Days turned to weeks, the two teenage boys had gotten better to their so called friendship. Although Jiyong wouldn’t talk much, he’s still showing his care through actions. On the other hand, Taeyang just treated Jiyong the way how he treat others that are important in his current life.

Taeyang wouldn’t mind if Jiyong seems like he wasn’t interested at all. Because deep inside, he knew well that Jiyong will definitely be his best of friend. He just felt something familiar about the aura of the boy that he couldn’t help but rethink, if he met Jiyong somewhere.

Disregarding the sudden reminiscing of his past, Taeyang waited for Jiyong at their school’s gate. He’s glancing at his watch frequently. Making sure that the time is right.

“Am I really early or that brat usually has his own time?” Taeyang muttered to himself.  He leaned at the wall beside the gate as he unconsciously sulked. This won’t take a whole day, will it?

Taeyang just tapped his fingers through the bricked wall as he calmed himself for waiting there like a bodyguard. More like a responsible family member who would look out for their blood related relative. Yeah? That kinda make sense?  I don’t know.

Sensing someone’s walking towards his direction, Taeyang glanced up. Much to his relief, he saw the familiar figure making his way to the…gate. Of course, it’s not like a miracle would happen or guess Taeyang is still hoping that GD could open up a little?

The figure bypassed him as Jiyong walked casually to enter their school. Taeyang just sighed and followed behind. He knew that Jiyong saw him even though Jiyong doesn’t say anything at all.

“And what time do you usually go to meet someone up?  I mean you even assigned the designated time and yeah. You came late.” Taeyang said promptly so Jiyong could feel even the slightest guilt.

Jiyong just shrugged his shoulders and continued to walk. Didn’t even dare to mutter a sigh of ‘Sorry’ to the latter. Not that Taeyang would mind, but just the thought of it will be a big celebration if ever Jiyong will change 360°.

Taeyang is busy muttering about characters when Jiyong halted, enough for Taeyang to notice it. Taeyang peeked over Jiyong’s shoulder just to see the source of the sudden action. But then, he saw nothing.

“Uhmm Ok? What is it now?” Taeyang wondered with a bit annoyed face.

“I think I forgot something in my locker.” Jiyong surprisingly answered. Taeyang looked at him unbelievably before he rolled his eyes. “Seriously Jiyong? At this time? You’re already late and then this?”

“I’m telling the truth here. I’ll be quick really.”

“Fine fine excuses. If we won’t finish this project early you wo—”

“I won’t be around when you’ll do some skateboard stuff. I know Taeyang, I know.”

“Good! Make it fast! Or we won’t pass it on time. Ok?”

“Yeah right.” Jiyong deadpanned which caused Taeyang to shake his head and sigh. Taeyang patted Jiyong’s shoulder before pacing to his right. He was just halfway from where he came from when he heard a short chuckle behind.

Huh? Is that Jiyong? Taeyang couldn’t help but stop and glance at the back. He saw Jiyong almost showing his white teeth. Yes, Jiyong just chuckled. And why is that?

“What are you chuckling at?” Taeyang asked sincerely. He didn’t want to ruin the newly found of his friend’s other side. It’s true that it’s more comfortable to know that Jiyong has this side of him. Not always the pokerface one.

Caught off guard, Jiyong awkwardly fake a cough with a gentle right fist in front of his mouth that supposedly looks like he’s really coughing. This made Taeyang smirk and crossed his arms over his chest.

“So the mighty Jiyong knows how to chuckle huh? You shouldn’t hide that side of yours.” Taeyang teased which made Jiyong rolled his eyes and shot back.

“That’s only because I have a friend that as idiot as you.”

“Oh really? Say at least you got one.”

“If only I knew you’re that Idiot then maybe, it’s a shame to be your friend.”

“I don’t mind actually. Now that you’re showing some unknown side of yours.”

“Mind to ask you Mr. Idiot, Where exactly are you going?”

Taeyang got confused at the question of his Almighty friend. He raised his left eyebrow and look seriously at Jiyong. Giving him a WTH look.

“I thought you’re the one who’s going to your locker and get some stuff. Why are you ask—”

“The library is in that direction.” Jiyong interrupted Taeyang while pointing to this left side. Realizing the wrong path he almost went to, Taeyang laughed at his own stupidity.

“Gee man! Sometimes it’s wise to be an idiot.” He continued to laugh and scratches the not so itchy part of his head. This time, Jiyong returned the smirk before facepalming his forehead. Great, he got the most idiot friend in this universe.

