Turning to a New Page

"Judging from your expressions, I can tell I exceeded your expectations." I said to Ji-hun and Annie. I pulled my face-mask down to reveal my smug expression and giving myself some breathing room. Both of them were unresponsive, they had this long stare until Annie broke the silence.

"You. Are a fucking savant Akira." Annie breathed out. She reached out to me but pulled back her hand.

Annie turned away and crossed her arms. I raised an eyebrow at her, what's her deal? I put my facemask back on over my nose and I turned towards to Ji-hun. I felt a body brush up against me, I was embraced by Annie, she locked her arms around my waist for a moment before pulling away.

"So when is the encore going to start?" Annie asked. Well that's a quick change of topic. ji-hun scratched his head before answering her.

"It will start soon, now it's downtime. More time for Akira to bask in the crowd!" Ji-hun exclaimed. I scoffed and turned away.

"Minji said a lot of things about you, your dance videos will never compare to this- your- I mean, your choreography and this performance was sen-effin'-sational man! I don't know if you can top Mafia, but I have to be there to see it happen!" Ji-hun held out his fist, I responded in kind. He gave me a toothy grin and patted me on my shoulder. I looked over my shoulder to see who's coming up to me this time. Ah, it's Yuna and Lia coming up to us. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is my friend here, Akira the Savant." Ji-hun called out to the audience members. He knows what savant means? I readjusted my mask over my nose.

Lia still has the microphone in her hand, she adjusted her earpiece behind her. She took a good look at me and stopped at my mask. Yuna stepped up and started talking to me.

"Akira, you did a wonderful job. I can't really describe how I'm feeling or any of my friends feeling right now. That moment where you took it slow and engaged with the camera was really..." Yuna trailed off a bit, she looked down and back up to me. Before she can finish, Lia interrupted her.

"That was hot, really hot Akira." Lia finished. Yuna looked at her incredulously for the interruption. Lia giggled a bit and continued on. "You have no idea what you did, we have seen a lot of fans doing covers or making their own renditions, but you? You took it even further, your own style of moving your hips at the last chorus will forever be on repeat or how you were meticulous during the whole thing! An incredible performance, Akira." Lia finished with a wink, ignoring Yuna rolling her eyes. I merely grinned under my mask and did a slight bow to her.

"I'm relieved, your feedback is greatly appreciated. I'd like to thank your idol group for choosing me and my other two companions for this rare opportunity. It's safe to say we got in return was entertainment." I replied. Ji-hun stood by my side and put an arm around my shoulder.

"Hi guys, this is my best of friends Akira. He is really talented as you can see, but he is just exiting his comfort zone. I'm here to give him some courage, because I am the one that convinced him to give it his all!" Ji-hun spoke enthusiastically. But we only met a few hours ago. And technically speaking, it was mainly that conniving Minji taunting me.

"Oh, how very nice of you! I'm glad we got to see your performance as well." Lia smiled again, truth be told, she is really adorable and seemed very polite. Something tells me she can give Hyo-joo a run for her money on having the brightest smile that can brighten the room. We did some small talk for a while until Lia excusing herself to be the last announcer for the night. Some security guards have come up the stage to fetch us, but Lia stopped them and told them that we can stay up here until the show is finished.

