Addicted To You

43 - Freedom

I needed at least six weeks to heal, doctor's orders. I started physical therapy, which hurt like a bitch but it was going to make me stronger. I went three times a week and Dr. Kwon monitored my progress. He said I was healing well and should be on track to be released from his care soon.

The group celebrated their anniversary with Monbebe. It was probably their best celebration yet because they had a lot to celebrate. Hyungwon suggested doing it at his place instead of the company this time since it was less travel for me. They agreed that was a great idea and brought all the decorations to his apartment.

I was still too bruised and swollen to appear on camera but I was in the room with them. Monbebes kept asking about me and making sure I was okay. They asked about what happened, but the guys did not go into detail. They simply let them know I was recovering.

They could see how it was getting to me and when I got up to leave the room, they cut off the topic. They went on to play games, sing songs, pick on each other, eat cake, and do all the things they normally do, all while keeping me engaged from behind the camera.

When it was over, Minhyuk held me. "I'm sorry we had to talk about it, but they have been supporting us. They deserved an update."

"It's okay, aegi," I tilted my head up to see his reaction to the endearment. He smiled and kissed my nose. We were still adjusting to being a couple instead of just a fling.

Hyungwon asked them to come to the studio so he could play a new song for them. He said it was special to him and he hoped they liked it. He shot me a glance and winked. He was fighting back a smile. It was clear that he was proud of the song. I expected he would be adding it to his list of title track wins soon.

He queued up the music and suddenly I heard my voice over the sound system. It had been a while since I had heard the song and I really had kinda forgotten about it with everything that had been happening.

He didn't tell them it was my voice. He wanted them to hear the music instead of focusing on me, but it did not work. Within seconds, they all looked at me. I bet Hyungwon a round of Starbucks that they would not guess. Oh well, looks like I'm buying coffee next time.

"Rileigh-ya, that is you!" Minhyuk yelled. I laughed.

"Yes, it is me. But it is just for the demo. The guide track."

"What do you mean just for the guide track? It is perfect!" Wonho was the first to speak up.

"It doesn't have to be just the guide track," Hyungwon said.

"I love it. The lyrics, the music, and her vocals. I don't think we could find any voice more perfect for this song!" Jooheon said with much enthusiasm.

"I agree, your voice was meant for this song," Changkyun added. "It is all sexy and breathy." He winked and Minhyuk slapped his head. He pretended to be hurt then laughed.

"I think we all agree, we like it the way it is." Wonho again.

"Guys, come on. I'm not a singer. Not like you." They ignored my protest.

"All in favor of keeping Rileigh-ya's vocals in the final cut?" Jooheon raised his hand and called for a vote. They all raised their hands in agreement. I guess I was going to be on the song after all.

~~~~

There was a roomful of fanmail waiting for me at the company, according to the guys. They had been treating mine like theirs and the staff opened and sorted everything. A staff member sent a photo and it floored me. I couldn't believe the outpouring of support and caring from our fandom.

It made me feel good to know how the fans were treating me, but I was also terrified wondering what I would find in there. It was a sort of PTSD experience and I was thankful for the sorting.