Constant and Changing (kryber)

Chapter 60: Calling Out

The days of January passed quickly as f(x)'s first solo concert, Dimension 4: Docking Station, drew near. Amber, Luna, and Krystal met on a daily basis with their coordinators to plan and practice for the big event that would occur at the end of the month. Only two days had originally been announced for the concert, but a third day was soon added to meet the demands of their eager fans. No one, however, was more eager for the concert than the f(x) members.

After debuting over six years ago, it was a dream come true for f(x) to see themselves starring in their own solo concert. The preparations were more intense than Krystal had imagined, but she was grateful for the opportunity and she was sincerely enjoying every step of the process. The members began and ended each day with the brightest of smiles regardless of how tired they were. They practiced around the clock without any real days of rest, but this was the result of waiting until the last minute to prepare for the concert since f(x)'s individual activities had kept them from working on the concert any earlier.

Even now their team was still incomplete. Victoria was locked in a filming schedule for her drama in China and wasn't planning to return to Korea until just days before the concert. Many of the staff members were worried if the f(x) leader could prepare for the concert in the small amount of time she would be given, but the staff didn't know Victoria like the members did. They had faith that whatever choreography they learned in this month, their skilled Vic-omma would be able to learn it in under a week.

With sweat constantly streaming down her fatigued muscles, Krystal was reminded of her trainee days and the amount of work that she and her members had put forth in order to debut as idols. The effort that they exerted now seemed to trump the efforts of their past, and Krystal found herself wondering if she had the stamina to survive a two and a half hour concert.

"I think I've gotten old. I don't have the energy for this anymore," Krystal complained after collapsing on the practice room floor for a break. She looked up wearily at Luna and Amber for their consensus, but was met by their disapproving glares instead. "W-what?"

"Soojung-ah, if you're old then we're ancient," Luna retorted as she glared at the younger girl. She stood over the maknae with her hands on her hips and a frown on her face. The pose was supposed to be menacing, but Krystal couldn't help but smile at her Luna-unnie with affection.

Krystal reached a hand toward Luna and motioned for her to lie down. "Sorry, ahjumma. Come and rest with me for a bit."

Luna's frown quickly melted into a smile and she gently collapsed to the floor and stretched out her body comfortably next to Krystal. It was then Amber's turn to frown at the younger members.

"Guys, you don't know what old is until you get to be my age. My joints have been aching since 'Red Light'," Amber complained. Luna ignored the older girl's whining and tugged on Amber's ankle to indicate that she too should lie down. "You know how we always say that we should stay together and keep performing until we're grandmas? Well I might not even make it to Dimension 4," the rapper joked as she filled the open floor space next to Luna.

"Are you really that sore?" Krystal wondered, turning herself toward Amber. She attempted to lift her head to look past Luna, who was lying between them, but found that she lacked the energy to do so. "Do you want me to give you a massage?"

Amber shook her head. "Nah, I'm OK. Besides..." Amber lifted herself onto her elbows so that she could see Krystal more clearly over Luna and gave Krystal a suggestive smile. "Isn't it my turn to massage you?"

Krystal smirked and bit her lower lip gently out of embarrassment, catching Amber's meaning instantly. Amber narrowed her eyes coyly and Krystal did the same, the silent flirtation flying back and forth between them.