━ { SHUBIRUBIRUB era pt. 2

(A/N: Not rated M but like rated T for intimate kissing scene? It's intended to be sensual and loving, not ual, but I've never actually written a kissing scene before so I'm unsure if it came across as such. Just wanted to warn ahead of time!)

"Jonghyun Oppa?" Seulki glanced up at her longtime friend and short-time boyfriend. The two were laying on his bed with Roo, Seulki pressed against Jonghyun's chest and Roo pressed against hers. He made a noise to show he was listening and she swallowed nervously, "Oppa, sometimes I really worry about the girls..."

"Sometimes? You're always worrying about them, Seulk. What's wrong this time? It seems more serious than normal," He her cheek softly, eyes searching hers intently. The affection and concern made her heart flutter, leaving her breathless. She tucked her head underneath his chin, kissing Roo's wet nose before replying. It was hard to talk about her members when they weren't around. It made her feel like she was talking behind their backs, and she hated it. But when she needed advice, it had to happen.

And she really needed advice, "You know I told you about Yoonmi's stalker. She's regularly seeing the company psychologist, but I don't think she's using her time there effectively. And, with Miyoung, she hardly eats anymore and I know she's always had confidence and self-love issues thanks to her ty parents and I worry that maybe she has an eating disorder? I don't know but she's getting way too thin and she works way too hard. Yufei isn't comfortable with us at all, and half the time the others feel like she's judging us, but really I think she's judging herself? Or maybe thinking a lot about herself, I dunno. It's really terrible to think that she's struggling so much still. Are we not doing enough to help her?

Soo Jung is like totally hiding something from me, too. She thinks I can't tell but we're best friends? And I wish I could find out what it is but I don't want to pry or make her uncomfortable. If she's hiding it from me, then that means she either feels guilty or that it's something I'll be upset with her over. Because of that, she needs to come to me with it, and it's so hard to wait for her and it. Maybe it's even something I did wrong and she doesn't want to tell me? God, and what can I even say about Sumia? She's trying really hard to be there for everyone even though she's still trying to get back into the swing of things? It's so hard to watch. I don't know how to help anyone anymore, Jonghyun!"

Seulki abruptly ended her rant, breathing heavily. At some point during it, Jonghyun had laid an arm over her waist, lightly rubbing at her back. He continued in silence, allowing her to process the force of her own emotions before he offered anything back. She was tense, but gradually became limp in his arms.

"Maybe you're also judging yourself while worrying about your team," Jonghyun offered kindly, "It sounds like you are taking all of their problems and connecting them back to you, about what you might or might not have done or done right or wrong. You're taking on too much, perhaps? But I know you, Seulk. You're not going to just stop, and you really do worry about them. Take a step back, okay? When it comes to Yoonmi, it was a really traumatic experience. She's going to have a hard time for a while and the best you can do is offer to be there. I can't say much about Miyoung's behavior since I've spent so little time with her. Still, just keep an eye on her and keep in touch with your managers about it, okay? Give her a little time."

"Do I just have to give everyone some time, is that your advice?" The vocalist accused venomously, but Jonghyun chuckled warmly, not rising to the bait. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment at the argumentative behavior, "I'm sorry, that was-"

"Very in-character for you. You need control and you don't feel like you have it, so you're biting back and arguing. I've known you for how long? I get it. But yes, time is essential. You already know you have to give time to Soo Jung-ah, because she needs to be comfortable enough to share with you. Yufei-ssi might have been in Korea for a while but she is being put in a tight-knit group. From what you've told me, she naturally keeps to herself and that might just be her as a person, not because she feels left out. Keep trying to open her up- You're good at that, but be patient. Sumia is in the same boat at you, you know," He raised a brow as she began to protest. Seulki pouted but bit her lip to keep quiet, "She probably is noticing the same things as you, but she's younger and less experienced at dealing with it. Talk to her so you two can take care of each other and the team together."

Roo Seulki's cheek, and she laughed, petting the elderly dog who them jumped off the bed, scampering out of the bedroom. She kissed Jonghyun's jaw softly, "You always know what to say, somehow."

