Y/N - andddd I think I got it
My feet held post on the ladder, almost dangling my entire body up there as I stretched my arms forward to hang up the banner
Kyujin - ya oppa be careful!
Her voice echoed from down below, my tongue sticking out with a tight grip on my mouth, letting out a groan trying to get the thumb tacks to stick against the wall, concrete yes but a person can dream
Joy - don't you fall! I ain't catching you!
Y/N - I'm not!
Like a constant buzz of bees, all around a derivative of noise spiraling around, reverberating into my ears like some sort of itch.
From conversations to shouts to even out right screams but that's just coming from Jinae playing with one of them, I don't know.
Today was a year older for me, of course I don't feel the effects of age right now but I'm pretty sure I will after I get this damn banner up
Groan after groan, managing to push the thumb tack in. The pressure gave me a reassuring indication that it was stuck in place.
Turning my neck and looking behind me, seeing the distance between me and the floor
Y/N - son of a bitch this is high as fuck
Joy - go down slowly!
Kyujin - slowly oppa!
Y/N - I will!
My legs were shaking a bit, letting a foot down on the step below me. Taking my time slowly, my hands gripping on the sides of the ladder.
Joy - alright a bit more....
Y/N - I- I know!
They had their hands reaching out for me almost to catch me but honestly, I wouldn't think they would especially Soo-Young-noona
Finally feeling the ground on the bottom of my shoes, I let out a relieving sigh, wiping my face gently with my hands
Y/N - I hate this shit
Kyujin - you did good oppa, don't worry
Getting a pat from the back from Kyujin, Soo-Young-noona laid her hand on my shoulder, my neck turning to look at her, seeing a smile on her face
Joy - well at least it won-
We were suddenly interrupted by a thumb tack falling down, all of our heads turning to look at the banner to see the one side I did fall and swing onto the table, which thankfully wasn't full of food or cups yet.
Y/N - for fuck's sake
Kyujin - at least you tried oppa
Joy - goddamn it
Shaking my head out of disappointment, pinching the bridge of my nose out of frustration.
Y/N - why'd I agree to this again?
Joy - it's a cool moment to remember. We're not doing this again next year though
Y/N - I know I know
Kyujin - hey, at least the bouncy castle getting set up
Y/N - we got a bouncy castle?
Joy - oh.
Looking at them in surprise, the childlike wonder in me almost excited to blow out of proportion from inside
Kyujin - it was for Jinae
Y/N - oh.
Joy - you're not a child anymore
Y/N - but I like them noooooona
Groaning like a child, I bent my back over and rested my forehead on her chest. Her fingers running through my hair while she let out a soft laugh
Joy - see Kyujin, we didn't go to much birthday parties when we were younger except for this one we had for Minji
Kyujin - oh right you have other siblings too
Y/N - yeah....
Joy - we had a bouncy castle for like this one birthday we had for her and it was the ONLY time he ever been on one
Kyujin - we- well. It's okay oppa, let Jinae have fun too
Y/N - right right, it's for Jinae
Immediately perking up hearing how it would make Jinae, almost hitting her face in the process when I straightened up, annoying her a bit
Joy - yah, stop doing that everytime!
Y/N - sorry
Joy - you're lucky you're the only boy in the family, otherwise I would've hit you
Y/N - you don't hit Minji or Ji-yeong
Joy - I do when I'm home at appa and eomma's place
Y/N - right.
With a soft smile on my face, I felt a presence behind me making me turn around, seeing Haewon and Seulg walking up to us
Y/N - there you guys are
Hae - we were collecting the rest of the girls, they're outside
Y/N - that's cool, I was putting up the banner
Seulgi - that banner right there?
Pointing to the still dangling banner, I felt a little embarrassed about the failed attempt, a little blush forming in my cheeks as I rubbed the back of my head
Y/N - yeah......
Seulgi - I'll put it up
Hae - yeah I'll help you
Y/N - but I have Kyujin and Soo-Young-noona here
The both of them stepped towards me, getting an immediate double team cheek kiss from them. Haewon on my left and Seulg on my right which caught me off guard
Hae - it's your birthday my love, take a rest for once okay?
Seulgi - she's right, go on
Y/N - o- okay.
