Kiss & Clientele

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven
After spending 17 hours on a plane and half an hour navigating through slick wintery roads, the last thing Nora wanted was to be ankle deep in snow.  She had survived four days of non-stop work just to be cold, wet, and shivering as Changbin mercilessly pummeled her with snowballs.  An icy burn spread through her feet and hands, yet she refused to back down from the fight.  While everyone else dashed around, making small mounds to heave at the others, she was scheming.  Another frigid clump exploded against the small of her back.  Falling to her knees she winced and wallowed in pain.  Jisung was the first to come to her aid and the others followed. 
"She's faking," Changbin scoffed, "I didn't even throw it that hard!"  Lagging behind, he inched closer to the manager.  When she didn't get up or answer the concerned questions of the others he became increasingly concerned.
   Han glowered at him while Chan urged him to apologize, yet she did not budge.  His countenance seemed angry, but his eyes gave him away.  As they darted back and forth in panic, he pushed through everyone and knelt down in front of the manager.
"Wallstreet..."  Met with silence, guilt began to crush him.  "I'm sorry, I was just playing around. I -"  Interrupting his profession, Nora pulled the rapper down into the snow beside her.  It took all her strength to overthrow his muscular body, sending her toppling over on to him.  His wild-eyed expression had everyone cracking up.  Under normal circumstances Han would have been upset by his girlfriend's body draped across another man, but seeing Changbin so flustered and nervous was hilarious.
   Rolling over onto the ground beside him, the duo both chuckled uncontrollably.  The others helped them up, their backsides covered in the white powdery snow.  Extending a hand, she asked, "truce?"  Rolling his eyes, a small smirk formed at the corners of his mouth.
"You play dirty, Halston."  He shook her hard firmly.  "Though I am a man of principles, I respect your game."  Back turned to the remaining members, they fired away at him.  Seven snowballs crashed against his back, legs, and butt.  He nagged at them in Korean and launched into full on warfare as Nora took off into the chalet.
   All alone she gawked at its lavishness.  Glossy wooden floors squeaked under bare feet as she left her soaked socks and shoes by the front door.  Passing through the foyer, she ran her hand along the intricate stonework walls.  The great room, filled with plush leather couches and the biggest tv known to man, smelled of holiday spices and firewood.  Ready for the event, the space dripped with icicle lights adding an extra sparkle to the chandelier overhead.  Centered by the window wall, overlooking the white wonderland outside, an impressive 10-foot fir tree had been decorated with black, white, and gold ornaments.  A banner, gracefully hung above it, read Happy New Year.
   From the corner of her eye Nora caught sight of a sunroom.  Standing within it made her feel like she was inside a snowglobe.  The mountain and all its glory seemed to encapsulate the all-glass room.  Commanding more attention, however, was the lengthy dining table.  Covered in a black cloth with a gold runner, each place was set with matching dinnerware.  Empty champagne flutes and flameless candles waited for their time to come.  Rising from the median was a cascading floral arrangement in hues of white, cream, and deep yellow.  Working in the entertainment industry had afforded her the opportunity to attend many fabulous parties, but this was already her favorite.
   Rounding the corner, she meandered into the kitchen and startled the chef who had just arrived as well.  They exchanged brief but friendly greetings before discussing the courses for the evening.  Crostino with a wide array of meats and cheese would be served as starters, followed by potato gnocchi and pesto genovese.  Bistecca alla fiorentina would follow as the entree and concluded with a choice of traditional tiramisu or zuppa inglese for dessert.  Just speaking about the dinner made her mouth water.  She hoped the boys would enjoy the menu.
   Echoing voices and the shuffling of feet came from the front of the home.  Running out to meet them, she noticed the chaotic pile of shoes and wet clothes thrown about the entryway.  The disarray horrified her, and she fussed at them right away.
"Hold it!"  She said as they proceeded upstairs.  "You're going to straighten this mess up before doing anything else."  Naturally there was some groaning and grumbling, but they promptly tidied up their mess.
