Chapter Text
The wooden sticks in his hands leave callusses as he hits the drums, a soft smile on his lips, following the rythm as Gunwook sings his heart out while strumming his guitar with Yujin beside him, picking his bass with a satisfied smile.
Beautiful brown hidden in blue
Can't believe you had the guts to leave
Can't believe you didn't say
I can't believe I let you go, ohh...
It's been three years since Zerobaseone's disbandment.
They ended it on good terms. They had their last concert in Gocheok Sky Dome, tears were shed and laughs were shared. Their fans tried their best to extend their contract but it was to no avail and suddenly they're disbanded.
The times they shared were undoubtedly something Gyuvin could only experience once in a lifetime. The pain he experienced when it hits him that they're not Zerobaseone anymore is also a pain he can only experience once in a lifetime. He remembers bawling his eyes out that night alongside the other members in the dorms, their bags already packed and the only thing left to do was to leave.
That night, the nine of them decided to sleep in the living room. They never did go to sleep as far as Gyuvin remembered, they just talked and laughed and cried and never stopped. They were hoping that it was all a dream, that the next day they'll wake up and they'll still be deluded by the thought that they have all the time in the world. That 2.5 years turned to 200 years.
But that didn't happen. So right as the sun rose, everyone said their goodbyes and suddenly they're sent to their own respective companies.
When Gyuvin, Yujin, Hao and Ricky arrived at Y*ehua. They were given a choice on whether they wanted to stay and be a trainee once again or go on their respective lives. Gyuvin and Yujin stayed, only for a year though. Zhang Hao decided to go for a solo career and he's been thriving till today, Gyuvin isn't exaggerating when he says that Hao is one of the most successful soloist in Korea.
Ricky said he was going to go back to LA for a while and then he'll come back and think about what he was going to do.
Gyuvin never saw him again after that day.
Oh, beautiful brown
You lit up my world and decided to burn it down
I thought I was enough
Wasn't I enough of a reason for you to stay
The nine of them decided to stay in contact, all of them understanding that the bond they share can never be recreated or replaced. And they want to keep that bond alive for as long as they could.
The group chat's still active, but instead of 'ZEROBASEONE' as the name, they changed it to
'the men, the myth, the legends' (courtesy of Matthew).
Alongside their own respective paths, they decided to schedule a reunion once a year to eat meat from their favourite restaurant on the anniversary of their debutation. They'd catch up and tell each other on what they're working on and what they're reaching towards.
Jiwoong's back in acting but he's still offically a trainee.
Hanbin's also acting and he's got some pretty good roles thanks to his time in ZB1, he decided to leave the idol life and become a full-time actor along with a side job as a dance teacher.
Matthew debuted again after a year and the group treats him well, they also have a huge fanbase and they almost bagged a rookie grand slam.
Taerae has a y*utube channel now, he does singing and songwriting and he even does some gigs in public when he's bored. He's still a trainee.
Gyuvin, Gunwook and Yujin didn't know what to do next. They never really thought about it, and they didn't really wanna redebut again with other trainees and/or idols.
So on their first reunion, 2026; the three of them realised that they don't really have a goal to aim for. That's when Hanbin suggested the three of them make a band of some sort in passing. A lightbulb flickered in their heads.
Then the three of them made an independent band called 'Still Shining' that's still active till today thanks to their dedicated fans and are now working on their 5th album. Gunwook's their lead singer, Gyuvin's their drummer and Yujin's their bassist. They'd brainstorm song lyrics and tunes together at night, and then the next day they go to a rental studio to record it and if they don't like it they scratch it and do it all over again.
Their music were usually influenced by indie-pop with some lo-fi and sometimes they'd make R&B with a hint of jazz. Their music would top the charts and stay there for a few months until they make another album and then those songs would take the previous ones place.
Gyuvin's appreciation towards his fans and their dedication to their music is something Gyuvin can't repay and he's grateful that their fans enjoy the music they make. He's seen posts on tw*tter, how 'Still Shining's music has been a huge comfort' to them, how 'Still Shining's music has made a huge impact' on their life and Gyuvin would feel warm and giddy and his stomach would churn every time he sees the love their fans have towards the music they made on a monday night while lying on bed.
Beautiful brown hidden in blue
Can't believe you didn't say
Can't believe you didn't stay
I can't believe I let you go... Ohh...
Ricky.
Shen Ricky, Shen Quanrui, Shim Ricky, Kim Ricky. A member of Zerobaseone, Gyuvin's nemesis and rival and soulmate.
Three years. Three years he hasn't heard or seen his name anywhere. Three years he hasn't seen a glimpse of his pretty face and big brown eyes. Three years he hasn't seen Ricky's obnoxious blonde he insists is white hair. Three years since he's uttered the word 'Ricky' from his mouth.