So, now that this whole mess has finally passed. I think it's fair I can get a carte blanche from Ji-hun and Minji. I gave them my word, now I ask of them to do the same. How troublesome, I originally did not want to perform. I just wanted my check and get out. I did like some of ITZYs music and some other kpop songs, so when Minji revealed the name of the venue I was surprised. I must've been living under a rock because the past few weeks was me tuning everything out. I'm glad I had a choreography prepared for one of their songs. However, that does not mean I follow ITZYs life when they're not creating music. I don't feel too pressed to do so nor asinine to be snooping around peoples private life. No offense to the innocent fans, I use that term loosely because I'm well aware of how fans obsession over people is terrifying to say the least. Sometimes, I feel like the idols aren't friends with the audience. They are grateful for every fan they can get, the support from them can be a reason why idols push themselves to be crowd-pleasers, and they're more than happy to create something wonderful in their own music studios. But people and idols forget, they are only human. Idols are people too, I just find it hard how can the crazy fans fail to understand that concept. One of my favorite sasaeng stories I read a couple of months back is there was this incident where an all-male idol group were performing in China. During their stay in China, the boys went into a public restroom to freshen themselves up. There was one small problem, a group of girls walked into the bathroom with the boys and took pictures with them. The girls were shown in the pictures with shaven heads and they pretended to be boys. It's either their poor disguise worked or the public bathrooms in China are really transparent. A group of girls with their heads shaven launching a surprise attack to the males at the worst place possible. The article gave me a good laugh, sue me for loving schadenfreude.

"I have to know," Yuna began. "I have several questions, but my main question is, how did you do it? How were you able to pick apart our song to create something so... enticing?" I breathed out of my nose in amusement, enticing is a word I haven't heard of being used to describe it. I turned my head towards her.

"That's two questions," I called out. "I don't want to focus on the how's, I want you to divert your question to the why's. Well?" Yuna looked a bit puzzled before regaining her bearings.

"Sooo... why did you create something so wonderful? After seeing that performance, I couldn't believe you executed so many moves that was so intricate. The best example I can give is you throwing up numerous KSL hand signs and the smooth transitions was captivating and so... clean." Ah, so she did understand what I was trying to do. Very good, that section was the part I was the most proud of.

"Well for starters, I liked your verse and song. So when I listen to songs, I give it a few plays to really grow onto me until I decide to create the choreography. It's easy really, I let the song play and I get lost within it." I spoke as I looked on at Minji and Hyo-joo, they were conversing with nearby audience members and grinning.

"I don't mean getting lost in the literal sense. To explain it, I explore the different pathways the song has to offer. I begin with a step, and then, it leads into a sprint. Sometimes I'll even include some of my favorite moves from the official song's choreography. As you may have seen, I did my own version of hips moving, to mirror ITZYs version. I tend to create things that are... mainly for my own enjoyment and pace. I am no instructor, but I know a good dance when I see it AND the music itself. The way I see it, your group is very special. You have amassed such a large crowd, and they've been excellent so far. I give credit to them, a certain witch, and a loveable fool for encouraging me on performing my best." I continued on as Yuna nodded to my lecture, albeit confused on the last parts. "I dance because I choose to, and ITZY has given me a reason to do so as well. So, is there anything else you want to know of me before the encore starts?"

She let my words sunk in for a while, she had her finger on her chin to signify she was in deep thought. She removed her finger and looked into my eyes.

"So um, how tall are you? My friends like to tease me about my towering height, Lia had to crane tilt her head up to look at you properly. I thought it was kind of funny." Yuna gave a light chuckle. I rolled my eyes and smirked at the height difference.

"I am 178 to 180 cm." I answered. Yuna hummed and nodded before her eyes started to light up.

"That's so neat, you are about 7-8 centimeters above me. You struggle with being tall right? I've been asked to reach for the cabinets to fetch my friends something almost all the time, even Yeji asks me to get something too." Yuna giggled. Her cheekbones were raised up to match her curved red smile.

"In your particular case, that does sound like a hassle. Maybe it's their way of saying, 'you are unique in what you can do compared to us'. If it were me, I'd buy them a stepping stool for Christmas." I joked a bit as well. Yuna seemed to enjoy that one. She sighed a bit and looked away.

"Ah it's no trouble really, I like to give them a hard time in return for their nonsense, haha. ITZY has been very close to me and they're something I hold dear. I think we all have our own strengths and flaws, it's why I have Lia, Yeji, Chaeryeong, and Ryujin to support me. Without them, I feel like I won't be able to make the same connection with other people." I can feel her resolve emanating. When she met my stare, she looked a bit flustered before looking away. "O-oh, it got a little serious there, in short I love them, a lot. I blame you for this, it's our first time meeting, but your way of words is very resonating." Yuna teased.

