Someone Like You.

Jaymee turned her head when she heard movement in the room. She craned her head and see Nura getting up from her bed, rubbing her face.

“I bet she’d had another nightmare.” Kyra whispered beside her.

Jaymee nodded. Nura stood up, her hand pressing against her chest. She shuffled out towards the kitchen and poured herself a cup of water. Naj followed her out and Jaymee and Kyra stood up from their bedding. They hid behind the pillar as Naj held Nura’s shoulder.

“Another one?”

Nura gulped and nodded.” I miss him. How can I miss him?”

Naj pulled her into a hug. “Shh.”

Nura sobbed. “I miss his hugs and his laugh.”

Kyra was about to step forward when someone yanked her back. Caryn was pulling them into her room where she was studying with Naj.

“Why did you do that? I was about to offer her comfort.” Kyra frowned.

“Nura doesn’t want to show people she’s sad.” Caryn said.

Jaymee glanced at the door. “Is she back with Geun Suk oppa?”

Caryn shook her head. “No. He just accompanied her to the clinic. Nura doesn’t tell me anything else.”

Kyra sighed, blowing her fringe from her face. “I should have pounded Dongjoon when I saw him the other day!”

“Dongjoon oppa is bigger than you.” Jaymee pointed out.

“So? My oppa is older and he would protect me.” Kyra stuck out her tongue.

Jaymee twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “This sucks.”

“What? The exams?” Naj asked, cheerfully entering the room.The maknae line looked up in shock.

“What?”

“Nothing. I’m off to bed.” Kyra left the room.

 Jaymee smiled then left too. She paused by the doorway and knocked on Nura’s door. Receiving no answer, she poked her head in. “Nura unnie?”

A small lump on the bed indicated that she was there so Jaymee sneaked in and crawled in the covers behind her. She grasped Nura’s hand.

“Jaymee?” Her voice cracked.

“Yes, do you mind if I sleep here tonight?” Sensing Nura’s hesitation, she added, “Please. Maybe I can keep away the nightmares.”

Nura’s hand clenched around hers.

“Unnie?”

Nura turned to face her. “Okay, sleep with me, tonight.”

**

“Where are you going now?” Jaymee asked Kyra.

“My friends are waiting for me at the movies. You want to come with?” Kyra’s voice was muffled by the sound of her clothes coming off.

“No, thank you.”

“Okay, then. I’ll have Mikey drop you off at home”. Kyra came out from the washroom and washed her hands. “Where’s Caryn? She left already?”

Jaymee nodded. “Caryn has a date with Minwoo.”

“Again? Didn’t they had one yesterday?” Kyra frowned as they walked to the car.

“Yesterday was Dream Team, the only ZE:A member she was with was Dongjoon.”  Jaymee got in the car.

Kyra laughed. “That must have been fun.”

Jaymee hid a smile. When she got home, she took a bath, ate light lunch and did some yoga. She was surfing the net when her phone rang. She blindly reached for the phone behind her. “’Lo?”

“Whatchu doing?”

Jaymee smiled and paused the video. “Hi, you.”

He laughed. “What are you doing now?”

“Me? Watching hanlovejp.”

“How was your test just now?”

Jaymee made a face. “It’s okay, I guess. Want to go for dinner later?”

“I can’t. I have practice.”

She got up from the computer and looked out the window. “I guess, i’ll go for a jog.”

“Isn’t it drizzling?”

“It’s just a little rain.” She watched the cars and passerbys walked by her building. “I’d better go now before it gets dark.”

“Now? But, i just called you.”

Jaymee sighed. “I’d prefer to see you, face to face.”

“Me too, Jaymee. Stay on the phone a little while longer please.”

Jaymee sat on the sofa, putting her legs on the coffee table. “Okay, okay.”

Hyungshik popped a handful of chips into his mouth. “What test do you have next?”

“Umm. Physics. I haven’t finished studying yet. I’ll probably sleepover at Nura’s house again.”

“Why don’t you study at Mia’s house? It’s right next door.”

“Mia is rarely home and I study better with Caryn and Kyra.”

Hyungshik watched as the drooping maknae slumped past him and Minwoo skipping behind him. “So, you’re going to Nura’s house after jogging?”

Dongjoon turned at him at Nura’s name and Minwoo pushed his head. “Move. He’s not talking about you.”

“Yeap. Have you eaten yet?”

“Eating now.”

“And, before?”

“Yes, yes.”

Jaymee laughed. “It’s a good thing that both of us don’t gain weight no matter how much food we eat.”

He grinned. Junyoung walked past him, tapping his wrist. “I have to go now, Jaymee. Junyoung hyung is here already.”

“Call me later?”

“Of course. Bye.”

Like always, Jaymee doesn’t reply to his bye and hung up. As Hyungshik raced around the house to find his shoes, Jaymee dressed up for her jog.

***

“What I want is for geometry to please grow up and solve its own problems.” Kyra bemoaned at the desk. Caryn was currently biting her nails to stumps. Jaymee wasn’t even looking at her book, daydreaming.

“Jaymee?” Caryn asked.

Jaymee closed the book, walking past Jessie and Nashi.

“Where are you going?” Jessie asked

Jaymee slipped into her sneakers. “To see my boyfriend.” Then, she left.

“Hyungshik ah!”

“Yae, hyung?”

“Somebody’s here to see you”. Yonggil called out. “Five minutes.”

“Ten.” A voice behind Yonggil said and Hyungshik brightened. He loped out, grinning as Jaymee appeared. “Hi.”

“Hi.” He took her hand to another room, an empty room, ignoring his hyungs’ catcalls. “Done studying?”

Jaymee shook her head, stepping forward to hug him. He evaded her hold.

“I’m sweaty and stinky.” He reasoned.

“I want to hug you.” She insisted. “I came all the way here so I can hug you!”

“Jaymee. Stop chasing me. I am sme-“ He sighed as Jaymee wrapped her hands around his waist, pressing her face against his back. “Happy now?”

She nodded against his back. “I can’t concentrate on maths when all I’m thinking about is you.”

He turned around, squishing her face between his palms. “I don’t think I will come out in the questions tomorrow.”

She stuck out her tongue. “Kiss?”

He leaned down and pecked her once.

“That’s it?” She grumbled, releasing him.

He laughed. “What more do you want?”

“Never mind.” She smiled. She reached up to bring his face down to her height. She kissed his brows, nose, cheeks then his lips. “I better get back now.”