"Hal."  Felix had christened the new nickname a couple of days prior, after being refused the privilege of calling her Nora.  She hated it, but had accepted her fate.  "What time do we need to be dressed and ready?  Several of us want to make use of the game room."  The question served as a reminder that though the staff and cameras had been left behind there still was an element of work amidst their retreat.
"Dinner is at 8, but I need to get some photos beforehand. So, let's say 7:45."  He nodded before gathering the two maknae, as well as Chan and Changbin, and hightailing it up the stairs.
   Always in his own little world, Hyunjin roamed through the lower level in search of a place to draw.  All that remained was Minho, Jisung, and Nora.  Early on, the manager had recognized that the two were a packaged deal and dating Han didn't change that fact.  She would never dare come between their friendship, and she didn't have to.  Over the past few months Lee Know had become someone she truly enjoyed being around. 
"Want to watch a movie with us?"  He spoke carefully, making sure his English was correct.
"I can't, I have to finish setting up. Mian."  Declining the offer didn't phase him, but her using Korean brought a goofy smile to his face.  Earlier in the week he had insisted on teaching her the language.  It tickled him to see the manager catch on so quickly.
   Watching the two people he cared about most interact brought Jisung an immeasurable amount of joy.  When he started having feelings for Nora he worried how it would affect Lee Know.  Seeing firsthand that the pair got along provided him with assurance that the relationship could work.  Releasing him from his thoughts, a hand took hold of his own.  The delicate softness was unmistakable.
"I'll see you at dinner, okay?"  The verbal expression was simple, but it tied his stomach into knots.  Back at the farmhouse, they had talked about the retreat in great detail.  They poured over all the things they wanted to do together.  There was no one there to expose their secret and they could enjoy a few days as a normal couple. 
   When she talked about the NYE event it bothered him a little bit.  He cherished his supporters and looked forward to sharing such a special moment with them, but when the clock struck twelve he wanted to kiss her.  They held a special place in his life, but so did she.  Knowing that someone who meant so much to their entire group would be hidden in the background as they celebrated didn't sit right with him.
"I can't wait."  He kissed her cheek, turning her pale face pink.  Minho leaned in, pointing to himself as if asking for the same treatment.  Calling him on his bluff, Han drew close with lips puckered and received a punch to the arm. 
   Excusing herself, Nora returned to the great room and checked the tech set up for later.  After testing the camera and computer to ensure they were operating properly, she checked on the chef before heading to her bedroom.  She could hear excited yelling from the top of the stairs.  It reminded her of the day she discovered they were neighbors.  Han ran from a screaming Changbin, who was mad over chicken breast.  Prior to that she had found them goofing off in the conference room, fighting over a water bottle.  Those initial memories were slightly painful, filled with recollections of her harshness.  Most of the regret had been able to morph into acceptance, allowing her to also laugh. 
   To think there was a short period of time where Jisung despised her was amusing.  If it weren't for the stye he would probably still avoid her.  Nora felt grateful for that day, their talks in the car, and him recognizing that she was more than a stiff business woman.  With him, she was able to be entirely authentic.  There was some kind of magic he possessed.  He could be the class clown and the calm introvert all in one day.  In being honest with herself, she realized that he was more than a handsome idol or kind-hearted goofball.  He brought out the best in people, his sincerity and transparency drew out those qualities in others.
   The magnitude of that epiphany prickled at her skin and crawled down her spine.  From the privacy of the suite, she fell backwards onto the plush bed.  The comforter crinkled under her as the mattress memorized the very shape of her body.  The ceiling above blurred behind the whirring movement of fan blades.  Cool air swept across her face sending wispy strands of hair dancing across her forehead.  She had become lost in a revelation, in the sudden dawning of awareness that he was a conservator.  Nora Jane from small-town Virginia had been buried under the facade of Halston for the better part of a decade.  Her true self had laid dormant for so long that it had almost become easier to be the stern, no-nonsense manager.  Han Jisung had been slowly chipping away at the performative outer shell and restoring the fullness of her being.
