Act 23 - The countdown has started

Humans are creatures of habit and can adjust to nearly everything. It doesn’t matter how many problems you may have with something after a certain amount of time the thing which had cost you hours of sleep will be a piece of cake for you. This is what you call normal, the human body and mind are a wonder.  There is also the saying that you grow with the difficulties and tasks you have to face and for over a month this saying can be stated as the truth by seven young men.

Exactly seven weeks ago Junbae joined them and heck he told the truth as he told the seven boys at their first day that he went easy on them. The days became longer and the training harder. Although it was hard, really hard so hard to the extent that Myungsoo broke down in Sungyeol’s arms and cried to his hearts extents because he was scared that he couldn’t keep up with everyone - that happened only seven days after Junbae entered their life. Also Sungjong, the youngest among them, was facing big difficulties as his body wasn’t fully grown and his mind still one of a younger teenagers. The other five had their own problems and difficulties to face as well but even though it was tough for all of them nobody, not no exception, thought about quitting. They are a team and would go through this together.

With the this thoughts in mind they did their best in everything, they poured all their heart into every and each task they got. It was hard at first, the first week felt like hell while this feeling slowly passed and they adjusted to their now even more difficult trainee period but at the end of every day a smile worth a thousand sun was on their lips.

They were proud, proud that they improved everyday, proud that they withstand another day without any problems, proud that they got complemented from time to time and proud that they grew together even more.

As the time passed no more tears were sheered and only smiles were exchanges, if they got scolded by someone they would try to analyse the reason for it and then to learn from their mistakes. If they got a complement form a coach they thanked them but immediately asked how they could improve even more. Still it was exhausting, the moment they came home they didn’t even bother to take a shower or to even eat, sometimes they even fell asleep on the floor due to the extreme training they had during the day. Dance practice of 14 hours a day was nothing new anymore but they knew deep down in their little tired hearts that it was worth it.

And indeed it was worth it in only such a short period as seven weeks are their bodies and especially their stamina increased so much that they could only laugh about the problems they had on their first day. By now they could ‘jog’ four hours without a problem, okay Sunggyu would have troubles keeping up with his much younger and more sporty members after three hours but Woohyun would gladly carry his boyfriend the rest of the time - Sunggyu would protest but Woohyun would win in the end, no need to question that. But having troubles keeping up or not all of them had really trained bodies by now, strong arms and some of them could be proud to have abs.

And so the day for which Junbae was training them so hard was coming nearer without the seven knowing.

The silent countdown started and the time run through their fingers like sand without them realizing that in only one week their complete future could be changed drastically. If the changes would be good or not depend on them and them alone.

*************

It was a day like any other at least that was what all of them thought as they entered the dance studio that morning after one of their comfortable jogging round . Over the past few week they slowly increased their jogging time in the morning so their muscles would be warm to work their way around aching muscles the next day. Their bodies had to be in top condition. And due to the rutione, which ´had built itself in only a few days, no of them were really exhausted or out of breath. They walking into the room casually and were a bit surprised because Junbae was nowhere to be found.

“Where is our geezer?”- Hoya asked into their small cycle but received a light slap for his sassy comment immediately.

“Jesus how often do I have to tell you to not call Junbae names?”- Dongwoo looked at him contantly shaking his head and tsk-ing, he loved the younger with all his might but bad habits die hard and to be sassy was a habit which Hoya would never get rid off; well Dongwoo knew the younger didn’t want to anyway.

“Sorry~”- Hoya mumbled cutely and literally attacted Dongwoo with his hidden agyeo acts and if something melted Dongwoo’s heart then it was Hoya’s sweet side -  Dongwoo couldn’t stay angry with his younger lover to begin with.

“Urgh Lee Howon stop it I think I have to poke!”- Was heard from the other side of the room and of course it had to be Woohyun, who simulated to vomit in a corner. Hoya could only roll his eyes at the kiddish act of the other but to top it all Sunggyu joined his play and rubbed Woohyun’s back, the two knew how to annoy the dancer.

“Shut up Nam Woohyun you’re just jealous!”- Hoya stuck out his tongue and placed his hands on his hips.

“Pffffff, why should I be jealous, I’m muchhhhhhh more loveable and cute than you. Right Guy~”- Woohyun mocked back and sent a dozen of hearts to Sunggyu who couldn’t help but blush a bit.

“Aish just get a room you two!”- Hoya tsk-ed back before he focuses his attention back to Dongwoo who had great troubles holding back his laugh.  

