Disclaimer: I do not own You're Beautiful or its Characters.
I apologise for any OOCness, reviews are appreciated.
I use italics for thoughts, and horizontal line-breaks for time lapses and/or perspective change.
[EDIT: the doc manager removed the N. JELL from these chapters, so i replaced them. I think I got all of them...]
Episode 1, Part 2
"Is your throat okay?" President Ahn asked Tae Kyung with concern. He raised his hand to his throat self-consciously, as everyone except Shin Woo twisted in their seats to see his response. "The doctor told you not to sing live for a while, and just lip-sync." He rebuked him.
Shin woo sighed and gently said, "It ended well, isn't that good enough?" he paused, "Though Tae Kyungs voice did waver at the end, but I'm sure no one noticed." Though it wouldn't matter even if people did notice, the fans would probably just send Tae Kyung throat medicine and honeyed drinks, He added in mind.
Mollified, President Ahn turned around and started a conversation with the driver.
Shin Woo looked out the window, tuning out Jeremy's voice as he pondered lyrics for the song he was working on. In all honesty, Shin Woo was bored; bored of the repetitive cries of the fans that massed in crowds wherever he went, bored of the days filled with endless photo shoots, TV shows, and the continuous expectation that was demanded from his gentle, calm image. Always expected to be the voice of reason in the chaos that surrounded the band at times. All he wanted was a quiet place to create music in peace, able to act how he wanted. To be fair, his image was similar to his own personality, and wasn't that hard to maintain, though he was more passionate than he appeared.
Lost in his thoughts, he barely heard the president say something about a new band member. Paying attention now, he listened to the President talk of a new vocalist being brought in to take some of the strain from Tae Kyung, who, according to President Ahn, had the voice of an angel.
"I look forward to it." Tae Kyung said tartly. A new member? Shin Woo mused, could be interesting, maybe I'll become a hyung to him like I am for Jeremy? Hmm… could be fun…
As he contemplated this new information, the van came to a standstill, the air filled with the screams of the fans that posted themselves outside the studio everyday, in hopes of seeing them.
He braced himself, then stepped out of the van, smiling gently to the crowd of girls, which struggled to touch him through the security, which protected him while begging him and his band mates for autographs. As they walked down the path towards the building, and safety, he noticed a young woman wearing a habit, standing as still as a statue, staring ahead with wide-eyes. A nun? Cosplay, or the real thing? His thoughts shifted to music and he paid no more attention to the nun, already forgotten as he walked past her.
Shin Woo and Jeremy were in the music room, waiting for Tae Kyung to come so they could start practice. Shin Woo was playing new tune on the keyboard, considering how to transfer the sound to the guitar when Tae Kyung stormed in, dragging a slender body behind him, throwing the body into the middle of the room. Shin Woo put out his hand to steady the person before they fell over. What's this? A boy? The new member maybe? He's a bit on the short side and he looks just like a girl, I should be nice to him "You're Go Mi Nam?" Shin Woo asked politely with a gentle smile. To his surprise, Go Mi Nam backed away from him, fear in his eyes, accidently walking into Jeremy, shying away from him also. That's a different reaction.
"This dudes a bit too short." Jeremy said, as he compared their heights, finding that Go Mi Nam only reached his nose.
Tae Kyung locked the door before turning back towards them with a cold expression. Mi Nam looked at them all with an alarmed expression as his manager and the president tried in vain to open the door.
"Open the door! Tae Kyung!"
Like I thought, this will be interesting for a while, Shin Woo looked at Mi Nam with more interest than before, waiting to see what happened next, while Jeremy just looked confused. Ignoring the commotion outside, they focused on Tae Kyung and Mi Nam. Grabbing a sheet of lyrics, Tae Kyung thrust it into Mi Nams hands, who looked at it in confusion, until Tae Kyung told him firmly, "Sing it."
When Mi Nam looked at him in question, Tae Kyung explained. "I need to hear you sing myself before deciding whether to accept you or not, if I don't acknowledge your talent, it doesn't matter how many contracts you sign with President Ahn, we wont accept you into our team." Don't scare him too much Tae Kyung, although I do want to hear him as well, maybe encouragement would work better?
"President Ahn spoke really highly of you…I'm curious to see your ability" Shin Woo said with a smile.
"You have an amazing voice?" Jeremy asked," sing the song, lets hear it" Good job Jeremy, Shin Woo thought with another smile.
Still Go Mi Nam did nothing he just stood, looking uncomfortable. Tae Kyung lost patience, exhaling before saying in an annoyed voice, "If you don't like that song, sing something else."
When Mi Nam still didn't start singing, Tae Kyung crossed his arms in satisfaction.
"You can't do it? Forget it, you wont do" Tae Kyung lifted Mi Nams contract, ready to tear it in half.
"Panis Angelicus,
fit panis hominum,…"
They all stared at him in shock
Is he really a boy? His voice is amazing. Shin Woo thought as he let Mi Nams voice wash over him. His voice really is like an angels…
As Go Mi Nam finished the Hymn, they continued to stare at him, and he looked awkward again, as the President and Mi Nams Manager finally got a key to get inside.