Kyujin - well unnies, I'll hold the ladder
Joy - and I'll watch whoever's up there
Walking past me, turning to face them where Haewon went up on the ladder,
Y/N - ju- just be careful
Hae - I do Workdol, I'll be fine
Y/N - alright then, I'll go to the entrance to say hi to the girls, where's Jinae anyways?
Seulgi - outside with them, she came running out
Y/N - no wonder, be right back
Walking towards the door, my ears still listening onto their conversation as I walked off
Joy - you have a nice butt Haewon, you know that?
Hae - thanks I work hard for it
Andddd I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Brushing it off and making my way outside, seeing Aespa, the rest of Nmixx and Red Velvet talking amongst themselves with Jinae in-
Oh shit it's Minji and Ji-yeong.
Minji - oh! There he is!
Ji - ah!
The two immediately came running up to me, opening my arms wide for them where they both hugged me. Each of my hands ruffled their hair with an ear to ear smile on my face. Jinae suddenly came running towards me, hugging my stomach. Which means she just wanted to be included in the hug, making my heart feel warm
Y/N - and how are my more bearable sisters doing?
Minji - better, I haven't seen you in ages
Ji - we missed you
Y/N - missed you two as well
Kissing both of their foreheads as they let go of their holds on me, the two of them facing me with Jinae still attached to me. Squatting down and picking Jinae up into my arm, holding her up.
Y/N - you remember them don't you muffin?
Jinae - ne! Minji-gomo and Ji-yeong-gomo!
Minji - that's right Jinae! Aigoooo! You're all so grown up and pretty!
The two of them tickle Jinae, loud giggles coming from the three of them
Jinae - gomos! Ani! Hehehehe
A sudden thought popped up in my mind, realizing I should speak to the both of them while the girls behind them get ready and stuff
Y/N - muffin how about you go over to your mama's and help them?
Jinae - ne appa!
Kissing her on the cheek, letting her down slowly where she immediately ran off into the building, my smile dropping immediately as I faced them
Minji - I don't get to see that face often, what's up?
Ji - yeah, weird change there
Y/N - you know Jimin's right behind you right?
Minji - yeah....
Ji - we know...
Exchanging glances at each other, the both of them looked back to look at Jimin, noticing that Jimin avoided their eye contact before facing me again.
Minji - so.... Did you guys make up or something?
Ji - you know she did leave you right?
Y/N - I know, but- we talked it out. She wants to be in Jinae's life and well- we sorta-
Ji - hooked up huh?
Y/N - I wouldn't say that
Minji - oh so you guys are back together
Y/N - we- well. Yeah.
Ji - then it's fine, we don't hate her
Y/N - you don't?
Minji - I mean, we're not like Soo-Young-unnie, she was mad at her because she cares about you. That older sister thing
Ji - you'd be the same too if it was the roles were reversed
Y/N - I would yeah.
Minji - it's fine, we're just happy that you're happy and okay
Ji - yeah
Ji-yeong pinches my cheek, my smile coming back to me.
Minji - listen, we'll just be by the other unnies, go talk to the other groups which by the way, you're pretty popular yourself aren't you?
Ji - Mr playboy over here, what got you to win over Aespa and NMIXX?
Y/N - honestly? Beats me, I don't even know myself
Ji - well, we'll be over there alright? Got loads of talking to do
Y/N - and you know I hate it
Minji - be right backkkk
The two walk off, joining the Red Velvet girls. Putting my hands into my pocket where I went over to Aespa and NMIXX as an entire group, the entirety of them together with Joo-Hyun-noona and Seung-wan-noona
Irene - there he is, the man of the hour
Wendy - and looking handsome as always
Shy from Seung-wan's compliment, waving her off where the girls catch wind of me, standing in front of them. Min-Jeong immediately jumped in and hugged me
Win - happppy birthday opppa!
