Chapter 119

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A/N:  This chapter is most definitely a food related one.  So there's your notice in that regard.  Also, I will cite my resources at the end of the chapter via a comment with links, and will also continue to do so from here on out through the trip unless for some reason I forgot to write them down.

3555 words

Unsurprisingly I wake up early, and I am exceptionally thankful to discover once I use the bathroom that my period is light enough that my cycle should be over sometime tonight. I take a quick shower and find Tae stirring slightly once I am done. I don't bother him yet though. Instead I wonder what the weather will be like today. At first I grab my own personal phone, but then I grimace and grab the one they had issued us for the trip instead. The brand was a BTS sponsor, but that wasn't the only reason we were to use these particular phones. They were also given to us with sim cards in them that were already programmed to work throughout Europe and also preprogrammed with all the necessary numbers we would need during the trip, surprisingly including the local transportation services that agreed to assist us. I originally put my personal phone down because I have to get used to using this one instead. I find myself frowning when I realize that it isn't supposed to be any warmer than 24°C today, which I establish is about 75°F.

Not that 75°F is a bad temperature. It is only a few degrees higher than what I would have set my thermostat at during summer time to keep my old apartment cool. That's just it though, I was most definitely expecting it to be hotter today. I had researched beforehand about the weather of the area surrounding the Mediterranean and knew that the humidity didn't tend to get very high during this time of season unless the Scirocco, a wind that can blow in from Africa, was sweeping through the area.

This is the only day that I personally planned alongside the managers, and if it weren't for the wetsuits we would be renting out I would be worried that the water would be far too chilly to follow through with it. Speaking of chilly... I had looked at the phone with the intention of deciding what to wear based on the temperature outside. Since, I know it will probably be a tad on the chilly side that means I am limited to one of two pairs of pants that I brought with me. I end up deciding to wear the blue palazzo wide leg pants, paired with a ¾ long sleeve white blouse, and my classic white slip on Vans. I glance at my clothing for a moment and frown as I remember the torture I went through when trying to decide what to bring.

Eun Ae, the only BTS fashion stylist that speaks English, who is close to my age and happens to have a crush on my Taeger, came over and went through basically my entire wardrobe. It turns out that all of the clothing I was bringing with me for the trip had to be approved by Big Hit. I was honestly uncomfortable being around the young woman, although surprisingly she didn't look in my direction too often. I don't know if she was avoiding my presence visually or what.

In the long run, I couldn't get too mad at her selections. She approved the tankini that Jiwoo made for me, and I actually loved all of the clothing she chose. Not to mention she sort of helped me out so I didn't end up bringing more than a suitcase worth of clothing, aside from the garment bag that held my gown for whatever special occasion was planned plus three sundresses. Everything that Eun Ae picked out I could easily mix and match without a problem and create close to twenty outfits with only six shirts, two pairs of shorts, and two pairs of pants.

I was however upset that she deemed my other tankini too revealing because of the way the top dipped low in the middle. So, I would have to probably find another swimsuit while I was on the trip. After getting dressed I debate on grabbing the ash gray zipper hoodie I borrowed from Jk. He had been packing when I stole it from his closet.

I had taken the opportunity to glance at what he had already placed in his suitcase and when I saw two or three black shirts I kindly reminded him of how hot the color made him while he was in Malta the last time. I didn't get the chance to inspect Yoongi's choices also, but I hope that he had remembered this fact himself since he had the same dilemma previously.

I'm at least thankful that it isn't going to be as hot this trip since we are here a whole two months before they were here the last time. I don't know the first day they arrived for certain, but I know their last night they were here was August fourth simply because many of them dated the letters that they addressed to themselves.

Tae sits up in bed once I am done putting my shirt on. "Angel, it's early." He hasn't even looked at a phone or a watch, and the portholes don't really let in that much light, so I am not really sure how he is able to have any kind of grasp on the time. He is right though, it is kind of early. My plans start at nine though, and I would really like to have breakfast about an hour before that since we will be in the water.

His phone's alarm goes off as if to punctuate what I am about to say with a big fat exclamation point. "We have to be at our destination at nine. You need to get up and get a shower before breakfast, Taeger." I lean forward and kiss him on the forehead. Before he can weasel his arms around me though I skirt out of his personal bubble.

He gives me an epic pout which, while adorable, simply doesn't work on me. I give him the look I always give him when he needs to get going in the morning, and per his usual ritual he sighs, throws himself on the bed for a moment or two, before actually getting up and doing exactly what I suggested of him.

