chapter 20

We were already near the back gate exit of the dome when I remembered that there are a lot of fans waiting outside. Even if I'm having a hard time, I did my best to get a cap and a mask inside my duffel bag.

I immediately wore it on him even if he's moving around, refusing to put on a cap and mask. Good thing, I was able to wear it on him before he could move more.

He removed his hand that's draped around my shoulder at the same time he removed his cap that I just wore on him. I glared at him because he's being hard-headed again. 

"Manager!", he said a bit stubbornly. He acted like he's angry but his chinky eyes turned into a straight line later on as his cheeks rose up.

"You need to cover your face. You have fans waiting outside. Even if they'll recognize you, it's better to keep your face hidden with a cap and mask. You're sweaty and you're not wearing any make-up."

"Yes, I know but you could just have told me. You caught me off-guard earlier." His hand is on his chest as if he got hurt.

"I almost had a heart attack earlier.", he whispered, obviously he's just trying to talk to himself but I still heard it anyway.

What heart attack? In his face!

"Then stop whining and just go out." I tried to push his back so he would continue walking but he's too heavy.

He made a face before putting the cap on me. I was about to ask why when I saw him fixing the beanie he's wearing. Oh!

I forgot he's wearing a beanie. Maybe it was because I panicked too much. He glared at me a bit playfully when he saw me looking at his beanie.

"Your fashion sense sucks Manager." He teased.

I made a face which caused him to burst into laughter. While he's laughing out loud, I mentally noted myself how shallow his happiness is.

How can he be this carefree around me and yet, still guarded? Can't he just be like the person I talked with inside the dressing room? I mean, not about cursing me but a bit more himself when he's around me. Not just twenty-five to fifty percent of it. 

He's still laughing so I left him inside. I don't think he'll get over it soon.

When I went out, many fans waited with their phones ready, probably already on-cam while directed at the exit of the dome. Some even have those professional cameras that most papparazzis use.

Good thing the bodyguards and security guards are doing a great job in blocking them so they can't come any closer.

Evan is already stalking behind me, wearing the mask I put on him. His mask didn't cover his nose and mouth, he only brought it down to his chin that's why the ghost of smile on his lips is visible.

The fans shrieked and immediately captured it making me blink when their cameras flashed.

I was about to open the door for him but he beat me to it that's why I just entered in the shotgun seat of the van, being careful so that my face won't be captured in the cameras. 

When I entered the car, I scrunched my nose because of the manly smell, with a mix of sweat. It doesn't smell bad, just not my liking.

I threw three small bottles of alchol at the back that they immediately caught with grinning faces. The hygenix brand because it smells good. They thanked me making me shake my head. They seriously have to buy that alcohol. 

While on our way to the dorm, I still can't believe how my life changed when I met them, most especially him, that one guy.

I still can't believe that I'm able to talk to them like this. That they're just right in front of me, within my reach. 

It's been a month now and I still feel like everything is just a dream. 

The boys were so tired so instead of going to the massage house, I asked for a home service. The masseuse agreed since I'll also pay extra.

When we arrived, the boys immediately went inside their respective rooms, while the others fell asleep on the couch in the living room. The others went to the kitchen to eat the food they ordered while we're still on the way home, feeling hungry from the practice.

While everyone else is busy, Gyle went to me, holding the coupons in his hands.

"Manager, they're already tired so I think we can no longer go to the massage house right now. Is it okay? Can we still use this some other time?", He licked his lower lip and blinked as a a drop of sweat fell from his hair to his cheek, near his eyes.

"No it's fine. I already called them. I understand Gyle."

"Thank you." The sides of his lips rose and his eyes twinkled.

I nodded at him. He was about to go, maybe to his room, when someone rang the doorbell. The other members who are in the kitchen thought it was the additional food they ordered so Gyle volunteered to open the door.

His eyes turned round as his mouth parted a bit when he saw uniformed women when he opened the door. It took him awhile to react. He looked at me with questioning eyes.

"Manager?" He asked, shocked from the sudden visitors. 

"Please take care of them Gyle. Lead them to the other boys' room."

Before I could enter my room that's just on the first floor, beside the music room, I heard him say, "Thank you."

No. I'm the one who should say that. I'm the one who should thank them. If it weren't for them, I don't know how hellish my life would be right now.

I woke up earlier than usual the next day. I cooked them a hearty meal. I'm not a good cook like those Michelin chefs but my food can be eaten.

This is their big day. This is the least personal thing I can do for them.

After cooking, I went inside my room to take a bath. Although I'm showering, I can hear the thumpings on the second floor that's clearly from their rooms. I can also hear the noise from either the living room or the kitchen.

I could hear Johannes' laugh resounding the whole dorm early in the morning. Then there's Dylan's shrieks as if he's a pig who's about to get butchered. I also heard a loud stamp as if something really big fell, followed by a groan and laughs from the other members upstairs.

I heard how Gyle and Kris tried to silence them and stop from whatever they're doing. Both of their rooms are located here in the first floor. Maybe they woke up because of the loud noise from the second floor.

Evan's voice prevailed out of them all, seconded by Hans' teasing. I shook my head and just continue to shower.

After dressing up, I made a final check of all the things needed today. I called for the staffs incharge from different departments to double check everything. So far, all is well.

When I went out of the room, they're already eating in the dining room, loud and hoarding a lot of food which made the others protest because they want more too. 

I sighed because I made more than enough. And they also know that all of them can eat to their hearts content. It's just that the older members wanted to tease the younger ones, especially Drake who's the youngest of the group.

I went out of the dorm so I could talk with Manong Gerry, our driver.

"Ma'am there are are a lot of fans waiting outside. They're quite fast in knowing the exact address of the group. How did they even know?" He asked innocently, unaware of how aggressive kids are these days.

If only Manong knows how advanced their stalking skills are. They even know more about the members than me who is their manager and personal assistant who is almost with them twenty-four-seven.

"They're really like that Manong."

"Good thing the gate and fences are high enough. Some of them tried to climb earlier."

My eyes bulged because of what Manong Gerry said. Shocks! That's too much. I didn't know they'd go to such lengths just for their idols. Figures, fans tend to be extra sometimes. They'll do the unbelievable just for them.

I even did the unbelievable just for them. If it were the me of maybe five to seven years ago, I wouldn't even bat an eye to this group.

Manong Gerry gave me a hot choco that he bought from the cafe just right around here. We always order in that café and this also serves as my breakfast.

"You reall wont eat ma'am? Real food..", His gaze shifted from his cup of coffee to me. His eyes were laced with concern just like how parents are usually.

I shook my head slowly." I need to be in a good condition right now."

He understood what I meant but he just cant help but worry too. I tend to vomit if I eat early in the morning especially when I'm stressed about work or if I'm over-fatigued. It'll be hassle later so it's better to prevent it. Aside from that, I already got used to this kind of lifestyle.

"But you have to take care of yourself maam. Your mother will worry.", He said again, hoping he could convince me.

I just smiled at him... He could never convince me with that reason. Because he's wrong.