(/the door flies open and one word slips from his mouth) Crap. (/stares at her with wide, innocent eyes, shaking his head quickly and putting his hands up in a defensive position, stammering) N-No, I— I was hiding!! Obviously!! This doesn’t mean anything, it— (/sighs in defeat, knowing that she was never going to let this go and that she’d caught him. He slumps a little and drags himself out of the closet, tripping over his own foot and glomping onto her, exhausted from all the running around and hiding and everything) Oof, noonar you’re too bony. Gain some weight, eo?
{/ narrows her eyes at the younger, one hand reaching out to flick his nose lightly as she shakes her head /} Thought you could hide from me. In there, of all places! {/ she snickers, the hand she had reached out now covering her mouth as the corners of her eyes crinkle in both disbelief and amusement. a closet. come on, it was the perfect joke /} of course it means something! I— umph. {/ letting out a small grunt, she allows a fisted hand to knock the side of his head when he leans against her, the other circling his waist and patting his back /} tired already? you're such a little kid— hey! I'm not that skinny. you're a giant for a kid. tell me that when you grow up, okay? {/ laughs softly = u= /}
(/at the mention of Namjoo — of course Sohyun was important too, but let’s be honest, he’s a teenage boy and the object of his affection was the only thing anyone ever needed to mention in order to capture his attention — he quickly shoots up, a loud condemning ‘THUD’ sounding through the hallway as he scrambles to squeeze back into the little space of the closet, slamming the door shut and cursing immediately because that was another loud sound that might’ve given him away) ……………. (/cracks the door open slightly, as if that would give him any sort of advantage, craning his neck to see where the owner of the phone had gone)
{/ she swears that she had seen him and yet there's no sign as him as she waits with a limb extended to trip the next person. as she's about to retract her leg, her eyes widen abnormally as someone's shin makes contact with hers and she sees a figure flopping— quite ungracefully, she would add— to the floor /} Bubble-chan! I'm sorry! I didn't see you there— by the way, did you see number six? No, number six is Sungjae— wait, wait! Oppa, did you hear that? Oh! There, it happened again! I'll be back, oppa. I promise to apologize properly. Wait, why is your shirt wet— oh . . I'm so sorry, oppa, but wait like five minutes, okay? I must defeat the enemy! {/ and off she runs, dashing down the hall like prancer would, so maybe she's prancing or running but she's not dashing through the snow, at least. peeking into a room, she notices a closet door ajar and taking another look she spots him, a triumphant expression finding its way onto her face /} aHA! YOOK SUNGJAE! COME OUT OF THE— wait . . why are you in the closet— this explains a lot!
(/quickly scrambles after it, his reaction time is a little faster than hers because let’s face it she ain’t gettin any younger and he lunges at the phone, practically throwing himself onto the floor and skidding the last few centimeters before he scoops up the phone and, with newfound energy, jumps up, yelling out a victorious ‘HAH’ and dangling it in her face before snatching it up and shoving it into his coat pocket) I’M NUMBER ONE NOW!! (/sticks his tongue out at her childishly before darting out of the room, cackling evilly)
{/ honestly contemplated throwing herself towards the phone or lunging at Sungjae but the way he's flying across the room and flopping onto the floor cause her to hesitate and eventually, she completely stops, simply watching him in half amusement, half shock /} . . . {/ there's a substantial pause before she darts after him, eyes narrowed as she searches for him outside the room, yelling at the top of her lungs which is surprisingly high for someone with the tone of voice she typically raps with /} NUMBER ONE IS ILHOON. YAH, YOOK SUNGJAE COME BACK HERE OR I'M GOING TO TELL NAMJOO YOU'RE BULLYING ME. BABY SSO TOO! {/ swears she's spotted him while turning a corner and she doubles back just in case, crouching down in an area she thinks he's bound to run to next and preparing to trip him— if her luck isn't bad enough for her to accidentally trip an innocent bystander /}
As much as the statement was repeated in his mind, it was false each time. A green bag of candy was held in his hand as he walked down the stairs of the Cube building with light steps, listening in on any noises closing up on him to give him away. He knew she was down there— she spent more time dancing than anyone he knew. To confirm it, he heard her solo songs playing earlier. All he had to do was get into the dance studio, place the bag of candy down and return up to the recording studio where he was originally seated. That’s all he had to do, but the idea of getting caught in the midst of the mission was what had him hesitating.
He knew why he was doing this. The bag of Japanese candy in his hand was her favorite. Konpeito; little star shaped sweets that she munched on back whenever they had practice together. The little convenience store nearby that sold the candy had closed years ago and the availability of the snack in Korea became scarce. For those reasons; he couldn’t resist buying it when he walked by a Japanese tourist attraction earlier that day. He wanted to give it to her; in fact, he just wanted her to have them, much like all the other times he had secretly left her an item anonymously. He didn’t want her to know it was him who had bought it for her; the idea of a smile curving onto her lips at the discovery of the candy alone was enough to convince him of the deed.