"It comes with experience," He grinned cheekily, "Anything else you want to get off your chest, my dear?"

"Hm~ Nothing I want to get off my chest, but maybe there are a few other things I want," The vocalist shamelessly batted her eyelashes. Jonghyun's calloused, warm hands cupped her face and he pressed his lips to hers softly. His chapped lips contrasted with her soft, vanilla-chapstick stained ones, but she didn't mind in the slightest. Her eyes slid closed, head tilted and heart pounding. One of Seulki's hands laid on the side of his neck, the other grasping his waist as their lips moved, tender and sensual. The pure caring put into the action made it all the more meaningful, and she bathed in the sensation. Jonghyun's right hand left her cheek, instead pushing on the small of her back. Seulki's s pressed against his chest and she felt the corner of her lip quirk into a small smile.

The energy was low and thrumming, heartbeat in her fingertips and every movement slow and measured. They pulled apart for a small moment, deep breaths entwining. Her russet colored eyes met his cognac ones, and they spoke without words, a mutual exchange of the words I love you before their mouths met again, Seulki fully taking in the lightly salty taste of his lips mixing with her vanilla chapstick. Her nose brushed against the side of his face, and she took the moment as an opportunity to experience the scent of his cologne. It was bright and clear, but distinctly masculine with a woody undertone. The room was quiet excluding the sound of their shifting bodies, clothes sliding against clothes and bedsheets. She ed her white shirt and Jonghyun pushed it off her shoulders, the soft skin of his forearms against her back. Seulki placed one hand carefully on his chest under his shirt, savoring the feeling of skin against skin.

She felt at peace.

---

Sumia hummed lightly to herself, executing the semi-complicated dance move with ease. Eunju had left her with a whole list of choreographies to practice and moves she needed to execute perfectly the next time they saw each other, but she fully trusted the youngest to be able to do these things on her own. Sumia agreed- She could criticize herself as well as any dance trainer could and knew just how to change any issues she saw. The Taiwanese-Japanese girl had always corrected her own mistakes.

The music flowed through her body and she moved with the grace and power that only a true dancer could possess. She was no stranger to visually-stunning moves and had an affection for performing them. Sumia was fond of stunning people into silence with her abilities, and dancing was truly the ability she had honed through the years. While she had been dancing since she was a child, going through puberty had changed her center of gravity and she had to relearn to do things to compensate for the changes. She had to do this yet again after her accident, but each time she came back better than before.

She carried her body through the steps, controlling every movement she made to give the choreography even more life. A true performer, she thought to herself, A true performer knows the value of calculating every movement but allowing your soul and natural feeling to complete it. It was hard to find the correct balance, but Sumia knew and she delivered time and time again.

The tempo grew faster, and the bass was loud and heavy. Sumia's breathing was heavy and wet, and she could feel the familiar ache in her legs. A smile tugged at her lips- The ache was an old friend by now. It could never slow her down. Instead, she danced with more passion, pushing her body harder and harder and feeling it in every part of her being. Her heart soared in happiness, and the weight of her heavy body felt like nothing to the light soul within it. The music came clashing to a close as she stopped in the final position, stuck in a pose as her chest heaved. A bright laughed bubbled out of her, and she sunk to the ground, eyes closed, "God, do I love dancing. Ugh, I can't even, I just love it."

"Hm, considering you're talking to yourself about it again, I'd say that's probably true," Hana's amused voice sounded from the doorway of the practice room. Sumia immediately perked up, pushing herself into a sitting position even faster than she'd laid down.

"Umma!" She made a grabbing motion with her hands, and her guardian rolled her eyes. She strolled into the room, pressing a kiss to the top of the teenager's head.

