never not ✧ mark lee

02

"I have, because it autoplayed after Dream in a Dream," she said, nodding. "What makes you ask specifically about that song?"

"This event is for that song," Ten explained. "But you didn't know that, did you?"

"Oh yikes." Dasom turned slightly red and put her hand to her forehead and rubbed it. "That is embarrassing."

Unable to control it, Ten threw his head back and laughed at the girl's reaction. "It's okay," he said once he stopped laughing. "Now you know."

"Do you have any advice for me?" Dasom asked suddenly, in attempt to change the topic. "I actually love music but I didn't pursue it although I'd like to, and that kinda sucks."

Ten thought for a moment. "Burning through nights, paying the price, to be living legends," he started as he opened up the album in front of him to sign it. "That's what I said in my song right? I'm still working really hard to be doing what I want and trying to reach the peak that I want. My dream came to a very long pause for a while after I debuted, right after Dream in a Dream, because I severely injured my knee."

"Oh yikes, is it better now then?" Dasom wondered.

"Yeah it's much better, but even after two years when I came back I didn't have a permanent group to fit into until the next year when I debuted again with WayV. So I'd say my dream started playing again when I strengthened my willpower and found the right people for me. I'm not sure why you didn't pursue music, Dasom, but I'm sure your dream isn't stopped, it's just paused like mine was. You'll find your way to play it again someday, I'm sure."

Dasom's heart felt warm as she heard Ten's thoughts along with his story. His words resonated with her feelings and she felt so grateful to hear something so uplifting from someone of his status. It really humanized him over the perfect idol image that he had in her mind until now.

"Wow, I don't really know what to say other than thank you," Dasom finally spoke, just as the timer rang signalling the end of the call. "You're amazing Ten, I hope you really do become a living legend someday."

"You're welcome," Ten said with a smile that seemed a lot more genuine than his first one. Just as the staff in the back was about to end the call, Ten pushed the hand out of the way. "One sec."

Ten looked back at Dasom who raised a questioning eyebrow. "I have one last question for you," he said.

"Shoot."

"How old are you?"

Is this dude really age checking me? Dasom thought, trying to maintain a straight face.

"I'm 22," she answered.

"Oh okay," Ten said, the gears turning in his mind. "Anyway, it was great talking to you Dasom, maybe I'll see you as a fan next time."

"Yeah, don't count on it," Dasom chuckled. "Bye Ten, good luck with everything!"

Once the call ended, Dasom felt relieved. Relieved that she hadn't missed the opportunity to talk to someone as cool as Ten. Now, she wondered if the rest of the members were like him too.

* * *

foreign swaggers

mark
yo johnny do you want cash or can I venmo you

johnny
eottoke song?

mark
eottoke song.

jaehyun
haha that sucks

ten
did you do it though?