Stranger // NCT LUCAS

Subsequence

Suddenly the curtains opened. I don't know if I should've been happy or sad that it did at that exact moment.

The entire crowd screamed when they saw the boys with their new looks. Instinctively, I looked around at all the other teams. Like I'd anticipated, they didn't look much different. I let out a sigh.

Yuta however, was more creative. He was shirtless, his hair slicked back and his makeup prominent. He wore a thick red velvet choker, which I assumed belonged to the short haired girl next to him. Her hands were covered with makeup, a smart move considering there wasn't much she could do about clothes. Competition? Ah great.

When the camera focused on Yuta's abs, there was collective screaming. I did a little 'WOOOOO.' when I realised I was cheering for the wrong side. Part of me wanted to jump right into the crowd and start choking and sobbing with them. I prayed Lucas hadn't noticed me drooling over his members. That would be a w k w a r d.

When it was Lucas's turn, he did a sort of "cool walk" as he'd called it, with one hand in his pocket and the other stroking his lip. The camera zoomed in on him. As soon as it landed on his torso, the screaming got louder. Now that he wasn't looking at me, I too, admired his abs. 

Be a creep, just do it discretely.

Taeyong and Johnny checked him out. Literally, scanning him from head to toe. Taeyong nodded approvingly and Johnny mouthed a 'not bad.' I could already see the GIFs about this scene on the internet.

'You must be curious to see what you look like right?' Taeyong asked the boys as he unveiled a huge mirror. It hadn't crossed my mind till then that Lucas had no idea what he looked like. He had just placed all his faith in me and let me do my thing. Hell, he even flaunted it.

I was nervous. Actually, nervous would be an understatement. My stomach had time to do about 5535689003221  backflips before Lucas saw himself.

'Woaaaaaaah.' He exaggerated a shocked expression, then checked his side profiles. He oooohed and ahhhhed and then proceeded to wink at the mirror. If he could, he would've kissed himself. This is a good thing, I suppose.

While walking back he took the mic from Johnny's hand and screamed 'FIGHTING HAEYADWAE!' I wonder if he'd noticed that was one of the catchphrases I'd written on his neck.

I cheered for him as loud as I could and so did the rest of the fans. He stood next to me grinning. 'I love it.' He whispered, so close to my ears that the hairs on my neck stood up. I shifted where I was standing and then turned around to face our judges for the occasion trying not to flip out. I could feel him smirking. 

'I think we should applaud all the teams for their hard work.' Johnny said as he clapped and everyone followed.

'The winner of this game is–'

'–Ah, everyone must be really curious.' Johnny chided, interrupting Taeyong as he let his MC side reign.

Taeyong laughed and then continued, 'The winner of Johnny's Fashion Evaluation is...'. He paused and took a long dramatic look at the teams as if they hadn't already decided on the winner. Then they whispered into each other's ears and pretended to be in deep thought.

After what seemed like forever Taeyong held the mic once again.

'TEAM LUCASSSS.'

Team Lucas?Team LUCAS. TEAM LUCAS!

This was followed by the most high pitched scream right next to where my left ear once was. I was standing dangerously close to Lucas's victory cry followed by crazy dancing, it was just a matter of time before his arm hit my eye or he accidentally kicked me. I slowly stepped away from the hyper boy.

I was very very very happy, but compared to him I must've looked like I was at a funeral. I found myself smiling at how stupid and cute he was acting when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.

I was greeted by the two handsome critiques. Before I could say anything Johnny asked 'English?'

I nodded.

'You did a pretty good job.'

'I just happened to be wearing a lot. HAHA.' Why did I just do the fake laugh?

'I was honestly worried for the person who got Lucas but you came out alive. Congratulations.' Johnny said as he patted my head. THE JOHNNY SEO JUST PATTED MY HEAD?

I managed a deranged smile.

'I like it.' Tae spoke as he glanced at Lucas who was being held down by the other members. Did Taeyong just say he liked the look? Or that he liked Lucas? Or the bromance that was going on? So many unanswered questions...

They laughed at my dumbfound expression and casually walked towards the next team probably to give them feedback or break their hearts or whatever it is that they do.

I had time to scream 'DON'TFORGETYOUPROMISED', at Lucas before they escorted (dragged) me off stage with the rest of the fans. I've always imagined that I look insane to others, but imagining myself being dragged off the stage whilst screaming set a new high for me. 

Lucas did a little nod (surprisingly not screaming for security) before he disappeared from my line of sight.

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subsequence

/ˈsʌbsɪkw(ə)ns/noun

FORMAL

noun: subsequence; noun: sub-sequence

            1. The state of following something, especially as a result or effect.