who am i? who am i?

kwon tae-geun. singer. dreamer. into myself because who else is going to be?

[behyejin]

ɴᴏᴛ ɢᴏɴɴᴀ ꜱᴛᴏᴘ

for @bexktaegeun

hyejin had been making sure to push herself with training more ever since she got signed with studio delta again. she didn't want to disappoint anyone at all and she kept wanting to show growth. plus that part of her that wanted to keep proving to herself that she deserved this more than ever. she was happy with her progress so far though which she was grateful for.

taking a break, she went to one of the vending machines in the axis building. there had to be something to snack on to hold her over till lunch. though she couldn't help but notice someone new. she instantly waved since the social butterfly part of herself was coming out front and center. "want something? i'm up for paying for it." she mused as kept her gaze towards the other.

[bexktaegeun]

tae found himself still settling in to into the position of a trainee. people were nice. some noticed he was knew and for others, he was sure he was just another face in the sea of trainees. those that did speak to him were nice though. it was intense but it was also everything he wanted so tae strived to do his best.

they had been dismissed for a break and tae found himself wondering around. he heard the voice before he saw the person. "thank you for the offer." he smiled at the other. "but you're my senior in the company, i should treat you instead. not to just snacks, a meal. i hope you'll take care of me." it was like standard networking at his family's fancy parties.

"i'm taegeun by the way. nice to meet you."

[bexktaegeun]

tae + open (waterbomb)

the difference a year could make.

last year, he was a waterbomb hopeful. fingers crossed and praying that the company he wanted would sign him. that didn't happen but he still had fun. this time though, it was different. he wasn't able to shout from the roof tops that he was finally a trainee and that meant the world to him.

he wasn't just scrolling through the crowd with his friends as a normal kid, he was a trainee. even if some of the small group didn't know. speaking of the group, tae had spent some time running around, firing off his water gun at his friends in random intervals.

it was all good and fun until his friend duck behind a person and ran away. tae had already prepared to shoot by the time he realized, accidently getting someone sqaure in the stomach. it took a few seconds, a few snickers at his expense before he quickly closed the gap between him and his unexpected victim.

"i am so, so sorry about that. i wasn't aiming to hit you if that's any consolation." it might not have been but it was true. "i had already pulled the trigger before they moved. you can douse me buckets of water as payback."

[hannaxbe]

as usual, hanna wasn't exactly planning to attend waterbomb this year but just like before, one thing led to another and she ended up here. again. almost like a mysterious force that draws her back.

hanna supposes last year wasn't so bad though; she ran into some friends and had a decent time so at least this year, she's a bit hopeful that things will be okay.

it's as she's thinking this that she suddenly feels a shock of cold water hit her in the stomach, almost making her topple backwards from the sheer impact and force. while she stabilizes herself, the food in her hands is another story as it slips out of her grasp and falls with a sad thud on the ground. hanna looks down at it, shocked and mildly upset (but mostly annoyed), before looking up to see who the culprit was.

if her eyes are squinted into a glare at first, it quickly changes to one of confusion then recognition once she sees who the person is. "wait-- haven't we met before?" she asks first, trying to comb through her memory for where she's seen this guy before when it hits her: "oh! i filmed something for you before, right?" it was all coming back to her now, however she soon remembers why they've met again.

truthfully, hanna was still a little peeved but hearing his apology and explanation, any real irritation she felt was quickly disappearing since it didn't seem like he had any ill intentions and it was genuinely all an accident. "well, i guess it is called waterbomb for a reason," she decides on saying, the corner of her lips turning up in amusement. there was no sense in being upset or making a scene since he didn't mean to get her like that. "rather than throwing water onto you though, what i'd really like is the food i bought," she half jokes, half looks down at what used to be her snack as if she was mourning it.

[bexktaegeun]

tae was too busy apologizing to realize he had committed a graver skin. it didn't take long though for him to follow her eyes as they took in all of the food he had wasted. and somewhere in the distance, he was sure he still heard his friends snickering. more apologies were ready to pour from his lips when she spoke again. there was another pause before the memory hit him.

"ah, yeah! when my good friends ditched me while i needed help." luckily, she had stepped up to help him. "can't believe this is the way i return the favor. i didn't mean to return it this but..." whatever he was going to say was cut off her by small joke. it was cheesy enough that he couldn't help but laugh a bit. he didn't think much about running into his savior again but felt like he should've had a better showing than this. there was only one thing to do, go all out in a way only he could.