Y/N - t- thanks Min-Jeongie
Gis - and of course she gets first hug in
Jiwoo - Mr popular over here
Lily - you look good Y/N
Y/N - thanks Lily, you too
Brushing her hair to the side, connecting eyes with Yoona who looked away from me, a bit of a shy blush on her face, repeating what Lily done before looking at me again
Sully - y- yeah you look good oppa
Y/N - thanks Yoona, all of you girls look very beautiful today and everyday
Jiwoo - and there he goes
Y/N - what? I'm honest
Bae - we know, a bit too honest
Y/N - it's not hard to compliment someone sincerely
Win - mmmhmmmh opppppa~~~
Ning - someone pry her off, she's getting too comfortable already
Kar - I'm not doing it
Y/N - you know how she i-
Min-Jeong's arms wrapped around my neck out of surprise, getting whiplash from how fast my neck was getting pulled down, her lips came crashing down onto mine. My eyes widening out of surprise, kissing me for however long she liked before pulling away from mine, licking her lips
Win - hehehe, birthday kiss
Y/N - t- thanks- Min-Jeongie bu- but there is a place and time for this-
She looked back, seeing the Nmixx girls a bit embarrassed at the sight compared to the rest of the girls from her group just somewhat disappointed and embarrassed for her actions
Irene - alright I'm pulling her off
Win - wait unnie!
Wendy - Min-Jeong really?
Getting pulled from her arms still cling around, almost losing my balance but keeping my composure, gently tapping her on her waist
Y/N - it's fine
Pouting, she let go of me where Joo-Hyun-noona and Seung-wan-noona escorted her away from the group, both of her arms taken by the two of them. Her feet dragged against the concrete until she was gone out of sight.
Sighing, I looked back at them with the lingering feelings from the moment prior
Bae - d- does she do that all the time?
Ning - yep. Her and oppa have a very close friendship
Jiwoo - just friends?
Gis - you're better off not knowing
NMIXX - oh.
Kar - just different between me and him, or you and him Yoona
Jiwoo and Jinsol looked at Yoona, Lily's face looking away while she whistled
The girl immediately looked down, putting her feet together and bowing to us
Sully - I apologise
Kar - huh? For what?
Bae - for us, we didn't know this
Jiwoo - yeah! You and oppa are a thing now?
Kar - wait, you didn't know that Lily was with Y/N too?
Y/N - Jimin!
They also immediately turned to Lily, slowly stepping backwards before eventually running
Jiwoo - YA! TELL US NOW!
Bae - UNNIE!
The two chase after her, leaving Yoona by herself with us
Ning - way to go unnie
Kar - what? I'm honest too
Y/N - you get it from me
Kar - you rub off some good things alright?
Gis - huh, the more you know. Yoona, I didn't know you were into Y/N, he's kind of a prick
Y/N - ya come on
Sully - I- I like him because h- he's very warm
Swaying her upper body on the spot, a soft blush smile on her face where she looked to me
Y/N - see at least she likes me in a good way
Gis - Y/N we may have barely seen each other for a while but I do know that you're somewhat of a prick
Y/N - not anymore! I'm not seventeen anymore!
Ning - old
Y/N - see that's just bullying, on my birthday too?
Kar - you kind of were, you egomaniac
Y/N - I don't have an ego!
Gis - you kind of do
Y/N - okay fuck you
Gis - in the bathroom later
Facepalming, laughing radiating from the three of them. I felt a hand on my shoulder, making me look up to see Yoona, where she kissed me on the cheek
Sully - t- this is my birthday kiss b- by the way
Y/N - t- thank you.
Sully - I'll join the Jiwoo and Jinsol running after Lily
Y/N - oh right
Listening to behind me, Yoona walking off to join the two
Jiwoo - TELLLLLLLLLL USSSSSS
Lily - NO!
Y/N - huh
Shrugging off their playful state right now, Aeri walked up to me, planting her lips on my me. Where I did not expect her to place her hand on my family jewels and gently cupping them before letting go
Gis - I'm coming over later so pucker up
Y/N - y- yes ma'am
She, too, walked off. Turning my head to watch her walk into the building before turning back to Jimin and Ning
Ning - well I ain't kissing you
Y/N - I know little sister
Ning - exactly
Instead, she opted for a warm hug before joining Aeri inside the building, leaving me and Jimin left, crossing her arms as she walked up to me with a smug look on her face
Kar - the big twenty five
Y/N - and you'll be too in about fourteen days
Kar - and Jinae will be six, time passes by quick
Y/N - really does
Wrapping her arms around under my armpits, her head resting on my chest. My hands around her, softly caressing the back of her head
Kar - when did time go by so fast?
Y/N - when we finally grew up
Kar - we grew up too quick
Y/N - you tell me
Kar - heh. Yeah.
Y/N - what do you wanna do for you and Jinae's birthday?
Kar - let's go somewhere, just the three of us
Y/N - yeah, it's better than something like this again
Kar - you know.
Y/N - yeah?