"It's no problem, I think that was very thoughtful of you to believe highly of your friends. But why am I to blame? Your eloquence was just fine." I shrugged. Yuna snorted and crossed her arms.

"You know full well what it is. I don't remember the exact details of your 'talk' with your friend, Ji-hun. I only heard, 'I'm not nervous, and neither should you' and more of your speech. You strengthened his resolve, he didn't dance perfectly to 'Icy' but that didn't stop him from having fun. Your talk may have influenced Lia and my decision to choose you." Or this might've been a stroke of luck for you to hear us.

"I'm surprised you were able to listen to us from that far away. How were you able to hear over the thousands of audience members?" Yuna grinned at my question.

"It's easy really, it may not look like it but when you perform on stage, you see almost everything. Hearing was the tricky part, let's just say you attracted a lot of attention during your talk with Ji-hun. So, I followed the neighboring gazes and it lead me to you." Yuna faced her whole body towards me. She extended her hand out to me.

"I haven't introduced myself to you formally. My name is Yuna, it is nice to meet you." I straightened myself up and I faced my whole body to her as well.

"The feeling is mutual Yuna, call me... Akira." I shook her hand and we both gave each other light bows. "I believe it's time for the encore, I think I can vibe with the group." Yuna let go of my hand and beamed with her big eyes. "I'd like to see you groove with us." The music began and the crowd resumed their cheering. Tonight was not too bad, looks like the night is still young. I quickly joined with the others to the stage, giving one last final performance.

.o0o.

Needless to say, the encore was a success. After the performance, ITZY bid Annie, Ji-hun, and I farewell, we all went to our separate ways. I excused myself from Ji-hun's friend group so I can freshen myself up and fetch my personal belongings from my locker. I pinched my shirts center and gave it a few tugs to get some cool air. The cold air at backstage can only do so much to cool me down. They seriously need to tone down the sconce lights intensity, the sweat is more bothersome. And wearing all black was probably not the best outfit under numerous lights. I quickly grabbed my personal belongings from my locker and went into a bathroom to change my whole attire. I think my previous outfit; black blazer, white t-shirt, and some blue jeans will suffice.

I took off my black shirt, I passed by a mirror on the wall and took a good look at myself. My glasses must've fogged up during the dance, I'll clean them after I wash my face. I ran the cool water down my face, and ruffled through my unkempt, frizzy-ravened black hair to make it neat. My hair almost reaches to my eyes, maybe I should cut it down to size after winter is over. My grey eyes looked back at my own reflection, looks like there's nothing out of the ordinary. Just the same old quiet and slightly pale expression. My co-workers say I am well-mannered, however, they complain I'm more aloof and how I should be hanging out more. "Have a bit of fun, you don't have to be the center of attention." "Just you being there is enough." Yeah sure, whatever.

I pulled the back of my shirts collar to pull it over my head. Then, I discarded my black pants and put both of my removed clothing into a bag. I changed into my outfit and gave one last look at my reflection.

*You did well tonight, an excellent performance. You have full marks Akira.*

After I was done changing, Chang-ho nim stopped me in the hallway. I believe the proper term to describe his face is a, "shit-eating grin". He let out a slow clap as he approached me.

"You are hiding too much of that handsome face of yours Akira. It's a shame the cameras didn't catch your eyes underneath that bucket hat. Think of all the things you can get away with, just by being you. Imagine you walked out from a burning building and you are convicted with arsonism. Some policeman shows up and arrests you, and when they look at you. I bet they will say, 'oh, carry on then, you're free to go.'" Chang-ho nim let out a bellowing laugh. Putting my boss's outlandish comparison aside, I raised my eyebrow at the non-comedic joke.

"Thanks, I guess? Is there something I can help you with?" I asked him. He wiped a fake tear from his eye and let out a few laughs before beckoning me to follow him.

