‘Cause I’m not afraid to fall

If you’re the one who catches me

Amber lightly shaded in the dark brown of the eyes, pausing every few seconds or so to reevaluate her progress so far. Giving the cap a few final touches here and there, she set her pencil down, giving a relieved sigh. Stretching her arms high over her head, she satisfactorily gazed at her finished masterpiece. It had taken about a week to complete, and her desk was cluttered with crumpled papers of rough sketches, drawings marred by tiny, silly mistakes, and just plain sketches that had not matched her vision of perfection. After having the sudden urge to sketch such a memory, she came home from study school everyday for the past week and set into sketching late into the night, earplugs blasting music the whole time.

Now, flipping her sketchbook closed, she turned to her laptop, replaying the music video in front of her. Listening to a certain member’s rapping, she, once again, felt the swirling feelings of doubt, awe, and embarrassment that erupted in the pit of her stomach. Ever since she found her classmates fangirling over a rookie group a few months ago, she had checked them out and immediately become a fan, really liking their style and music. But, of course, a certain problem soon appeared. After reading the maknae’s profile and closely looking at all of the music videos and his pictures, she didn’t know whether to feel like a complete idiot or just brush it off as a coincidence. Either way, she couldn’t help but name him as a bias.

Choi Junhong. Choi Junhong. It just can’t be. His hair’s different, too. He said his name was Choi Junhong, he can’t be... B.A.P.’s Zelo. But, she wasn’t stupid. Zelo was only a stage name, and sure enough, the boy’s actual name was Choi Junhong. Their first meeting had been several months ago, and she hadn’t seen him since (not that she really expected to). When I first met him, they had actually just debuted. Facepalming, she muttered aloud, “I’m just an idiot...I knew he looked familiar.” Thinking she may have seen him on tv or the Internet, she had done even more extensive research by watching many of their performances and variety shows, listening to their albums, etc. Wouldn’t you if you had unknowingly met and spent some time with a rising idol?

Once again, she turned her attention back to their music video.. Zelo’s rap solo soon came, and she couldn’t suppress the widening of her eyes when listening to how fast he rapped. Omo...how does he do that? She smiled when watching him fall into line with his other members, all of them dancing in sync. If it is him... Shuffling around in her bag, she pulled out the small slip of paper. Gazing at the ticket in her hand, she thought, Well, there’s only one way to find out.

Amber walked up to her seat, nervously pulling her leather jacket more closely around her. The concert was just beginning. Smiling slightly, she looked up, noticing her close proximity with the stage. She had especially gotten that ticket, after burning a huge hole in her saving and endlessly begging her parents for permission, in order to confirm her thoughts about a certain rapper. More and more fans packed into the concert hall, and a lot of girls were just babbling and pushing around, making Amber feel slightly claustrophobic. Finally, the lights blasted on, and the fans’ screams seemed to escalate in pitch and volume. Amber grinned herself, also enjoying the fact that she got to see B.A.P. perform live.

The six-member group immediately started off with their debut song, “Warrior” and the audience chanted the lyrics, screaming at each member’s turn to sing/rap. Amber’s eyes were focused solely on the blueish-haired boy in front of her, blocking out any other sound and movement around her. Looks like my suspicions were confirmed...it is him. Her unwavering gaze was broken, however, when the group finished performing the song, and stood in front of the madly clapping and screaming audience. All of them bowed and gave their signature introduction. They all just spoke and joked around on stage for a bit, pumping the crowd up. Amber smiled, cheering along with the crowd. Watching goofy Zelo mess around with his hyungs, she couldn’t help but smile while shaking her head. He’ll probably always stay the same, she thought, reflecting back on their first and only (so far) meeting.

About three hours and several performances later, the boys were wrapping up with one final ballad song before ending the concert. Jongup started with the opening lines of “What My Heart Tells Me To Do”, prompting all the members to synchronically fall into the rhythm of the sweet ballad.  The audience swayed, rocking their arms back and forth to the beat of the song.

Amber glanced around, becoming a bit surprised at how the crowd seemed to be getting a bit louder and restless. Must be because it’s the finale song... She nervously shifted as she stood up from her seat, feeling uncomfortable at the way the audience seemed to be moving closely together. A particularly rowdy group of girls to her right side were moving about crazily, their throats growing hoarse with screaming. As Amber moved a little out of the group’s way, a much taller girl bumped into her, causing Amber to stumble, and lose her footing.

The swooping feeling of falling forwards coursed through her, and all Amber’s mind could flash towards was how it felt a little similar to that one time in the grocery store...except now, no other feelings invaded her senses: not fear, not worry, just... a sort of anticipation.

