My body ached all over when I finally woke up. My eyes slowly opened and a flash of light above me was blinding that I had to shield my eyes with my hand. When my eyes adjusted to the light, I sat up and I could tell I hadn't slept on my bed.
I scratched my head as I slowly took in my surrounding. I had slept in the lounge on the floor. I closed my eyes and murmured to myself. Collins was going to kill me if he found me here.
I slowly stood up and I realised that I had been covered with a blanket when it dropped to the floor. Lee must have found me sleeping and covered me with it. So thoughtful of her. And the guitar laid on the couch.
"Morning, sleepy head," came Collins' voice behind me.
I almost jumped in fright when I turned around. I found Collins sitting at the dining table, drinking a hot cup of coffee and looking at his tablet. He was obviously reading the news online.
"Hey, Collins," I replied as I walked over to him.
"What did we say about working on the song the whole night?" Collins asked, still looking at his tablet.
"'Don't tire yourself out and just go to sleep,'" I said, remembering what Collins had told me last night since I refused to go to sleep when I arrived.
"And you didn't listen to me and you kept on playing your guitar the whole night. Your song sounds incredible, by the way."
"Oh, you were listening?"
"Ya, you kept on playing until I couldn't hear you play anymore. I came to check up on you and you were hugging the guitar like a teddy bear."
"Thanks, Collins." I smiled at him.
"For what?" Collins asked as he looked at me.
"For covering me with a blanket."
Collins looked at me with his eyebrow raised and smiled. "Go take a shower. We need to leave for YG. Yang Hyun-suk also needs to hear the song."
"Okay." I smiled as I nodded.
"Morning, people," said Lee as she came into the lounge. "It feels really weird these guys aren't here. The place is so quiet."
"I know," I said. "I really miss them."
"Me too."
"I don't," said Collins as he sipped some of his coffee.
Lee and I threw Collins angry glances. Collins chuckled to himself.
"Going to take a shower," I said.
"You go do that," said Lee. "I'll order us some breakfast."
After I freshened myself up, I went back to the lounge. I still found Lee and Collins by the dining table. Lee was having her usual toast and eggs for breakfast, and Collins was still on his tablet.
"Are you going to keep on reading the news the whole morning?" I asked as I took a seat at the table.
"Nope. Just looking at messages," Collins replied. "Zoey sent me one. She said she will be coming back late at night with the others."
"Are they having a good time?" I got a slice of bread that laid on the middle of the table and was applying marmalade on it.
"You know Zoey. She doesn't take any opportunity for granted when she is in some glamorous place."
"True." I shrugged as I got another slice of bread.
"She even sent Collins a picture," said Lee. She turned to face Collins as she jerked her head. "Show her."
Collins handed his tablet over to me and I took it. Zoey took a selfie of herself with the other Toxins, G-Dragon and TOP behind her. They were all cheering and raising their hands up in the air. I smiled. Looks like they were really having a great time.
"Is it me or is that the Eiffle Tower behind them?" I asked.
"It sure is," said Lee, raising a cup of coffee to her lips.
I mumbled. I had always wanted to go to Paris and see the Eiffle Tower. These guys were so lucky. Boo hoo for me.
"They should have as much fun as they could possibly can," said Collins as I gave him back the tablet. "They are in for a lovely treat."
"What? Is it about the song?" I looked at Collins.
"No, it's not about the song. They already know they have a lot of work to do with the song when they get back. I'm talking about something else."
I looked at Lee who sat opposite me. I gave her a look that told her to tell me what Collins meant. But she looked at me with a worried expression. That meant she didn't have the slightest clue of what Collins was talking about.
"What are you talking about Collins?" I asked as I poured myself a cup of coffee.
"Oh, you will see," said Collins with a huge grin on his face.
I almost shuddered when Collins smiled. I'd never liked that smile. That only meant Collins had something up his sleeve.
"You can tell us, Collins. I won't tell the others."
"If I tell you, I'll just ruin everything. Just sit back and wait for things to happen. Finish your breakfast. We will be out of this place in a few minutes."
Collins got up from his chair and walked away with a satisfied look on his face. How I wish I knew what he was thinking. Whatever he planned for us seemed rather amusing to him and might turn out bad for some of us.
"What do you know?" I asked Lee, immediately I knew that Collins was in his room. I leaned forward to look at her straight in the eye. I seemed more like a detective asking questions to a criminal.
"I don't know," Lee replied with a shocked look on her face. "I am as surprised as you are. And besides, I wasn't with Collins the whole day of yesterday."
I knew something was up when Collins wasn't around yesterday. I wondered what he and Yang Hyun-suk had planned this time. Collins had a happy look on his face.
"This is not good," I said as I leaned back on my seat.
"I don't think it's that bad," said Lee. "Whatever they have planned, will be okay. Even for you."
"Well, hopefully." I blew out a puff of air and shook my head as I thought of what happened to G-Dragon and I yesterday.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"I think G-Dragon and I aren't on good terms again."
"What? What happened?" Lee looked shocked and then again, confused.
"Things were going so well before things went down the drain when Zoey and TOP came to YG yesterday."
Lee leaned her head backwards and let out a huge murmuring sound. "Don't tell me Zoey ruined everything."
"Well, kind of," I said as I thought of what happened and who to blame. "It's complicated. And to be honest, I don't who to blame. But it wasn't entirely their fault."
"Eat up. You will need all the energy to sing that song. We'll talk about this later."
"Okay."
I was just done eating my breakfast when Collins came to tell us that it was time to go. I carried the guitar and my notebook.
Lee, Collins and I soon left the hotel and we were at YG. To be honest, I felt kind of nervous. I was going to perform the song in front of Collins and Yang Hyun-suk but it felt like I was going on the X Factor auditions just to be judged afterwards. Collins did say the song sounded amazing. I just wondered what Yang Hyun-suk would say.
I was waiting in th recording studio, waiting for Collins and Yang Hyun-suk. I kept telling myself that everything was going to be alright and I shouldn't worry because I had gone through all of this several times. But today, I was edgy and my heart was beating so fast.
I was pacing up and down with agitation written all over my face when the door to the studio opened. I turned to the door and Lee came in with Taeyang and his girlfriend, Hyo-rin. Well, this is a surprise. I never thought I would ever meet Hyo-rin again. Well, not today when I'm about to sing a song and I was so nervous.
"Here she is," said Lee, turning to face Taeyang and Hyo-rin. "I've tried to calm her down but she can't stop pacing up and down like an ant. Maybe she will listen to you, Tae."
I frowned at Lee and I wanted to snap at her but I brushed it off. She hadn't even made an effort to try and calm me down. She had left me all alone. What a friend.
"Hi, Tae," I said and walked over to Hyo-rin and gave her a hug.
"I never thought I would see you again," I said to Hyo-rin with a smile after I hugged her.
