R A M Y U N - 02

May 05th, 2014

It turned out SungGyu was just hungry and cashless and hence wanted me to buy something for him to eat. Figures.

Since he insisted that his manager wouldn’t buy him anything before his stage, I bought him a serving of cup ramyun as per his request. He looked even thinner than two days ago, and I failed to comprehend  why he was even put on a diet to begin with. Preferably I would have bought him something more nutritious but it wasn’t the time to be overly concerned and annoying now. Plus, ramyun was better than nothing, right? I cursed myself for not having had enough foresight to bring a serving of jjajangmyun along. While it wasn’t really healthy either, at least it wasn’t canned food. 

SungGyu led me over to a small area hidden in between the food stalls, where surprisingly, we were alone. After looking around for any strangers, he took off his face mask, sat down on one of the lemonade crates and instantly started eating his ramyun.

"You’re my life savior,“ he said, munching loudly on the barely cooked noodles. I was already so used to his lack of manners I didn’t even bother complain anymore. It was just part of who he was. 

I shrugged him off, still eyeing his overly skinny appearance; which, as far as I was concerned, hadn’t been part of who he was until the SM takeover. Sitting like that, his knees looked incredibly pointy. "Don’t they give you any food?“

SungGyu laughed but it seemed forced. "Of course. Today I’m just hungry because I missed breakfast since I got up too late.“ 

I raised an eyebrow, prompting him to explain in more detail. “They don’t even let you sleep now?"

„Don’t worry, they don’t treat us like when we newly debuted.“ He motioned for me to sit down on the crate next to his. When I followed suit, he leant in to me and lowered his voice. "I spent nearly the entire night talking with DongWoo about WooHyun and SungYeol.“ His voice suddenly got more serious. "They still don’t talk to each other and slowly the members are taking sides.“

At the mention of WooHyun and SungYeol my heart tightened. Even though I didn’t know them well, it felt like they had been in my life forever since SungGyu talked about them more than about his own family. Especially about WooHyun. I could only imagine how hard it must be for SungGyu to remain unbiased as the leader, even though his best friend was deeply involved in the issue.

"Is it still about SungYeol and HyeMi?“ I asked, only to be shushed by SungGyu, who quickly looked around for any listeners. When he asserted that we were still alone, he visibly relaxed. 

I cringed inwardly at my indiscretion. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to talking to you in public places."

SungGyu shook his head and gave me a small, reassuring smile. "It’s okay, happens to me too. She’s here today, actually. She got the special pass AA01 so she’ll be sitting right next to you.“

"Oh,“ I said, unable to come up with anything eloquent. I was finally going to meet HyeMi. Somehow this made me nervous. I wondered what kind of girl she was. With her uncle being Infinite’s dance instructor, I couldn’t help but picture her as a tomboy, a breakdance-girl even. But then again, would WooHyun or SungYeol fall for that kind of girl?

"I didn’t want her to come,“ SungGyu explained, jolting me back into reality. "But SungYeol would’t take no for an answer. I just hope WooHyun doesn’t spot her in the audience.“

"It must be hard on you,“ I said, looking into his eyes.

SungGyu shrugged, averting his gaze. "Happens. It’s not the first time we had a fight. We’ve had worse.“

"Really?“ I asked, still not looking away.

SungGyu looked back at me and chuckled. „Don’t look at me with those miserable eyes. We’re seven boys living and working together every single day for nearly six years now. What do you expect? I’d worry even more if we didn’t fight from time to time."

His words lightened my worries. "You have a point there.“

SungGyu laughed and winked at me. "It’s the first time it’s about a girl though. Aren’t you jealous?“

I rolled my eyes at his failed attempt to make a joke. "If you’re going to joke about it, it can’t too bad, right?“

SungGyu cocked his head to the right as if thinking about it. „Who knows...“ 

We fell silent, listening to the noise of the people outside our secluded spot enjoying the pre-showcase atmosphere. While I was thinking about meeting HyeMi, SungGyu finished the ramyun, savoring the cup to the last drop of soup. Then he contently patted his stomach.

"Do you want me to get you another one?“ I offered but SungGyu only shook his head. 

„I’m full. And our manager would notice,“ SungGyu sighed, absentmindedly turning the empty cup of shin-ramyun in his hands. "We’re being weighed tomorrow, and I can’t weigh the same as last week."
 
I rolled my eyes. "There’s no way you would, you even look skinnier than you did two days ago!"

„The scale is probably the only thing in the universe that doesn’t care about how I look,“ SungGyu said with a mischievous grin. "One can’t bribe the scale."

"I can’t believe I am friends with a guy who is more concerned about his weight and body than I am as a girl. And who probably has more clothes than me. And make-up."

SungGyu chuckled. „That’s the hard reality of being friends with an idol. Deal with it."