“Ironic huh? How can you say that it’s wise to be an idiot?” Jiyong muttered under his breath. But luckily for Taeyang to hear that. Taeyang shifted his direction to his left and walk naturally. He, once again, stopped before replying to Jiyong’s hidden curiosity.

“Because that made you chuckle even a little, don’t you think?” Taeyang genuinely smile and off he went like a boss, leaving Jiyong’s current state of taken aback.

----

 

 

The sunlight that illuminated almost the whole room made a picture of every student in the class clearer.  Some were anticipating for the Teacher’s announcement, others were spacing out, doodling, writing, yawning, sleeping and blabbering unnecessary stuffs.

Yet there’s this one particular student with headphones on while tapping his pen on his music sheet. As usual, He didn’t give a damn about the subject. Erase and write there and here. That’s like a routine already huh.

“Psst! Oi! Jiyong.” A whisper from the King of Dance could be heard. Unfortunately, Jiyong’s still busy doing his matter and the music he’s presently listening into didn’t help to lessen the noise around.

Taeyang signaled his classmate, whose happen to be next to Jiyong’s seat, to have an exchange of place. The poor unnoticed student was now the center of attraction when Taeyang and him swap over in a not-so-quiet way.

After a minute of what-just-happen looks, the students proceed to what they were doing a while ago. Now, Taeyang nudged Jiyong with his left arm. “Oi Jiyong. Yuhooo!”

Apparently, Jiyong got a little bit annoyed and took his headphones off. He almost glare at the interrupter but didn’t continue the supposedly glare when he was greeted by the smile of his so called ‘Idiot yet wise friend’.

“Oh, What do you want?”

“I kept on calling you back there.”

“Ok? You’re here already so what do you need?”

“Glad we made it.”

Jiyong think for a moment before he understand what Taeyang meant by that. Just a moment ago before they could enter the class, they’ve finished their project at the library. They passed it and proud that they’re one of those who were recognized by the teachers.

“That’s all?” Jiyong boringly asked with his right eyebrow raised. Taeyang frowned. This friend of his never gets tired of being the cold one.

“Not really.” He replied back, pattering his finger in his chin like thinking about something else to say.

“Then what? You’re not wasting my time Taeyang.” Jiyong sarcastically stated while a slight scowl can be seen in him.

“Oh not at all. I was just wondering if I could stay at your precious recording studio after class. Since you’re almost there every dismissal time.”

This made Jiyong think for a moment before staring at Taeyang who’s smiling innocently. What in the world will he do there? It’s not like he’ll dance or something, right? Jiyong thought.

“Sorry. That’s not a place where you can dance.” Jiyong said bluntly while resuming his writing stuff but didn’t put his headphones back on.

“As if, I just want to be there and be familiarize with it. Is that wrong?”

“The studio doesn’t even need you there. Just go to your designated place.”

“Who said I can’t be a part of your studio? You never know.”

“Yeah right, I don’t think I can let an idiot ruin everything in there.”

“Hey! I’m not moron enough to do those things.”

“And what the hell you’ll be doing there anyway?”

“Hmm. Just stuff…”

“See, you’re not even sure. And you expect me to bring you along there? Plus, I may not concentrate so could you just spare me on this one?”

“But I want to go there. You selfish friend. Just this time! Come on dude! Man up and share your blessings.”

“IF I got one.”

“Here we go again. How many times will I tell you that you’re gifted, talented, stubborn I mean strong and blessed?”

“Shutup.”

“Oh don’t make me say that again.”

“Just shutup.”

“Jiyong you know, you’re gifted, talented, stu—”

“ALRIGHT YOU CAN TAG ALONG!”

Everybody in the room gasped at the sudden outburst at the back while the Teacher eyed Jiyong immediately. “Mr. Kwon Jiyong, you’re not listening and yet have the nerve to let an outburst like that?”

Taeyang’s silly laugh instantly hanged in the air where everybody’s gaze shifted to him. The looks on their faces tells them that something weird is going on between the two friends. They were never the attention gainer but this time, they are successfully being noticed by the whole class.

“Tell me what’s so funny about my question Mr. Dong?” the Teacher asked intently.

“Nothing nothing! It’s just that…Ahahaha! Nothing Mam I’m so sorry and on behalf of my almighty friend here, he won’t be even doing that. I mean I’m the cause of his sudden yeah outburst as you may call it.” Taeyang explained not before standing up and gave the Teacher a promising bow.

“Good. Next time, I won’t hear any excuses anymore. Thanks for wasting my time. The bell will ring in any minute so class, pack your things up. Dismiss already.”

Scurrying of things can be seen and heard throughout the class yet Taeyang didn’t miss the flames of glare in Jiyong eyes.

