Monday, April 16^th, 10:15 AM

All five were standing in a row, latching onto each other’s hands as they took a gracious bow to the still cheering audience. Sandeul’s breath labored, but the ecstatic aura never dropping from his person all the while. Surprisingly he no longer felt tired, in fact, it was nearly the opposite. Hearing so many sing along to parts of their songs and chanting so excitedly brought him so much joy and energy, he’d been practically jumping around the stage.

The air around them was stuffy and thick, he could feel the sweat clinging to his neck. The stage lights behind them illuminated the first few rows of the audience, allowing him to look between different groups of fans and smile.

When they released each other’s hands, Sandeul went to waving again at no one in particular. Even though they were just a warm up performance, it made him happy beyond belief that so many people enjoyed their songs. Whenever he spotted a sign with their name on it, his smile would grow a tiny bit bigger. He’d never get over how amazing this was, to see and hear all of the encouraging claps and yells, he’d never thought that so many people would ever like them.

It was an incredible sense of accomplishment. A year earlier he’d never considered this would be his future, standing on a stage with four others who were most likely experiencing the same feelings as him; it had only been a dream. Sometimes he had to take a moment and remember that this was reality; that this was all actually happening.

Sudden arms falling over his shoulders shook him from his previous thoughts. Snapping his head to the side to see who it was; he made a face when Sunwoo smiled back at him.

Directing his attention forward to continue his actions, an item from the audience managed its way on stage before his feet. Momentarily halting himself, he glanced down at the object in question to see that it was a flower. Clearly fake since it was made out of some kind of soft looking material and was twisted slightly on the steam. The petals were red and a bright face smiled back up at him.

Before he even had the chance to pick it up, the rapper had let go of him to walk around and grab the flower. He turned it over in his hand a few times until looking to Sandeul who watched him curiously, not sure what he planned to do with it.

The red fake plant was then held out to him, Sunwoo bowing slightly as he offered it.

There was a small but audible “awww” from the audience, making the duck blush lightly from embarrassment. Reaching out, he took it gladly pretending to smell the flower as if it had a scent, and then proceeded to hit Sunwoo over the head for good measure.

The other brunette rubbed the spot where he’d been hit as if it had actually hurt, causing Sandeul to smile and laugh to himself.

Sunwoo was then throwing his arms around him overdramatically, making Sandeul walk backwards towards the exit of the stage. He noticed that the three others were exiting with him, Dongwoo was smiling at their antics, Jinyoung didn’t seem to pay any mind since he was still waving and beaming happily towards the crowds. Chanshik was focused forward with a blank expression, making him unconsciously raise an eyebrow in question.

Once they were all off stage, the next singer began out, but before it was too late, the group wished him luck.

Staff members were upon them seconds later, forcing Sunwoo and Sandeul apart so that the microphones could be removed as soon as possible. Sandeul spotted their manager standing by the metal doors, a large binder in her hands where he knew she kept their schedules.

Glancing down at the flower that was still in his hand, his eyes were soon falling upon the blond. His face hadn’t changed its appearance since leaving the stage, making him believe there must be something on his mind for him to make a face like that after a performance.

His eyes seemed to be staring at something intently farther off, but he looked lost. It bothered him to say the least, it wasn’t normal for the energetic Gongchan to be so quiet and solemn. He felt the need to do something stupid to get him to smile.

Obviously not being the only one to notice his off mood, Dongwoo placed a hand on Chanshik’s shoulder and smiled after his microphone was removed. Chanshik’s smile was weak, like he was ill, but the elder left too quickly to notice.

Sandeul turned his attention towards Sunwoo who just had the head piece taken off. Their eyes caught each other, and the brunette gestured his head towards the younger. Sunwoo looked in Chanshik’s way, and a moment later the rapper was going over to the boy who also had his microphone removed prior.

He watched as the other brunette gave Gongchan a cheerful smile and locked their arms around each other. Noticing right away the change in the blonde’s attitude, his smile at Sunwoo appeared much more genuine. The two then proceeded to skip towards their manager arm in arm. Causing a few chuckles from him, Jinyoung, and Dongwoo who he couldn’t hear, but could see the amusement on his face.

When Jinyoung was finally free of the microphone, they walked towards the others together. Sandeul kept his eyes forward the whole time, mentally counting how many times his and Jinyoung’s hands brushed on accident.

