Midnight

The Unncessary Trouble

Taeyong was true to his word. The kids weren't allowed to continue after their second bottle. Aeri was the first to pass out after one bottle of soju. Yangyang wanted to sneak after Taeyong left but got confronted by the strict leader.

So, they woke up the next day fresh and still functional. Most importantly, they all travelled to the company to prepare for the debut press conference. Although they're excited, nervousness is still lingering there at the corner of their heart.
"Guys, let's be positive alright?" Manager yoon cheered them up. "Don't worry much. The press won't be asking nonsense question out of the script. So, just follow what I've given to you. Remember, no unnecessary extra or jokes." Eyes pointed to yangyang specifically, making the male chuckling in nerve. "This is a serious media conference, so let's just depend on jeno for most of the question, except individual question. Any personal matter, or uncomfortable question, just pass it away. Got it, guys?"

The members all nodded.

After another thirty minutes of waiting, they're called for a standby. From the backstage, they could already heard loud non-stop flashes of cameras from every direction. Somehow, aeri felt the urge to fall down. There is no room left for mistakes here. Perfect, she has to be perfect.
Glancing around, seeing the pressure and excitement in her teammates' face, she knew she couldnt afford to mess this up, for her, for them.

"Is this real?" Yangyang joked. "No more drop out the last minutes, right?"
He received a playful smack behind his head from dery. "Don't say that. But yeah, it feels surreal this time." He looked at his watch. "Any minute now."

Unconsciously, aeri smiled at their bickering, not noticing another person staring at her.
"You good?" She turned to see the leader giving her worried look.
"Me?" She frowned. "I'm fine though-"
He wiped the sweat on her forehead gently, not wanting to brush off the make-up. "You're sweating like showering."
"Really?" Now, realization hit, and her breathing becomes abnormal.

"Aeri" jeno called softly. "Look at me." He grabbed her shoulder, forcing her attention at him. "Now, deep breath." Doing one himself as an example for her. "one by one, easy."  And she followed uncomfortably.
Their interaction got the other two's attention, yet they can only watch in worried from the side.

Just before they were called to the stage by the MC, aeri managed to calm down.
"Better now?" He asked.
She gulped, and nodded. "Thanks."

"And now please welcome our stars for today, the MIDNIGHT!!!"

As they stepped to the stage, aeri hesitated. Jeno waited for her. "Ri."
Their eyes found each other once again, and surprised by the different person.
He's not that annoying one, but the considerate caring one.
She's not that strong one, but the one who needs a reliance and protector.

He lent his hand. "Let's pretend like nobody is there."
She looked at his inviting hand and back to his sincere gazes. "Let's do this."

As if there's a sudden shift in the air, the fear of being watched by millions immediately vanished as she took his hands. Confidence did not rose instantly, but she could felt the push to continue. And just like that, they finally make it to the stage next to the other two guys.
"You have us, gi." Yangyang whispered her, and Hendery took her other hand. "Relax."

"Beautiful and handsome, but most important of all, talented!" The MC complimented. " we all have seen the music video release just an hour ago, and definitely fall in love at the first sight and listen. You guys really made an impressive drop for a debut group."
"thank you so much. As much as we appreciate your loves, we really have many things to improve." Jeno replied with his infamous eye-smiles.

"Ai goo. These guys are so humble. But before we start, how about a group and individual introduction first?"
"2,3, Bring the light to the Dark, hello everyone, we are Midnight!"
"Hi guys, I'm the group leader, lead guitarist, jeno."
"Yo wassup, I'm keyboard pianist, and lead vocalist, yangyang."
"Hello, I'm your charismatic drummer, Hendery."