Baro nudged him once, hyung, he whispered; the rapper gesturing at Red Velvet who is standing only few meters away from them–separated by Oh My Girl and Girls Generation–and Jinyoung was fast to process the information:

Bae Joohyun. The source of his inspiration, the main character of his scribbles and songs, of melodies that he has yet to publish or ones that he proudly shared to the world to express his adoration. That’s why many of them often likes to call him romanticist, described him as one–because Jinyoung likes it better when he can immortalize his love story on beautiful melody that could be shared with peoples. Ah, look at her being cute with her member. Even with all the bustle he can spotted her so easily, and he doesn’t even bother to hide his growing smile.

Jinyoung chuckled because of his daydream, the bright lightning might accentuate the visible blush on his cheeks after throwing a brief glance at the object of admiration (and apparently a lover figure, too) and nudged Sunwoo back. In small stage with camera surrounding, he learned better not to expect much even with the short distance, know better to be wary instead… and become calm and composed amidst the loud cheers.

He could hear and see Oh My Girl looking ecstatic and jolly for their first New Year’s eve in the year-end festival. Tonight marks his 4th time in year-end festival and it felt like a habit–or tradition, perhaps–to stand among the seas of teenage and young idols and cheering with the fans to welcome New Year. Suddenly he was wondering how it would be if they weren’t here–they will probably stay in the dorm, watching their friend performing and having fun on stage while all they can do is watch and watch. Jinyoung encountered the hoobae’s eyes when he was randomly looking and he gave them a simple wave and bright smile before the whole studio turns into havoc when the MC announced that it’s only ten seconds prior 2016.

Dongwoo. Jinyoung nudged his shoulder, puts an arm around the same-age friend, the man that contributed a lot to his growth not only from this year but also since the very first day they trained together as B1A4. There are a lot of things that he wants to say to Shinwoo, endless lists of things to thank for and to convey, but the leader expressed it in a single warm hug which was responded with a flat expression. Somewhere out there this moment might be captured by someone; he hoped it did, because another year to pass with is always worthwhile.

“일 ….이… 삼…. Whoooo! Happy New Year, everyone!”

The crowds are cheering altogether and so does everyone on stage. Jinyoung couldn’t differentiate between a practiced, fake, smile and genuine ones–but one thing for sure is that everyone is smiling from ear to ear and Jinyoung found himself cheering with the crowd, clapping his hand enthusiastically and standing and bowing awkwardly between blustering screams, jumping idols, loud chants and rain of confetti.

So many things are running in his mind on this single fleeting moment of the passing year; of the peoples he met; celebrities or non-celebrities that have contributed a lot to his growth as a person, as an artist, singer, actor. Jinyoung realized his individual schedule were the most packed beside Junghwan’s; butyet, at the end of the year, he’s still grateful to stand between and the fans and other artist–because there’s something comforting about standing on stage, about watching people’s satisfied smile and monitoring his friend’s performance with his own eyes.

Junghwan came around with bouncy steps to him, with the rest of Oh My Girl joining the festive mode with their bubbly expression (and occasionally polite bow). He found himself being dragged in a loose circle of WM crowd, who is jumping around together in this small stage, their cheers collide with the sound of gong that commemorate the changing year.

And despite the stuffed crowd and small stage, they found a way to put their arms around each other–a habit they have grown over from time to time to strengthen their bond as a group and for their friendship in particular.

Make a wish, you guys!” Sandeul was the first one to speak, which sounds more like shouting so his voice won’t be muffled by the loud sound system and screeching crowds. The rest of the member’s gaze were set on him, as always, as if there’s an unwritten manual that being a leader follows up the audacity to convey the first speech. Jinyoung starts sighing in relief because of the fact they have been able to go this far together; and he look up, staring at every single individual with warm gaze before voicing his wish out loud.

“Let’s be happy this year, too... for B1A4!”

[ END. ]