euphoria | knj √

8: i need u.

"Why is it you? Why did it have to be you? Why can't I leave you?"

0:00 |───────── 3:31

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The phone call that came the next day was a blessing and a curse to her ears. Everything was too loud or too bright.

"WE DID IT!" Ms. Cho shouted through the phone.

Speaking Korean. Good sign.

"Did you get the contract figured out?" Rein squealed, sitting up in bed.

The fact was, the contract negotiation at that point was just a formality. The dinner was indeed a part of the plan, and she knew now that it was a test to see if they would get along. The members undoubtedly reported back to their managers and gave them insight into how they would work together, which helped to close the deal faster.

The traces of her headache that had started the minute she had woken up was suddenly gone in a miraculous fix. As Ms. Cho chattered on the phone about the schedule, she picked up a notepad and started writing everything down, trying to pay attention to the voice she tuned out most of the time.

It was hard work.

Once she wrote down the official practice schedules and extensions of the contract, she agreed to meet her that night to celebrate at Luka 511, an (apparently) prestigious restaurant in Gangnam. She agreed, but only if she could have champagne without Ms. Cho scolding her.

"Of course," the manager cooed. "We are celebrating, aren't we?"

Oh, boy. You're really in a good mood. It was almost creepy seeing her manager this happy. She appeared to have only two moods: disapproving and professional. (total poker face, "don't talk to me until I have my coffee" kind of mood.)

After a few minutes, she hung up, flung herself on the bed and screeched into her pillow. This was it. This was the ticket to international fame, and that road started the next morning at eight. ("You should get in an hour earlier," Ms. Cho had said on the phone. "That way you'll be seen as a hard worker." Rein couldn't guarantee a punctual arrival time on her part.)

How did this happen to me? The opportunity to work with these people was something that had to be cherished, never taken for granted. What hidden charm, talent, grace did she have to pull this off? She decided not to question it.

Hard work paid off, after all.

She did indeed come early to the studio. Namjoon was already there and greeted her warmly. He showed her the studio, something of a sanctuary for the rapper trio. The atmosphere was dark, though the lights were turned on. There was a sound mixer and a few computers to edit music. He pulled up a chair for Rein.

After he sat down and started talking about the lyrics he had seen the previous day and what they could do to add to it, she noticed he kept looking down at his phone every few seconds. She endured it until the seventh time.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Uh, no, nothing's wrong. Yoongi's supposed to come soon..." He checked his phone again and leaned back in his chair, putting his arm over his face. He peeked over at Rein after a few seconds.

"Sorry. I'm usually not like this," he said. "It's just, like, this is literally the worst time for Yoongi to not come in early."

"No no, it's fine! I completely understand. Y'all are overworked most of the time, anyways. I wouldn't want him to strain himself too much, you know?"