   It had been years since she cried like this, since she had felt happy, since she had felt like herself.  The heavy sobs were in mourning of time lost, but also setting loose all that had been confining her.  Now more than ever she felt thankful for moving to Seoul and being paired with this group of guys.  Along with their kindness and support, the upheaval of life as she knew may have been the very thing that enriched it. 
   Collecting herself, Nora took on the scrupulous task of readying herself for their big dinner.  She continued to pour over her adult life and all the things she sacrificed for her career.  It was nearly impossible not to be overwhelmed by the things she forsook.  However, she decided to see it as an opportunity to reimagine herself and to build a life that was truly gratifying.  There were no more tears, but a readiness to embrace whatever may lie ahead.
   With only half an hour until their dinner and live event, the boys scrambled to get dressed.  Despite that they had separate bedrooms the 8 of them opted to cram into the master suite.  T-shirts, sweatpants, and socks were strewn across the furniture and floor.  It was as if a tornado had spun itself madly about the room, leaving nothing unturned or untouched.  Chan, as usual, was the first to be ready.  Helping the youngest, Jeongin, he fumbled with the intricate bowtie that accompanied his suit.
"Hyung, let me try."  Felix interjected, noticing the leader's frustration.  With a sigh, he dropped down beside I.N on the bed.  Within a few seconds the other Aussie was finished.  "Perks of small hands, I guess?"  He said with a cheesy grin as he wriggled his thin fingers before the seated pair.
   Collectively, the members had agreed that they wanted to dress well and impress the fans.  Without the help of stylists or the visual team they decided to go with a color scheme of black, white, and crimson.  It allowed them to still express their individual styles without the fear of looking like a chaotic mess. The Aussie line looked like yin and yang, Chan wore an all black suit with a deep red tie and Felix did the opposite.  The dark burgundy complimented the sunshine boys light hair and complexion.  Jeongin, on the other hand, looked quite villainous next to them.  Though he also donned all black, his outfit featured blood colored lapels, pockets, and even shoes.  His obsidian tresses had been swept back, exposing his god-like bone structure.
"Damn, Innie!"  The mature appearance of the maknae made Changbin pause as he exited the bathroom.  "Too bad I'm still the best looking one here."  Chest puffed out and head held high, he strutted across the room in classic black and white.  An eye-catching black and red floral tie brought the outfit together in a way that only he could pull off.
   Jisung stared into the bathroom mirror, sweat beading on his forehead.  Beside him, Minho waited patiently, hand resting on his shoulder.
"Why do I feel like this?"  He said, speaking to the image reflected back at him. 
"We're close, but I'm still not a mind reader."  Lee Know quipped, handing over a red velvet jacket with black lapels.  Without skipping a beat, Han carefully slipped it on.
"I know, I know."  A heavy sigh escaped before continuing.  "I think I'm just agitated."
"Because you look like a ringmaster?"
"Very funny."
"That wasn't a joke."  Minho gave him a deadpan look in the mirror that almost convinced him of his seriousness.  But, like clockwork, the corner of his mouth drew up ever so slightly into an incognito smirk.  "Are you going to tell me what's on your mind or not? I still need to get dressed."  Taking a seat on the edge of the oversized tub, he looked up at his friend who leaned against the counter.
"Don't get me wrong, I love Stay and whenever we get to do things like this with them it makes me happy."
"But?"
"But," he animatedly echoed, "I want to kiss Nora at midnight."  Minho, raising a hand to his face, shook his head as if trying to rid himself of what was heard.
"Don't even think about it, Jisung."  He warned.  "I swear you're like a teenager, all impulse and hormones. You knew going into this that it would be difficult."
"I did, but -"
"No but's."  He snapped.  "Now get out so I can change without your perverted gaze."  Before Han could say anything further, he was ousted from the makeshift dressing room.  The others, all strewn about the master suite, looked at him with alarm as he stumbled out.
