A/N: Hello guys! My apologies for posting this chapter too late. I've been so busy with my work. Please bear with me. :(

Also, hi to the new subscribers! Thank you so much for passing by and reading this story. I'll try to update at least once a week for the next chapters. Here you go~

-- Aimee

***

The wavy-haired girl bowed coyly and greeted him, “Annyeong haseyo.”

Fairly abashed of his sweaty muddled guise owing to the intense practice, Mino was sort of reluctant to face people. Nonetheless, it’s rough-hewn to just walk off and arrange himself first, so proceeding to the men’s room without any response isn’t the correct option. “Annyeong haseyo,” He murmured as he slithered his palm from his temples up to his hair.

Zico, being a good pal of his for years, was susceptive enough to sense his little concern. Thus, he took the initiative to demystify on Mino’s behalf. “Eunji-yah, maybe you have met each other on music shows before. This is Song Mino of Winner. We trained on the same agency before he went to YG.” He explicated.

Mino just smiled timidly as if assenting to what Zico said. On the other hand, Eunji beamed back at him – somehow atypical beam. A trace of fickle is evident on her facade as if she desires to ask something but still faltering to say so.

“Bro, seems like you just finished practicing? Go proceed to wherever you are going. We’ll be staying in the lounge. Just follow us there if you want to, you know, catch up.” Zico uttered, nodding once then used his brows to gesture that it’s okay now to go and do some self-grooming.

“Ah, neh.” Mino bowed again prior to stepping away, psychologically thanking Zico for the apt assistance.

Masses of water have gushed from the faucet, diminished and got wasted before Mino realized that he’s been staring at his reflection for ages. He cupped a handful and splashed it on his face, drowning himself to purge the thoughts baffling his head. He was particularly disgruntled with the disturbed confession. It’s infuriating how he got interrupted the time he already obtained the guts he needed. He rolled his eyes once and sulked at his double before he grabbed the face towel and soaked up every wet surface of his top.

After fixing his hair and changing clothes, he strides to wherever Zico is right away. Perchance, his friend’s presence was for a purpose. He was never a first-rate buddy like Seunghoon for nothing. The idea of consulting Zico has been settled while walking when a proverbial figure passed hastily about three feet away on his front. Robotically, his neck winched to the direction.

Hair covering her face as her head ducked low, Boram paced rapidly passing Mino. Her eyes only focused on her steps as she went her way out the exit. She’s obviously taking a crack at pretending unaware of his presence – but too obvious, as mentioned.

“Mino,”

Zico’s voice seized his attention off her. He managed to seal his previously ajar mouth before turning his peek to him. He took one more glance at the exit before continuing his path to the lounge.

“She’s your partner in the collaboration performance, right?” Zico queried as he shifted to the edge of the sofa, motioning Mino to sit beside him.

Still has half of his mind over the girl who just left, Mino furrowed his brows as he sat down, oblivious of the subject.

“I mean, Boram-ah.”

“Ah, neh.” Mino helplessly answered, ahead of his eyes amplifying. “You know her?” He blurted out, towing his torso off from leaning the couch. Using ‘-ah’ after a name instead of ‘-ssi’ suggests that the person referred to is a close one instead of just an acquaintance.

“Tss. You didn’t watch her MV, did you?” Zico huffed.

“If you’re talking about ‘Beautiful’, I’ve seen it, of course.” Mino retorted, speaking about the time he first saw Boram on screen through Jinwoo who told him about the music video.

Long time no see ige eolmamaniya

Oppaga jom tteumhaesseotji

Moksori aniesseum molla bol ppeonhaesseo

Zico stopped his booty rap when Mino gave no sign of any familiarity over the lyrics and the melody. Eyes almost turning to two dashes, he shot him a feeble look with jaw slacked.

Been beholding the entire scenario positioned on the single couch beside the two, Eunji couldn’t help but snort into giggling at the spectacle of Mino’s innocence over Zico’s libretto.

“Mino-ssi, Zico oppa is featured on Boram-ssi’s song and that was his part.” Eunji explained as she continued chuckling.

Being the widest possible, both of Mino’s eyes broadened in surprise at the information heard. “Chincharo??”

The elucidation plus MV showing took about a good fifteen minutes ‘til Mino was able to comprehend everything.

“I can’t believe being an idol would be a huge impediment for you to at least keep posted concerning your friends.” Zico articulated, shaking his head and dramatically acting hurt.

“Aniyah. You know we’re just busy these days.” Mino complained.