And so, her feelings of anticipation were confirmed when she felt a strong hand wrap around her upper arm, firmly pulling her to her feet. Her eyes snapped upwards to meet a pair of familiar, dark eyes that were gazing at her with slight surprise and concern. Zelo was on the very edge of the stage, leaning forward so he could catch one of the fans that he saw stumbling face-first. What he didn’t expect, though, for the fan to be someone he’s already met before...and actually once saved from a similar fall. A-Amber? His eyes widened further in realization. I guess my cover’s blown now. While his hyungs were still onstage, singing, he quickly recovered and broke eye-contact with her. Stepping back into line with the others, his part came up. The entire time he was rapping, his gaze was firmly set on the figure before him. Seeing her wide-eyed, shock-filled gaze, he found himself smiling while reciting his lines, despite the seriousness this rap solo held, which talked of sadness and break-ups.

*For listening purposes ^.^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYUFkrHAmMM *

When all the love songs become sad break up songs

I will listen as I think of you – I confess inside my heart

I will remember – When I think back to the stories we shared

Where would we each be?

Will we be in different relationships as we forget about each other?

Will I be blaming my heart?

Is it really okay to just do what my heart tells me to do?

As Youngjae started his lines the moment Zelo finished, the maknae’s mouth was still curved into a smile as he watched the audience, his eyes occasionally meeting  a certain person’s gaze. Finally, after giving their farewells, the concert was over. Making sure Amber was still in his line of sight, Zelo quickly pulled his hyungs and their manager to the side.

“Guys...I know we have to get back to the dorm soon, but there’s somewhere I need to go for maybe an hour...you guys head out without me, I’ll get a taxi or something back home.” he explained.

Their manager raised an eyebrow. “I’m not just going to leave you to run off somewhere. This’ll take more explaining, Junhong.”

Zelo shot a look towards the front row, and saw Amber still standing there, doing something on her phone; but, she looked ready to leave, making him slightly panic. Suddenly, she looked up, meeting his gaze. Biting his lip, he then mouthed at her, “go wait for me outside...”, and pointed through the side entrance, leading to an alleyway. She blinked at him in surprise before giving him a slight jerk of the head, as though understanding. She then proceeded to go out the way Zelo had told her to. He turned back to his group, feeling slightly relieved.

“Aish...I don’t have a lot of time,” he muttered at them. “I saw someone in the audience that I know...and I want to catch up with her before she leaves.”

All of his hyungs, including his manager, gaped at him in surprise. Finally, Himchan spoke up, “Her?” He seemed to ponder something before smirking at the maknae. “Don’t tell me...it’s that girl you met at the grocery store months and months ago, isn’t it?”

Zelo’s eyes widened in surprise as soon as Himchan made the connection. What the...how could he have possibly guessed that?! Out of everything else he could have assumed...he assumed correctly?! This seemed to dawn on the others as well, and all of his hyungs promptly burst into laughter, earning a glare from their young rapper.

“Oh yeah!” Youngjae piped up, chuckling. “I remember you were gushing to us about how interesting and pretty she was that day after you met her.” Everyone exchanged grins when they saw the 16 year-old’s cheeks and ears gain a reddish hue, yet he stubbornly stared back at them.

Their leader, Yong Guk, spoke up, still grinning at Zelo, “Well, she is the only other girl we’ve heard you talk about, maknae, so it’s not surprising that it’s her. Alright, we’ll give you time to talk with her, but you have to come back soon and be careful.”

Immediately, Zelo’s face brightened and he rushed a thank you after his manager said that he’d actually pick him up from wherever he was headed. Before s could more, he grabbed his stuff and made a mad dash to the side entrance where Amber was surely waiting.

Just as he slipped through the door, Himchan called out, “Yah, if things work out between you two, I wanna meet her!” Everyone else joyously shouted out other comments. Ignoring them, he finally closed the door shut behind him, sighing in relief.

He spotted her standing a few feet away, her eyes wandering around the alley while clutching the strap of her messenger bag protectively. As her eyes met his, she seemed to visibly relax. She slowly walked towards him stopping a few feet away. “Erm...annyeonghaseyo,” she murmured, bowing. Zelo replied with the same.

“So...” she started off, awkwardly fiddling with the zipper of her jacket. “You...wanted to see me?”

Zelo nodded, giving her a slight smile. “There’s this noodle shop around the corner where we can talk more easily. My treat,” he answered.

