The atmosphere of the company office is tense, Joong leans casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, rolling his eyes as another argument brews nearby. Jim, Joong's current co-star, stands fuming in front of the manager, Tha.
Jim:
I can't do this anymore! I'm done working with him!
Tha:
Jim, calm down. Let's talk this out-
Jim:
No! No more talking! He's rude, impossible, and completely unbearable!
Tha:
Joong, what is your problem with Jim?
Joong shrugs indifferently, showing no interest in defending himself
Jim:
See?! That right there! He doesn't care about anyone but himself!
Joong rolls his eyes and straightens from the doorframe, turning to leave without a word
Tha:
Joong wait-
But Joong is already walking away, Jim glares after him in frustration
Jim:
I swear, even a rock shows more emotion than that guy
Tha:
Perfect... just what we needed
He sighs
Joong walks out of the building phone vibrating in his pocket. He checks the screen, Pond calling. With a sigh, he answers as he heads toward his car
Joong:
What?
Pond: (cheerfully)
My buddy, don't say no. We're going clubbing tonight!
Joong:
I'm not really in the mood-
Pond:
No excuses! You're coming, end of story
Phuwin: (yelling in the background) Yesss! Tonight's gonna be a blast!
Pond: (grinning)
See? Even Phuwin's excited!
Joong: (giving in)
Fine, I'll come
Phuwin: (excited)
That's the spirit, Joong!
Later, the three meet outside the club. Pond and Phuwin are all smiles as they walk inside together, Pond wrapping his arm around Phuwin's waist.
Joong: (groaning)
Seriously? Do you have to do that right in front of me?
Phuwin: (smirking)
What? You're single, so you're just jealous.
Pond:
Exactly! Let us live
Joong rolls his eyes
The singer, who's going to perform at the club, dressed in a flashy outfit for his upcoming performance, is rushing to the venue but suddenly slams on the brakes when he sees a lone figure standing by the side of the road. He pulls over, puzzled
Singer:
Hey, are you alright? You need any help?
The boy standing on the side of the road gives a small nod, his presence still something about him that feels oddly out of place.
leaning out of the window, raising an eyebrow
Singer:
You want a lift?
The boy nods again, and after a moment's hesitation, the singer opens the passenger door. The boy climbs in
starting the engine, glancing at the boy, because of the darkness his face was not showing a clear view
Singer:
I'm getting late for my gig at the club. I need to perform soon. But I've got to stop by and check on my grandma afterward. It's a bit hectic, you know?
The boy remains silent, staring ahead, not responding. The singer eyes him for a second before continuing
Singer:
I guess we all have our lives, huh? Juggling between work and family. But it's all part of it, right?
A strange idea suddenly hits him, and he smirks as he turns toward the boy
Singer:
Hey, you know what? I've got an idea. Why don't you help me out for a bit
The boy looks at him, clearly confused
Singer:
I've got this outfit that I was supposed to wear on stage, How about you put it on for me and stand outside the club for a second? Just wait there. I'll drop you off
The boy, still silent, just stares at the singer. After a moment, the singer pulls out a glittering, sparkling outfit from the back seat, a jacket and matching pants that shimmer in the light
Singer:
You look like you could rock this. It'll be like you're part of the show for a minute, but just wait outside, alright? I won't be long. Promise
The boy hesitates but then nods, accepting the outfit. He changes into it
Singer:
Alright, we're here. Just stay outside
The singer pulls the car to a stop just outside the bar, and the boy steps out, now dressed in the sparkling outfit. The singer watches him for a moment before quickly driving off
His expression is blank, eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. He shifts awkwardly, clearly unsure of what to do or why he's even there.
?:
Is he part of the performance?
?:
I don't know, but that outfit is something else.
The boy hears the comments but doesn't react. He keeps standing there, looking out of place, like someone dropped into the wrong world.
The bouncer approached him
Bouncer:
Hey kid, you waiting for someone? You can't just stand here looking lost
The boy opens his mouth but says nothing, as if words are foreign to him. The bouncer raises an eyebrow but shrugs, assuming he's part of some act.
Bouncer:
Artist........always doing weird stuff
The boy continues standing still, eyes reflecting the club lights
Meanwhile in club
Pond, Phuwin, and Joong sit in a quieter VIP section, away from the dance floor. Drinks are on the table, and Pond leans forward with a teasing grin.
Pond:
So, tell me whole thing about Jim. I need an explanation, Joong
Joong:
Fine. He's just... not my type
Phuwin:
Your type? What does that even mean?
Joong:
I mean i need someone who's submissive in real life if you're going to be paired for fanservice. Jim isn't that guy, and honestly, I just don't want to fake it with him
Phuwin:
But what if you fall for him anyway?
Joong:
Phuwin, not everyone falls in love with their work partner. The world isn't like your perfect romance with Pond.
Pond:
Hey, who knows? Maybe fate has plans for you too
Joong:
Doubt it. Every co-star I've worked with either wanted to date me or expected me to play along for fan attention. I'm not into that. When I reject them, it bruises their ego.
Phuwin:
Maybe one day God will send you someone who's your type
Joong:
Not in this life, Phuwin. Everyone I meet is just after money, fame, and status. Shipping with me is their golden ticket to popularity
Pond:
Well, you're not wrong. Everyone isn't like my Phuwin.
wrapping an arm around Phuwin
Joong:
Then you're lucky, bro
Phuwin:
And someday, you'll be lucky too. Mark my words
Joong simply shrugs, unconvinced....