Hearing the music stop was the perfect opportunity to sneak into the dance room. He peered inside; making sure the space was vacant before he walked in with quick steps, placing the bag of candy on top of the music player before exiting just as quickly as he entered. He went upstairs, grabbed his things before closing the recording studio, opting to head out back to the dorm to eliminate the possibility of getting caught if she decided to search for the gift giver later.
It wasn't enough.
Actually, it hardly ever was to her. This move was a half-second off. Her facial expression was odd here. The move there wasn't as precise as it should've been. Her endurance was weak. Hyuna's list of imperfections were endless but the imperfections were encouragement and inspiration as well. Just as she believed the criticism of those who disliked her were ways to improve, so were her own judgment calls and she could only climb higher.
Continue extending her hands toward an almost impossible to reach goal. She preferred it that way, for her goals to have no end because her dream did not possess one either nor did she wish it ever to. But it often became tiring, draining, and at the end of the day, she had her moments of weakness, breaks filling in her time when she could've kept dancing.
At the very least, she could be pleased with the fact that it had been her choice and hers alone to continue practicing in the manner in which she did. Not for a particular solo or unit or comeback but for her own sake as a dancer, as a performer, as an entertainer.
Was it satisfying? Sometimes. On the rare occasion she felt as if she had perfected a song to the best of her extent but still she would practice it again and again. Was it fun? When she wasn't alone and that brings everything around to the next question— was it lonely?
Of course. Especially when she had a solo and even when she was in Troublemaker with Hyunseung. As close as she had become with him, it wasn't the same. With the two of them alone most of the time, Hyuna still yearned to be with 4minute. To dance with the group she had come to know as family. More than family.
As she nearly dozed off while leaning against a vending machine down the hall from the practice room she chose that night, she regretted not asking along one of the members or the dancers. But tonight was about her. The way she felt the need to move with the music as if her heartbeat was held captive by the beat, something she hadn't felt in a while despite her best efforts. But when the 4minute member returned to the room, arms stretching behind her, there was not an ounce of regret remaining in her body once she spotted yet another random present left behind for her.
Initially, the anonymous gifts had drawn too much suspicion to be trusted but with each one, with each item that hinted at how well the person had to know her and of her preferences, she felt . . blessed. Watched over— which should've been creepy, in all honesty, but to her it was precious, heart-warming, and definitely a form of encouragement she hadn't been aware she needed.
What she could give in return was certainly nowhere near as uplifting as the gifts were to her but until she could find out who it was— and she had tried countless times, running around the building in search of the person— it would have to do. The room fell into darkness again when she left but the note and the small, folded star she had left on top of it were bright enough to her, a glimmer of the origami paper catching her eye as she shut the door with a smile, biting on one of the equally colorful candies already and mouthing the same words on the note.
As if it was second nature to her, without being in the position to, she nagged or scolded or whined. Whining was what she was known for most. Jing jing Hyuna, and wasn't he the leader of the group that had coined that nickname for her? She couldn't help it nor did she care to. If she was back to doing such a thing, didn't it mean she was one step closer— despite how many steps she had already taken that night— to returning to her former self?
"I have to move around. Do you know that feeling, oppa? Like you'll simply go crazy if you're not jumping around or doing something with yourself?" She had meant to go on but when he smiled at her, she couldn't help smiling back and letting the subject drop there, fall to the streets silently as the snow did around them.
A brow naturally rose when he declared his acceptance of her challenge— quite audaciously, she would add— and she nodded eagerly, dashing to the swing once her hands were free. The lack of warmth was nearly jarring but she recovered quickly, finding the same kind of solace in his smile and in his company.
And each second of the next few minutes felt exhilarating. As if her body had forgotten the chilling weather and the loneliness that had been dominant for a good part of her day, she cheered, one hand still clutching the chains of the swing as she held the other up in an okay sign.
"Same to you, oppa!" The rest came easily, finding a rhythm and flawlessly melding herself into it, rocking with the momentum of the swing to the point of leaning her head back and staring up at the sky, flakes adorning her face before melting away, much like the way her problems slipped away in the moment.
"Heart to heart? Trying to send me a message, unnie?" Hyuna was able to manage a short laugh not as forcibly as before. Still, the forlorn expression lingered in her dark orbs, clouding them with their gloom even as they slowly fluttered shut, giving into the soothing tone of the other's voice. Despite what Gayoon might've thought, she was far from drifting off into a state of peaceful slumber, if anything, her mind grew all the more fitful and frantic.
