Black Rose ~ A Taemin Fic Pt. 2

Chapter 15

     The venue is the same. Amidst the tall marble columns and glass domes that certainly belonged in a fairytale, the walls are lined with TV screens preparing for the release. Upon entering the venue, fear immediately bubbles in my gut. The place that once housed desire and lust between two lovers now feels empty and ridden of familiarity. I look up at the countdown: 18 minutes.

    "Drink up, Yuki. It's gonna be a long night," says my right hand as he takes a glass from a passing tray. Bringing it to my lips, I quickly snatch it before anyone sees Taemin's best friend attempting to feed me. 'Only more fuel for the flames. I wonder if Taemin has seen the scandals yet.'

    I shoot the liquid, hoping it clouds the anxiety that lingers after the thought.

    "That's my girl!" He shouts, shooting his own and whooping to some random background dancers from another agency. I recognize many idols in the room, all who have acquainted and looked up to Baekhyun since his debut. It marvels me every time someone approaches him to continue a conversation as if they left it off in 2019. Many members of NCT, 2PM, EXO, and ShinEE engage in conversations with me as well. It's the ShinEE members, though, that feel the most like home.

    "Hey," shouts Baekhyun into my neck, "I'm gonna talk to the guys over there. Be right back." He slips away before I can even agree. At the same time, a mass of black crosses the dance floor. I'm taken back by the arrival of the black swan herself: Soyeon.

    Her eyeliner is thick, matching the darkness of her dress that matches my length, only hers is adorned with silk instead of lace. Her hair is curled and down, fluffed to the perfect volume that hits my shoulder as she whips her head towards me. Her eyes settle inches from me, the deep hazel catching me shockingly off guard. It's as if I've seen them in a dream.

    "Wonderful party, huh?" She asks, nudging me with an elbow from her crossed arms. She peers over her shoulder, my eyes following hers. Of course, they land on Baekhyun. "Such a talented man. I wish he was this loose all the time, am I right?"

    I shrug, "Um, I guess." It's hazy around me; I'm not even sure if she's talking to me right now.

    She eyes my garments, quirking an eyebrow at them. I don't have the energy to question her gestures when she hands me a flute of a bubbly drink. She must've snatched it from a passing waiter. "Loosen up yourself, Yuki. You've worked hard this week; we should be celebrating."

    Her smile is big and toothy, but somewhat comforting in this mass of people (especially girls) who don't even bat an eye at me. I take it, giving her a small grin in return before sipping it. She does the same, even clinking my glass before sauntering towards the man of the hour.

    I watch her approach Baekhyun, his head on a swivel at her entance. The two laugh at something just as a voice speaks to me.

    "Hello, Yuki." It's Minho from ShinEE. I smile up at the familiar face, pleased to see the reciprocated expression. "I didn't think you'd be here."

    "Me neither. It's almost too much, huh?" I comment to the decorations above us. He glances us, nodding. "How are you?"

    He sips his drink, nodding again. "Oh, I'm okay. Not very busy, unlike you, I can guess," He chuckles politely. Just then, his eyes light up. "I've heard you want to be an idol; Taemin mentioned it."

    "Oh wow," I exhale, red flooding to my cheeks. "I can't believe he told you that," I giggle nervously, hoping it'll drain the color faster.

    "It's a great idea," he says as he pockets one of his hands, the other swirling his drink. "You and Taemin would dominate the industry. It'd put forth a new movement. There's only ever been one other couple to write a song together."