*All conversations with Mael in Japanese. Italics for conversations in Mandarin.

August 15: 7am, Mael’s Room, SkyCity Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong

Hayaley and Mael are accustomed to having breakfast in a hotel room. After a late night, they are usually too lazy to go anywhere else to find food in the morning - just one of those routines they cannot seem to escape from while on tour. Last night, it wasn’t work that had kept them out late. They had met up with some old friends for drinks at Club 71, one of their regular hangouts while in Hong Kong. It had been such a quiet, laid-back evening at the bar that they ended up staying till closing time.

Hayaley is having one of her favorite breakfast when in Hong Kong - Century Egg Porridge served with ‘Yau Ja Gwai’. Mael is having French toast.  Neither are morning people so they quietly chomp on their food. Mael is first to break the silence: “You going to be okay after I leave?”

“Of course,” she grins. “We have worked in most of these venues. I don’t foresee any issues.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Hayaley raises her eyebrow inquiring.

“It’s the ‘who’ that I’m concern about.”

Realizing the direction of his question and knowing there is no hiding from him, “I’ll be fine. It’s not like it’s going to be heading anywhere anyway.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because neither of us will allow it,” she states softly but firmly.

“You know…”

“He is one of the biggest star in Korea, in Japan, in South East Asia…and probably beyond. As far as I’m concern, he’s dangerous.”

Mael says softly after a short pause, “Aya, let it go.”

“I already did….That is why he is dangerous,” she gazes broodingly out the window.

Mael has always called Hayaley “Aya”. Hayaley had moved to Tokyo with her family when she was 13 when her mum transferred to an executive position at GE’s Japan office. Even though she was going to an international school, Hayaley learned Japanese quickly from her Japanese friends. She started using the name “Aya”, shorten part of her name and a common Japanese name, soon after. When Mael met her 4 years later, that was how he was introduced to her.

After breakfast, Mael bids Hayaley good-bye and makes his way to the airport. He is heading back to Tokyo. Aya can handle the rest of the tour without him. He was only needed in Seoul for moral support; not really for his skills or expertise though having an extra pair of hands for such a huge production was probably helpful. She is usually confident about her own abilities. Maybe because of her relationship with Director Yoon or perhaps that being her first show in Korea, she had been a little anxious. Though he now wonders if it is more because of Kim Jae Joong…

All I can do is be a thoughtful friend…

Why is the most charming also the most dangerous

Dance Flow – “The Danger of the Charming One”

August 15: 12pm, AsiaWorld-Expo Arena, Hong Kong

After working out in the gym and enjoying a relaxing bath, Hayaley heads down to the concert hall. Seung Hoon-oppa and Director Im both have other engagements and could not make it to Hong Kong in time for the set-up today so here she is, meeting with the venue staff for the initial set-up. Mael had helped her organize all the boxes and cases that arrived from Seoul yesterday so she is logistically prepared today.

Judy Kwok, the Assistant Manager greets Hayaley in English, “Hello, how are you? I’m Judy Kwok and I will be helping with your concert.”

“Hi, ni hau (how are you). Please call me Hayaley.”

“Oh!” Judy Kwok was surprised that Hayaley spoke Mandarin. “Yes, of course.”

Judy introduces Hayaley to the staff. Hayal