He pushed a strand from her forehead. “I’ll call you later.”

She nodded then dug in her pocket, fishing out a lollipop. “For you.”

He took it, smiling. “Thank you.”

She pursed her lips. “One more then i’ll really go.”

He kissed her longer, this time, slowly tracing the shape of her lips. She sighed and leaned back. “Good luck, Jaymee.”

“Thanks.” She whispered, her cheeks a dusky rose. He led her out of the room and his hyungs were all plastered at the door.

“Hi, Jaymee”. They chorused.

Jaymee reddened. “Hi.” She whispered then with a final squeeze of Hyungshik’s hand, she hurried down the stairs.

***

He was finding for her. He was at the main branch of Naj’s parents’ spa. He didn’t have any disguise on so he was looking for her while trying to hide his face. He looked down and there she was.

Naj was on her knees, her hands clasped together under chin, her eyes shut. He knelt down. “Naj, come on, let’s go. He urged. Before people starts to recognize us.”

She ignored him. “Shh.”

“Naj! What are you doing?”

“I’m praying.”

Junyoung blinked in confusion. “You are praying? In the middle of your parents’ spa?”

“Yes.”

“Can we pray elsewhere?”

“Do you know I’m praying for, Moon?”

Junyoung looked away from a couple of women. “No. What are you praying for?”

She opened her eyes. “I’m praying that you will survive when I leave you.”

He gaped at her, pulling her to feet. “You are not leaving me. You cannot.”

She placed one hand on his cheek. “But, I’m already gone”. Then, she faded from his hand.

He sat up straight in his bed, displacing the sleeping Minwoo to drop on the floor. Junyoung wiped his sweaty face with his arm. He fished for his phone, then remembered that he charged it outside.

He hopped down from the bed, dashing out to the bright sunlight. He wondered briefly what time it was. Heechul was watching the TV with Hyungshik and Siwan was surfing the net, looking at pictures, most likely his girlfriend.

He ripped his phone from the charger and called her number. After getting no response for the third time, he groaned.

Kwanghee laughed. “I was epic in that right, baby? I bring so much laughter to people.”

Junyoung turned to kwanghee who was on the phone. Nashi. “Kwanghee! Ask Nashi for me where is Naj now?”

Kwanghee was surprised at the urgency in Junyoung’s voice. “Nashi, Junyoung ask where is Naj? Oh. Okay. Nashi said that she’s filming dream team now with Caryn.”

“How long will it take?”

Kwanghee relayed the message. “Nashi said she’s not sure and to leave Kwanghee alone. Okay, I added the last part myself.” He burst into laughter as his own joke.

Junyoung rolled his eyes and texted Naj.

 Naj, sweet, call me once you’re done. He typed. He paused then typed again. I miss you. Seeing as it was still early out, the recording was going to take a long time. He shuffled his feet to the kitchen to get some water. He did head count of the members. Kevin was with Mia shopping, the maknae was in dream team as well and Taehun is… “Where is Taehun?”

“His nuna was in town so he went to meet her,” Hyungshik supplied, reaching past his hyung for an apple. “And, I am leaving. Jaymee has a big test coming up so I’m going to accompany her. Bye, hyung.”

Junyoung sat beside Heechul before the TV and Heechul suddenly turned to him. “Hyung.”

“What?”

“Jessica texted me.”

Blaming his still sleeping senses, he nodded.

“Hyung! Did you hear what I said?”

“Yes. Jessica texted you.” He repeated. “Wait, who’s Jessica? SoShi’s Jessica?”

He nodded.

“Does Gina know?”

He shook his head. “I don’t intend on telling her.”

“Are you crazy? Gina will slaughter you.”

He winced. “I know. I don’t know what I should do.”

“You should stop replying Jessica, that’s first. Second, tell Gina.” Junyoung jumped when Siwan’s voice hovered by his ear.

“If she finds out by herself, you are dead as a duck.”

Heechul paled slightly. “But, we’re just friends. Besides, what can Gina do?”

“If you’re just friends then there should be no problem with telling her.” Kwanghee pointed out, walking out with a bowl of cucumbers. “Take one, guys. It’s good for our eyes.” He leaned back on the sofa, placing two on his eyes.

Siwan reached out and Junyoung took for himself and Heechul. Heechul savagely bite into his cucumber slice, earning a whack on the head.

“Those are for your eyes not your tummy.” Kwanghee scolded with no heat. “Heechul, do you love Gina?”

“What kind of question is that? Of course I do!”

“Then, stop texting Jessica and tell Gina”. Siwan murmured.

Junyoung yawned. “Gina is a nice person but I doubt she’ll be nice to you if she finds out.” The boys laid silent as the afternoon passed them by.

***

“HI!” Someone hugged him from behind and he smiled.

“Hi. How was dream team?” He said as she looped her arm into his.

“Tiring! I have a few scratches. Caryn has a huge bruise on her knee when she hit the prop.” Naj pressed his hand to her nose, breathing in the scent from his sleeve and skin.

“You are okay, right?”

She nodded.” I can’t stay out late. I promised that i’d help Jaymee with Literature.”

They walked down the quiet road till they reached a bench facing the city. Junyoung sat and Naj nestled up beside him. “I had a dream today.”

“About me, I hope.” She stuffed her hands in his jacket pocket.

“Yes, it was about you. It was a strange dream, though.”

She looked up at him, her brows dipping. “What was it about?”

“We were at your parents’ spa and you were praying.”

“I was praying in the spa?” Naj asked in disbelief.

He nodded. “I told you it was strange. You told me that you were praying I would survive.”

“Survive what?”

He held her chin and turned her face up. “Survive you leaving me.”

“Leaving you?”

“Yeah. Then, you just disappeared.”

Naj leaned back against him. “Wow, that was strange.”

“You won’t leave, right?”

“Not without due cause, no.” She shook her head.

“Due cause?”

“Yeah. Like you cheating or our feelings fading.” She shrugged. “Things like that.”

“I don’t hear you listing yourself as the cheater.” He scowled at the thought of their feelings fading.

She craned her neck up and kissed him softly on the lips. “That’s because i would never cheat on you.”

He caressed her cheek. “Me, neither.”

She was about to kiss him again when the phone in her hand dropped. She patted his thigh then went down to pick it up. Junyoung watched her paused and looked down.

“Naj?” Without looking at him, she called him forward. He crouched on the ground beside her.

“What?”

