𝘫𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨 - 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴

six

Jaemin's mother prodded her son's side. He woke up with a loud groan. Mrs. Na chuckled and wiped the hair off his forehead so she could see his eyes. "Mom, why so early? It's only six!" Jaemin whined. His mother soothed him by stroking his hair. She shrugged. "Well, Jisungie said he's here to see you. I guess he's still not used to the time zones."

Jaemin was already up and changing. "Tell him I'll be right down!" He grinned ear to ear as he got ready. Jaemin put on his uniform, but wore a gray hoodie under his blazer. He ran down the stairs, faster than sound. "Jisungie!" He saw the younger boy waiting at the door entrance. Jisung cringed at his name being yelled so loudly in the morning, but he smiled at his hyung nonetheless.

"Hi Jaemin-hyung." Jisung said. Jaemin hadn't realized how deep Jisung's voice had gotten over the years. He marveled at the sound of Jisung's voice. Wow, his voice is kinda hot now. Jaemin had always liked Jisung's voice, but it was different now that they were older and mature.

Jaemin began to reminisce. "Hey, Jisungie?"

"Yes, hyung?" He replied.

The older boy laughed at himself. "Do you remember when we sang together at that talent show when you were nine?" Jisung thought, and then snapped his fingers. "Yes, of course! How could I forget that?"

🌿💌

Nine-year-old Jisung was nervous. He held the microphone in his shaky hands. Why did we sign up for this! He thought. Why couldn't I be a normal kid and focus on studying? Why do I like dancing? I could've made more friends! Jisung paced back and forth behind the stage. He was waiting for Jaemin, who was running late. He peered behind the curtains. There were at least 80 out of 100 seats filled! Why was Jaemin-hyung such a forgetful person?

"Number 23 and 24, you're up in two minutes!" The manager backstage called. That was Jisung and Jaemin. Jisung's heart rate increased rapidly. He grabbed the manager's sleeve. "My- my partner isn't here yet! Can you make an adjustment?" He pleaded. The manager checked his watch and looked at Jisung empathetically. "I'm sorry, kiddo, there's nothing we can do. Just perform by yourself, you'll do great."

Tears welled in Jisung's eyes. He nodded, but his heart sank. He was going to do awful. He'd go out there and mess up in front of all his classmates, their parents, and his friends. He couldn't do it. He wouldn't go out there— but he had too. Another manager backstage called Jisung and Jaemin's names. Jisung gulped, and slowly crept up to the curtain.

His eyes darted back to the line of people behind him to see if Jaemin was there yet, but there was no sign of the older boy. Little Jisung shut his eyes tight. The curtains drew, and the spotlight focused on him. He looked out into the vast crowd of people. Jisung could feel his heart trying to pound it's way out of his chest, and he was sure the audience could hear it too. You can do this, Jisung. He told himself. But it felt empty without Jaemin there next to him.

All their rehearsals and practices went to waste. He felt his breath get thick with nervousness. The first beat of the music qued. Jisung tapped his feet just like he practiced.