Sun-kissed

Chapter 3

They left the hospital the following morning around 3AM, unseen by the paparazzi waiting outside.  When Youngbae and his manager reached the dorms, the rest of the band members were still asleep, except for Jiyong, who greeted them at the door. Kwon Jiyong, also known by the stage name 'G-Dragon', was Youngbae's best friend since they were YG trainees almost ten years ago.  A few months younger than him, Jiyong was the leader of their group, a rapper/singer, a producer, and a fashion icon in the music industry.  He was around 5'8", a couple of inches taller than Youngbae, with a lean build and angelic face. He had on baby blue stripped skinny pajama bottoms and his cotton colored, voluminous, hair was hidden under a red sleeveless studded hoodie. His slippers resembled a pair of sharpeis - both named after his own sharpeis, Gaho and Jolie.  The outfit would have looked crazy on another person, but Jiyong wore it with style. 

"Jiyong, I didn't think you'd still be up this late," said Youngbae as Boram wheeled him into the dorm.  The dorm was a large apartment that all Big Bang members shared with their managers.  On this floor, Youngbae shared quarters with band member, Kang Daesung, and their respective managers.  Jiyong lived a few floors above with their youngest Big Bang member, Lee Seunghyn, a.k.a. Seungri.  And the oldest Big Bang member, Choi Seunghyun a.k.a. TOP, lived with the remaining managers on another floor in the building.  Other YG artists, such as girl group, 2NE1, also lived in the same building but on different floors. Having the artists live together within walking distance of the YG building, not only made it convenient for work but it also made them feel close like family.

The dorm had gleaming wood floors throughout. Immediately to your right was a spacious living area with large floor to ceiling windows which faced the Han River.  The living space was filled with deep black leather sectionals pushed up against the wall.  Two large orange bean bag couches rested in front of the large LCD television the boys shared.  Gaming consoles and electronic gear lined the TV stand.  The modern kitchen and dining area was to the left and was rarely used, except for fixing simple meals.

"I found out they were bringing you back tonight, so I waited," Jiyong replied, "otherwise I was going to head back up to the hospital again.  How are you feeling, because you look like crap."

Youngbae smiled.  Jiyong always knew how to make him smile and focus on the brighter side of life because everyone knew how much he liked to worry.  "I'm pretty sore, but the doctor said I should be healed within 2-3 weeks.  I'm glad that was our last show - I'd hate to think what you would have done had that been the first show instead.  I will be careful and do better next time."

"Nonsense, it was an accident." Moments passed as Jiyong replayed the accident and re-lived the moment in his mind when he rushed over to his friend and found him unresponsive.  He swallowed a lump in his throat and blinked rapidly before facing Youngbae.  A silent understanding passed between the two friends as Jiyong placed his hand on Youngbae's shoulder.  "I'm glad you're back home bro.  I'll let you get some rest and catch up with you tomorrow."

Youngbae clasped his friend's hand before he could take his leave.  "Thank you for being there for me."

Jiyong nodded and walked out.

It felt good to be back in his own bed, thought Youngbae as he rested underneath his black/white plaid and yellow-striped comforter.  It was the only place that he could always be completely himself - the only serenity that allowed him to feel relaxed enough to dream. His Boston terrier, Boss, lay asleep on top of the covers, next to his right thigh.  Moonlight filtered through the window panes and casted light against his rose-print wallpaper.  The girly decor contrasted greatly against the other masculine items in the room, but it was put up by his mother so he left it alone.  It brought him happiness to see her soft little touches around the room because he didn't get to see her too often.