How the hell is this going to work?
She knows me.
Has for years.
She’s shorter than average and always kind of reminded me of the girl next door, that is until you put makeup and a costume on her and toss her up on stage. Then, she turns into a tiger.
It’s incredible to watch.
She lost by one vote on a trainee variety show. The group that went on without her ended up disbanding two years later, but still, she’s hungry for it, despite looking like a little lamb that’s ready to run from the wolves.
“Hey.” Ah-Ri steps around me. “It’s good to finally get to hang out with you outside of practice.” She bows slightly.
Jisoo’s face lights up. She repeats the sentiment, takes off her shoes, slides her feet into the slippers, and walks into the apartment with Ah-Ri while I follow.
Slytherin suddenly makes an appearance around the corner. Normally, his black-and-white fur would be standing on end because of strangers.
This time, the traitor prances right after them and meows.
I nearly groan when Ah-Ri picks him up. “He’s so cute!”
Jisoo looks equally entranced.
The cat gets better attention. Perfect.
I stop walking, roll my eyes, then look down at both pairs of shoes they left at the door.
I don’t know why.
It bothers me how worn they are.
Jisoo’s have holes, and Ah-Ri’s aren’t much better.
Guilt assaults me.
Mainly because I know that while Haneul and I have something to prove to the industry, even if we fail and our pride gets damaged, we still have plenty of money.
Loads of it, actually. And not just from sponsorships but because our dads are loaded.
Mine owns a tech company.
And Haneul’s is a surgeon.
Haneul wanders into the room, says hi to the girls, and gives me a funny look.
“The meal is almost done,” I announce while the girls awkwardly go sit on the couch. They’re still talking, though, so that’s good.
“What?” Haneul stops in front of me. “Why does your face look like that?”
“They need new shoes.” I nod to the floor. “In fact, I bet you anything, the reason they aren’t eating much is because of their daily stipend. Either eat using all the money or save up to buy a new pair of shoes.”
He curses.
So much cursing in the last hour.
I shrug. “We could always just…tell them it was from the label as a thank you for signing on with the new group.”
He nods. “Go distract them. I’ll get their sizes and report back.” He stops and hangs his head, then smirks at me. “You’re going to buy them more than shoes, aren’t you?”
“That wouldn’t be appropriate.” I lie because he knows me too well.
Yeah, they’re getting more than just shoes.
I start to really pay attention as I walk over to the girls. They both have clean clothing—perfect, almost—but it’s all really faded.
I awkwardly try to measure their bodies and then realize I haven’t spoken a word. I’m literally just staring them down as if I’ve lost the ability to have a conversation.
“Good,” Ah-Ri answers before I have the chance to say anything. “We nailed the song already. And our choreography—”
“Is hard,” I answer.
She chokes on her sip.
Haneul looks between us.
I truly can’t help it. Part of me wants to break her down to get her attention, to practice with her until she’s slick with sweat and she looks at me for longer than a few seconds. Maybe the whole I’ll take your hate if I can’t have your love is a real thing. Is that what I’m feeling?