I Hope Love Is... [On Hold]

Twenty-sixth Verse

Twenty-sixth Verse

Annyeong
was the last word you ever said to me
Did I ever really know you?
Did you ever really care?
-translated from “Hello is the Same as Goodbye”
from Future Colors' third album Future Perfection

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Minha fidgeted. He and his bandmates were seated in a row on the couch in Jae sunbae's study. Shingu sunbae leaned against the wall while Jae sunbae sat behind his desk. Mia noona  sat in another armchair by the door. She reached out and patted Minha's arm, as he sat nearest to her, having chosen the end of the couch nearest the door. He knew that escape would be futile, but somehow it felt better to sit there and believe that he could leave if he wanted.

When President Kang came in, the boys all stood up and bowed. Minha searched the agency president's face for some clue as to why he was there, but the older man's face was expressionless. President Kang looked across at Jae sunbae and Shingu sunbae, who both nodded at him. He then pulled out the coffee table in front of the couch and sat on it, directly in front of the boys.

“Well,” he said. “I haven't had a chance to talk to you in a long while. How are you boys?”

Jungkyu looked at his bandmates. Minha looked down at the floor. 

“We're... all right, sir,” Jungkyu said.

“Minha-ya?” President Kang asked. Minha glanced up at him. He felt like he had a lot to say, struggling up inside him vying to get out first, but what was there to say, really, that wouldn't sound bad right now?

“I'm sorry, sir,” he finally said. “For running away, I mean.”

President Kang scrutinized Minha's face for a moment before speaking again. 

“You had us all worried, you know.”

“I know, President.” Minha stood up and bowed low. “I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble.”

“I hope you are feeling well now?” President Kang rubbed his chin. “You will have to forgive us for not taking better care of you. That problem should not have happened.”

Minha fished around for something to say. There wasn't anything he could answer that wouldn't have sounded petty and complaining. Two years ago, perhaps, he would have been whining. But not now.

“It was my own fault, sir,” he finally said. “I should have been more careful.” He caught sight of Jae sunbae out of the corner of his eye. The older man had his fingers tented in front of his mouth. Was he... trying to hide a smile?

“If Jae here hadn't assured me this is you, I would really doubt it,” President Kang said dryly. The other boys snickered.

“Well then,” the agency president added. “I have received the doctor's report. Since you are effectively barred from singing for a month, you can't really take part in band activities yet. And I don't think the fans will take kindly to the band performing without you, even if we could somehow produce a miracle and have someone else do the vocals. What are we to do?”

“Sir, we've begun working on some new material,” Jungkyu spoke up. “And Minha agrees that in the future he won't be the only one singing. We'll all sing parts too. And we can still do promotional activities aside from singing.”

“Uh,” Minha said. “Does this mean I'm still part of the band?”

Jungkyu leaned over and flicked Minha's forehead.