Kar - I don't regret ever loving you
Y/N - me neither
Kar - if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't been in Aespa
Y/N - what? No way it's because of me
Kar - you pushed me to be where I am, you supported me in every way even on the toughest days when I wanted to quit. So, as much as I thought, I'll never stop actually loving you
Y/N - well shit. I never stopped loving you too neither, no matter how much time had passed
Kar - heh, well.
Looking down to make eye contact with her, she tilted her head up where we both leaned in for a kiss. My hand touching her cheek softly for a minute before pulling away
Kar - I love you Y/N
Y/N - I love you too Jimin, tenfold
Laughing softly, we looked towards the RV girls, getting a wave from them before looking back at the building
Y/N - where's Min-Jeong and those two?
Kar - god only knows where, probably getting a bad scolding
Y/N - her fault honestly
Kar - you're lucky you're not dating her, I wouldn't do that
Y/N - I don't mind it honestly
Kar - alright playboy
Y/N - fuck you
Kar - fuck you too, and literally. We missed out on loads of love making
Y/N - just say sex
Kar - no, gives it the mystique
Y/N - jeez alright
Laughing at each other in each other's arms, it felt nice. It really did.
â--------
Tapping the microphone in front of me to see if it was working, a bit of an awkward posture where I stared out onto the audience, seeing all of the girls staring at me where Jinae happily waved at me.
Waving back at her, I had become the undeniable host of this party and I hate doing shit like this
Y/N - so- welcome everyone erm-
Gulping, my throat almost choking up from how many eyes were staring at me, it didn't help that I was also in a suit for some reason. I was forced into this even though they were all wearing nice dresses
Y/N - today's a somewhat special day, it's my uhm- twenty fifth birthday and uhm-
Seulgi - HURRY UP WOULD YOU!
Getting caught off guard by Seulg sudden heckling, karma getting to her as she got elbowed in the stomach by Soo-Young-noona
Jinae - yay papa!
Y/N - t- thank you muffin- uhm- it's also a day where we celebrate Joo-Hyun's birthday or Irene, I don't know what to call her right now but- either way. I hope everyone has fun and uhm- well. Enjoy yourselves, that- that's all
Getting a loud applause from them while I silently stepped off from the stage, coming into contact with Minji
Minji - you suck at speeches
Y/N - I know, I know
Embarrassed by the awful speech I put on, she patted my back where Seung-Wan-noona comes up to me
Wendy - hosting really isn't your best suit
Y/N - I'm well aware noona
Wendy - come here
Coming close to her, giving each other a hug before she kissed me on the forehead
Wendy - and another year older to my baby brother
Y/N - you've would have been a better older sister than Soo-young
Wendy - I know sweetheart, that's why I treat you better
Irene - no you don't
Pulling away from each other's embrace, Joo-Hyun-noona stood beside her, placing her hand on Seung-wan-noona's shoulder
Irene - we both know we take care of him better
Wendy - it's proven I take care of him better than you do
Irene - hey, it's my birthday too be nice
Wendy - in about two days
Irene - we're celebrating mine and his
Wendy - alright whatever you say
Minji - but at the end of the day, Y/N is my ACTUAL brother
Minji's arms gripped onto my arm, wrapping around where she giggled happily to herself. Patting her head because of her honesty, the two girls groaned
Irene - of course she gets the sister card out
Minji - because I AM his sister
Y/N - yep
Wendy - which reminds me, where's Ji-yeong?
Minji - by the drinks, she was thirsty
Wendy - oh, I'll join her then
Irene - Y/N sweetie, where's Jinae?
Y/N - should be with either Kyujin or Jiwoo or both
Irene - be right backkkkk!
With an enthusiastic wave goodbye, Seung-wan-noona walked off as well. Minji let go of me making me face her
Y/N - also I forgot to ask, how's mom and dad?
Minji - dad's still mad at you, uhm- Mom sends her love
Y/N - that's great to hear, I gotta check up on some of our guests here
Minji - your girlfriends basically?
Y/N - well, not all of them
Minji - when did my brother get so manly all of a sudden? You could barely speak to Seulgi-unnie when you were a teen and now you're together
Y/N - crazy how that's happened
Minji - alright, I wanna meet your girlfriends, see if they're right for you
Y/N - which one?
Minji - see now you're pushing it
Laughing, she softly punched me on the shoulder before turning away
Minji - I'll go with Haewon first!
