After listening to the their song another 10 times, the van came to a halt next to a building. We took that as a signal and got off from the van with as little commotion as possible. While the girls had no sasaeng fans like the boy groups do, there were inevitably those few fans relentlessly on their pursuit on APink's tail. We hurriedly made our way into the building, to the 3rd floor where the gym was located. The lift door opened, and we were greeted by machines after machines neatly arranged next to one another, all hiding behind a fragile glass pane. Then, we found our way into the gym.

The girls all headed towards the machines. Observing their workouts for a while, it came to light what this gym session was meant for. Every single one of them were doing leg exercises. It was then that I found out the secret behind their legs, which were desired by many, guys and girls alike - although for different reasons. I have been to a gym a few times now, mostly because my friends didn't like the idea of working out alone. However, the ones I've been to were public ones. So, the idea of having the gym to yourself, without having to wait nor share appealed to me heavily. The first thing I went for, were the weights. I was weak for my age despite visiting the gym a few times already. I lifted the weights in different ways, meant to train the different muscles in my arms. When I finally got tired of, and from lifting weights, I went around the gym and hopped on each and every machine. Like a complete greenhorn, I only recognized the one that seemed to simulate biking. Then I came to the ones that APink were monopolizing.

"Noona, how long have you been doing this exercise?!" I questioned Bomi who was drenched in sweat.

"An hour or so." She replied between breaths.

Looking at all of them working so hard, I decided to do something for them.

"I'll be back in a while. I got to receive a phone call." I lied as I left the gym.

I headed to the first floor, straight to the closest mart I could spot. Grabbing several bottles of beverages, I remembered the girls had a strict diet to follow. Trying to help them, I placed the bottles back where they belonged and set my eyes on the lookout of mineral water and low-sugar sport drinks. Buying sufficient for 9, I brought all to the counter. Upon payment with my limited allowance, I went back to the building.

Two men dressed in black, standing guard by the lift stopped me in my steps, not allowing me further.

"Which level are you headed for? The 3rd level is not an option." One of them spoke as they escorted me to the lift.
 

"I'm headed for the 3rd level though... I just came down from there a while ago." I tried to reason.

"I'm sorry, but we cannot allow you to get to that level for safety reasons. Please don't place us in a sticky situation." They negotiated.

Left with no other options, I could only do the unfathomable. I ducked past them, and sprinted towards the emergency staircase, hoping I was quick enough to get to the 3rd floor before I was caught. As luck would have it, I was grabbed by the collar before I could even reach the stairs. The guards then picked me up, and threw me out of the building, now stationing themselves at the entrance to the building instead of the lobby. I was banned from entering even the building. Unfortunately, I had left my phone back in the gym, leaving me uncontactable. Refusing to give up, I staked out and sat outside the building as I opened a bottle and shot them a glare. After what seemed like eternity, Manager Lee came out from the building, seemingly to retrieve something. When he finally looked up from his phone, he saw me.
 

"What are you doing out here? Weren't you in the gym just now?" He was puzzled.

"I went to get some HEALTHY beverages for the girls, and those two over there kicked me out." I emphasized the word healthy, and pointed at the two guards.

"Oh, it's just company protocols. Follow me. I'll bring you in after I get the girls bags for them." He answered.
 

Automatically, I helped him out, and shared the load of 6 bags with him. I followed him tightly, less than a meter behind him. As we were entering, the guards stopped both of us, and picked us apart. They probably thought I was a sasaeng fan trying to sneak in to find APink.

"It's okay. He's with me. He's authorized by the way. Let him in from now on." The manager stepped in and helped me.

I looked at both of them, shot them a death glare.

"I am allowed to the 3rd floor. So much for keeping me out for the past hour, making me look like a homeless person sitting on the streets." I was extremely annoyed.

"I'm sorry, but we were doing our job, and acting in the best interests of the girls." One of them apologized.

"I was kidding." I stuck out my tongue and taunted them.

The manager was amused at the scene before he ushered me into the lift. Before I could open the door and scream 'I'm here', I heard the girls.

"Where's Seo Joon? He's been missing for a while now." Chorong's voice was quaky, obviously worried.

"Exactly! I've searched the entire gym for the past 10 mins, and I can't find him." Naeun added.

"Hyung. You can go in first. Don't tell them I'm here. I want to listen for a while longer." I told Manager Lee.

"You're an ." He replied, but agreed nonetheless.


When he entered, and brought the girls their bags, the girls were busy with asking him questions after questions.

 

"Have you seen him?"

"Do you know where he went?"

"Is he in the van?"

"He disappeared from the gym."

"Where is he?"


"YAHH, I'M DONE WITH THIS. Seo Joon, come and explain yourself. I'm not answering them." He exclaimed, obviously annoyed.

With footsteps rushing in my direction, I braced myself for the upcoming storm. The girls saw me, and started to reprimand me for 'disappearing'. They didn't even bother taking turns and threw every single phrase possible in my direction.

"Wait." I held up my hand, catching them all by surprise.

"It's not my fault. I'll explain." I added.

Then I explained how the two giants at the lift lobby ended up holding me by the collar and kept me out for an entire hour. Then I handed them their drinks.

"I'm sorry, that they're kind of warm at the moment. I tried to keep them cool in the shade though." I held up the bag of drinks, wondering if they would still want them.

The girls didn't even hesitate to pick from the bag and consumed the contents.
 

"We're leaving the gym soon, after we change anyway." Hayoung pointed to their bags.

"And where are you guys headed for?" I asked.

"We're going to get a shower back in the hotel, before we go to the salon and head for a mall where we would be performing." Eunji answered.

"Can I follow? I don't want to stay in the hotel rooms alone." I begged.

"I'm not sure about that. Let's discuss that later." Bomi avoided it.

I was left in the gym with Manager Lee, while the girls changed in the restroom. After a while, they appeared in comfortable clothes a