“Oh my god are you sure that you’re my Lee Howon? Did you just really had a fright with Woohyunie who the cutest is among you two?”- Dongwoo couldn’t hold his laugh anymore which resulted in a sulking Hoya.

Sungjong, who was sitting in a corner with his head against the cold mirror, could only grin over the acts of his hyungs. He successfully got them together and only one look was enough to notice just how much they were in love with each other the only two which were still left were Myungsoo and Sungyeol. With a swift move of his head Sungjong locked his eyes at the two friends and even though the two were still in a confusion about their feelings you could sense the love they were holding for each other.

“Myung do you want some water? Do you still have so many troubles with jogging in the morning?”- Sungyeol asked his friend worrying, concern writen all over his face as he looked down to Myungsoo who was literally lying on the cold floor.

“Wahh water would be great! As always you’re my lifesaver~”- Myungsoo chuckled cutely and immediately Sungyeol felt how his heart did strange jumps again. “To answer your question, it got better but I and sport in the morning is just….no I still don’t like it, the jogging round probably doesn’t like me as well.”- Myungsoo laughed full heartly and Sungyeol couldn’t help but laugh along with this so addicting laugh.

Seconds later he already had a bottle of water in his hand and took a slip of it himself before he kneeled down to pull Myungsoo up form his lying position.

“Here you go~”- Sungyeol handed his the bottle but Myungsoo just continued to stare at the top of the bottle, where Sungyeol’s lips were only seconds ago.  

If I drink now from that spot….it’s an indirect kiss, right? Mhmmmm that sounds quite good I guess…. what am I thinking again. Lee Sungyeol you are ruining my mind and that for quite some time just that you know.

“Are you not trusty?”- Sungyeol asked irritated when Myungsoo only looked at the bottle with his thoughts somewhere in the clouds. Interrupting Myungsoo’s train of thoughts.

“Ohh no, no I’m thirsty!”- Myungsoo exclaimed embarrassed and places his lips on the same exact place where Sungyeol’s were.

“Okay sorry guys that I let you wait but to make up for that we do something good today!”- Junbae walked into the room, clapping his hands to get the attention of everybody and much to his satisfaction all of them bowed immediately.

Good kids, today I maybe have to be a bit more mean then usual but it’s for your own good so don’t be to down or angry- Junbae thought as he faced his trainees, he had to admit he had a soft spot for them but of course he couldn’t let them know - at least not yet.

“So today is going to be a bit different, don’t be scared….mhm if I think about it maybe you should be scared. Anyways all of you have an hour and a half to prepare to show your best to me. You have to perform two songs.”- He started to explain  but let his eyes wander to Hoya and Dongwoo that were standing at the end of the lined- up boys.
“You two have to perform three songs, alright?”

“What do you mean by perform?”- Sunggyu asked immediately, he didn’t want to be in the dark.

“I’m not done explaining yet…”

“Sorry than keep going please.”- Sunggyu mumbled and altered his eyes to the ground, Woohyun was fast to shoot Junbae a glare and lock his pinky finger with Sunggyu’s. Even though it was just a small gesture of connection it was enough to calm Sunggyu down, no matter what.,

“So what I wanted to say is that now that I’ve been training you for so long already I want to see how you improved. All of you, including our two rappers, have to chose a song to sing, since I want to see how your vocal skills have improved. Then you all have to come up with a dance to a three minute song of your choice and then Hoya and Dongwoo you two get a beat two which you should rap, self-written lyrics would be nice but not a must thinking about you having only an hour and a half.”

“Wow don’t you think that’s too much?”- Woohyun asked cautious.

“You want to be a pro, a pro can do that in half an hour so be thankful for getting more time.”- Junbae stated matter-of-factely which got Woohyun’s blood to boil in a way but he was man enough to just swallow and nod.

“Oh before I forget you guys can’t help each other, you have to do it alone, alright? Cheating is not allowed; I have my eyes and ears everywhere.” - He looked around and faced each of the boys to emphasise his little speech.

“See you guys later then, please note that your results today are important for your future.”- He said and left the boys without any other explanation.

“What exactly was that just now?”- Woohyun was the first to break the silence and all of them just shook their heads with a somehow shocked expression.

“Hyung do you think the company will kick us out when we fail?”- Sungjong asked Sunggyu with uneasyness written over his face, his eyes lightly glassy.

“No, no don’t cry, they will not kick us out. If they had the intention they would have kicked us out ages ago, just think about it a personal trainer such as Junbae must cost a lot, they wouldn’t hire someone to train us if they wanted to kick us out. I think Junbae just wants to see how we are doing, nothing to worry about but we have to do our best, okay? Pormise me that you show him want you got!”