It got up to five by the time they reached their manager.

He felt like they weren’t by accident either.

Monday, April 16^th, 10:32 AM

“Sit by me.”

“Huh?” Sandeul glanced to Jinyoung who had murmured the words by his ear.

Jinyoung chuckled lightly then gestured to the table they were being led to. “At the table, you should sit by me.” he said with a soft expression, nearly making his heart melt.

“Ok.” he mumbled back, wondering why he would even ask since he never had before.

When the singer sat down at the very first seat, Sandeul moved around him to sit in the chair next to him. Once he was situated, flapping his arms energetically at the fans that were jumping around behind the dividers that kept them a few feet away. He swore everywhere he looked there was a camera or a phone being held up and sounds of the devices going off. All of their names were being called throughout the crowd; it was hard to distinguish where to look.

On the other side of Sandeul, Sunwoo sat with a blue water container, and next to him was Dongwoo and then Chanshik. There was a microphone handed to Jinyoung who began welcoming all of their fans, who in turn screamed crazily, it almost frightened him. He was glad that their meeting was outdoors, the voices weren’t as loud as they could be. There was no doubt that he loved their fans, but he would admit that sometimes they scared him by how insane things could easily get. He’d heard cases of idols being trampled by crowds, it was a scary thought.

When Jinyoung finished, Baro reached over Sandeul to snatch it from him. He began speaking casually to the fans, as if they were all his close friends. It made him smile unconsciously while watching; talking so animatedly like he was seriously enjoying it. He asked how many had gone to their stage, which multiple yells were heard from that, and even how they were. It was hard to communicate with a mass amount of people, but the replies were always positive.

At least a hundred people were there, most holding signs if they didn’t have their phones or cameras out. It filled him with joy to see them, his fans meant a great deal to him. Without them, they wouldn’t be where they are. It was only right to smile when seeing them and treat them with respect.  

There were also video camera’s being held just about everywhere, saying he didn’t feel slightly pressured by that was an understatement.

Eventually a few fans at a time were allowed in front of their table, most would go one by one to each of them and ask for an autograph. Every time they’d try to be as friendly as possible and start some kind of conversation, but most of the fans were so nervous their replies were one worded. There would be the occasional fan that was much more outgoing and would start the conversation themselves. Normally Sandeul would ask how they were and if their day was going alright. He didn’t want to delve into their personal lives since it was none of his business and out of line for him so question, but if something was ever brought up, he’d politely respond to it.

Sometime during their signings Sunwoo had begun elbowing him in the side after putting the microphone down. At first he assumed it was by accident, but after becoming recurring, he started elbowing him back. Which resulted in their elbows fighting while signing autographs and pretending nothing was going on between them.

While in the middle of writing his name, his elbow was grabbed and pulled over; harsh enough to cause the permanent marker in his hand to jerk to the side, ruining his signature in the process.

Sandeul made a noise of frustration before turning on to the culprit. He punched the rapper in the shoulder roughly who leaned away to avoid any more abuse, glaring at him for a second then facing the fan who watched the interaction with an amused, but slightly nervous expression.

“I’m sorry.” he apologized to her with a pout. “Is it ok if I flip this over a write it again?”

She nodded once and Sandeul smiled happily while turning the paper over. “If Baro wasn’t so annoying all the time, then maybe I wouldn’t be wasting your time.” he mentioned, not letting his mood change even as he heard the brunette gasp gaudily next to him. Not looking up once while signing his name quickly to make sure it wasn’t ruined again, he handed the paper to her once finished. After a brief handshake and a well-rounded smile her way, she left to table.

“How could you say such a thing, as If I were really annoying?” Sunwoo began overdramatically, even looking to the girl who had just walked up to him. He leaned a bit over the table, gaining her attention which was startled by his actions. “Do you think I’m annoying?” he asked innocently.

Shaking her head immediately, she acted as if she’d actually admitted to him being bothersome. “No!” she replied hurriedly after.

“See! I’m not annoying.” he stated proudly, leaning back in his chair. “Sandeul said I was annoying, can you believe it?” Sunwoo continued speaking to the girl even though she was clearly flushed. “But I’m glad you don’t think so. I already like you more than him.”