"i agree that food is better than wet revenge. what did you get? i'll get all of it and more for you." money that could've been spent on his friends stomachs but they didn't deserve it anymore. "it's both unlucky and lucky that you met me. i ruined your food but i also don't mind spending my entire life on food. so i promise, whatever you want today, you'll get it. as long as i can get your forgiveness."

[bexktaegeun]

it had been a minute since he found some time to spend with seojun. even now, he couldn't wonder if this would count as hang out time or work time. maybe an odd mix of both? but at least he knew he'd be able to see seojun more often. the fact that his friend was a debuted idol was one thing but now he might be joining him on that path. the first step was made and soon enough, hopefully, he'd be making the second step. but it was time to surprise seojin with the good news.

he had been pretty silent after the talent show. he didn't want to think about his audition until he passed now, he could mention his good fortune. it had taken some asking around but he finally spotted the other boy in the hall. tae creep up behind him slowly, finally reaching out to tap seojun on the shoulder before he stepped in front of him.

"guess who's officially a lime trainee?"

[beseojun]

now seojun had happened to be in the building as he was working hard to memorize the choreo for the new song that vybe was performing for their comeback. sure it meant that most of the time he was just around the other member in their own practice room but he wasn't upset by it. right now, he was taking a break though since he needed something to keep him going otherwise he's sure he'd crash out.

trying to find a snack was his one mission and he's grateful for a vending machine nearby. he's already pulling out the money he'll need for his desired snack before he feels a tap on his shoulder and sees a familiar face. he's glad he didn't jump at all. he's sure he'd never hear the end of it.

"well look at you. i'm so happy that you are here." he smiled brightly at tae. he had seen the other's set at the talent show and was glad that he made it in.

[bexktaegeun]

"i'm a little sad that you didn't jump ten feet in the air." just being startled a little would've been enough to get a good chuckle out of him. but he managed to put up with it somehow, giving a small pout to seojun. "once we finish talking, we're going to do it again and this time i'm want you to be perfectly startled."

while he never expected seojun to turn up his nose at him, it would've sad and slightly funny if he did. "i'm happy i'm here too. i didn't say anything, i wasn't sure if i'd be able to make it so i didn't tell anyone. and well, they don't allow you to tell anyone." so it wasn't all in his control but he still was nervous about speaking about it before took his first step inside the building.

"now, as my senior. you have to give me all of the tips you can. i know you'll be busy as an idol but i'll do my best to annoy you as much as possible."

[bexktaegeun]

tae + open (waterbomb)

the difference a year could make.

last year, he was a waterbomb hopeful. fingers crossed and praying that the company he wanted would sign him. that didn't happen but he still had fun. this time though, it was different. he wasn't able to shout from the roof tops that he was finally a trainee and that meant the world to him.

he wasn't just scrolling through the crowd with his friends as a normal kid, he was a trainee. even if some of the small group didn't know. speaking of the group, tae had spent some time running around, firing off his water gun at his friends in random intervals.

it was all good and fun until his friend duck behind a person and ran away. tae had already prepared to shoot by the time he realized, accidently getting someone sqaure in the stomach. it took a few seconds, a few snickers at his expense before he quickly closed the gap between him and his unexpected victim.

"i am so, so sorry about that. i wasn't aiming to hit you if that's any consolation." it might not have been but it was true. "i had already pulled the trigger before they moved. you can douse me buckets of water as payback."

[bexktaegeun]

like for plotting for trainee threads

[beheechul]

heechul had been pushing himself into creating more whether he was doing art, streaming, or creating music. it just kept him de-stressed especially when work got too much for him. though knowing he'd get to see tae made him even happier. he was curious about what the other had planned for them today so he was eager to go to his place. it would get him mind off the millions of things he loved to think about at least. he could focus on trying not to babble out his feelings which was easier said than done.

even as he arrived at his friend's place, he couldn't stop the way his heart was beating in his chest. it always got this way whenever he was around tae. he hated it a lot of the time and wished he'd just say how he felt already. he was just dragging it out and if anything, that was messing with him more. he shook the thoughts away as he smiled upon seeing tae again, missing him a ton.

a soft laugh left his lips before he gave tae a nod. he could feel his heart flutter at the hand contact as he let himself be pulled along. sure this is how they usually were but it never failed to make his feel soft. "honestly, i'd go for anything. maybe a soda or something stronger if we both wanna go that route."