She turned his face to look below. His eyes strained in the dark then he gasped and Naj slapped her hand over his mouth. “SHHH!”

There was a couple below, doing things that should be done in the privacy of four walls. Naj turned her head as the couple changed position and Junyoung followed. When the girl started screaming, Junyoung yanked his gaping girlfriend to her feet and dragged her away, shaking his head.

“Moon.”

“What?”

“Moon.”

He stopped in his tracks. “What?”

She smiled and stepped into his arms. “Why is your face so red?”

“Because!”

“Why?”

He shoved his hand in his hair. “Because it was wrong to keep watching them.”

“They did it in the public, if anybody’s in the wrong, it’s them.” Naj countered. She took his hand. “Come on, let’s play the swings.”

“Wait.”

“Is something wrong?” She moved into his arms, her arms around his waist. He dipped his head to cover her mouth with his. She hummed her delight, going on tiptoes. “Moon,” she breathed.

He slanted his head, yanking her up closer to him. The vibration of her phone against their tummies caused them to break apart. Naj answered it.

“Yes?”

“Naj unnie, can you- why are you breathless?”

“I climbed a hill.”

Junyoung laughed silently in her other ear, pressing the deep brown locks to his nose.

“Oh. Okay. Nura unnie said to buy ice cream.”

“Okay, Jaymee. Bye.”

“Wait!”

“Yessss?”

There was a shuffle and Nura’s voice came on. “Take your time with Junyoung. I can hold the fort here till you guys are done.” Her voice was still sore.

She smiled. “You sure?”

“Yes,” she sighed.

“Naj and Junyoung sitting in a tree, K IS-“

Naj hung up at Kyra’s and Caryn’s teasing. “Now, where were we?”

“Here.” Junyoung held her face and kissed her again.

***

Jessie smoothed down her skirt, glancing at Taehun who was sitting in a relaxed posture at the chair.

He looked up from his phone at her gaze. “Yes, sweetheart?”

She shook her head, the private dining room door opening to admit a waiter with a refill of their iced water. “ Thank you.” she murmured. A warm hand squeezed her cold, fisted one.

“Relax, Jessie. I should be the nervous one.”

The door opened again and Jessie stood up, followed by Taehun. A couple walked in and kissed Jessie.

“Hi, mom, dad. This is Kim Taehun.”

Taehun shook the Ok’s hands and smiled.

“Hello, my name is Taehun. Its nice to meet you, Mr and Mrs Ok.”

“Yes, us too. Jessie has been talking about you for the longest time.” Mrs Ok smiled.

“It’s finally nice to meet you in real life rather than through the television.” Mr Ok sat down and others follow suit.

Jessie was the picture of tranquil but under the table, she was clutching Taehun’s thigh, her nails unknowingly digging into his skin. He winced and tried to pass it off as a smile.

“So, Taehun, I consider myself a straightforward man.” Mr Ok began and Jessie took her seventy sixth sip of water.

“Yes, sir.”

“What are your intentions towards our daughter?”

Taehun pried Jessie’s death grip from his numb thigh and held in it in his hand. “Intentions?”

“Yes, intentions. Do you plan to marry her?”

Jessie choked. Her lungs contracted and tears leaked as the water ran down the wrong way. Taehun was helpfully pattinng her back. “You, okay?”

She nodded, dabbing at her tears with her napkin. “Yup, I’m okay.”

“Honestly, Jessie, your father was just kidding.”  Mrs Ok smiled.

“Hmm.”  Her father replied. “Jokes aside, tell me about yourself, Taehun.”

“Well, im 21 this year. I am in the entertainment business and I’m in love with your daughter.”

Jessie suppressed the urge to throw her arms around him and kiss the living daylights out of him. So, she settled for a gentle squeeze of the hand. Lunch went quite well if she may say so herself. Her parents seemed to really likeTtaehun, she grinned.

“Excuse me for a moment.” Taehun pushed back his chair and left for the bathroom. Jessie looked up at her parents expectantly.

“So, what do you think?”

“He’s a nice boy. Well brought up.” Her mother sipped her champagne. Jessie smiled.

“Are you free after this?” Her father asked.

“Why?”

“Mr Woo of the spring water company has a son. It would be nice to have brunch with him.”

“Wait, what? I thought you guys approve of Taehun? Why am I going for another date?”

“We never said we approved of him.” Her father calmly stated.

Jessie threw the napkin on the table. “I’m not breaking up with Taehun.”

“Stop the dramatics. Nobody said you had to leave him right now. Face reality, Jessie. He is not good enough for you.”

“And this dumb water guy you’re setting me up with is?”

“Nobody is good enough for you. But yes, he is close enough.”

“Jessie, we have been very lenient with you. Letting you chase this foolish singing dream. You can carry on this folly with Taehun, if you wish. Just remember, you have no future with him.”

Jessie wanted to say more but Taehun came back in. Her parents were all smiley now, those fakers. She sat stiffly as her parents continued to take interest in taehun. When they left, she barely acknowledgment their leave.

“Jessie? Are you okay?”

She shoved her chair back, diving straight into his arms. She held him tight, tight enough for him to gasp. “I love you, Taehunnie.”

“I love you, Jessie.” He rasped. She released him a little and he kissed the top of her head.

“I will never leave you, okay? Promise you will never leave me, too.”

He rested his chin on her head. “Never.”

***

Kevin dived for his phone. “Hello.”

“Hyung, want to go for a drink?”

“Taehun? Aren’t you with Jessie?”

“Please, hyung.”

“Okay, okay. Did something happen?”

“I was outside.”

Kevin scratched his head. “Outside where?”

“Outside the room where her parents told her that I was not good enough for her and she had no future with me.” His voice was breaking up, like he was holding back his tears.

Kevin was quiet, sensing his friend’s pain. “I’ll be out in ten minutes.”

“Thank you, hyung.”

****

“Miss Mia, if you don’t keep still, I am going to have to sedate you.” The doctor sighed.

Mia stopped craning her neck. Tell me how my friend is and I’ll let you do whatever you need to do. You know what? I’ll check her out myself.” She swung her legs off the bed.

“Miss Mia.” He snapped. “If you don’t let me treat those cuts right away, they might infected and you won’t get those model legs scar-free.”

Mia was about to tell the doctor to stuff it when Jaymee and Kyra popped themselves in. “How is she?”

“I am fine! Let the doctor do his work!” Nura coughed from next door.

Mia smiled slightly and leaned back so the doctor can get started again. “You scared the sunlight out of me, you fool.”

