⫯ café

@✧ klaus von nacht ᵈᵒˣ Bright sighed putting his glasses on then he took the scripts with him, when he saw the younger would join him and link their arms together. He found it cute, he walked with him, his manager asked the staff and everyone to stay behind since Bright wanted to make a decision, by himself with Klaus. When they walked out of the company meeting, there were fans, and he waved at some of them, and keep walking. He was silent the whole the time they walked he had a lot on his mind, then they walked to a café, and bright open the door for the younger being a gentleman as always. Then he walked inside looking at the menu "Please order whatever you want its on me" he smile softly.

He though for a bit "I'm sorry, about my actions, I have read the novel for this script...and....well its a bit.,.. intense" he spoke softly as he smile. He order his ice americano, with a chocolate chip cookie. Then he waited for the younger to order "If you want after you order, you can get us a seat and I can take our drinks and snacks to the table" he spoke softly. Then he gave the cashier the card, as he looked at the younger a bit, he saw him features a bit more and he did look like the character they offered him, so he went into more deep though while he waited on their order.

@✧ lee daehyun「ᴅᴜsᴋ」ᵗʳᵃⁱⁿᵉᵉ ✦ ⫶ 14 ꜱᴇᴘᴛᴇᴍʙᴇʀ, 2023⠀⠀¹⁰:³² ᵃᵐ

though usually she would bug her dear older brother to pick her up from the airport this time it had been different. nari had informed daehyun the week prior that she would be flying home to korea but had purposely been vague about the exact day and time because she wanted to surprise him! three days before her flight, on a last minute shopping trip in the hunt for souvenirs and trinkets, she had come upon a gorgeous louis vuitton leather jacket, the perfect jacket for all seasons where you could wear it all throughout the day and dress it up or down, a basic clothing piece with hundreds of styling possibilities!

she had been a bit sneaky too, turning off her phone location as soon as she arrived at the airport in paris as to not spoil her surprise! she had an idea of her brother's trainee schedule for the day and she had managed to take a peek at his location finally finding him at one of their go to cafes. stepping out of the cab and into the cozy little space it didn't take long for her to spot her big brother and with steps light as feather she sauntered behind him and gently tapped his shoulder. "surprise surprise oppa!"

() hey I dated the thread a day back so that it would sort of make sense canonically since nari might be helping out in the event as well so she could at least have some time to rest from her flight and catch up with dusk before she gets to work :")

@✧ bright vachirawit ᵃᶜᵗᵒʳ "thank you, schatzi! this sort of genre is new to me so i'll learn from you well. cross my heart and hope to die~!" the younger replied with a sweet little wink as his index finger traced the shape of an X across his chest right where his heart was buried deep beneath the skin. once the director entered however his smile dropped into a much more serious stoicism, hardly wanting to give the impression that he was goofing around /before/ being able to secure his spot somewhere on this drama's cast. yet the expression of a 'professional' he was putting on twisted into a look of utter confusion, thick brows furrowed as he began sifting through the different scripts he was handed.

frankly, he torn with conflicted feelings. on one hand he knew he ought to count his lucky stars that fate quite literally dropped the chance to take a lead role right upon his lap without even having to ask for it. on the other hand this came at him completely out of left field and apparently took both men by total surprise, hardly giving either of them the chance to prepare ahead of time before being into potentially taking on the time consuming schedules and serious work to be leads. before klaus could even gather his thoughts properly, bright was already demanding a recess and inviting the german along. "oh, yes.. good thinking. maybe we can mull over this together while we're at it." he heaved a deep sigh and stood up tall to join bright, holding out an arm for the man to link together as if they were already close friends.

@✧ klaus von nacht ᵈᵒˣ Bright was distracted until he heard the younger introduce himself, he nodded a bit since he was curious about him. Then when he sat down and spoke to him the elder smile at him "...Don't worry we can practice together and I can give you some pointers" he offered with a soft smile. Then the director walked in, and the meeting started, they gave everyone their script, but when Bright got his, he got a bit confused. They gave him two scripts, and they gave the same amount to Klaus. When he read the title he rubbed his face cause he had feeling he knew what role they were offering him. When he open the first few pages they offered him the main role and then on the second script they offered him the role for secondary couple. Both mafia men, and strong characters, and then he sighed a bit "Unforgotten Night..." he mumble to himself.