[bexktaegeun]

"i'll surprise you." he finally settled on, letting go of heechul as they reached the dining room. "you can start to eat and i'll be right back." even as he walked away, tae knew that he'd bring back both. if he factored into the news he wanted to share with heechul tonight, something a little stronger wouldn't hurt.

not at all.

true to his word, tae returned with two bottles of soda, two cups of ice even though the drinks were cold. there was also a bottle of his favorite wine, a mini debate had gone on his head. did he want soju or did he want wine and the wine won out. it felt a little romantic, even if he was the only that held that feeling. the table was large but his seat was right next to heechul's, any proximity was good enough for him.

"before we talk about anything else....how does it taste? like heaven?" considering the price he paid, it should.

[bexktaegeun]

it had been a minute since he found some time to spend with seojun. even now, he couldn't wonder if this would count as hang out time or work time. maybe an odd mix of both? but at least he knew he'd be able to see seojun more often. the fact that his friend was a debuted idol was one thing but now he might be joining him on that path. the first step was made and soon enough, hopefully, he'd be making the second step. but it was time to surprise seojin with the good news.

he had been pretty silent after the talent show. he didn't want to think about his audition until he passed now, he could mention his good fortune. it had taken some asking around but he finally spotted the other boy in the hall. tae creep up behind him slowly, finally reaching out to tap seojun on the shoulder before he stepped in front of him.

"guess who's officially a lime trainee?"

[bexktaegeun]

like for plotting for trainee threads

[bexktaegeun]

he couldn't deny there were a few complex and confused emotions pushing through him he set his eyes on heechul. now more than ever but tae managed to stuff it down to focus on his current task. pretending he knew how to cook really, really, really. tae wouldn't consider himself a bad cook per say, he knew enough of his way around the kitchen even if he defaulted to take out. but he wanted to go all out for heechul and that meant something fancy at this house.

it only took an hour before he realized fancy wasn't in his wheel-house.

so he did the next best thing. buying and plating. it was also hard work, moving the food from the containers to the plates and then making sure he got rid of every bit of evidence of his minor lie. honestly, if heechul didn't figure it out by the end of the meal, he'd spill. there would only be so many times he could get away with it. the thought, though silly was enough to perk him up by the time his friend arrived.

"straight to the dinning room to eat first. we don't want it to get cold." were his first words as the other boy walked inside. as always, it was heechul so he didn't waste time grabbing the others hand and pulling him along. "what are we in the mood for drinking tonight?"

@beheechul

[bexktaegeun]

tae enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city. he enjoyed the quieter moments as well but the hustle and bustle was good for helping him out when he needed it. as always, he had a goal in mind and he wanted a little feedback. really, it was just to get his mind of everything. he wanted to be worry and stress free. that meant spending most of his time trying not be listless. and then was nothing more tedious than sitting and going through some of the content he had recorded in the recent months.

tae had set himself up at the park, near the entrance. laptop on the table and variety of snacks beside him. that's how his poor unsuspecting victim found him when he called him over, interrupting their day. he turned his laptop screen a bit so the other could see it. "i want to know which take and edit you like more. if you have the time to review." it was a simple cover he did with his friends, he was in charge of the final product. one had slightly more editing and was their first or second take. the other had less editing and it was after a few takes.

"both have their merits for me but before i upload, i wanted see what someone else thought."

@beseonghan

[bexktaegeun]

the next time he met yuji, tae was the one in need. he had been feeling off most of the day. one of those days where he sort of had a fight with his dad but the man couldn't be bothered to really fight with him. tae had gotten over it in his own way, by spending said money on whatever his eyes landed on.

but that wasn't the issue at hand. at some point during the day, he met with his friends at the park. they spent time together, they spent his money and the group split ways not too long after that. it wasn't until he was at another store that he realized his wallet was missing. it wasn't too hard to deal with in the digital age but the missing wallet had him doubling back to the park.

which then lead him to yuji, sitting in the area he had just been in. they met each other enough that didn't mind walking up to ask a somewhat pressing question. "hey, did you happen to see a wallet here? or see someone walking away with one?" he hadn't been gone for too long but long enough that others passed through. "it was pretty bulky, grey and black with white stickers. does that ring a bell?"

