Threads and Strings

12. Guesting - May 2019

Yara: Yes, the vibes of New York are just so unique that it’s unforgettable and so easy to long for. 

Charles: I agree, part of me misses the city even more as we do the press tour for the movie.

Host 1: Emi, you film in Vancouver for the show and not too far from the Lakeview set. How does it feel to be so close to another star like Charles, who also films in Vancouver?

Emi: It makes it seem like home and it has been easing my transition into the filming world. 

Charles: It’s great having Emi so close as we both work. 

Host 1: Maybe I’m missing something, but have you two worked together before? From my understanding, Emi, this is your first project. 

Charles and Emi: We actually grew up together [Emi and Charles both laugh at their unified response]

Yara: What? Really?

[Murmurs came from the crowd at the revelation. Lia and Kai were confused at this sudden revelation, but realized that a majority of people might not have seen the livestream that showed Charles in their video.]

Charles: Yeah, we have been in each others’ lives since we were kids. 

Host 2: That is so interesting. We have to talk more about this, but we will be taking a quick commercial break. 

Emi and Charles looked at one another as if they revealed a long kept secret. Charles and Emi laughed at their reactions and Yara wanted to know a little bit more about their friendship. 

“So this is the best friend I’ve heard so much about on set. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Yara and Emi embraced as they headed backstage. After a short conversation, Emi was called back on stage to prepare the audience for the first performance. 

Yara and Charles were called to their interview at a different part of the concert venue. 

Emi stepped onto the stage and waved at Mimi, who was filming her along with many other fans. 

[Applause was cued as Emi walked to the front of the stage with one of the hosts]

Emi: Good morning! Do I need to ask who is here? We all know that ARMY is here to show some love to the boys. [ARMY screamed]

Host 1: I heard in the back that you are also ARMY.

Emi: Recently became ARMY. I can tell you that there are ARMY, probably out in the crowd that have been with the guys since their debut. 

Host 1: From some research, we found that you have your own channel to let your creativity flow more. Your channel is most known for the dance challenges and livestreams. 

Emi: It’s actually not my channel. My management team, Lia and Kai, are the directors of the channel and really take the time to find songs that we can just have fun with. I would not be able to do all these things without them. 

Host 1: We convinced your team to let you do the dance challenge, if you are up for it. [Emi nodded] We have some shoes for you to change into over there. So let’s give her a second to change some shoes as we show a clip from the channel. 

[Emi ran to the stairs to change her shoes. As she finished tying her shoes, she saw a couple of members of Bangtan Sonyeondan, or BTS, peeking out from the back.  Before heading back to the front of the stage, she ran over to them without even realizing what she was doing.]

Emi approached them and security stopped her. She showed her pass. 

In Korean, Emi asked and bowed, “Hello. I am Kim Emi. I would like to ask for your permission to dance to your music before you go on.”

The seven guys looked at her. A surprise hearing someone speak Korean directly to them as they prepared for an American show. 

Namjoon shook Emi’s hand and answered, “Hello, Emi-noona?”

“We are the same age actually.”

“Well, either way,” Namjoon continued, “we appreciate your check in. Please do. We cannot wait to see what you showcase.” Emi showed an appreciative smile and shook hands with each member, thanking each one of them for all their hard work. With a final bow, she ran to the front of the stage. 

Kai came up on stage and played three different BTS songs [chosen by the audience] with some complex choreography; Emi hitting each move as if she had rehearsed it. Emi was applauded and eagerly gave a bow to the crowd. 

“Enough of my dancing. Let’s get the real stars of this stage out. Let’s give it up for BTS!” Emi yelled. 

Emi walked back to the side where her shoes were left. She bowed to each BTS member that passed her by, trying to catch her breath.

One member stopped in front of her, “That was great. Now I am more excited to perform. Thank you for performing.” Kim Taehyung handed her water and bowed to her. 

“Thank you very much. It was an honor performing in front of you.” Emi walked down the stairs to join Charles and their family as the performance began.