Kyra sat beside Mia and Jaymee peered over the doctor’s shoulder.

Nura coughed. “I scared myself too. Ow! You cannot hit a patient, crayon! OW!”

“I hate you.”

“It’s not my fault that I fell! Stop hitting me or I swear this cannula is ending up in your vein.”

Jaymee slid down the wall and her shoulders started to shake.

“Jaymee?” Kyra asked. “Are you crying?”

Mia went to Jaymee and the doctor threw his forceps and left. “Find me when she’s ready to be sedated.” He told the grinning nurse.

“Isn’t he Mr Grumpy Pants?” Mia stuck out her tongue. “Nura, why are you walking?”

Nura was hobbling in with Caryn beside her. “Because Jaymee’s crying. And you just pissed the cute doctor off.”

All of them crowded around Jaymee. “I thought Nura was going to die and I was going to be without one sister!” She cried.

“Aw, Jaymee. I’m fine now. A little sore throat, cough and the feeling of being beaten up but other than that, I’m okay.”

“I love you all.” Jaymee whispered. Kyra hugged her tight.

“We love you, too.”

“I’ve got the press calm down an- What the hell are the patients doing out of bed?!” Nashi yelled.

“I was hoping you could tell me.”

“Dad!” Kyra jumped to her feet.

“Hello.” The CEO said, his pale face half covered by his moustache and streaks of grey hair combed across his jet black ones.

***

“I am fine.”  She rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m limping, what’s your point?”

“My point is that you shud have waited for me by the store!”

“If I had waited for you, Mr. Kevin, I would be freezing to death. I’m almost home anyway. I’m crossing the road now, bye.” She slot the phone in her pocket and crossed the empty road.

Someone grabbed her arm and she screamed. The person immeadietly let go of her.

“Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you. You look like you need help.” The 30 year old something man smiled.

Mia patted her racing heart. “Oh, no. I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Here, let me help you with the bags.” He held out a hand.

Mia looked at him. He looked nice enough, she thought.  She handed him her bags and he gently held her elbow. “My home is just up ahead.”

“I know.”

“Its really nice of you to he-what? How do you know where I live?” Mia stopped walking.

The man kept his face down. “I know everything about you, my Mia.”

Mia’s blood ran cold. My Mia? Letters, roses and expensive chocolate flashed across her mind. The sticky letters with cryptic messages of him watching her every move, signed with a heart. She tried to pull her elbow but he had clamped it tight in his hand.

“Let me go.”

“I dont think so. Do you know how hard it is for me to get you alone without that boyfriend of yours?” He began to pull her in other direction, dumping her papers bags on the ground. Mia opened her mouth and he slapped a cloth over her face, the stink of chloroform rising to her nose. Mia screamed muted against the cloth, her mind shutting down. “You dont i came unprepared, did you? Relax, Mia, I’m going to take care of you.”

“Kevin.”  She whispered, her eyes getting fuzzy.

The man smiled as Mia laid limp in his arms. His van was not far off, he’ll be able to make it.

“I swear to god, Taehun, next time you ask me out drinking, i’m going to kill you.”

The man stilled at the familiar voice as two men hobbled towards him.

“I cannot leave her. I cannot!” Taehun moaned.

Kevin adjusted him on his shoulder,”I’m getting drunk just your breath. If you and Jessie are having problems, u should talk it out not getting piss drunk.”

Sweat formed on his upper lip as he gripped Mia tighter and shuffled along. The two men walked past him, oblivious, a weight off his shoulders.

“Hey, sir! Hey!”

He swore and turned. “Yes?”

“You dropped your grocery.” Kevin pointed to the ground. Taehun was swaying aimlessly without Kevin’s support as he stooped down to pick them up.

“Its not mine. Its not mine!”

Kevin’s hand paused and Taehun stopped humming at the shout. He cleared his throat, sweat running down his back and front. “It’s been a long night and my wife is tired. Goodnight, boys.”  He turned away quickly, a mistake because the unconscious Mia flipped back and her blonde hair fell back from her face. The face that Kevin saw immeadietly. The man looked at Kevin.

“Hey, his wife looks like Mia!” Taehun pointed.

Kevin got to his feet slowly. “That’s my woman.”

The man swallowed. “Mia is mine. She was mine before you even met her.”

Kevin took one step forward. “Release Mia. Now.”

“No.”

Kevin’s face changed, anger knitted on his face. No hint of an idol on his face. He just looks like a very pissed man. “One.”

He held on tighter and that just made Kevin angrier. “Two.”

He pushed Mia towards Kevin then started running away. Kevin got hold of Mia, cradling her in his arms, searching for her pulse. He looked up at Taehun’s whoop.

“Did you see that?! I should be a baseball player.”  He jumped and punched his fist in the air. Kevin looked at the direction where the asshole was running and saw that he was on the ground, a can of coke light rolling, its contents spilling out.

“Taehun, get a hold of yourself and stop hugging the tree. That’s not Jessie. Come on, help me get her bag.”  He lifted mia into his arms, waited for Taehun to stoop down to take Mia’s bag and swayed to the entrance.

***

Mia opened her eyes, a little disorientated. Then, the memories came rushing back at her in full speed and she sat up with a gasp.

“You’re awake.”

She turned quickly, rapidly shoving her mass of hair from her face. “Kevin?”

He sat by her bed and she dived into his arms. Without knowing it, she was crying and blubbering the whole story to him. “It’s okay, it’s okay, Mia. I’m here.”

She leaned back, sniffing back her tears. “What happened?”

“I came by to see you, saw that creeper with you and Taehun threw your Coke Light right smack into the back of his head when he ran away. He’s in the police station now.” Kevin kissed her forehead. “You’re safe now.”

“Taehun?” Mia asked, her face in his neck, drawing support from his warmth. “What is he doing now? I don’t hear him.”

“He’s whispering to a picture of Jessie by the couch. He’s drunk.” Kevin explained at Mia’s raised brows.

“Did they fight?”

Kevin shrugged. “He met with Jessie’s parents this morning then he came home like that. Why are you worrying about others when you’re just out from a traumatic incident?” he asked. Mia shrugged and wrapped her arms around him.

“Can you stay here tonight?”

“I don’t think Taehun’s fit to be brought home, anyways. So, yes, I’m staying.” He rubbed her back. “Go back to sleep, Mia.”

She yawned and closed her eyes. “Just, don’t go.”

