"He's late."
TaeKyung glanced at his watch, irritated. They had a scheduled practice at eleven, and it was now nearly a half an hour later. It wasn't like ShinWoo to be late.
"Jeremy, did ShinWoo come home last night?" MiNam asked Jeremy, a lollipop in his mouth.
"No," Jeremy shook his head.
TaeKyung sighed. He had been aware of that, too. ShinWoo hadn't returned after sending Aimee back home. He had spent the night at Aimee's house. And even though TaeKyung would like to believe that ShinWoo was a religious and well-mannered man, he also knew that Aimee and ShinWoo were very close. TaeKyung could tell they were at the peak of their relationship, even more so than MiNyu and TaeKyung were.
And TaeKyung was worried for his best friend. Not to be unfair to ShinWoo or to think badly of him, but just as a best friend, he was worried. Aimee had been very unstable that night with Nobu and all. TaeKyung had tried to be helpful, but he couldn't help but wonder if ShinWoo had taken advantage of Aimee in one of her weaker states.
"Sorry I'm late you guys."
TaeKyung turned to look at ShinWoo, who looked a total mess. His shirt wasn't as crisp as usual, he looked tired, and his hair was slightly unruly. TaeKyung couldn't help but narrow his eyes at his band mate. ShinWoo yawned, ignoring the looks from his band members.
"Rough night, hyung?" Jeremy asked.
MiNam snickered, "More like fun night, rough morning."
"Shut up, you!" TaeKyung snapped at MiNam.
ShinWoo simply grinned and bopped MiNam on the head lightly.
"Mind your own business," he said, only half-scolding and got into position for practice. He glanced at TaeKyung, who was still looking at him strangely. TaeKyung could tell ShinWoo was in a good mood, despite his terrible outlook.
"Are we going to practice or not?" ShinWoo sighed and looked at TaeKyung, who finally stopped staring and nodded.
"Okay, ANJell. Let's practice."
"It's Aimee! And Yoo HeYi!"
HeYi and I ignore the screams of the fan girls in front of the AN building. We had driven in HeYi's car to the building and now, her bodyguards along with AN security guards were escorting us to the entrance. I smiled and waved to several fans before going into the building.
As we walked in, we saw President Ahn heading up the stairs. HeYi called out to him and he turned, smiling at us.
"Ah! Aimee! HeYi!" he smiled. "Let's get you guys a recording studio."
"That would be much appreciated," HeYi smiled heartily back at the President.
After getting a recording studio set up, HeYi stepped into the recording room. I sat down beside President Ahn outside the room, listening in. HeYi was just about to start when the door suddenly opened again. President Ahn and I turn.
"Yo," MiNam grinned at us. Behind him were the rest of AN Jell.
"Aren't you guys supposed to be practicing?" President Ahn asked.
"Lunch break," Jeremy explained.
"Plus," TaeKyung glanced at HeYi. "We heard HeYi was going to be demonstrating her singing skills and we were all very curious."
"You are welcome," HeYi smirks, unfazed by their presence.
"What song will you be singing, HeYi?" President Ahn asked. HeYi thought a moment.
"Irreplaceable by Beyonce," HeYi replied.
"Beyonce is a big voice to measure up to," ShinWoo said, sitting down beside me.
I nodded. I was very curious to as how HeYi would sing this. I had never imagined her as much of the singing type. Not at all. The tension was almost strangling me as we waited for HeYi to start singing.
"To the left, to the left. To the left, to the left. To the left, to the left," HeYi started to sing. "Everything you own in the box to the left. In the closet that's my stuff, yes, if I bought it please don't touch. And keep talking that mess, that's fine. But could you walk and talk at the same time?"
I felt my jaw drop. Beside me, ShinWoo tensed. HeYi could sing.
"And it's my name that is on that tag, so remove your bags let me call you a cab. Standing in the front yard telling me how I'm such a fool, talking about how I'll never ever find a man like you," Heyi sang. "You got me twisted. You must not know 'bout me. You must not know 'bout me. I could have another you in a minute. Matter fact he'll be here in a minute, baby."
