Arcadian Sin

Chapter 1: Ijungseong

MAKE SOME NOIIISE!~"

A single word or phrase coming out of Sunoo's mouth had the crowd in a sudden frenzy. It was as if anything uttered by him was worthy of being worshipped and praised, like divine speech from the bible. How pathetic...

Only one more song left and this concert will come to an end, he reminded himself. Usually performing in front of his fans or "Fates" as they liked to call themselves, would have him in a good mood. Letting everything go and being able to showcase his deep passion for music to the world fed his soul in ways nothing else could. However, being an idol was not easy, and despite loving his job there were always certain aspects that he despised. Today he was in a particularly sour mood, heightening his irritation for anything around him, and Sunoo's annoying tactics were certainly NOT helping. Sunoo could be his bandmate, but that didn't lessen his desire to strangle him right then and there. Take a deep breath, count to three, flash a smile. It won't do you any good to lash out in public, we don't want our reputation tarnished. Certainly not.

That said his facial features were slowly overtaken by a dazzling smile, one of which he liked to call "Illusion". Due to his career choice and secret profession, utter control over facial expressions came as natural as it was to breathe. His smile looked so endearing that it was impossible to think it was anything but genuine. A two-faced liar that's what he is. He was so fake that at this point not even he could tell you what's real and what isn't. A part of him wishes he wouldn't have sacrificed such a vital part of his humanity, but well what humanity? In this life you either learn to adapt and survive or you die, as simple as that. Emotions, exposing your raw self to others is nothing but weakness. And when has that ever done any good? No, it's better this way...

The rest of the concert went by smoothly, another perfect performance from Red String, but what's new?

"Damn Ijungseong, you were on fire out there! Don't know what we would do without you. Seriously though half of the fans were solely chanting your name, and even though it pains my heart I have to admit that you are quite the cutie~"

"Shut it Sunoo, you know damn well that I am in no mood for your games tonight."

"Okay, okay no need to be so snappy. I know that you were called earlier about a lost shipment, but you shouldn't take out that frustration on me! I'm sensitive you know," said Sunoo with a small pout, a fake saddened expression that got all the people fangirling. (But Ijungseong knew better) "Gosh I can't believe you were such a cutie out there, "Maknae of Red String'' and now you're back to "Cold-Hearted Ijungseong one of the three leaders of the Underground Empires"

"Sunoo you of all people should know that Ki from Red String is nothing but a facade."

"I know, but sometimes it seems all too realistic!"

"Whatever, we have a job to do, go gather the boys. We leave in 5."

Sunoo's face contorted into a more serious expression as he saw Ijungseong eye to eye. Any sort of affection expressed was now gone, whatever happened from here on was pure business.

"Yes, Ijungseong"