“Okay.” He whispered then he started to sing again. The same song that he first sang to her. The song that will always have a meaning for her. “I love you, Mia.”

“Love you, too.”
****

“Oppa!” She breezed into the room, heading straight towards Minwoo. He smiled and took her hand as she sat down beside him. “Hi, guys!”

“How’s the fanmeet?” Kyra asked, her legs over Siwan’s.

“Good! He gave me a bunny!”

Kyra leaned forward. “He? The cute fan?”

Caryn nodded. Kyra grinned.

Minwoo frowned. “What cute fan?”

“There’s this group of fanboys that always follows Caryn. The leader always buys her awesome little gifts and helps keep her safe from any creepy fans.”

Minwoo hated the bugger on the spot. Caryn dug in her bag to take out the white, fluffy bunny. “Isn’t it the cutest thing ever!”

Siwan laughed behind his hand at Minwoo’s disgusted face.

“I’m going to the toilet for a while, wanna come?” Kyra stood up. Caryn nodded and gave Minwoo the bunny. As soon as the girls left, Minwoo turned the bunny in his hand.

“What’s so cute about this…. Thing?” Minwoo threw the bunny on the couch, next to Siwan. Dongjoon slithered off to disturb Taehun by the mirror. Siwan picked it up.

“Hey, the brand is expensive. It’s so soft!” Siwan smiled. Minwoo grabbed it back, shaking the bunny.

“You are not cute.” He told the bunny. He squeezed it hard and a voice came out. Both Siwan and Minwoo’s eys widened then both heads leaned down to the bunny.

“Hi, Caryn. My name is Jiho. I am a huge fan of you. I am your oppa.” He laughed and Minwoo wanted to burn the bunny on the spot. “I am 21, this year, not too old for, I hope. I think that you are very cute and I want to be more than just a fan. This is my contact number, hope I get to hear you voice soon. I’m not a creeper fan, as you know. Bye, take care, Caryn.”

Siwan stared at the bunny then sat back, laughing his head off. Minwoo turned the bunny around and around. “What are you doing?”

“Finding the seam so I rip the stupid boy’s voice off!” He gritted. Hearing girl’s laughter approaching, he pulled at the velcro at the bottom, yanking out the black speaker. He threw it in the dustbin, pasted the velco back and placed the bunny innocently at this side.

Caryn sat down and picked it up, her brows wrinkling. “Why is my bunny lighter?”

Minwoo adapted his normal lost boy look. “What?”

Caryn shook her head. “Oh, never mind.”

“Hey! Maybe it’s those kind which can talk!” Kyra said, earning a poke from Siwan. “What?”

Caryn nodded and squeezed the bunny. “Oh. It’s not, I guess.”

Kyra scoffed. “That was boring. He should have gotten you the one that could talk.”

Caryn shrugged. “Oh, wells. At least, it’s cute. Right, oppa?”

Minwoo nodded. “Yeah, it’s cute.” After I take out the stupid speaker, of course it’s cuter.

****

Gina stood in awkward silence beside Heechul. “Why are you quiet?”

“Because I’m tired.”

She rolled her eyes. “You had no schedule, last night!”

“And, you were out with that eyebrow guy.”

Gina smacked his arm. “It was a company lunch! All of us were there!”

Heechul looked at her, his eyes burning. “So, you are going to tell me that you didn’t talk to him at all?”

“Of course I talked to him! We’re friends. And, I’m not like you. You and your eyes can rape any girls within ten miles!” She crossed her arms.

“My eyes? I can’t help it!”

“Yeah, right.” She scoffed. “Since you’re being like an idiot, I’m going back to sit with Caryn.”

He grabbed her elbow. “Wait! Don’t go. I didn’t see you for three days!”

“Then, stop behaving like this. Don’t be jealous!” She placed her hands on his waist. “You know, I only look at you.”

He smiled a little. “Yeah?”

Gina nodded. “I brought you something!” She dugged in her jeans pocket for a handphone charm, it’s a starburst. “See, I have one too. And, it’s so common in the market that no one will notice it!” Heechul took the silver charm.

“I have to put this on my phone?”

“No, on your head. Of course, your phone.” She frowned. Heechul guffawed and took out his phone. He put the charm on.

“Thank you, baby.” He smiled, his head dipping down to hers. The staircase door opened and Gina shoved him away. Heechul sprinted up the stairs and Gina innocently walked down.

“Oh, Gina sshi. Annyeong.” The sound director greeted.

Gina nodded. “Hello. Are we going to film now?”

The guy scratched his head. “No, not yet. Just going out for a smoke. In a few more minutes, I think.” Gina watched them leave and was about to leave herself when the door slammed shut and Heechul hovered behind her. She clutched her heart.

“You gave me a shock. Why are you panting?”

Heechul held up a hand, taking a deep breath. “You try running 4 storeys then jumping down the same 4 storeys, just so you can kiss you girlfriend then tell me if you are panting or not.”

She cupped his face. “Aw.” She kissed him once. “There. Let’s go.” She walked out.

“Ya! That’s it? I ran up 8 storeys!”

“You said four!” Gina said from over her shoulder as Heechul walked behind her.

“Same difference. Point is, that was a not even a real kiss!”

She elbowed him. “Will you keep quiet? Do you want the whole world to know?” She looked around her. He rubbed his side. “I need the ladies.”

“I’ll wait.”

She pushed him. “No! Go.” Her phone rang and she squinted her eyes at the cross-armed Heechul and answered the phone. “Hello?”

“Gina unnie, I’m gonna tell you something but don’t panic, okay?” Jaymee whispered.

“What? What are you talki-“ Gina frowned. “Is that an ambulance I hear?”

“She’s not responding!”

“Jaymee!” Gina clutched the phone. “What is going on?”

There were a lot of beepings and sounds. “Oh my god, oh my god.”

“JAYMEE!” Heechul had stepped forward when her expression changed. He heard Jaymee’s muted voice by the phone and Gina’s colour fading. She turned on her heels and ran to the waiting room.

Everyone looked up at her. Jessie stood up. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Nura. And, Mia.” Gina said. Caryn, Kyra and Naj had walked over to Gina. Kevin pushed his chair back and so did Dongjoon. Soon, ZE:A and the girls were crowding her. “At the site, Nura fell in the seawater.”

Caryn clapped her mouth. “She can’t swim.”

“What about Mia?” Kevin demanded.