When he looked at Klaus script his face redden a bit as he turned away, he knew about this novel since he had read a lot of books in Thailand. He knew what would happen, and he didn't know if Klaus would be ready to play those types of roles, he coughed a bit as he spoke "So your offering us the main roles and th secondary roles, which tells me you picked us first........and haven't even search for more actors yet?" he asked raising an eyebrow as the director nodded, he explain that the main role was the most important one and when he found out Bright was staying in Korea, he had to cast him, but he needed someone that would match his acting energy, and they recommend Klaus. The elder sighed a bit "I need to think about it, I need also coffee, so if you all wouldn't mind putting the meeting on hold for a bit, this is a bit much right now for me to give an answer" he spoke honestly as he stood up "......I'll get you coffee, I heard you saying earlier you wanted one..." he smile softly at Klaus, he wasn't annoyed at anyone except the director and his staff for putting him on awkward situation.

@✧ bright vachirawit ᵃᶜᵗᵒʳ calling klaus' acting 'big' would be an overstatement if anyone dared to say so. while he garnered some experience in theatre and snagged a few roles in western films, he was hardly known in korea as anything more than that one guy in a rock band. precisely the reason why he was there now, anxiously fidgeting with the sleeves of his coat or rubbing the side of his neck, hoping whatever decision the casting directors made would be positive for his résumé. "ah, i am klaus von nacht of germany. this will be a new experience for me as well so i'm appreciative to have so many professionals. do not hesitate to put me in my place if needed." the man greeted with a gentle chuckle as his deep velvety baritone poured out like honey, his natural accent thick and sharp despite years of practicing the korean language.

brown eyes sparkled like little shadowy stars once bright revealed he already knew of the man's most prized stage role, plush rosy lips curling into a gleeful smile and giggling with excitement. "is that so? i hope this time i won't disappoint! i'm actually quite familiar with you. i've ed off band practice just to watch 2gether or F4." klaus confessed, hoping to assuage whatever tension may have been bogging down bright's nerves that were a little too off for the younger not to notice. "this sort of work is your expertise, no? the production will be better off with you on the cast even if you're not the lead. so let's look forward to a bit of fun, schatzi!"

@✧ klaus von nacht ᵈᵒˣ Bright sat down when he saw Klause, he had seen him on one of his favorite screen plays 'The Phantom of the Opera' he felt kind of embarrassed now that he was sitting next to someone he had crush on for weeks. He bowed politely before he could say anything to the younger they were told to introduce themselves, so Bright was the first one and he stood up smiling at everyone "Hello everyone my name is Bright Vachirawit, I come from Thailand, some of you might have seen my acting work, if not my ambassador pictures on Dior, and Louis Vutton stores. I am excited to be here and work with all of, I have seen some of your work and I am jealous, cause some of you have amazing voices and acting experience. Please take good care of me" he bowed politly.

When he sat down he chuckle a bit at the younger "I want coffee too, so I understand. Thank you I am fan of yours, saw you in Phantom Of The Opera December last year, it was the best one I have seen yet" he smile brightly at the younger, then he listen to everyone introduce themselves. He was now a bit nervous, everyone around was known for big roles in Korea, so he panic not knowing why they would ask him to come to this meeting, was he getting a side role? a appearance role? he got more curious as he just space out while people were introducing themselves.

@✧ bright vachirawit ᵃᶜᵗᵒʳ it was safe to say klaus was being outside his comfort zone. sure, he had the last three or so years of experience under his belt that he felt confident enough with acting and character work. yet the stage was such a different realm than acting in front of cameras with big name professionals such as none other than bright vachirawit himself. even if he hadn't seen many thai dramas, he surely could recognize that name and even more the stunning perfect face that walked into the room. naturally klaus returned the gesture with a deep bow of his head in respect, flashing a curly sunshine smile with a friendly wave.

