Rae's POV
They had a small lunch break coming up so I got up and got them all sandwiches and drinks from the convenience store. They were subpar at best, but they did the trick with hunger.
Juggling everything- because my dumbass decided not to take a bag- I made my way back up to to the practice room.
"I brought food!" I announced walking in making the boys cheer. Jaehyun immediately stopped dancing to help me carry the food. We dumped it on a table and they dove right in.
"This isn't as good as the food you make Rae noona." Seungho said with a pout eating his sandwich.
"Hey leave them alone they were probably preoccupied." Yamato said with a cheeky smile, I threw a cinnamon stick at him in response. But the boy was skilled and caught it in his mouth giving me a thumbs up.
I swear I never win in these situations.
"Let's eat quick and head over to the studios. They do make up right?" I questioned chugging my water bottle. I had miscounted and there were only 7 drinks so I shared half my water with Jaehyun.
"Yes, so they'll be able to cover up all of this." Jaehyun said and I felt relieved.
"You know we don't have a dating ban you don't have to worry about it." Lamon commented. But we're not even- ah we haven't even spoken about what we are to each other now.
"Let the world focus on you guys right now." I said diffusing the situation. He shrugged and continued eating. I had taken a glance at Jaehyun but he seemed to be preoccupied as it is looking over some sheets.
I frowned for a split second but returned to my smile. I shouldn't be worried about anything. If he wants to go ahead and be with me he can say himself he's a grown guy. And if he didn't want pursue things it's okay as well... as okay as I would be. Oh goodness I'm turning sappy. I'm really just sinking deeper.
We finished and five minutes later I locked my office and headed out. The studio where the filming was happening is about 30 min away and filming starts in an hour and a half. The boys were quiet the entire way, because they were nervous. This was the first time they had ever shown up on a show like Idol Master so they would definitely be nervous.
"Come on boys, you guys can do this! 네 자신을 믿어 (believe in yourself)!" I said trying to lift their spirits. My words seemed to have reached them because they looked to be a bit less nervous.
"Yeah Rae is right! 포기하기 마 (don't give up)! Let's do this!" Seungho said holding his hand up for a group high five. We all joined in and cheered before exiting. I went in before the boys and headed to the staff area to confirm that they're here.
"We have make up people in room 5 and your outfits are in so get changed let's go we're running a tight schedule." I said ushering the boys to their dressing room.
"Okay mom." Yamato joked before I smacked his shoulder.
"If I'm this group's eomma then listen to me." I said practically shoving him in the room before waving bye to Jaehyun, who once again didn't notice me. Ah he's busy I shouldn't be worried.
Jaehyun's POV
"Woah where did this come from?" Our make up artist Mina said poking at my hickey. Why didn't I expect this reaction?
"Well you see.." I was about to begin a lie when she held up her hand to tell me to shut up.
"Save it, I know a hickey when I see one. So tell me who's the lucky girl? Or did you decide to swing your bat the other way?" She laughed at her own joke whist I rolled my eyes.
"Haha. Very funny." I said in a dry tone.
"You'll like her, her name is Rae!" Seungho said from his chair. He was already done with his make up and was tying his laces.
"Does Rae have a vacuum for a mouth god damn. You're lucky I have my super coverage concealer and foundation I can make this look like nothing." Mina said taking out her equipment.
We trusted Mina with everything, so know everything about us. She's actually Minjae's younger cousin doing a beauty related course so she comes in and helps us for extra credits.
"Is she Korean?" Mina got to work on the hickey whilst asking questions.
"No she's- actually I don't know where she's really from cause we never asked. But she's a black girl." I said. Huh I didn't even realise, but maybe she doesn't know either because she said she doesn't remember her childhood.
"She's so nice. She makes really good food. And she's really pretty." Seungho kept on animatedly talking about Rae.
"Aw we have the Seungho seal of approval. A good cook, nice girl and she's pretty? I need to see her." Mina said finally putting the finishing touches on my make up. I can feel the layers of concealer but when I look at it in the mirror it doesn't look noticeable at all, like just a little blemish on my skin.