"Who knew you could act so childish after looking so mature while dancing?" She teased, holding a water bottle out to her. Sumia took it, drinking small sips so as not to upset her stomach or swallow any air bubbles. She used to make that mistake all the time as a new trainee, and now knew much better. Sweat dripped down her back and she shivered as her body cooled. Her skin felt clammy, and that was the one thing she didn't like about dancing. Still, the adrenaline rush was worth it, "I figured I'd come visit you here since I'm too busy with work to go see your performances. I'm really sorry about that, 'Mia. Your mother sends her congratulations, by the way."

"Okaa-san does? I didn't realize she knew I was even back into it yet," Sumia frowned, feeling a little guilty. Her birth mother, Yumiko, had done everything in her power to financially support her growing up, but after giving custody rights to Hana, they had hardly spoken. Even after the accident. She could never understand how her mother's tender and loving nature could never be translated to her own child. Still, that was the hand she was dealt and she was not disappointed with it. Hana was a fantastic guardian and true mother.

Hana seemed to share the sentiment, "She does keep tabs on you, anyway. So! Are you done with dance practice for the day, or...?"

"Yeah, I am. I have, like, forty minutes before I have to head to a schedule, though," She said apologetically, "Do you want to have tea with me in the cafe first? I promise I have enough time for that!"

At Hana's nod, she grabbed her practice bag in one hand and laced the other with Hana's, swinging it back and forth. She greeted various other trainees and staff members on the way, but thankfully the elevator was empty. Sumia shifted the bag to her shoulder and pulled her hair out of its ponytail, slipping the band onto her wrist. She leaned into Hana, breathing the scent of her blood orange perfume happily. It was the same as when they first met, and she treasured it. The women stood in a comfortable silence as the elevator made its way to the seventh floor. When the doors pinged open, the scent of velvety chocolate, strong coffee, and savory spiced mixed together, making her stomach rumble. She moaned in complaint- She wasn't allowed to eat again until dinner, and even drinking the dumb lemongrass tea could get her in trouble with Daeun, who unfortunately was taking them to the next schedule.

"C'mon Umma, there's no line!' She raised her voice slightly to be heard over the din of the cafe. She pulled her mother straight to the dessert display case, pointing, "See that one? That's Yoonmi's cake. 'Cause all the members promoting right now have a mini cake out. That one is mine, obviously, and then Miyoung Unnie's is a special different hot chocolate flavor because she's the oldest. Then there's the WARdEN cake right there- See it, with the blue chocolate shavings? That's gonna be out official fanclub color, we're announcing it with our next comeback. Shh! But anyways, while mine and Yoonmi's are pretty much the same flavor- Her's is chocolate-strawberry and mine is chocolate-cherry-"

"So like a black forest cake?" She interrupted, not unkindly.

"Yes. That. And Miyoung Unnie's is hot chocolate flavored, but the WARdEN one is actually secretly Oreo flavored. How cool is that? Ahjussi, can we please get one of my cakes and one of the group one? Oh, and a lemongrass tea and a hibiscus tea. Thank you so much!" Unfortunately, she didn't get a chance to protest before Hana paid for it.

"You got two cakes, but I know you aren't eating one," The older woman commented casually. Sumia gave a bit of a sad smile.

"I want you to take one home so when you eat it later, you can remember how much fun we had having tea today. I promise to come home after promotions, for just a little bit."

---

The blinds were pulled shut, with every window and door locked. The room was well-lit, however, and Yoonmi treasured the moments she had to herself. Seulki had run off first thing in the morning, not having any practice until the evening, Sumia was practicing dance, Miyoung off with Soojin at an individual schedule, Yufei with her Korean tutor, and Soo Jung had excused herself about an hour before. The dorm was entirely hers, and while it left her shivering with some fear, she also knew that logically, she was safe. The police said they were close to catching the stalker, and she was confident they would. She wanted to feel at peace with herself, for just a few moments, and staying in the bedroom was comfortable for her.

She inspected her nails. They were painted a bright blue, with a sparkly coat atop that. After that had dried, and ombre purple flower had been painted, along with a swirl design. When all that was said and done, rhinestones had been carefully placed on each individual nail. Yoonmi was particularly fond of this style, and she smiled in the empty room.