Gyuvin remembers the last time he saw him. They were in the Y*ehua building, back inside their old dorms. Nothing changed. It was still the same, Gyuvin felt like time hadn't moved when he's in there. As if Gyuvin didn't just experience the most wonderful thing he'll ever get to go through in his trainee life. But in here, inside this dorm he's been living for two to three years, it felt as if time decided to just kick the shit out of him by saying that all the things he've experienced ultimately lands him right at the beginning.
Ricky was sitting on his bed, only the two of them are here. Gyuvin wasn't up to date on the new trainees.
Ricky was looking at his phone, scrolling through tw*tter and Gyuvin sat beside him. The two of them said nothing, didn't know what to say actually. To think that it's just gone like that. Their family.
"Gyuvin," Ricky called out, his voice barely a whisper.
"Ricky," Gyuvin hums.
"What are you gonna do?" He asked, placing his phone down and stared at Gyuvin. Those big brown eyes he's always loved from when they first met.
"I mean— what are we gonna do?"
Gyuvin smiled at the way Ricky said we.
"I'll probably stay here for a while," He replies, lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Ricky nods. "I... I mean— my parents are asking me to come home," He mumbled.
Gyuvin perks. Home? As in China? Or LA?
"Cali," Ricky said as if he read his mind.
Gyuvin fell in a silence. Ricky's going back to LA and Gyuvin didn't know what to feel about that. "Don't you still wanna be an idol though?"
Now's Ricky's turn to fall silent. "I don't know..."
"Ricky," Gyuvin sat up, his eyes wide. "You don't know? I thought that we'd debut together again!" That wasn't a lie, Gyuvin even thought as far as the two of them debuting in a boy group and make a collab stage with the other members who also debuted again. (Oh, how stupid he was)
"Qubing, I don't really feel like debuting in another group— I mean, it feels kinda wrong? ZB1 was everything to me,"
"Yeah, it was everything to me too," Gyuvin exhales. "But we did a lot to be idols, Ricky. The efforts we went through?"
"Those efforts were spent for ZB1 and I don't regret it, besides—" Ricky sighed. "—I've always thought that I should leave this behind once everything was done,"
"Ya, Kim Ricky!"
"Gyuvin," Ricky stares at him. And Gyuvin's gagged, his throat is clogged when he looks at him. When he stares at that face, when those eyes look at him with so much uncertainty and fear but at the same time it's like he's reassuring him, that this choice is the right one and Gyuvin wants to believe it, Gyuvin believes it might be— he can't imagine his ass debut again in another group— but Gyuvin's scared and he doesn't know if he can do it without his lifelong friend by his side.
"I'll stay in contact," Ricky smiled. Then Gyuvin knows he made his decision.
Oh, beautiful brown
I'm scared that you won't come home
Couldn't you have waited
Couldn't you have listened.
Ricky did stay in contact. For the first three months. Then he left. He disappeared. Vanished from the face of the earth. Social media went crazy but it eventually died down.
And then three years passed.
Gunwook sung the last words, Yujin plays the last notes and Gyuvin hits the the last drums.
Beautiful brown hidden in blue
Oh, my beautiful brown
"Alright! That was good!" Gunwook exclaimed. He huffs in excitement, turning around towards the band.
Gyuvin grins, stuffing his drumsticks in his jeans and tackled Yujin to the ground.
"Yujinnie~! You think I didn't notice that mistake you made?" Gyuvin shuffles around with the younger underneath him, Yujin bursting out laughing when the older took off his shoes to tickle his feet.
"GYUVIN! GYUV— HYUNG!" Yujin screams. Kicking and pushing Gyuvin but the older held his ground and tackled harder. "YA!!!"
Gunwook sighed, shaking his head. Ultimately leaving the two to their shenanigans. He took out a pendrive that was recording their performance. "I'm gonna send this to the others, see what they think,"
"Yeah okay," Gyuvin giggles, finally letting go a squirming Yujin who sprinted towards Gunwook.
"We should head home, it's getting late," Gunwook stares at his watch.
"Shotgun," Yujin said abruptly and left the studio.
"You always get shotgun!" Gyuvin yelled. He huffed in frustration and turns towards their lead singer. "You wanna drive?"
"Nah man, it's your turn," Gunwook yawns and heads out leaving Gyuvin to turn off all the lights and plugs.
Gyuvin grumbles as he steps out towards the piercing air of the cold night. He sees the band waiting outside, the two of them leaning on each other for warmth while they waited for their oldest member. That's another thing, Gyuvin's the oldest now. The oldest in Still Shining at least. It's weird being the same age as Jiwoong who he'd tease and make fun of three years ago.
"Get inside you big babies," Gyuvin laughs and unlocks the car, the two of them immediately shuffling to get inside.
"We're adults now mind you," Yujin spat as he closes the door.