   All 8 members were dressed and ready to go on time, a miracle in and of itself.  Even Hyunjin, with his meticulous and detailed look, was ahead of schedule.  The only person missing was Halston.  Perplexed, they waited at the bottom of the stairs for her timely descent.  However, it was quarter till and she was never one to be late.
"Should someone check on her?"  Chan asked.
"Wallstreet!" Changbin cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled.  Lee Know was quick to roll his eyes at the unsavory action.  The others giggled at the exchange.  Being anything other than perfectly punctual was out of character for Nora, and it made Hans chest tight with worry.  He was halfway up the staircase when he heard Felix utter "holy shit."
   Emerging from the grand room, Nora waltzed into the foyer as if it were a normal occasion.  Advancing toward the group, her silver gown sparkled with each step.  Burnt umber tresses fell in loose waves around her face.  One side had been pulled back with ornate clips that looked like snowflakes had landed gracefully in her hair.
"Sorry, I got tied up talking to the chef."  Camera in hand she surveyed each of them.  Of all the stylized outfits and elaborate costumes she had seen them in, there was something even more astonishing about their looks tonight.  Perhaps it was the authenticity of it?  Each of their personalities shined through, making them that much more handsome.  "Wow," she struggled to find the right words, "You guys look so incredible!"  They all remained silent, blinking back at her in disbelief.  "Where's Han?"  Her voice rang through the entryway with disappointment. A speechless Changbin pointed to the stairs where the missing member stood frozen.
"Ms. Halston?"  Seungmin spoke up.  He was always reliable when the rest became tongue tied.
"Yes?" Her voice wobbled.
"Well, seeing as no one else will admit it, we are all very distracted by your appearance."  Thankfully the full coverage foundation kept them from seeing just how mortified she was.  His statement, as honest as it was, made her want to run upstairs and not come out until time to go back to Korea.
   Coming across the dress online, it seemed unassuming enough.  Nora figured that a floor length gown with long sleeves wouldn't make any waves.  She loved the detailed beadwork and the draped neckline.  It was a timelessly sleek silhouette that she felt would work well on her curves.  While sliding on the dress she quickly came to realize that her curviness transformed it's entire fit.  As she looked at herself in the mirror, the manager convinced herself that she could pull off the look.  But in reality, she was just suffering the consequences of online shopping.
   Han collected himself and rejoined the group, unable to take his eyes off of her.  He was so transfixed that he didn't notice the amatory gazes from the others.  Seungmin was right, they were all hypnotized by the plunging neckline, partially exposing her soft, round breasts. At any other event no one would think twice about it, but the eight of them had never expected to see her in this light.
"I'm just going to say it, you look hot."  Changbin blurted out. 
"Watch it."  Jisung snarled, elbowing him in the side.
"He's right though, Hal's a babe."  Felix chimed in.  After some of the others had shared their appreciation for the ensemble, the leader contributed to the accolades as well.
"You..umm..yeah. Sheesh."  Chan blushed, eventually averting his gaze.  At last, Han had  collected himself enough to speak.
   Compliments and kind words from the boys had helped her feel less self-conscious about her pronounced chest, hips, and stomach.  Moving in closer, Jisung readied himself to speak despite having zero clue what to say.  Nothing that the human tongue could muster would be enough to express how he felt looking at her.
"Hi."  He said, stopping in front of Nora and making direct eye contact.
"Hi."  She shyly replied, the meekness catching by surprise.  Underneath the makeup her cheeks flushed red at the sight of him.  The bangs that normally hung in his face had been stylishly pushed back, allowing her to get a clear view of his warm eyes.  Studying his face, she saw the small mole that sat just below his cheek.  It always made her giggle when he referred to it as his choco-chip. 
   Together they looked like royalty standing before their court.  The edgy crimson against the soft silver made them appear as lovers from opposing nations.  He was a fiery prince who fell for the daughter of the ice king.
"Are you trying to kill me?"  He stammered.
"What?"  The words sprung from her lips.