Jolin Tsai was playing from her phone behind her, and she moved along with the music. Contentment was a good feeling, but she hopped up energetically, moving. She wanted to do something, and the coffee that she had snuck certainly had amped her up. It felt like it had been far too long since Yoonmi had truly done anything she loved to do, that she wanted to do. Honestly? She could hardly recall the last time she pranked a member and Miyoung was not picking up the slack. But what kind of prank could she play that wouldn't end in getting in trouble? Most of the ideas she came up with on the spot were less-than-ideal if she wanted to not be yelled at by Soojin or Daeun- Whichever manager would be inconveniently there to witness the event.

"Wait..." She mumbled to herself, standing and beginning her journey to the door in one fluid motion. Yoonmi made her way to the kitchen and opened the freezer, digging to the back to get just what she was looking for. With a cry of triumph, she pulled out the pint of cookie dough ice cream that Seulki had been saving all week. There was only a third left, but her nickname was Ice Cream Monster for a reason. It may seem a bit cruel, but it would certainly be an entertaining story to tell on a variety or radio show in the future.

Seulki loved her ice cream probably more life itself- Definitely more than her boyfriend. Yoonmi was on a diet and she wasn't about to eat all this, but if she just happened to put it in the trash...Yoonmi hummed to herself, Jolin Tsai still playing from the bedroom as she danced around the kitchen, grabbing a spoon from the utensil drawer. The rapper frowned at the sweet treat for a moment, contemplating. After a few moments, her want for it finally won and she snuck a single bite before twisting the spoon around, getting as much as possible before dumping it into the open trashcan. She flinched at the sight, but continued her dirty work.

Some things just had to be done.

Once the ice cream was out and only a small, soupy mess remained in the container, she headed to the sink where she washed out both it and the spoon. Yoonmi smirked, filling the container with sink water until it felt just about the same as it had with the ice cream in it. The teen added some salt to ensure it would be sufficiently cold and hopefully slush-frozen by the time Seulki returned and was likely to eat it, and stuffed it back in the space it had previously occupied in the freezer.

"I had nothing to do with that," Yoonmi asserted aloud with a victorious grin, drying off her hand with paper towel and placing it carefully atop the melting ice cream in the trashcan. She hoped no one would be able to see it under. But now with that done, what was there to do? The rapper still had a food gorty minutes until someone came to grab her for her next schedule. She was determined not to feel fear in that time, and pondered what could make her feel the most safe until then. She felt discomfort at the thought of fear and quickly retreated back to the bedroom, snuggling under her covers. Maybe...Maybe I should call Jihoon Oppa? The sound of his voice always comforted her like nothing else could, and he always answered. If he isn't on a date, she amended, pulling out her phone. She went to his contact and pressed call, putting it on speaker.

"Hello?"

"Jihoon Oppa," Yoonmi called, "How are you?"

"Yoonie! How are you doing? I'm doing great, on my way to go on a skydiving date! I think this girl really likes me this time, how awesome is that?" His free-spirted laughter brought a quirked smile to her face, and she shook her head affectionately.

"Mm, I'm sure she does like you. I saw you at our last performance, I just wanted to thank you for coming. Even Satan-young and Sumia heard you cheering the loudest~ I know I'm not always the best at expressing myself, but..." She trailed off meaningfully, tapping her fingers against her thigh, "I appreciate you supporting me even if the others don't."

Jihoon's sigh into the phone had her pulling it sharply away fom her ear, "I know it's tough, but they really do want what's best for you. Even if it doesn't seem like it. Don't take life so seriously! Focus on having fun and doing what you love. Yoonie, don't let anything get you down, okay? Your career is flourishing and I know that you might be scared because of-"

"Let's not talk about it," She said softly.

"If you'd just let me tell the rest of the family-"

"I mean it."