Amber looked as though she wanted to protest but he had already turned around, beckoning for her to follow quickly. They silently walked along the sidewalk until they reached a small, brightly lit noodle shop on the curb. It was roomy inside, with a lot of booths for customers to have meals and was a bit empty, save for a few customers, since it was getting pretty late. Zelo led Amber to a booth in the back, the two of them sitting opposite each other. Zelo waited until the waitress came and had taken their orders before he really started talking.

He blinked at her, mouth curling into a smile. “So...you like B.A.P., huh?”

Amber gave a small sigh, meeting his gaze strongly. “Actually, yes, I am a fan of their music and style. That would be why I went to their concert.” She spoke slowly and deliberately, putting great emphasis on the last sentence.

He smirked. “Is that the only reason why you went to their concert?”

She smirked herself, unwilling to tell him what he wanted to hear...even if it was the truth. “Well... I’m also a fan of Jongup. His dancing is amazing.” The expression on Zelo’s face was priceless; a mixture of surprise,disbelief, and obvious jealousy. Weren’t expecting that now, were you?  Amber continued, her grin widening, “And of course Himchan’s so handsome. He makes a great visual.” She watched amusedly as he clenched his jaw, avoiding her gaze. She continued tauntingly, “And Yong Guk’s a really incredible rapper...”

That seem to have done it. His jaw went slack and he stared at her, shocked. “WHAT? I’m way better at rapping than hyung!” he burst out, sounding a bit like the childish maknae he could be.

Amber quirked an eyebrow. “Well, you’re really modest, aren’t you?”

He scowled at her. “So what? Do you have a favorite in the group?” He couldn’t push away the bitter thoughts brewing in his mind. She did think that Himchan-hyung was really handsome, I wouldn’t be surprised-

“Well,” Amber started, letting her eyes wander around the shop, as though she was carefully contemplating on her decision, “there is this one member I just couldn’t help but really single out as my favorite. He seems nice, and he’s very talented and hardworking. I think he has nice hair and he’s really tall. I think I tend to like tall guys since I’m pretty short. Actually, he’s the tallest in the group even though he’s the youngest.”

She glanced at him wondering if it clicked, and found him staring at her, mouth slightly ajar in surprise. She suppressed a smile and continued in a seemingly nonchalant tone, “He’s actually an amazing rapper and I was really surprised when I first heard him rap. And, he’s also got great dancing skills. But...I guess what pulled me to him even more was that I thought he looked really familiar, like I’ve met him before...and I couldn’t help but have more interested in him than the other members.” She bit her lip, slightly embarrassed to meet his eyes, especially when a brief silence followed her words.

Zelo steadily gazed at her, his heart feeling as though it had constricted very, very tightly, making it feel like it was going to burst, and then, suddenly whooshed back to normal, leaving this airy and oddly happy feeling. Grinning at her, albeit a bit sheepishly, he said, “My cover’s blown, isn’t it?”

Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips twisted into a slight frown. “Cover? I don’t think your real identity, who you really and normally are, is a cover. I first met you, Junhong-ssi, not who you are known to be by everyone else in Korea and around the world.”

Again, how does she always surprise me with her words? Zelo nodded thoughtfully, eyes downcast as he spoke, “I guess you’re right. I was being Junhong, myself, when we first met, not Zelo. Sure, I love that I’ve achieved my dream of becoming a successful rapper and I work very hard, but...,” he sighed, and looked up to meet her gaze, “I don’t want that to define me my entire life.”

She blinked at him, feeling a bit awed and surprised at the same time. Suddenly, she broke out into a gentle smile before saying, “Now, that is something I don’t think idols think very often.” She paused, seeming a bit hesitant before speaking, “I guess there’s something I should ask though...Do you prefer me to call you “Junhong” or do you prefer “Zelo”?”

He was caught a little off guard by the question, but gently smiled after regaining his composure. Leaning his chin into the palm of his hand, he answered, “Well, you first met me as Junhong, right? You didn’t know about my being a member of a hip-hop idol group. You knew me as Junhong, and I intend on you always knowing me as just Junhong.” He murmured the last sentence softly, but she heard him very clearly. Zelo glanced up at Amber,curious of her expression. Just as he scanned her face, something seemed to ignite in her already bright eyes but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, making Zelo question whether he had really seen it or not.

She replied with a simple, “Alright, then,” her face devoid of any sort of expression. Zelo just stared at her. What? I don’t think I’ve ever said anything as deep as that before and all she says is ‘Alright,then’? If any of my hyungs were here right now, they’d never stop laughing.