"You're just...damn."  She eyed him suspiciously.  There were a thousand other things he could have said and yet somehow this was the option his brain thought was best.  Minho called him an idiot in Korean while Felix and Changbin shouted "really!?"  Stepping forward and joining the couple, the leader pulled through with sage words of wisdom for the struggling ace.  Though they weren't refined or eloquent, it was encouragement nonetheless.
"Get it together, man."  His voice a whisper, low enough for only them to hear.  But before anything else could be said, the manager called them to action.
   The confusion was far too much for Nora to bear, and she defaulted back to work-mode.  Once she had the group's attention, they were briefly put to work.  Posing for photos, she marveled at them one by one.  The Aussies looked like chic runway models, Changbin and I.N were devilishly debonair, while Lee Know and Seungmin took a more traditional approach.  Han and Hyunjin stood out the most, utilizing bold prints and textures.  During the last group shot, it was suggested that she join in.
"No, I couldn't."  She modestly declined before being pulled in by Felix.  Lee Know propped the camera on a stair ledge, setting a timer only after taking some very distinguished selfies.  Running back he shouted, beckoning them to prepare.  Snapping into place, everyone posed strategically while Halston stood stiff as a board.
"Wallstreet, you gotta get into it.  You can't just stand there like a lump!"  Changbin teased.
"Sorry! This is so not my thing."  Her admission compelled Hyunjin to step in.  Coaching her through different poses and ways to push through the camera shyness, he helped her become an instant pro.
   Minho went back to set the timer once more when Jisung leaned in and softly spoke into Nora's ear.  His breath was warm and tickled her neck, sending little bumps scattering across her skin.
"I'm sorry for being an idiot. I still can't find the right words to say, but please know I can't take my eyes off of you."  As he kissed her cheek the shutter went off, capturing their exchange.  Her skin tingled where his lips had previously rested. 
   Leading them through the great room, the guys ooh'd and ah'd over the elaborate set up.  Their wowed reactions paled in comparison to the looks of wonder and speechlessness that came from seeing the dining area.  Once seated,they agreed to start with a shot of soju and cheers to the year that waited ahead.  Together they shared memories from days past, as well as hopes for the days to come.  Hearing their stories and seeing the bond they shared nearly brought tears to her eyes.
   As each course was served, the guys showered the chef with applause and commendations.  It tickled her that some of them would sneak snapshots of each intricately plated dish.  Clearing each plate ravenously, one might have believed they had not eaten in months.  Changbins silence was the most telling gesture, confirming that everything was exemplary and delicious.  During dessert a small box was slid in front of her, the black and gold wrapping matched the dinnerware perfectly.
"What's this?"  All focus had been set upon her as she struggled to keep her interest at bay. 
"Just a little something to say thank you."  Chan replied, offering his signature sweet, squinty grin. "Please, open it."  Unraveling the black bow, she took her time intricately removing the ornate paper.
   Beneath the wrapping, a black jewelry box waited like buried treasure.  Pushing the lid open she soon came to find a silver ring.  It seemed like a plain band, but engraved inside was the sweet message - SKZ Best Manager.  She held it in her hands like it was a fragile artifact that could crumble with one wrong touch.  Nora couldn't take her eyes off of it, running her finger along the small etching.  The group watched her intently, ready for her eyes to meet theirs.
   When the manager looked up to thank them, they soon noticed her pink nose and watery eyes.  Excitedly, they threw up their hands to reveal that they too had silver bands of their own.  No longer able to contain herself, Halston broke out into tiny, pitiful sobs.  Han and Felix jumped up, rushing to her side.
"Put it on."  The Aussie encouraged, arms hung around her neck.  Though their faces were side by side, she looked up at her partner.  Kneeling down, he leveled himself with her and rested a hand on her knee.  He could feel the sequins and bead work under his palm.  With his free hand, Jisung took the small silver band and slid it onto Nora's right ring finger. She smiled at him, dabbing delicately at the water that trickled from her eyes.  Neither of them spoke, but their eyes held a private conversation in a language only they understood.