“Nobody noticed that Nura was gone. Then, Mia saw her jacket in the water and she jumped in.” Gina said. “Nura was unconscious when Mia pulled her up and Mia’s kinda scratched up from the rocks.”

“Ohmygod.” Naj’s eyes watered. “Is she okay?”

Gina turned her eyes on Dongjoon. “She’s not waking up, yet.”

Caryn paled. “I have to see her. My mom and dad will flip out.”

Gina kept her eyes on Dongjoon who looked like he wanted to fly out the door right now.

“Did anybody hear her scream or anything?” Kyra was calling Mikey.

Gina shook her head. “She didn’t scream.”

“Can’t we go and see her?” Jessie demanded.

“I don’t think so.” Gina fretted. “We have a schedule, here.”

Minwoo hugged Caryn and Naj grabbed Junyoung’s arm and buried her face in his shoulder.

Gina’s phone rang again and Heechul placed an arm around her. “Hello?”

“I’ve gotten Caryn out of the schedule. Tell her to be the gate in five minutes. I’m coming.” Nashi hung up.

“Caryn, Nashi freed you. She’s meeting you in five minutes. Go.” Gina relayed. Caryn nodded, pushing past the stiff Dongjoon and grabbing her jacket.

“I’ll talk to you later, oppa.” Caryn tiptoed to kiss Minwoo’s cheek.

“Mikey’s here too. We’ll update you guys!” Kyra one-armed hugged Siwan. “Bye, baby.” She grabbed Caryn and both of them flew out of the door.

Dongjoon wanted to cry. He wanted to know what happened. He wanted to be there fo Nura. Why the hell is he still here? He felt a pressure at his back and Junyoung was pushing him out. To the balcony. “Hyung?”

“Cut the crap and tell me the truth.” Junyoung demanded.

“What are you talking about, hyung?” Dongjoon avoided Junyoung’s eyes.

“The truth, Kim Dongjoon.” He pressed.

Dongjoon lifted his eyes. “I lied.” Tears dropped his eyes. “I love Nura. I lied when I said that I was her rebound. I lied, hyung!” Junyoung pulled him into a hug and Dongjoon spilled everything.

****

Vibrations of the mobile phone roused Jessie. She squinted in the darkness and sat up. She shook Naj’s shoulder and reached across the floor to wake Gina.

“What time is it?” Naj yawned and Jessie shushed her. They both glanced at the small sleeping form on the bed. Naj mouthed Sorry and gently patted Caryn’s hip who was curled up next to the form. Gina flopped to the side, refusing to wake up.

“Unnie, wake up.” Naj whispered. Caryn was stirring and she sat up, rubbing her eyes. Slowly, the members of Starfire crept out of the room, careful not to step on the rest of 9starrybyeol  scattered across the room.

They washed up and went downstairs where their manager waited to take them to their fansign. They stopped for doughnuts and ate them in the van.

“You think she’ll be okay?” Gina fretted.

Caryn nodded. “She’s torn up pretty bad, worse than when it was over with Geun Suk but I think she’ll be okay.”

“I wonder if Nashi managed to push her schedule to another day.” Naj said, her face in worried lines.

Jessie looked at her phone, seeing Taehun’s smile. She wondered if she and Taehun will be like that one day. She leaned back on the seat, remembering what happened last night.

“Are you trying to say that all 9 of us are dating ZE:A boys?” Nashi gaped. Mia nodded. “That’s impossible! Siwan had a girlfriend who still writes him letters!”

Jaymee pointed out to Kyra who was currently stuffing a thick letter into an enveloped. “What?” She asked, looking up.

Nashi crossed her arms. “And, who are you dating, Jaymee?”

“Me? The prince of ZE:A.”

“Shikkie? Well, that kinda makes sense.” She rubbed her chin. Gina smiled up at her. “Let me guess. Heechul?”

“How do you know?!”

“You’ve always had a thing for rappers. Taehun doesn’t seem like your type.” At the sound of the name, Jessie sighed and Nashi pinpointed her as Taehun’s.

“Guess mine, guess mine!” Mia clapped her hands.

“Kevin.”

“That was anticlimatic.” Mia pouted. Nashi patted her hand.

“You’re always whispering in english and Kevin made sense.”

“Since obviously Joon can’t speak english at that speed.” Naj poured hot water into the hot chocolate mixture.

“So, I’m left with Moon and Minwoo. Moon is obviously Naj’s. Minwoo is with Caryn then.” Nashi sighed. The bathroom door opened and all of them got up from their seats in the kitchen to Nura’s room where they spent the night with her.

****

“Annyeong hasaeyo, Starfire imnida!” The four of them bowed and they were blinded by the flashing lights for a while. The fans were screaming and holding up posters and banners. They sat down at the long table and the fans came up in a row.

Naj struggled to keep a smile on her face when a teenager grasped her hand in his sweaty palm and looked at her in a way that totally creeped her out. As soon as he left to stare at Gina in the same way, she rubbed her hands on her jeans. Gina had the similar look on her face as her a few moments ago. Hse loked to her left where Jessie was trying to get her own free from an ahjusshi. He was trying to kiss it!

The security forcefully made him release her hand, picking him up by his elbows, lifting him away from the place with him shouting his love for her. She noticed the usual crowd of stalking fansand she saw they were talking in hushed tones, pointing to that man.

 Uh-oh, she thought, ahjusshi’s in trouble.

“Unnie!”

Naj turned to the fan before her. “Annyeong~”

“Unnie, this is for you!” The red-faced fan gave her a huge paper bag. “I didn’t eat for 3 days to buy this for you!”

“Oh, no! You didn’t need to do that! I’m happy that you love us enough to show up for this fansign!” Naj smiled.

The fan shook her head, a goofy smile on her face. “I think you will like it!”

Naj signed the album extra nice and addded a smiley face before the staff moved it to Gina,

“Hello!” Gina grinned.

“Hi, unnie! Can you write my name? Yaeji!”

“Sure, no problem. Thank you.”

“Starfire, hwaiting!” She beamed then hurried down to her friends.

Nice fans like that make me happy, Gina mused.

After the fansign, they walked back to the van amidst the fans. Caryn looked up when she heard her name being called out in unison. The group of fanboys ranging from 15-18 waved. She smiled at him, recognizing them. One of them managed to squeeze his arm through the security and handed her a gift.

“Oppa thought of you when I saw this.” The tall, slim boy said, flashing a charming smile at her, his left dimple denting his cheek. The security pushed him back and Caryn bowed her head in thanks and climbed into the van after Gina.

