05. Taemin (1/2)
(OST- Hello by SHINee)“Hey Bomi-sshi,” She looked at me when I called to her. She waved and I gestured for her to come over. “It’s been a while we should catch up.”She thought for a moment. “Won’t it be awkward Taemin?”“Um, if you want a coffee I’ll buy you one, please?” That got her more convinced and this was coming from someone who wouldn’t buy gifts for a girl normally.“What about tomorrow in the staff room after your performance?”
I nodded. “Alright it’s a deal. I’ll keep an eye out for you.” We parted ways after that. I was sure going to be busy for the next two weeks. The show would start filming next week and I had two more weeks of performances before I finished.The time came to meet up. I glanced around the area, holding the two Styrofoam coffee cups in my hands. If anyone asked I could easily tell them that it was for my manager hyung and I. Knocking on the door I was relieved when I saw her open it for me.“Hurry up I’ve been in here for about fifteen minutes. People have been trying to get a glimpse of you so your stylist kept the door shut.”“Sorry,” I handed one of the cups to her. “I didn’t know what you liked so I got a latte.” She nodded in approval and we sat down in the adjustable chairs.She had a long sip of her drink. “Your promotion period is rather short,” she commented. “That’s normal for SM artists’ right?”
I nodded. “Yes, the company has pushed back one of my solo songs I composed for the next album. They want me to do better for that Extended Play because they feel it will show my real colours through my music.” That reminded me of a question. “You’re still promoting with Eunji in your solo unit right?”
“We’ve finished the music show appearances.” She began. “But we’re preparing for our comeback which will be after our whole group has returned.”
That was fair enough. The life of an idol was sure a busy one. There was something I wanted to bring up. “How is Naeun?” She lifted her eyebrows in question. I was making a mess of this. “I mean… It’s been a while since we talked and we’re going to be on the same television show together so…”
“You want to know if she’s thinking about you?”
She saw through that rather quickly so I had no choice but to take back my answer. “No… Actually yes I am.” She made a strange smile. It was as if she wanted to give me a comforting answer but couldn’t. I just waited in my seat, wondering how much more patient I could be.She placed her cup down. “To be honest we haven’t spoken to each other much since our sub unit debuted. And she’s been filming that drama. Shame the ratings have been low.”
It was not what I wished to hear. But Bomi wasn’t the kind to lie about these things, at least from what I did know about her. It was a pity I had been so busy, I couldn’t watch Naeun’s show even if I wanted to. Bomi had a rather questionable gaze on her face. “What is it?” I asked alarmed. What could she want to ask?“So you must be thinking about her then. For you to ask me if mentions you to us after all this time.”I held the cup in my hands, one mouthful of coffee left in the bottom. “It’s been five years.” I began. “When you’ve been close with someone and suddenly split… You still wonder whether it could have worked if you had both stayed.”She reached over the table to pat my hand. “Naeun isn’t the kind to really reveal her true feelings whenever asked. There’s always this wall, her parents would explain it better than I do. Don’t be too sad. I’m sure she still thinks about you, in a bittersweet sort of way.”
The door opened by a staff member asking for me to come onto stage where they would announce the winner. We both stood up and she held her hand out to me. “Well good luck Taemin. You’ve worked hard; I wish you all the best.”
I shook her hand. “Thank you, I guess I’ll see you next week for the opening show.” She smiled and went out. We separated quickly before anyone could get suspicious. As I was going to the stage I suddenly saw the opportunity I had lost.
“Ah, I could have gotten Naeun’s number from her.” I murmured to no one in particular. Come next Tuesday I would be able to ask her then.Standing at the front with just the MC’s and none of the other SHINee members with me was a strange experience. It was an isolating feel while I was against BTS a group that had debuted five years ago.