"I told Taeyang that I wanted to see you," said Hyo-rin. "Looks like I decided to come and see you at the right time when you're about to sing the song."
"Our manager called me to come to the studio and listen to the song," said Taeyang, answering the puzzled look on my face. "Hyo-rin came to see me and heard my conversation on the phone. That's why she wanted to come and see you."
"Thanks," I said. "Maybe with you guys around I might just calm down a little bit."
"I'll go and check on the managers and see what's taking them so long," said Lee as she started to head out of the room.
I wanted to call out to her and tell her to let it be. I didn't want our managers here just yet. But she had already left.
"So, where are the others?" Hyo-rin asked as she took a seat on the comfortable leather couch and Taeyang followed.
"They left for Paris," I answered. I was still standing with my arms folded.
"Oh, they left with GD," said Taeyang. "He told me last night."
"Ya, these guys are having a ton of fun right now," I said as I looked at my fingers.
"But how come you didn't go with them?" Hyo-rin asked.
"I had the song to finish up. Trust me, it wasn't easy. But I had help before they could leave for Paris."
"Looks like you're always the one stuck here working hard while the others go out and have fun."
"Ya. Looks like it." I smiled slightly.
"You managed to finish the song?" Taeyang asked.
"I did. Want to take a look at the lyrics?"
"Sure."
I gave Taeyang my notebook and with Hyo-rin beside him, they looked at the lyrics together. I couldn't help but smile at the two of them. They looked so cute together.
"I can't wait for you to sing the song for us," said Hyo-rin as she looked at me. "The lyrics sound really good."
"Thanks. I was singing the song while playing the guitar the whole night. I had to make it work on the second verse and since the song is mixed with English and Korean, I just had to make it perfect."
"You can read Korean?" Hyo-rin asked.
"Well...not really," I said shrugging my shoulders. "I had to learn the Korean alphabet and the vowels. And with GD and TOP's help yesterday, I was fine with it."
"Wow. Pretty smart," said Hyo-rin with a smile on her face.
"Sam is totally smart," said Taeyang. "And this song is going to be a huge hit."
I couldn't help but smile at their sweet compliments. That made me forget about my fear. For now.
The door suddenly flew open and Seungri and Daesung came in. Seungri rushed to hug me when he first saw me.
"Hey, I missed you so much," said Seungri.
"Ya, me too," I said as I tried to breathe. Seungri always hugged me so tight.
"Hey, Sam," said Daesung as he came over to hug me.
"Hi," I blushed when we hugged and I smiled like a fool.
"So, when do we hear the song?" Seungri asked, looking so excited.
Before I could reply, a voice came at the door. Yang Hyun-suk's voice.
"Right now."
We all turned towards the door. Yang Hyun-suk, Collins, Lee and one of YG's music producers came in. This was it. I couldn't help but feel my palms get so sweaty.
When everyone got settled onto the couch, I sat facing them sitting on a long stool and holding the guitar. I looked on at the others and all I wanted was to run out of the room.
"We're ready when you're," said Yang Hyun-suk.
I nodded my head and my heart couldn't stop beating so hard. I tried to settle properly with the guitar on my lap, but it felt so heavy like it was the first time when I ever got to play it.
I felt a break of sweat would start to appear on my forehead. I blew out a puff of air and stared at the audience. Daesung gave me an encouraging smile and I slightly smiled back. I relaxed myself for a bit and closed my eyes as I strung the strings on the guitar.
I started to sing as I played the instrument. My fear soon left me as I sang. It was going well so far. Then I came to the second verse where most of the lyrics were in Korean. I thought I would stumble and say something wrong but I didn't. Well, I hope so.
As soon as I was done singing the whole song, I looked up at everyone. I had been trying to avoid their gaze the whole time so that I wouldn't really mess up with the song. I did get a few glances of their faces here and there, but I was staring above their heads the whole time and closing my eyes. I just hoped they liked it.
The studio was still quiet. No one had said a word and I got scared. Wasn't it good enough? Why weren't they saying anything? I looked on at Yang Hyun-suk and he had a grim look on his face. Oh, no.
Yang Hyun-suk cleared his throat. I knew he was going to speak first. Yikes! Not him. I would rather he said what he wanted to say last. I crossed my fingers.
"Well, Sam," started Yang Hyun-suk. "The song is really....."
This was it. The hammer blow to my career. I wanted to close my eyes as I waited for any hurtful word ready to come out of his mouth. I knew it was going to sting.
"....incredible."
I opened my eyes and I couldn't believe that word just came out of his mouth. I looked up at him and he started to clap his hands. The others followed. There was a round of applause in the room and I couldn't help but smile to myself. It was such a relief. I could finally breathe.
"I've to admit, when Collins told me that the song was good, I didn't believe him," said Yang Hyun-suk, as he stood up from the couch. "It's just incredible."
"Thank you," I said as I bowed my head.
"You better start working on it," said Yang Hyun-suk. "Today."
"We sure will," said Taeyang as he came up to me. "That was mind blowing, Sam."
"Thanks," I said as I jumped off the stool. "I hope my Korean was okay."
"Are you kidding me? You sounded amazing," said Seungri.
"I agree," said Hyo-rin. "You sung in Korean like you've known that language your whole life."
I couldn't stop smiling at the others. I kept on receiving praises from the others including Daesung who said that I had such a beautiful golden voice. I blushed and told him that wasn't true. To me, there was a big difference between a good voice and a golden one.
Immediately our managers left with Lee, we went over to join the music producer by the audio engines and the multi track console. Above the console was a huge window that showed the live room where we the artists sing and play any musical instruments.
This was always the hard part of producing a track. Making the melodies and to find the right tune for the song. I still had the tune of the song stuck in my head. But it was going to be difficult to make it sound right now that we had to use auto tunes and electric beats.
An hour had passed and I was already feeling so tired. Making the soundtrack was so hard. And this time, I got so tired so quickly. Must be that I really didn't have enough sleep last night. I was having a whole lot of fun with Daesung, Seungri and Taeyang around. I admired Hyo-rin who sat leisurely on the couch and would come up and join us whenever she felt like it.
"It's been an hour and I already feel so tired," I mumbled as I leaned by head backward as I sat on a chair next to the music producer. "This is so hard."
"Mind if I give you a massage?" Seungri asked as he came to stand behind me.
"No. I wonder what's wrong with you sometimes," I said as I rubbed my neck. "I don't need a massage."
"Trust me, you're so tense," said Seungri as he laid his hands gently on my shoulders. "You've been working too hard. You definitely need a massage."
"No, Seungri." I tried to brush Seungri's hands away but he didn't budge.
"Come on, Sam," said Hyo-rin, looking up from her phone. "Just let him massage you. The maknae always gets what he wants."
"Oh, please." I rolled my eyes. "I never let Daniel do whatever he wants. Why should I let Seungri?"
