─ mbc waiting area

@☼ kim hanbin Nervous? Me? N-noooo! Never!
*Pixie's voice is high-pitched and entirely unconvincing, over saturated in sarcasm as she anxiously tucks blonde hair behind her ears. Her stylists could scold her later*
*What Hanbin didn't know was that it wasn't the performance she was as nervous for...*
*round eyes turns up to smile at him, cheeks blossomed into a red blush under the reassuring gaze*
*she's overwhelmed with Hanbin's presence all over again. It's as if every time she sees him he grows handsomer and that helps her blush naught. For a moment she kind of stands there, debating what would be the appropriate thing to say. And then before she knows it the silence has drawn on to a point where it's awkwardly long and all she can do is giggle and swing her gaze around the room*
U-um - so~! How have you um... Beeeeennnn? *she tries, face twisting at how bad that sounded even to her* I'm sorry - I don't know why - I'm not usually like nervous - well like /thissss/ nervous like - *her hands wave in the air and a ring flies off into the ether, echoing with a light metallic ding wherever it lands* Oh - Oh shoot - Wait - I think it's - *she shuffles past Hanbin in a weird little side shuffle where she tries not to touch him but the space is narrow and she can't avoid it, until she's at his back and able to scan where she thought she saw the ring land* I think it fell somewhere here...

@❅ jung eunbi ᵖᶦˣᶦᵉ /he heard Eunbi's voice call his name from the other side almost instantly, and the girl wasted no time, getting to the door, within seconds and some shuffling, he was finally standing in front of the already fully dressed up and prepared brand new soloist/
Hey
/Hanbin offers immediately with a gentle smile, hand patting the top of her head carefully as not to mess the previously styled hair/
It's your first stage, of course, I had to be here!
/he responds with a light chuckle, following the girl as prompted and allowing his eyes to swiftly scan their company, offering a short greeting back though the staff are as quick on their way out as he was being let in. thankfully, it allows them some comfort and privacy and his attention is promptly redirected to the girl as she seems to spiral a little in nervousness/
I'm fine /he lets out simply, arm instinctively reaching out and free hand grabbing at her elbow as the girl trips over a discarded bag, which he then tips away with his foot/
Nervous?
/hanbin asks playfully, lips twisted into an amused smile at the very characteristic clumsiness that he'd always found quite endearing, and that was often intensified when in nerve-wracking situations/

@☼ kim hanbin *She was nervous as all hell. There was nothing that could prepare her for the nerves of having to go on stage solo. Granted, she had some backup dancers to support and help, but it wasn't the same as performing in a group. With aurora, they shared the spotlight, and the stage. It was easier somehow.*
*Pixie is jumping from foot to foot while she awaits for her turn to go on, repeating steps and lyrics in her head. Ahhh what if she had a wardrobe malfunction. What if -*
*a knock at the door deconcentrates her, and she swivels* Hanbin oppa...? *she mutters to herself, him being the last person she expected to see*
*she nearly trips over her table and the stylist on her way to the door, swinging it inwards with a beaming smile up at the man. The last time they'd seen each other was at the auditions where things had gotten... Tense. Thinking of it made her blush up to her ears and put fire in her belly*
Oppa! What are you doing here? Come in!
*and she steps back to make way for the other. The lingering staff in the room takes their cue to squirrel out, their heads dipped in bows as they pass the man*
Do you want some water or anything? I think there are extra bottles in the fridge... Um - *this time she does trip while turning to find the mini fridge*

@❅ jung eunbi ᵖᶦˣᶦᵉ /knowing Eunbi would be recording for her solo debut today at MBC, Hanbin had made sure through whatever means necessary, that he was allowed to attend and surprise her in the waiting room to wish her good luck before her turn. thankfully, Janus was on break right now and he has a good amount of free time to work with and hence, with due permission - though he would've found a way even without it - he was lead towards the white door, a small smile tearing at his lips as his eyes landed on the white paper on the wall that read 'Pixie'. It had always been 'Aurora' in there, but right now the girl was here on her own, and he was so sure she would tear that stage apart/

/running his fingers through his hair a little, he then brought them down to give the door a couple of light knocks before speaking out loudly, to make sure the girl could hear him from the other side/ Pix... Can I? /he asked, patiently waiting for approval, eyes lowering to the congratulatory bouquet he'd gotten for her/

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@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ Laughing, he shifts to accomodate the hug as much as possible on your end without being totally in the way and earning himself another strike on the staff's list. Once they part, he offers a warm smile and a fist raised in the 'fighting' gesture before giving his due bows around the room and heading out with a wave.

@✵ kang dongho⁻ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿᵉᵉ //assistant comes back with the pair of heels and i quickly slip them on, the staff kneeling down to tape them soundly to my foot, so i sit still as much as possible, only extending my hands to give back a hug, slightly twisted and weird, but with a warm patting on your wide back/
Yeah, yeah, i'll torment you there one last time then, just you wait.
//taps at your shoulders to show my gratitude and also promise to see you then, as my shoes are taped and ready, and lifts two thumbs up/
It's show time!