"Walk with me Akira, I think this is the perfect time for me to talk with you." Chang-ho nim grinned. Unfortunately for him, he dropped the grin and deadpanned at me. "Yes yes, you will be getting your check and your contract has been fufilled you hyena." Now, it's my turn to have the shit-eating grin.

"Now you're speaking my language, I'll walk and talk with you." I spoke. "You could've just waited for me outside the venue, I think all that is left are the stage crews cleaning up the seats and tidying up backstage." Chang-ho nim shook his head, he had this brief look of a sad smile but he quickly buried it away.

"Akira, do you know how long have you been working with me and my team?" Now that he mentions it, I believe it was about 2-3 years of being a stage technician. I was under Chang-ho nim and various stage technicians tutelage to get involved in the performance world.

"I would say about 3 years Chang-ho nim. Why the sudden question?" I tilted my head. We are headed to the backstage exit door. I won't have to cut through the numerous people exiting the stadium seats. But we'll have to maneuver around the workers and people are still working to clean things up. Perhaps I'll meet ITZY once again, although I hope not.

"You see, I had a lousy father. I'm sure you know of this story already since I make snide jokes here and there to make fun. However, it also put a lot into my perspective on how I was feeling. You see Akira, you are like a son to me. I feel so proud of you. I was a father-figure in your life, I'm glad I have raised you well. We helped each other and I can't thank you enough for impacting my life and my coworkers." Dear lord, the old man is getting misty eyed on me but alas, he continued on. "Your finishing touches on the backdrop and screens were beautiful, your nonchalant attitude on helping others tasks is so selfless, and that dance. I can't put it into words but I was cheering for you."

"You don't have to make this emotional. Don't misunderstand me, I am relieved you think of me so highly. I do what I can when I am tasked. You have my gratitude for offering me a job that helped me grow as a person, and of course my wealth." I joked.

"You are going to do great things in life Akira. You never fail to amaze me. I can't explain it but, whenever you make things uplifting. It just uplifts others. It's contradictory to your impassive emotion, but you definitely lightened up this year. You making jokes about my old age was funny, yet that is not cool. That was the moment where I realized you were starting to warm up to us." I raised my eyebrow at this, I tried to talk but he continued on his dialogue.

"You are good, like really good. I'm going to be that guy, so I'm going to say it. I think it's time you can get a girlfriend, I think that can improve your mood." Dear fucking lord, here we go again. I fluttered my eyes rapidly and slowly brought up my hand to cover my face. "Before you say anything, I just feel you can get anyone you want-". "Stop." At that moment, we stopped in the middle of a hallway. It was rather quiet, albeit some chatter inside of rooms.

I gave one good look at Chang-ho. He clammed up immediately. Good. "I assume having some romantic partner can fix my visage? Don't be ridiculous. Besides, I don't think my impassive or nonchalant attitude is attractive. Yes, I'm aware of my excellent performance tonight but I merely did it on a whim. I understand what you are saying, however, I disagree on you thinking I am lonely. If you believe I am some brooding edgy teenager, you are very mistaken." Chang-ho scratched behind his head, he looked down on the ground before speaking up. "Furthermore, I don't owe you an explanation. Maybe someday, I'd meet a special lady that will give me a family. But for now, I move forward and settle down to a quiet life."

"I'm sorry Akira. I don't like how people are saying you are lonely or how you are intimidating. My coworkers think they did something to make you mad or distant. They just left you alone." Chang-ho nim shrugged.

"So? I'll admit I'm standoffish at times and I don't really hang out as much. Other than the time where I was at the drinking celebration. That will be the last time I ever help your friend into a bathroom stall. Remember it well Chang-ho nim." I shuddered. The smell was disgusting, I didn't know that vomit can come into such a bright color. I straightened my shoulder and gave my boss an even stare. "I don't need anyones pity nor the wishful thinking that errodes our souls. What I have is determination, and that strength has enabled me to persevere."

