protective stance a bit too... possessive?

"Stop it," I muttered to myself, slamming the car door with perhaps a bit too much force. "He's a dragon. You're human. Get it together."

But as I walked away, I couldn't help but wonder - what if? What if there was something more between us? What if...?

"Ah, Fry Skyborne, this way," a silky voice called out. I turned to see a young woman with hair as dark as a moonless night cascading down her back. My heart skipped a beat - Eleanor Warf, the legendary manager of the hottest boy band in the country. I couldn't believe I was actually here.

"Thank you for letting me meet them," I breathed, trying to keep my voice steady. Eleanor's lips curved into a knowing smile that made my cheeks flush.

"Of course," she purred. "They are very excited to meet a dragon rider. We all are." The way she said 'all' sent a shiver down my spine.

As Eleanor opened the door, two burly guards materialized beside us. My pulse quickened as we were led into a cavernous room, a labyrinth of cameras and mysterious equipment surrounding us.

Suddenly, Tairn's deep, rumbling voice filled my mind. I don't like this, he growled, his protective instincts flaring.

I sighed internally. Just be quiet while I'm with them, I pleaded silently. Go to Sgaeyl; she should be here today if I remember correctly.

Tairn's response was dripping with sarcasm and... was that jealousy? You're jealous, dear.

Heat rose to my cheeks. How dare he? With a huff, I slammed my mental barriers down, blocking out his infuriating presence. I needed to focus. This was my moment, and I wasn't about to let my overprotective dragon ruin it.

As we ventured deeper into the room, my heart pounded in anticipation. What adventures awaited me in this world of fame and glamour? And why did I feel like I was walking into something far more dangerous than I'd ever imagined?

My breath caught in my throat as my eyes landed on him. A vision in white, his suit crisp and pristine, a silver key pendant glinting at his throat. Was it really...?

"Miss Skyborne, we finally meet." His voice was like warm honey, sending a shiver down my spine. "I am Lee Minho, but call me Minho."

He extended his hand, and I took it, trying to ignore the electric current that seemed to pass between us. Tairn's presence battered against my mental walls, but I held firm. This moment was mine.

"Mr. Minho," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper, "it's a pleasure to meet you." I scrambled for something intelligent to say. "How is all the rehearsing and the concerts going?"

Minho's smile widened, and he gently guided me towards a circle of impossibly handsome men. My heart raced. The entire band, right here!

"All good, dear," he said, that endearment making my cheeks flush. "Now, these are my bandmates, Hyunjin, Changbin, Jeongin, Bang Chan, and Seungmin."

As Minho explained their uncertainty about the interview, I found myself acutely aware of their gazes. They were studying me, taking in my battle-worn appearance - the slightly ragged clothes, the scars that marked my arms like a roadmap of adventures, the single earring that hung defiantly from my ear.

I stood there, caught between two worlds - the glitz and glamour of these music gods, and the wild, dangerous life of a dragon rider. As their eyes roved over me, I couldn't help but wonder: Could I ever truly belong in their world? And more importantly, did I want to

"Ah, Ms. Skyborne, I'm Bang Chan," one of them said, rising to his feet with a grace that took my breath away. He extended his hand, and I took it, trying to ignore the warmth that spread through my fingers at his touch.

As I smiled up at him, his dimples appeared, deep and charming. My heart skipped a beat. "It's nice to meet you, Bang Chan. At least, my muse tells me that you're quite the sensation around the globe," I chuckled, hoping I didn't sound as starstruck as I felt.

Chan's smile widened, and before I knew it, he was gently tugging me down to sit between Felix and Hyunjin. They both offered me warm smiles that could melt ice, but it was Hyunjin's eyes that caught me off guard. They roved over my exposed collarbones, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

I tried not to care, to act cool and collected, but I could feel Tairn's anger beginning to bubble up like a volcano ready to erupt. I pressed hard against my mental shields. They should hold, I told myself. I won't be able to cut him off completely, but I can shield him for now.

Until he becomes too angry, that is.

As I sat there, caught between two heartthrobs, I couldn't help but wonder: Was I playing with fire? And if I was, how long before I got burned - by the boys' charm, or by Tairn's jealousy?

"Now then, dears, these are interviews, but you need to focus too," the director's voice cut through the air, commanding our attention. I could feel the weight of the cameras on us, recording our every move. My heart raced.

"You need to focus on the interviews with kittens running around your feet like eager dogs," he continued, a mischievous glint in his eye. With a flourish, he revealed a casket padded with silver. The lid opened, and suddenly, the room was alive with movement.