“Hmmp,” Zico grimaced, crossing his arms.

Mino couldn’t help but puff in an ample grin at the sight of an aegyo-ing Zico. As much as he knew he was just acting to fool around, it’s absurd not to admit how he missed this best friend of his. Endearingly, he widened both his arms, attempting to hug him. “Saranghae.”

Zico moved back and wagged his hands, shooing Mino. “I don’t love you.”

Eunji’s laughter reverberated throughout the lounge because of the best of friends’ drama. When she captured two peculiar gazes directing her, she put a hand on , swathing it from further movements and more unfeminine sounds. “Mianhae. You’re just so cute together.” She chuckled.

“Well. I’m cute. I know.” Mino exclaimed, intentionally making his voice an octave higher to sound charming. Akin to a five year old kid, he pouted with both cheeks bloated then used his index fingers to point each.

Eunji just continued chuckling. Well, it’s hard for any lady to resist the impulse to giggle, witnessing a Song Mino acting cute especially merely few meters away.

Looking nauseated due to Mino’s aegyo, Zico rolled his eyes in disgust. “Bro, please?” He mumbled, signalling Mino to stop whatever he’s doing since he’s certain how it’s not good for anybody’s health. Then, he faced the still amused Eunji. “I’m sorry for this babo, Eunji-yah.”

“Aniyah. It’s okay Oppa.” She smiled at Zico before turning her gawk to Mino. “Umm. Mino-ssi,”

The two boys suddenly set their attentions to her upon hearing her quite serious-sounding words, then both bequeathed an inquiring peep.

Eunji bit her lip before continuing her question, “Uhh, how’s Seungyoonie?” She managed to ask as the apple of her cheeks grown red.

A puzzled expression transpired all over Mino’s countenance, “You know Seungyoon?”

-----

“Hyung, how many times do I have to tell you? You already look freaking good.” Taehyun scoffed, spinning his eyes round as he shifted from his position on the couch to cross his lean legs.

“It’s actually his sixth coat.” Seunghoon added blankly while a noona stylist was arranging his collar.

Jinwoo, who’s in front of the mirror, having his make-up done, sniggered cutely. “Our Seungyoonie must be aiming for somebody’s attention.” He teased.

“Somebody?” Taehyun complained. “Everybody is the right term, hyung.” He resumed, hinting irritation.

As if not hearing anything, Seungyoon did some more modelling before his own reflection, “Perfect!” He smirked, ending up with a knee-length greyish coat, white insides tucked in black fitted pants, plus red and black checkered scarf.

 “Praise the Lord.” Seunghoon uttered, looking up above with both hands lifted as if dramatically worshipping something.

“Yah, you know I should not disappoint our dearest Inner Circle’s anticipation over my fashion statement.” Seungyoon remarked, grinning cheekily.

A loud pestered huff came out from somewhere which is most probably Taehyun. “We’re only audience tonight, hyung. Just to remind you.”

Seungyoon came to sit beside the maknae then wrapped his arms around the latter’s shoulders, “I know. But we couldn’t help but attract attention, right Jinwoo hyung?” He snootily said, cheeks puffed in a proud smile, facing Jinwoo’s direction as if asking for an affirmation. Jinwoo just giggled.

Tonight is the much awaited mid-year Music Bank concert and Winner is one of the invited idol guests. Since other YG artists are also coming, Yang Hyun Suk allowed them to attend, also, to support Mino’s performance.

More than a gift of music to every MuBank supporter, the event is more of a dedication to the unfortunate children of Seoul who are aspiring to be idols of the next generation. Scholarships to well-known music schools will be awarded in between performances to the chosen kids who qualified to the certain requirements. Being a part of this concert for a cause is a huge honor to every artist so a lot of them are expected to join.

Winner arrived a little earlier than the exact start of the event. For an unknown reason to the boys, except Taehyun, Seungyoon was unusually hype and excited tonight. After a long vindication of the leader why it’s better to be early than act as if someone very important and be late and waited by the populace, the three were finally convinced to go despite Seunghoon demanding at least fifteen minutes for a nap. He lost to Seungyoon with the latter justifying how he can do that inside the van on the way to the venue and emphasizing it was all his fault for staying up late experimenting some unnamed dishes which he’s suspecting could kill someone with weak resistance in addition.

“Hyung, why not contact Mino hyung instead? We’re wasting time looking at every waiting room door.” Taehyun whined at their manager.

The manager