I nudged him in the side at that. "Yah, at least try to deny it."

SungGyu now laughed heartily. "Why would I, when it’s the truth?“

I was about to nudge him harder, but halted mid-movement when he suddenly turned serious: "But I am truly grateful that you came today. Thanks for making the time. I know you most probably have a lot of things going on with university and your part-time work so I really appreciate this."

"Nah, it’s okay. That’s what people have friends for,“ I said but I was happy that he at least appreciated me. "Plus it's time that I finally watch you perform."

"I guess free concerts do buy friends,“ SungGyu joked and stood up, putting the empty cup away on the floor. 

I also got up, stretching my back. "Who knows,“ I then said, mimicking his signature head-tilt.

"Yah, MinAe, don’t steal my personal traits. You have your own,“ he complained with a smirk and ruffled though my hair. I ducked away but SungGyu caught me into an embrace. I was instantly surrounded by the seductive smell of lavender and patchouli that was slowly but surely driving me crazy. Not only did it smell good, also it reminded me of Professor Lee. And thinking of Professor Lee was reminding me that I still needed to bring the HoWon issue up. I wondered how SungGyu would react. Would he think I was selling him out?

"Being an idol is such a pain sometimes,“ he mumbled into my hair, still not letting go of me. I didn’t mind. On the contrary, I took in another deep breath of his perfume, bringing up my arms to hug him back. It had been a long time since he had last hugged me. Must’ve been around the time his solo album was such a miserable failure, and he needed support from someone who wasn’t part of Infinite. He was skinnier now, even to the touch. But hugging him was still as comfortable as ever. His sweater was so incredibly soft I couldn’t help but close my eyes and savor  the moment. 

SungGyu smelled a bit different than Professor Lee though; more familiar. More like home. But maybe I was just used to SungGyu’s body scent which mixed well with the perfume. Also, he smelled a bit like ramyun.

"I never know who likes me for who I am. Hell, I don’t even know if people realize I’m not who I am on stage,“ SungGyu continued and started playing with a strand of my hair. 

I nodded to show him I was listening. Serious talk was probably good. Maybe I could finally muster up the courage to bring up my request about HoWon, I thought.

"That’s one of the things that make me so sure of you being real. You’ve never asked for benefits. You’ve never asked for anything. You’ve never even asked me for my signature,“ SungGyu carried on and suddenly chuckled. "Though I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing."

Damn it. I couldn’t possibly bring up Professor Lee’s request now, could I?

"But then again, maybe it’s my own fault for giving you our releases all signed without you asking for it. I never told you but WooHyun is kind of offended about you not having listened to our releases. He says it’s such a waste of his signature.“ SungGyu laughed, thinking about WooHyun. "But you have grown on him. He keeps asking me about when you will join us for lunch or dinner again"

At this, I broke from the embrace. "But I did listen to your songs! I even watched all the music videos!“

"You finally did?“ SungGyu’s expression lit up.  

I nodded. "I think my favorite song would be Hysterie.“

SungGyu grinned. "That’s one of our most favorite songs to sing too.“

"I also watched the music videos.“

"And?“ he sounded really excited. Had I known it was of such importance to him, I might have shown more interest sooner. But then again, it was a given an artist would want his friends to know his pieces of work…

I thought about how to explain my feelings toward their music videos. "You have a lot of dark concepts,“ I finally summarized it.

SungGyu laughed. "We do. Our CEO likes those kind of things. But lately we have started to be more cheesy. Did you watch Man in Love?“ 

"I would like to see you in something like Delicious,“ I teased. 

SungGyu raised both eyebrows in surprise. "You even watched the sub-units’ releases? Did you also watch 60 seconds?“

I nodded. 

His smile widened. "And?"

Since I didn’t know how to put it, I just bluntly stated, "MyungSoo stole your music video.“

SungGyu cringed but his smile didn’t disappear. "I know. But there’s also a Band Version. Lots of SungGyu oppa in there. Did you watch that too?“

I shook my head. Was there? I must’ve overlooked it. There were so many A and B Version releases, and with limited time, I kind of rushed through it. 

"Yah, MinAe, what kind of dongsaeng are you?“ SungGyu feigned being hurt as he playfully crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"But you looked really cool in Diss is Infinite,“ I stated, grinning innocently at him.

He instantly let his arms fall, and his smile dropped. "Why, of all things, did you watch that show?“

I chuckled. "Because I remembered you whining about it.“

SungGyu covered his face with both hands and sighed. "Did you watch all of it?“ he asked through his fingers.

I saw my opportunity to get back at him for the many times he had teased me in the past. "I’m already past the point where you are on your knees in the shopping mall, if that’s what you want to know."

