Whenever there was a comeback, Serin was always a bit curious about what everyone’s hair would look like. She particularly wondered about Hoon because often his new styles really suited him, and she looked forward to seeing what he looked like this time, as well. They usually got their hair done the day before filming. She had been flying home from a NYC trip that day, so she hadn’t gotten to see his new style before he filmed nor had she requested to see a picture. She knew he’d be home in the morning and was looking forward to the surprise. It was with that vague curiosity that she went to bed. With Hoon returning in the morning, she planned on waking up early to prepare him a meal before he likely slept all day. She had promised herself that if she were able to, she’d ensure that he always had a meal before he crashed in bed after shooting a music video. She leaned her head back against her pillow, contemplating the music video, Hoon’s hair, and what she would make for breakfast as she drifted to sleep.

-

She was awake and finishing up their breakfast when Hoon walked into the apartment. Her eye s went wide in excitement as she heard him enter, and quickly shutting off the stovetop, she turned around to look at him. To her utter surprise, his hair was black. It seemed so strange to see him in what she knew was his natural hair color. She’d just gotten so used to seeing him in various shades of brown, and she assumed he felt about the same regarding her honey brown shade.  It just seemed odd to see him with hair that dark.

Hoon noticed the look on her face, one she was not aware she’d been making. “What?” he asked.

“Welcome home!” she greeted, recovering from the initial shock and smiling at him.

“What was that look for?” he plied.

“Your hair surprised me,” she explained. “It looks nice though. I just wasn’t expecting black”

“It is my natural hair color, you know,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“Yes, I know,” she agreed. “It’s mine too. But it’s just surprising is all. Imagine how you’d feel if you returned home, and my hair was jet black. You’d be surprised, too.”

“You’re right,” he agreed, nodding. “It would be really strange to see your hair any color besides the honey brown you’ve always had.”

“See?” she laughed. “Your hair has been brown and other light colors for so long, seeing it dark is just a bit strange.”

He nodded. Serin looked at him hard then and immediately noticed how exhausted he looked. The newly black hair highlighted how heavy his dark circles were getting. “Why don’t you eat?” she suggested. “Everything is ready to go.”

When he said, “Sounds good,” she set the table and carried the food over, and the two began to eat heartily. Serin chatted about her brothers, Hoonbi, and Hoon’s mom, and what she’d done while she was away. Hoon ate in silence, trying to listen, but getting lost in his own hazy thoughts. He was quite tired. Rather suddenly, he told her, “You know, I think you’d look good with a perm.”

She was confused. “Where did that come from?” she asked, a bit dubious about how he’d arrived at that conclusion.

“Well, we were talking hair, and I’ve always found curly hair to look nice.”

“I’m not your mom,” Serin expressed emphatically. “I know she’s your ideal type, but I just can’t pull off a perm for you, Hoonie.”

“I just… I want to see you with curls,” he admitted. “And she’s not my ideal type. I really love my mom, but you are my ideal type, Serinnie.”

She smiled at the cutesy pronunciation of her name. “Jungsook eomma-nim looks great with a perm. But my hair is too short. I’d look like a poodle.”

Hoon laughed at the image. “I guess you probably would,” he admitted.

She put a hand over his, rubbing his knuckles with her thumb. “Some night when we actually plan out a date again, I’ll curl it for you. With a curling iron. I’ll have more control, and it won’t be permanent. I love you, but I’m not permanently changing my hair for you.”

“I understand.” He was finished with his meal, and Serin told him he should go shower before sleeping. He protested a bit, saying he would rather sleep, but when Serin mentioned it would be very much like Soohyun to go to bed without showering after filming a video, Hoon immediately headed to the bathroom. With a smile, she cleaned up the dishes she’d used for breakfast while Hoon showered. She checked the time on her watch, and hummed to herself as she got the last of what she needed for work together. Walking into the bedroom, she found Hoon settling under the comforter. She walked to him, and bent down to give him a kiss goodbye.

“I’ll be home early,” she said.

“Not too early, I hope,” he said drowsily.

“I’ll wake you up before you totally destroy your sleep schedule. Just rest. I’ll see you in awhile.”

“Okay,” he agreed, relaxing his head on the pillow, eyes closed, and breathing slowing. “Love you,” he mumbled.

She smiled, both amused and pleased. “I love you, too. Sleep well.” With that, she left the room and cheerily headed to work.