"...Right. Sorry, Yoonie~ Have you watched any good dramas?" He changed the direction of the conversation immediately, and Yoonmi felt loved. Her brother truly knew how to show her that he cared of what she had to say, and that she was meaningful to him. Not everyone could do that, because she was hard to get along with at times. She knew that. But when people like her brother, Minjoon, Hyunae, and the members took the time to get to know her, and befriend her, truly know Baek Yoonmi as she was, it made her beyond happy.

"Oppa, aren't you on your way to a date? You need to focus on the girl, not me. Yes, I have watched good dramas, thank you. Now go play," The rapper scolded, running a hand through her hair.

"But you called me..."

"And I'm hanging up now. Bye Oppa..." Yoonmi pressed the "end call" button before he could respond and smiled fondly at the phone. I love him more than anything.

---

Soo Jung pouted as she looked at the headline blaring on her phone- "2PM Lee Junho Dating WARdEN's Sera?" The amount of texts, calls, and messages she had received since the photos were released and rumors began to spread. She and Junho had an hour-long phonecall the moment he heard, discussing what to say to their companies and how they should go into the meetings to handle the situation. It was stressful, but at the same time Soo Jung was almost grateful. If fans and netizens were suspicious she was dating Junho, then they would never suspect she was dating Jinki instead.

Jinki. He hadn't even questioned her, the blessed man- Just sent her a cheerfully supportive text, "Soo Jungie fighting!! Rumors are nothing~ ^^"

"I don't deserve someone like him," She smiled to herself, tapping at her phone to get rid of the notifications. She sat, waiting to be called in by the CEO. CEO Ahn was always understanding despite the trainee nickname "The ." She was sitting in the room with Soojin, Daeun, the creative director Nayoung, and their public relations director, Shim Wonsik. Some shareholders were there as well, but truthfully Soo Jung wasn't concerned about them. They meant nothing to her and her career no matter how much they pretended like they mattered.

With or without them, WARdEN definitely would have made it. By now, Soo Jung was absolutely certain of that. She took a sip of her water bottle, smiling at Shim Chae-Yeon. She was an older trainee at UouO Media, and quite friendly- So friendly that she walked right over. The two exchanged bows.

"Soo Jung sunbae, I've seen the news tabloids. How are you doing?" Chae-Yeon asked, sitting gingerly beside her.

"I'm doing just fine, actually. I'm just sad that I can't post on social media for a while, I already got totally banned..." She pouted. It was actually a bit upsetting for her. She lived on her phone and her social media, posting new selcas whenever she could and updating their fans on all the members. Soo Jung was considered their social media queen, and the other members relied on her to post pictures of their comebacks. It was, like, her unofficial job in the group. A sigh broke from her lips, and she leaned back.

Chae-Yeon patted her arm supportively, smiling a bit, "Sorry sunbae. I know scandals are tough, but you can do it, alright? I guess you're about to go in a meeting, huh..."

"Yup! But I'm not gonna lose."

"Lose?" She laughed, "You can lose at a meeting?"

"You have no idea," Soo Jung spoke the words in a light, jovial tone, but it was much more serious than it seemed. Much more real. Meetings were mostly done by the whole group because when you were there, you either had to shut up and listen or fight for what you wanted. If you hated a concept, outfits, song, or your treatment, you had to speak up or shut up. You had to go all the way or not even try. Meetings were one of the hardest places to be, the most intimidating. But Soo Jung was going to be on her own, this time. She wondered just how Yoonmi had managed the one about her lawsuit...

But still. She and Junho had discussed exactly what to say. It would be just like her friend was at her side...Right?

"Soo Jung," Daeun snapped from the doorway. After saying a quick goodbye to Chae-Yeon, she entered the room with a confidence only the witty and narcissistic Lee Soo Jung could possess. She bowed in greeting, never once dropping her dazzling smile as she took her seat. A scoff was heard to the left- An elderly female Japanese shareholder.

"And you dare prance in here after acting so indecently with a man?" She sneered, bony fingers laced together in front of her.