Once the water is running I send out a group text to the rest of my soulmates.

Me: Tae is in the shower already. Please tell me everyone else is up.

Jk: I just got out of the shower myself.

Hobi: I was about to get in the shower myself, but I could use someone to wash my back. ;)

Joon: I've been up for about thirty minutes. I'm already in the dining room.

Yoongi: And I just walked in the dining room myself.

Jin: I just got pushed out of the kitchen. Oh sorry, the Galley. Apparently, the guests aren't allowed in there.

Me: Jimin?

I wait a couple minutes, and decide to call him since he hasn't responded yet, but just before I start scrolling through my phone for his number I get a text alert.

Jimin: I promise I am up! I'm sorry I was in the shower!

Me: Okay, I'll meet you all in the dining room as soon as Tae is done with his shower.

When Tae and I finally get to the dining room I am pleased to see that the staff has taken my suggestions to heart and set up a mezze platter, or a Mediterranean version of a charcuterie board. I glance at Jin as I realize that the food in front of us reminds me of our picnic date. He winks at me, obviously thinking of the same thing, before we all take our seats.

"Daisy, the chef told us you picked out our breakfast today?" Joon asks, obviously a mixture of surprised and confused.

"Yes, I've planned how we are spending today together. Well, at least up until after suppertime. Since this is our only full day here." I pause for a moment. "I left the night open because I didn't want to completely take all of your choices away like that."

"So we have to be at the first location by nine?" Joon asks.

I shrug my shoulders. "I mentioned we might be a little late."

"Mentioned to who exactly?" Jin asks, obviously confused.

"The instructors, and don't ask me any more questions. I won't answer them. You will just have to wait and see."

"Do we need to worry about how we are dressed?" Yoongi asks.

"Mm. You will at least want to take along something you don't mind getting wet. So, whatever you wore the last time you all were in the water when you were here." I honestly don't know what to call the waterproof skin tight pants and similar shirts they were wearing then so I don't even try.

We all disperse to our own rooms, and I grab my black one piece. I probably shouldn't have it with me, but no one will see it since it will be under the wetsuit. I imagined that the tankini would gather oddly under the wetsuit which made me think it wouldn't work well to wear the two together. I made the executive decision to bring this one with me regardless of the mandate I was given.

I didn't bother getting a hold of the transportation service since the marina we were heading to was within walking distance. The instructors building is just to the left of the marina, and I am hoping as we walk in that they aren't able to put two and two together yet. I guess I didn't have to worry too much. They are all following me around the racks of wetsuits like little lost puppy dogs as I try to find one that will properly fit me. I guess that means they are imagining what my silhouette will look like in one. "What are you all doing?" I shake my head. "Go find your own wetsuits." I stick my tongue out at them childishly and go back to my search.

Luckily, unlike what often happens in almost every apparel store in Seoul, I find my size after only a few minutes of searching. I swiftly go to the changing room to change. If I think that putting on a wetsuit is going to be a quick endeavor I am sorely mistaken, but at least, despite how tight the monstrosity is, it seems to fit appropriately. I'm thankful for the long cord that attaches to the zipper otherwise I would probably have to ask one of my soulmates for assistance. That could prove exceptionally problematic while we have cameras on us.

I smile when my soulmates finally catch on as I guide them into the building next door. The same couple smiles warmly at the six familiar faces that they already knew were going to be here. The woman walks up to me. "You must be Daisy."

"Yes, that's me." I point out Yoongi. "I know you met all the others, but Yoongi wasn't with them last time around."

"Well, I am sure that everyone could use a refresher course anyway, so it's not a problem at all to treat each one of you like beginners once again. Although, I honestly do remember quite a few of you doing really well last time."

I almost laugh as my bunny grows excited. He even talks about trying to attempt a flip this time, but the instructors are quick to discourage this. "I realize that you were quick to learn the basics, but it takes a lot of practice to attempt any tricks outside of the spins you were doing before."

Yoongi pulls me aside as we start to walk toward the pier where there is a boat waiting on us, and two waverunners waiting for the instructors. "You didn't have to do this."

"I know that, but it is a shame that you missed out on this the first time around. Not to mention, it really does look like fun." He smiles at the excited expression on my face, although I do think he is a bit hesitant regarding the water in general.

Yoongi and I both let the others go first. I made my decision hoping that the others would be able to give me pointers after trying once again. I think Yoongi was just drawing out having to get in the water. The maknae line all remember rather quickly. I can tell they got a bit better too as each one ends up sending the board flying higher in the air than I remember them doing the last time I watched season three.

