Fate

Chapter 98

Mina's POV
Ouf! I was getting the jitters! Neon pink costume on, ready for our first stage performance, it made me think how far I came and how insane it was. I did it, my friends. We used to joke around about it, but there I was. I wish they could be there. "What's with that face, gorgeous? We're up in 15 minutes!" I didn't budge. "Our practice stage was perfect, don't worry."

I looked up and smiled. "I'm not worried. It's gonna be great, eonni."

She lifted my chin up. "Then what's on your mind?" She crossed her arms and waited for an answer.

She might get it better than anyone. "Ever feel like you're living a double life or are in a fever dream?"

Her expression turned sweet. "Missing home? Or is it the imposter syndrome?"

"My friends, and yes." I swiped through pictures of friday night, having fun with my birthday party friends with the maknaes. They showed up unannounced to me, which, even if I didn't enjoy surprises much, was appreciated. "In what world am I friends with you?"

She laughed. "Oh, honey. You fell in the right time zone at the right time. Don't overthink it, that's when you get miserable. Trust me. Enjoy the ride." Hwasa nudged me. "Let's get into the wings, we have a show to give."

Namjoon's POV
Our clip was getting released the day of the vernissage. That meant we had a bit of time to do something else. "Is it just her new song, today?"

"No." I whispered to Hobi hyung and Kook. "They're doing two more, I think. Just like we did sometimes, but Mina's only doing the main one. She was shooting with us the whole week they prepared the other two." Some would say it was disappointing to not do them all, but my moon was simply happy to be here.

The lights dimmed, the stage was occupied by seven women. Time to watch. They went for the pink version, how eye-catching! Hyejin's outfit was lighter than the others, but the tallest lady was easily as noticable. It was insane how low she had to drop so the effects would be even when they needed to be. The second tallest was maybe 5'7? They were eachother's mirror at all times to give it the illusion of balance. It was well thought of. With the Idol being pretty short, they had to. Hwasa was the show. Everything was synchronized from the soft waaking to the body rolls. I had to admit that her style matched my girlfriend's well. The guys liked to draw comparisons to tease me, but they were completely different people from my lense. We cheered loudly when the song ended. The guys stayed to watch more of their friends and acquaintances. I got backstage and waited for her to get out. "She shouldn't be too long."

I turned around to see the light pink outfit. "You had a great performance."

"Thanks." She smiled lightly. "Take it easy with her." She left before I could reply.

What did that mean? Time lacked for me to reflect on it as the one I was waiting for crossed the door, coat and boots on, ready to go. She was radiating pride. "It was good, right? Right?"

It made a chuckle escape my throat. "Breathtaking, Foxy."

She happily clasped her hand into mine. "Did you have anything planned for this afternoon?"

"I was thinking a movie with some wine to celebrate your comeback performance?"

"Sounds like a plan!"

Mina's POV
With how late I came last night, we didn't have time to discuss anything, really. "How did the stage feel?"

Are you kidding me? I sat up straight on my seat. "Exhilarating! You can feel the bass through your chest. It contrasts so much with your heartbeat, at first. Then, it just matches up with it! Each time I'm on a stage it does this. I can't explain why, but it feels different than practice or filming."

I had been dancing for twenty years and yet, I was as excited as trainees on their first stage. "Wished you did more today?" It made me think about when they first started and how excited they used to get years ago. Don't get me wrong! They still loved to rap, sing and perform. But that, almost childish, excitement and joy wasn't as present as often anymore.

I paused and shrugged. "No, actually. I think I'm happy with the performance I gave. I adore her other ones she planned, but knowing the other ones I'm doing with your group this week are even more challenging, I'm glad I won't have to run between costume changes."

"You weren't too tired from last night?" There it was! "What?"

I laughed away my mean grin. "I wondered when you'd ask. I didn't drink, so I got nice sleep and I didn't stay late. They went out after dinner, I didn't." Okay, I had to stop tempting him. "Jungkook, Taehyung and Jimin were there. It did make it easier to do jokes I wouldn't pull with people I don't know much."

He seemed genuinely happy. "Glad to hear you had a good time." He took a notepad out, forgetting the movie we were watching. Interstellar was quite a long movie. "Mind talking about Monday?"

I leaned on his shoulder. "Sure? What about?"

I adored the way he thought. "Did you want to pass a subtle message or not? Maybe a bold one?"

"Hmmm.. I want to be true to myself, but I don't want to infringe on your boundaries."

He got curious. "What did you have in mind?"

"Remember my interview?"