Y/N - and there she goes
Putting my hands in my pockets, watching her walk off before scanning around the room.
Usually I don't know what to do with parties like this, but I haven't seen Yerim in a while so I'll go look for her.
Walking around, greeting everyone passing by, my eyes laid onto Yerim where I walked up to her, tapping her on the shoulder where she was playing with Jinae while talking to Kyujin and Jiwoo
Yeri - hm?
Turning around, she stood up, giving me a smile where I waved at her
Y/N - yello
Yeri - Y/N- hey.
Y/N - how's things going?
Yeri - ah you know, the same
Brushing her bangs to the back of her ear, a slight blush in her cheeks.
Y/N - we're the same age now, just two weeks apart I think?
Yeri - close enough
Y/N - come here
Pulling her in for a hug, kissing her on the cheek before patting her back and letting go
Y/N - I missed you
Yeri - I- I missed you too.
Y/N - heard about that next film you're doing, when's that done?
Yeri - we don't know yet, still in pre-production right now but it's going well
Y/N - going all actress now huh? I'm happy for you
Yeri - thanks~
Going beside her, placing my arm around her shoulder. Knowing how she felt towards me, I couldn't reciprocate her feelings since I always saw her as a little sister. With Seung-wan-noona and Joo-Hyun-noona, they were my older sisters.
Fuck I forgot about Soo-young-noona, but I don't need to be reminded of that.
But it was always different about Seulgi.
That crush on her never really left after all, so it was always so hard to just push her out of my mind as that childhood crush.
And now that I'm with her, it still doesn't feel real.
Y/N - you alright?
Yeri - y- yeah of course
Y/N - you sure?
Squeezing her shoulder softly, turning my neck to look at her. She gave me a subtle nod, a soft smile in my direction
Yeri - I don't get to see you a lot you know
Y/N - I know, I'm a busy guy
Yeri - I know I haven't made time to see you and Jinae, but I promise to come over often once I get my stuff together
Y/N - hey no, it's alright. Take your time, no pressure. After today, I got some shit to do at work that'll set me back a few weeks of loads of time.
Yeri - oh, well then I'll take my time then
Y/N - good, it's not I'm an idol too so I ain't busy as you guys
Yeri - I don't know if I am one anymore
Y/N - really?
Yeri - I mean Seulgi-unnie is technically, so is Joo-Hyun-unnie and Soo-Young-unnie
Y/N - well, it's up to you y'know? Red Velvet can still live on, I don't know about Seung-wan-noona but I always had high hopes either way, that and I can still ghost-produce for you guys
Yeri - hehe, yeah. If we get back together, do you think you could produce our title track if we have a comeback again?
Y/N - yeah of course, you know I'm not saying no
Yeri - promise?
Y/N - I promise, come here
Pulling her in closer, turning my neck and kissing her on the forehead before hugging around her neck.
Y/N - aigoo, it was so long ago that we used to be teens ourselves. Now look at us, all grown up
Yeri - yeah. Time does pass by so quick
Y/N - you plan to get married anytime soon?
Flustered by my question, a panic in her voice ensued while I still held her close
Yeri - I- I don't know
Y/N - well, if you do. Better introduce me to the guy so I can see if he's made for you, if not. Chitty chitty bang bang all up in his face
Yeri - hehehe, which also reminds me. Don't you have to go to the military?
Y/N - yeah but I'll do it once I settle down, I'd say in about two years? I don't wanna get into trouble despite being mixed, but I still gotta do it
Yeri - huh, the more you know
Y/N - the more you know, welp. I'm gonn-
Hae - OH HEY YOU'RE HERE!
My attention was suddenly focused onto Haewon, running from the crowd to the entrance where I see a group of girl-
Oh it's ITZY,
OHHHH AND THEIR MANAGER!
Y/N - sorry Yerim, gotta say hi
Yeri - go get them tiger
Sharing a laugh with each other, patting her back once more before letting go and walking away from her to the entrance where I first greeted all of them, bowing down deeply before being met with Haewon's arm around me
Hae - guys this is Y/N! My boyfriend!