“Okay guys let’s do this, we gonna rock the party, right Myung?”- Sungyeol jumped up and pulled Myungsoo with him. They formed a cycle and just like before encouraged themselves with a cheering.

“That guy will be crying tears of joy after we’re done with him!”- Hoya exclaimed confidently and all of them agreed with him, afterwards the didn’t wasted even a second to start working on their performances.

Some had problems choosing a song while others knew it from the start, Sunggyu for example immediately decided to sing Nell’s ‘ Walking Through Memories’.
The same goes for the dance they should dance and of course Dongwoo and Hoya were thinking hard about the rap part they had, in the end Dongwoo decided to write the lyrics himself even though the time was short, while Hoya was still in a deep down.
*********

“Hey Seonho hyung how are you?”- Junbae asked the person on the other line after he heard a cheerful ‘Hello’.

“I’m good, how about you and the boys?”- Seonho asked back trying to sound casual but all his efforts ruined as he heard his friend laugh.

“Quit laughing already will you!! I’m just worried about them, from the stories you tell you must be a real devil again.”

“Yeah, yeah it’s alright, they are all in good condition and in high spirits. Do you have time in around an hour?”

“Uhm yes why?”

“Okay great do you have access to the internet in someway?”

“Oh my god Junbae don’t make such a mistery about whatever this is, just tell me!”

“Hyung chill~~ Even Woohyun is more relaxed after I scolded Sunggyu than you are just now. So you see I told them to prepare songs and stuff to show me in an hour so I can see how much they have improved and since I know you are dying to see them I thought why not making it a live- stream. You just need to be online, there will be a difference from approximately seven seconds but I don’t think that’s so bad.”- Junbae explained as he was playing around with a camcorder in his hands.

“Wow that’s great!! I’m looking forward to it! You’re a genius!!”

“Okay Hyung see you later then~”- Junbae grinned and ended his call in order to prepare the room.

Hopefully they do good today so the actual deal in a week will not shake them up.

***********

The hour passed so fast that it felt like 10 minuets, unfortunately for them Junbae knew exactly when the time limit was over.  He walked down the hallway, following his ears, and stopped only as he heard the voice he was looking for. Sure the vocal practice rooms were noise proof but Woohyun’s voice could still be heard somehow even if it was only really, really quiet.

Trying to fight the smile which was forming on his lips as Junbae heard the perfectly hit high note he opened the door with a swift move, surprising Woohyun.

“Hello Junbae-ssi.”- Woohyun greeted polite and bowed, already hearing Sunggyu’s nagging in his ears if he wouldn’t bow in an angle of exactly 90°.

“So Woohyun please follow me to another room.”- Junbae opened the door again and gestured for the younger to walk out first. Slightly feeling uneasy Woohyun moved forward but halted as soon as he was standing in the hallway, the turned around nervously and tried to put a believable smile on his face.

“Can I maybe go to the restroom before we start? If you tell me the room number I’ll come immediately.” - Woohyun asked and hoped Junbae would grant his wish -  actually there was no need for him to visit the restroom but he needed to get his portion of encouragement now.
“Okay sure no problem, we meet up again in room 24, that’s the very last room on this floor. See you in a few minutes.”- He said and left right away, for once Woohyun felt like kissing the guy; but one second thought he would rather kiss Sunggyu.

Speaking of Sunggyu, the room Sunggyu was in right now was Woohyun’s actual destination. He knew he had only little time so he hurried to the room and opened the door immediately. As fast as he had entered the room he was already throwing himself at Sunggyu.

“Gyu I’m the first, wish me luck. I’m scared.”- Woohyun wined in a cute voice, tugging unto Sunggyu’s much to big t-shirt.

“Aigoo~ There is nothing to be scared, you will hit him right into his face with your amazing skills! Don’t worry~”- Sunggyu successfully got Woohyun’s spirit up and nuzzled his nose against the younger’s.

“What are you going to sing Woohyunnie?~”- Sunggyu asked sweetly and caressed the younger’s cheeks to fully calm him down.

“Secret but I can tell you so much, I wrote it myself therefore I’m going to sing an acoustic version.”

“Are you serious?”- Sunggyu asked astound, his eyes at least bigger two times. The younger only nodded playful and placed a small kiss on Sunggyu’s lips before he ran to the door, not forgetting to turn around and throw a heart at Sunggyu.

“Thank you~ See you later!!”- He closed the door but opened it only seconds later to peek his head into the room with a bright smile.