I took note how she even had the quirky little attitude as she sang. She wasn't just a good singer, she had charisma. She had a lot of charisma.
"You must not know 'bout me. You must not know 'bout me. I can have another you by tomorrow…So don't you ever for a second get to thinking you're irreplaceable," HeYi finished off.
Everyone was silent a moment as President Ahn and MiNam clapped loudly for her. HeYi grinned and stepped out of the recording room. She put her hands on her hips and grinned to the rest of ANJell, who were shocked speechless by her voice.
"You were good," ShinWoo finally managed to utter.
"Thank you, ShinWoo," HeYi laughed. She smirked, looking at the rest of us.
"I don't see why she needs me," I turn to President Ahn. "She knows how to dance. She can sing. And she has the charisma. There isn't much training that is needed here."
President Ahn cleared his throat, "Well, Aimee. She still needs you to guide her along. We're going to film a music video for her as well as put out an album for her. I need you to make sure she's ready."
"I already-"
President Ahn cuts me off, "I know you're busy with your own album. I know it's a lot to ask of you but I believe in you Aimee. I believe you can pull this off. And anyways, doing this will make you more than just a singer. You'll be a producer, Aimee."
I groan.
"I need you to write me at least one song for her, Aimee," President Ahn said suddenly.
"What?" I exclaim. "President Ahn. I already have two songs I need to write for my own album. How can I possibly get around to writing hers as well?"
"Aimee, you're one of the best," President Ahn says softly. "And anyway, you won't be alone."
President Ahn glances at ShinWoo and TaeKyung.
"What?" ShinWoo and TaeKyung exclaim together.
"TaeKyung, you will write one song for HeYi. ShinWoo, you will sing a rap part in one of HeYi's new songs that we already have set," President Ahn explains. "No excuses. No complaints."
Everyone sat in a tense silence. President Ahn glanced at all of us, and then stands up.
"ShinWoo and HeYi. You have a recording for the song scheduled in three days. TaeKyung, Aimee. I expect to see progress on those songs soon," he says finally and leaves.
"Lovely," TaeKyung scowls and leaves as well. Jeremy sighs and follows him out.
"Babe, let's go," MiNam gestures to HeYi. She nods and smiles, leaving with MiNam.
I glance at ShinWoo, who's pursing his lips.
"Do you have a bad feeling about this too?" I ask him. He nods slowly.
"I do. But it's probably nothing," ShinWoo replied. "Maybe HeYi really does just want to sing."
"But why me, ShinWoo? Why us? She could've sung with anyone. She could've gotten a producer to help her. She requested me. And I don't know why," I groan in frustration.
"Hey, come on Aimee," ShinWoo knew I was getting worked up. "You're just a singer, okay? Not an FBI agent. Stop stressing out. Nothing is going to happen."
"I have a really bad feeling about this," I keep going. "I mean, why you? She can request anyone from AN that can rap. Why you? And TaeKyung? Anyone can write a song. She probably requested the two of you as well. Why does it all have to involve ANJell and me only?"
"Aimee, you can't be stressing yourself out like this," ShinWoo put an arm around me.
"No, I really have a bad feeling about it this time. I feel like it's not going to be good," I sigh, twisting the ring on my thumb. "Every time we get involved with Yoo HeYi, someone gets hurt."
"Stop worrying," ShinWoo says softly. "We'll get through this. We got through it the last time."
Despite his words, something just didn't feel right in the pit of my stomach. I was worried. For all of us. Yoo HeYi was never up to any good. And she hated all of us. Every single one of us. I knew it.
MiNam and HeYi sat across from one another in the fancy Italian restaurant. They ate here often, and though MiNam has never been one for Italian foods, he's come to like it because of HeYi. It wasn't half-bad here, actually.
MiNam took a bite out of his spaghetti. HeYi ate quietly as well. MiNam was just about to ask her about how she was liking being a singer when her phone suddenly rang. HeYi glanced at the caller ID, and then looked at MiNam.
