‹  2013 | At the MAMA  ›

It’s Big Bang’s Fantastic Baby last stage and they decide to roam about off stage halfway through, much to everyone’s surprise. Big Bang’s refreshing energy is contagious. Wearing his trademark blinding smile, Dae Sung gestures to suggest 2NE1 stand up and dance away. Seeing everyone has risen from their seats, the three Dara, CL and Park Bom follow suit and jam to the music.

TOP is really feeling it. He has changed from his blue suit performing Doom Dada to a fluffy white jacket on top of a basic white shirt and a fedora hat, keeping the same the oversized bow from his last costume to create a look. Park Bom’s eyes have been resting on him for quite a few moments now but he still has his back her. She doesn’t particularly mind, though. 

What she doesn’t know is that TOP has purposefully discussed with Big Bang members for this off stage interactions, just to hover around her long enough for the camera to get them in the same frame for a moment. He claps his hands at Tae Yang’s verse then meets eyes with Bom. He makes a silly face which makes her burst a laugh in an instant. She feels a little fuzzy inside, wondering what he is on about with his poker face while imitating his goofy moves. He doesn’t seem to realize that he’s the only Big Bang member with his attention on her— or rather, his “labelmates” while the others are all busy around SM artists. Tae Yang takes Lee Hyori’s hand and guides her to the front.

Hyori strikes a pose and Seungri takes after his hyung, pushing SNSD’s Hyo Yeon to get her to join the party. All seems like a friendly interaction between rival companies at a glance, but if it’s perceived as a divergence for TOP—it’s not too far off from the truth either.

“TOP oppa hasn’t looked my way this whole time.”

CL briefly but very casually whispers just enough for Park Bom to hear(*). Park Bom doesn’t reply, though. She’s well aware of this herself. 

At last, TOP turns away. It’s time for them to return on stage. As Big Bang one by one heads out of the scene, the artists all get back in their seats.

“On second thought, he indeed looks like a sushi.” Dara with her eyes still glued on the checkered jacket figure, can’t help but laugh out loud at CL’s sudden comment.

“Eh, still looks better than your hairdo for our Happy MV though.”

Dara laughs even louder this time. Why yes, that hairstyle was really something. She hopes BlackJacks will