"Sam's right. And besides, Seungri can't give a proper massage," said Daesung.
"Yes, I do!" Seungri snapped at Daesung.
"No you don't!" Daesung snapped back.
"I'm not going to talk about it," said Seungri as he started to relax my muscles on my shoulders.
"Mmmm." I murmured in pleasure as I smiled and closed my eyes. I could feel my body relax. "You're really good, Seungri. I might just hire you as my personal masseur."
"Thank you. I would definitely be your personal masseur."
I heard Daesung mutter to himself and I smiled. Looks like someone was jealous.
The music producer soon decided to take a break and he left. We made the studio more like our own crib. We sat by the couch chatting and laughing. I was even playing with the guitar and we were singing some random songs together. It was so much fun. Lee came in with our lunch and afterwards we were back to recording the track.
We spent another two hours recording, when Collins came into the room.
"Hey, Collins," I said as I turned to look at him, removing the headphones from my ears.
"I want you guys to do me a favour," said Collins.
"What is it?" Taeyang asked as he also turned around to look at Collins.
"Zoey and the others will be coming later on in the evening, so I want you guys to go and pick them up."
I raised my eyebrow at Collins. "Why don't you do it? I mean, it's never a big deal for you, right?"
"I'm busy, Sam. So I was thinking that you guys should do it. It will be good for you guys to catch up with all that's happened in Paris."
"Let me guess, you're avoiding all the talking and yapping from Zoey." Daesung and Seungri were snickering and I couldn't help but smile.
"You know me so well." Collins smirked. "But also it's because I have some important work to do."
Something told me his important work had something to do with what he talked about this morning. I dared not try to ask because he would brush me off like he always does.
"Don't worry about it," said Daesung. "We will go and pick them up."
"Thanks, guys," said Collins and he left the room.
It was late in the afternoon and I was as tired as hell. I was leaning my head on the console, careful not to mess around with the buttons and all. I had my eyes closed and I could slowly feel myself drifting away to sleep. Taeyang pulled up the headphones from my ears and that made me sit up.
"What did I miss?" I asked, sounding drowsy and rubbing my eyes, when I knew nothing much had happened.
"Nothing. You just dosed off for a few seconds," said Taeyang.
I looked beside him and I realised Daesung and Seungri weren't on their seats. I looked behind and I saw them on the couch with Hyo-rin looking a little tired. The music producer had already left the room and I had taken the liberty of leaning my head on the console.
"I always hate this part of making a music track. As much as I love producing music, it gets me so worked up and tired," I said as I leaned my head back onto the console.
"Ya, I understand you," said Taeyang. "I wonder what time these guys will get back."
"Didn't Collins say at night?" I asked through a muffled tone.
"I wonder what time."
"Wait." I pushed my head upwards and felt like my head was spinning out of control. I was still feeling sleepy and I had to hold my head for a while as though I was drunk and the world around me was spinning.
"Whoa! Are you okay, Sam?" Hyo-rin asked as she came over.
"Ya, I'm fine. Just tired." I pulled out my phone out of my pocket and decided to call Collins.
"You know, if you're tired you shouldn't come with us to the airport," said Daesung. "You look really tired."
"I didn't sleep well last night," I said as I rubbed my eyes. The phone screen was all blurring. "I stayed up all night and slept on the floor."
"Ya, you better not come with us, my little panda," said Seungri. "You need a whole lot of rest."
"You're right." I soon dialled Collins number and asked him what time the plane would actually arrive and that I wouldn't be able to go.
"He said they might come at nine in the evening," I said when I cut the call. I was so sleepy I felt like I couldn't stand up.
"Well, since we are all done here, you can go back to the hotel and rest," said Taeyang. "We will take you."
"Alright. Thanks."
"I'm coming too," said Daesung.
"And so will I," said Seungri.
"Guys, it's fine. Taeyang and Hyo-rin will take me," I said with a small smile on my face as I faced Seungri and Daesung.
Immediately I left the studio with Taeyang and Hyo-rin, Hyo-rin couldn't help but say, "was it just me or Daesung and Seungri were fighting over you?"
"Pfft! Fighting over me? How?" I asked trying my best not to smile through my tired face.
"Well, the time Seungri was massaging you, Daesung was totally jealous," Hyo-rin said. "What do you think, Tae?"
"Well, I think they were just playing around," said Taeyang as we entered the elevator.
Phew! Taeyang hadn't noticed or else he would have agreed with Hyo-rin. But anyway, I was tired and was in no state of talking about who liked me or not.
The next thing I remember was lying on my comfy pillows back at the hotel and my eyes roll back.I covered myself with a blanket and I felt like I was sleeping on clouds, slowly drifting to sleep.
I woke up by the sound of my phone ringing and I squinted after I opened my eyes and closed them again. I murmured as I tried to look for my phone. My arm moved here and there on the bed and I couldn't remember where I had put my phone. I was too lazy to even open my eyes to look for it.
I reached out for the drawer beside the bed and as I fumbled on the surface looking for the phone, I heard someone come in the room and before I could open my eyes, I felt something in the palm of my hand. Was that my phone?
I fully opened my eyes and indeed, the phone was in my hand. I looked up and Lee was the looking down at me.
"How did you know I needed my phone?" I asked.
"I could hear it ringing and I was just passing by your room. Thought you would still be asleep but when I came in you were struggling to find it," Lee answered.
"Thanks," I said as I sat up on the bed. My phone had stopped ringing and I had to wait till I could let my eyes adjust to see who had called.
"I hope this is the last time you ever stay up all night," said Lee. "You looked really tired when you came back."
"You know I will keep on doing it time and again," I said as I looked at my phone. I had two missed calls.
"Never mind. I'll order supper. You must be hungry."
"Thanks. I'll be out in a minute."
Lee left the room and I went on to look at my phone. I had missed calls from Zoey, and this was just 9:30 PM. They must have already landed.
"Hey, Lee," I called out to Lee as I found her watching a Korean drama series holding a bowl of popcorn. "Is Collins around?"
"No," Lee answered, putting popcorn in her mouth.
I joined her on the couch and took a handful of popcorn from the bowl. "Did he tell you where he went?"
"No. But I bet it's got to do with what he told us this morning."
"Of course." I rolled my eyes. "I should have known. Are you watching Boys Over Flowers?" I pointed at the TV screen.
"Yes, it is. Your supper is on the table. Go get your plate and come over and sit. This series is so awesome."
I dashed over to the dining table where there was a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. I quickly dashed back to the couch and the two of us watched the series.
It was now 10 PM and Zoey and the others still hadn't arrived. I looked at my phone to see if there were any messages or missed calls but nothing. I wonder where they were right now.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Lee asked as she looked at me. The episode had ended and a commercial came up.
"Nothing. I was wondering why these guys are not back yet."