Y/N - hey
Waving with a stiff mouth, where they smiled at me. Their manager suddenly took his hand out and took it immediately as the greeting of guys. Immediately dapping him up and greeting each other
Y/N - what's up man
Manager - nothing much, happy birthday
Y/N - didn't know you were invited
Manager - Haewon invited us
Y/N - huh no shit
Hae - thought it would be cool
Y/N - thanks honey
Stepping back to Haewon, looking at all of them where Ryujin gave me a friendly nod
Y/N - Ryujin
Ryu - Y/N, this is my boyfriend by the way
Yuna - ya!
An immediately elbow from Yuna made me lift up any eyebrow, where the manager sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose in response
Manager - long story short, I'm dating all of them
Y/N - oh. Good for you man
Manager - weird right?
Y/N - not really, I'm dating Haewon, Lily and Sullyoon
Manager - well no shit, glad to see I ain't the only one
Yeji - uhm- Twice?
Manager - right
Lia - oppa you're an idiot
Manager - I know, introduce yourselves to him for fuck's sake
Lia - oh right sorry
Beside him, Lia bowed to me as I bowed back. I already knew their names but never really actually worked with them personally since I only dealt with editing their videos so this really was a first except for Yuna and Ryujin, those two troublemakers.
Lia - Choi Jisu imnida
Y/N - do I call you Jisu or Lia?
Lia - either or
Y/N - cool, uhm-
Yeji - oh! Hwang Yeji imnida!
Y/N - hey Yeji, you look exactly like you do in the videos
Yeji - hehe yeah, you're the one editing my solo work right?
Y/N - yep
Manager - you did a good job on them man
Y/N - thanks, and-
On his right was Chaeryeong, oddly looking out into the distance. He suddenly sighed, snapping his fingers in front of her face to 'wake' her up before shaking her head and bowing at me and introducing herself in a soft spoken voice
Chaer - Lee Chaeryeong imnida
Y/N - nice to meet you
Chaer - m- me too
Manager - you already Yuna and Ryujin from what I heard so no need for that
Yuna - ya oppa, I can still say hi
Manager - go ahead then
Walking to the front bowing in front of me, a kind smile appeared on her face. So the legends were true, she really does look like Lee Hyori's protege.
Yuna - Shin Yuna imnida! Nice to meet you Y/N-ssi!
Y/N - nice to meet you too, please stop stealing all the coffee stirrers in your department please
Yuna - nope!
Manager -SO IT WAS YOU!
Ryu - and me
Manager - goddamn it the both of you, I'm- ah fuck it. Later.
Ryu - and well, you know me already Y/N. So, hey again
Y/N - hey again Ryujin.
Hae - sooooooo, now that's out of the way, thanks for coming all of you
Ryu - no problem, we wanted an excuse to get out of the house and we haven't been to a party in a while
Y/N - all good, as you can see. Red Velvet, Aespa and the rest of NMIXX are here so, get yourselves acquainted closer, you know what I mean
Yeji - thanks for having us Y-
Jinae - PAPAAAAAAAAAAAA
Lifting an eyebrow hearing Jinae's voice from behind me, I immediately turned around with a warm feeling in my heart as she ran to me. Opening my arms wide and picking her up before turning around to face ITZY
Y/N - what's up muffin?
Jinae - I missed papa and mama!
Hae - awwww, we're right here
Y/N - where's your Kyujin-unnie and Jiwoo-unnie?
Jinae - we're playing tag!
Me and Haewon turned to each other, confused before facing the girls and manager once again
Yeji - kiyowooooooo! Who's this?!
Yuna - awwwwwwwww! She's so cute!
Ryu - now who's this?!
Lia - omo! She's like a little angel
Chaer - she's so cute!
Manager - oh right, this is your daughter right?
ITZY - DAUGHTER?!?
Me and Haewon immediately laughed from their reaction, Jinae pinching my cheek while I played with Jinae subconsciously while we talked
Y/N - yep, everyone this is Jinae. L/N Jinae, she's five years old, technically six here but I'm used to the universal age system more
Manager - that clears things up more
He immediately went first, his usual nonchalant face turned into a big friendly smile, leaning over to Jinae and waving at her
Manager - helllllo there!
Jinae - Helllllo!
Manager - what's your name?
Jinae - L/N Jinae! I am uhm-
Counting on her fingers, the girls got closer watching her cutely think to herself before throwing up six of her fingers
Jinae - I am six years old!
Yeji - aigoooo! You're so cute!
