"I need two Baeksejus," Xia cautiously approached the bar for the first time for her shift. She spotted her favorite regular that just arrived with a friend, and she already knows what he wanted.
She avoided eye contact with the bartender and chose to look down at her freshly manicured apple green acrylic nails. She scanned the bar area to see that the other staff didn't arrive yet for their shift.
A sigh escaped her mouth, and she was worried she would have to work the floor and bartend with him tonight.
"Baekseju?" She heard Jaebeom finally respond, but she didn't want to look at him. "Lemme guess... Jackson's here?" Jaebeom questioned the brown skin beauty. Xia still wouldn't make eye contact.
"Yes," she quickly responded and nodded. Xia looked up over at the television that hung above Jaebeom's head on the wall.
Jaebeom turned around and grabbed the drinks from the fridge. "Good, I need to talk to him anyway," Jaebeom turned back to face her. He grabbed two glasses. "Hey, Xi, we need to be at least cordial. Chemin will notice if we start acting differently," Jaebeom poured the drink into the glasses.
Xia finally worked up the courage to look up at him. "We're at work, so I'm going to be professional," Xia stared at him for a brief moment and noticed he did his makeup tonight. He looks good but not as good when she lets him do it.
Xia tried to fake a smile to show him that she wasn't bothered about what happened the other night, even though she couldn't stop thinking about it.
Jaebeom pressed his lips together and shook his head. He attempted to say something, but stopped. "Baby, it's not my fault. You know how my family is," Jaebeom replied.
Xia quickly grabbed the drinks. She didn't want to continue this conversation with him. "Whatever, pick them like you always do," She moved away from the bar, and took a deep breath. She didn't want to bring that energy to the table.
She planted a smile on her face and walked with her chin up, and shoulders held up high. She smoothly maneuvered through the crowded bar greeting everyone as she passed by.
One thing about Xia is she knows how to light up for her customers and provide the best service. Not to mention she knows how to get them to tip her good.
"Ms. Xia is in the building," Jackson lit up when he saw her approach the table. He did a little dance that made her laugh. "My favorite girl always knows what I like," Jackson observed her placed the drinks in front of him and his friend.
"My favorite customer always makes me smile. It always so nice to see you again," Xia affectionally smiled at him. "I see you brought a new friend," Xia smiled at his friend.
"Of course. I always love the music, the vibe here, and you always treat me so well," Jackson complimented her customer service, and that made her blush. He was always a bit flirty, but she never paid that any attention.
"How are you gentlemen doing tonight?" Xia asked.
"So, much better now," Jackson took a sip of his drink. He looked over at his friend and then back up at Xia. "How are you doing tonight? It's super packed. Who is coming tonight?" Jackson asked.
"Uh, this new talent. His name is Bangchan, I think... or ChanBang. I heard he's really good. I guess that's why so many people are here," Xia looked over the club once more, and nodded. "It's definitely a full house on a Wednesday night. We don't normally see this many people on a weekday," Xia said.
Xia couldn't help but notice out the corner of her eye was the unfamiliar guy glued to her. She decided to engage him in the conversation. "I'm not sure I've seen you here before. I'm Xia," She bowed.
"Nice to meet you. I'm JinYoung. I've never seen a black woman speak in Korean before. Were you born here?" Jinyoung asked. It always the question she gets multiple times a night, and she's used to it.
"No, I moved here when I was five to live with my grandma. She stayed here after she left the military. She loved it so much when she was stationed here back in the 70s," Xia warmly explained.
"Oh, okay, that explains everything. Sorry, if that was rude. I was just so curious," Jinyoung blushed. She never really had a thing for guys who wear glasses, but he couldn't deny the man is fine.
"It's fine. I speak English too. I normally speak to Jackson in English, so that I don't lose it. I am just so used to speaking in Korean," Xia said.
"Wow, I want to speak English one day. Do you miss the states?" Jinyoung asked. He seemed so curious about Xia, and she could tell that Jackson didn't really like how much attention he's giving her.
"Uh, not really. I wasn't there long enough to get used to it. I just know Korea, so I guess I love it here better. I feel like a foreigner when I go back to the states," Xia said, and that caused them both to laugh.
"Wow, that's pretty funny. So, do you have a boyfriend?" Jinyoung asked. Xia was used to guys being pretty forward with her. She couldn't help but laugh at him.
"Yes, she does," Jackson spoke up, and it was strange to see him so protective over her. Sure, they had a customer/ server rapport, but it wasn't like she really knew that well. Other than him being good friends with Jaebeom. That still didn't explain why he was bothered by their interaction.
"Actually, Jinyoung, I am single," Xia proudly expressed to him, and it was the first time she said it out loud. She placed her hand on her hip.