Joon, also improves quite a bit, compared to his first time trying. Jin at first still struggles a lot, but when the others offer him up tricks he can utilize he manages to stay in the air for a decent amount of time before losing his balance once again.

Yoong and I go at the same time, so I will have to watch the replay to see how he does. I would like to say that I learned quickly from the tips and tricks that the others shouted at Jin, but honestly I ended up floundering much like he did the first time around. Eventually I did lift it out of the water, but the longest time I managed was three minutes. I learned later that Yoongi fared a bit better than I did, staying in the air for five minutes.

As the boat is driving us back to the pier I happen to notice Tae and Jk staring at the sky. I glance the direction they are looking but see nothing amiss. "What are you two looking at?"

They each glance at each other for a moment before shrugging their shoulders simultaneously. "We aren't sure. We both thought we saw something strange in the sky for a moment, but once we looked up again it was gone.

"Maybe it was a bird." I offer up.

Neither look convinced at that prospect though.

Because the wetsuits are necessary for the second part of the day I have planned we don't return them just yet. But, we do go back to the ship to eat lunch. Once again the chefs followed my suggestions with a cold cucumber soup, fresh spinach salad, and cold pasta salad. Although, when I initially planned it I did expect it to be a lot warmer today than it is. In the long run it is probably smarter though that we eat light though before the next event I planned out.

When we first head back to the marina my soulmates are all sure that, despite the fact that I alluded to us still needing the wetsuits that we are returning them. I shake my head at them. "Did you really want to wear the wetsuit all the way here again?" Then I instruct them to find a changing room and put their wetsuits on once more.

"Okay, Honey, we've put these on again. Now what?" Yoongi doesn't look too happy about the prospect of going back into the water.

"Now, follow me."

We go back out the way we came and once again head down toward the pier. This time I take them to a large motorboat. On the side of the boat it clearly says "Parasailing" therefore my surprise is taken away at this point, not that I expected them to not figure it out due to the extensive amount of rope wrapped around a spool and the large brightly colored parachute laying on the back of the boat. I know aside from Yoongi and Hobi they all have been paragliding before, but this is a bit different since they won't have to actually glide with an instructor.

"I figured you could either go up solo, or with someone else. Also, if you don't want to go up you don't have to. I understand. I only chose this particular sport because it's something that I have always wanted to do." I shrug my shoulders.

"I think we should each go up with you, Petal." Hobi immediately suggests, which honestly surprises me because I figured he would be one of the few that wouldn't be into doing it at all. He even flabbergasts me more with his next words. "I want to go up with you first."

So, that's how the day proceeds. Instead of getting one flight in the sky. I end up with seven. Truth be told, I am a bit woozy at the end of it, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

It's just after 4pm when we get back to the ship. The plan is for us to all get cleaned up, and dressed to enjoy supper somewhere in Valletta. I suggest either Capo Crudo or Cockney's, the two places they had eaten that I happen to know the names of. Jin immediately votes Cockney's because, and I quote. "I want to visit my friend Charles."

I couldn't resist caving in to that decision since it was the only night we would be able to have supper out in Valletta so in the end we do decide to go to Cockney's. Honestly, I was a bit excited at the prospect of meeting this Charles myself since he was so quick to befriend my Sweet Jin.

I dressed in a light purple silk top that had split sleeves with pearls threaded through one side of the gap. Ribbon bow-tied cuffs gave the illusion that they kept those two split sides together, even though in actuality they were sewed together underneath that bow. I paired it with the only other pair of pants I brought with me, which were similar in design to the blue ones. Even though I wanted to wear one of my two pairs of sandals, I decided it was probably smarter to wear my Vans again just in case my feet got cold. I didn't bring too much in the way of jewelry but I do have a pair of pearl chain drop earrings that Skai made tucked away in a velvet box sitting by the bathroom sink and since the shirt also had pearls I decided to wear them.

It was far too nice to take one of the tables inside so we ended up sitting in the exact same spot they did after they had first arrived in Malta the last time. When I glance at the menu I jokingly say, "If any of you order the rabbit stew I will never forgive you." Unfortunately my joke doesn't go over very well so I have to quickly tack on that I am joking. "Just don't expect me to try it."

We try to each order something different so that we can each sample each other's dishes. I order the Maltese Pasta, which has a country staple sausage, mushrooms, tomato sauce, and a touch of goat cheese.

Jimin attempts using an inside joke to order, "I'll have the lachimolala."

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