"It was a funny story to tell. I've seen your disgusted face once, and it was glorious." Chang-ho nim laughed a bit, albeit taken back from my sharp last sentences. There was some silence between us, other than the workers cleaning the hallways and some chatter in the makeup room. I softened my expression a bit, there is something on his mind.

"Chang-ho nim, there is something on your mind. I would like to hear it, please." I removed my face mask and gave him a raised eyebrow look. My boss fumbled around his coat pocket and took out a white envelope and a folded sheet of paper with a business card stapled to it. He rubbed his salt and pepper hair, and gave me another smile. But why does he have such sad eyes?

"The white envelope is yours Akira. It's the check you desired, I added a little extra to your pay. And here's your sheet of paper. I want you to read the contents carefully and don't lose that business card." Finally, I feel so elated on getting my check. I stuffed it in my blazers pocket. I unfolded the piece of paper and I studied the paper carefully.

"Why does this sheet of paper have a JYP insignia?"

I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I met Chang-ho nims giddy expression. I raised my eyebrow and scanned for my surroundings. It was awfully quiet in the makeup room, no one seemed to be talking. I spotted a one-way peephole attached to the dressing room. I gave it one good look before I pulled Chang-ho nim outside to make sure we're out of prying ears and eyes. My boss has teased me and made jokes at my expense, however, he never really lied to me and remained truthful to me. And knowing my boss for a few years, he is not the joking type when it comes to serious topics. Once we were in the clear, I spoke up again.

"Boss, what is the meaning of this paper?" I asked. I raised the paper for him to see and he blinked.

"That Akira, is your next step in life. I know this is sudden, I just think you might enjoy your next job. You have the skills to back yourself up and you have always been a diligent worker. The company will be more than happy to take you in." Chang-ho nim dried his eyes and shrugged at me. I reread the letter, I needed to sound out what I'm seeing.

"Dear Akira Okoro Khuzwayo, we have noticed your exemplary efforts on the stage and your work on the special effects for tonights show. Your attention to detail did not go unnoticed, my agents have nothing but positive things to comment on your stage technician experience. The patterns, colors, and transitions on your screens have been mesmerizing. The bright sconce lights was beautiful. It was not too bright and it was not too endearing, in fact, it gave the performers an extra glow to their smiles. You alone made something wonderful for us to experience. We like to go further on your recent dance performance, however, we'll save that for the job meeting.

Your boss has brought to light on your skills off stage, specifically, your video editing and production skills. The visuals were amazing. And we would like to offer you this wonderful opportunity for your next occupation. JYP Entertainment will be offering you a job opportunity as a video editor. However, we believe you can be much more than just a editor. But for the time being, we humbly ask you to call our business card attached with the paper or email us." I read out loud for Chang-ho nim to hear. Both of us are bewildered at this turn of events, I raised an eyebrow to my boss. He simply covered his mouth in shock.

"Sincerely, JYP Recruitment Agents." I breathed out. Chang-ho nim cracked first and clasped my hand. We both brought it together into a hug, he sniffled during the hug and tried his hardest to keep it together. Now I understand everything, this is why he was so on edge throughout our conversation. We remained attached for a few moments before breaking off.

"This is your dream right? You get to work in a prestigious industry where you will be making good money. You're better off from our contract. I want to say goodbye but, I can't find it in me." Chang-ho wiped actual tears from his eyes. The night sky has gone solemn. I stood there silently and listened. "These past few years have been great, we had disagreements in the past. But we never let it split us, we crushed it and proceeded with our lives. I'm so proud of you, I want you to take this job, and I absolutely want to see what JYP has in store for you." Chang-ho brightened up and had his hand at the back of his head. "And also, we'll miss you. I figured you aren't big on parties so I got people together to pitch in their farewell gifts. The gifts should be at the concierges desk where you're staying, just give them your name and they will hand it to you."

*He's not worth the effort. Just take the job and get out already.*

No, not yet. I fixed him a blank stare and looked back at my paper.

