BEHIND THE SCENES

chapter 19: still waters run deep

<OST: Boom Boom - Hong Dae Kwang>

"Ya!" Chungha furrowed her eyebrows, tutting loudly as she poked Hoseok in the side. "What are you doing? Why are you hiding behind me?"

"I'm not!" Hoseok exclaimed, as he held on tight to Chungha's shoulders from behind, ducking whenever he thought he caught glimpse of Jungkook. "Don't make things up!"

Hyejin stood next to them, eyeing Hoseok disapprovingly. "Sunbae-nim, how are you gonna interview him like this?"

"Come to think of it, I asked the questions last time!" Hoseok pushed the mic towards Chungha. "That's what got me into trouble with those bunch of fans of his. Today is your turn, Kim Chungha!"

"Ya!" Chungha shoved the mic back at Hoseok. "I know it's my turn today, but I'm literally holding the camera right now, can't you just do it for today? I'll do the next two-"

"No, no, no-" Hoseok shook his head frantically, stuffing the mic into Chungha's pocket and trying to take over the camera from her. "I'll take this, you do it- I don't care how much I like you- I can't do this, I really can't-"

"Okay, I'll be honest with you-" Chungha shook her head. "I don't wanna do it either-"

"Scissors, paper, stone!"

"I win!" Chungha grinned as she took the camera from Hoseok once more and pushed the mic to him. "All the best, old pal- All you need is just one question! Just pop one random question asking him about how his day went and already there will be more people willing to watch our video over thag of other news companies. Look how many reporters are around here! Jung Hoseok, this is your career we're talking about, you need to be brave. You can't let what the netizens said get to you."

Hoseok looked even more nervous after Chungha's mini pep-talk.

"Ya! Ya! Ya! JK is coming!"

"Jeon Jungkook is there!"

"Ya! Ya! Move! Make way!"

"Jungkook-ssi!"

There was a lot of pushing and shoving as the reporters swarmed towards Jungkook, pushing Chungha, Hoseok and Hyejin along with them. It was a combination of crazy flashing lights and jostling that made Hoseok back out once more.

"Kim Chungha, I'm sorry-" Hoseok quickly shoved the mic to Chungha and ducked. "I'll pay you back next time!"

Chungha stood there, stunned by Hoseok's unacceptable behaviour, trying her best to balance the mic and camera with her two hands. She watched as Jungkook walked past her, feeling her opportunity slip through her hands. "Jung Hoseok, you-"

Then, the most amazing thing happened. With one swift motion, Hyejin grabbed the mic from her arms and made a quick dash towards Jungkook. Though thoroughly taken aback, Chungha quickly stabilised her camera and filmed Hyejin as clearly as she could.

"Jungkook-ssi-" Hyejin said with a bright smile, a clear voice and amazing poise. "Congratulations for completing your 'Still With You' comeback showcase today! I was watching your performance earlier, and I really loved the jazz vibes of the song. To hear that you personally wrote the song and that it's a gift for your fans just makes it even more meaningful. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your music in the future!"

Chungha pursed her lips. All they needed was just a response. He didn't even need to open his mouth and talk, all he needed to do was to look her way or smile or something, it would be considered a success- Just one look her way-

And to their amazement, Jungkook turned towards her and... smiled. And not only did her smile, he paused for a while, nodded a little her way and said a very soft "thank you".