The lyrics resonated within her with a stronger pulse than she would've liked so all she could do without giving herself away any further was clutch at the sheets underneath the pillow her head laid on. "Mm . ." she hummed in a lethargic manner, as if she had indeed been losing herself to unconsciousness. "Me? I . ."
As Gayoon went on, she couldn't help the tension that had suddenly settled in her shoulders once more, her eyes still shut as a precaution. "No . . no, he doesn't. Don't tell him, okay, Gayoonie? I mean . ." and with this, eyelashes no longer met with the edge of her cheeks, orbs now readjusting to the darkness of the room as she gazed at her best friend. "I know you wouldn't but . . it just . . I doubt he'd listen." I doubt he'd believe me.
She wanted to scold him, she really did, but the more she tried, the more her attempts fell silent. Dead on the tip of her tongue. But, today, Hyuna found even the way he called her that odd altered version of noona endearing— because, honestly, why do people add the 'r' sound; then again, it was common to add 'ang' to sound cute— and she didn't hit him as she normally would've for suggesting it was as simple as offering him candy in order to gain his favor. "You're not a liar, I know."
And it was true. Actually, if she was to admit anything to him of such a manner, she would've chosen to say that he's honestly a good kid. Sungjae'd protest to the usage of the word kid to describe him but she'd ignore it, laugh at how he skips over the compliment, and goes straight for the comedy of the moment.
It was his character and she wouldn't change a thing— okay, maybe the few occasions he pokes fun at her age or her hair ( but that's mostly that darn bread loaf anyway ) — because he's Yook Sungjae. Number six. Her favorite dongsaeng as he calls her his favorite noona, not that she'd admit that. Hyuna would most likely deny all of it, but it still held to be true.
"Baby sso, huh? Has your dancing with her affected your bias, huh?" Clicking her tongue in feigned disappointment, she bit back a teasing smile. "She's mine, you know. You can't have our maknae. Oh, do you guys have a maknae line? It'd be nice to have one in cube, except we only have a few groups . . Go with the two youngest," she nodded. "Then Ilhoonie can be in it too and I think Sso likes him better than you. Keep that in mind if you want her to be your favorite." Childish of her to bring those things up, it was, but she saw it as basic jealousy— which again, she wouldn't dare to admit to him— however platonic their relationship was, it was her title and she wasn't willing to let it go.
"Hm? Ah, that bet. I think she told me about that . . you're becoming more clever, aren't you, number six?" and her eyes fell on the motions of his fingers, laughing softly as she noticed the object of his attraction. Taking his hand, she laid it across his lap and with a tug of his sleeve, she leaned close to bite the end of the string cleanly off. "You'll damage your shirt if you continue like that, you know."
As she turned the string over in her hands, eyes scrutinizing the light material, Hyuna grew silent at his description, shyness surprisingly overcoming her with each complimenting adjective. "Mm, I do . . pikachu's the best pokemon! I haven't done that in a long time though," she nodded with a soft smile, her expressive dark orbs giving her away entirely. "Hey!" A glare quickly thrown in his direction, she settled for stroking down the stray strands rather than hitting him in retaliation.
"But if I drink it, will I feel better or worse?" she asked, laughing, purely meaning to poke fun at his cooking prowess when really she planned on eating it all, the best she could manage. Watching him cautiously, an act— probably the best acting she was able to commit herself to, to be entirely honest— she put in place for his sake, to make him think she was nearly afraid to eat his food, "arsenic. Is this how you convince people to eat what you cook— no, anything you touch?"
Despite her words, she took the cup she was offered and warmth filled her mouth as she had a large spoonful's worth. "Reminds me of home. Aren't you going to eat any? Have you eaten today?"
Because the feeling of defeat will overcome you, and you will forever be shamed /he looked at her as though she already lost, giving her a slight frown. he thought for a moment carefully as she asked her question. he wondered if she had anything up her sleeve; Yes.. I suppose so. And I am very great, thank you. I will certainly grind you into the dust. /he nods once, sure of himself. he was prepared for any challenge she could throw at him;
pfffffffffft {/ and the expression on her face says it all even if she hadn't scoffed or made such sounds of obvious disagreement /} you? shame me? please. did you eat those potatoes again? because you're clearly spouting off nonsense. gibberish even, breadwoon. hm? oh really? {/ smiles smugly as she drags out one of the older consoles in the selections, nintendo 64 /} still feeling confident about whatever game I pick? hm? I think you underestimate my skills again, you bread loaf.