"I have to take this call privately. I'll be right back," she smiled at MiNam and stood, heading towards the bathrooms. MiNam nodded, but deep inside, he felt hurt. HeYi had been taking a lot of private calls lately.
Normally, there weren't things she wouldn't talk about in front of him. But lately, it was as if every phone call was meant to be private and away from his ears. MiNam was getting sick of it. He couldn't help but suspect she was cheating. After all, she was the National Fairy of Korea. Beautiful, kind, and well…beautiful. She could have nearly any guy she wanted.
So slowly, MiNam stood and headed towards the bathrooms. HeYi was standing outside the door of the woman's bathroom, talking quite loudly on her phone. MiNam inched closer, keeping himself hidden behind the corner. He listened.
"Yes, everything is in order here," Heyi said into her phone. "Yeah, it's set up."
MiNam heard his girlfriend laugh lightly.
"Of course. You know I love you. We've always been close, so of course I'm helping you out. When are you arriving in Seoul?...Yeah? Okay. I'll pick you up then. Bye."
MiNam quickly made his way back to the table as to not be caught. His chest was clenched. He kept hearing HeYi's words over and over again.
You know I love you.
HeYi had never told MiNam that she had loved him. He had said it to her many times before, only to get a small smile and a kiss from her. MiNam had always thought it was just the way she was. That she just didn't like to say it, but that deep inside, she did love him too. Maybe he was wrong.
"Okay, I think we should order a little dessert now," Heyi smiled, sitting back down at the table.
MiNam simply stared at her, not being able to help but glare.
"What's wrong with you?" HeYi asked, scoffing at his glare.
MiNam sighed, "I don't feel good. Can we just leave?"
'No," HeYi glared at him. "Not until you tell me why you're acting this way."
MiNam was tempted to yell that he had heard everything about her. He was tempted to yell at her that maybe the rest of the band and Aimee were right. She was nothing but a monster. But he couldn't yell any of these things at her. Instead, he simply threw a bill on the table and got up and headed back out towards his bike.
HeYi came running out after him. She was clearly pissed off.
"Are you stupid?" she scoffed. "What is your problem?"
"Have fun driving back on your own, HeYi," he spat at her and sped off down the street. He didn't feel bad right now. He was too upset. Plus, she had brought her own car. She would be fine without him.
I sat in my room at my desk, trying to figure out how to continue my song. I wanted to finish up my songs before I even touched anything for HeYi. ShinWoo had driven me back home and left my car. TaeKyung had also stopped by for a while and had taken ShinWoo back.
I sighed. The song I was writing was meant to be a dedication to Changsun. Just looking it over again was making me utterly depressed. The lyrics were sweet and supposed to be touching, but they just made me want to cry. I was stuck, not knowing what else to write. I already had the whole melody and beat thought out. It was just the lyrics now that were getting to me.
"You made me believe that I can do almost anything; stood right by me through the tears through everything," I whispered the lyrics to myself. "I'll remember you and baby that's forever true. You're the one that I'll always miss…never thought it would feel like this. I'll be there for you, no matter what you're goin' through. In my heart you'll always be, forever baby. I'll remember you."
I sigh and throw down my papers. I stand up, heading for the door when I trip over the edge of my bed. I get up and let out a frustrated cry, kicking the bed hard. I get no satisfaction. My foot simply hurts. I growl at the bed again and head towards the door.
I look up to see ChoHee standing in front of me, a plate of chocolate-chip cookies in her hand. She blinks at me.
"Is everything okay? I just heard you scream," she asked me.
"I'm fine," I groan and pick a cookie off her plate.
"Oh and by the way, Aimee," ChoHee watches me as I walk past her. "You look like hell."
I sigh. I know. I'd been so frustrated about everything that I probably just cut off five years off my life. And I was sure it showed. I went to the bathroom and looked at myself. I brushed through my newly blonde hair and pulled it away from my face. I tied it into a ponytail and rinsed my face off with water. I wipe my face with a towel and sighed, feeling slightly more refreshed.
I jump as the door suddenly opens and slams. My towel falls to the ground. I pick it up and set it on the counter, going out into the living room to see what was going on. I see HeYi storm off to her room, not even saying a word.
