When I Leave | EXO

(18) True Family

*HYOJIN'S POV*

As we walked downstairs, to check out a new apartment in the building, I went over yesterday's events. The things that caused me to mute myself all day. It forced a shiver down my spine to think of it.

The new apartment was supposed to be two rooms so we'd each have space with another member, along with one bathroom. I didn't understand how four girls would share a single bathroom in the morning, but I didn't argue. We got a smaller apartment to cut back on funds and stuff.

We walked into the space, while I questioned if I'd be with Hajae or another member. I also wondered what my stage name would be, and who would get short hair.

Mr. Park wanted someone with short hair to symbolize uniqueness in our group. For instance, everyone would have different hair styles, and someone got a single letter stage name, like 'V' in BTS or 'N' in Vixx. I felt obligated to take that role of the group. Also, we would surely have differences other than that as well.

"Here it is!" Mr. Park announced to us four girls. We looked around the compact space, viewing the living/dining combination room, with a kitchen to the right. There was a hallway which probably led to the bedrooms.

"I still don't see why we downgraded to a smaller apartment than ours." Hajae admitted. Mr. Park shrugged.

"Yeah, if they had a three bedroom apartment, someone could've taken the third and the last could sleep in the living room with their clothes in a different closet." Sorae added.

Mr. Park then ordered us to sit on the couch. We did so, as he paced in front of us. "I believe I should tell you now..."

"Tell us what?"

He sighed, gaping at his feet. "I've been training spies for 20 years, and all the SM rookies under my management become spies instead of idols."

Spies? We were going to be spies?

"Really?" Miyoung gasped.

He nodded, then burst out laughing and shook his head. "I'm just jerking your chain! I'm not a spy trainer!"

I let out a breath, relieved we weren't going to be spies. He could act, that was for sure.

"Anyway, we decided Hyojin was getting the stage name with a single letter. Anyone else want a stage name of any sort?" He asked. Mr. Park was probably the best manager ever.

Miyoung raised her hand at that idea. "I think my names too long. Even though it's pronounced no longer than an average name, it takes a while to write out."

Mr. Park pressed a finger to his stubbly chin, wandering through the options. Then he snapped his fingers. "We'll call you 'Young'."

Odd, she wasn't even maknae. But she looked youngest out of all of us.

She smiled, "Works for me. So Hyojin then?"

I forgot that I was getting a stage name for a moment. "What letter hasn't been used yet?"

"We can't use N, or V, but I don't know if there's more. Go through the alphabet and check which you like."

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H... (Skip), Z? What about Z?

"What do you think of Z?" I asked.

Mr. Park contemplated it, as well as my band members. Eventually I got a response from Sorae, "Unique, and it doesn't even correspond with your name. I like it."

I laughed. "So I'm Z then."

Mr. Park received a message on his phone. I watched him look at it, open his mouth in shock, then text back. Then he got a call in the middle of texting, and walked out of the room to answer it.