“What dude? I always save your huh?” Taeyang scoffed while controlling his soon to be silly laugh again. Jiyong briskly packed his things, not giving any attention to his unbelievable friend.

“Yah! Jiyong-ah Wait up!” Taeyang called out and just tossed all of his things to his open bag before catching up with Jiyong outside the room.

“Hey! Yo mad?” Taeyang poked Jiyong while they were like running away from each other, well mostly Jiyong away from Taeyang. They came to a full stop when Jiyong pulled out some keys from his pocket.

He found the right key before inserting it to the matching keyhole of the designated door. Taeyang glanced up and that’s the time that something registered to his mind. They’re in front of the recording studio already.

Jiyong successfully opened it and went in, leaving Taeyang at the doorstep. No, he didn’t shut the door close. He then threw his backpack at the sofa of the studio, sitting at the familiar spot before turning the electronics on.

“Does this mean…he’s letting me in?” Taeyang wondered out loud. He hesitantly peeks and stride inside like a spy. Who wouldn’t know? Maybe he forgot to lock the door? That’s what Taeyang thought.

Once he entered, he was amazed by how Jiyong composed a surprisingly relaxing ballad beat. Yet he was curious why Jiyong always had this frown in his face. He didn’t like the beat of the song? Taeyang questioned in his mind.

He dropped his bag near the trash bin and just stood there awkwardly. He allowed his eyes to scanned every part of the small yet contented studio before landing his eyes at Jiyong again.

“Aish, I can’t feel the beat.” Jiyong complained. He looked up and saw Tayeang’s figure there. “Aren’t you gonna seat? And could you please use your brain for once? Put your bag at the sofa unless you want that to be thrown away. It’s pretty near the trash anyways.”

“Am I really welcome here?” Taeyang asked in disbelief. He’s ready to jump and dance from happiness just in time for Jiyong to shot a sarcastic approval.

“No, you’re ready to get that rubbish bag of yours and fly away from here. Why do you think I left the door open?” Jiyong rolled his eyes before carrying on in his work.

“YES! WUHOOOOO~!!!” Taeyang exclaimed happily and dance around the room. Not to mention, he loves shuffling. Jiyong just let his overly excited friend have the moment of his life but not to the full extent.

“If you break something off, I’ll never have the doubt to break our unexpected friendship.” He threatened but his eyes never left his work.

“Way to kill the mood! Jaish…No prob bro!” Taeyang grinned happily. He slumped down to the sofa and hummed a song.

“You know…maybe I can help.” He suggested when he see Jiyong’s difficulty in getting the right beat for his satisfactory.

“Shutup or I’ll kick you outside.”

“No, really. Add up the guitar thing and it will blend to the music.”

“Nice try, prepare yourself. I’m about to drag someone out.”

“Will you just listen Kwon Jiyong? Here let me.” Taeyang made his way to Jiyong and shoved him literally away from the beat maker. He noticed the hiss coming from the other latter yet he disregarded it.

“This tone of the guitar will blend to this intro you made, know why? Because it simply shows how sad the music will be. Then add up some combination of drums that won’t overdo it. Get it? Now let me show you.” Taeyang pressed the squared buttons while tapping the buttons on the other side of the board that indicates where the guitar and drums are.

“The strums of the strings perfectly fit before the intro of the piano you made. You can immediately put the first part of your lyrics into this line as well.” He explained specifically and let the combination began.

Once he’s done, he pressed the ‘try it’ button and straightens up himself. Jiyong just massage his temples while staring at his friend. He didn’t know what outcome might be. But then there’s a part of him that anticipates on what Taeyang did.

The music started, Jiyong and Taeyang waited to the part where the major changes took place. The combination that Taeyang made came and this surprised Jiyong. It did a great combo after all.

Taeyang smiled and looked at Jiyong. “See? I bet you let me stay longer than expected huh?”

“Not bad.”

“Not bad? It’s GREAT! Haha! Told yah bro, you can count on me.”

“Where did you learn that stuff?”

“I can do a LOT more stuff but dancing is my priority so yeah. They thought I could only dance the hell out of me. Looks always deceive people right?” Taeyang chuckled when Jiyong just nodded in defeat. He went back to the sofa and lied there like he owns the whole room.

“You’re welcome again and just wake me up when you’re leaving.” He yawned and held his cap lower so it could cover his eyes.

“Y-yah! This is not your room! Go home already, I’m leaving whenever I wanted to.” Jiyong grimaced at Taeyang’s lazy figure. While the other just shrugged it off.

“Oh please Jiyong. You never learn to thank somebody and still rude to let me out? Seriously, where do you come from?”

“Aish, Ok just shutup!”