"good morning, sunbae!" he greeted soft and wispy like petals floating in the wind, yet unable to ever drown out the rich dark baritone of his deep thickly accented voice. "scheiße, i could go for a coffee right now.." the confession slipped out easily and casually as ever, often times forgetting formality. even if the young german sat across the way looked rather prim and proper in his black slacks and trenchcoat, there was no forgetting who he was; always a rockstar, loud and unruly unless he managed to discipline himself long enough to snag this damn role. as much as the stage called to him, it was a longtime dream to make a splash on the screen even in the littlest ways. "lovely to meet you though. i'm a fan of your work!"

@✧ klaus von nacht ᵈᵒˣ The morning sun light blasted through the window in Bright room, The elder open one eye looking at the beautiful sunrise that made him smile, he wasn't a morning person yet he never mind being woke up early in the morning. He sat up to stretch a bit, as he turn to look at the time, he had woken up later than expected, when he check his phone his manager had blasted messages and phone calls. He called her back to hear her scream, she was already on her way to his rented apartment. Bright hung up then he stood up from bed making his way to the bathroom, he wash his face, took a shower then he put on work clothes for him to go to a meeting. Before he knew it his manager bust the door open to his room, she was scolding him for waking up late. He understood why she was upset.

Bright is famous in Thailand and some other parts of the world, but he has not gotten a good role in a long time. The fans were worried, they would make him become a full time model, which he was against since he wanted to be an actor. When he finished getting ready he walked out with his manager, he lock the door behind him and walked to his manager car, he put on his glasses and seat belt. It took them a while to arrive, he was a bit sleepy since he didn't get coffee, so when e arrived to the building, he bow to everyone being polite, and then he walked into the meeting room and he sat down on his assigned seat. He gently took off his glasses and smile at everyone, as he waited for the meeting to start.

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ jiho can only nodded at hyunsoo's concern about his well being and somehow he feels so thankful for his kind words to assured him right now. "again, I appreciate your concern, soo. thanks and for that girl — I just hope she will moved on. she deserved better. " muttered him between his breath. "ah you think so, hmmmm maybe we are. I guess we're doing all the works there to shape them until now. " said him with a small laughter.

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "I will always worry about the ones I care about you know this even if they are all fine " he said with smiled at the other. He smiles softly and hums even more at the other "And we will be here for you Ji" he said to the other. He nodded when the other said he was going to talk to the others "It would be great to do that you know and I know they will understand where you are coming from as well." he said to the other. "I feel the same you know when it comes to you and the others as well..." he said and shakes head. "They were it was so cute back then, hey I dont mind how they turned out I think you and I did a great job " he jokes quietly

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ jiho can only chuckles bitterly at hyunsoo's remarks. "thanks but you really don't have to worry about me. I'll decide when I'll open up with my feelings. as for now, I'm not quite interested. my members are all I need. heh. " said him with a genuine laughs. "hm. I guess I should. I need to confront them about this matter though. it pains me to see you guys struggling inside. " jiho turned to look at hyunsoo and chuckles. "yeah yeah, of course I still remember. such babies they are, and now growing up like beasts."

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "I am not implying anything you know I truly do want you happy" he said to him and looks at him but none the less listens, he knew how hard losing Sarang was for him. "Even still though....Jiho......" he said to him and sighs a bit nodding at him. "Just know I am here in your corner you know..." he said to him not wanting to push it right now. "Heh..you're not a bad leader Ji you know this, I know this...I know that they mean well and they are just being stubborn after all...maybe tell them how you feel about it you know?" he said to him and though for a moment. "Hey remember when we first were set in the pre-debut line up and saw how young they all were?"