“Oh and daddy loves mommy from earth to the moon~”- He chirped cheerful but with so much love in his voice it melted Sunggyu’s heart immediately.  

In full spirits Woohyun entered the room and not even once did his heart flutter, he felt calm and good to go.
 
Junbae sat behind a table with a piece of paper and a pencil lying in front of him and a camera beside him.

“Don’t be startled the camera is only for the purpose of revision later on so don’t mind it.”- The older noted even though Woohyun actually didn’t care for what purpose the camera was standing there.

“I would like to start with my dance before I sing a song but I would like to point out that I’m going to sing a song which I have written myself therefore I’m going to sing it without music playing in the background. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Mhmm self written by Nam Woohyun sounds interesting, more over you singing acoustic is perfect to see your improvements.”- One cue the music for Woohyun’s dance performance started. In this three minutes of dancing no bigger mistakes happened and Woohyun was relatively satisfied with his performance. He was more into singing so he hoped Junbae would grant him this credits.

Without another word from the older Woohyun started to warm up his voice a bit so he could show 100% of his abilities. What he didn’t know was that while he was engrossed into dancing a third pair of eyes joined to watch him or rather hear him even though that person was standing outside of the room with his ear pressed against the cold door.

Woohyun coughed twice before he nodded his head as a signal that he was ready to begin. He poured all the love and feelings he had into the song, thinking about one person only.

Baby my love, beautiful, I love you~
Even if I close my eyes, by thoughts of you, my heart pounds and trembles~
 Baby my love, beautiful, I love you~
I’ll promise you that I’ll be with only you forever~
Oh loving you~~~

As Woohyun reached his chorus he was stopped by a hand wave of Junbae indicating that he had heard enough.

Although Woohyun was dying to know the older’s opinion Junbae stayed silent only writing something on his notepad.

“Okay Woohyun after I’ve seen all seven of you I’m going to give each of you a statement to your performance. For now just to make sure, you wrote the lyrics of this song as well?”- Junbae asked curiously and couldn’t stop his grin from appearing especially as the younger’s cheeks and ears changed its color to red. Bright red and Woohyun nodded.

“Mhmmm that I guess you must love that person a lot and I’m pretty sure you don’t mean your mom by ‘Baby ,my love. Beautiful’.” - Junbae laughed and Woohyun nodded his head furiously.

“Well then you can tell Sunggyu to come in now.”- At first Woohyun was confused by the word constellation the trainer used but as he noticed the figure which was pressed against the door he knew what the older meant.

Sunggyu was cursing himself internally, how can a person be as stupid as pressing himself against a milky white glass door? But he just had to listed to Woohyun’s song and it was worth it, he was going to ask his lover about who he had written the song.  If Sunggyu was totally honest with himself he would have to admit that he hoped the song was for him but for now he had to face the embarrassment first.

Woohyun opened the door and Sunggyu was standing there with a sleepy smile on his face, scratching his not itchy neck.

“H-how long have you been standing there?”

“A-a while?”

Panic could be seen in Woohyun’s eyes but still he hugged Sunggyu shortly and wished him luck before he literally run away.

, , he wasn’t supposed to hear it not until it’s finished -  Woohyun cursed as well as whined in his mind.

“Hello Sunggyu start when you feel ready, okay?”- Junbae grinned as he had witnessed the scene earlier and to say it wasn’t amusing would be a lie.

Not long after that Sunggyu’s beautiful voice filled the room, sometimes Junbae wasn’t sure why Sunggyu should even join a boy group , he could debut as a soloist with a angelic voice like his. The cover of Nell’s ’ Walking Through Memories’ left Junbae speechless for a moment. He had already heard that Sunggyu was a big fan of the Indio band but that his version of the song would sound this good was a really positive surprise. In that moment he recalled how even Kim Jongwan once said that he thinks Sunggyu could be a soloist. Though he had never told his probably biggest fan about his thoughts.

When Sunggyu ended his amazing cover he started with his dance which wasn’t either if not as breath-taking as the song just minutes ago.

Five more to go.- Thought Junbae as he dismissed Sunggyu and got up to get Sungjong.

Hello my lovelz~~~~~~~

I'm back home and back with a new update :D Hope you guys like it ;3 I've split it into two chaps because it one already reached 3800 words and if a chapter is too long it gets boring ...well maybe it's already boring to begin with OTL Sorry if you're already fet up with his fic TT_TT actually I want to wrap his up in a few chapter so look forward to it :D

Ps. If you are curious about what Nell cover I'm talking about --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sUTTBMz6_4 

(word count approx. 3800)