"Aaaah,“ SungGyu exclaimed, his ears turning a faint shade of pink. "If I knew you’d be watching…"

Suddenly I felt pity for him. "It was funny, no worries.“

SungGyu just shook his head. "I knew that show would come back at me one day. Hoya is so dead. “

At the mention of HoWon my face involuntarily fell. How the hell was I supposed to mention my shameless request when he had just indirectly told me that he was especially relieved I never asked anything of the kind of him?

"There you are!“ a man’s voice suddenly called, startling both SungGyu and me. But while I was slow to react, SungGyu had already pulled up his mask over his face, carefully hiding his identity. 

But we were greeted by a familiar laugh. "Chill. It’s me. Hi, MinAe, long time no see.“

I raised a questioning eyebrow, taking in the appearance of the man. He was wearing washed out jeans and a grey, hooded sweatshirt along with sunglasses and a face mask just like SungGyu's, only his was bright red. When he pulled it down and took off his sunglasses I recognized him as WooHyun. His dark circles were as prominent as ever. 

SungGyu relaxed instantly. "Damn, where’d you get that mask? I didn’t recognize you because of it.“

WooHyun chuckled, putting his sunglasses back on, probably self-conscious about his make-up less appearance. "I got it from Manager JungRyul since I forgot mine at home and the others wouldn’t lend me theirs. And I can’t possibly run around in bare-faced with so many fans around.“

Why were these idols walking around so carelessly? As far as I knew they had some pretty crazy stalker fans. But maybe the reality of being a celebrity was indeed different than us normal people always pictured it to be.

"How’d you find us?“ SungGyu asked, picking the empty bowl of ramyun up from the floor.

"I know you well enough, hyung. And seeing that MinAe wasn’t at AA02 or AA03 I just figured she’d be with you.“ He directed his attention toward me. "Ah, MinAe?“

I smiled insecurely. "Hi?“

WooHyun laughed. "Hi, sorry for startling you earlier. But actually, who’s the girl in the frilly dress?“

"Frilly dress?“

WooHyun nodded. "The one sitting on AA03. Is she a friend of yours?“

"Oh, that’s SeRi,“ I said, when I realized who he was talking about. "She came with me today.“

"She’s cute,“ WooHyun said with a grin.

Before I could even react, SungGyu smacked his head.

"What was that for?“ WooHyun whined, rubbing where SungGyu hit him.

"Stop hitting on MinAe’s friends,“ SungGyu said and then turned toward me. "I’m sorry about him. He’s just like that…well, you know him.“

"But It’s just fan-,“ WooHyun tried.

SungGyu cut him off. "Don’t. It’s not fan-service and you know that very well."

I chuckled at their interaction.

"Whatever. I’m sorry, MinAe, but I'll have to take him away from you,“  WooHyun said, grabbing SungGyu’s hand. He pulled his face mask back up with his free hand. „We need to get ready for the show now.“

"Sure. Have fun,“ I said, waving goodbye.

"I’ll text you later. Take care,“ SungGyu said, before he followed WooHyun out of my sight.

Once they were gone, I realized the big trouble I was getting myself into; I was still not even an inch closer to getting in contact with HoWon, instead now I was to meet infamous HyeMi. I felt like I wanted to get along with her, but then again I didn’t at the same time. After all she was the reason for Infinite being such a mess right now. But thinking about it some more, it wasn’t really any of my business. I was a friend of SungGyu, not Infinite. 

Ah, this life of mine, I thought to myself, while I made my way to the toilet - where I had originally been headed.
___

The concert started perfectly on time. When I returned to my seat, SeRi had already started talking to two little girls sitting in the first row who were totally excited about seeing A Pink. 

Although I had been anxiously awaiting her arrival, HyeMi didn't show up until shortly before Infinite's stage, and when she finally came I couldn't help but stare at her. She was beautiful. Her hair was so long she had to lift it up when she sat down to not sit on it. Not enough, it was a radiant shade of blue-ish black, endorsing her pale skin. Her face was small, with delicate lips and a cute nose. Her big eyes were enhanced by cute tear bags that were a fair shade of pink. She was wearing washed out skinny fit jeans and a grey crop top. The severe understatement only elevated her beauty more. I swallowed heavily. This wasn’t the tomboy I had been expecting. 

No wonder she could get both WooHyun and SungYeol to like her. With her father being Infinite’s dance instructor it was a given that she was a good dancer and sportive girl. Bet she even had a cheerful, nice and caring personality and a flawless university record?

I already wanted to not like her.

But she made it hard on me. When she had put her Prada bag away, I noticed from the corner of my eye how she quickly bowed courteously at SeRi and me. I bowed back.

"Hello, I am HyeMi. It’s nice to meet you. You must be Cha MinAe?“ Even her voice was beautiful.

I nodded, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Yes. Nice to meet you too."