"Listen Chang-ho nim, you are right for the most part. You seem to be misunderstanding something. You are right, JYP Entertainment has been my goal ever since I was introduced to the stage and video editing. And I will be leaving immediately to pursue my new job. But I want you to realize that I won't be forgetting our time spent together. Just because I'm going to be away, that does not mean I will be putting everything behind me. I predict I will be busy and I won't be keeping in touch as much. Our bond will be everlasting, and that won't change because you already know I am capable of taking care of myself." I pushed up my glasses and slung my bag higher on my shoulder. "I thank you for your parenting and teaching me to be part of the technician family. Do not fret, once I begin my new chapter I am confident on moving forward. And you should too, boss."

My boss nodded in affirmation and clapped. I breathed out a sigh of humor and held out my fist, he pulled my fist in and gave me another hug. We let go of each other and bid me farewell.

"By the way, have you gotten taller Akira? I remember you were just a string bean. Throughout these years, I've watched you grow. But it feels like a moment has passed." Chang-ho called out to me. I stopped in my tracks and looked over my shoulder. I mouthed thank you and gave him one more snide remark.

"Why don't you stop being short then?" This got him to throw insults at me as I ran off to my taxi. Poor fool, only thing that got older was his sense of humor. And his bearings. Nevertheless, I wish him and his other coworkers the best of luck because I won't be around to help. I stopped by a sidewalk and waited for a taxi to show. I will have to travel by taxi to the nearest subway station. If I said I was not excited, I would be lying. A check, a new job opportunity at JYP, and possibly a carte blanche from Ji-hun and Minji.

"Now..." I pulled out my phone and started to browse the interwebs to pass the time. "What food services are available late at night?"

.o0o.

One hour earlier...

Chaeryeong POV

"Heck yeah! We put up such a good show tonight guys. I'm so excited that we can do another one!" Ryujin called out, she ran her fingers through her shoulder-length hair. "Like right now."

"Absolutely not Noona, we did really well tonight and the encore was amazing. I think we did more than enough and besides, save that energy for the next time we perform!" Yeji complained. Ryujin turned around and tried to play ticlke fight with her. I had to step in to break things up between them. We all let out a collective giggle after we stopped our scuffle.

"Okay okay, break it up you two. Just relax, hahaha!" I couldn't help myself laughing with them as well. Ryujin has always been giving Yeji a hard time to get a comedic response. It's like they are sisters and it's really cute how both of them try to get the upper hand over the other. And oddly enough, I am always the referee to break it up. It's cute, but troublesome.

"Get changed you two, Lia and Yuna will be waiting for us at the shuttle. And of course, our presents and gifts are already at shuttles compartments. Please hurry it up you two." I spoke flatly, although I couldn't hide the mirth that was ridden on my face. Yeji nodded and Ryujin just pouted. I couldn't help myself to hug them both, they returned the hug and held me tight.

"Fine fine, co-captain." Ryujin smiled and started to change into more casual clothes. It was starting to get a bit chilly, fall season tends to pivot towards winter season immediately. The sconce lights and the dancing got us worked up that we didn't notice the chill until we entered our bathroom. Yeji was done and soon Ryujin was too. I pulled out my phone to play some games to pass the time.

"Sooo...." Yeji trailed off, me and Ryujin look at her with our piqued interests. "How about that last dancer on our Mafia song? I mean, the girl was great and the other guy with the red hat did alright. But that dude, he was the best for last. I couldn't believe it myself, his movements were so... engaging." I had to agree with my leader. Who was that guy? It was like, he came prepared. His dance outfit was all black, it still gave off that mysterious yet alluring vibe. He covered his face up with a facemask, was it that cold in the venue? I couldn't get a good look at his face, but that smile. That smile when he was looking at us, it was...

"Hello~ Chaeryeong, you there?" Ryujin waved in front of me to snap my out of my reverie. I put down my phone and gave them my attention.