Sandeul rolled his eyes, if he wanted to play this game; then he’d gladly act along. He had to admit that it was entertaining, and he was sure that it was to their fans as well. They most likely weren’t in any rush, and talking with them was always fun.

“She’s just being nice.” he pointed out while the other began signing his name. Sandeul directed his attention towards the girl who was focused on Sunwoo’s hand scribbling out his name. “You can be honest,” Sandeul began justly with a grin. “He won’t be mad, trust me.”

She eventually looked at him, but before she made any kind of retort, the rapper interjected.

“He’s right.” Sunwoo handed her the autograph then frowned. “I wouldn’t be mad, I’d be devastated.” suddenly he threw himself down on the table, pretending to sob into his arms. “Please don’t think I’m annoying! I try hard not to be!”

“Ahh!” not expecting his reaction, she reached her hand out towards him but halted when unsure what to do. “No! I don’t think you’re annoying at all! I promise!”

Suddenly lifting himself up, his demeanor completing changed. Now, there was a joyful expression on his face as he bowed his head. “Thank you! You’ve made my day!”

Not knowing what else to do, she bowed in return before giving him a nervous expression with a strained smile than quickly walking away from the table. Sandeul immediately burst into laughter a second later.

Sunwoo smacked his arm abruptly. “That wasn’t funny! I didn’t mean to embarrass her!”

The brunette had to grip his stomach to keep it from becoming too painful, Sunwoo was an idiot. “She’s probably never going to forget that!” he managed through obnoxiously loud laughs. “I bet you made her day as well.” he added breathlessly.

“Then it’s a win, win situation.” Sunwoo mentioned unconcernedly. “It’s great to make someone’s day, right?” he was looking at Sandeul when saying this, his face fairly curious even though the question was almost rhetorical.

He gave him a dull look, stopping his laughs abruptly Instead of replying to show the obviousness of the question, which was more of statement.

Frowning, the rapper continued. “I meant, do you ever think if you make someone’s day unconsciously, every day?” he started thinking too much on it by the way his eyebrows grew together and his face became much more serious. “Is it weird if someone makes your day without doing anything special?”

“What are you talking about?” he felt like Sunwoo was talking to himself, why would he even ask those questions? Shaking his head, he patted him on the shoulder. “You’re overthinking.” Honestly he was a little lost on the rappers train of thought. It was as if he were talking about a specific person.

In response he continued to scowl until facing abruptly away from him, the frown instantly disappearing as soon as a fan came in front of him.

Sandeul thought a moment on what he’d said. Was he implying that there was someone that made him feel that way every day? Or was he just saying that as an example? He knew it was probably pointless to ponder upon the other’s words, there was most likely no meaning behind them. But he couldn’t help but wonder. It made him curious if there was someone that really did that for him, and if it was true, what that would feel like. Sandeul had no idea; there was no one particular that made him happy by their mere existence.

Was it even possible to be overcome with joy by someone else doing absolutely nothing but being? If so, he’d never experienced such a feeling. But wasn’t that the same as being in love? He’d never actually been in love either, so he wouldn’t know what it’s like, but he could imagine. Wasn’t one filled with happiness by that person just being around? But did you have to be in love with them to get the same feeling? If you were just friends, was it possible to feel this way too?

He was almost positive that you could feel this way without being in love, but he doubted he’d ever know what the feeling was like. It still made him wonder, if Baro had been so serious about it, did that mean someone made him feel that way? Was there someone he liked more than a friend? He was probably overthinking, but he couldn’t help it. Plus if he was, it was be fun to about.

Part of him wanted to ask what the other brunette had meant by his words, but with fans and camera’s it was probably unwise. He’d have to remember to ask later if he got the chance. Their manager had informed them that the rest of their day was free, thankfully, but tomorrow they had a photo shoot in the afternoon and another stage to perform on later that night.

A sudden tap on his arm brought him from his thoughts. Glancing in the direction of whoever touched him, his eyes were met with the amused brown orbs of Jinyoung.

“I could tell you were overthinking.” he mentioned in a lower voice, a small smile coming upon his lips.

The duck felt his cheeks heat up at the statement, being embarrassed by the fact he’d been caught thinking so hard about something so irrelevant to the situation around him. He had Sunwoo to blame for that. ‘I tend to do that…” he mumbled as a response, flashing the leader a shy smile.

