"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight-- Taehyun-ssi mind your rhythm!! Two, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight..."
Rehearsals for TXT's concert, which was going to be held the night after, were still held as usual, even though the members suffered from intense jet-lag after flying for at least twelve hours.
"Glad to see Beomgyu-ssi is on track and focused again." Beomgyu overheard their dance trainer say to Soobin and Yeonjun. "Whatever that was on his mind a few weeks ago, he's fully gotten over it and is practicing diligently."
Why does she have to bring it up? I'm completely fine.
Through the mirror of their practice room, Beomgyu could see Soobin's warm smile. "Beomgyu is born to be an artist, he loves performing on stage. He was probably just nervous about the tour -- it has been years ever since we've performed in front of so many people, and maybe with his English as well. I don't think we should worry too much about him. He'll do fine."
"You should be very proud to have him as a member of your group." Was the last thing he heard the trainer say, before he headed out the room to refill his drink bottle.
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With a quick 'thank you' message sent, he swiftly powered off his phone. After a brief moment to freshen up in the bathroom, he returned to the studio with renewed focus, ready to continue their intense dance practice session.
Yet, in quiet moments between practices, his thoughts drifted back to her. He imagined her in Seoul, in HYBE's office late at night, immersed in her work, tirelessly editing vlogs or brainstorming new creative ideas with her team. She had messaged him, complaining how several editing team members throughout the many departments at HYBE had decided to take their annual leave at the same time for a trip to Japan together, hence having to do their portion of the work too -- mostly translation, but some editing work for LE SSERAFIM and ENHYPEN too. One of them, Beomgyu remembered, was Park Yu-ri, Jian's good friend at work. He wished he was there in person to comfort her and give her strength, be the source of happiness she desperately needed, to help her get through her days just like how he had been for many of his fans around the world.
As the day progressed, he pictured her smiling with her roommates, enjoying a well-deserved break after a demanding day. Perhaps they were watching a movie, playing a game, or re-watching the day's music show, as he pictured them gathered in their cozy apartment, sharing laughter and stories from their day. The thought of them watching a movie together, perhaps discussing the latest K-pop releases or playfully debating their favourite choreographies, brought a smile to his face.
He hadn't met her roommates before, but he would love to if he had the chance. The thought of meeting the people who shared her everyday life intrigued him-- what stories would they share? What inside jokes would they laugh about? He felt a kinship with them through her stories and the glimpses she shared in their conversations. Eun-jeong and Na-ri seemed to be good people, supportive and understanding. The three almost shared a sisterly bond. Na-ri was apparently studying at the same high school he once studied in-- Hanlim Multi Art School, hoping to enter the entertainment industry. She'd be interesting to talk to. I could give her advice as a sunbae, abeit from a different department, he thought. Eun-jeong, from what he've heard, was a Seoul local, the 'elder sister' of the group, always looking out for her two roommates and taking care of them as they lived away from home. She had been very active on Twitter and TikTok after her Suneung days, and was the mood-maker of the group. 'You'll love her sense of humour,' he remembered Jian saying.
He wondered what they thought of him. They likely knew him, as he was a public figure, a famous idol, the 'visual center' of TOMORROW X TOGETHER. But the question lingered: were they fans of his work? Did they view and respect him as a talented artist, or would they perceive a potential relationship with her as scandalous or disgraceful. The thought unsettled him slightly. He prided himself on his professionalism and dedication to his craft, and he hoped that her roommates would recognise him for more than just his public persona. Yet, the fear of judgment lingered—a concern that their relationship, if it were to evolve beyond friendship, might be viewed through a lens of scrutiny or gossip.
"Beomgyu-ssi?" Motioned the manager. "Are you alright? Do you need some rest? Please, don't work yourself too hard, or else you'll get sick."
Oh, shit.
"Oh, sorry," he muttered, realising he had been lost in his thoughts once again. The words echoed in his mind, a gentle reminder of her concern for his well-being. He chuckled softly to himself, imagining how she might react if she knew the truth—that he had momentarily drifted into a daydream about her and her roommates.
"If you're alright, we'll continue practicing, then. If you feel unwell please tell us. Your health is our priority."
Choi Beomgyu nodded as a gesture of thanks, then refocused on the task at hand. The studio around him was filled with the familiar sounds of music and the determined energy of his members. They resumed their practice, each movement precise and synchronised, a testament to their dedication to their craft. The music pulsed through him, grounding him in the present. As they perfected their choreography, he found solace in the rhythm, letting go of all uncertainties and allowing the dance to speak for him.
With a deep breath, he pushed aside his concerns, choosing instead to embrace the positivity and excitement that their budding friendship (..?) brought into his life. Whether her roommates were fans of his work or not, he reminded himself that true connections transcended societal expectations and judgments, flourishing in the shared moments of laughter, encouragement, and mutual admiration.
Hours passed in a blur of motion and dedication. By the end of practice, exhaustion mingled with satisfaction. As he grabbed his water bottle and wiped sweat from his brow, he felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him.
Turning off the studio lights, he checked his phone one last time. A smile crept across his face as he read her reply, a brief yet warm message that reassured him of her well-being.
As evening approached and practice ended, he finally checked his phone again. A message from her awaited him.
"Do you want us to grab a meal together when you've returned to Korea?"