"We made our rings a while back."  Bang Chan spoke up.  "It was super meaningful to us, and constantly reminds us that we all share an unbreakable bond."  The others nodded, confirming the merit of his words.  "You've done so much for us.  You make sure we get breaks, meals, and time off - which is more than anyone else has ever done.  Because of you I've been sleeping more consistently.  So, my mom thanks you as well."  They all shared a laugh before he continued.  "Each of us are the happiest and healthiest we've been in years, and it's because of you.  Even though you may be behind the scenes, you're still very much a part of us.  You're officially a Stray Kid."  The announcement prompted them all to clap and cheer.  Han stood up and kissed her forehead before heading back to his seat.  Taking Felix by the shoulders, he steered the golden boy away from his girlfriend.
   Speech, speech, speech!  They chanted, egging the manager on.  Though she tried to weasel out of it, they persisted.  The final straw came when they began to tap their knives against the crystal champagne glasses.  Hoping to avoid breaking one, she rose to her feet before them.  Illuminated by the dancing, yellow glow of candles she stood with the snowy night as her backdrop.  Han took out his cellphone and snuck a picture of her regalness.  She truly did embody an ice queen, both graceful and bold.
"Thank you all for such a kind and thoughtful gift."  She addressed them demurely, and as her loyal subjects they clung to her every word.  "When I met all of you, I would have never expected to care for you the way I do now.  I told myself that I was here to do a job, and nothing more.  Secretly I was pining to get out, see new sights, and experience Seoul.  You made my job easy, and your kindness made all my wishes come true.  You are all very special to me, and I will work hard to ensure that you continue to thrive."  Bowing her head, she expressed her respect and gratitude to the group before being seated.
   With only an hour until the beginning of their livestream, Nora invited everyone to relax in the great room.  Many of them laid around and played on their phones or goofed off together.  Han had followed her into the kitchen, where she thanked the chef before his departure.  When only the two of them remained, he tore through the cabinets.  After a few moments he placed two shot glasses on the sleek, center island.  From the fridge a bottle of soju and two cans of beer were retrieved.
"You're trying to get me drunk again, aren't you?"  She joked as he poured their first shot and popped the tops on the cans.
"Maybe."  He winked, sliding her one of each item.  Raising the miniature glasses before them he toasted, "geonbae to my bae."  The corny saying caused them to double over in laughter, taking forever to regain their composure.
   The glasses clinked together before they threw back the shot.  Empty cups making a sharp tinkling sound as they were placed on the marbled countertop.  The manager grimaced at the strong taste, but pushed through.  Picking up the cans simultaneously, they chugged the fizzy amber liquid.  Han finished his first, holding the cold aluminum against his forehead.  Nora caved in after consuming ¾ of the drink.
"Oh come on..."  He teased, turning her to him.  She looked him in the eyes as the corner of her mouth twitched up into a mischievous smirk.
"Or what?"  She purred back, resulting in him backing her against the counter, the cold of the stone slab sent a shiver down her spine.  Her arms rose to rest around his neck as his hands slipped down her side and onto her waist.  Studying his mouth briefly, her gaze returned to meet his. 
"Do you want me to kiss you?"  His words drifted over her like fog, making it hard to want anything else.
"Yes."  She whispered, the fierce ice goddess becoming a submissive puddle.  He moved his thumb slowly over her bottom lip as her hands snaked through his hair.  He relished the way her breath hitched when he touched her.
   Nora tilted her head as his face drew near.  For a moment she held his sight, allowing the intensity of his stare to surge through her body.  When her eyes closed she felt as if every bone within her was wired to respond to his silent command.  Brushing hair aside, he laid his lips just beneath her jaw.  Fists clenched around her dress as she leaned into him, his mouth now fully enmeshed with her own.
   Every day, every hour and minute that had led to this moment was worth the wait.  Even as she kissed him, she wondered how long it would be until their next encounter.  With each breath and movement of their mouths she became more and more desperate, clinging to him as if they might be torn apart at any moment.  Yet, he drew even closer and her heart swelled with happiness.  As days rolled on she had begun to learn him, to really know and understand who he was and what made him tick.  She came to find that she had never met anyone as thoughtful and selfless.  Everything that he was made her all the more grateful to share this life with him, even if the hiding and secrecy was difficult.  Lost in thought, her voraciousness had mellowed and Jisung stepped back.