Shin Woo watched Tae Kyungs face, and saw it change from shock to, amazingly, embarrassment, and he quickly left the room, handing President the contract. Shin Woo gripped Mi Nams shoulder and gave a quick smile, as he left also, smiling softly as he left, hearing Jeremys voice telling Mi Nam that he got Goosebumps from his voice, and welcoming him into ANJELL. Shin Woo almost felt excited.
One Week Later…
They were all a little tired from their trip to Japan, but had no time to sleep, as the press conference introducing Go Mi Nam to the public was later that evening, and they were expected to attend it, or face the wrath of President Ahn. Which Shin Woo and Jeremy weren't willing to see, though Tae Kyung was more than ready to live with it.
For the whole week, Tae Kyung had appeared to be in a worse mood than normal and spoke to everyone in a sharper tone than before. He was sulking, Shin Woo observed, and it was clear to him that the leader wasn't going to accept Go Mi Nam quickly. He found himself almost pitying Mi Nam for what he was going to have to live with.
While their makeup was applied, Jeremy and Shin Woo rested their eyes, as it was going to be a long evening and they wouldn't get to sleep until the early hours of the morning.
"Five minutes." An assistant called into the dressing room.
After checking his appearance in the mirror, Shin Woo woke Jeremy, who had fallen asleep, and gently told him they were going out soon. Tae Kyung stood up with a grimace before striding out of the room.
As Shin Woo and Jeremy fell into step behind him, Shin Woo considered ways to direct questions from Tae Kyung, as he was clearly in no mood to answer questions about Mi Nam. They approached the stairs that they were going to enter through, and Shin Woo checked his image, fixing a soft smile on his face and preparing for the onslaught of reporters and cameramen.
"Introducing Asia's top group, ANJELL!" They started the walk to their seats, Jeremy blowing kisses to the reporters and waving to the cameramen, Shin Woo smiling gently, Tae Kyung ignoring the crowds with a sour expression. President Ahn stood up, ready to introduce Mi Nam.
"Now for the newest member of our proud ANJELL group, GO MI NAM!" President Ahn gestured towards closed doors to the side of the podium. The lights darkened and a spotlight shone on the doors…, which didn't open…
What's this? Where's Mi Nam? Ah, maybe he's a bit nervous, and is settling his mind. Shin Woo reasoned, as the doors remained closed. People started to shift from their positions, murmuring amongst themselves.
Shin Woo exchanged a glance with Jeremy, silently asking him if he knew what was going on, Jeremy shrugged in answer.
At that moment, the doors opened and Mi Nam slowly stepped out, blinking as the wall of flashing light waiting for him hit him. Dressed completely in white, like the rest of them, he looked the part of a member of ANJELL.
Wow… he actually cleans up quite well, though his expression isn't good. I'm going to have to have a word with him about image, Shin Woo thought, already going into the mindset of a good hyung.
"Now that he's dressed like that, he looks quite good." Jeremy pointed out. Shin Woo smiled.
"He looks manly."
Tae Kyung ignored their conversation, his lips pursed in annoyance.
The photographers continued taking photos for a few minutes, until President Ahn ushered Mi Nam to the table to sit beside him. Laughing, the president picked up the microphone and started enthusiastically answering questions, "Yes yes, the newest member of A., Go Mi Nam! He's been in training for three years, and beat 300 others to become a new star! He'll be on vocals with Tae Kyung."
As the press conference wore on, Shin Woo started thinking idly of what he would do when they eventually reached home, maybe some tea?
President Ahn occasionally passed questions to him and Jeremy, so he couldn't drift off, but had to listen to the president's words, occasionally smiling to a camera.
Why can't I be like Tae Kyung today? One look, and everyone knows to avoid asking him questions.
Finally, the press conference was over, and they were on their way to the dorm. It was eerily silent in the van, as Jeremy wasn't talking non-stop as usual after an interview of performance. When they arrived, they immediately separated, Jeremy going to play with his dog, Jolie, Shin Woo to make a cup of tea, Go Mi Nam exploring his new home while Tae Kyung stayed in the van for a while, before retiring to his room.
A few minutes later, Shin Woo Heard a high-pitched yell. Turning in his seat, he observed a soaking wet Mi Nam fleeing from the direction of Tae Kyungs room, a frightened expression on his face. Is he always looking scared? Shin Woo sipped his tea thoughtfully.
Taking a rest from dancing, Shin Woo was on the second floor of the club, when some one suddenly handed him their over shirt. Mi Nam? Oh, he's really drunk, what's he thinking, there are reporters here.
He folded the shirt over his arm as Mi Nam turned around, jumping in shock from seeing him. Are we really that scary?
"There are still a lot of reporters around." He gently admonished. "There are a lot of eyes on you, so be careful." Shin Woo looked Mi Nam up and down as he continued. "It looks like you're drunk, and you also look a little stuffy, so unbutton your shirt." Shin Woo moved to do it for him, but Mi Nam hit his hands away, looking flustered.
