THE NIGHT BEFORE

11:30 PM

After long hours at the studio office, Kibum believed that it was getting too dark to remain. It was a late meeting with the members and costume managers, but Kibum thought that the time was well-spent. He had just finished explaining how the upcoming concept correlates with his wardrobe suggestions, and everything went smoothly. His ideas were praised by the managers and agreed to be used for the comeback. Afterall, it's not long until their October comeback, he wants everything perfect.

Preparations were made and another meeting, only including Kibum and Taemin, were planned later in the week for more suggestions on what to wear for what stage. Although the album wasn't quite complete, they had an idea of how it could turn out, so they planning ahead was no harm.

Kibum was pleased. Extremely ecstatic to be once again included in the costume designing. Even if Taemin is only tagging along because he's the youngest, Kibum is just happy to actually be considered an important designer this time around. He was so happy about how this meeting came to be, it exhausted him. Honestly, they were all exhausted.

Yawns from the flaming charisma and stretching of his long limbs started the beginning of everyone's departure. "It's getting late," announced Minho as everyone simply agreed in synchronized nods. However, Jinki did not. No one realized this except Kibum, who silently frowned at the elder's lack of participation. Everything was fine earlier the day when Jinki bought them all coffee, but he gets this silent at times. Only when he internally conflicts with himself.

At times like this, Kibum can only gently his thumb on Jinki's knee and softly smile. Like always, Jinki dropped his eyes down to his knee, no eye contact was made, but he returned a soft smile as well. Although everyone was speaking of their plans for the night, it seemed as if Jinki and Kibum were in their own worlds with their own little problems.

Aside from focusing on Jinki, Kibum regarded everyone else gathering their things together and starting to head out. Minho, being an active runner in the early mornings, decided to head out first. Jonghyun followed, claiming to tag along with the taller latter for a morning workout. As they left, the youngest among the members had the energy to spare, so instead of leaving, he headed out to the dance room for more practice to himself. Thus leaving Jinki and Kibum at the table with the costume managers.

The majority of the costume managers were women and the ones that were men left with Minho and Jonghyun. It wasn't the first time this happened but it's not one of his favorite times. It was evident that they remained on purpose. Wearing low V-neck blouses and letting their ponytails loose over their shoulders as if anyone likes long hair on any girl. It's always because of Lee Jinki. However, because Jinki was still off to himself with his thoughts, Kibum felt obligated to speak for the remainder of the time.

Whenever they had a question for Jinki, he would look to Kibum, who would dodge it and shift the topic. Clearly, the girls didn't find that amusing. Therefore, the small talk effective enough to keep them distant until they were ready to leave. The ladies quickly decided to wrap it up and plan something else to do the night.

Before gathering their things, they fell into fainted whispers. Kibum, who unconsciously fell into the hands of social media, lifted his head from the screen of his smartphone and acknowledged their silence. Standing before him, one of the ladies approached him, gazing between him and Jinki. "Yes?" Kibum asked, hoping that they'll spit out what's on their minds.

"We're heading out first." uttered the young lady as they all bowed, "But we're planning to get a couple of drinks. Would you two like to join us?"

Looking over to Jinki, he regarded the latter actually listening. Kibum unconsciously furrowed his brows for a second and Jinki caught it. Before Jinki can think of anything to say, Kibum turned back to the ladies with a small smile. Politely, he declined their offer, claiming that he's staying behind with Jinki to clean up a little. "Right, hyung?" Calls Kibum, as the leader smiles apologetically to the ladies.

Seeing that Jinki wasn't even commenting, they decided to finally leave. The ladies bowed on their way out. As soon as they exited, Kibum heavily sighed.

Immediately, he sat next to the leader and rested his head against the other's head gently. He wasn't lying when he said he was exhausted because he was. Although he would actually want to head out, he didn't want to leave Jinki on his own. Not after seeing his state.

"Do you want to stay a little longer until they're completely gone?" Kibum uttered in a soft whisper. In a similar soft tone, Jinki hummed. The two closed their eyes for a second and listened to each other's breathing. It was something they both really craved for after such a long meeting. Even the leader just wanted to sit there for a little while. However, he knew he couldn't. With that in mind, he opened his eyes.

"Actually, I should be heading out, too."

Kibum opened his eyes. After the blissful silence, he didn't expect Jinki to say such thing. Rather than letting it ruin the moment, he remained still with his head rested on the latter's shoulder. In the same soft tone, he replied. "Really? What for?"

The leader was hesitant, but he did not want to leave the other out. Especially knowing how much Kibum means to him.

"A friend's birthday." Jinki uttered. An unavoidable birthday celebration, Jinki explained. Because of him being a busy idol, he missed many other occasions already. Unconsciously, he felt obligated to go and Kibum understood. So, he simply smiled.

"To where?" Kibum gently asked, but Jinki fell silent.

Kibum lifted his head from the other's shoulder and faced him. There, he regarded Jinki's expression faded into a faint smile. Even his eyes avoided Kibum's at that moment. He wasn't sure himself, it has seemed but Kibum knew it was something he didn't quite want to say. Maybe it was because the leader has no self-control sometimes. Whatever it is, it must be why the leader was so conflicted about it. Kibum didn't want to stop the latter from having fun, even with friends he didn't know of, Jinki deserves to have fun once in a while. Knowing how much Jinki meant to him, he didn't want to restrict him from going out with friends.

Instead of scolding the older male, Kibum half-heartedly smiled. Although he was worried that he wouldn't be attending with any of the members, Kibum wanted to trust Jinki. Trust him that everything would be fine. Otherwise, Jinki would've invited Kibum if he would be in any sort of trouble.

Playfully shoving Jinki, Kibum smiled more sincere. "Well, I bet it won't be as fun without me. Are you going at least see me out?"

Jinki chuckled but nodded happily. As they headed toward the door, Jinki paused in front of the latter. He gently took a hold of Kibum's hand. Although it was for a moment, he leaned in for a peck and gave his hand a little squeeze before letting it go. Knowing that this occurred every late night after a meeting, Kibum felt that this time was slightly different.

Jinki turned the knob and opened the door, but regarded Kibum remaining behind. He turned to Kibum and instantly saw confliction in his eyes. Before he can question anything, Kibum played a smile and walked out the door. Jinki cluelessly followed. Followed until they made it to the parking garage and stood beside Kibum's car.

It was silent, unusual for Kibum, but Jinki assumed everything was fine by the way Kibum smiled. However, Kibum only worried the more Jinki avoided the change in the atmosphere. But, it goes deeper than that. There was so much that worries him than a sudden change.

Before entering his vehicle, Kibum turns to Jinki with a dimpled smile. "Call me when you get home." He softly states. Pushing all worries aside, he didn't want to spoil the night for Jinki. Though Jinki embarrassedly chuckled from Kibum's public softness, he smiled brightly and nodded. Kibum slightly bowed and entered his car with his smile fading faintly.