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "hyunsoo, I do understand what you trying to imply, but I still couldn't do it. I still can't moved on from sarang. my regrets are too much for me to accept new love. I really feel like I didn't deserve her. in fact, I don't think I deserve anyone. just — let me be. it's better if I become mean right now. that girl will moved on eventually." said him with a long sigh. jiho hummed in response at what hyunsoo just said and sighing again. "I know, I know they didn't want to tell bc of the burden but still — it makes me feel bad as leader for not knowing things you know. a little consideration to talk to me about anything, especially health issues would be nice. at least i can assured myself that I'm taking care of everyone. "

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "They will but that how humans are but it will die down" he said before blinking a bit and smiles "I do know? well he is right though you deserve happiness Ji.." he said to him. "Ji...." he said softly once more not knowing what to say to that "I think you deserve happiness more than anyone in the world. you seen me at the best and worst.." he said to him before blinking a bit. "Oh? " he said trying to think back to who's name he heard it was that lunch box was rejected by the other. "ppft yea at the time the others were so much younger and we were barley adults ourselves and somehow we did it thought together but mostly you since you still did your best to look out for me" he said. He nods in understanding a bit before thinking " You are a amazing leader don't ever doubt that...I think they don't tell anyone is because they don't want to feel like a burden you know? They think they need to push themselves. Even though we been a group for seven years now I think it has not change that they don't want to disappoint anyone..." he said to him.

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "ah, is that so? well, people will keep talking, though. pft. yeah, you really sound like my brother already. why does he always say the same thing too?" he said, shaking his head. "I don't think I do, after what I've done to my first love. plus, that girl deserved better than me. also, I think you know her. she was one of the mystique members. I don't really remember her name," jiho said as he leaned his back against the chair and hummed, though he actually knows her name and recognise her from his past. "that's what makes me grateful to have you along with me on the line, you know. sometimes I worry about these kids. they get sick and don't even want to tell me, so when we're practicing, they get so pale, which worries me even more. I just feel like... am I not worth being a leader? is it that hard for them to tell me if they get sick?" jiho added, his tone carrying a hint of frustration.

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "Like I always say no worries I am happy to be your shoulder you can rely on" he said to him. He them blinked a bit and nodded a bit "ah I see then my mistake....oh word spreads Jiho I over heard two trainees talking about it...." he said to him. "Ji....." he said softly looking at the other with a worried look etched on his face once more. "You deserve happiness you know.." he said to him as he took a sip of his water. He however then laughed a bit "mmh you're right they are having fun and not going to much off the rails so I am glad to let them be, and no worries it was my pleasure for helping him out. Again take some time for yourself. Even our fearless leader needs a break and time for himself, like you told me all thoses years ago health comes first" he said and chuckles "and know I can round up the kids if you need a break"

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "thank you, soo. I appreciate it a lot," said jiho as he continued to eat his noodles. he stopped and looked up at his fellow member when the incidents from yesterday were mentioned. He furrowed his eyebrows and cleared his throat. "they are not the same person, by the way. but how do you know that I rejected the lunchbox? and personally, I don't think I'm being mean. I just want her to realize that I'm not a good match for her."jiho continued to finish his noodles. "it can never be," he said as he sipped his drink and chuckled. "well, as long as they are happy with that, I'll just let them be. ah, I want to say thanks for giving guidance to our new member. I'm sorry because it's been a bit hectic for me."

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "Hmmm I understand...but remember if you need a support I'm here okay" he said before thinking back to what he had been hearing around the trainees as of late "wait is this doppelganger the one I been hearing about and her in the cafeteria something about you being mean and rejecting her lunchbox?" he asked taking another bite of the food. "ppft one day they will be our age and know plus what would they do without the 'grandparents' though when we do treat them every so often to food" he muses

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ jiho hummed in response before he's shrugging his shoulders. "I don't know, soo. what's there more to talk .. I guess I missed her so damn much. if only I can come to her even earlier, I might hear what she wants to say to me." his words trailed off with a small frown written on his face, as he heaves. "hmmmm you're right. ugh these kids are really unbelievable. does they think they won't grow old or something ???"