NOONAR NO— (/falls flat on his face as his foot gets caught on her strategically-placed limb, groaning a little and forcing himself to crawl alongside her, butting his hip against hers in an effort to unbalance her, knowing it must be a futile effort because she’s a dancer and won’t be so easily thrown off her feet—though technically she wasn’t on her feet) NNNOOOOOO IT’S MINE!! (/lunges forward, hoping his taller stature will give him the reach he needs to snatch the phone before her)
{/ mentally curses his long limbs for his ability to regain his composure so quickly following her somewhat that's as much as she's willing to admit underhanded trick and also how he seems to bound up to her without too much effort. so there was advantages to being as lanky as him. the bump to her hip doesn't go unnoticed but she tries to not let it affect her and instead she rounds about to kick him away, aiming for his arm to throw off his balance just as he had attempted to do to her /} NO, NUMBER SIX. GO AWAY! {/ and she throws herself into his side, arms extended and flailing about to shove him as far to the side as she can while she scoots closer to the phone, accidentally sending it to the other side of the room /}
The more she thought about the words they had spoken tonight, the more anxious she quickly became, falling with ease into a state of frustration mostly with herself. Why was it always easier for her to say the words that weren't as vital to say? Why must they come out in such a manner around him? Awkward. Tense. Almost robotic.
And with each passing second, there's another recollection of the damn near ridiculous words she had said once, asking him silly things about the night sky because her obsession with stars was close to being as dominant as her love for dance and whether he thought animals understood humans better than a majority of society.
Her reasoning for it had been logical, to her at least, but she couldn't tell if he was laughing because of how passionately she spoke of it or because the idea was outrageous itself. If he had thought so though, that she was being childish or foolish or anything of the sort, he never let on. And the words that came in response to her strained gratitude could've have stricken her any more forcefully than they did now.
Anything for you.
Hadn't he been like that since she got to know him better? Truly, she was foolish. An idiot. Ridiculous. Silly. Everything she considered earlier and all the various synonyms and phrases the world had to offer with its vast range of languages. In fact, she was nearly sure there had to be a specific word for a person like her.
And now her mind couldn't wrap around the words. They had registered in her mind, settled there and made themselves comfortable while creating havoc in whatever order there was— not that there really was any— to her thoughts. To someone who centered her career around not losing count or the beat, she felt as if there was no organization or timely steps for this kind of situation.
By all means, she understood the sentence. It had been simple really. Another set of three words yet it said more than she could've imagined or was she reading too much into it? Why would he still have feelings for her considering how they were and how she is?
And, wow, just when did . . since when . . how long had she been staring at him? As if meeting his eyes this time would help her understand. It couldn't have been longer than a few seconds but it certainly felt as if time had fled her. Trapping her with its long hand as the other stood still unbeknownst to her.
As she attempted to take control of it once again, she turned her head to face the cameras, a smile on her lips as if it had been there since they departed the limo. Following his head and the motions of an interviewer, Hyuna merely nodded to show her appreciation this time. Obviously words failed her and it couldn't have been worse timing for an interview in her opinion. No, how could she when she was still rendered speechless?
Nodding when it was her turn to introduce herself, she wondered when her throat had grown so parched, smiling as she tried to disguise her difficulty when she spoke. "I'm 4minute's Kim Hyuna! Nice to meet you," with a small wave and a cheerful countenance, she stared intently at the interviewer, sparing a few glances at the camera in order to avoid the eyes of the male beside her.
She should've expected it to come up but, if anything, she wouldn't have expected it to come up so quickly. "Normally you attend events with as Troublemaker if not with 4minute, today's taking a step into the past with the pairing from Change. What could you call it? The Change unit," and the interviewer seemed pleased with the title. "Do you both pay attention to each other's activities?"
This time, as her eyes met with Hyuna's, she gathered that she was expected to go first since Junhyung had done so just before and she had no problem with it although it reminded her of her moment in the limo, complimenting him on the album. "B2ST just had a comeback and all of 4minute likes to listen to the songs when we can. When it comes to Junhyung oppa, I think he did a great job on the new album and I really like his intro. It's just music, listen without prejudice. Those words really stood out to me."
Barely after Junhyung had given his own answer, the interviewer wasted no time, asking them about Change and complimenting Hyuna on the solo, as can be expected, but the next question had caught the young woman off-guard once again.
"Because the song is about change, is there anything you two would change about the other?"
She froze. Hyuna knew she had to have. There's no way she didn't and yet she tried to smile, a terse giggle slipping out as she leaned over to pat his shoulder to deter from her obvious pause. "During that time, he often tried to apologize to me for not writing his rap himself so I would change that so that he wouldn't have felt bad."
Swallowing thickly, she pulled her hand away, her gaze cast downwards as she took a deep breath and looked at the camera. If only her eyes didn't often give her away. No wonder she hadn't passed her auditions as an actress when she was younger. It was moments like this.
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