"You're children and I don't care what else you say,"
Yujin rolled his eyes and pulled down his seatbelt. Gyuvin places his hands onto the cushioned steering wheel, adjusting the rearview mirror along with his seat. He starts the engine.
"Ya'll remember the reunion next week right?" Gunwook asked from the back seat, leaning towards the front.
"Of course I remember, I even emptied my schedule just for that day," Yujin sneered.
"The fuck you need to empty your schedule for, you don't even do anything," Gyuvin laughed as he drove forward.
"Well excuse you, I actually have friends," Yujin said, a cocky grin on his lips.
"I have friends!"
"The members don't count, they're practically family!"
"Well—"
"Guys! I'm sending the demo now okay!" Gunwook yells, interrupting them.
The Men, The Myths, The Legends
Online
23:47 am
Gunwook (You)
Hyungs, check this out
*Attachment; Audio file*
Read, opened
Haohao
HEY! THAT'S SICK (๑♡⌓♡๑)
Hanbitna
Wook have you been taking vocal lessons?
Gunwook (You)
Does it count if it's from youtube
Taeresa
HAHHSSUZBSVHA YUJIN MADE A MISTAKE
Yujinnie
NO I DIDN'T
Hanbitna
You improved really quick so send my thanks to utube
Haohao
This for the albm ur workin on?
Yujinnie
Yeh 😌
Haohao
*Sticker*
Taeresa
Wtf why do you have that
Haohao
It's cute
Taeresa
Bro delete it
Haohao
I sent it already
*Sticker*
Taeresa
Bitch
Grandpa
*Sticker*
Taeresa
You too ???????
Gunwook (You)
*Sticker*
Yujinnie
*Sticker*
Taeresa
STOP IT
Mattchu
*Sticker*
Its not our fault u dont know how to take care of ur image
Haohao
It's rlly funny
I hve like an albm dedicatd to ur memes taerae
Hanbitna
I'm gonna respect taerae's privacy
Taeresa
THANK YOU
Hanbitna
*Sticker*
Taeresa
Fuck u
Mattchu
*To Gunwook* Who wrote the lyrics lol
Gunwook (You)
Gyuvin did
Hanbitna
@Gyuv @Gyuv @Gyuv @Gyuv
Yujinnie
Bro's driving
Mattchu
Crash
Gunwook (You)
Woah tf
Mattchu
Sorry
Haohao
I did an intrviw yesterdy
Thy asked abt zb1
Hanbitna
Awwww
Yujinnie
Wtdu sy?
Haohao
Thy asked if I missed them and if Im stll in contct
I said yes to bth of them
Mattchu
Miss u too bro
My group's stressed out for our next comeback lmaoo
Taeresa
Damn I'm stll doing utube
Gunwook (You)
Hyung, ur paycheck is larger than all of us combined (-hao )
Taeresa
Ik
Gunwook (You)
😒
Hanbitna
We're still on for next week?
Yujinnie
Duhhh
Haohao
Yess
*Sticker*
Mattchu
Wouldn't miss it
Grandpa
😎
Gunwook (You)
Yasss
Taeresa
Ofc
Yujinnie
Gyuvin said 'hell yes'
Offline
00:03
"They liked it," Gunwook grins and lies his head on the window, staring at the bustling lights of seoul.
"Of course they liked it," Gyuvin laughed.
A comfortable silence embraced them, wrapping them in warm hugs as Gyuvin drives through an empty road. He glanced at Yujin who was playing a game on his phone, then at Gunwook through the rearview mirror who was dozing off.
"Hyung," Yujin mumbled. Gyuvin caught it and hums in reply.
"It still feels weird without... him," Yujin pursed his lips.
And Gyuvin knew who he was talking about. Yujin was always fond of him, some might say he was Yujin's favourite hyung. But Gyuvin didn't know what to say at this moment. The thought of him returning has crossed his mind a million times but— it was always just that, a thought.
"I know," Gyuvin whispered softly.
Yujin sighed, placing his phone down and stares at the same empty road, lit up by blinding lights from buildings and billboards.
"It's been almost four years since we haven't seen him, it's 2029 for fuck's sake,"
Gyuvin took a deep breath. "I know,"
"Would you believe me if I said I almost forgot what his face looked like?" Yujin laughed. "It's weird because we have tons of pictures and he's always in them but— everytime I look at it, I keep forgetting that he's real? Like— like he was a figment of my imagination," Yujin rambles on. "But I also know he's real because I've seen him, feel him, laughed with him, cried with him— but I keep forgetting,"
Gyuvin's heart ached. "I know,"
Yujin huffed in frustration, then deciding to take a nap even though it's a few minutes until they arrive at their shared house.