@beyuji

[beyuji]

besides performing, yuji simply likes to just exist. the summer months make it harder for her to enjoy being outside, but it's much more bearable when she knows the only other option is inside the practice room. the park is nice, and being around nature just makes it all the worth while, even if sweat is perspiring on her skin at a more rapid pace. she wishes fall would come, though yuji knows they've barely just started the summer.

when someone begins to approach her, yuji glances up on instinct, taking several seconds of thought before recognition begins to settle. straightening up, she greets taegeun kindly, blinking at the sudden barrage of questions.

"a wallet?" she repeats, brows furrowing as she attempts to recall. "i didn't see anything on my way in. admittedly, i wasn't really...looking either. did you want some help looking for it?" yuji offers, already taking a look around the ground and around where she's sitting. "i can help you look. maybe retrace your steps a bit?"

[bexktaegeun]

"i wouldn't mind the help." tae said, even as his eyes scanned the area around her. a sigh left his mouth. not so much that it was possibly stolen but all of the cards and legwork he would have to do if they couldn't find it. "i'm just afraid that someone already personally, took up the charge of retracting my steps." and walked away with a nice amount. "but the park is the last area to check, i've already been to the other shops and routes i took."

it was his last hail mary.

tae didn't waste much more time, walking away a few inches from the bench to scope out the grass. there were also trashcans. "am i desperate enough for my wallet that i would dig in the trash? and if someone stole it, do you think they'd be stupid enough to try and use the cards or simply take whatever cash i had?" this time, his gaze went back to yuji. "i really don't want to dig in the trash."

[bexktaegeun]

tae enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city. he enjoyed the quieter moments as well but the hustle and bustle was good for helping him out when he needed it. as always, he had a goal in mind and he wanted a little feedback. really, it was just to get his mind of everything. he wanted to be worry and stress free. that meant spending most of his time trying not be listless. and then was nothing more tedious than sitting and going through some of the content he had recorded in the recent months.

tae had set himself up at the park, near the entrance. laptop on the table and variety of snacks beside him. that's how his poor unsuspecting victim found him when he called him over, interrupting their day. he turned his laptop screen a bit so the other could see it. "i want to know which take and edit you like more. if you have the time to review." it was a simple cover he did with his friends, he was in charge of the final product. one had slightly more editing and was their first or second take. the other had less editing and it was after a few takes.

"both have their merits for me but before i upload, i wanted see what someone else thought."

@beseonghan

[bexktaegeun]

the next time he met yuji, tae was the one in need. he had been feeling off most of the day. one of those days where he sort of had a fight with his dad but the man couldn't be bothered to really fight with him. tae had gotten over it in his own way, by spending said money on whatever his eyes landed on.

but that wasn't the issue at hand. at some point during the day, he met with his friends at the park. they spent time together, they spent his money and the group split ways not too long after that. it wasn't until he was at another store that he realized his wallet was missing. it wasn't too hard to deal with in the digital age but the missing wallet had him doubling back to the park.

which then lead him to yuji, sitting in the area he had just been in. they met each other enough that didn't mind walking up to ask a somewhat pressing question. "hey, did you happen to see a wallet here? or see someone walking away with one?" he hadn't been gone for too long but long enough that others passed through. "it was pretty bulky, grey and black with white stickers. does that ring a bell?"

@beyuji

[bexktaegeun]

he was lost in his own thoughts. rarely did tae pull away from his go-to friends but he found himself doing that since since the talent show and everything after. answers. he had to wait for an answer. it was the sole thing on his mind at this point. he wished he could've found out right then and there.

but he didn't. instead he found himself walking mindlessly through the streets of seoul. the sun had just set, he had his phone in hand and music blasting as he went replayed everything his mind. what did he get right? what did he get wrong.

so, there was no surprise that he bumped into someone. his phone slipped hitting the ground and one of his blue tooth earphones fell out. it reminded tae he needed another pair. but he was still in his gaze, bowing finally once his mind caught up with him.

"i'm sorry for that. i had a lot on my mind and i haven't been paying attention. are you alright? if you need anything fixed let me." he said though, his mind wasn't fully on what was happening with other thoughts lingering.