“I remember being able to move when we got in this morning.” Jessie said, from behind a couple of bags. Naj squished some behind her and jerked forward so she can talk.

“Me too. I wonder what I got.”

“Every fanmeet is like Christmas!” Gina sighed happily, taking out a pair of branded headphones. “Ooh, nice.”

Caryn tucked the stuffed, white bunny that she got from the quite cute fan beside her and called Nura.

Hello, this is Nura’s phone.”

“Dani unnie?” Caryn gaped. Dani was Nura’s cordi.

“Oh, Caryn. Hello.”

“Where’s Nura?”

“She’s fiming. It’s her last shot.”

“Oh. Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. A little tired looking but okay. Why?”

“No, nothing. Tell her to take care and call me later when she’s free.”

“Okay, don’t worry. Jaymee and Mia is here. They’ll look after her. Nashi and Kyra just left.”

Caryn bit her lip. “Oh, they’re there? Okay, then. Bye.”

“Bye.”

*******

It was raining hard and the couple ducked under the deserted bus stop. She smiled up at him, worry twisting her heart. He was quiet tonight.                                                        

“Dongjoon, is something wrong?” She asked.

He shook his head, water droplets flicking in her direction.

“You’ve been very quiet tonight. Are you tired?” She asked. He had picked her up from her drama location and he only one word to her. “Let’s just go home.”

He reached out to her elbow. “Noona.”

She turned, putting her hands on his waist. “Yes?”

“I am so sorry.” He whispered. Thunder echoed behind them.

“About what?”

He looked at her and his eyes were cold. “We cannot be together.”

She was silent for a while. “What?”

“I realized that my love for you will not go over beyond just a noona. I only love you as a sister.” He told her. She fisted her hands and dropped them from his hips.

“What are you talking about, Dongjoonie? This is not funny.”

He stepped back. “You are older than me.”

She scoffed. “I am only 2 years older! What the hell are you talking about?”

His cute face changed into a cold, mean one. “You rejected me before because of my age and now, I am doing the same.”

Nura’s nails dug into her palm. “I didn’t reject you. I told you to wait. And, what? Is this some sort of revenge?”

He sighed. “Of course not. I love you.”

“Don’t be shitting me.” She snapped.

“I do, noona. Just not like a lover.” He said.

Nura reached out to him. “Dongjoonie, why are you doing this? You told me you love me.”

He smiled slightly, taking his arms free from her grasp. “Noona, don’t make a scene. We’re just not suited for each other.”

“We just got together for 2 weeks.” She murmured, tears spilling out from her eyes. Dongjoon jerked forward like he wanted to do something but he leaned back. “I, I love you.”

He smiled again. “Let’s face it. You just broke up with yor boyfriend and I was the closest male party close for you to help you forget him. We both know I was just your re-“ Nura’s slap rang in his ears as he touched his stinging cheek.

“You were not my rebound.” She gritted out. “And, you’re a complete ass who thinks so.”

He rubbed his cheek. “Fine. Be in denial. Anyway, we’re over. Do you want me to send you home?”

“No. I want you to go to hell.” Her shoulders were shaking and she was crying so much.

He reached out to her and she slapped his hand away. “I hope we can still be friends.” He walked out into the rain and Nura dropped on her haunches, covering her face as she cried. Dongjoon took out his phone. “I did it. I broke up with her. Let ZE:A have their comeback.” He said. His heart was hurting so much, he felt like dying.

“Good. In future, you’ll realize what a good decision you’re making. You and Junyoung are the main faces of ZE:A. Naj is an idol, her fans can protect her if ever the news gets leaked out. Nura’s fans, we’re not so sure. You are okay?”

“yeah, whatever.” He switched off his phone and looked over his shoulder. Nura was still hunched over and his eyes began to leak tears. “I’m so sorry, Noona.” He wanted to run back to her, hold her, shouting that he was sorry and stupid to have said those things, to beg her to forget what he said, to love him back again. But, he turned and started running back to the main road where his manager would pick him up.

***

When he entered the dorm, his hyungs jumped on him. “Dongjoon!”

He looked up, his eyes dead. “What?”

“Where have you been?” Junyoung demanded.

“Out.”

“Were you with Nura?” Minwoo asked, the sound of his name sending a slice of pain through him.

“Hm.”

“Where is she now?” Kwanghee asked.

Dongjoon shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“What? You were with her, weren’t you?” Heechul asked.

“I’m tired, hyung.” Dongjoon pushed past them to the bathroom. The hyungs looked at each other.

Minwoo’s phone rang. “Oh, hi, Caryn. Did you find her?” A pause. “Oh. Is she okay?” A pause. “What?” The other ZE:A boys leaned in to listen. “Right, of course. Okay. I’ll talk to you later.”

“What?” Taehun asked.

“Nura just came home. Mikey found her. She’s not talking to anyone.” Minwoo said. “And…”

“And?” They demanded. Minwoo looked at the bathroom door.

“Caryn said that to tell Dongjoon to stay the hell away from Nura.”he said. Dongjoon who heard it in the bathroom, closed his eyes. He rubbed his aching chest, wetness staining his cheeks once more.

****

The vibrations of the mobile phone roused Jessie. She squinted in the darkness and sat up. She shook Naj’s shoulder and reached across the floor to wake Gina.

“What time is it?” Naj yawned and Jessie shushed her. They both glanced at the small sleeping form on the bed. Naj mouthed Sorry and gently patted Caryn’s hip who was curled up next to the form. Gina flopped to the side, refusing to wake up.

“Unnie, wake up.” Naj whispered. Caryn was stirring and she sat up, rubbing her eyes. Slowly, the members of Starfire crept out of the room, careful not to step on the rest of 9starrybyeol  scattered across the room.

They washed up and went downstairs where their manager waited to take them to their fansign. They stopped for doughnuts and ate them in the van.

“You think she’ll be okay?” Gina fretted.

Caryn nodded. “She’s torn up pretty bad, worse than when it was over with Geun Suk but I think she’ll be okay.”

“I wonder if Nashi managed to push her schedule to another day.” Naj said, her face in worried lines.

Jessie looked at her phone, seeing Taehun’s smile. She wondered if she and Taehun will be like that one day. She leaned back on the seat, remembering what happened last night.

“Are you trying to say that all 9 of us are dating ZE:A boys?” Nashi gaped. Mia nodded. “That’s impossible! Siwan had a girlfriend who still writes him letters!”