Gyuvin exhales. It was always like this, they'd be closer to the reunion and someone would reminisce about their times. And they'd reminisce about him. They'd make theories and guesses but there was no way to confirm it because no one knows what happened or where he is. Gyuvin sometimes would stare at the sky and a thought would creep into his head, wondering if he was staring at the same sky as him. Then it turns into wondering if he was okay, if he was eating well, if he missed them, if he missed Gyuvin as much as he missed him.
The familiar building they've lived in for the last three years appears from the horizon. Gyuvin drove faster, exhausted from their rehearsal and wishing for nothing but to lay on his bed and push away the thoughts of a certain blonde.
Once he pulled over and turns off the engine, he shook the younger beside him lightly. Although Yujin wasn't really asleep, he acted like Gyuvin just interrupted his 5 hour beauty nap.
Gyuvin rolls his eyes, a small grin on his lips and turned towards their lead singer. He shook his thigh and the other's eyes fluttered open. Whining, he yawned loudly and swung the door open.
The three of them head towards the front door, the moon shining brightly alongside the streetlights. Gunwok took out keys from his pocket and shuffled to unlock the door.
"We should get the kind of lock that uses passwords and thumbprints or something," Yujin mumbled. "This is really old fashioned,"
"Yeah, it came with the house though so I have to ask the landlord," Gunwook yawned. Once he heard a satisfying click, he pushed the wooden door and exhaled in relief. "I'm gonna go to bed, kay',?
"Me too," Yujin said and heads up the stairs trailing behind Gunwook.
"Rest up," Gyuvin smiled.
Then silence. Gyuvin took a deep breath and sat on a nearby sofa. He lied his head down, staring at the ceiling. He hums the music to their song, wondering if there could be any improvements.
'Meow,'
Gyuvin jerked from his seat. He set eyes onto the familiar presence, a grin slowly builds onto his face.
"Mango!" Gyuvin exclaimed, taking her into his arms.
"Ehehehe have you eaten?" Gyuvin laughs and nuzzles her stomach.
'Meow!' The calico replied.
"I'll take that as a no," Gyuvins sighed and stood up with her in his arms. "Yujin should take better care of you, he's the one who begged to take you in,"
Gyuvin laughs as Mango wiggled her way out of his arms and head towards the cupboard where her food is stored. He pulled the door open and took out a can of tuna, then he heads towards her food bowl.
"I kinda wanna try it," Gyuvin said as he pulled the lid open. He got a sharp meow as a reply. "Alright, alright,"
He poured the meat out and stares at the cat as she devours it hungrily, her eyes shining and Gyuvin could actually see sparkles in it. He chuckles and rubs her head, settling down next to her and continues petting her as she eats.
Once she finished, Gyuvin took the bowl and washed it thorougly while Mango disappeared again. Gyuvin wanted to look for her but he was way too tired so he decided to snuggle himself onto the fluffy sofa set in the living room.
He took out his phone, bright light flashes and he immediately lowers the brightness. Gyuvin stares at the screen. What was he going to do again?
Then his hands travelled to a familiar app with an 'X' crossed as its cover. Unconsciously, his fingers travelled to the search engine and as if a routine, he typed.
Search: Ricky
View All
Kpopmylove @kpopmylove (23 June 27)
Shen Ricky, former member of Zerobaseone has lost and/or dropped all contact with social media and the members of Zerobaseone according to our sources—
Replies 23 Quotes 759 Likes 80,067
Missing ricky @missingrickyhours (16 Sep 27)
Rickyyy where are you !!! We miss you :((((
Replies 9 Quotes 53 Likes 4,069
Ricky's right eye @Strawbericky (10 July 26)
Our jebewons were spotted in a bbq restaurant 😭😭😭 but where's Ricky????
Replies 18 Quotes 238 Likes 16,817
Still Shining my babiesss @Stargirl07 (21 Mar 28)
I love that zb1 all has their own careers and respective lives but still do their yearly reunions in that bbq place lmaoo I'm still rlly worried bout ricky's whereabouts tho its been years
Replies 23 Quotes 526 Likes 20,566
its haover for ya'll @Haosolosurfav (06 Apr 29)
Hao mentioned Ricky in his ELLE interview
🐼: Ricky? (All of us) are still waiting on him. He promised to come back (to me)
Q: You haven't had any contact with him?
🐼: No, unfortunately. I miss him, I really do. I hope (he sees) this and gives me a call
Replies 79 Quotes 712 Likes 61,820
Jiwoong for operation true love adaptation...
Jiwoong mentioned he saw the tiktoks of him and Ricky being the male leads of Operation: True Love in his bubble live!
Replies 54 Quotes 162 Likes 41,891
Woohyun oppa supporter @Seok05 (19 Aug 27)
Matthew sang Over Me in his ig live today! He also mentioned ricky and zhang hao!
🦊: Ricky, you better come back, we haven't even worked out together yet!