Just then, the waitress had arrived with their respective bowls of noodles and such. As the waitress was leaving, Amber  scooted up to reach her food, but her leg brushed her messenger bag that was resting besides her. The bag slipped off the seat and fell, scattering a few things on the floor. Zelo and she both bent down to reach for the fallen objects. While Amber was picking up a few pieces of stray paper and utensils, Zelo had picked up her sketchbook.

Curiously flipping the book over to the front, his eyes widened as they fell on the open page. Snapping his head up, he found her putting things back into her bag, and then, she glanced up, noticing Zelo’s expression and the sketchbook in his hands. A wave of panic coursed through her, and she inwardly gasped seeing what page it was open to.

Trying to sound casual, she said while outstretching her hand towards the book, “Uh, thanks. Here, I’ll take that.”

Zelo stared at her as though he hadn't heard her, and let a smile spread slowly across his lips. “So, why exactly were you drawing a picture of me?” he asked teasingly. Seeing her cheeks flush, he simply gave a delighted laugh. Amber attempted to reach for the book, but he just twisted out of the way, still closely examining the drawing.

“Give. Me. My. Sketchbook.” she demanded, teeth gritted and punctuating each word. Yet again, he ignored her, skimming the other pages with a sort of childish awe. She made to grab the book again, but he half-heartedly swatted at her hands, intently focused on looking through her various sketches. “Amber-ssi, just eat your noodles and let me look at these.” Amber glared at him for a bit, before sighing and dejectedly digging into her bowl. She huffed when he snickered at her stubborn position when eating and proceeded to stare at him.

After a few moments, he smiled satisfactorily when looking up at her. “You’re actually really talented at drawing. Personally, I liked my picture the best, but all of your other drawings looked amazing as well.” He grinned at her relieved expression when he finally handed back the book.

“Thank you,” she sighed, referring to her book’s return and the comment on her drawing ability. “Also,” she added lamely, “I just drew your picture out of boredom...” She winced, knowing full well how pathetic that sounded. Her embarrassment only seemed to grow when hearing his amused chuckle.

By now, both had lapsed into comfortable conversation, talking about various things while eating their meal. It really did seem like the time when they were walking back from the grocery store. Zelo told her a bit about the training he went through and how life was like being apart of B.A.P. and about his antics with his hyungs. Amber supplied her own comments, talking about her views on their music and about things she had seen on t.v. and the Internet.

“You do know that B.A.P.’s actual name doesn’t really make sense in English, right?” Amber laughed. “Best Absolute Perfect? It just sounds like a bunch of random words!” Zelo mockingly glared at her, but figured she was probably right since she was fluent in English and lived in America before. And to think I actually used our group name to describe her...

Finally, having finished their meals, the pair decided that it was getting late and they should be heading home. After arguing about it for a few seconds, Amber relented in letting Zelo walk her home since her house wasn’t too far away and he’d just be able to easily call his manager to pick him up. Both silently walked along, the cool, crisp night air surrounding them. Zelo hummed a soft tune under his breath, giving his much shorter companion sideways glances from time to time. Amber, on the other hand, had stepped onto a stone platform that surrounded some bushes and flowers and was intently focused on walking on it, looking as though she was a tightrope walker. He chuckled, watching as she stretched both arms out like a child pretending to be an airplane, quickening her pace of putting one foot in front of the other to get across the platform.

“Just be a little-” what he was saying was cut off when Amber suddenly lost her balance, and flailing her arms slightly, she crumpled backwards. Instinctively, Zelo’s arms snapped out, one wrapping around her waist, the other wrapping around her shoulders. He held on tightly, making sure her feet were planted firmly on the ground. They stayed in that position for a few seconds, Zelo still holding her in that backwards freefall position, and Amber laying stiff, eyes squeezed firmly shut. Biting her lip, her eyes tentatively fluttered open, only to meet a pair of dark brown eyes-Junhong’s eyes. This time, however, they didn’t display much surprise and concern. Instead, they were filled with an amused warmth. Amber’s own eyes widened slightly upon seeing his, and she could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks. Well, this moment doesn’t give me a strange and slightly annoying sense of deja vu at all.

“Aish, you really should be a bit more careful,” he said, his voice soft and affectionate. Gently uprighting them both, he chuckled, even reaching down to ruffle her hair.

Amber’s cheeks were still slightly tainted red as she looked up at him. “You know...I never got to thank you for stopping me from falling during the concert. So...thanks for that time, and now.”

Zelo ruffled the hair on the back of his head sheepishly. “It really was no problem. From where I was standing, I just thought you were a random fan that I could see falling right in front of me. So, without thinking, I just reached out and grabbed you.”

