Jan-A New Friend

The phone was ringing like crazy. I cursed and rolled over, pulling the blanket over my head. But the damn thing just would not stop ringing. Using some of Taewon hyung's favorite swear words, I picked up the phone.

'Hello,' I greeted groggily.

'You still sleeping?' Joonjae's irritated voice came from the other side. 'We have schedule today. Get here within an hour!'

'Can't we cancel it?'

'No,' Joon Jae said sternly. 'Get ready. Stat!'

I groaned. Joonjae might be the quiet type but he sure was strict about punctuality. I dragged myself off the bed and headed towards the shower. The cold shower did nothing to beat my sleepy state. I somehow managed to put on some clothes, yawning every now and then throughout the entire process.

Our tour van was waiting for me outside. Manager Choi was waiting in it. He had a troubled expression on his face.

'What's up Manager Choi?' I yawned.

'Our shooting has been scheduled to take place at Park Hotel in Gangnam,' he replied.

'So? It ain't that far.'

'The thing is...' Manager Choi hesitated. 'I have heard a rumor that TNT is going to be there as well. For their MV shoot.'

I stared at him in surprise. Joonjae did not mention that over the phone. Taewon hyung will be there too!

'Can't we relocate the spot?' I asked. 'Or reschedule?'

'I'm afraid not,' Manager Choi said. 'We spent a lot of money on this MV. It's impossible to relocate today and rescheduling is out of the question.'

I sighed. 'Be prepared for a bomb to explode today,' I said sarcastically. Inwardly, I was praying that we do not have to come face to face with Soo-Yon hyung and Cheng. Then I realized that even after so many years, I still address Soo-Yon as Hyung.

'Old habits die hard I guess,' I muttered.

'I beg your pardon,' Manager Choi asked, confused.

'Nothing. Let's go.'

After an hour, the van pulled up in front of Park Hotel. By this time, I prayed to every gods and goddesses out there for help.

As I entered the building, feeling a little apprehensive, I saw a familiar face standing in front of me. It was the demon kid's mother, standing next to a clothes' rack. She was engrossed in choosing some clothes and did not notice me.

'Manager Choi, you go ahead,' I instructed him. 'I'll follow you soon.'

Manager Choi nodded and scurried off. I made my way towards the girl.

'Hey Demon Mom!' I greeted cheerfully. She spun around, in surprise. As soon as she saw me, her face flushed with embarrassment.

'OH!' She dropped the clothes she was holding.

'I'm so sorry,' she said sheepishly.

'It's okay,' I laughed. 'Here let me help you.'

I helped her gather the clothes.

'What brings you here, Ms. Mia?' I asked.

'Work,' she replied. 'You're here on a schedule?'

'Yeah,' I said wearily. 'I didn't even get the time to have breakfast. I think I'll grab something from the restaurant. Wanna tag along?'

'I already ate,' Mia said.

'You can just have a cup of coffee,' I insisted. 'I just hate eating alone.'

She bit her lip in deep contemplation.

'If you're worried about the paparazzi or the fans, t my management team can handle it,' I assured her. 'Besides, I always get the VIP spots. Security is tight there. And I always make sure my friends aren't dragged by the media.'

'Friends?' she asked. 'We barely know each other!'

'I'm friends with your son,' I smiled. 'That makes us friends too!'

'You have a weird meaning for friendship,' she commented.

'I make friends very easily!' I said proudly. 'Come on my new friend! Let's go!'

'I do have some time left for my break,' Mia mumbled. She looked up at me. I gave her my famous puppy dog look. She sighed.

'Alright,' she smiled. 'Friend.'