XXII ; EPILOGUE

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by tripledeke

by tripledeke

PART ONE

"Son Jaeeun, wake up!" I feel something hit my back which immediately takes me out of my nap. I groan and shift my body so that I am able to look around the waiting room instead of staring at the back of the couch. I groggily wipe the sleep away from my eyes and blink before scanning the room.

Nothing much changed since I fell asleep a while ago. Eunmi is still sitting on the chair opposite of me as she finishes getting her makeup done, Chaeyeon is still speaking to her as she finished getting ready a while ago, and Sohee who was stretching is now relaxing at the back of the room.

"Are we going out soon?" I ask as I finally sit up on the couch.

"Yes, so if you need any touchups you better get it done now," Sohee says and I nod, looking down at my stage outfit. A proud grin makes it's way to my lips as I smooth my clothes out.

It's been two or so weeks since Brand New Music's first girl group debuted. The four of us in the group were still fairly new to the whole idol scene but we were slowly getting used to things. Going to sleep late and waking up extremely early, performing in front of large audiences, photoshoots, interviews, variety shows, it was all very new. Though as we continued to become accustomed to being idols, one thing I realized would never change is the fact that I still got goosebumps whenever I stood on stage.

Despite the nervousness and excessive exposure to foreign surroundings, the four of us were having fun going through it all together. It was like we stepped into a new world and were forced to reestablish ourselves and everything we knew. But looking past all the adjustments I've made in my life, I wouldn't trade becoming an idol for the world. It was what I dreamed of after all.

After a quick stretch, I tiredly stand up and approach the vanity so that I can analyze my appearance. It takes a second to properly accept my appearance as looking into the mirror and being dolled up is still unfamiliar to me. I am not used to seeing myself with such flattering makeup nearly 24/7. Though I can't deny that I enjoy looking at myself more than before with the professional makeup on. Who wouldn't?

Following a quick analysis, I decide my makeup was still intact and I looked presentable enough. Although our stylist still suggested retouching my lip product due to the food I ate for lunch.

"Girls! It's your turn on stage." Our manager announces after stepping into the room. Commotion follows as my three other members walk out of the room with a few of our stylists and makeup artists following them. However, as the door closes I am still seated in front of the vanity with the remaining makeup artist who is reapplying my lip colour.

I pout when I realize the three of them have left me alone to which the makeup artist laughs at.

"The least they could do was say they were gonna go without me," I mutter sadly but fix my pout to allow the makeup artist to take one last look at my makeup. After fixing a few things here and there, she nods approvingly and I finally stand up, fixing my outfit before I walk out the door.

Our dressing room wasn't located too far from the stage this time around, so it was only a quick walk until I finally see the rest of my group. The sight of them steadies my breathing I hadn't noticed was irregular until then. Despite this not being the first time I was going up on stage to perform, my nerves always seemed to get the best of me before performing.

I took another breath in order to further normalize my breathing as I approached the three of them. At the same time, I prepared myself to scold them for leaving me behind so easily. But I was taken aback when I saw their heads turn to look at me at the same time.

"She's here!" Eunmi says with a cheeky smile on her lips. I look at her confused, wondering why she was announcing my arrival. But it is clear to me when I see a familiar face pop up from behind their group huddle.

"Jaeeun!" Woojin beams and runs up to greet me. Although he is clearly excited evident by the fact he decided to run to me, he is hesitant to properly greet me when we are finally an arm's length away. My heart rate picks up when I notice his eyes scan my face, meeting my eyes and then trailing down to my lips. There is obviously a lingering desire as we stand in front of one another but Woojin simply sends me a shy smile.

"Hi Woojin," I smile back at my boyfriend knowing that is all I can do. I can tell the staff around us are watching intently, making sure we act appropriately in the public setting. Although Woojin and I's year-long relationship was well known within Brand New Music, we still hadn't come out to the public. Rhymer promised he would let us announce our status in due time, however it was better as rookies to keep the impression that we weren't dating.

"We're here too!" Youngmin calls out and reveals himself, Donghyun and Daehwi as well. I am overjoyed to see my close friends here to support us as well. It hadn't been too long since I had seen them last, but it was always better to be with them than not.

"You all came? What a surprise," I say as I greet each of the boys with a hug.

"Of course, it would be a disgrace if we didn't come out to personally cheer you guys on," Donghyun exclaims with his signature endearing smile. My members and I warmly thank the boys for coming though reassured them that they didn't need to feel pressured to do so.

The group of us chat and catch up as the staff thoroughly finished preparing the stage so that everything would run smoothly for our stage. It is during this time Woojin and I find a chance to sneak off and have time for ourselves. It is quite rare to have this time so we need to take any opportunity we can find.

"You look beautiful today, but that's nothing new." He says as soon as we are alone and I hit Woojin's shoulder as a symbol of my embarrassment. My breathing is yet again irregular due to Woojin's endearing words catching my breath. However, I am not nervous or scared this time around, but rather enthralled and excited that my boyfriend is here. He smiles warmly which shows his snaggle tooth that I can't help but swoon over every time. I think its so cute.

"How come I hear this every day and still get flustered every time?" I ask myself more than Woojin. He chuckles and pats my head lovingly.

"I like that you do, it tells me that you still like me as much as I like you."

"I don't think there's anything that will stop me from liking you, so you have no need to worry," I respond honestly, which makes Woojin cheeks redden. He becomes all shy and covers his face with his hands which causes me to smile brightly. Before we can continue any further, I hear Chaeyeon call my name from behind Woojin.

She and some other staff members are waving their hands for me to join them and I sigh in disappointment that I have to leave Woojin. Due to our busy schedules, it was difficult to see each other in person or even text or call often. Besides Brand New Music's new girl group debuting, the company's new boy group was making their comeback at the same time. Therefore, music shows were the time where we were able to spend the most time with one another.

"I'll find you when we're done," I say before waving goodbye to him. However, he finds my wrist, holding me back from joining my members on stage. His gaze is intense as he watches me carefully. I can't help but melt under the loving expression on Woojin's face. But I keep my composure as much as I can.

"Do your best. I'm always supporting you," I nod and he mimics my action proudly as a response. When I turn around, those words are all I need to walk onto the stage with confidence and kill our performance.

i'm SOSO sorry for the update that is long overdue.. i've been super busy with school lately and couldn't find the time to sit down and write. in addition, everything i did attempt to write wasn't satisfying me and how i wanted this story to end.

but alas, the end of hearten me is finally here and in two parts! i hope you all enjoy the ending and have enjoyed reading my first story! thank you all so much for the support~