Clandestine

Gyeongbok School Festival Incident

Jaemin POV

I saw the news on the internet that Aespa performed at Gyeongbok School Festival. Well, NCT Dream also attended the same festival in 2019. But the current situation was different and it made me worried. The condition in the venue was really chaos. I saw that all Aespa members came without proper escort. The audience jostled and there was not enough distance between them and Aespa members. It might harm them and in this pandemic era, the crowd became a serious concern. They even took a picture really close and wrote bad comments regarding Aespa. Geez, it made me angry. Really, they really crossed the line.

The first thing I thought about was whether Minjeong was fine? Were all members safe and could perform well there? I really hope that she was fine and didn't get hurt. I already sent her a message, asking whether she was alright, yet she didn't read it yet. It made me worried even more.

I was in SM Building preparing NCT Dream Repackage. I checked my phone between our breaks and I was glad that Minjeong already answered my message.

Minjeong: Anyeong, Jaemin Oppa!

Minjeong: Don't worry I'm fine. My members also doing well.

Minjeong: Indeed the situation was really chaotic. I'm a bit afraid but glad that everything ran well.

Jaemin: Glad to hear that. The show has already ended?

Jaemin: Where are you now?

Minjeong: Yes. It's already done.

Minjeong: Just arrived in SM Building.

Jaemin: Oh, I'm in SM too. I'm practicing right now.

I asked permission to go to the toilet for a bit. Well, actually it was just only a reason. I strolled around the building, hoping that I met a certain person. Well, seems that lady luck was on my side. I saw four girls with their manager walking in my direction. I walked casually as if nothing happened. I just bowed when we passed by and Aespa members bowed to me too.

Minjeong looked at me happily. She secretly waved at me. Well, at least I knew that she was alright. So I decided to go back to practice again. I was about to walk to the practice room when I heard a fast footstep come in my direction.

"Jaemin Oppa!" That was Minjeong called my name in a low voice.

"Oh, Minjeong-ah." I greeted her back.

We automatically moved to a corner of the corridor to avoid being seen by other people. As if we had the same concern of being caught.

"Are you okay?" I asked her.

She smiled weakly and nodded, "Gwaenchanha."

I sighed and looked at her. She indeed smiled at me yet her eyes looked so tired. I knew she had a hard day. Unknowingly, my hands reached her and cupped her cheek. She looked at me in confusion.

"Glad to hear that." I said as I brushed her cheek with my thumb.

But suddenly her lips curved down and her eyes looked so sad.

"Minjeong-ah, wae?" I asked worriedly.

"Actually, I was so afraid, Oppa. I also worried about other members. I really don't understand the situation but it is indeed really crazy. I nearly lost my mind yet we still have to focus on our performance." She sighed.

"I know. I saw it on the internet. You're doing great, Minjeong-ah." I said. "You are amazing."

"Become an idol is not easy, isn't it?"

I smiled, "I know right."

She heaved a big sigh.

"Come on, you are Winter Aespa." I said as I brushed her hair softly.

She smiled a bit with a blushing face. "Ne..."

The situation got awkward and I immediately let go of my hand on her. I cleared my throat which suddenly become dry. My heart also beats a little bit faster.

"Anyway, despite the crazy situation, glad to know that you are alright." I said.

Minjeong nodded, "Thank you for worrying about me, Oppa."

"You are so small and tiny. That's why I really worried." I joked with her.

She snorted, "Mwoya!"

I laughed at her. "Well, I have to go back to practicing." I said.

"Ne! Fighting!"

I waved and walked away.

"Oppa!" She called me.

I looked back in her direction.

"Gomawo!" She smiled so sweet.

It really contagious and made me smiled back at her. Yes, of course anytime, Minjeong-ah.