DAY6-The Book of Us: Hidden Pages

V- JAEPIL: 50 Proof (Part 1)

Jae looked at the crowd. The lights. The chants. The cheers. He looked at the stage and saw the members with the fullest smiles on their faces. One by one they put aside their instruments and went to the center of the stage for the final bow. Jae stood still on the far left of the stage still holding a tight grip of his electric guitar, never daring to move. He just stood there, taking in all the details of the moment. This is it. The final stage. He doesn’t want to move because he knows that it will be the last. That far left corner will not be occupied by him anymore. It made his eyes well up. Sungjin slowly approached him, and instead of pulling him to the center, he went for a hug. Sungjin and hugs don’t really go well together but this time, it was what Sungjin could only offer to comfort his bandmate, his friend, knowing that he’s the only one who knew about the contract’s termination.

Jae came back from his trance and acted normal, wiping the fallen tears away rapidly. Jae doesn’t want to put his guitar away but he knew he couldn’t stay like that forever. Sungjin offered his hand and Jae took it. They went hand in hand to the center. Sungjin linked hands with Dowoon and all together they raised their arms and took the final bow. 

It was Jae’s last.

It was very festive backstage. All were congratulating them for a sold out concert. Jae tried his hardest tonact normal. To smile despite the swelling pain in his chest. Pushing back the wave of emotion that’s been threatening to get out all throughout the night. He doesn’t want to spoil the fun. Before they left the concert hall, after making sure that nobody can see them, Jae gave Sungjin something which the leader put safely in his bag. He gave the eldest member a reassuring nod and a pat on the shoulder before they walked towards the van’s parking.

The whole band and the staff and crew went for an after party arranged by the company. It was a happy night for almost all of them. It was torture for Jae. He sat on the farthest corner where no one can see him and brought with him a few bottles of soju. His limit was half a bottle. It’s his third.

Wonpil on the other hand, did nothing but pay glances to Jae’s location, still afraid to approach him, he just kept his distance as he mentally noted how much soju Jae was drinking. He didn’t drink in case someone, specifically Jae, would need assistance going home.

People at the party started to thin out until they’re left with the members and some of the closest staff. Sungjin, who has the highest alcohol tolerance among them, checked the members one by one. He asked Dowoon to accompany the tipsy Brian to the Dorm using the company’s van. While Sungjin and Wonpil accompany the very drunk Jae who can’t even stand alone without falling.

Sungjin and Wonpil positioned themselves on both Jae’s sides as they walked towards the exit where a taxi was waiting for them.

“Wait. Wait. I-I want to drink.” Jae slurred while hiccuping in between words.

“No you’re going home, Jae.” Sungjin replied to Jae’s drunk talking.

“Home? LA?” Jae asked and started to sing the national anthem, waving his arms like a conductor of an orchestra or something.

“You’re here in Korea, We’re going to your apartment.” Sungjin said as he tried to keep Jae from moving too much.

“Keep still you might throw up here.” Sungjjn added.

“Hyung, are we just gonna leave him there?” Wonpil finally spoke. He was asking Sungjin. He worries about who’s gonna take care of Jae’s drunken state.

Jae, by the sound of Wonpil’s voice turned to the source of it and forced his eyes to see something. He then chuckled. “I must be drunk. I’m hearing things. Wonpil doesn’t want to see me.” Jae slurringly voiced out and closed his eyes again. It gave Wonpil a punch in the heart. It’s not true. He wants to see him more than anyone else.