Yoon Bomi stared at the stage area which was presently being prepared by the staff and heaved a helpless sigh. The performance venue this time was outdoors and that means having to sing and dance out in the open under the assault of zero degree winds. Standing next to her wrapped in a thick black jacket was her younger team mate Kim Namjoo. Tugging the warm material tighter around her torso, Namjoo proceeded to blow into her hands and rub them together to create some much needed warmth.

“Why did the company take on this gig? We are so gonna freeze our asses off later.”

Catching the ending of her statement was the ever alert leader and she walked over to nudge the vocal member in her side. 

“Language Namjoo-ah.”

It was the first time in a long while since Park Chorong had been found standing within mere metres of Bomi and the 93 line deduced that she must have not noticed her presence. 

Looking over at her and successfully catching her eye, Bomi was disappointed to see that Chorong had averted her gaze immediately before hurrying away to where the rest of the members were standing. It was difficult to pretend that her ex-girlfriend’s action hadn't affected her. Knowing full well that she would have to put on a bright smile during their performance later, Bomi didn't feel confident enough to pull that off with her current state of mind.

Deciding to use her usual method of escapism to take her mind away from the depressing thoughts of her stagnant relationship with Chorong, she searched for some place quiet and away from the public eye. She quickly spotted a viable location and snuck her packet of cigarette into the pocket of her jacket.

“Namjoo-ah could you please bring my bag into our preparation room?”

Although she had obediently taken over the bag, Namjoo couldn't help but ask the older girl.

“Aren't you heading inside Unnie? It’s much too cold to be out in the open.”

Not replying to her question, Bomi only offered a small smile to the girl before walking off in a desperate need to release her pent up emotions.

--------------------------------------

The girls were seated around a table tucking into the food prepared by the staff when Hayoung’s mobile phone sounded. off the remnants of food from her fingers, she balanced the phone between her cheek and shoulder.

“Oh Sooyoung-ah?”

Opposite her, Namjoo's body stiffened visibly when she heard the identity of the caller.

“Naeun Unnie? Yes she is around. Hang on.”

Raising her arms up and offering her phone across the table to her Unnie, Hayoung wriggled her eyebrows to indicate that Son Naeun should take over the gadget. She was clearly confused but Naeun accepted the device and imitated Hayoung’s earlier action.

“Yobseyo.”

The voice on the other end of the line was foreign and Naeun was surprised when the caller introduced herself to be Wendy from Red Velvet.

“Wendy-ssi. I heard from Hayoung about what you did. I was going to call you later to thank you properly.”

Apologising for her lack of manners, Naeun was finally put at ease when the Canadian goodnaturedly reassured her that everything was fine.

“I just wanted to let you know to split the intake of the hangover tea into two. You will feel better if it takes effect over a longer period.”

To say that Naeun was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. She was rather touched that Wendy would specially call to find out about her wellbeing. 

“Ummm Wendy-ssi? Can I invite you to dinner to formally thank you for helping me out last night?”<