2. Charming Friend

Today's D.E. fan meeting is going to be amazing! My mind is already racing, imagining myself taking a picture with him or looking at him from up close. He’s the most perfect, handsome man in the world. His voice is so melodious, and his romantic songs make me love him unconditionally.

"Ugh, Barbara sucks! I should be enjoying my day off! Instead, I’m stuck taking care of the elderly early in the morning because of her. Oh well, I’d better get moving," I muttered, reminding myself that at least I got the ticket for free from my wealthy friend.

Barbara Berkowski—even her name sounds expensive. She’s a spoiled rich girl and, frankly, a bit lazy. She should have studied harder to get better grades, but instead, she spent most of her time playing truant with me. Well, it’s not my fault her scores are always the lowest.

Even though I’m a bit lazy, my grades are always top-tier. I have an above-average photographic memory, especially when it comes to history. I love reading ancient books, but I often get bored listening to lecturers. It’s not that I’m arrogant; it’s just that their explanations rarely offer anything new that I haven't already found in my own collection.

I put on my regular clothes first, packing my outfit for the D.E. event in my bag. I don't want to look shabby; I need to look neat and beautiful for him. Working at the nursing home means being exposed to vomit, urine, and the medicinal scent of herbal oils. I’ll need to shower, change, and do my makeup before heading to the fan meeting.

I hopped on my motorbike, and in just thirty minutes, I arrived. The nursing home is filled with friendly elderly people. I genuinely like them; chatting with them makes me feel like I still have parents. I’ve lived alone since my parents passed away during my high school years. That’s why I never turn down a job—anything to earn a bit of money.

"Lea!" a man called out.

It was Jonathan, a nurse who works here. He’s quite handsome, friendly, and a good friend of mine.

"What’s up, Joe?"

"Replacing Barbara again? Aren't you supposed to be at that fan meeting today?" he asked, surprised.

"Hmph! Barbara’s in Thailand hunting elephants! She’s so annoying," I replied with a pout.

"Well, it's lucky you're here. I need a hand. Mrs. Maria had a heart attack last night, and the team just took her to the hospital," he explained, looking exhausted.

"Oh no, poor Mrs. Maria. Has any of her family arrived?"

"Sadly, no. I think she really misses her son," Jonathan said regretfully.

"I feel so sorry for her."

"I know you're a good girl, Lea. Can you help me out? Mrs. Imelda is having trouble walking—her legs are hurting. Please go and keep her company," Jonathan pleaded.

"Okay, but Joe, I have to leave by one in the afternoon. The D.E. fan meeting starts at three," I reminded him.

"I know, I know! That’s why I’m surprised you’re even here, considering how infatuated you are with a man who doesn't even know you exist," Jonathan teased, laughing.

"Hey! That’s just the devoted love of a fan!" I argued.

"I don't get it. I've never been crazy about a stranger," Jonathan said, chuckling as he headed toward the medicine room.

I don't care what people think. D.E. is everything to me. Being a devoted fan gives me a sense of purpose. I tucked my bag into my locker and headed for Mrs. Imelda's room. Usually, it's filled with music, but today it was quiet.

I found her in her wheelchair, staring out the window.

"Mrs. Imelda, I'm here," I greeted her.

"Hi, Lea. Come in, dear!" she replied kindly.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Just looking at the sky," she said, her voice laced with sadness.

"Are you missing your family?"

"Haha, you caught me. Yes, I miss my daughter. She works abroad and hasn't checked in for a long time," she sighed.

"Would you like me to try and contact her?"

"No need. Jonathan tried yesterday and today, but there was no response. She’s probably busy; I don't want to disturb her," the old woman replied gloomily.

"Well... how about you pretend I'm your daughter for a bit? Let's do some karaoke!" I suggested.

"You?"

"Yes, me! I don't have parents anymore—they passed away when I was young. I’m all alone. Am I not as beautiful as your real daughter?" I joked, trying to cheer her up.

"Are you an orphan, dear? Oh, I’m so sorry. Yes, let’s do karaoke. Let’s have some fun together."

I smiled widely, put on Mrs. Imelda's favorite songs, and started singing along. She laughed as she watched me dance. My voice was hoarse and not melodious at all, but I sang with my whole heart. To her, it probably looked like a live comedy show.