@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ With a light scrunching of his face, Dongho doesn't bothering hiding how cringey the cute act is him; brushing it off with a shake of his head and a contrastingly genuine "you're welcome." As with any backstage, things behind to change in a rush and he remains firm in his spot so as to not get into the way and insight an overworked staff member's wrath. Chuckling, he nods and rises to his feet and grab his gift since he'll be leaving to catch his own schedules. "I'll send it as soon as it's done. And I'm gonna be at the opening, silly. But I'll miss you too," he replies before going for the little head pat and, once again, thinking better as the stylist gives him a dirty look. Grinning apologetically, he goes for a half hug and an extra little squeeze instead. "Break a leg, hm? I'll see you at the concert."

@✵ kang dongho⁻ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿᵉᵉ //sings along with the adlibs, immediately grinning as our voices blend together melodically/
Yes, yes, exactly that--, Oh, thank you, oppa~
//accepts the water with a cute rendering of the gratitude, that really doesn't suit me, and washes the remains of spray out with a few gulps, as the hairstylists deems me ready enough, and a stagehand calls the 5-minute mark until stage time/
Oof, shoot, I have to go, shoes, shoes, shoes.... Shoes where?
//looks up at an assistant who hurries away to fetch them, as i come over to your side by the chair, a slight pout of sadness threatening to overtake/
Show me yours and I'll show you mine? Meaning - send me your recording and I'll send you mine and we will upload them at the same time.
I don't know if I will see you again before we fly off... I'll miss you, old man Kang.

@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ He does a poor job of holding in a laugh as she gets a mouthfull of hairspray, humming to indicate he's still listening even as he does a quick walkaround to find where they've stashed the waters. He thinks back to the album he'd admittedly only listened to once, but that song had definitely stood out. "Oh the.." trails off, doing a brief sing-song of the first 'I was a foo~l' while cracking the bottle's seal and handing it over - it's sung a little bit quicker to get the point across, but still about as melodic and pretty as the original. "That one, yeah?" He nods, answering his own question, finding a seat in one of the empty stylist chairs. "You pitch a good game, Ms. Kim - not that I'd really be able to say no to you," he chuckles before affirming once more with a solid nod. "I'd love to! Whenever you have the time, busy bee"

@✵ kang dongho⁻ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿᵉᵉ //closes my eyes as the lady works, trying not to get hairspray in my eyes with determination/
Well--
//semi-fails the task, the sticky spray ending up in my mouth after all just as i opened it to speak, filling my taste receptors with bitter mist and i pull a face id disgust, then immediately - a pout/
Nyaaaaaa bleh. Ugh, i need water, anything...
Sigh. anyway. well, you know our last release - the two albums, ours have been more on the confrontational confident side, while the boys songs were those heartbreaking ballads.
//pops an eye open with a grin/
and you know very well i am a er for heartbreak. so there was that one song that i really zoomed in on that Jungkook wrote. It's called "Fool" and its beautiful. Usually it's for 4 performers, but i've been doing it alone and its easy to rearrange, i think. I was thinking, we should do like a cover challenge, to post on the youtube page.
To show your face you know? And you talent, of course.
Both of us covering the song, separately, and posting the videos. We can even hold a bet if you want to.

[https://youtu.be/wacTlhp-jx8
https://youtu.be/40Xyya_n1Vg
videos in question hehe]

@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ "Ha, well I look forward to seeing it," he replies with a quip, rather than explaining that he didn't necessarily mean she wasn't number one. He's curious to see what aiming higher entails, sue him. Hes steals another affectionate glance at the collectible as she speaks, bowing politely to the stylist while stepping out of their immediate way. "Ohh that'd be a sight to see, I'm definitely tuning in," he responds with a chuckle, setting the sword in a safe space until it's time to leave. "Ah, right! An idea, love those." He grins expectantly, "Lay it on me."

@✵ kang dongho⁻ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿᵉᵉ Top 3, okayyyy, I'm still in the competition! Gotta aim higher for next year.
//rubs my hands like im in a race, laughing as i reciprocate the gesture, patting your shoulder affectionately/
You know what, keep it safe until you have your own place, or get placed in a bigger dorm.
//leans backwards until i hit a tabletop and kinda perch on it as a stylist comes over to start on my hair/
Ooof, I know... it seems so big, that I can't really process it, you know? It's gonna hit me like a pile of bricks as we're midway into a song and i'll freeze on the spot. Make sure to tune in for that jolt of pride.
//flaps my slippers, making them slap the soles of my feet/
But! I said i also have another thing - an idea! Are you ready?