"Who knows. I just hope they didn't get into any trouble, even on the road." Lee laughed.
"I hope not. After what happened at Caribbean Bay, I don't think they would want to go through something like that again."
"Why? You don't want to help them out again?"
"Nope. I already had my own share of getting those guys out of trouble."
"True."
We soon heard the elevator doors opening and we both got up from the couch to the hallway to see who had arrived.
Two bell boys came out of the elevator first and I was confused until I saw they were bringing in boxes and wrapped packages. Lee and I looked at each other.
"Zoey." We both said at the same time.
There were so many gift boxes and packages from Paris, Lee and I had to help out with the bell boys with bringing everything in. Some of the boxes also had to come into the lounge. I was glad Collins wasn't here yet. He was going to be so pissed.
"Where is Zoey?" I asked one of the bell boys as we put in some boxes in the lounge.
"They are downstairs," he answered.
After we were done putting in the packages, Lee and I followed the bell boys into the elevator heading to the ground floor.
When the doors flew open, I saw the Toxins and BigBang in the lobby all indulged in some conversation. Even Hyo-rin was there. They didn't seem to notice Lee and I until Daniel looked towards the elevator.
"Sam! Lee!" Daniel exclaimed and he ran towards me.
"Hey!" I was surprised when he came to hug me. "You've never come running towards me like this in a while."
"I just missed you," said Daniel. "You too, Lee."
As Daniel hugged Lee, Mike came to hug me. I was even more surprised.
"Guys, you've been away for a day and you're acting like you've been away for months," I said.
"Paris was nice, but not without you, Sam," said Mike.
"Don't tell me Zoey was acting like a control freak," said Lee teasingly.
"Hey," Zoey came over to us. "I tried to be really reasonable this time around. Don't blame me."
"We aren't blaming you for anything, Zoey," I said. "How was Paris?"
Zoey hugged me instead. "I missed you so much, my little kitty!"
I raised an eyebrow. Something was definitely up this time. Christine also came to join in the hug. What did these guys do in Paris for them to behave like this?
"Okay. Enough," I said as I shook off Zoey and Christine away from me. "Can someone please tell me why you're acting like this?"
"Everyone just missed you. That's all," this time it was TOP who answered as he came towards me with his arms outstretched. "Aren't you also going to give me a hug?"
I rolled my eyes at him, feeling rather hilarious that he had asked for a hug. I took a few steps towards him. I couldn't understand why I had a stupid smile on my face when I hugged him.
"I missed you too, TOP," I said after we broke away from each other.
"Wait! You missed TOP but not us?" Zoey asked. "I'm so upset. After buying you all those gifts and you didn't miss me? I thought you were my best friend."
I always loved it when Zoey acted like a jealous best friend. I turned to look at her with a smile and before I could reply, someone else did instead.
"Don't mind her, Zoey. Looks like she only cares about TOP instead of anyone else."
For a moment, that voice sent a chill down my spine and I didn't even want to turn around. I clenched and unclenched my fists. His voice was so full of bitterness it almost sent me into an outrage. I don't know why this time around, I wasn't afraid or scared of what G-Dragon thought of me. I was tired that he was still acting the same way he had left.
I was really confused. I wasn't so clear why he was mad at me. And I hated the fact that I had to think around in circles just to figure out what was wrong with him. This time it wasn't the jealousy he had for TOP. It felt way more personal and it had to do with me.
I had no other choice but to turn around to face him. I made sure that my face didn't reveal how I truly felt. G-Dragon was standing right next to Hyo-rin and Taeyang. I managed to put up a smile before I could say anything.
"Hi, GD. How was Paris?"
By the look on his face, I bet he didn't expect me to greet him. I wasn't going to give him want he wanted. If I had answered by talking back at him, things weren't going to end pretty tonight.
"Paris was okay," G-Dragon answered. "I heard you managed to finish the song and played it to everyone today."
"Ya, I did."
"The song will make you want to dance all day long," said Daesung.
"Ya, it's pretty awesome," said Seungri.
"Can't wait to hear it," said Daniel as he came to stand beside me and nudge me by the shoulder. "You should give us a preview when we go upstairs."
"Anything for you, guys," I said as I pinched my brother's cheek. "That's how much I care about you. Unlike some people who think I don't miss them." I turned to look at Zoey.
"Don't mind her," said Christine. "You just know how she is."
"You guys better go and rest," said Taeyang. "We have a busy day tomorrow."
"Okay, we better go then," said Seungri. "See you guys tomorrow."
After saying bye to each other, we all went our separate ways.
"You know Collins is going to kill you, right? With all those gifts you came with," I said to Zoey and the others as we were all in the elevator going up to our floor.
"Don't worry, we also got a few presents for him too," said Mike.
"And you think bringing him gifts will help?" Lee asked. "You guys are in a lot of trouble."
"This won't be the first time," said Zoey. "I mean, we're always in trouble no matter the cause."
I looked at Zoey and wondered why she would say that. Did they have a little problem in Paris? I hope not.
"We better sort out all the gifts before Collins gets here. You don't want to get on his bad side, like you usually do," I said as we got out of the elevator on our floor.
Sorting out all the packages and gifts took a whole lot of time than I had expected. The gifts in the hall and also in the lounge were just too many. These guys had really bought a lot of stuff.
The boys had brought a handful of video games, including some expensive designer t-shirts and jeans from Chanel. Expensive French cologne for men and watches with expensive designer shoes.
As for Zoey and Christine, well, you know what girls would like to buy if they ever go to Paris. Designer shoes and dresses. Expensive perfumes and Zoey also bought along with her some expensive jewellery.
"G-Dragon was helping me out with picking the jewellery," said Zoey when she showed us a pretty gold necklace with matching gold earrings.
"Wow, very pretty," said Lee as she looked at the jewellery.
"Ya, very pretty," I said dully, looking at it briefly.
We were sitting on the floor in the lounge sorting out the gifts. The ladies were huddled up in one circle while the boys were next to us also sorting out their own stuff with Collins' too.
"We also bought a beautiful necklace for you too," said Christine looking over the boxes behind her. "Where is it?"
I was also searching for any jewellery box behind me when I stumbled over a box of Lindtt chocolates.
"Yum, is this for me?" I asked as I got the box and looked greedily at it.
"Hey! It's for all of us," Zoey warned. "I know you love chocolates, but you don't have to be so selfish."
"Since when have I ever been selfish?" I asked, as I opened the box.
"Okay, you've never been selfish. But when it comes to chocolates...."
"'But when it comes to chocolates.....'" I mimicked her. "At least I know how to share."
I distributed the chocolates to everyone. Lee was trying on a pair of heels which looked so good on her while Zoey kept on looking for the jewellery box which was meant for me.
"Where is it?" Zoey muttered to herself as she looked at the other packages on the floor.
