SHINee | CRUSHED. (editing but complete)

Chapter 3 - Partners..

The girls gathered themselves and the one who seemed to be the leader raised her hand and began the chant of their greeting. The boys were still standing still in shock, they were beautiful and only trainees – they'd had a better start than them with those looks. 

❝ Annyeong! ❞ one girl with long curled hair spoke, she seemed to take the lead and was presumably the oldest. The boys came closer and sat cross-legged on the floor while the girls sat opposite them.

❝ Annyeong, ❞ the members of SHINee replied in unison, looking at them with smiles just as bright. 

❝ We are SHINee! ❞ Onew informed, it wasn't as though they were extremely publicised yet, hence the second set of rookies joining them.

❝ Pft~ of course, we know this! ❞ the female facing Onew spoke with a sweet voice. 

They were right about the one who they presumed was the leader for she sat back on her knees and grinned, a peace sign thrown into the air. ❝ We are 2GE4! ❞ Her voice was sweet but firm, something you have to be to lead a group efficiently. ❝ We have listened to your songs nonstop since your debut, oppas, we love them! In fact we danced to one of them in our auditions. ❞ the leader announced, blushing a little while the rest of her group covered their faces shyly. ❝ They are so catchy and fun, we hope to make songs just like that – and we are privileged to be working with you all. ❞ She was certainly well-spoken. 

Key stood up and looked at her with a slightly smug smirk, ❝ Why, thank you! We can't wait to work with you either; honestly, we were almost up all night. ❞ The leader seemed to shrink in posture, shying away from Kibum's strong stare, her cheeks warming. The rest of SHINee perked up to introduce themselves. 

❝ I'm Lee Jinki, but you can call me Onew. I'm the leader of SHINee. ❞ He bowed his head to the girls.

❝ SHINee's BlingBling, Kim Jonghyun imnida. ❞ the vocalist smiled and knew his cheeks were also alight, the girls were so pretty.

❝ I'm Choi Minho, I do the rapping. ❞ he bowed his head and smiled at one girl in particular. She just sweetly returned the smile.

❝ M-my name's– um, yeah, my name is– I do the– uh! ❞ Taemin tripped over his words. The problem was that he was at a loss for words. There were five gorgeous females that he already loved but there was one in particular who he couldn't take his eyes off and she made him so extremely nervous.

❝ – This is Lee Taemin, our youngest member and I'm Kim Kibum but just Key works. ❞ the older put his arms around the nervous maknae and Taemin just smiled in relief still embarrassed that he couldn't get his words out. He bowed his head and smiled at Key, quietly thanking him for explaining. The five girls perked up.

❝ Maknae of 2GE4, Jessica imnida. ❞ she smiled selectively at Taemin who was still staring at her, lips pulling into a smirk when she noticed he was blushing. 

❝ I was actually a little inspired by your members – now I'm the rapper: Jasmine. ❞ her accent was thick and her eyes tended to focus on Minho, or at least near the spot he sat in, he was looking around and not really paying attention so she looked down and sighed.

❝ I'm Whitney – and – um – the you know, or something and... ❞ she stuttered while her eyes searched Key as though he would give her the answer as he sweetly did with Taemin. Her cheeks grew redder as everyone was looking at her waiting for her to finish. "...I pretty much sing, dance and rap." She finally got her words and sighed, scratching the back of her neck in relief. All focus went to the leader of 2GE4.

❝ I am Zoe, leader of 2GE4. ❞ She bowed in respect and glanced at Onew who seemed to be looking at her but when he noticed he looked away.

❝ I'm Niya, Whitney and I are actually related – I, uh, I'm the main vocalist. ❞ she blinked at least twenty-four times (not that Jonghyun was counting) and smiled as sweetly as honey.

Finally, their managers walked in, speaking loudly, ❝ We have configured the pairings. ❞ SHINee's manager spoke first.

❝ Listen closely and do as we say: we'd like you to stand by your partner after we read them out. You must then work with this person to help publicise each other, we may even have a collaborative album feature by the end of the year. ❞ 2GE4's manager looked at them all then at her piece of paper. Clearing her throat, the names began. ❝ Jessica is with Taemin, Jonghyun is with Niya, Onew please pair with Zoe, Jasmine you can work with Minho, and last but not least, Key and Whitney. ❞ 

While the managers were speaking, the groups had split and paired with said partners. 

Touchy as always, Kibum pulled Whitney close to him. ❝ I guess we're working closely this year, ❞ Key hugged her. It was like a dream come true, she was his favourite from SHINee, after all. Whitney just blushed and smiled hugging back a little. 

Jonghyun grabbed Niya and kissed her playfully on the cheek, ❝ We are partners! ❞ He announced loudly. The smaller girl stood in shock unable to wipe the smile from her face. 

Onew walked to Zoe and said, ❝ Looks like we're in charge of babysitting this bunch, hm? ❞ Zoe laughed but tried to hide it behind her fingers. 

Taemin slowly walked over to Jessica and smiled politely and slid his hand into hers to which Jessica gasps and glances up at Taemin. They don't speak a word, probably at a loss, but hold hands silently.

Minho stood there looking at his phone leaving Jasmine to make the first move and walk over before she waved her hand in his face. ❝ Minho-ah, Minho? Yah! We're working together, okay? ❞ She called loudly. 

He blinked quickly and looked at her. ❝ Oh, yeah, sorry... I was just thinking. ❞ He glanced at the woman, giving her a once over and finally showing a little emotion – embarrassment. Jasmine just grinned overlooking it and deeming him cute. They both turn to look at the managers.

❝ If you guys can just practice and get used to each other's company that would be good since you will be working very closely together this year and 2GE4 will even be joining you on tour. We haven't finalised the decision but the lineup looks to be: Replay, A-Yo, Ring Ding Dong, Hello, CH4NC3, BR0K3N, and L0V3. ❞ SHINee's manager informed quickly.

❝ We leave it up to you what songs you will both collaborate on so long as you work and help each other through the choreography. This is a lot of responsibility and we hope you take this seriously so that 2GE4 can have a warm welcome in the company. ❞ 2GE4's manager added quietly.

❝ Please work hard, the tour is in a few months. ❞ SHINee's manager reminded. 

Everyone nodded and got straight to work. Key and Whitney walked straight to the corner of the practice room to start teaching each other their lines and choreography while Taemin and Jessica stayed in the middle of the room finally working up the courage to speak to each other. 

Jonghyun took Niya in hand and lead her to the opposite corner to Key and Whitney and started to teach her the lyrics, giving her some advice and vocal challenges. 

The rest of the members in pairs split up and began practising, working hard to get to know each other and learn the elaborate moves and original lyrics while the managers seemed to be satisfied with how it all looked. They left to discuss more the tour while everyone's face is serious and they are all working hard trying to learn when suddenly... 

❝ AHHHHHH! ❞ A piercing scream is heard, everyone turned to the scene and gasped.