Jinyoung’s expression turned soft, his face so relaxed he wondered how it was possible. It made him feel even warmer, and it didn’t help that the immediate thought of how handsome the singer was without even trying passed through his mind.

He nodded knowingly. “And you do it too much.” Sandeul wanted to claim that he sometimes had trouble understanding what people said, or that he often thought too much about underlying meanings, but chose to remain quiet. “That’s something I like about you.”

His response surprised him; he’d expected to be told how he shouldn’t do it anymore. But instead, Jinyoung was saying that he liked it? “Why?” he found himself asking out of pure curiosity. Having no idea as to why he’d say such a thing.

The leader out stretched his hand towards him, pinching his cheek like he’d done so many time before. Still, it caused the other to halt any kind of movement. His breath turned shallow, and his heart could be heard beating loudly in his ears. Jinyoung’s face dawned light amusement; mostly in his eyes while a kind smile remained over his lips. He hated how flustered it made him feel, how easy it was for a simple action or look from the burgundy haired male made his whole body heat up uncomfortably.

He was still convincing himself that he was getting sick. That the symptoms just so happened to show whenever Jinyoung looked at him like he was now, or actually, whenever he looked at him. It would only make sense since these indications began showing this morning. They never had before, so that had to mean he was getting ill.

“You make the most adorable faces when you’re thinking hard about something.” he stated, but Sandeul wasn’t sure if he was mocking or not. His voice had sounded too mixed for him to identify, neither had his expression changed much. But obviously he had to be joking.

Not pulling away or pushing his hand off like before, he only wore a slightly confused face as the leader continued to be much too affectionate. He wasn’t sure what to say since he didn’t know how to take Jinyoung’s confession. It was too difficult to tell if he seriously meant it or he was teasing. A part of him wanted deeply to say that he meant it, but he most likely didn’t. They were always doing these kinds of things to each other, mainly for fans, and not once had it ever been serious. Why would it be any different now?

No matter if he meant it or not, it still managed to make him blush.

Deciding to play off the touch, he leaned forward to throw his arms around Jinyoung. “You’re so good to me!” he cried, which most likely got much attention. He could tell that Jinyoung had stiffened by his most likely unexpected embrace. But soon he could feel arms sneaking around his waist which was hidden from public eyes thanks to the height of the table. Not thinking he would return the hug, or that he would place his arms so low, he tempted on pulling away; but kept himself from it.

“What is this?!” A sudden voice snapped from the other side of Sandeul which was easily recognized as Sunwoo. “Are you cheating on me with Jinyoung?!”

The crowds of fans responded in gasps, clearly playing along.

“And the inspiration behind Baby Goodnight is discovered.” Dongwoo announced over the microphone, bursts of laugher coming from the audience and from nearly everyone else.

Sandeul found himself laughing into Jinyoung’s shoulder, not having let go of him yet. He could feel the other shaking with hilarity from the outcome of their actions.

When he finally was able to calm down enough, he pulled himself away from Jinyoung who seemingly reluctantly let go of him. He leaned forward to see past Sunwoo and attempted to glare at Dongwoo, but it was evident he was still diverted by what had been said. He took his eyes off him to gaze a seat over at Chanshik who had been remotely distant and quiet to the point where Sandeul had forgotten he was here at all.

That was when he realized, that in fact, the younger wasn’t in his chair.

His eyes went straight back to Dongwoo’s who had caught him staring at the empty chair next to him. His only response was a shrug before going back to the fans.

Sandeul wouldn’t deny the worry that crossed over him, not knowing where he had gone or why, and even Dongwoo didn’t know and he was sitting next to him. Was it the makeup again? Had he gotten up while he was talking or signing an autograph and not noticed him leave? It was strange that the makeup was suddenly starting to bother him, in the past few months he’d never recalled it happening before. But then again, he hadn’t been paying that much attention to him to be honest.

Figuring he must have gone to the bathroom or the manager had needed to speak with him, he went back to joking with Sunwoo over apparently “cheating” on him. In the back of his mind he still wondered what could be going on, but dismissing it as something else made him worry about it a lot less. After all, he doubted anything was wrong. Chanshik was always cheerful and happy, why would that change all of a sudden?

Thank you for reading!

TBC...