This is the fourth story in the Undone series.
This is Jung Hoseok's time to shine.
He is taking control of a new project at Stellar Design, and he has decided it's time to take control of his love life as well. He is weary of being alone, and he...
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The day of the recital came and Hobi was surprised at how calm he felt. He went down early to check on Mrs. Kim and help her take the last few items to the loft.
He had one more practice with his boys. He watched them with a frown on his face, making them work even harder for him.
He would not tell them until after the performance tonight, but they had earned that trip to the competition, and he was fairly certain they might win it all.
Finally alone, he practiced his own dance one more time, the emotions just below the surface.
Tonight, he would let loose of his hold on his feelings, regrets and loss and let them boil over.
If he was very lucky, and he worked very hard, he would leave them all on the dance floor to be swept away and discarded like the confetti and stray flower petals after the finale.
A long hot shower and a quick change of clothes and he was ready to head to the loft.
He stood with his hand on the door for several minutes, trying to prepare himself for the happy, hyped crowd.
Tonight was his favorite kind of scene, the noise and the energy, the music and the performances. He wanted to leave behind anything that would steal his joy.
It took several tries, but finally his smile was genuine and he was ready to celebrate all the hard work.
He had planned to be early to the loft but he found most of his friends were already there. The women had already disappeared to prepare for the dancers.
Hobi stood for a moment in appreciation for all that Sky had done. She had created a small elevated stage at the far end of the gallery. It was beautifully curtained in traditional red theater curtains. There were plush red gilded chairs lined in neat rows for family and friends.
At the first planning session Hobi had insisted the setup be simple, but Sky had caught the vision and had already researched a portable stage with flooring specifically to cushion the dancers’ feet and legs.
She explained that it was a logical next step for the loft to branch out into theater and dance.
He knew she had made makeshift dressing rooms out of the small studios beyond the massive curtain.
Lyra had been in charge of the backdrop and that, they insisted, was a surprise.
Now the overhead lights were on for final set up, but Hobi knew before the guests began to arrive the lights would be dimmed to a soft glow and the focus would be drawn to the enchanted world created in the front of the room.
The back of the room remained in it’s usual set, random seating staged under the iron stairwell leading up to Tae and Sky’s apartment.
Tonight several tables were scattered around for snacks after the show and the bar had been transformed into a candy wonderland. Nev waved at Hobi from his spot in the back where he was preparing family friendly drinks.
Then he noticed Jin and YoonGi.
He laughed and headed their way, nodding his approval that they had snagged an expensive bottle of whiskey before the good stuff had been put away.
Hobi waived off their offer of a drink. He would stick to water tonight.
The men showed off their handiwork, balloons and confetti they were stuffing into bags for the big finale.
“Everyone got a job,” Jin explained as he nodded to the front.
JK had pulled the curtains open and was climbing a ladder on the stage adjusting lights as Mrs. Kim directed him from below.
Lyra thought she was hidden, but Hobi smiled as he saw her stop in the shadows and stare.
Jk was in black slim fit designer pants and a black shirt with several buttons missed in his haste to dress. The shirt leaves were rolled to his elbows, showing the flex of his muscle and the veining running across his arms and hands.
Hobi smiled again as he saw Lyra fan herself. Some things never changed.
“Hoseok.”
He turned as he heard his name over the sound system, a rich dark baritone teasing him.
“Hobi”
This time Tae popped the word, testing the sound system settings. Hobi finally found him in the shadow of the curtain.
Sky had given Taehyung the task of narrating the show.
He insisted it was because he was the best looking of all of them.
YoonGi had thrown a poker chip at him and insisted it was probably because he was sleeping with the director.
Tae had smirked, his tongue slipping from the side of his mouth, one eyebrow slowly lifting.
“ Damn right,” he purred, causing laughs and several more chips to be launched in his direction.
But tonight he looked every inch the part of a suave MC. His suit was dark and his hair swept away from his forehead. He stood with a stack of cards, reviewing the carefully written script. Hobi made his way to the stage.
“Damn Taehyung, no one will be watching the dance, They will all be staring at you,” JK yelled from his perch on the ladder.
Tae turned worried eyes to Hobi, seeking his assurance and approval. JK was right, but Hobi rushed to assure his friend.
“ Not at all Tae, you are perfect for the job,” Hobi told him.
Taehyung gave him a satisfied smile and turned to taunt Jingkook. Hobi slipped away, knowing their good natured bickering would continue all night.
He caught NamJoon slipping in the door and he went to thank him. Hobi knew this was out of his comfort zone… ballet, yes….kids, no. But he was here and he offered his help.
Sky appeared from the back and asked if Joon would help the families find their seats. He graciously agreed. Hobi noticed his hard look in the direction of Jin and YoonGi who had now finished the finale prep and were concentrating on the aged whiskey.
At Joon’s calculated look Hobi knew there would soon be two more ushers drafted to help with his task.
That was all of them save Jimin. Hobi checked his watch. It was not like him to be late.
Mrs. Kim called Hobi to the stage for some questions and when he turned around the elevator doors were opening to reveal Jimin and Roni.
Hobi stared.
Jimin was a stunning man and tonight was no exception. As he stepped into the room, the light picked up the silver of his hair and cast a halo around his head.
His dark suit was tailored perfectly and his shirt was crisp and white. He looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine. In truth, he might have just come from a shoot.
It was near impossible to upstage Jimin, he effortlessly captured the attention of the room.
It was difficult, but not impossible, as Roni proved, stepping out behind him.
She wore heels that were so high Hobi questioned her ability to walk in them, her grip on Jimin’s arm only confirmed his speculation.
Her glorious red hair was styled on top of her head, curls spilling down to caress her back and dip into her deep cleavage. Her breasts spilled out of the deep vee of the black lace dress, the long sleeves giving contrast to the display of her pale throat and collarbone. The dress molded to her waist and fell away in layers. Deep slits were revealed as she walked, her long pale legs displayed to her thighs with each step.
All of them had stopped to stare as she came into the space. She was stunning. She was dressed exquisitely for the opera, or the red carpet. Hobi immediately worried how his students’ moms would react. He had a sinking feeling he knew how the dads would.
He tore his eyes from Roni and looked to see Jimin’s reaction. He was furious, his tongue firmly lodged in his cheek, his eyes hard and set. Hobi had an inkling why they had been late.