🦊: Hao hyung was so cool in Over Me
Replies 13 Quotes 218 Likes 34,865
Eumpppappapaa @Gyuvinislove (26 May 29)
It's been 3 (almost 4) years since we've heard Gyuvin say ricky's name. Let that sink in.
Replies 9 Quotes 78 Likes 3,087
Gyuvin turns his phone off. He snuggles deep into the couch and closes his eyes.
It's been 3 (almost 4) years since we've heard Gyuvin say *****'s name.
He couldn't even say it in his fucking thoughts. Gyuvin hugs himself tighter.
Gyuvin parks the car in front of a familiar building. The intense smell of never-changing meat pierces his nose, Yujin and Gunwook shuffles out of the car and sprinted inside, full of energy. Gyuvin laughs lightheartedly, stepping out of the car and locking it. He shoves his hands inside his hoodie and enters the ever busy BBQ restaurant.
"Gyuvin!" A familiar and comforting voice called out to him. Gyuvin broke to a wide smile and hurries towards a long booth where his family sat.
"Hanbin-hyung!" Gyuvin exclaimed and immediately sat next to him. "Ughh, I missed you so much," Gyuvin whined as he embraced the older.
Hanbin laughed and ruffled his hair. "Did you get taller???"
"Did I?" Gyuvin chuckled. Hanbin rolls his eyes and pries him off. Gyuvin looked around, the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant fills him with tenderness. He giggles to himself and settles down comfortably on his chair.
Everyone was here. Yujin and Gunwook was in front of him, rapid ordering meat alongside Matthew, Taerae and Hao sat across of each other and was catching up, seeming to be having a good time with eachother, Jiwoong sat next to Hanbin and the two of them was immersed in conversation about their current works. Gyuvin feels whole.
Except not completely whole. He glances at the 9th seat at the edge of the table every one would leave empty. Because that was his seat.
"Gyuvin! We bought beef!" Gunwook exclaimed.
Gyuvin jerked and turned towards the younger in front of him. "—yeah, who's paying?"
"The richest one duh," Gunwook turns towards Zhang Hao, fluttering his eyes and Gyuvin might be delusional but there are actual stars coming out of them.
"Hey, I paid last time," Zhang Hao said. "It's Taerae's turn," He snickered.
"The burden of being the richest," Taerae gasped dramatically.
"Boo!" Yujin threw a piece of tissue.
"Yes, yes, I know," He caught it and used it to wipe his playful tears.
Everyone laughed and the atmosphere lightens. The bustling customers and service alongside Zerobaseone's laughter makes the place warmer as some customers smile along to their shenanigans.
Jiwoong stood up. "As the oldest, let me toast a drink yeah?" He grinned.
"Alright, Grandpa!" Matthew whooped.
"You go Gramps!" Gyuvin joined in.
Jiwoong rolls his eyes and raised a can of beer. "To Zerobaseone!"
"To Zerobaseone!" Everyone cheers loudly, raising their drinks.
"A legacy, a family and something that may never be replaced!" Jiwoong continues. "The nine of us! We'll shine brighter for 200 years!"
They clink their drinks in groups of cheers and whoops, laughs and giggles escapes their mouth as they chugged their beverages. A satisfying exhale leaving them breathless.
Their food arrives, rounds of applause from their table fills the building. The waiters smile fondly at the group, they serve them to the best of their abilities.
Gyuvin always feels like he's in cloud nine everytime they reunite like this. After a year of tiring rehearsals and life in general, he loved having a day where he could meet his family and leave everything behind. He could smile and laugh without a care in the world. He could joke around and philosophies with them, he could ignore the problems he hid in the backs of his mind and he could only focus on them. The nine of them.
But there's only eight of them and then suddenly his head is filled with only him.
And it looks like he's not alone.
"I wonder how Ricky-hyung's doing," Yujin blurted out, stuffing the meat into his mouth. Everyone turns to him, a reassuring smile plastered on their faces.
"He's probably fine, Yujin," Hao reassures him.
"But do we know know that?" Yujin mumbles.
"Hey," Hanbin calls out. "He'll come back,"
Yujin stares at him. And then he glances at Gyuvin, and Gyuvin's throat is clogged.
"Okay," He whispers and continues eating.
The silence was uncomfortable. Thankfully, they quickly lightened it thanks to Matthew telling them stories about his group and their comeback.
But Gyuvin saw the way Yujin looked at him. As if saying 'he won't, right?'. And Gyuvin wants to deny it, but Gyuvin doesn't know anymore.
He doesn't know what he's doing, what he's like, if he's even the same person three years ago. And it's weird because Gyuvin prided himself on knowing everything about him but this time, he— he just doesn't know.
Then Gyuvin did the only thing he knows what to do about his problems; shove it deep down and never dig it back up again.