"Excellent work as always." I said giving her a quick one arm hug.
She's only just turned 18 and she's so skilful, she's starting to get more popular as well. She's even worked with Stray Kids once, and they're very popular right now. I'm good friends with Bang Chan and Hyunjin but we haven't gotten round to hang as much in the last month or so because of promotions for their album and ours is coming out well tomorrow. Our new comeback Seasons Of You I feel like is our best work I'm so proud of myself and of my team. Although I'm a little biased to one of our side tracks Snowfall because it's the first song I've ever written. I even made that little music box for Rae have the tune to it.
We'd finally gotten completely ready just at the right time as a knock came to our door telling us we should head out. Lamon pulled us together and gave us a pep talk like Rae did and we all felt better about going up. I was definitely nervous before but now I'm more excited. My idol career is going to take off soon. Maybe not this year but soon, with hard work Snow will end up at the top of the charts!
Walking up on the stage I saw Rae on the other side backstage giving me a thumbs up. I wish I could give her one back, but I can't expose myself now. We don't have a dating ban because our CEO thinks it's too damaging on an idol's mental health to restrict them too much but at the same time he discouraged us from dating during our promotion time, or at least don't reveal you're dating anyone unless you're serious about them. So combing that nobody in the group has dated anyone.
"Welcome! Here today with us we have Snow!" The MC said as we all clapped.
Rae's POV
I could say Jaehyun and the other make their way down to the stage from my side and waved at them enthusiastically before I realised they couldn't wave back others they'd expose me. Jaehyun looked so good in his outfit. I felt a tap on my shoulders and turned to see a girl in a very trendy all black jumpsuit and bright red make up. Usually it would look bad but she made it look badass, like a fashion week look.
"You're rooting for them too?" She said with a grin holding out her hand. I smiled in return shaking it.
"Yeah, I'm Rae their caretaker." Her face changed to one of understanding when she heard my name, and then one of excitement.
"Oh YOU'RE Rae. I'm Mina I'm Minjae's cousin and their make up artist, you won't believe how much they won't shut up about you." She said lightly tapping my arm as she spoke rapidly. Aw now I'm kinda flattered, and looking back at her now again she does resemble Minjae a little. They both have softer more cute mochi like faces.
"Aw. What did they tell you?" I asked curiously. Anyone would want to know what was said about them.
"They kept going on about how pretty you are- which you totally are- and how you're so nice. The boys really like having you around." As she was talking I noticed her accent wasn't korean, but the typical Californian accent.
"Strange question I know but are you from California?"
"Oh I lived there for the first 15 years of my life. Then I moved in with my auntie and here I am." She said waving her hands animatedly. I love her eccentric traits, they're pretty cool.
"And also nice work you did on Jaehyun it took a lot to cover it up." Oh goodness even she knows what's going on. She started giggling at my expression.
"Don't worry its safe with me. Anyways I need to prep for the next people coming in, here's my number if you ever want to hang out." She said handing me a small slip of paper with her number on it before walking away. Aw what a nice girl. After putting in her details I continued enjoying the show from my side view until my phone pinged again.
Unknown: Be careful today.
Rae: you know I'd ask but at this point you've saved my ass enough for me to trust it.
Unknown: Good someone with a brain at least.
Rae: so will I ever get to meet you oh Mysterious One
Unknown: One day.
Rae: why are you helping me anyways.
Unknown: Dangerous questions lead to dangerous answers.
Rae: alright back to the cryptic messages...
Unknown: Just keep an eye out.
Rae: an eye out for what exactly??
ERROR YOUR MESSAGE COULD NOT BE SENT
Well that was a nice enough talk. I'm not an idiot I won't probe into things but if they're literally keeping me alive I should follow their words. But I do have to keep things quiet, just so I won't worry everyone, I mean Lishi knows because I can't hide anything from her she'll find out either way. But like the boys and Jaehyun shouldn't know, at least until I know they won't be caught in anything. Hiding things isn't the best but at least it keeps people safe. Better safe than sorry.