A corner of Amber’s mouth shifted upwards, giving him a slight smile. “Lately, it seems that in all the instances I’m about to fall...you’re there...” She trailed off, just looking up at the steadily darkening sky.

Sensing there was more, he prompted, “I’m there...?”

She turned to look at him, the small smile still spread across her lips. “You’re there to always catch me...you’ve been there, every time.”

Zelo blinked, and then gently returned the smile. “Well, I’m glad that I have been always there, then. I hope to always catch you when you fall.”

She coughed lightly, muttering, “Great...now, I’ll probably always be tripping over my own two feet whenever I’m with you.”

He smirked slightly at that. “I hope for that as well.” So, does this mean I’ll be seeing her often? he thought, a grin forming on his face at the prospect of spending even more time with her. They both walked side by side, arms brushing ever so slightly.

“But why is that, though?” Amber wondered aloud, jolting Zelo from his thoughts. “Each time I was about to fall, I didn’t feel too scared...you caught me, but shouldn’t I  be in a state of panic or fear like any other normal person?”

Her taller companion chuckled, seeing the answer much more easily. She glanced up at him, eyes wide and curious. “What?”

He stepped in front of her, gently smiling down on the shorter female, eyes soft. “Yah...” he spoke softly. “Why would you be scared or panicked if you have me there to catch you?” He reached down, letting a few silky strands of her hair slip through his fingers.

Amber blinked up at him, showing her soft, heart-warming smile. “I guess you’re right, huh? I shouldn’t ever be afraid. Hopefully, I can always count on you to catch me when I fall, neh?”

Zelo gently took ahold of her right hand, and lifted it up, his lips skimming lightly across the surface. He then tugged on it, securely entwining his fingers with hers while they resumed walking, hand in hand.

He murmured, “Don’t worry...I promise I’ll always be there when you’re falling and you need to be caught...shorty,” he couldn’t help but adding fondly. Looks like I’ve already fallen for you, but no one’s caught me yet. I guess I’ll always just keep falling for you.

And, that’s all they needed. A promise of never letting the other to fall, to always be a means of support and eventual love in a world that could easily fall apart, but at least they’re there to catch each other.

You’re the one who helps me see

That,sometimes, it’s okay to fall.

Meanwhile...

The five figures all crouched behind the building, each straining to hear the conversation of the pair in front of them. Gradually, the two turned a corner, walking off together, out of the group’s line of sight. Just by watching the interactions of the two, the boys could barely keep ahold of their excitement and their hiding spot. In the instant that the boy had reached out and wrapped his arms around the girl when she stumbled, it had taken all their might and a sharp look from their leader not to whoop out loud.

“Ah,” Himchan breathed out as the two retreated. “Looks like our maknae can be quite the charmer,” he smirked. The others chuckled, still in awe of everything they had seen. They were only able to have little glances of Zelo and his friend through the noodle shop’s window, but then had immediately followed them after they exited the shop.

“He really does seem all grown, taking a girl out like that,” Youngjae mused.

“Wait... Does this mean he’ll have a girlfriend before any of us?” Daehyun blurted out, making the others fall into a brief, surprised silence. Himchan spoke, “I don’t know...but, I don’t think they’ll go that far just yet...Zelo’s still really young and I’m sure he knows that the company wouldn’t allow something like that so soon.” Of course it was just a reassurance...they didn't want to think any further about the embarassing situation of their maknae having a girlfriend before any of them.

Still,the others agreed, knowing that even if Zelo were to develop feelings for someone, they were confident that he’d still be able to keep his professional matters to one side and handle them well.

Yong Guk laughed a little, speaking up, “Honestly, though...I can’t believe he didn’t notice us following him the whole time.” This prompted chuckles and mutterings of “pabo maknae”  from the other members, shaking their heads as the obliviousness of their young rapper.

Suddenly, Jongup’s phone beeped with a text. Looking to see who it was, his eyebrows rose in surprise as he read the text.

From: Zelo

Did you guys honestly think that I wouldn’t notice you following me the whole time? -_-

“Um..hyungs?” Jongup started. “I don’t think our maknae’s a pabo after all,” he said, showing the text to the rest of the group. Everyone stared at one another in surprise before scrambling from their hiding place and running like their lives depended on it (which it did) to their van parked a few blocks away.

The End

Ah, and there you have it! Chapter 2 completed, thus, making this fic completed^^ I really hoped everyone enjoyed this, especially my beautiful friend that I especially wrote this for^^ This was still very cheesy and I'm sorry it was so long >.< I had so much to write XD Well, thank you for your time :D B.A.P. FIGHTING! <3