"Don't worry about it," I said as I walked over to her. "We will find it tomorrow. We can't go through all these right now."
"Ya, you're right," said Zoey. She had a gloomy look on her face. I could tell that she had bought that gift with lots of love.
"But we better pack up some of these stuff," said Lee. "This place is in a mess and Collins might....."
When Lee just mentioned his name, the sound of the elevator doors opening was heard. Collins was here!
For a moment, time seemed to have stopped and all of us in the lounge had stopped along with it. We all had our mouths open, looking at each other in shock. We hadn't finished packing up and Collins would freak out when he sees this mess.
"Hey, guys I'm here!" came Collins voice in the hall.
"What are we going to do?" Mike whispered as he looked at me.
"I don't know," I whispered. This was bad.
"Hide," Zoey whispered.
For me, it kind of felt pointless to hide. But not for the other four Toxins. Zoey went to the dining table and hid under the table. Christine, Mike and Daniel hid behind the couch. Lee and I just stood there, static.
When Collins came to the lounge, he stopped on his tracks. He was obviously trying to take everything in. His mouth was slightly open, trying to say something, but he just couldn't.
"Hey, Collins," I said.
"What is all this?" Collins asked when as he took a step into the lounge, looking around.
"Christmas came a little early," said Lee, with a smile.
Collins looked over at Lee and noticed the heels she was wearing. "Those look nice."
"Thanks."
"Where are they?" Collins turned to look at me.
"Who?" I asked.
"You know who I'm talking about."
"If you're talking about Santa's little helpers, they left a while ago." I said as I folded my arms.
"Santa's little helpers, alright," said Collins as he carefully walked around, avoiding to step on anything.
Collins went over to the dining table. There were a few gifts on the table and down on the floor. Collins moved the presents down on the floor and Zoey was beaming up at him.
"Hey, Collins! Looks like you found one elf who stayed behind," said Zoey, beaming up at him.
"Where are the others?" Collins asked.
Christine, Daniel and Mike came out from behind the couch and they all said, "hey, Collins!"
"Guys, what is all this?" Collins said as he looked around the lounge.
"Gifts from Paris," said Zoey.
"But why did you get all this stuff? I hope you didn't use your credit cards."
"Well..." Mike looked down at his feet.
"Okay, great." Collins looked worn out if not frustrated. "I hope you didn't finish up all the money in your accounts."
"I doubt it," said Daniel. "We made sure to be careful with what we were buying."
"Ya, most of the stuff weren't bought by us, you know? If it came to the designer clothes, it was all from Chanel," said Zoey.
"I'll know for myself when I get to see your bank accounts," said Collins.
"Here, we brought you an expensive watch too," said Daniel as he gave Collins a fancy looking box. A watch from Rolex. It was definitely expensive.
"That's because you're the best manager ever," said Christine.
"Thanks," said Collins, as he looked at the watch, looking rather impressed. "Do me a favour and finish clearing up all this. And also bring my gifts to my room. Okay?"
Collins smiled at the rest of us and left the lounge.
"Looks like he isn't really upset," said Lee. "He would have blown a big fuse already."
Lee was right. Collins wasn't really upset, but that smile he gave us before he left, made me realise something. He might be upset, but I felt like he had already arranged something to get back at us. And why not that which he and Yang Hyun-suk have planned for us? That for me would be the perfect payback. That's if it is that bad enough to stun us all.
"Okay, people, let's get done with this," said Zoey. "It's almost close to midnight."
We continued sorting out everything and by midnight, the lounge had cleared up a little except a few wrappers on the floor which we picked up and threw away in the waste bin which was overflowing with wrappers and empty boxes. And I planned with the others to sing them the song tomorrow because it was already too late and we all needed to rest.
We hadn't managed to find the jewellery box with my necklace. Zoey thought maybe TOP or GD had it. I didn't like the thought that GD might have it. Getting it back from him was going to be difficult, looking at our current situation of course.
When we were all done and had retired to our rooms, Zoey quickly pushed me into the room when I was just coming into the room.
"Zoey, what's wrong with you?" I asked when she made me sit on the bed.
Zoey went by the door and checked in the hall if there was anyone. Then she came back in and stood before me.
"What is it, Zoey?" I asked. "What's so urgent?"
"Nothing much," said Zoey. "I just needed you in the room."
I looked at her with an eyebrow raised. Something was definitely up and she looked like she was stuck in between telling me what was bothering her or not.
"So, tell me what happened in Paris," I said as I took my Mr Panda into my arms. "How was the fashion show?"
"It was fine," Zoey replied as she walked to the closet to get her pyjamas.
"Fine?" I looked at Zoey's back and then I looked at Mr Panda then back at her again. "Knowing you, you would've said it was so exquisite or it was so awesome. What's happened to you? This isn't my best friend."
"Nothing happened," said Zoey as she took out her pyjamas and came back to put them on the bed.
"Tell me, please!" I begged. I even made Mr Panda on my lap beg as well putting his tiny cute paws together. "Nothing is not an excuse. You look like you want to tell me something. So tell me!"
"Keep your voice down!" Zoey snapped at me as she tried to cover my mouth but I slapped her hand away.
"Then what's wrong, Zoey? Did something happen in Paris?"
"Well, nothing much happened," said Zoey as she sat down on her bed and looked lost in thought.
"Hello! Earth to Zoey!" I snapped my fingers in front of Zoey's face. "You look so lost. Please tell me what's bothering you."
Zoey paused and looked at me for a few seconds. Then she slumped her shoulders and sighed. "Okay, I will tell you."
I felt really excited like I was about to watch a blockbuster movie. I hugged Mr Panda close to me. Ready for what's about to drop out of Zoey's mouth.
"I don't know how I should tell you this," said Zoey as she played with her fingers and was staring somewhere else. "But when we got to Paris, we went to the Eiffle Tower."
"Ya, I saw the picture. So much for going to Paris without me," I muttered. "You know I have always wanted to visit the Eiffle Tower."
"Aren't you going to let me talk?" Zoey asked.
"Okay. Continue." I pressed my chin onto Mr Panda's head.
"So we got to the Tower and we were having a good time as usual." Zoey paused as she licked her lips. "Then something happened."
"What?"
"When we got to the top of the Eiffle Tower, we were enjoying the view and I was so caught up with looking at the bright lights of the city I didn't notice that the others had left and it was just GD and I."
My eyes grew wide. I knew where all this was going already. And before I could let my best friend share her magical moment herself, I blurted it out.
"You two kissed."
"What the...! Sam!" Zoey hit the bed with her hands. "How could you!"
"I'm sorry." I hissed and covered my mouth. That wasn't supposed to happen.
"Great! How did you know?" Zoey still looked pissed, but yet surprised.
"Well, you were in one of the most romantic cities in the world and you two were left alone, so for me, that was a perfect romantic scene."