Jinae - hehehehe
Hae - she's me and Y/N's daughter, she's a bundle of joy
Ryu - huh? I never knew you were pregnant before
Y/N - oh Haewon's not her biological mother
Yuna - huh?
Manager - what?
Hae - I'll tell you girls later or he will
Jinae - can I play again? Papa? Mama?
Y/N - of course muffin
Yuna - can I play with you Jinae?
Jinae - sure!
Yuna - I'm Yuna-unnie, can you say Yuna-unnie?
Jinae - Yuna-unnie!
Judging from Yuna's reaction, the girls quickly stepped in trying to do the same what Yuna did, where I put her down and let them fight over her where they quickly walked off trying to win over Jinae
Hae - I- I'll just watch over her
Y/N - yeah nah of course
A quick kiss between me and Haewon later, me and their manager was left alone watching them walk away trying to win Jinae over with anything they had on them. Turning my neck to face him, my arms crossed as I sighed
Manager - so- who's the mother?
Y/N - don't freak out
Manager - I'm calm as a cucumber
Y/N - okay, so it's Aespa's Karina
Manager - get out no way!
Y/N - you don't see her face in Jinae's face?
Manager - shit man, thinking about it. She does, a perfect blend between you and her
Y/N - yep
Manager - well I'm not surprised, us normal guys have been getting on with idols lately
Y/N - oh yeah? Saw your scandal again
Manager - and I saw yours, I thought it was a hoax honestly
Y/N - no wonder you reacted like that
Manager - but then again, I just needed you to say it yourself to really affirm it so that's not really surprising to me all of a sudden
Y/N - how do you deal with those anyways?
Manager - nothing, keep on going and stuff
Y/N - huh
Manager - yeah. Want to hear some wild shit?
Y/N - go on
Manager - so Twice's manager has been getting it on with them
Y/N - huh
Manager - WITH Jeon Somi too, crazy
Y/N - who's that?
Manager - you don't know Jeon Somi?
Y/N - I'm not into kpop
Manager - another idol
Y/N - huh okay
Manager - then I've been hearing around other idols that Kiss of Life has been spotted with this dude, just a normal guy and stuff, he's like Jinsol's brother
Y/N - damn that's the guy? sort of scares me I can't lie about us normal guys getting with these talented people
Manager - I know right?
Y/N - aren't you with IU?
Manager - oh right, yeah I am
Y/N - so nonchalant about it
Manager - hey, I don't see her as IU, just Lee Ji-eun
Y/N - I respect it
Manager - but wait there's more, G-IDLE got this guy as well, same thing with New Jeans
Y/N - Jesus christ.
Manager - oh wait sorry, NJZ whoopsies
Y/N - heard about that, shame
Manager - only time will tell but oh well
Y/N - is it true that Yunjin from Le Sserafim is your childhood friend?
Manager - where you hear that from?
Y/N - Haewon
Manager - oh. Yeah we are
Y/N - cool cool. You friends with Haewon and the girls?
Manager - yeah, I take care of them sometimes when their manager isn't there
Y/N - so you're the other one
Manager - oh right! You fill in for him too when I'm not available either!
Y/N - yep
Manager - that makes loads of sense now
Y/N - yeah..... Want a beer?
Manager - honestly dude? Yeah, please.
Y/N - I think this would be a start of a beautiful friendship
Manager - me too man, me too. You hear about Tsuki from Billlie dating some guy?
The both of us placed our arms around each other's shoulders, walking off and patting each other's back while he talked in my ear, a small appreciation on my face showing.
I think this guy is a really interesting person.
â-------
Sitting behind a console, headphones on my head while I mixed the stems with Itzy's manager beside me
Manager - sooo, they're performing for you?
Taking off my headphones, adjusting the EQ where I turned my head towards him, nodding.
Y/N - yep.
Manager - I never thought Red Velvet would get back together again
Y/N - me neither
Manager - you should've told me you were related to Joy, you're like royalty dude
Y/N - I thought it wasn't a big of a deal
Manager - kind of is
Y/N - whoops, my bad then
Manager - all good
Y/N - I set up the mics earlier so I'm just EQing the stems to match the acoustics of this place and let me tell you, too much fucking reverb, all these resonances just fucking with my equilibrium
Manager - yeah it's almost deafening my ears, didn't know you produced for Red Velvet. Always wondered who produced their tracks
Y/N - just a few title tracks and mostly b-sides, I ghost produce for them
Manager - that's so fucking cool man, I help produced ITZY's newer stuff too
Y/N - I know, analog or digital?