"I believe the first question you should be asking is if I'm even dating that man at all. Or am I wrong?" The singer shot right back, her pleasant smile still intact- If not a bit sharper, "If anyone is interested, I'm not. Junho Oppa and I are good friends, nothing more. It's common knowledge that I'm close with JYP tr-"

"Actually, no one is interested in the details, little girl. Just how you intend to clean up your mess," Mid-fifties Korean man. His eyes bore into her.

"My mess? It's not even like we went out together at night. He put an arm around me, once, and we have the same band. That's not exactly dating scandal material. People are just making noise, an-"

"How do you intend to fix it?" He demanded. Soo Jung scoffed, sitting straighter. Her eyes burned with defiance.

"How do you intend to receive an answer if you won't let me talk?" She bit right back, but Daeun laid a hand on her shoulder. The tight warning squeeze had her trying to hide a wince, but she didn't try to pull away. In that sort of environment, it would be showing weakness, and she could not afford that.

"In reality, you and Lee Junho are just close friends, am I correct, Miss Lee?" Wonsik prompted, and she nodded, "I already have an idea of how this damage control will go, as it's a pretty cut-and-dry case, but what are your thoughts? No interruptions from the shareholders board, please."

He made solid, direct eye contact, and finally Soo Jung felt more at peace with her place in the room. She could do this, "I want it to made clear the two of us are just friends. I know that I'm already on a temporary social media ban, and I'm sure you're going to elongate that. However, I'd like to make a personal post to my fans that states I am not dating him, and announcing my temporary leave from Instagram and other social media platforms. Junho Oppa will be asking his company to do the same. I obviously don't want this to affect any plans we already had- Like the SM Station I'm meant to record, or our October comeback. So I'll stay at the dorm, the company, or the apartment I share with Seulki Unnie at all times. I'm sure that's sufficient, correct?"

There was some mutterings between those present. She sat back, surveying her work. Hopefully she had delivered it well enough. Wonsik gave her a thoughtful look.

"Yes, that just about covers it. I don't believe this will hurt the group or your SM Station very much, but I will be in contact with them just after this meeting to confirm that everything will continue. We won't be scheduling any more solo work for you until then, though. That will hit your paycheck pretty hard, since we pay by merit. You know well that since you do the most work in the group with your solo work that you have the largest paycheck. Be prepared to see a major decrease there. I don't believe you'll be seeing any opportunities until the October comeback," He spoke with a clear, no-nonsense tone. Wonsik was very clearly telling everyone in the room what was going to happen, and that no one was going to change his mind, "Depending on public reaction, you should be allowed to go on social media again sometime in September. Do not let this incident get to you, or let your fans or antis see that. They will tear into any weakness you show. That will be all from me."

"Wait," The elderly Japanese woman interjected, "I fail to see how she is being punished in this."

"Her paycheck is going to be punishment enough," Wonsik quirked an amused smirk.

"That is not enough. We should be revoking privileges!" She demanded, slamming a fist on the table. This time, Soojin replied with a viciousness that really suited his full-time position as a father.

"Let's count the ways, shall we?" He crossed his arms, staring her down, "Lowered paycheck. No social media for months. Limited contact with Lee Junho from now on because Soo Jung isn't stupid enough to do anything that would enlargen the rumors. Can't go outside and have any sort of fun. She doesn't get to do her job which she's dedicated a huge portion of her life to. So where is she not being punished enough, exactly? And what is she being punished for, having friends of the opposite ? Oh no, how terrible. I believe we're done here, correct, Miss Ahn?"

She exchanged an amused look with the manager, "We are indeed. Meeting dismissed."

Soo Jung didn't even attempt to hide her high-five with Nayoung.

---

Yufei stared at the Korean worksheets in distain. She truly hated them. They hardly helped her and the caused a lot of undue stress. She already struggled enough just trying to fit into the strange dynamics WARdEN had. She really didn't understand how the group worked at all, and she had not gone through their biggest struggles with them. Yufei was clearly an outsider in their world, and learning Korean was not going to fix the problem. The fact that this was her only chance to taste fame again was a harsh reality. Just how did things go so wrong back home? The dancer had made far too many mistakes in the past.

Those could not be repeated here.