Jackson's eyebrows rose at her response, and his jaw dropped. He sat back in his chair and folded his arms. "Xia, since when? What happened? You two were my favorite couple," Jackson sounded more heartbroken than she was, but he would have to take it up with JB.
"Talk to Jb about that," she wanted to dead the conversation. "Anyways, if you need anything, please feel free to let me know. We have a wing special tonight," Xia grinned. She knew that Jinyoung would definitely tip good because he wants her number.
"Thank you," Jinyoung winked at her.
Chemin approached her, and it was the first time she has seen him tonight. "Xia, this is our performer for tonight, Bangchan. I got some things to take care of. Can you please take him to his dressing room and take care of him," Chemin directed.
Before she could even explain, he already walked off. "No problem, Chemin!" Xia yelled behind him. She turned around to see Bangchan, and she bowed. "Sorry about that. He's a busy man. I'm Xia,"
"Wow, you speak Korean?" Bangchan tilted his head.
"Yeah, follow me," Xia laughed. She walked past the bar and ignored Jaebeom, but she knew he would be curious about why she was with him.
She walked towards the back and downstairs to the dressing rooms. She grabbed her key ring off her hip. She opened the door, and she couldn't stop but notice how much he's staring at her.
Xia turned on the light. "Well, here is your space to get ready," She allowed him to enter the dressing room. She already had Korean snacks, water, and a bottle of Soju waiting for him. The space was already prepped for him.
"Wow, this is pretty nice. I normally, just get ready in the bathroom. I've never had a dressing room before," Bangchan walked over the space and looked at around like he was in complete awe.
Xia had seen the room a thousand times, so there wasn't anything impressive about the place. She just thought it was a regular space for artists to get themselves together before going on stage.
Xia watched the taller man walk through the space, and he placed his book bag on the couch and took off his jacket. He sat down on the sofa and put his phone on the table. He took a deep sigh and looked up at her.
Xia was drawn in by him for some strange reason. She couldn't explain it, but she wanted to know what this man was all about. There was silence between them, and she couldn't deny that the man is definitely attractive. He hasn't said much, but his energy has such a strong presence.
As she stood there before him, it was like he was eye-fucking her. Usually, she would look away, but she liked his gaze on her, and she watched him bite his bottom lip.
She finally snapped out of it. "Uh, yeah, so do you need your makeup done?" Xia had to remain professional. This is her place of employment, and she can't be trying to find her rebound here.
"Makeup? Uh, I don't wear makeup," Bangchan tone felt abrasive, but she couldn't understand how a singer doesn't wear makeup in South Korea.
"Wow, sorry. I usually offer my services to talent," It was never her intention to offend him. "I am not talking about doing your face like mine. I just mean enhancing your natural features a bit, but nevermind," Xia could tell he's a bit green when it comes to performances.
"Oh, I am sorry. I've never worn makeup before. I didn't know it was a thing. I'm an R &B singer," Bangchan explained.
I nodded. "Right, and this is an R& B club, so that means we have R&B singers," Xia replied with a smart tone and laughed. Maybe he's just nervous about everything. "Is this your first big performance?" she asked.
"Yeah, how'd you know?" Chan laughed nervously.
"It's kinda obvious. But, listen, you are going to do great," Xia encouraged him. Even though she could tell, he was nervous. She had a feeling that he would rock the crowd tonight. "The crowd is going to love you. I can tell already. There is something different about you," Xia complimented him.
"Thank you, and actually, could you do my makeup," Chan said.
"Okay, sit down in the chair in front of the mirror," Xia pointed over towards the mirror. Chan did what she said and sat down in the chair. She walked over to him, and pulled out her phone.
"Do, you mind if I take a before and after picture. I'm building my portfolio. I like to do makeup as a side gig, and I love showing people the transformation," Xia asked.
"Of course. I'm trusting you with my face," Chan smiled, and it made her mirror his action.
"You're in good hands," Xia stood in front of the phone and snapped a photo. She saw a notification from Jaebeom.
Jaebeom:
Why would you tell Jackson we broke up?
Xia ignored the text message and put her phone back into her pocket. She wasn't in the mood to explain anything. Right now, she was doing what her boss asked her to.
Xia was Chemin's right hand because she did multiple things to make sure the club runs smoothly. While, she was hired as a waitress seven years ago, she does social media marketing, makeup, bartends, and does the shift.
She does enjoy the work, but she just wished Chemin would pay her more, but her customers make sure she's okay. They always tip her big tips, and she survives off of them.
Xia carefully sets out the makeup and places a few foundation colors in front of the other makeup. She looked to see which one would match Chan perfectly.
"What's wrong?" Chan asked.
"Nothing, I just want to match you perfectly. Give me your hand," Xia asked.
He held out his hand, and she picked two different foundation colors. She nodded when painted both on his hand. "Yep, this one is the one for you," she lifted the correct foundation and shook it.