HyeMi smiled. "Number One talks a lot about you."

Number One? I looked at her with a puzzled expression. „What?“

She giggled and leant in to me, lowering her voice. "Instead of saying their names in public we usually just rank them by age.“

Ah. That was smart. I managed to smile at her thankfully but before we could engage in any further conversation, Infinite’s stage was announced, and we both turned our attention to the stage. 

And then SungGyu appeared, walking up to the stage in a black suit and fancy dress shirt, his hair all styled and his face suddenly looking three shades paler through the make-up. 

"MyungSoo,“ I head SeRi squeal when the visual appeared on stage and stood next to SungGyu. I had to admit he was really handsome.  They both were. 

I didn’t think it was the adequate moment to tell SeRi that WooHyun had said he found her cute when she was fangirling over MyungSoo, so I kept my mouth shut and observed the other members as they got on stage. WooHyun stood next to SungGyu, his black circles having magically disappeared. I quietly applauded the make-up noonas for their job. They all looked like they'd had a good night’s sleep, and even the reddish tint to their lips suited them. 

They were all wearing yellow ribbons pinned to their mainly black outfits, in remembrance of the Sewol Ferry Accident the event was dedicated to. HoWon and WooHyun had gotten new haircuts and colours. Probably for their new music video which was set to be released soon.

After the music set in, DongWoo started singing, which got me unprepared because I had registered him as the main rapper. Surprisingly he had a nice singing voice. SeRi must’ve noticed my reaction because she explained that DongWoo had been considered to be one of the main vocals before their debut. 

MyungSoo hit a wrong note at his part which made SeRi fangirl over him being „so cute and helpless“ but I couldn’t tear my eyes off SungGyu, who couldn’t help himself but openly laugh at MyungSoo. Poor guy, I thought, but chuckled along. 

When Hoya started singing I just shook my head. Apparently it didn’t help at all that I binge-watched  their music videos and listened to most of their songs, since they still caught me off guard. 

"What’s the song called?“ I asked, leaning over to SeRi.

She grinned. "Didn’t expect Hoya to sing, did you? It’s called Can You Smile. It’s awesome, isn’t it?"

I nodded, watching as SungGyu took over singing. His performance voice was really different to when he talked normally. But I liked it. It had a special, warm undertone to it, which made it really enjoyable to listen to. 

SeRi leant in to whisper in my ear. „SungGyu is looking fine today.“

I felt caught for staring at SungGyu for too long, so my cheeks flushed in embarrassment at her teasing.

"See, I caught you,“ SeRi mocked, "How can your bias be WooHyun when you have been staring at SungGyu all along?“

"I wasn’t…“ I tried to defend myself, but SeRi had already leant back, directing her attention to the stage while grinning victoriously. 

Too soon, the song was over. The seven boys bowed courteously, and then quickly left the stage under the impressive cheers of their fans and the audience. 

"They are amazing, don’t you think?“ HyeMi addressed me, her eyes glowing as she followed SungYeol’s back being led to a black van parked behind the stage. 

"Yes they are,“ I agreed. "You must’ve known them from the very beginning?“

HyeMi nodded proudly. „Ever since the first members were selected for debut. But you’ve been around for a while too.“

"Since Sung-" I barely caught myself, "Number One had his solo debut."

HyeMi smiled at me, then looked past me. "Is that your friend?"

SeRi answered in my stead. "Yes, I’m SeRi.“

"HyeMi. Nice to meet you.“

After both bowed shortly, SeRi scrutinized her top to bottom and then suddenly asked. "And who is your bias?“

HyeMi was surprised by the upfront question and it took her a few seconds to think about her answer. Then she shrugged apologetically. „I don’t think I have a bias anymore."

"Impossible,“ SeRi just prompted dryly. 

HyeMi smiled again, but this time I noticed it was forced. „If you’ve known them long enough you will find yourself in the same position.“

Ouch.

SeRi raised an eyebrow at her but otherwise remained silent, making for an awkward silence.

HyeMi saved me from saying anything stupid to lighten the mood when she announced, "Well, it was nice to meet you two but I have to go now.“

"Bye,“ grumbled SeRi, still feeling attacked by HyeMi’s words.

"See you,“ HyeMi told me, and then walked off with quick steps, leaving me at a loss of what to think of her. She was nice and well-educated, but somehow I couldn’t rid myself of the feeling that she was a . But maybe it was just jealousy speaking.

SeRi looked at me questioningly. "Your new friend?“

I shook my head. "She works with…them. Or rather, her father does.“ 

SeRi looked in the general direction of where HyeMi had disappeared into. "Poor guys,“ she said, sporting an exaggerated expression of distaste which involuntarily made me laugh. 

But little did she know how right she was.
 

A/N: Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! Drop me a note if you did :)