“Better.”

Taeyang went to dreamland immediately. Jiyong sat and continued to write the lyrics. He often taps the other buttons so he could add some beat on it. He will shift back into writing before trying the beat again.

Minutes had passed, clock is ticking, heavy breathing from the person sleeping in the sofa can be heard, and tapping of buttons, beat turns slow into loud yet the ballad type and even cursing occupied the recording studio.

“I almost finish the lyrics but…the beat seems to miss something. What the hell is it?” Jiyong grumbled in frustration. He flailed his arms in the air before dropping it hard in the table. It almost hit the monitor beside him. He couldn’t care less.

The loud thump made Taeyang stir in his sleep that leads him to his fully awaken body now. Thanks to that carelessly or intentionally action from Jiyong.

He glanced at Jiyong and saw the frustration state his friend was into. He sighed and stood up. Reaching the place of Jiyong, he carefully pat the shoulder of Jiyong which made Jiyong looked at him annoyed.

“What?”

“Do you want to eat?”

“Yeah put some poison on it.”

“You brat, I’m being nice here.”

“Didn’t tell you so.”

“Whatever I’m bringing us something. There are many fastfoods nearby. So it wouldn’t take long. See yah!”

With that, Taeyang went out of the studio. Leaving his bag in there to signify that he’ll return any time soon. Jiyong just sighed but deep inside, he’s thankful that Taeyang understands him at any cost. He slouched back at his twirling chair and unconsciously dozed off.

 

 

Several knocks were heard from the exterior of the door’s room. Pathetically, Jiyong woke up from this. He rubbed his tired eyes and stretched like a house cat. Twirling his chair, he waited for the door to shot open.

Expecting Taeyang with a stupid grin in his face along with the food he must bought. Turns out it wasn’t even opening. The knock continued which made Jiyong furrowed his brows. Jiyong thought that maybe, Taeyang was just playing a prank on him.

“Cut it out Taeyang! I’m already awake. Get your here now.” He stubbornly insisted while fixing his hair in process.

The knocks subsided but then it didn’t budge. That’s rather weird. So if it wasn’t Taeyang, then who the hell is it? Jiyong’s curiosity leaded him near the door’s frame. Just as he was about to open it, it swung wide open. Revealing a tall man with a fierce look when you catch a glimpse of his eyes and yeah brows.

Jiyong almost got shock from the sudden act. He looked at the unknown man suspiciously. What time is it anyway? It seems that students weren’t in the school now. But why this boy here showed up?

Same uniform and ID lace. That’s how Jiyong identified that this boy is a student too. He raised an eyebrow too before letting the bugging questions out of his mind.

“Who are you? And why are you here? Do you need something?”

“A-anyeong. My apology, I thought there’s no one in here. I just knocked numerous times yet I didn’t get any response.”

“Uh yeah. So…do you need something?”

“Actually I’m new here and currently in 3^rd year.”

“Ok? That means I’m younger than you. Uhmm sorry to say this, I don’t intend to be rude but … this is not the main office as you can see so yeah…familiarize yourself first.”

“I know right. That’s why I came here.”

Confused at the stranger’s statement, Jiyong just give him a Huh-what-are-you-talking-about stare. The stranger sensed Jiyong’s perplex situation before deciding to elaborate what’s his main purpose.

“If the principal didn’t tell you yet which obviously he didn’t, then allow me to introduce myself formally.”

“Go ahead.”

“Hi, I’m obviously the new student and already in my 3^rd year. I came here in this recording studio so I could test up my rapping ability which was requested by the principal himself.”

He waits for Jiyong to speak but got nothing in return. He then proceeds “I’ve already got enough tour around this school and I’m willing to sign up to this singing club. That’s the reason why I want to know if I could at least pass the upcoming audition.”

“Excuse me, singing? Sorry to say but this studio belongs to me only. If you want to practice then find another place. Mind to tell you that everyone knows that. And by now, you are not exempted from that either.”

The new student scanned his eyes through the person he’s talking to. That’s when new information sunk in. He clicked his tongue before replying. “So you’re the famous composer they were talking about huh. Nice to meet you myself personally.”

“I don’t care what you heard as long as you know how to stay distant from me.”

“I can’t do that.”

“And why is that?”

A sly smirk was visible in the stranger’s face which caused Jiyong to taste the bitter aura of the intruder. The atmosphere was kind of intimidating by the deathly glares they were exchanging. Something in the intruder’s eyes tells Jiyong that he faced someone who’s in his level of coldness.

“It’s simply because I’m T.O.P. The famous underground rapper of our century.”

 

A/N: done with chapter six. thanks for reading.