배우싶다 || Key and Xero
There was a mild and brief relief then the other turned to acknowledge his question, in fact, Jiho was pleased that he’d properly recalled the other’s name – or alias rather. With the others bustling in and out of the uncomfortably cramped space, he was more than enthusiastic when the other suggested changing locations and nodded contently to the notion. Of course, the other had just finished a performance and would have to gather his belongings or at least wash up a bit so Jiho wasn’t quite fazed when the other asked him to wait. As he did though, he took his time in admiring the sets and clothing of the noisy strangers but what maintained his attention rather was the way their confidence carried themselves. It was a type of magic in a way that attracted others when one demonstrated a proud version of oneself, be it a mask or not, a talent Jiho respected and wished to master himself.
Slowly, the crowds had been thinning out as they left the vicinity one after another and by the time Key had returned, Jiho could at least see him approach despite the occasional passing by of another person. Nodding at the other’s words as the other turned, hand clutching something, Jiho followed the other wordlessly to what appeared to be a locked room. Even from the back, this Key person had the same air as the others backstage – not quite something Jiho could formulate into a description, but the same magnetic pull no one could deny. There was also the fact that this man, supposedly an undercover spy, would have the audacity to pursue a morning profession that required constant showing of his face, that of course, Jiho would never bother pondering since he preferred to be in the shadows even if he was merely a strategist.
Watching the other turn the key to the what appeared to be an empty room, Jiho paused, watching the other for directions of whether he should step in. Despite enjoying the silence, Jiho found himself with the need to express his opinion, Key valuing it or not. “That was…” his whisper refusing his will to compliment by intercepting his words with a cough, “amazing… back there.” He winced at his uncoolness, hoping that the other might not have heard him now that he’d spoken it out loud. If anything, he’d prefer to permanently remove his voice (and his careless opinions) before they embarrass him further. Coughing again, he ordered himself to focus on the task at hand and how they were to proceed with Hongbin’s plan, though he personally believed the idea to be complete bullshit which of course, was a thought he (thankfully) managed to maintain as a private comment.
They arrived at the door and Kibum made to open it. While it was prefered to make as little noise as possible, you never knew who could be around the corner and therefore being suspiciously careful wouldn’t work much in one’s favor either. The handle pressed down with a soft click and he stepped inside. The lights were still on since he’d left the room just 2 minutes ago, familiar rows of wide lockers on one side and another wall made up with mirrors glaring back at him. They reflected Xero standing in the doorframe and Kibum was about to gesture for him to follow him inside as the former spoke, showcasing a bit uncertainty in the… well, nice compliment. The actor pursed his lips to hide the small satisfaction he felt as the other’s words settled. “Thank you,” he replied, pausing and throwing a glance at his feet before stepping aside, gesturing for the other to properly enter. “So,” Kibum began, fingering with the lock on the satchel by his hip, “I don’t usually carry things around like this but I suppose today is somebody’s lucky day.” Or I was just notified before hand. Kibum really disliked feeling like all his work was hanging, depending, on his shoulders but when the documents needed moving then they were safest close to his body. He slipped out the envelope and handed it to the other. “Tell him I did what he asked and this is what I got out of the situation. I had to back out when I sensed that one of the involved was on to me.” Kibum sat down in one of the armchairs in the room, all of a sudden feeling slightly drained. He had been worried about locking the documents with his satchel in the lockers during the performance and the relief ran it of off him so soothingly. He looked at Xero for a moment, almost tempted to grin. “I can assume you liked the show, then?”