@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ "Eo, of course," he confirms, head bobbing a few nods while a grin stretches across his features. "Top 3 gifts, easily. I dunno where I'm gonna put it in the dorms but I love it," he adds, unable to resist going in for another hug. This one's much a briefer, one armed squeeze to drive the appreciation home. Then he reaches up to pat Solar's head, second guessing it before making any actual contact and just opting for an affection pat of the air just above. He sighs lightly, the sentiment all the same, "I'm gonna miss you too. But look at you: the big, busy idol. With tour comitments - that's crazy!" He jokingly dabs at the corner of his eyes with he back of his hand. "I'm like a proud dad."

@✵ kang dongho⁻ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿᵉᵉ //biting my lip in anticipation, worry and slight constipation from nerves, i stare at you fumbling the box around until its open and i do a quiet "ta-dah"/
//exhales the breath i didn't know i was holding, relieved that you like the traditional weapon, even if its only decorative/
Really?? You like it?? It's called a... hm... a... wakijashi. I think. But it's a traditional sword, used in kendo, in Japan. And it's the shorter one, to fit korean style more.
//rambles on and on, catching myself in the midst and physically shutting my mouth/
You like it. Yes. I'm so so happy. Happy birthday, old man, im gonna miss you so much while we're away.

@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ For a moment, Dongho forgets about his own prospective gift, happy too see how well the flowers were recieved before being promptly whisked away. He hangs onto every okay that follows, anticipation building before he dad chuckles, reciprocating the hug with a one-armed squeeze.
Brows raising in curiousity, he looks the gift over for a moment before chuckling, "Okay okay, here goes..." With focused silence, he tears at the tan paper and does a sort of double take between the characteristic hilt and the woman standing before him to gaugue if she's serious with such a major gift. His awed expression moves gradually to a wide smile as he fully unwraps the sword and turns it over in his hands. "This is..awesome," the word comes out with a laugh, still in a degree of disbelief as he slides just enough of the scabbard off to see the beginnings of the etchings on the blade. "I love it. Thank you," he says genuinely upon finally tearing his eyes away.

@✵ kang dongho⁻ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿᵉᵉ Ooooh!!!! Oh, they're so pretty, oppa! Thank you~~
//having completely missed the flowers initally, only focused on you, i zoom on the bouquet now and squeak even more, taking them carefully and hugging them close, before a staff member has had the chance to steal them away and put them in a vase/
Okay, okay, okay, so first thing's first - happy (belated) birthday, Old Man Kang!!!
//throws my arms around your neck again, then pulls back, to bring something up/
I know it's late, but.. you know - life. But I got you something and i hope hope hope you like it, and to be honest - i hope you don't have one already... But this one is special!
//brings out an elongated package, wrapped in tan gift paper - https://i.pinimg.com/564x/92/ca/d0/92cad0a2613dd603d5caeb71dfb492d9.jpg/
You gotta open it right now, i have to know if its good or bad.

@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ Despite being surprised by the magnitude of the energetic greeting, Dongho immediately relaxes into his role in the hug, wrapping his arms securely around Yongsun's waist in a warm reciprocation while minding the flowers. At the same time, he laughs, "'Course I did, i promised you." He lets go just in time to be ushered in the room, an awed sound rising from him as he takes in a pro dressing room for the first time before landing on his friend at the center of it all. "Oookay? Do I get a choice in what's first? I'd like the real thing," he quips with a grin, lightly waving the bouquet so she'll take them. "And /these/ are for you."

@✵ kang dongho⁻ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿᵉᵉ //a wooden pick from the strawberries still poking from the edge of my mouth and phone in my hand, as i was still typing out my reply, i open the door to the dressing room and it takes a second for me to register the face behind the bouquet, before a squeal is heard and i jump into a hug/
Oppaaaaaaaaa!!!!
You cameeeeeee~~~~~
//squeaking happily, i grin at the friendly face i was hoping to see today, extra energetic today because we meet before an actual live stage i have instead of being benched to heal my inflammation/
Come on, come on, quickly, before someone takes a photo of you at our dressing room.
//motions you into the room, some staff fixing outfits and make up last minute, i myself already clad in the "I'll be yours" patterned leotard and make up on, but still shuffling around in slippers, without a single accessory, and hair held up with pins/
I'm actually glad you came, because there is something... well, two things, but one is just an idea and thus intangible, and the other is the actual thing i wanted to give you.

@☾ kim yongsun ˢᵒˡᵃʳ ( to - Yong :sun: )

- so they got there safely! good!!
- ignore the ugly doodles on the name sticky, they were cute in the moment :smiling face with tear:
- but i'm queued up to get through security as we speak! i'll sys

---

Almost as soon as the message sends, Dongho finds himself up next. He's briefly questioned for his identity and intent, even asked to show his company ID - as if that solid enough measures in the event he really was a threat - and he's let through. He stops a random staff member to be pointed in the direction of the correct dressing room and bashfully laughs through an abrupt compliment before thanking her and being on his way. After confirming the name on the door, he switches the bouquet of flowers he bought to his non-dominant hand and lightly knocks. "Delivery for Kim Yongsun!"