Wayo: A Bang Yedam Story

05 Soju

Everyone involved in the shoot met at a kbbq restaurant for the wrap up party. Yedam finally sees YJ arrive and take a seat at a table near the exit. 

She smiles and chats with the crew members around her, but he wasn't entirely convinced. It seemed like her facial features made all the right moves to appear cheerful, but her eyes didn't follow.

Yedam couldn't help but keep track of the soju shots YJ accepted. I hope she has a strong tolerance.

"Here Yedam-ah, accept this." The director tries to pour Yedam a shot.

"Thank you director, but I can't drink yet," implying he was still underage.

The crew found this endearing and offers him sprite instead. It never bothered him until this very moment that seemed to stretch his and YJ's age gap. She couldn't hear the conversation, but nonetheless he didn't want her to think of him as a young boy.

In the middle of the meal, he sees YJ stand and excuse herself. They briefly make eye contact so she gives Yedam a small smile that seems to say, don't mind me.

By the time everyone was drunk, Yedam stepped outside to get some fresh air. When he walked around the corner, he saw YJ on a bench across the street. There was one streetlight on the block and it put a spotlight on her and the bottle of soju next to her.

"Wayo wayo wayo..." She hums softly as she looks out at the view of the city. It was a chilly so you could see her breathe in the air. "Why can't I be find without y– *hiccup*"

Yedam gives a soft laugh.

Unfazed, YJ slowly turns her head and rests her chin on her shoulder as she looks at Yedam. Eyes glazed, "Oh hello...

...take a seat" She points her chin at the empty spot to her left.

They both sit in silence and stare at the view of the city's twinkling lights in front of them.

"..."

"I'm drunk." YJ states.

"I know." Yedam smartly replies.

"Hah" YJ takes another sip from the bottle and tips the bottle in Yedam's direction in silent offering. Yedam accepts and takes a swig. He felt it run down his throat and leave a burning trail, but the aftertaste was surprisingly sweet.

She must be cold, Yedam thought. Her cheeks were red and her hands looked ghostly white. He's a smart kid, he can do the math. YJ with no coat + Yedam with big down coat + it's freezing = he should suck it up and offer his coat. 

He quietly shrugs off his coat and puts it over YJ's slim shoulders.

"What" she's caught by surprise and looks at Yedam, whose nose is starting to get red. He gives her a quick smile and turns to look back at the city like it's no big deal. She studies his side profile as she plays out various scenarios in her head of trying to return the jacket.

She scoots in closer and puts the jacket over both their shoulders. "Here, let's share."

Yedam is instantly aware of their shoulders and thighs touching and blushes. He reaches over YJ for the bottle of soju and takes another drink.

More silence.

YJ, too drunk to notice the atmosphere, starts talking. "I don't think I could do that again."

Yedam waits.

"The music video. I always knew I wouldn't enjoy acting, especially in front of a camera, but my feelings towards the end got too real. I was so vulnerable and exposed in a way that I don't think is anyones business."

"Oppa. Seo Joon oppa..." YJ specifies,

"...encouraged me to think about a real memory, not that it's his fault. But it made me think about my dad and that's a memory I would never want to use for the sake of others' entertainment."

Yedam nods, remembering how she looked. It made him want to grab her hand and run away.

"If you don't want to do it, I don't think you should." Yedam quietly responds. "As artists, we already output so much of who we are for others. I think it's important to set limits so we don't lose our sense of self."

YJ ponders his words and turns her head to look at him. 

He's pretty mature. I wonder what made him this way? Training at a young age? Did he have to think about these things often? Did he spend a lot of that time alone?

"Thank you." she eventually says.

Without giving it much thought, she let her head drop sideways and rest on Yedam's shoulder. She could feel him stiffen, then finally relax.

Yedam had difficulty putting his emotions into words. He felt...comfortable. That and grateful to be the one to give YJ support at that moment. He wanted to be a safe space for her.

The young man was definitely drawn to the mysterious and unconventional woman. YJ was beautiful, at least to him, but beneath the skin was something much deeper and more unique. It's like he discovered a gem covered in dirt and he's slowly coming to realize how precious it actually is. 

I wonder what's she's thinking about?