So she practiced Korean. She followed every word she was told, and hid from their fans in prayer that no one would recognize her. China's disgraced daughter. Their lying . A joke. Yufei needed the fame and she needed the attention, but she could not stand the thought of someone knowing who she used to be. Sighing, she scratched out her answers and spoke the words in clumsily-pronounced Korean. Her tutor had left her with the worksheets long ago, and soon enough she would have to head out for a schedule. They were meant to be done before she could go. Still, Yufei could not get her mind to stay on task. Her thoughts continued to wander, to the comments she saw and could understand.

it's so obv that yoo doesnt belong there. who let her in??

She's old and has no idea what it's like to be a member of that group. They've gone through so much. Why make them fake getting along? I don't understand. They should have just let Maeri leave and Sumia come back. WARdEN worked best as five, sad as it is.

OMG Yoo does not even try to fit in. XD She so clearly stands out, and not in a good way.

Plastic surgery monster alert~

But then there were the comments that praised her- Gave her just what she wanted to hear and see.

The new member Yoo is so visual?? Tbh I want to see her dance more. Give WARdEN more mature songs so we can see them reall dance!

Her vocals are pretty good. I like her.

Aaaaaa it's so cute when Yoo tries to speak Korean and the other members have to help her out. I love it!! She was a great choice. Yoo stan 4 life!

Yufei knew she could do this. She could climb her way to the top again. She was lucky enough to join a group that had recently exploded in popularity- That was a huge headstart.

"My ambition cannot be matched," The Chinese girl whispered under her breath. A familiar mantra of hers. It was the same saying she had been telling herself since she was a child star. It had gotten her this far, and it was true. Her ambition defined her more than her previous scandals and old life ever could. It was the reason she got up in the morning and worked herself to the bone. She smiled a bit to herself, "But for now, work yourself to the bone by doing your stupid Korean homework, Yufei."

It was boring busywork, and she had never been so glad to see her manager walk through the door. The moment it opened, she looked up, meeting his kind eyes and sheepish smile with one of her own.

"I guess I'm a bit late, huh?" Soojin rubbed the back of his head. She shook her head, gathering her work and handing it to him. He accepted the stack of papers, leafing through them briefly as he indicated for her to follow him. They walked side-by-side down the hallway of the UouO Media building, and he offered her an encouraging nod, "You really are improving a lot, Yufei. Not many people can learn a new language like his. You're doing well, so good job! Don't doubt yourself for even a moment, okay?"

"Thank you, that means a lot to me," She spoke in her slow, measured Korean. Yufei almost hated how simply everyone had to speak to her so she understood- It felt like they were talking down to her. But with Soojin, he had a way of making it seem like they were just good friends and didn't need any fancy words to understand each other. She appreciated him almost as much as she appreciated Daeun's fluent Mandarin and Korean.

"Your next schedule is pretty soon, so be ready to get pushed around a bit by the staff, okay? They're just in a hurry, they don't mean anything by it," The manager assured as they stopped in front of the elevator, "And, for what it's worth, the girls really do like you. They do share a bond that outsiders can't understand, but they always make room for others. It's in their nature. If they never do anything that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy, just tell them. They'll hear you out and try to find a different way to express whatever it was that they wanted to express. Most people are thinking of how hard it must be for the group to adapt to a new person, but the truth is they're kind of used to girls coming and going. I'm more worried about you. If there's anything you need or want, tell me. I can see what I can do."

Yufei was frankly unsure of how to respond to the sudden flood of words. It took her a few moments to fully understand what he had said, and even longer to truly get the sentiment behind it. Since coming to South Korea, few people seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say, or what she was feeling. No one was there to take care of her, and while she didn't really want people to know these things, it was lonely that none even tried. The fact that her manager, of all people, showed that much care was...Touching? Unexpected?

"Is this what the others mean when they say they're your girls?" She laughed behind her hand, taking in the reddening of his ears.

"Well, they really kind of are. You can be, too, if that's what you want."

Yufei decided silently that perhaps she would try that.

