stars × cnblue kangminhyuk

2 : Stuck With the Drummer

"Ah, yes. I'm Han Hyojin."

I hesitated as I answered, because I was sure I'd never seen this woman before. She smiled, walked over, and held out her hand.

"Finally, I get to meet you. I've been busy with Yonghwa's solo concert these past weeks. I'm Choi Sooyoung, the stylist team leader."

My jaw dropped as I hurried to shake her hand. She laughed and patted my head like I was some amusing little sister.

"S–sorry for my rudeness earlier. Nice to meet you, sunbae-nim." I bowed so quickly I nearly lost my balance, which only made her giggle more.

"No need for the 'sunbae' thing. Just call me unnie." She pinched my burning cheeks, and I couldn't believe how kind she was. Probably the nicest person I'd met at FNC so far... besides that one oppa, of course.

"O-okay, unnie. Han Hyojin at your service!" I pumped my fists dramatically, full of fake determination. Someday, I'll become the best makeup artist in the world and finally get transferred to someone other than that sheep of a drummer. Insert evil laugh here.

Sooyoung smiled. "Anyway, we're having a team dinner tonight after the concert. We haven't properly welcomed you yet, have we? Sorry for the late welcome, but I'm really glad to meet you. I've been hearing so many compliments about you."

"Uh—you don't have to. Really, I'm fine." I waved my hands nervously. The idea of being the center of attention at dinner made my stomach flip.

"Don't be silly. It'll be fun. Besides, it's tradition." She ruffled my hair and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before rushing out.

I touched the spot she kissed. My face was on fire. For the first time in a month of being an intern, someone actually treated me kindly. Everyone else was "nice," but I was still the one who got stuck with all the grunt work.

Exhausted, I flopped onto the sofa. Honestly, picking up trash on the streets of Seoul sounded easier than this job.

My eyes drifted toward the wall-mounted TV. Yonghwa, Jonghyun, and Jungshin had already done their solo stages. That meant it was almost time for his. After that would be the band's final set and a fansigning for fifteen lucky fans.

And right on cue, Kang Minhyuk appeared on stage. The arena erupted, fans waving their royal-blue lightsticks like waves in the ocean. He walked to the piano, fingers brushing the keys as the crowd screamed even louder.

Oh wow. The drummer can play piano. Congratulations.

Then, as the first notes of Star floated through the stadium, he rose into the air on hidden wires. Projected constellations and glowing yellow stars filled the ceiling. The fans screamed themselves hoarse.

Me? My eyelids got heavy. Was this a concert or a lullaby?

Whatever.

—

"Noona!"

Someone shook my shoulder roughly.

"Hey, noona, wake up!"

Ugh. My eyes fluttered open, blurry at first. Minhyuk stood over me, rolling his eyes.

"Are you planning to sleep here all night?"

He was freshly changed into a light-blue shirt, his stage makeup wiped off. His bangs fell stylishly over his forehead. So he actually can take care of himself. Who knew?

He caught me staring, and his lips curved into a laugh.

"You're cute when you're sleepy. I'm going to join the others." He threw me my trench coat before grabbing my makeup kit—only to yank it out of my reach.