"Smart."
"Thanks. So, how was it?"
Zoey smiled like a fool, now that the secret was out in the open. "It was so unexpected but yet it was so magical at the same time."
I couldn't help but smile. It's been a long time since she smiled like that. The last time she did, it was back in high school when she was going out with the hottest and yet popular guy in school and they kissed in front of everyone at the prom.
"Oh my gosh, Sam," said Zoey rubbing her cheeks. She was blushing. "I can't stop smiling to myself."
"So you guys kissed, and then what?"
"Nothing really. We had to pretend in front of the others when we went down the Eiffle Tower like nothing had happened."
"And? Anything else? What happened at the top of the Tower after you kissed?" I leaned forwards with Mr Panda also eager to hear.
"When we were on top of the Tower, when we kissed, he told me he liked me and kept on saying the most sweetest words ever. How he had always liked me."
Well that's a bummer. But to be honest, I expected it. I remembered he had also said those words to me too. But that was when he was drunk. Could it be that he really liked Zoey and not me?
I brushed that off. Why should I even care? I knew from the very beginning that GD wasn't in his right state of mind when he told me he liked me. I didn't really get my hopes up with it.
"I even told Christine," said Zoey. "I just hope you don't tell Collins."
"And why should I tell him?" I asked, shrugging my shoulders.
"Ya, you're right. And don't tell your brothers. They are going to make fun of me."
"Telling my brothers is one thing I wouldn't do."
"Thanks, Sam."
"Hey, what are best friends for? We better go to sleep. We might leave for YG tomorrow really early."
"Okay." Zoey hopped on her bed like a little child and started to change into her pyjamas.
I left Mr Panda on the bed and also went to the closet to get my pyjamas. When I changed, I quickly went into the bed covers and put Mr Panda right beside me. I had gotten used to the stuffed panda being around whenever I slept. I looked over at Zoey who was already in her bed covers.
"Good night, Zoey," I said to her with a smile.
"Good night," she replied. She turned to the other side to flip the switch beside the bed on the wall and the room went dark.
I laid my head on the pillow and just as I closed my eyes, I could hear Zoey giggling to herself. She was obviously texting G-Dragon on her phone and I couldn't blame her. She was so happy when she talked to me about kissing him on the Eiffle Tower. And it was also probably a good thing that I had never told Zoey what happened on Friday when GD came in drunk and told me that he liked me. I could only imagine what the whole scenario would have been.
Zoey would have only felt guilty about it and would have confronted GD about playing the two of us around. It wasn't like he kissed me anyway, so maybe I was a bit on the safe side. But it was still good that I didn't tell her anything.
To be honest, I was happy for Zoey. And when I heard her giggling again, I realised that I wouldn't want to hurt her.
I pulled Mr Panda closer and cuddled him. I was soon drifting away into a deep sleep, eager for what's to come when I woke up in the morning.
***
I was given a round of applause when I finished singing the song. I was in the lounge with the Toxins and I stood before them as I sang the song. I didn't have a guitar with me but I managed to sing it anyway.
"The song is incredible," said Zoey. "I never thought it would be this good."
"And your Korean is good too," said Christine.
"I can't wait to start working on the song," said Mike.
"Then you better eat your breakfast," said Lee as she came in with the room service bringing in our breakfast. "We have a long day ahead."
We went over to the dinning table and settled down. We were all having toast for breakfast.
"I can't wait for us to go to the studio," said Zoey happily as she jumped excitedly on her seat beside me. I could only tell why.
Christine who sat opposite from Zoey coughed and I could tell that she just coughed out G-Dragon's name. Luckily, the boys hadn't even noticed. And by the look on Lee's face, sitting directly opposite me, she already knew about Zoey and G-Dragon.
When we were done eating, we headed downstairs and as usual, there were paparazzi, reporters and fans too. We entered into the SUV and we arrived at YG.
"Hey, Sam," Zoey called out to me when we got out of the car. I turned to look at her.
"What is it, Zoey?"
"Do I look okay? I mean, is my hair on point, my make up?"
Mike growled loudly behind us as he came out of the car with Daniel right behind him. "The drama queen is at it again."
"Can't you just zip up your mouth and let me worry about myself?" Zoey asked, rolling her eyes.
"That's the problem," said Mike as he came to stand in front of Zoey. "Once you start acting like this, something is definitely up or you're just trying to impress someone. You've been acting really weird ever since we got to Paris."
Mike turned away and headed straight for the entrance with Daniel. I could have sworn I saw him smirk before he walked away. Could it be that he might know something?
"Don't mind him," said Christine. "You know how these boys like to mock us. Let's go."
We agreed with Christine and we went into the YG building with Lee and Collins. We got to the studio and I wasn't expecting the BigBang members to be there before us. Finding them here earlier than us was a bit of a surprise.
"Hey, guys!" Zoey greeted everyone.
"Hey, how are you," said G-Dragon as he came and gave her a hug. I bypassed them heading to the couch sitting next to Daesung.
"Hey, are you alright?" Daesung asked.
"Oh, I'm fine," I answered. "I slept a little late last night since these guys came with so many gifts."
"I also feel like I didn't get enough sleep," said Christine as she came to sit beside me. She was obviously trying to avoid the two love birds in the room. The two of them seem to be in a deep conversation at the moment.
"Do you think we should start?" Seungri asked as he came to stand by the couch and also noticed how close Zoey and G-Dragon were.
"What's up with them?" Mike asked as he stood in front of me with his arms folded.
"Can't you see they are having a conversation?" Christine asked.
"Well, I think we should start working on the song," said TOP who sat next to Daesung.
"I think someone has to tell these guys," said Taeyang. "Sam? May you do the honours?"
I looked over at Taeyang who sat at the far end of the couch with my eyebrow raised.
"You do it," I said. "Why should I?"
"Because everyone listens to you," said Daniel.
Everyone around me shook their heads. I sighed.
I stood up from the couch and I went over to the multi track console where I had left my notebook yesterday. Zoey and G-Dragon were still indulged in their conversation.
When I went back, I signalled to the others who were standing to sit down. When everyone on the couch was settled, I cleared my throat so loud, hopeful that I caught Zoey and G-Dragon's attention.
"Ahem! So, we have to agree on who will sing the first verse," I said as I looked at the notebook.
"I was thinking, G-Dragon and Zoey could start," said Daniel, as loud as he could.
"That's not really a bad idea." I nodded my head.
"Hey, what's going on?" Zoey asked as she and G-Dragon turned to look at us.
"Oh, you guys better come here because we're dividing the lyrics amongst ourselves," I said as I turned to look at the two.
"You should have told us," said G-Dragon.
"Well, I didn't want to disturb you two. You looked really busy. And the two of you will be doing the first verse."