---

Miyoung had long-since finished her individual schedule and had been left to her own devices- Soojin had "accidentally" left her at her favorite convenience store, looking the other way when she decided to walk out without him. She was thankful for her manager, as always, because he just seemed to know when she needed time alone and it was definitely one of those times. With a mask over her face, sunglasses, hair tied back, and a hood pulled low, it would be hard for even dedicated fans to recognize her and that was just how she wanted it.

Her face was puffy and bloated from something or another, and her body didn't seem to be in good condition. Miyoung didn't want any of the fans seeing her like that.

She walked down the nearly empty streets, mind feeling both full and empty at the same time. There were so many things she wanted to think about but so few made themselves into coherent thoughts, and it scared her just a bit. Miyoung was a perfectionist- Everything had to be done well and right, and if her own thoughts were not right, then what was she supposed to do? The seed of self-hate that had been planted long ago had grown, a weed that wove into her lungs and roots gripped her heart tightly. It was like the only empty space was in her head and the rest of her was filled with poison.

It was the promotions, she was sure. It had to be. There was no other explanation for her shift in thoughts. That was what she tried to convince herself.

Miyoung took a deep breath until her lungs ached and released it slowly, head titled up towards the sky. The day was really quite beautiful, and she could appreciate it well enough. It was the beauty of the surrounding world that convinced her it all was worth it anyway. The girl's phone buzzed and she pulled it out, eyeing the text from Jaebum sunbae. It was a link, and she raised a brow curiously before another message arrived. Her phone stalled a second before loading it.

To: Miyoungie WARdEN
From: Mr. Im Jaebum (JB sunbae!!)
r u guys ok??

The pace of her breathing quickened and Miyoung clicked the link- It was an article with the headline '2PM Lee Junho Dating WARdEN's Sera?' and then sighed in relief. If there was anything that was not true, it was that, and Miyoung felt her racing heart begin to slow. A small smile formed on her lips. Ah, his first thought when he saw it was to see if everything was good...Her cheeks tinted pink as she typed her reply.

To: Mr. Im Jaebum (JB sunbae!!)
From: Miyoungie WARdEN
Everything's good here! My manager set me free for the day, if things were bad I don't think he woulda done that, right? I'm sure it's okay.

To: Miyoungie WARdEN
From: Mr. Im Jaebum (JB sunbae!!)
oh you're free? wanna hang then?

To: Mr. Im Jaebum (JB sunbae!!)
From: Miyoungie WARdEN
haha, and start another dating scandal for my group so soon? >~<

She shook her head fondly, pocketing her phone. As much as she wanted to spend her time with Jaebum, whom she was certainly crushing on, she knew that it was best for her to stay away. Not only did her heart race far too much in his presence, but for WARdEN's sake. Soo Jung was going to have a hard time with such a scandal, and to bring any more possibly negative light to the group...The thought put ice in her veins and it was as thought needles had pierced her skin. Any positive feeling from the short conversation with Jaebum ebbed away and Miyoung stopped in the middle of the street. Her dark eyes wandered for a few moments- She was looking for something, but she wasn't quite sure what.

Her teeth caught on a small blister in - It was caused by the wax mouth guard she used at night to assist with her grinding teeth, and she winced a the sting and subsequent salty taste that coated her tongue.

Miyoung shook her head and pressed forward, intent on returning to the dorm. She was not sure if anyone would be there, but she wanted more than anything to lay down. It was hard even imagining starting to work on their October comeback- Flower unit promotions would end in mid-May, and as soon as those were done, all six members were to begin to work on the new album. It sounded much more stressful than it had to be, and the weight crushed down on the teenager's shoulders.

I just want to perform, she thought to herself, Why do we give so much for that...?

(author's note) As much as I hate to say it, this is the last chapter of WARdEN. Tomorrow I will be posting an explanation and a timeline of what would have occurred should the fic have continued. This chapter was written over the course of about four months so I apologize if it is patchy. I'm also sorry for leaving this fic in the past.