Jaymee pointed out to Kyra who was currently stuffing a thick letter into an enveloped. “What?” She asked, looking up.

Nashi crossed her arms. “And, who are you dating, Jaymee?”

“Me? The prince of ZE:A.”

“Shikkie? Well, that kinda makes sense.” She rubbed her chin. Gina smiled up at her. “Let me guess. Heechul?”

“How do you know?!”

“You’ve always had a thing for rappers. Taehun doesn’t seem like your type.” At the sound of the name, Jessie sighed and Nashi pinpointed her as Taehun’s.

“Guess mine, guess mine!” Mia clapped her hands.

“Kevin.”

“That was anticlimatic.” Mia pouted. Nashi patted her hand.

“You’re always whispering in english and Kevin made sense.”

“Since obviously Joon can’t speak english at that speed.” Naj poured hot water into the hot chocolate mixture.

“So, I’m left with Moon and Minwoo. Moon is obviously Naj’s. Minwoo is with Caryn then.” Nashi sighed. The bathroom door opened and all of them got up from their seats in the kitchen to Nura’s room where they spent the night with her.

****

Nashi slammed into the meeting room with an equally grumpy Gina. Kyra looked down at her food, knowing the reason why; she had eavesdropped on her father this morning. Jessie stopped flicking rice at Naj and folded her hands by the table.

“Is something wrong?” Caryn asked.

“Yes.” Gina grumbled.

“We just came back from the CEO’s office.” Nashi sighed. “He’s cancelling our M.A.C endorsement!”

“What?” Six echoed replies.

“But, why?” Jaymee asked.

“He says that he doesn’t think M.A.C is a good thing for EN. Ent.”

“What the heck is he talking about? M.A.C is huge!” Mia said. Nura nodded.

Kyra picked at her nails. Nashi looked at her. “How long have you known?”

“This morning.” She whispered.

“Kyra.” Gina chided. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because he’s my dad! And, I’m not supposed to know.” She planted her chin on the table. “If you guys had known about it earlier, Nashi would be going in there with guns blazing and he would know that it was me who leaked the info. Then, goodbye Kyra!”

Jaymee wrapped her arm around Kyra. “I understand.”

“Okay, let’s not push the blame around. We have to figure this out.” Nashi said.

“There’s nothing to be figured out! We’re not doing the endorsement.” Nura groaned.

Naj frowned. “I hate this.”

Mia took the laptop and began typing.

“Whatchu doing?” Jessie peeked over her shoulder. “Ohmygod!”

“What?” All of them crowded around the laptop.

“Dad’s going to kill us.” Kyra predicted. A few moments after the last tweet went out, Nashi’s phone rang. They eyed the ringing Blackberry. Nashi put it loudspeaker.

“My office. Now.”

“Yes, sir.” Nashi said.

“Bring Kyra.” He ordered and Kyra paled.

“It was me, sir. She had nothing to do with it.” Nashi was walking to the door.

“Kyra. You. In my office.” He hung up and Kyra dragged her feet to the door.

****

Two black vans and an Ashton Martin stopped at the front of the tall building. The sun was not out yet and the door slid open. A girl stumbled out, yawning. Someone pushed her out of the way and she glared at her cousin. The younger girl smiled, skipping away.

“You’re lucky I’m related to you!” Nura grumbled as she followed. Naj and Jessie hopped out, not very much awake themselves.

The second van door slid open and Gina jumped out with Jaymee. Jaymee was wide awake, used to the early hours. Kyra groaned her way up. “Why are we awake so effing early?”

“Because of hair and makeup and maybe they need to alter your dress to fit you better.” Mia said.

They entered the brightly-lit studio and Jaymee turned to the refreshment table with Kyra at her heels. “Ooh, cream puffs.”

Caryn reached past her for a finger sandwich. “I am so hungry.”

“Hi, ladies.” A woman with thick, curly hair and huge glasses approached the rest of the group. “My name is Shinae and I’m your photographer for today. Let’s get you girls in hair and make-up. Nashi will be potraying Jasmine, Mia is Rapunzel, Nura is Sleeping Beauty. Jaymee is Thumbelina, Naj is Snow White, Kyra is The Princess and the Frog. Jessie will be Isabelle, Caryn is Cinderella and Gina is Pochahontas. Let’s get started.”

Nashi was about to say something but Shinae had walked away already, speaking to the lighting director. Nura sat on the sofa, turning the available laptop to her.

“I am going to twitter!” Nura announced and Mia, Gina and Nashi gets ushered to get their hair done. It was a long and tedious shooting with the bright lights directed straight at them. Some of their fans caught hold of the news and hung out outside the building in hopes of catching a glimpse of them. After Caryn tweeted that she was hungry, Galaxy gave a box of cupcakes for them to eat.

Gina stroked her feather dress. “I like my dress. I feel like a bird.”

Jaymee leaned against the wall, unable to sit because wrinkles might appear on her dress’ design. Mia had her eyes closed. “My wig is making my head pound.”

“That’s because you’re Rapunzel.” Jessie played with the length of hair across her canary yellow skirt.

“Okay, I’m done.” Nura walked back to the waiting area, kicking of her high heels her pink skirt touching the ground. The make-up artist came over and dabbed her sweat away, touching up on her make-up.

“I bet Nashi’s really glad she starved herself for two days.” Naj remarked. Nashi’s pale blue dress was soft and clingy to every part. She smoothed out her own light yellow dress. “Can I take home the dress?”

Caryn slithered back to the waiting area. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to pee in this dress? It’s pretty but I don’t wanna keep it.” She made a face.

“Caryn! You’re next!” Shinae called out. Caryn nodded and stood up again, putting on her crystal shoes. Kyra sipped her Starbucks drink through the small straw.

“Where did you get Starbucks?” Mia demanded.

Kyra grinned and Mikey hovered behind her, carrying bags of Starbucks. “I’ve gotten all of you one!”

“My head is saved!” Mia said. Jaymee took her Hot Chocolate, grinning at the aromatic smell of chocolate.

“After Caryn and Jessie, we’ll have a group photo. This photo is the one that’s going to be on posters and billboards.” Shinae said, accepting one cup from Mikey. “You guys did a good job.”

Around 5PM, the shoot was over and all 9 of them crawled back to their vans. They headed home, ordered take out, showered then collapsed on their bed with their hair still wet and some with only their towels.

****