"Hahaha! Lea, stop! You’re making my ears and my stomach hurt from laughing!" she exclaimed.

"I'll stop, but only if you promise not to be gloomy anymore!" I replied, grinning.

"I promise. I’ll be laughing all day just remembering your singing, Lea."

"Perfect! Now you have a new daughter. If your real daughter makes you sad, just call me. I’ll tell you stories; I don't have anyone else to talk to either."

"Haha, okay. Thank you, Lea. You’re a good girl. If I had a son, I’d want you to marry him."

"Wow! That sounds like a plan! Too bad you don't have one," I joked, pouting.

"Haha, true! You're still single, right? Why don't you date Jonathan? He’s handsome, isn't he?" she asked suddenly.

"Jonathan? No! He's not my type. There’s already a guy I like, and I’m going on a date with him this afternoon."

"A date? That’s wonderful!"

"Well, not as grand as you think. I'll just be sitting in a crowd asking for an autograph."

"Goodness, is it that Drex? That idol you’re so crazy about?" Mrs. Imelda asked. I had told her all about him before.

"Yeah! He’s the only man for me in this world!"

"Oh, Lea... I was young once too. But there comes a time when you have to distinguish reality from daydreams. Drex is an idol; you shouldn't let your obsession with him consume your whole life," she advised gently.

"Is that so? We’ll see. If I get bored after seeing him in person, I’ll stop. But if he’s too charming, I can't make any promises!" I laughed.

I spent the rest of my shift having fun and joking with the residents. When break time finally came, I rushed to the employee bathroom. I showered, changed into my beautiful clothes, and carefully applied my makeup.

I wanted to look perfect. I wanted Drex to smile at me. I grinned at my reflection like a madwoman. I looked beautiful. It was time.

As I left the room, I decided to grab a quick lunch. Jonathan saw me and stopped in his tracks, looking surprised.

"Wow! Who is this beautiful girl? Are you an angel?" he teased.

"Hahaha, this angel is starving. Is the staff lunch ready?"

"It’s ready, Miss Angel," Jonathan said, continuing to tease me.

I sat down and started eating my ration while Jonathan watched me, chuckling.

"What? Is my makeup too much?" I asked, feeling self-conscious.

"No! You look beautiful. It’s just... I feel sorry for you."

"Why?"

"You love a man who doesn't even know you, Lea," he replied.

"That's just the life of a fan!"

"Yeah, but sometimes it just seems a bit... foolish."

I went quiet. I was annoyed that Jonathan called me foolish, even though deep down, I knew it was a bit crazy to be obsessed with a man loved by millions.

"Don't be angry, I’m not lecturing you," Jonathan said, noticing my mood. "Just do what makes you happy, Lea. I just think you're a great girl and you deserve something real."

"I know he won't see me. But I can't help it, Jonathan. I like him... maybe I even love him. Yeah, I’m pretty stupid."

"You're not stupid. You just haven't found true love yet. When you do, you'll forget all about your idol," Jonathan replied with a smile.

Mrs. Imelda was right; Jonathan was charming. But for some reason, I wasn't attracted to him at all. Right now, Drex was my "true love."

I just smiled and kept eating. But before I could finish, another employee shouted for Jonathan.

"Jonathan! Hurry! Mr. Smith is having a seizure!" Stevia yelled.

Jonathan bolted from his chair. I stood there, torn between helping and rushing to the fan meeting.

"Oh gosh! Don't think, just act!"

I dropped my fork and ran after Jonathan. Mr. Smith has a neurological condition that causes occasional seizures. I spontaneously stepped in to help Jonathan. It took a while to get him stabilized. Poor man.

Once he was calm, Jonathan checked his pulse.

"How is he?" I asked.

"He's stabilizing. Lea, don't you have to go? I can handle this from here. Go!" Jonathan urged, remembering the event even when I had momentarily forgotten.

"Oh gosh, I forgot! Thanks, Joe! I’m off. I hope Mr. Smith feels better soon."

"Take care of yourself, Elea," Jonathan called out.

Elea rushed out, leaving Jonathan staring after her.

"Sweet girl," he muttered to himself.