You Rock My Heart

You're Hongjoong, right?

Walking into the studio was the first time that Hongjoong had ever felt like a celebrity. There were staff members all over, talking to each other over headsets, passing around clipboards, and yelling out instructions. Cameras and crews filled every corner, setting up different locations for shoots. He and his members were immediately corralled into hair and makeup and stylists flitted around, grabbing pallets and brushes off of the carts parked precariously around the room. He tried to keep a calm and professional face as he noticed his members looking a bit nervous and overwhelmed. He continually reassured them and kept pumping them up by joking around with them to make them laugh. He himself was pretty overwhelmed but San had anticipated this  and dropped by with hugs every so often.

After a few hours, his stylists finished and he was brought into the studio get his photos taken. He had never had a photo shoot before and he wasn't entirely sure what to do with himself but thankfully they had a few people giving him orders.

"Alright can you try turning your torso this way and look over here. Place your elbow on your knee, yes just like that! Perfect don't move!"

Hongjoong began to gain confidence and started to calm down. As soon as it started it was over and they rushed to move around the scenery for the next member. As he was guided back to the dressing room he noticed a group of six boys heading over to a station for a photo shoot, and realized it was probably another band. It seemed silly that he hadn't considered other new bands would be using the same studio for their shoots. After all, it was a pretty big building. Maybe they would be able to meet a few groups, he thought excitedly. But as he neared the dressing room he was struck with a sudden realization. Wonderland might be here.

Just as he entered, San was rushing to him, eyes wide.

"Um—we have a problem—"

"Don't tell me he's here," Hongjoong asked, already sure of the answer.

San grabbed his arm and pulled him back out the studio.

"He's in the dressing room right now," he said finally once they were stopped.

"Wha—right NOW!?" Hongjoong said running his hands back through his hair.

"Yeah, at least I'm pretty sure. I'm not sure what he looks like but I saw my ex so..."

Hongjoong looked at San and saw that he was visibly upset and he put his arms around him.

"I'm sorry San. Did you guys talk at all?"

"No, we just made eye contact and I ran to find you."

"Thanks, San. Do you want to talk to him?"

"He wants to give me an explanation but I think it's just going to hurt more. I don't want to hurt anymore," he muttered biting his lip.

"I get that but I think you owe it to yourself to hear him out. You really care about him and it seems like he really cares about you," Hongjoong said, his hand on San's shoulder.

"Maybe later."

"Of course, there's no rush San. Whenever you're ready," Hongjoong smiled and San smiled half-heartedly in return.

San had to prepare for his shoot still so Hongjoong forced him to go get ready. Now that he was alone, he sat down in a hidden corner where he could still keep an eye out for Seonghwa.

———

"Um, hi. Hello? You're Hongjoong right?"

Hongjoong heard an unfamiliar voice as he was awoken from his unintentional nap. He opened his eyes to see a man a little younger than him leaning over him.