They were in there for about an hour and a half before the store asked them to leave because they wanted to close up. The eight of them stood outside of the building, fans passing by greeted them and asked for their pictures and autographs. They'd record them and ask questions that are a bit weird but they've been in this industry for years now and it's gotten bearable.
"Do you guys wanna go somewhere?" Hanbin asked.
"I'd love to you guys but my manager says I have to meet this producer real quick," Hao says as he replied to his manager on his phone. Rushing, he said a quick goodbye and gave everyone a tight hug, lingering for a while with Hanbin but Gyuvin didn't see anything hahaha.
"I love you guys, let's do this again next year, okay?"
Jiwoong smiled. "Well duh, it's called an annual reunion for a reason,"
"Isn't it an anniversary?" Gunwook raised a brow.
Zhang Hao rolled his eyes, a bemused smile plastered on his face as he ran to the opposite side of them, waving as he head onwards until a car stopped in front of him and he quickly got inside.
"We're going our own ways then?" Taerae asked while sipping the drink who ordered to-go.
"I guess so," Hanbin sighed and stares at his watch. "I really don't wanna go to work," He mumbled and the others laughed.
"Stay strong hyung," Matthew pats the older's back.
"I have to go too," Jiwoong smiled wistfully.
Then they said their goodbyes, each of them heading their own ways. Leaving the members of Still Shining still standing in front of the restaurant.
Gyuvin turned towards the youngers. "Should we go home?"
The two of them nodded, they head towards their car. Gunwook heading inside the driver's seat without any thought and Yujin beside him. Gyuvin blinked before giggling to himself and entering the backseat.
Gunwook starts the engine and moves forward through the busy road.
"I found us a gig by the way," Yujin mentioned.
"Oh really?" Gunwook asked.
"Yeah, they want us to perform our third album,"
"Uhh, Roses And Thorns?" Gyuvin mumbled.
"Yep, that one,"
"Sure, when is it?" Gunwook grinned. It's been a while since they performed live in front of an audience because they were busy working on their new album.
"Next month," Yujin answered. "It's for this new boutique that's opening in Apgujeong," He hummed.
"A band performing for a boutique's grand opening in the luxur?" Gyuvin almost laughed. "That's unheard of,"
Yujin shrugged. "I don't know man, they contacted me directly too. The pay's big,"
"Well if the pay's big, I am all in,"
"Alright, I'll confirm then," Yujin took out his phone and messaged the shop.
The cars move pass them, or maybe they're moving past the cars. Gyuvin doesn't know the correct sentence for that. He stares outside, in the span of three years, the digital world has improved in a rapid pace; almost every surface is a digital screen and he sees hundreds of billboards and walls plastered with iconic faces and ads for idols. A lot of them are of Zhang Hao and he also saw some with Matthew's group. He notices a huge balloon with a holographic screen on it floating from a certain building with Hao's face, Hao himself was winking and sending out hearts, making Gyuvin let out a small laugh. He also saw Jiwoong's character in O*eration: True Love's adaptation playing on a window of a building.
Gyuvin pulls the car's window down, the air piercing his skin. He took a deep breath and hung his face outside, a huge grin growing as he hears a subtle sound from a distant shop playing Still Shinining's 'Blue and Pink'. They wrote that as a joke about their hyungs, Hao and Hanbin and some people took notice of it but people mostly thought it was about the relationship (or trauma) of g-group and k-group from B*ys Planet.
Your hand reached out to me
We intertwine
Eyes scouring every brush and stroke
We take our time
Gunwook sung along the muffled audio from the distance. Gyuvin smiles and leans back, listening to Gunwook's voice. They knew making him the lead singer was the right choice.
We spun and our eyes met
People see what they wanna see
But I see you and you see me
Gyuvin hummed along as if it was second nature. Yujin sang with Gunwook while he tapped the door beside him as he would on his drums during the verse.
Oh, oh, oh...
We take our time
We intertwine
The three of them arrive in front of the department store (he's not sure if that's the right way to describe this castle) that's about to have their grand opening. Their signboard covered by a black curtain, unknown of their name.
Gyuvin hums to himself as he carefully took out a suitcase containing his drums from the bonnet of their car. Yujin then came along after greeting the store owners to take out his bass. Gunwook was checking the place out and asking them about where they were supposed to perform.
"Yujinnie," Gyuvin called out to him while the younger was carrying his case.
"Yeah?"
"We did tell our fans we're doing a gig here right?" He asked.
"Yeah, Gunwook announced it on the bird," Yujin reassured. "What about it?"
"Nah, it's nothing,"
Yujin shrugs and says nothing. Gyuvin carefully pulled his suitcase inside the building, glancing towards the streets where foreigners and koreans were walking by and whispering as they lied eyes on this building.