Nine adorable kittens burst forth, each a different color, scampering towards the eight men around me like furry little comets. My breath caught as I watched the scene unfold, feeling like I was witnessing a small miracle.

That's when I saw it. A tiny kitten, slightly smaller than the others, stumbled towards me. Its blue eyes, set in a pristine white face, locked onto mine. Time seemed to stand still.

Gently, I reached out, scooping the little creature into my arms. It immediately cuddled close, a soft purr rumbling against my chest. A smile tugged at my lips, warmth spreading through me.

"Looks like it likes you," a deep voice rumbled beside me, nearly making me jump out of my skin. I turned to see Felix, his own smile radiant as he watched an orange tabby tom at his feet. The kitten was mewing incessantly, as if it had burrs stuck in its pelt.

As I sat there, cradling my new feline friend, I couldn't help but wonder: Was this little kitten a sign? And if so, what did it mean for my future with these captivating idols?

The room fell into a hush, the only sounds the soft purrs and mews of the kittens. I could feel the weight of the cameras on me, waiting.

"Now, Ms. Skyborne, I'll ask you the first question," the director said, his voice cutting through the silence. I met his gaze, trying to keep my nerves in check. "How is it being here among mortal humans and not riders?"

I cocked my head, stealing a glance at the boys around me. They were utterly engrossed in cuddling and cooing at their kittens, seemingly oblivious to the fact that we'd begun. A chuckle escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"It's strange, for sure," I admitted, turning back to the director. The kitten in my arms snuggled closer, as if lending me strength. "But it's nice. Doesn't feel like I'm being watched or waiting to be killed any minute."

I paused, considering my next words carefully. "Riders' gatherings are a nice place for those who've got the guts for it, but it gets tiring after a while, always watching your back." A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Tairn. "But I know my dragon always does that for me, so I don't need to strain that much."

As the words left my mouth, I realized how different my world was from the one these boys inhabited. Battles and constant vigilance versus stage lights and adoring fans. Yet here we were, brought together by fate and furry little kittens.

"I see," the director nodded, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "And what about your relationship with this Tairn of yours? We've seen him flying overhead a few times, but never landing."

I sighed, feeling the weight of Tairn's absence. The kitten in my arms, sensing my mood, purred and licked my thumb. I looked down at her, finding comfort in those innocent blue eyes.

"It's just fine, really," I said, stroking the kitten's head. She purred louder, arching into my touch. "We're like two peas in a pod, but he can be a bit... umm... grumpy at times." I chuckled softly. "But it'll pass."

Suddenly, Chan looked up, his dimples appearing as he smiled. "May I ask a question?" he asked, his voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I nodded, and saw the director do the same.

"How come you don't wear that much here in the city?" Chan's eyes met mine, filled with genuine curiosity. "I mean, you need provisions, don't you?"

The question caught me off guard. I blinked, realizing how different our worlds truly were. Here I was, a battle-worn dragon rider, sitting among pristine pop stars who probably never had to worry about survival gear.

"Yes, I do," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "But we get most of it from other outposts. The leadership at Basgiath means we don't need to turn to mortal cities when we can fly around the whole world if we want to."

Chan nodded, his eyes sparkling with interest. "I see. But will we be seeing you more after this?"

I shrugged, feeling a flutter in my stomach at the thought. "Perhaps, if my schedule allows it."

Chan's smile was dazzling, but suddenly, I felt Tairn's anger rise to a fever pitch. I winced, the pain sharp and unexpected.

"Are you alright?" Hyunjin asked, his hand finding my knee. The gentle touch sent sparks through me, but it also caused Tairn's anger to boil over.

I stood up abruptly, clutching the kitten to my chest. "May I go outside? Um, my dragon... he's in pain."

The director nodded, and I bolted. I raced through the halls, dodging staff and equipment, the kitten mewing and pressing herself against me. Finally, I burst outside, sprinting towards the grand hill where Tairn and I had landed before.

I saw him then - a black beast spiraling down from the sky, anger pouring off him in waves. The kitten whimpered, and I clutched her closer as the ground shook beneath Tairn's heavy landing.

"You let humans touch you," he growled, lowering his massive head. Hot steam billowed into my face, blowing my carefully braided hair back.

As I stood there, caught between my furious dragon and the innocent kitten in my arms, I realized I was standing on the precipice of two worlds. One of danger and flight, the other of music and gentle touches.

Which one would I choose? And at what cost?