Manager - digital desk, analog fucks with me
Y/N - I know but it's still the best
Manager - ehh, fifty-fifty
Y/N - I'll meet you there then
Manager - fuck yeah, it's great to have another producer around
Y/N - producer, sound engineer, honestly these terms fuck me up
Manager - with you there
Getting a hand on my shoulder, we both turned around to see Seulgi smiling softly, holding a mic in her hand
Seulgi - you done?
Y/N - should be now
Seulgi - alright, just announce we're getting on stage. The others are getting ready too
Y/N - cool cool
Seulgi - I love you
Y/N -I love you too
Kissing each other briefly, getting a pat on my back before she walked off. My head turning to him
Manager - so jealous dude
Y/N - fuck off, she's my girlfriend
Manager - I'm just saying, we got bragging rights man
Y/N - but not good for their careers you know
Manager - I know but between you and me, we got it good
Y/N - definitely
Manager - who's after Red Velvet?
Y/N - NMIXX
Manager - listen man, I can work the desk. You should watch them.
Y/N - you sure?
Manager - yeah of course, go on
Y/N - alright man, thanks
Manager - no problem
Fist bumping, standing up from the chair where he took my place, I took my microphone with me where I went up to the stage, clearing my throat into the mic and getting everyone's attention on me
Y/N - well everyone, we're on the part of the night where by everyone's good graces, wanting to put on a show-
Seeing Red Velvet come out from the back room, seeing them all dressed up with mics in hand going to the steps by the stage before shaking my head and going back to talking
Y/N - so, first up we got Red Velvet as a whole again. So, we're kicking off strong. So please welcome, Red Velvet!
Making sure they came up while I turned to show them, all five of them lined up and bowed to everyone before putting up the thumbs up to him before making my way off stage, fixing my tie and joining the girls in the audience.
The music started to play where I put my arms around Lily who was beside me,
Lily - this is so cool Y/N!
Y/N - thank Haewon and Seulgi for the idea, you're still up next you know
Jinsol was beside her, leaned in while the girls performed on stage keeping my eye on them
Bae - we're gonna knock it out of the park, you watch alright?
Y/N - I know.
With a proud smile on my face, I never thought I could see them together again.
But here I am, seeing them together on stage. A smile on their faces, knowing that Red Velvet would truly never die.
â-----
Y/N - and that concludes the performances, can we get some cheers?!
On stage, watching all of them clap their hands who were all still in their stage outfits where Jinae was held up by Lia in her arms since the girls were too tired to barely even do anything.
It was amazing, really it was.
Even I had to do my performance which honestly was better than I expected, and trust me. It wasn't pretty fun to have my own noonas judge me so hard from performing their songs, let alone their vocal performances.
But then again, I tried my best after all.
With the mic close to my mouth, the lights dimmed to Kyujin's and I's plan that we discussed earlier, an almost candle-light atmosphere clouded the entire hall where with a smirk on my face, I spoke into the mic almost whispery.
Y/N - for the very last part of the party, not including the second round of food. Grab a partner, your friend, best friend or whoever.
Winking at him, getting him to put on a slow song. Everyone's reactions surprised but immediately got into it, grabbing a hold of someone.
Y/N - and for Joo-Hyun-noona, can I take your hand tonight?
Looking directly at her from the crowd, she nodded. An ear to ear smile on her face as I walked down the steps, placing the microphone on the console, patting him on the back to join his girl as we both walked into the crowd.
Seeing Joo-Hyun-noona waiting for me, we immediately got into position. My hand sat on her waist, our hands held softly with each other, slowly stepping side to side slowly.
Irene - so this was how you would celebrate your birthday? A dance with your noona?
Y/N - it's your celebration too, so birthday boy to birthday girl. Seems pretty equally to me
Irene - how sweet of you.
Y/N - thanks noona.
Spinning her around, glancing around us for a moment. Seeing Lia dance with Jinae, Haewon with Jinsol and him with Yeji.
Irene - maybe next time, let's keep it smaller
Y/N - for sure
And just like that,
We danced the night away.
Not exactly for long, but it was something to remember for the next while.
But as we danced and danced,
My stomach churned,
Head clouding up with fog.
A certain something was annoying me,
And not in a good way but I don't know what yet.