"Thank you guys once again for coming on Idol Master!" The MC finished the show with thanking them and they finally stepped offstage once the cameras stopped rolling.
Once the boys got back to their dressing room area to change I gave them a few minutes before knocking on the door so they'd be changed into their regular clothing.
"Hey you guys did great!" I said coming in, they were all dressed back in their regular outfits.
"Thanks oh my god I was terrified." Seungho said and I patted his head, messing up his hair a little.
"Hey Rae aren't you going to say anything to your boy Jaehyun here." Lamon said with a grin.
Jaehyun was once again sitting in a corner reading over some things. Lyrics probably. Hm I don't want to bother him though.
"Oh don't worry she'll probably give him a good talk later." Yamato said wiggling his eyes. Jaehyun, without looking up threw a random shirt at Yamato who caught it laughing.
"How long are you going to keep this up?" Jaehyun asked with annoyance.
"This is the most action any of our group has ever gotten we find entertainment here. So basically forever." Me and Jaehyun let out simultaneous groans of annoyance at Yamato's words.
This made Jaehyun finally lift his head up and look at me. He got up and swiftly gave me a cheek kiss. I'm starting to think cheek pecks are his thing. It's cute so I don't mind. He reached for his water bottle and took a sip but frowned afterwards.
"Hey my water is finished?" He said confused. That's strange we filled everyone's bottles earlier.
"No worries I'll get you some more from the store. And cool ranch Doritos." I added the last bit on making Jae's eyes light up. I've noticed he loves cool ranch Doritos so I always make sure to get him a pack.
I flashed my pass to get out and headed to the store quickly. We didn't have much time before the boys had to go back but they did have a small break so I can go to the store. I walked in and out with a water bottle, the bag of chips and a little cup of mocha. I didn't know these things were that good then I tried one and they're so damn good.
I started walking back and noticed rain clouds gathering, making the sky darken. Well that sure is ominous.... I started walking faster so I could try to avoid the rain because I didn't bring a coat and these clothes don't look like they'd do well soaked with rain water.
That's when I heard footsteps. They were perfectly in tune with mine so I didn't even hear it at first till I turned. Instinctively I turned and what looked like a GIANT of a person was right behind me. When I say giant this guy easily reached 6'5 hunched over. He was tanned but it wasn't natural he had streaks. He also stunk to high heaven my God my eyes are about to water.
"Finally I can bring you back, he'd be so happy to see you." He grinned and his teeth were yellow, and his breath reeked so badly I gagged and I was two feet away.
"Fuck no." I cursed and tried looking for a way away from this guy but there was only the normal road that was a good 30m away from me, and he'd catch up in no time if I tried running.
He was about to reach out and grab me before I heard a screech and a loud thud noise.
"GET AWAY FROM MY BEST FRIEND!" I heard Lishi's voice and saw the guy swaying and face plant next to me passed out. Lishi was standing in his place with a look fury and a giant metal pipe in her hands.
"How in the ever loving fuck did you get here?" I asked in disbelief. Lishi poked the guy with her shoe to check if he was fully unconscious before dropping the pipe and rubbing her arms.
"Ouch that guy is built like a fucking tank. You know that Unknown person? They started spamming me screaming that I should come here immediately so I ran and picked up a random pipe in an alley on the way." When she finished I looked at her with even more shock.
She ran for a good ten minutes at least then! She was out of breath so I gave I her the inhaler I always carry in my bag and she was good after a minute.
"Let's go, we're going back and pretending nothing happened." Lishi said taking my arm and pulling me away.
"But what abou-"
"Unknown said they'll take care of whatever I did to get you safe." She said showing me the conversation on her messages.
Damn.
So we walked back out and I bought her a chocolate milk because she just saved my damn life and she deserves it. We went back to the studio and the sudden thought came to my mind.
What did the guy mean by "he will be so happy to see you"?