@besiwoo

[bexktaegeun]

x. like for a random starter

[bexktaegeun]

fresh off the stage, tae was a nervous ball of energy. they had finished their stage but he wanted to know what people thought. he didn't want to ask heechul, he was sure his friend would be full of nothing but praise. that how he was. instead he made his way over to another performer, his guitar still around his body. "hey, i saw you performer earlier, you did a good job." he didn't have a reason to lie and he wasn't a professional.

"and now, i kindly as if you don't mind telling me what you think of ours?" slight nerves crept in at that, "if you saw our performance, if you didn't. i'll just take it as you saying it was greatest performance ever performed." he could lie to himself for a bit. "i'm taegeun."

@borabe

[borabe]

after finishing up her own performance, bora felt like she was buzzing with too much nervous and excited energy; there was no way she could comfortably make the walk back home as the bundle of nerves she currently was, so she decided instead to sit down and watch the rest of the performances for the talent show instead.

she blinked in surprise as she noticed the other performer approaching her, mid-sip of her water (she was craving some sort of coffee or tea, but she knew caffeine wouldn't be the best way to heal her nervousness right now), before sitting up straight and smiling politely. "oh, thank you so much! that means a lot, heh." it was slowly getting easier to take compliments, even if she was worried the rest of the reactions to her stage may not be as kind.

bora pauses for a second in thought after taegeun's joke, playing back his and heechul's performance in her head for a second. "... oh! wait, wait, your performance was really, really good!" she finally takes herself out of her own head and fears. she sits her phone down in her lap with a grin, leaning in excitedly now. as an artist, she was her own worst critic; but it was always easier to find the good in someone else's work. "i really liked your guitar solo too, you're skilled! how long have you been playing?"

she jabs her thumb at the seat next to her, "go ahead and sit down! i'm bora, it's nice to meet you!"

[bexktaegeun]

tae eyed her for a minute, wondering is she really meant it or she was just being polite. and then a second later, he had the idea that he didn't care. he was willing to take the compliment without much fuss. "i mean it, it was a stand out to me so i'm sure it had to be for the watchful eyes." those eyes being the employee's of the company he wanted to impress himself. "and thank you."

"i was nervous since i walked in the door, sorta of happy the performance is over now so i can watch the others." other than mentally comparing himself to them in every aspect. but that was a little too doom and gloom and tae managed to tuck the words into his head. he did as she said, taking a seat next to her. "i should grab something to drink as well." the sentence being muttered to himself as he eyed her water.

"as for the guitar...i've been playing since i was in high school at least? on and off but it wasn't four years ago that i buckled down and focused on it. nice to meet you as well, hopefully, most of us in this room will meet again as trainees...if that's something you want. the indie route is also good."

[beheechul]

@bexktaegeun

heechul didn't know what he expected when he stepped inside the cafe but he knew he was staring a ton before he ordered a dessert and a tea to go with it. sure he was here to check out the cafe but he was also here to figure out his performance alongside tae.

sure there had been some planning and practicing at each other's homes but it felt nice to be outside of an apartment this time. maybe a change in scenery would help more with figuring out how their performance would go for the talent show.

looking around the place, he instantly spots tae and walks over. he can't help the smile on his lips as he sits beside his best friend. "not working too hard on our performance are you?" he can't help the way his tone becomes a bit teasing as he can't help the fond gaze that always happens when he's looking at the other male.

"got any ideas for when we are on stage? i wanna make sure we keep everyone's eyes on us when we perform."

[bexktaegeun]

"working hard? never." he returned the playful energy with a smile, his full attention on heechul now that he had arrived. "i even took some time to slack off and gets us some treats." tae gestured to the table, a cookie already in hand himself. "as for ideas for the stage..." he leaned back in his chair, seiriously thinking about it.

"how about this? towards the middle of the song, we'll rip our shirts off and continue performing, i'm sure no one will be able to look away after that." they might get kicked out as well but it would be unforgettable. but that was tae being silly, when it came to the serious half his answer, he barely had anything.

"i think we should just have fun, like we practiced. there is more space for you to do some dance moves and i'll try to move along as best i can with the guitar." tae leaned forward a bit, his hand coming to his chin. "we can try and do more to interact with the crowd, inside the room...we're just pointing at the wall but some direct eye-contact shouldn't hurt. more importantly, you should just be your amazing self, they'll see the talent."