"No slamming doors!" I yell after her. She glances back at me, frowns, and slams her bedroom door behind her. I glare at the door, immaturely wishing that I could burn a hole right through it and her.
"What crawled up her butt?" ChoHee joined me in glaring at the door.
"I have no idea," I purse my lips and shake my head. I turn to go back to my room.
"Oh, Aimee!" ChoHee stops me. I look at her. She sighs.
"Can we talk?" she asks. I nod.
"Of course."
We sat down on the couches, across from one-another. I was expecting some kind of lecture about ShinWoo and I, but I was completely caught off guard by ChoHee's question.
"Is there something you know about Changsu that I don't?" she asked.
I tense a little, "Why would you think that I know something-"
"Aimee," ChoHee cut me off. "I saw the way you looked at him. I saw the way everyone looked at him. There was something really off last night at the party as soon as he walked in. Something was going on, and I know you know."
"Why ask me?" I ask softly.
"Because you're probably the best friend I've had in a long time, Aimee," ChoHee smiled a little bit. "And because you're with me in the house right now and I don't want to ask HeYi, in case she might bite my head off."
We both laugh a little. I smile.
You're the best friend I've had in a long time.
God. Made me feel so guilty. I didn't know if I wanted to tell her the truth. If I told her, she'd know that he was my ex-boyfriend and she wouldn't be very glad. Plus, it would be awkward for them both. My conscience wouldn't allow for me to destroy the only happy relationship ChoHee's had in a long time.
"Changsu, he-"
ChoHee's cell phone suddenly rang, cutting me off. She gave an apologetic smile and answered. Her smile automatically fell. She glanced at me briefly and then stood up and hurried off into the bathroom. My heart sank in my chest.
I had seen just the briefest shimmer of tears in her eyes.
ChoHee closed the bathroom door quickly behind her.
"Hello? Are you there?" Changsu asked.
"I'm here," she replied softly.
"As I was saying," Changsu sighed. "I don't think it's working with us."
ChoHee was silent.
"It's not you. It's just me. There's just things I have to get through. Personal things that I need to think out," Changsu continued. "You're probably one of the coolest girls I've met in a long time. And I really like you. I really do. But…there's just some things…and I think you're perfect. You're-"
"Cut the crap," ChoHee said sharply. Her chest tightened. She didn't want to hear this kind of bullshit. It didn't make sense to her.
"I'm sorry," Changsu sighed again. "I need to end this before it gets out of hand."
"Can I at least know what these 'personal things' you have to work out are?" ChoHee sighed, shaking her head. Of course, she knew she wasn't meant for happy lasting relationships, but this was a bit soon for a break-up, wasn't it?
Changsu was silent for a long moment. Finally, with a long sigh, he replied.
"It's personal."
With that, he hung up. There wasn't even a goodbye, or another 'I'm sorry'. That was it. Just like that, Changsu hung up on ChoHee. Never before had she ever felt something like that before. ChoHee closed her eyes, not letting herself cry. She'd never known how much it had hurt to have the person you cared about just walk away from you like that.
It made her think of the time she'd run away from the one man who had treated her decently. The one guy who had truly loved her. She had simply gotten up and ran away from him, out of the fear in her own heart. She had given him the very same excuse that Changsu had just given him.
It's personal.
ChoHee scoffed at herself. Now she knew how much she must've hurt him. She had hurt him so much that he hadn't even come after her. He hadn't even tried. And now, ChoHee supposed that Changsu deserved the same. If it was what he wanted, ChoHee would let him be. Because it was….personal.
Author's Note:
BTW, thanks to NouNou for spotting some MAJOR errors xD I love you hunn. And also, I know I write and switch up my past and present tenses a lot. I tend to do that, and it's really hard for me to catch ^_^' Haha. So sowwiess
Edit: I'm sorry guys. I just realized now that I totally gave Changsun and Nobu's fake name the same name xD Or, almost. Changsun is Aimee's childhood friend, remember and Changsu is Nobu's fakee name. xD Just gotta clear that. ahah.