he doesn't like | ijb + ksg

six

It had been an excruciating month. After countless days and nights sourcing for the best silk material in town, piecing and sewing them together in the most flawless way possible, it would all be done the moment he goes on stage.

His song was released at 6 P.M. sharp, and immediately there was a sharp increase in unique listeners on music charts. Data and statistics of the album experienced a roof-top hit with no intention to drop anytime soon. His album is nothing but full of praise, from the concept, genre, and all the way to the tiniest yet deliberate details about it.

I often left the company during the wee hours of the night. Curious, I went to level two where all the practice rooms were located. His designated room was situated at the furthest end of the hallway, yet I would always notice a small ray of light shining from within. It indicated that he was in the room, probably rehearsing for the nth time that day. I hadn't seen him much ever since I got busy with the task— a very big task at that, too.

The only time I saw him was during lunch break on a Tuesday afternoon. I was sitting with a few other stylists around my age who were helping me in the manufacturing of JB's stage outfits. I saw him walking groggily with his manager, eyes barely opened and hair in a perfect mess. I guessed that he had spent many sleepless nights in the studio just for the comeback. I pitied him a little, but I was sure he would have felt that his efforts must have paid off seeing how well the release was doing not just domestically, but also globally.

It was around 11P.M. when we returned to the work room in the building. There were five of us, me being the one in charge while the rest were like little minions heeding my orders. It felt surreal to lead a team, but I had no other emotions but thankfulness towards them. They were respectful, efficient, and altogether amazing since day one. It also helped that we were all around the same age range and there was barely any hierarchy because we communicated like friends. I knew I would miss them the moment the era ends.

"Are all the outfits accounted for?" I asked, looking at a rack full of my masterpieces. Since JB's comeback stage was set to be pre-recorded at dawn, I had to make sure everything was prepared and in tip-top condition. I don't think I would've been able to tolerate any mistakes from myself since I was really being a perfectionist this time.

"Yeap!" one of them answered cheerfully.

I nodded, then proceeded to sit on an empty chair. We were basically lazing around and waiting for the clock to strike 12A.M, so that we could start packing the essentials and proceed to the performance venue where JB was set to perform in.

"His new song is really good," Hana commented. "He's really good-looking too."

We all chuckled at her statement. She was honest, but I also had to agree.

The time eventually came and we dragged the luggages down, putting it in the boot of the company van. The streets were dark and empty, with the sound of occasional screeching of motorcycles speeding. We travelled slowly to the venue, enjoying the calmness and serenity of a night drive in silence, bracing ourselves for chaos that was about to dawn upon us.

---

The moment he entered the waiting room, silence prevailed for a short second before we went back to our duties. He plopped down onto the chair, earphones in with a cup of Starbucks in his hand. It reminded me of my encounter with him on my first day at work, him looking all tired, eyebags prevalent under his tanned skin. Yet, he was still a professional on stage as if he wasn't yawning a second ago.

Time check: 1.17 A.M.

He was scheduled to go on stage at 3.00 A.M. Sometimes I wondered how inhumane it was to expect idols to be up and about at such an unearthly hour. It was also fascinating to see fans queueing up outside the venue at such a timing as if they didn't have work or school in a few hours' time. Everything about the industry continued to amaze me.