G-Dragon gave me a weird look and all I could do was smirk at him. My plan had worked to get their attention. I went back to looking at the lyrics while he and Zoey took their place on the couch.
"Christine and Daesung, I think one of you could sing the bridge after the first verse and then the other on the second bridge after the second verse," I suggested.
"Then you and I will sing the chorus," said Taeyang.
"Ya, we will sing the chorus," I said. "And Seungri and Daniel will sing the last verse. So, now that we are done with all this, let me just give you guys a preview of the song and how its supposed to be laid out. I hope the music producer has the lyrics printed out."
"He brought in the printed lyrics for each of us this morning," said TOP, his eyes on the table behind me.
I looked behind me on the small table. I hadn't noticed the papers. I took them and gave each member a sheet.
Afterwards, I sang out the song so that everyone can have a layout on how it should be sung.
Then we all went over the console so that everyone could listen to the instrumental the music producer had made with me and the others yesterday.
"So, what do you think of the instrumental?" I asked after making them listen.
"So catchy," said Daniel. "I like it."
"Me too," said TOP.
"Then, let's get started," said Daesung.
"Wait, a minute," said G-Dragon and everyone turned to look at him.
I didn't look up at him though since I was the one seated at the console and everyone else stood behind and beside me. All I did was just sit there and rub my forehead. Something told me he was going to say something I wasn't ready to hear.
"What's wrong, GD?" Christine asked. "Is there something wrong?"
I started to relax my temples with my fingers and my elbows leaning on the console. G-Dragon had paused for a while and I felt impatient.
"The instrumental is okay and all, but I feel there is something missing."
"What's missing?" I asked as I turned around on the chair to look at G-Dragon.
G-Dragon came to sit next to the chair beside me and I wondered what was running in his mind. The instrumental was just fine and it's not like we hadn't gone through it with the music producer yesterday. I wondered what had gotten into him now. Everyone liked it. But what was wrong with it for him?
"I'll have to listen to this for a while and I'll tell what I think," said G-Dragon.
"Okay, suit yourself," I said as I backed away from the console dragging the chair behind me. I stood up.
G-Dragon got the headphones and at the same time, the music producer came in the room.
"So, should we start putting in the lyrics into the song?" the music producer asked.
"We can't because G-Dragon here thinks the tune and melodies need a little changing," I said.
"Really?" the music producer asked.
"Well, that's what he said," said Taeyang. "It all seems fine to me. I also don't see why it needs changing."
"Let's just see what he is going to come up with," I said as I folded my arms.
"Give him a chance, Sam," said Zoey as she sat next to G-Dragon who kept on listening to the instrumental through the headphones. She also got another pair of headphones and put them on.
"Okay, this is confusing," said the music producer looking at all of us. "Let me also join them and see what needs some changing."
I nodded and the music producer went over to join G-Dragon and Zoey.
"So what should we do now?" Seungri asked.
"Chill, I guess," said Mike.
The others looked at me when I didn't say a word. They were all looking at me obviously thinking I would come up with a better solution to all this just to pass time.
"To be honest, I don't know what we should do," I replied, shrugging my shoulders.
"Why can't we just go through the song?" TOP asked.
"That's going to be a problem." I rubbed the back of my neck. "The tune might change a little now that GD thinks it needs a little changing."
"I doubt it," said Taeyang shaking his head. "We can still go through it. I don't think he can change the entire tune."
Something told me he might but I didn't want to scare anyone so I kept that thought to myself.
"Okay let's go through the song," I said as everyone nodded their heads and sat on the couch and I went over to get the guitar.
I looked over at Zoey and G-Dragon. I wondered if they would really change everything. I tried to ignore the thought, and focused on the song.
I put a stool in front of the others and I sat on it like I had yesterday. With the guitar in my hands, I started to play and I sang the song. After I sang it, everyone admitted that the song was good and that made me realise about what G-Dragon was up to. I tried not to look worried in front of the others.
"Now, that we know how the song is supposed to flow, let's all sing out our parts," I said. Everyone agreed.
Taeyang and I sung the first verse since G-Dragon and Zoey were busy. Then Christine sung the bridge, Taeyang and I sung the chorus. From that point, the song sounded great and everyone cheered.
"Wow, guys, this sounds awesome," said TOP.
"Mind blowing if you ask me," said Mike. "I can't wait for the second verse."
"Let's give it a go then," I said and I started to play the guitar.
TOP started to rap the second verse and then Mike followed suit. It was going on great. And while I played and the guys rapped everyone else on the couch was moving to the flow of the tune. I smiled. Everyone was having a good time.
Daesung sung the bridge and then Taeyang and I sung the chorus again. This time even Christine joined in.
"I'm impressed," I said. "You guys really did well on the second verse."
"Come on, now," said Seungri. "Daniel and I want to sing our part."
"Okay, okay." I looked at Seungri with my hand raised to calm him down. "Before you eat me alive."
Daniel and Seungri sung the third verse beautifully, and coming to the bridge, Daesung and Christine sung the bridge together. Taeyang and I sung the chorus. In the end we all sang the chorus together. When we were done, everyone clapped for themselves and cheered.
"That was lovely guys," I said as I smiled at the others.
"That sounds really good," came Yang Hyun-suk's voice behind me.
I almost fell off the stool when I heard his voice. I was so caught up with the song that I hadn't noticed Yang Hyun-suk come in the room. By the look on the other's faces, they hadn't noticed him either.
We all stood and bowed our heads as Yang Hyun-suk came closer to us.
"I have to say, you all sounded really good. The song is just perfect," said Yang Hyun-suk with a smile. "Keep up the good work."
"Thank you," we all replied at the same time.
"You're supposed to be in the live room recording the song," said Yang Hyun-suk. "Why aren't you doing so?"
No one said anything. We all looked at each other expecting the other to say something. Most eyes were on me though. I always hated it when I had to do all the talking.
"Umm, G-Dragon wanted to add a few things to the instrumental," I said, not looking at the manager in the eye.
"Add a few things or change things?" Yang Hyun-suk asked, sternly.
That, I couldn't answer. Looked like he also thought like I did. The only way to find out was to listen to the instrumental ourselves.
"He just said something was missing," said Taeyang.
"Then where is he then? Why isn't he here?" Yang Hyun-suk asked.
"He's right-" I turned around to the console. He and Zoey weren't there.
"They were here a while ago," I said as I pointed at the audio machines and the multi track console.
"They?" Yang Hyun-suk asked.
"G-Dragon, Zoey and the music producer."
The manager shook his head. He was obviously annoyed with all this.
"I want them back here right now," said Yang Hyun-suk. "I'll back in thirty minutes and if I don't find them here, you better have a good answer for all of this."
I gulped as I felt the air in the room change. He was furious all right. He was more furious because he feared that G-Dragon might change everything with the song. And we only had thirty minutes to find them or else we were toast.