"Everything okay?"  He said quietly, hands resting lightly on her shoulders.  He read her countenance like a book.  Every blink of an eye or twitch of the mouth was like a word on a page.  All she could do was smile and nod before moving in closer.  His arms wrapped around her without having to be asked, and she remained there feeling warm and secure.
"Can we just stay like this forever?"  The warm tone of her voice crawled up his spine and into his ear.  They remained quiet and still for a few more moments as they both gathered the willpower to separate.  It was nearing 11pm and the couple returned to the great room hand-in-hand.
   As the livestream began, Nora stood out of sight and served as a moderator.  The boys were strategically seated in front of the tree and talking amongst themselves.  Jisung, feeling the effects of the soju, kept looking directly at the manager and smiling.  She watched as comments flooded the screen, many of them regarding the group's appearance.  Trying her best to use non-verbal gestures, she tugged at her dress and then gave them a thumbs up.  Changbin squinted, looking at her as if she had lost her mind.  What?  He mouthed, prompting her to repeat the game of charades.  Still, they did not comprehend.  She animatedly mouthed the words they like the clothes, hoping they would understand but now Hyunjin was staring directly at her with a look that can only be described as disgusted annoyance.
"THEY LIKE THE CLOTHES!"  She blurted out, immediately realizing her voice was caught on camera.  The guys all laughed, bent over and turning red from the hysterics.  Bang Chan swooped in, trying his best to stop his own snickering.
   Explaining their outfits, the leader divulged how they collaborated and picked the looks themselves.  Nora kept an eye on the fans' feedback, and began to feel sick to her stomach.
Lovestaychild325: Was that a woman's voice?
Princehyunjinnie: Maybe it's a stylist?
Paboracha1025: OMG did you hear that too? Who was that?
The chat was abuzz with speculations about the disembodied voice.  Seeing the pained look on her face, Han broke from the others and rushed over to Nora. 
"What's wrong?"  She couldn't even begin to verbalize her feelings, and pointed at the screen.  Comment after comment poured in, the majority of them regarding her slip up.
"You better get back."  The manager dejectedly stated, knowing if he didn't reappear soon then it would only make the rumors worse.  Knowing she was right, he kissed her on the forehead. 
"It's all going to be okay, I promise."  He assured before running off to rejoin the group, whispering a secret message to their leader.
   Bang Chan not-so-smoothly segued into talking about Nora's voice.  She knew how much it bothered him to have any discord between the fans.  He cared about them on a level she didn't think possible for a celebrity.  To him, to the whole group, they were something more.
"So, uh, yeah!"  He fumbled awkwardly.  "You guys did in fact hear a voice, and it happens to belong to our manager, Ms. Halston."  Jisung noticed her eyes widen, wishing he could soothe her worry.  "We're really grateful to be working with her and hope you will make her feel welcome."  After the short introduction she anxiously watched the screen, waiting for the backlash.  She had heard that kpop fans could be brutal and feared for the worst.
Princehyunjinnie: Ah! It's a manager, cool.
Princehyunjinnie: Hi Ms. Halston!
Paboracha1025: Oooh a lady manager? That's progressive!
Lovestaychild325: OMG I KNEW IT!
   At 11:30 they took a short break, pausing the live session.  The members walked around and stretched their legs, some of them quickly dipping behind the bar.  When her phone dinged unexpectedly, Nora hurried to check the notification.  Seeing Mr. Kim's name pop up made her heart sink into the pit of her stomach.
Mr. Kim [11:35pm]: Congrats on the livestream. The numbers are looking great.
She had expected to be scolded at best, and the compliment caught her off guard.  Unsure of how closely he had been following along, she replied with a simple thank you.  Only fifteen minutes remained until New Year and the boys resumed the event, now gathered by the stone mantle.  They looked unreal standing amongst the twinkling icicle lights.  Another message came through from the executive.
