𝗰𝘂𝘁! minsung

17: back to square one

•*'¨'*•.¸¸.•*'¨'*•.¸¸.•*'¨'*•.¸¸.•*

HAN JISUNG.

A delicate layer of frost kisses the tip of my eyelashes as I make my brisk walk between Chan's car and the company building.

"Have fun!" He calls out, a satire edge to his words that is very much unapproved of on my end.

Have fun? Yeah no, that word cannot possibly apply to any scenario that exists where Minho is concerned.

We have another... date... scheduled after rehearsals this morning, since Jinki stated it would only be a short briefing.

I don't spot Changbin or Felix, or even the devil himself as I hurry inside. It seems everyone has the same idea of escaping the cold, for not a single soul lingers outside the building. A pair of crew members stand conversing in a corner of the foyer, but I bury my head in my scarf to avoid greeting them.

The winding journey through a maze of halls seems like second nature to me now as I take turn after turn, finally reaching the door of that hellish place - the practice room. Felix meets my eyes through the viewing pane set into the door, and hurries over to greet me as I step inside.

"Hey Ji! The director said we'll be starting soon! He's just gone to find someone... said something about coffee!" He giggles a little, causing a fond smile to reach my face, though I desperately try not to let it through.

I have absolutely nothing to look forward to today, so smiling doesn't seem like a viable option.

"Alrighty guys! Let's get this briefing done so you can all go home! I know everyone would rather be in front of a heater right now!"

Go home? I. Wish.

"Basically, I called you all in for rehearsal today because I wanted to say that I truly am so proud of how well this show is coming along! Every single member of this amazing cast has given me more dedication and commitment than I could ever have dreamed of, and I know we have so many more amazing moments to come! This show is far from over yet!

I have a few little tasks I would like some of you to be working on, so I'll come around to each of you now, but really thank you all and keep showing me your best!"

Our director smiles warmly at all of us and I can't help but flush a little at the praise. As irritating as his little assignments may be, Jinki really does an amazing job at taking care of everyone. I think it's his calm and gentle positivity towards everything that has made us all perform so well in this project.

My eyes follow him, subconsciously anxious as I watch him approach people with side roles, having animated conversations about whatever task he had set them.

My breathing becomes more haggard as he creeps closer and closer to where I stand. Luckily, my co-star happens to be as far away from me as possible - exactly where I like him.

My stomach churns as I think of the possibilities of Jinki's task.

Is he going to ask about... it?

Before I know it, he's made his way right over to where Felix and Changbin stand beside me. I don't miss the way both of my friends' faces get a tiny bit warmer, their hands get a little more shaky and they avoid looking at one another; both solely focusing on Jinki.