Winter Hearts

The Lunch Bus

Ken wondered what Leo thought of Siana, especially if he had seen her dancing the way N and Hyuk described her. He noticed that Leo had acted especially reserved towards her, which made him think that it was likely.

One thing about Leo-hyung that Ken loved so much, was his inability to properly hide his thoughts. He was completely guileless. When he was lost for words, he was lost for words. He couldn't talk his way out of a situation even if he tried. So he always did one of two things: take the direct option, or employ any of his avoidance techniques, like distraction, hesitation, confusion or pure obstinate denial. 

Since Leo didn't like confrontation unless it was within the constraints of a game, he would always take option number two and its myriad flavours.

Ken loved that because it showed a purity in Leo's spirit that matched his own desire to make people happy. In fact, all of them in one way or another, had some sort of innocence about them that came from living in a weirdly sheltered, yet over-exposed world.

They were like rock stars who still found a thrill in playing little games with each other. He hoped they would never lose that affection for simple pleasures, that they would never become bored with each others' company or find themselves cynical about their lives.

He would prefer they fought and hated each other for a while than to stop caring for each other.

Ken felt the only thing missing was true intimacy with someone they could devote themselves to as individuals. But he knew Kkomae was right, and not only for security or privacy reasons.

They all had a perfect balance right now that would be affected if one or more of them were to begin thinking about the welfare of a third person that wasn't a part of their group, let alone a part of their world.

They were now riding high and needed to maintain a certain momentum, which they could make last for a long time if they wanted it to.

Their fans were still passionate, and changing the status quo could affect how fans relate to them. Still, there were many idols who made their relationships public and survived the inevitable backlash. And also many others who didn't make it through.

Ken shook his head. He didn't want to think too much about it all. He should clear his head and forget about chasing after Siana up the stairs and looking down at her and standing too close and wondering whether her body would go soft in his embrace...

Ken sighed. How does one stop thinking about something like that?

The bus slowed and approached a waiting Ravi by the roadside. The door whooshed open and he climbed in.

"Hello ladies, shall we lunch?" he rumbled, flopping into a seat. He looked around at the threesome, who were all quiet.

"So... what did you guys think of that studio, huh?"

Ken smiled. Of course Ravi would be thinking about the studio and not the pretty girl who owned it. Hyuk smiled too.

"The nice studio with the dance teacher who got mad at you for wanting to have access to it any time?" he said snarkily, sweetly.

Ravi continued, seemingly unaware of what Hyuk was getting at, "We'll be here for almost five weeks, I think I can get a few songs out and maybe we can work out in the studio as well, do some choreography? That's what we are here for isn't it?"

"We're not expected to come up with so much, just a concept and themes. But if you do more than that, it will make people happy back home," answered Joon lazily. He was watching the market vendors beginning to pack up their wares. It was almost noon and the sun was now a hot eye in the sky. He spied Leo and Hongbin strolling slowly down the main street and rolled down his window.

"We're going for a drive and then lunch, coming?"

They waved him on, saying they would meet back at the house afterwards. Joon closed the window and turned back to Ravi.

"Why aren't you relaxing anyway, we have such a long break. You guys deserve it after this year's work."

"Five weeks of nothing to do? I can't do that," Ravi said, tapping his finger on his knee as he looked out the window.

"Hyung is like a shark. If he stops swimming he'll die," ventured Hyuk. 

Ravi smirked. "I want the respect of my seniors," he said matter-of-factly.

"And world domination," said Hyuk.

"Aww he just wants love," N said sweetly, before turning on Ravi with a death-glare. "You over-compensating workaholic freak!"

Ken chimed in, "Yeah, making us all look bad with your late nights and monthly song releases!"

Even Joon chipped in with, "You should be begging me for rest and relaxation, not the other way round!"

Ravi chuckled and pulled out his phone.

"We haven't even finished our conversation and he's checking his mail already," N sighed. 

Ravi wasn't even listening by then.