The Man Who Could Not Stop Time (Monsta X Fanfiction)

Chapter Thirty Two: Try Again

"Finally, it's my turn!" Changkyun hummed to himself the next morning. I got up and found he was already wide awake, dressed for a rap competition and ready to go.

"So what exactly went wrong the first time?" I asked him, sitting down at the table to drink my instant coffee with him.

"Well," He came to sit down across from me, already visibly annoyed. "This rap competition is meant to really showcase skill. I've been making my way up the food chain in the underground for the past year before it happened. I've had a beef with this one guy for a very long time. I have no idea how I got on his bad side, but he zeroed in on me as his enemy very quickly. He's part of a really big boy group and has been trying to prove himself for years, his name is Bobby. Square jaw, rugged good looks. The total package. We were finally battling against each other for a rap battle. Winner takes all."

"And then?" I pushed.

"And then he did the unthinkable! He stole my line!" Changkyun grumbled. "A total low blow, I have no idea how he did it. But he did it. I was in such shock that I had no idea what to do, I couldn't freestyle off the top of my head at that moment, my world has just shattered. You can steal my clothes, my money, whatever else; but stealing my lines is an all time low. I was laughed off stage..." Changkyun stared down at the table blankly before looking up at me with a determination in his eyes, "But I'm coming back and stronger than ever. He can have those lines. I have better ones..."

Hyungwon finally woke up, pushing open his bedroom door. He was ready for the day with a t-shirt and blue jeans on. To seem cooler for the occasion, he had on a Balenciaga cap.

"Ready for your life to change forever?" He asked Changkyun cheerfully. For the first time, Hyungwon seemed like a motivational speaker rather than a condescending life coach.

There was a knock on the door that startled all of us.

I looked around the room to see who would answer the door. Hyungwon rolled his eyes, volunteering himself as tribute, and he walked over to the door. He answered the door, swinging it open, blocking my view from whoever was there.

"What are you doing here...?" Hyungwon asked, confused. His voice wasn't exactly welcoming. He backed up to let the person in.

I watched curiously to see Shownu step into the house. I choked on my coffee a bit, coughing to clear my throat. Everyone looked at me worriedly before Shownu spoke up.

"I have the day off." He smiled at me before exchanging glances with Changkyun and Hyungwon. "So I decided to spend it with you guys, but I see that it's just you three left..."

"It'll be fun anyway!" Changkyun smiled, "Besides, the more the merrier. I need as many hype-men as possible right now..."

I stood in the shower to get ready for the day, my heart racing. Shownu was back? I was happy he was here, but at the same time I had some tough questions to ask him. Questions that might make me sound crazy jealous.

I wanted to know how many girls he worked with, if they liked him, if he liked any of them... But maybe it was best for me just not to know.

I stepped out of the shower and dried off, styling my hair. I dressed in my outfit for the day. If I was going to be a part of Changkyun's crew, I would need to look the part.

I decided to wear my "Sohyun outfit:. When 4minute came out with their song Crazy, I copied one of Sohyun's outfits exactly. It consisted of a distressed cropped denim jacket over a cropped bustier bandeau with high-waisted shimmery leggings. I turned around in the mirror, feeling cool.

Now I just needed to go do my makeup quickly.

'What should I do? Eye liner, or something simple?'

I opened my bedroom door and stopped when I saw Shownu. He was sitting on his empty bed waiting for me. I took a deep breath, trying to find courage, and went to do my makeup on my bed.

"How have you been?" Shownu asked. I tried to be nonchalant, quickly patting on my foundation cushion.

"I've been... fine." I replied flippantly. I was happy he was here, he still made my heart race. But I couldn't help but feel sad knowing he would have to leave, so I was putting up a front. "What about you?"

I forced a smile while drawing on my winged liner, staring at myself in the mirror. I tried to do the makeup as precisely as possible despite the huge distraction sitting only feet away from me.

"I've been busy, as you know." Shownu laughed to himself, "But overall, I've been excited to see you..."

My heart skipped a beat.

I set down the mirror once my makeup was done and I turned to look at him.

"Really? You've honestly, truly missed me?" I asked. Somehow I couldn't believe that someone as talented and handsome has him actually had feelings for me. It seemed like a cruel prank.

Shownu nodded enthusiastically, "I mean, I know this is going to sound corny. But on those really hard days when I've been dancing for hours and can't seem to get the choreography, you were the one I would think about. You told me to follow my dreams no matter what, and I'm living up to those words."

I smiled at him, feeling delightedly like a teenage girl.

He liked me! He really liked me! And even after seeing the likes of Lee Hyori!

I decided now was the time to address my grievances, "Actually, there's something I want to ask..."

Shownu could sense my apprehension and came to sit next to me on my bed.

"Sure, what is it?" He started petting my head. It seemed to calm me down.

"It's about... the girls you work with..." I stared at the heeled boots I was wearing, feeling stupid for asking these questions. "Are they all over you? Do they like you or... something like that?"

I looked up at him and saw he was smirking at me.

"What?" I asked incredulously, blushing.

Shownu chuckled, "Are you jealous?"

"No." I lied, arms crossed. "Never mind, just forget about it."

I got up to leave, knowing Changkyun was probably waiting for us.

Shownu stopped me before I could open the door, towering over me. He put his hands on my shoulders, turning me to face him.

"I'll answer the question." He said softly, staring in my eyes. I waited with bated breath. "Yeah, a lot of my dongsaengs totally have a crush on me. They're super obvious about it, but I don't care. I don't reciprocate those feelings. I like you. Okay?"

I nodded.

I turned to leave again, but Shownu pulled me back, pressing his lips against mine. Our lips melded together. We were stuck in our own moment.

That spark was here too.

Our moment of passion was interrupted by a knock on our door.

"Come on guys, let's get going!" Hyungwon yelled through the door.

Shownu pulled away from the kiss, smirking down at me. I saw he had some of my red lipstick smeared on his lips. I reached up and rubbed it off.

"Destiny is waiting."