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "oh...jiho" he said softly and looked almost sad at the other, reach out to the other and sighs "do you want to talk about it later ?" he asked him softly and closed his eyes for a moment and hummed softly. He knew about Sarang and worried about his friend when he found out what had happened. He ate quietly for a bit before looking at the other and chuckled even more. "We have time to make even more memories too " he said with a smile on his face. "Also what is with them calling us grandma and grandpa in the chat" he shakes his head

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ " ah nothing much though. it's just fine to me. ah, wait — I think I met sarang's doppelganger. " said him as he heaves a soft sighs. "I think my heart has stop beating at that time, soo. no words can come out from my mouth. " a thin smiles graces his lips when hyunsoo comes back with the tray of food. "thank you , I'll eat this well .." jiho started to munches his food and chuckles at hyunsoo's remarks about their predebut days. "you're right, everything went too fast now. I guess we just need to work harder to maintain our achievements."

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "Fine fine" he mused softly and chuckles a bit before looking at the other and shakes head "just wondering how you are doing really I mean outside of work life" he said to him. He then nodded and went to get the noodles coming back not to long after with two bowls of cold noddles setting a bowl infront of the other. " I Think we were at the ending years of 17 or just turned 18 when we were announced in our predebut days and was barley 20 when we offically debuted. They were so young it was endearing, I do too I remember livestreaming back then with the secret codes and everything."

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "I'm quite strong so don't worry.." said him as he purposely flexed his biceps and chuckles before jiho furrowed his eyebrows at hyunsoo's remarks, kinda confused at what's he's trying to imply. "I'm doing alright — but what do you mean ?" asked him. "ah you're right, they look so young back then, kinda missed those times too heh. oh — cold one please ?"

@✦ jeon jiho ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "Even still Ji, I worry about your health at times..." he said before nodding "that is good.." he said to the other and chuckles when he heard the soft laughter of the other, "so besides that how is everything going on for you...and you know what I am talking about Ji" he said with a quick lift of his eyebrow. Relaxing a bit however he nods and smiles "The very best" he mused also in a joking manner "We got to look out for them, remember how young they were during our pre-debut era I was so surprised when we were paired with them but then again I never regret it one bit" he nods standing up and nods going to order two bowls of their noodles "oh hot or cold?" he asked

@✦ cho hyunsoo「ɢᴇʟᴀᴛᴏ」ʳᵉᵛᵒˡᵗ "That is good, I hope you get a chance to relax soon you work so hard.." he mumbled and chuckles softly and nods a bit "no worries after all we 96 liners must stick together no?" he asked the other and chuckles a bit. "Well true at least around me you can relax a bit more though I can help out too" he said to him. "oh you mean like the out of no where livestream that was fun or random plans?" he jokes softly "But it's never dull Jiho and I like that " he said. Nodding at the other "of course it's my turn remember~"


"it's a given, soo. I have to work hard for this, but don't worry, I'll take that in my mind and get enough rest whenever I can, yeah?" jiho emitted a soft laughter and nodding his head again. "of course we are. aren't we the best among us?" said him a little bit proud, though it's just a joke between them. "but yeah, you're right. even so I love these kids so much, but don't tell them that. " jiho nod again. "okay, I'll wait here then."

after deciding to take back the groceries thinking that they would be all up in their face about being independent and could get their own, she just placed those back in her house and headed out for some long-needed cafe outing, heading to the one she had been wanting to go in so long and especially on her list ever since she made the shift to come to south korea. mai pushed the door inwardly and the very first thing that greeted her was the smell of freshly baked bread and coffee. with a happy gush, she quickly made a beeline to the counter, skimming over the menu overboard and then ordered an open-faced smoked salmon bagel special set with iced mocha latte. once ordered and being handed the table number stand just so the staff could find her, she chose the one at the corner where it was half shaded and half lighted. being placed almost to the window. With a plop onto the chair facing the entire cafe, she let out another exhausted sigh and rubbed her makeup-less face as if to try to rub out the stress and anxiety from working with the worst group ever and being in a foreign country no less.