"Thank you so much for agreeing to do this," A worker exclaimed and bowed deeply.
"Oh, it's nothing!" Gunwook fumbled and bowed profusely.
"We were looking for a live band to perform music here, you were the first that came to mind so we're really glad you agreed," They smiled politely.
"Thank you, it's really no big deal. We appreciate you reaching out to us," Gunwook smiles.
"If there's anything else, you can give me a call. I have to help the others," They explained and Gunwook nods in understanding. They left the three of them to their own.
Gyuvin stares, he looks and scours every inch of the store. It's a fashion boutique for sure, it looks really expensive too. It was huge, golden marbled walls, lined with racks of clothes and outfits ranging from mens to womens to genderless clothes. Above them, a high ceiling with a chandelier hanging from it. Gyuvin marvels at the sight as they sparkle and shine from above. He sees mannequins draped with expensive fabric and designs that are exquisite to lay eyes on. Gyuvin feels a sudden urge to wear them and strut around— from the finest silks being worn and sewn as something seductive, intimidating and chic, to fabrics that are flowers and petals and patterns styled in a way that seem light and soft and approachable.
The workers were also wearing wonderful uniforms, the men; midnight blue, shiny silk with puff sleeves, a timeless classic and adorned with flowery lase on their chest. The women; similar to the men except that they wore a porcelain white skirt that falls to their feets, making them seem elegant and sophisticated.
Something about the color blue paired with flowers make his stomach churn.
"Hey, hurry and set up your drums!" Yujin exclaimed, breaking the older out of his trance.
"Yeah," Gyuvin mumbles and pulls his suitcase towards a platform illuminated by a golden light, the floor covered by red carpets. "Don't you think we're wearing something a bit too casual? This place looks fancy,"
"I asked them about it, they said they'll let us wear something more suitable," Gunwook said glancing down towards their sweaters and hoodies.
"Have you seen the price on these outfits? It's so freaking expensive," Yujin whisper-yelled.
Gyuvin let out a small laugh, sighing as he sets down his case and took out his drums. Carefully, he sets them up and played around with it while the workers seem to be rushing around to perfect the place although in Gyuvin's eyes, this place seem intimidating enough without the huge golden statue of a cat at the entrance.
"Hi! We're about two hours until we open," The worker they met before came up to them. "You'll be playing your third album as I've mentioned before to Yujin-ssi," Yujin gave them a small nod. "The grand opening will go on for five days but you guys will be performing for just today. There's quite a lot of people we've invited and we also have a small after-party for our VIPs too back there," They pointed towards a grand entrance in the back of the counter which leads to a lounge.
"You'll perform here for the first hour, and then you'll be moved to the lounge for the after-party which will last for two to three hours,"
The three of the nod, intently listening. "There's refreshments in the lounge also if you need," They continued. "You guys can rehearse for... an hour, and then you have to change to the outfits we've prepared in the changing rooms," They sent a polite smile. "Any questions?"
"None at all, we hope the opening goes successful," Gyuvin sent a polite smile.
"Thank you and come by sometimes," They bowed politely and left. Not that they think they can.
Gyuvin took out his drumsticks from his pockets and played around with some rythms. Yujin carefully tuned his bass while Gunwook was taking out his guitar from the case he's been wearing since the beginning. Once everything was settled, Gunwook turns on the microphone; feedback pierces their ears and it quickly dies down.
"Alright guys, let's have some fun," Gunwook says and turns around to the two of them.
Gyuvin grins and hits the drums as his response, Yujin nodding excitingly.
Gunwook turns back, his hands lay on the cold surface of the dark microphone. Some workers stopped to listen, eager to hear their live performance.
So they sang, they sang their hearts out. The trailings of Gunwook's soft coarse voice caresses hearts with a gentle touch. Yujin and Gyuvin sings along, a smile on their face as they look at the workers astonished faces. The rhythmic instrumentals from the three of them presses hearts and embrace them with a pang. They smile, they perform and they feel alive when the golden rays above them illuminate their beings. They feel alive when they see the widen eyes from the workers passing by, they feel alive when they see smiles and astound.
They sing, they perform and they shine. Gunwook ends the song with a low whisper, a tingling sensation rising from behind.
Soft applauds and cheers were heard once they ended, the three of them mumbled quick thank you's and appreciations. Then they sang again, until an hour passed by in a flash.
Gyuvin exhales refreshingly, pushing his hair back and standing up to stretch himself. "Have I ever mentioned I love performing?"
"Almost every single time we perform," Yujin rolls his eyes, yet a smile still on his face as he puts down his bass.
"We gotta hurry," He says as he glances at his watch.
"Where's the dressing room again—?" Gunwook blinks, shuffling around the building, careful to not touch or graze anything inside. They're pretty sure their yearly salary couldn't handle it if they break anything.
