Episode 36 - Empty Mind

Rollin' in the Deep

     It was the day of the SHINee concert, where B1A4 was scheduled to perform the opening. The members spent a few hours rehearsing before eating a big, healthy lunch and getting ready for the concert. They were freshly groomed and changed into the colorful suits they had bought a week ago. 

     Shinwoo called to schedule a cab to pick them up in a half an hour. He thought it would be best if they arrived early, just in case. This was a huge opportunity B1A4 couldn’t afford to miss. Shinwoo scanned the apartment, checking on each of his friends to see if they were ready to go. 

     Baro was styling his hair in the bathroom mirror, Sandeul was reapplying fresh bandages on his nearly-healed arms at the kitchen table, Jinyoung flipped through their song sheets, and Gongchan sat on the couch, tying and re-tying his necktie in an absent daze. 

     “You okay, Gongchan?” Shinwoo said, concerned about him. “You seem tired… You’re not about to transform into a werewolf yet, are you?”

     Gongchan shook his head, blinking his baggy eyes slowly. “I won’t transform until tonight. At least, I hope not. I’ve been worried about that, and I didn’t get much sleep last night,” he let out a long yawn. “Mianhae, guys. I’ll do my best though.”

     “Of course you will, Channie,” Baro said as he left the bathroom to join them. “You’ll do great. Just as long as you don’t freak out the audience with furry paws– Ow!”

     Shinwoo stopped Baro by thumping him on the head. “Don’t make it worse. We’re already worried as it is. A lot can go wrong tonight, and we don’t need you…” Shinwoo pointed a stern finger at him, “making us nervous with your jokes.”

     Jinyoung looked up from the music sheets, realizing the uncomfortable atmosphere hanging in the room. “Guys, relax, okay? The stress is going to make everything worse.”

     Baro and Shinwoo’s gaze sank to the floorboards in shame. “Mianhae…” they muttered in unison. 

     Gongchan gave up on his tie and put it away. It didn’t matter what his band mates said—he was too nervous and stressed to tie it anyway. He had to calm down, the sooner, the better. The one person in the whole apartment who could relieve stress better than anyone was Sandeul. Gongchan headed to the kitchen where Sandeul was obviously struggling with bandaging his right, scarred hand. 

     “Here, hyung. Let me help with that,” Gongchan volunteered, taking the gauze away. 

     “Thanks. It’s tougher than it looks,” Sandeul smiled, then laughed. “Aren’t we an interesting opening act? Imagine if I hit zombie-mode, and you turn into a werewolf, and Jinyoung’s vampire fangs come out all at the same time! No one will forget us for sure then!” Sandeul laughed again, not noticing Gongchan’s white-washed face. “Maybe we should think of a new band name, like the Supernatural… something. I don’t know, but I could come up with something better. Imagine that– Ow, ow, ow! That’s too tight, Gongchan!”

     The other three looked into the kitchen as Gongchan released the tightly wound bandage on Sandeul’s hand. “What’s going on?” Jinyoung was the first to ask. 

     “I’m sorry. I’m just really stressed, that’s all,” Gongchan wanted to disappear, embarrassed that he was hurting Sandeul without noticing. 

     “No worries,” Sandeul smiled, managing to loosen the bandage himself. “You really are stressed about this performance, aren’t you? Just remember that it’s only two songs. We’ll be done before you know it. You d-don’t… have to… uh…” Sandeul froze, making everyone concerned. 

     “Sandeul!” Baro gasped, waving a hand in front of his friend’s face. “Don’t go zombie on us again!”

     Sandeul swatted Baro’s hand away. “I’m fine, but you might want to worry about Gongchan now.” Sandeul pointed to two gray, fuzzy ears that sprouted from Gongchan’s head. 

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DolphinWorld
1996 streak #1
Chapter 50: Oh, the story has ended? Wasn't expecting that. But also glad that they all got that happy ending they deserved. Anyway, I had fun reading this and maybe some day see me again in any of your other stories. Good luck for your future endeavours. Take care!

PS you didn't Mark this story as completed. Just letting you know ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #2
Chapter 49: Ooh, you got me there!! For a moment I thought Sandeul is turning into a zombie again. Also, I'm glad they are having a good time with gigs and all. And if that's Jinyoung at the end, then I'm curious of why he's back. I mean if he's back for good? Anyway, will be eagerly waiting for the next update ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #3
Chapter 48: Sandeul is permanently cured? He really won't turn into a zombie again? Wonder how they managed to do that. Also, how did Sandeul know where Jinyoung and Baro was or up to? Wasn't he a zombie already when those decided to do what they did? Anyway, Gongchan and Shinwoo having fun at the grocery store was cute. But them spilling out the entire orange bin, did they face any repercussions? I'm curious of that. Can't wait to read more. Hope to see an update soon ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #4
Chapter 47: Oh no no... What's wrong? That cliffhanger is illegal. Anyway, I'm kinda glad that Shinwoo and Gongchan had each other in times like these. Can't wait to see how things would go further. And now that I've caught up with all the chapters, I'll be eagerly waiting for the next update ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #5
Chapter 46: Aww poor Shinwoo! But at least Gongchan is with him. I mean they are there for each other. Anyway, can't wait to see how this develops further. Will be back later to do so ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #6
Chapter 45: That was the hospital where he's getting treatment? And I wonder what Baro did this time. Also, where's Gongchan and what he's up to? Can't wait to see how this develops further. Will be back later to read more ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #7
Chapter 44: Sandeul chewing on things, I mean other people's arms/shoulders and even his own hands is kinda funny. And I get where Jinyoung is coming from. Just hope there might be another way to handle this situation. Anyway, can't wait to see how things would develop herein. But will be back later to read more ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #8
Chapter 43: Oops, it did turn out like that in the end? At least the organiser took it as a special event and it's ready to do any future recommendations. That's a good thing right? Also I'm curious, was Sandeul biting on Shinwoo all the while they were talking to that manager? If so, what did she think about that? Anyway, will be back later to read more ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #9
Chapter 42: Ah, I thought I had caught up with all the chapters and was waiting for an update. My bad! Anyway, I'm glad that their planned performance went without any hitch and the crowd seemed to be enjoying their music as well. But they are gonna extend their performance now? I mean the members are all not in their best condition. So it's kinda making me anxious. Hope, that would go smoothly as well. Anyway, can't wait to read more. But will be back later to do so ^^
DolphinWorld
1996 streak #10
Chapter 41: It was nice to see what each of them felt while waiting for their performance to begin. But since it is just starting, my anxiety is still over the roof, wondering about everything that could go wrong. Anyway, I will be back later to read more ^^