"O-oh sorry, um. What were we talking about?" I asked. Yeji summarized what she was talking about and how the third dancer absolutely wow'd all of ITZY. The crowd enjoyed the performance, some of the audience members tried to get his attention as he made his exit. He remained steadfast and ignored everyone. What a guy.

"I couldn't get a good look at his face either guys," Ryujin commented. "The bucket hat casting a shadow over his eyes added the 'hot points', but why the face mask?" Yeji shrugged and we both smiled at each other.

"There's no way else putting it, that guy is seriously intriguing. I'm kinda jealous that Yuna and Lia got to pick him. They only saw his glasses underneath the bucket hat. Apparently his occupation is being a stage technician, and it was mostly him designing the visuals and cleaning up the backstage for our performance." Yeji continued to list all these rumors but couldn't help to question who was this guy? His name is Akira. Akira... what a pretty name. Ryujin added, "what if he's one of those secret idols that surprises people?" Before we could continue our conversation, some loud chatter can be heard outside. I went to open the door for us to leave but I stopped to view what is outside. I removed the privacy filter from the peephole and peeked.

"I'm sorry Akira. I don't like how people are saying you are lonely or how you are intimidating. My coworkers think they did something to make you mad or distant. They just left you alone." The gray-haired middle aged man spoke.

Did he say Akira? Ryujin and Yeji heard his name too, they slowly crept up alongside me to listen in with me. Wait no- we shouldn't be snooping, I tried to back away but Ryujin and Yeji tried to listen closely. Ryujin peeked into the peephole and let out a quiet gasp. Yeji raised her eyebrows at her reaction, she gently pushed Ryujin aside to peek. Both of the girls had surprised reactions.

"So? I'll admit I'm standoffish at times and I don't really hang out as much. Other than the time where I was at the drinking celebration. That will be the last time I ever help your friend into a bathroom stall. Remember it well Chang-ho nim. I don't need anyones pity nor the wishful thinking that errodes our souls. What I have is determination, and that strength has enabled me to persevere." Each word felt punctuated and sharp, I sort of was taken back by his formal speech. I let go of the doorknob and I leaned closer to look into the peephole. Both Akira and the middle-aged man continued to exchange replies until the man handed him a white envelope and a folded sheet of paper to him. The three of us continued to listen until we froze up at one single sentence. My eyes widened, Ryujins had her mouth open, and Yeji scrambled to get a better look at the peephole.

"Why does this sheet of paper have a JYP insignia?"

Suddenly, Ryujin froze up and backed away slowly from the door. A pair of footsteps started to get close to the door until it faded away. We all blew out a sigh of relief, however, Ryujin looked on edge.

"What's wrong Noona? You look a bit pale." Yeji looked concerned as she reached out to Ryujin. She took Yejis hand and gingerly embraced her. I took a another look throught the peephole to see if anyone else is outside.

"I think we're okay, there's nobody out there." I called out to my two bandmates. What I expected was Ryujin continued to be aghast but she still had this warm smile. "What? What is it Ryujin?"

"I don't know how to put it but... about that conversation we just had about Akira? I got a good look at his face. Dark onyx unkempt-raven hair, about two Lias tall, black-rimmed glasses, and well dressed..." Ryujin finished. Yeji looked amused at the metric used to describe the not-so-mysterious person.

"Now that you mention his height, Yuna did mention he was about 3 or 4 inches above her head. Although, I feel bad about being nosy to his private conversation. I mean, he doesn't know us. Tonight was our first time meeting, we should be more mindful next time girls." Yeji was unsure about this whole thing. She made a good point, alas both me and Ryujin couldn't help ourselves. He did drop that JYP bomb on us and it made us all wondering.

"Ah! Look at the time guys, we gotta get moving to the shuttle!" Ryujin exclaimed. Yeji and I checked our phones. We quickly gathered our belongings and double checked the dressing room before we left. During our jog to the shuttle bus, in the back of my mind was full of thoughts.

*This won't be the last time we will be seeing him. I wonder what JYP wants to do with him?*