Mr. Kim [11:46pm]: I've scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to discuss your next assignment.
Attached was a calendar reminder for 9am Wednesday morning.  The text sent a burning heat through her chest.  Though he had just congratulated her, she felt as if the message was one promising an impending punishment.
   Han watched from across the room as her entire demeanor dropped.  When she lifted her eyes from the phone they were glassy.  Her gaze met his, making his heart feel like it would claw its way out of his chest and run to her.  Zoned out and disengaged with the stream, he followed it's desires.  Before he could make it halfway she shook her head no.  Ignoring the unspoken command he advanced, pulling her into his arms.
"No, go back."  Her choked up voice expressed something far different than her words.  All the others had taken notice and grown worried as well, but did their best to keep things running smoothly.
"Nora -" 
"It's almost midnight."  She snipped, cutting him off.  He pulled back slightly to look at her, but she would not look him in the eyes.  Earlier she was the brightest light in the room, and that spark had been extinguished.  "Please go."  Her voice was almost too quiet to hear, but when she pulled away he knew what she wanted.
   Returning just in time to countdown with the band, he felt a familiar feeling wash over him.  Internally, his organs were wrapping themselves into knots as his heart was the rapid-paced ringleader of the chaos.  It's showmanship blooming just beneath his ribs, thrashing wildly as airless lungs gasped with awe.
"Ten-Nine-Eight..."  The band counted down as Jisung stared at his feet, chest heaving and eyes wide.  "Seven-Six-Five..."  The room began to feel like it was shrinking around him.  Everything was too much and too loud, especially Nora's voice ringing in his head.  She didn't say much, but every word spoken rocketed from his brain straight down into his gut.  Something was off, something was wrong, but he wasn't sure what had happened.  Did he offend her or did someone say something hurtful?  He feared he was the source of her pain and whatever foolish, unknowing thing he did would drive her away.  What they shared was new but special, and the last thing he wanted was to lose it.
   The manager, breaking from her own state of panic, noticed Han had spaced out.  She watched his chest rise and fall as if rushing to secure his next breath.  The fans also bore witness to his disheveled state, flooding the stream with comments of concern.  Waving her arms, she hoped to capture Lee Knows attention but everyone was captivated by the excitement of the impending New Year.
"Four-Three-Two..."   He had begun to hyperventilate when she ran to him.  "One! Happy New Year!"  She held him, arms closed tight around him as everyone else clapped and cheered.  Seven other bodies served as a blockade, partially hiding the couple from the all-seeing lens of the camera.
"It's going to be okay."  Whispering in his ear over and over, the manager maintained her hold on his stiff body.  Jeongin was the first to notice, looking at Nora with fear in his eyes.  She mouthed to him, stay calm, before motioning for him to get minho.
   How they did it, she'll never know, but somehow the boys managed to silently rally.  Chan and Felix moved directly in front of the camera, wooing the fans with their Australian accents.  Hyunjin, Seungmin, and I.N formed a barrier to provide additional privacy while Changbin and Lee Know assisted Halston.  The three of them managed to escort Jisung across the foyer and into the sitting room.  Watching them care for him made her feel useless and allowed the guilt to creep in.  Mascara streaked down her face, the inky black sadness leaving its mark on her cheeks and chin.  A gentle touch landed on her shoulder and a familiar voice filled her ear.  The sonorous sound of which momentarily pacified her trepidation.
"It's not your fault, Hal."  Felix was shocked when she turned and folded into him.  She stood there attached to him for what felt like forever.  When she looked up, he saw the trail of worry mapped across her face.  "Let's go get you cleaned up, okay?"  He watched as she peered over at Han who sat silently with Minho.  "Everything is under control, he'll be alright.  I promise."  The golden boy took her by the hand, slightly amazed that she allowed him to, and led her up to her room.  While she washed her face and readied for bed, he had prepared a steaming hot cup of tea and left it on the bedside table.