Yujin skips towards a hallway hidden in the back, above was a sign which read 'dressing room'. "It's here,"
The three of them step through it, walls lined with gold and red carpeted floor. Once they were through, a wide room greeted them and another worker they haven't seen before stood in front of them.
"Hello," They greeted. "I loved your rehearsal from before, it was wonderful,"
Gyuvin smiled sheepishly. "Thank you,"
"Since our uniforms are midnight blue in colour, we suggest that the three of you to do the same," They calmly informed them and brought the three of them to a rack filled with shirts and outfits ranging from accessories to jackets and shoes along with pants. The three of them glance towards each other, definitely bigger than our salary.
Then the worker helped them find some suitable outfits which took longer than they expected because they were a bit awkward with all the fabrics and were afraid to damage them. They even had their own little fashion show too which was fun.
Surprisingly, a total of thirty minutes was spent to find the perfect outfit that complement their looks and Gyuvin smiled at the thought that he would've taken longer.
The three of them head out to the familiar platform, now adorned with a new wardrobe.
Yujin was wearing a white sleeveless shirt, a dark blue denim jacket hung from his shoulders paired with black jeans and leather shoes. He was also wearing a silver necklace with a daisy engraved.
Meanwhile Gunwook settled for a simple yet classic white collared shirt alongside a dark blue vest, one of his sleeves were pulled up; he was wearing sunglasses and had silver earrings hanging from his ears.
Gyuvin grins as he checks himself out in front of a golden wall that reflected his image. He was wearing a black v-neck shirt with a shiny dark blue leather jacket. Silver rings and necklaces adorns him. He was wearing his glasses which made him look quite sophisticated (Gunwook and Yujin gave him a disgusted look).
Now they're waiting for the doors to be opened, they could see people lining up outside; their fans, people they assume were the VIPs, and some other customers who were eagerly waiting upon the store's grand opening.
"They asked us to start playing once the door opens," Gunwook informed them and wore his guitar, tuning it in a rush.
"We're kinda like the background music," Gyuvin laughed.
"Those people outside are rich rich, that's for sure," Yujin mumbled. "Surprised they asked us to perform instead of an opera singer or something,"
"Their boss is probably a fan," Gunwook grins and strums his guitar.
Gyuvin took his seat behind his drums, holding the wooden sticks comfortably in his hands. "Either way we should be grateful, this is some good money,"
"Mhm," Yujin agrees and picks a few strings on his bass.
Suddenly they here loud cheers, the ribbon outside was cut and the glass doors was swung opened by the workers.
"Oh shit," Gunwook mumbled and quickly took his place, turning on the microphone. Gyuvin and Yujin follows suit.
The petals from your stem
Came falling and lay down lifeless
Oh, broken and maimed
You lay there and wilt
Gyuvin smiled seeing some familiar fans walk by and waving at them, he continues playing.
Funny how full of life you were
And in a second you gave it all up
Gyuvin checks out the customers scouring the store, he winces seeing someone hold out a piece of clothing from a rack roughly. Yet judging from their appearence, stacked with items Gyuvin could only afford by selling his soul, they probably don't have to worry about the damage costs.
Gyuvin didn't notice before, but there were wide golden pillars in between every wall and section. They lit up and he realized that they were screens. It was trippy because it was once just another wall he payed no mind to but suddenly it had this grey static like a TV, and then it turned dark.
All in the span of a minute, Gyuvin just stopped. He stopped everything. He couldn't feel his breathing, he couldn't hear anything, and he couldn't see anything else except that fucking pillar.
That pillar which was actually a screen that turned black. That pillar which suddenly appeared a familiar sentence that pricks the back of his nape. That font he would make fun of three years ago to his once in a lifetime best friend. That word that sent shivers down his spine and caused him to jerk back, dropping his drumsticks.
'Rolemodel'
Gyuvin wanted to choke up and sprint away, as if it wasn't bad already those words with that fucking font disappeared and then—
And then—
Gyuvin what are you doing
Gyuvin get ahold of yourself
-wook is that?
What are you— holy shit
And then a face he never thought he would lay eyes upon again appears. The face of the person he was yearning and calling upon for. That face and that obnoxious blonde hair and that high nose bridge and that white porcelain skin and that beautiful beautiful brown eyes that haunts his dreams.
And he was smiling, his lashes illuminated by the lights as the screen closes up on his face. And he looked stunning, he looked gorgeous and beautiful and Gyuvin might die because that was him— that was the man he was going crazy for, that man he spent years trying to find his whereabouts or any information at all to no avail, that man who disappeared for three fucking years and hadn't made any effort to contact his friends that were practically family, that man who didn't bother to just call or send a letter or a text that said 'Hey sorry for disappearing on ya'll but i'm A-OK<3', that man— that asshole of a nepo baby, that—
—Ricky.