"Don't touch me." What?
As Shin Woo looked at him in shock, he quickly added, "I'm not stuffy at all." Snatching his shirt from Shin Woos arm, he hurriedly pushed his arms through the sleeves. Is something wrong? He might pass out if he's too hot.
"You're even sweating," Shin woo looked at him with concern. "why don't you take it off?"
clearly flustered now, Mi Nam quickly said, "I shouldn't take t off, I can't take it off." Can't? what does that mean? "There are people watching, so I shouldn't take it off." Are you a girl? Why does it matter if people see you take your over shirt off? Hmm… I should at least help you get sober before the reporters see it.
"Then do you want to go up to the balcony to get some fresh air?" I've got to get him away from people
Go Mi Nam perked up at this suggestion, asking where the balcony was. Pointing the door out for him, Shin Woo thought of things that would sober Mi Nam quickly. Coffee? Yes, coffee would work fine.
"Wait a second I'll bring you some coffee to sober you up a bit." Walking off to get Mi Nams coffee, he contemplated the new band member, thinking that he would have some entertainment for a few weeks until he settled into idol life.
As he walked back to where he left Mi Nam, he found him gone, and Jeremy was rushing past in the direction of the balcony. Go Mi Nam was gone. Where's he gone to now?
"Have you seen Mi Nam?" Shin woo asked Jeremy.
"I saw him heading to the balcony, I think he's going to pee there…" Jeremy trailed off with a disturbed expression. He's going to pee on the balcony? Shin Woo shook his head slightly, We need to get to him before a reporter notices his absence…
"you're going to the balcony? I'll go with you." Putting the coffee on a nearby table, Shin Woo walked quickly with Jeremy to the balcony, finding Mi Nam sitting on the ground with, surprisingly, Tae Kyung.
"You guys are together?" Turning to Mi Nam, Shin Woo asked with slight concern, "Are you feeling better now?" I was worried over nothing, no one would look for Mi Nam here if they knew Tae Kyung was here…
Go Mi Nam stood up energetically in answer to Shin Woos question, answering, "Yes, I feel refreshed now."
"Did you really pee here?" Jeremy pointed at Mi Nam weakly. When Mi Nam smiled and nodded slightly, he quickly changed the subject. Ah, he really is entertaining, Shin woo thought with a smile.
"Hey look, all of our members are together." Jeremy looked at his hyung as he said this, asking for help.
Shin Woo Smiled as he read Jeremy's face.
"Since we're together, we should welcome him ourselv-"
"What should we do when the protagonist is in this condition?" Tae Kyung interrupted with an irritated voice. They watched as Mi Nam further made his point, stumbling to a seat on the edge of the balcony, murmuring something about stars, hands out to the sky.
"That dude is really unique" Jeremy said as Mi Nam climbed onto the chair.
"I think it'll get entertaining." Shin Woo smiled, He'll be fun to have around for a while.
"we'll have to see, whether it's entertaining or disastrous." Tae Kyung said with an unimpressed expression on his face.
Go Mi Nam pointed at the sky, slurring, "Wwwwoooowww, the sky looks so close, I feel like I can touch it!" Mi Nam suddenly slipped and started to fall of the chair. Oh no, he can't get injured…
"Oh!" they all ran forward to catch him, and he fell on Tae Kyung, hitting mouths together. Jeremy and Shin Woo looked on in shock as Mi Nam proceeded to vomit down the side of Tae Kyungs face, before passing out.
"HYUNG!" Jeremy rushed forward, pushing Mi Nam off the leader, to find him also unconscious. That was probably the worst thing you could do to a clean freak like Tae Kyung, Mi Nam, today you've made a terrible enemy, Sin Woo ignored this thought, quickly taking command of the situation. After ordering Jeremy to carry Tae Kyung back to the van, Shin Woo moved to pick up Mi Nam. He's so light, a lot lighter than I expected. Looking at the unconscious Mi Nam, Shin Woo felt the need to say his thoughts, "Way to completely exacerbate the situation. Hey Go Mi Nam!" Giving Mi Nam a shake to try and wake him up, causing Mi Nams head to loll over his shoulder.
Examining his face, Shin Woo realized something, He looks so much like a girl, delicate, and he's way lighter than a man should be. Memories of his encounters with Mi Nam rushed into his head, from their first meeting in the music studio, where he was timid and shied away from everyone, but had the voice of an angel, to ten minutes ago, when he slapped Shin Woos hands away from his shirt, refused to unbutton his shirt, and even put his over shirt back on when he looked extremely hot and uncomfortable in the higher temperature of the club, "I can't take it off! People are looking!"
Mi Nam fell forward, swinging into Shin Woo, who grabbed his shoulder to stop his from banging into him hard.
He has such a delicate shoulder, and I can feel something soft pressing my chest.
Reaching his hand down, Shin Woo felt Mi Nams arm and wrist.
So delicate, so thin… no man has arms like this…the wrist is too slender...
Shin Woo came to his shattering conclusion, Go Mi Nam… IS A GIRL?