Xia unconsciously moved between his legs, and Chan grabbed onto her waist. She didn't even realize it while she was wiping his face with a cleansing wipe. "Uh, Bangchan.."
"It's Chris. My name is Chris," he replied.
"Okay, Chris. Nevermind," She grabbed the primer and prepped his face for the foundation. She didn't even feel like telling her to let her go, because she couldn't remember the last time anyone held her.
"Do you like working here?" Chris asked.
"Yes, I get to meet new people every day. One day I am going to be able to turn this into something more finally," She explained.
When she was so close to him, she could look at him. The one thing that stood out to her the most was his nose.
There was no way she would contour it at all. He has the cutest nose ever. He didn't need the makeup, but she knows how things are here in Korea, and everything is about looks.
"I watched you earlier interacting with those guys. People are really drawn to you. You have a good aura," Chris said.
"Thank you," Xia focused on doing his eyebrows. She then went in with a light auburn smoky eye that wouldn't be noticeable. She hummed the words to chocolate legs while she finished his makeup.
She did her last finishing touches and moved out of the way. She turned him around and stood behind him. "What do you think?" Xia looked at how different he looked. She could still see his beautiful face, but she just enhanced it with her magic.
"Whoa? I look like a different person. I actually look really good," Chan moved closer and turned his face from each side. "Wow, you are really talented, and you didn't make my nose look smaller. Thank you," he said.
Damn, was he a mind reader?
"Of course not. Your nose is beautiful," she smiled.
"Alright, I gotta do my rounds around the club. You will be on in the next fifteen," she said.
"Please, can you stay with me?" Chan laughed, but she could hear the nervousness and vulnerability in his voice. She knew that she was Chemin's right hand, and she had to do her duties, but if the talent is too nervous about going on stage, then she wasn't exactly doing his job.
"Uh, sure," Xia pulled out her phone and texted her co-worker, Bam Bam, to check out everything and make sure everything is fine. To also cover her tables for her.
"Do you own this club?" Chris asked.
"No, Chemin's had Sugar & Spice since maybe the 80s. He just trusts me with a lot of responsibility since I've been here for seven years, and I always handle everything," Xia explained.
"Oh, a lot of guys flirt with you, huh?"
"Of course, I'm the only black woman here. I don't date customers because many of them say nasty things in Korean until they realize I'm fluent. A lot of them have a fetish, and my regulars know better than to say anything slick. A lot of them will defend me if their friend says something sideways," Xia said.
"Who was the bartender? He gave me a weird look," Chan asked.
"Oh Jaebeom, he's harmless. He's... uh, my ex," Xia volunteered without even thinking about it.
"Interesting. Relationships are overrated anyways," he said.
"I agree. Would you like a drink to relax?" Xia asked.
"Uh, no. I like to perform sober. I'll get hammered after. It will be like my reward," Chan said.
"Your Korean sounds funny. Kind of like mine but not like mine. Where are you from?" Xia said.
"I'm from Australia," Chan spoke in perfect English, and it made sense why his Korean sounded like that.
"Foreigners always link," Xia laughed at him.
"Of course we do," Chris replied.
Someone knocked on the door. "You're up! Bangchan," it sounded Chemin's assistant, Junie.
Xia and Bangchan both stood. "You're really cool. Thanks for keeping me company and also for doing my face... I mean my makeup," Chan nervously laughed.
"Anytime," Xia said. Chan gave her a warm hug, and for a moment, it lingered a bit. Chan pulled back and let her go. "Uh, sorry. You smell really good," he complimented her.
"I know, thanks! Good luck out there," he said.
Xia watched him walk out of his dressing room, and she followed him out. She locked the door so that no one would touch his things while he's on stage. She walked back to check on her customers and placed the orders they requested.
Jaebeom: You move on quickly..
Xia decided she wasn't going to be big and bad via text. She's going to address him face to face. Since he has so much to say, she approached the bar again.
"Now, what was all that shit you were talking about earlier?" Xia folded her arms and waited for Jaebeom to tell her what he needed to say.
A/n: Alright, to my Ahgases & Stays, this one is for you!!! This book is inspired by Chan going live like two weeks ago and signing chocolate legs and baby. I was shook, lol
It was my birthday today, so that's why I picked September 6 as the release day! So this is my birthday gift to myself to start a new book!! With my two biases!!!
I am super excited about this book, and I hope you enjoy this book. Will there be polyamory? Maybe...maybe not! I am not going to label it yet, but just let things unfold.
Let me know who your bias is for Got7
Did you listen to Jackson's new song? Pretty please? What did you think? I liked the video more than the song, but it's cute and different..
Who is your bias for Stray kids? Are you ready for their comeback?!! Sept 14!!! Next week!
I'm also going to have a playlist to listen to when I drop the next chapter. It will be on my YouTube channel.