No one said anything when Yang Hyun-suk left the studio. And this time, I was furious. I looked at the others and it looked like I wasn't the only one.
"Where could they have gone all of the sudden?" Christine asked, her voice sounded like it was full of rage. "They were there the last time I checked."
"They couldn't have gone far," said Daesung. "They must have been gone a few minutes."
"Maybe they went out for lunch," said Mike as he looked at his wrist watch. "It's almost close to lunch time."
"They should have told us though," said Taeyang.
"Then we better start looking," I said. "I just hope they aren't out of the building or else looking for them will be difficult."
We all agreed to split up and look for them given the little time we had. I went with Christine and TOP looking around the other studio rooms, Mike and Daniel went over to the dance studios. Taeyang, Seungri and Daesung went upstairs.
All the studio rooms were empty, so I went with Christine and TOP downstairs and asked the receptionist if she saw Zoey and G-Dragon go out.
"The two of them walked out just a while ago," the receptionist answered.
I frowned and turned away from the receptionist while Christine asked, "how long ago was it?"
"Almost fifteen minutes."
"Try and call them, will you?" I asked TOP.
He nodded and pulled out his phone. At the same time, the elevator doors opened and my brothers walked out of it and came towards us.
"Anything?" Daniel asked.
"They left the building," I answered with my hands on my hips. I looked over at TOP. "Have they picked up?"
"GD's phone keeps ringing and he isn't picking up," said TOP, with his phone on his ear.
"Let me try to call, Zoey," said Christine pulling out her phone.
I looked at the time on my watch. We only had fifteen minutes and Yang Hyun-suk was going to kill us all if we didn't find them.
"She isn't picking up either," said Christine.
"Great, these guys are going to get us into trouble," said Mike as he scratched his head.
"If they just went for lunch they are bound to show up," said TOP.
"Should we split up and look for them around town?" Daniel asked.
"Splitting up will be risky now that Yang Hyun-suk is on our necks," said Christine.
I hadn't said a word when the elevator doors opened and Daesung came out. He had a really worried look on his face. He rushed up to us and I also couldn't help but worry.
"What is it, Daesung?" I asked. "Is there something wrong?"
"We just met with the music producer upstairs," said Daesung. He shook his head. "You're not going to like this."
Daesung motioned his head towards the elevator. We followed him and we found ourselves back at the studio. Taeyang and Seungri were with the music producer.
"Please tell me G-Dragon didn't just change the entire tune for the song?" I asked when we got in the studio.
Taeyang and the music producer looked at each other with blank looks on their faces then looked back at me. Seungri was looking at me the whole time. I was so preoccupied in my mind, thinking of the worst, that I felt so confused and angry at the same time.
"It's best if you hear it for yourself," said Daesung.
I looked over at Daesung and made my way to the console where the music producer had his laptop open for me. I sat down and preparing myself for the worst, I pressed the play button.
***
"Where are they?" came Yang Hyun-suk's voice from the door.
I came crushing back down to reality by the harsh sound of the manager's voice. I was on the couch with the rest of the others and I had been brooding for a while.
I had so many mixed feelings inside after listening to the instrumental G-Dragon had made. He had completely changed everything and that made me so upset. After all the work I had put in with the others yesterday and this is what I get in return? I was speechless. So were the others.
I could tell that the others were as confused and wondering why G-Dragon had done all this. But I was confused with a mixture of rage. I worked so hard on that track and I felt everything just went down the drain.
"Isn't anyone going to answer me?" Yang Hyun-suk asked.
"They aren't here," Daniel answered.
"It looks like they had gone out for lunch," said Taeyang.
"They went out without taking you guys along?"
I folded my arms and huffed. It looked like they did, alright. And if they made sure as to come back here, I was going to skin them alive.
"Maybe they must have gone to order us some lunch as well," said Christine.
"Well, they are taking a lot of time to get here," said Yang Hyun-suk. "What about the instrumental? Did they change anything?"
I could feel Christine who sat next to me stiffen by the question and I could imagine the others stiffen too.
"Well...eh," Mike started to talk but I intervened.
"No, we haven't heard it yet."
I could feel the others turn to me with weird looks on their faces. I knew lying wasn't the right thing to do at this moment, but the music producer's laptop wasn't here and I had the USB drive where the instrumental was. And besides, Yang Hyun-suk was going to be furious. I had to know what the heck was going on in G-Dragon's mind before telling our managers anything.
"Oh, hopefully they haven't changed anything," said Yang Hyun-suk. "Call me when they get here."
"Okay." I nodded my head.
When Yang Hyun-suk left, Seungri came over to me in a quick flash. He scared me by his sudden approach. He looked down on me with a look on his face.
"What did you just do?" Seungri asked. His voice almost turned into a shriek.
"You know what I did," I answered, my arms still remained folded as I looked up at him. "I lied."
"But why?" Christine turned to look at me fully in the face. "We're going to get into serious trouble."
"Not until I hear what GD has to say." I looked at Christine and I could tell on her face that I sounded a bit harsh towards her. I closed my eyes and took a breath, trying to calm down.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to sound harsh," I said as I looked at her.
"I know. But you shouldn't have lied, Sam."
"So that we could get Zoey and G-Dragon into trouble? The reason why I did this is because I want to know for myself why GD changed everything. If we told Yang Hyun-suk, I wouldn't have known for myself."
"I agree with Sam," said TOP. "We the group members have to know what's going on first. Getting Yang Hyun-suk angry won't be good for all of us and you know it."
"So we just sit here and wait for them?" Mike asked.
"Do we have a choice?" I asked as I looked out the window.
The rest of the afternoon was quiet and boring. I was just on the couch looking out the window, while the others were now on the floor sitting in a circle playing cards.
I was leaning my chin on the armchair and my legs were up on the couch. I sighed sadly. I still felt so bad about the song and I wondered why all this was happening, especially to me.
Did he do all this because of what happened with TOP the other day?
I suddenly sat upright when I realised something. Hadn't he told Zoey that he liked her? If he really did like Zoey from the beginning, then why was he acting like a jealous prick the other day? Was he trying to get back at me not just by ruining the track but also by hanging out with Zoey?
"Hey, Sam, are you okay?" Daesung asked as he looked at me. "You look like you have seen a ghost."
"I...eh.." I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Nothing. Just realised something."
"That you're hungry," said Seungri, looking at his cards in his hands. "I'm also hungry."
"But we can't go out and order lunch," said Mike. "I feel Yang Hyun-suk's eyes are everywhere now apart from here."
"Maybe we can just order a pizza and tell the receptionist to come here without raising any suspicion to Yang Hyun-suk," said Daniel.
"Good idea," said TOP. "Let me tell her right now." He pulled out his phone and just when he was about to call, Lee came in.
"Hey, guys," said Lee carrying three boxes of pizza in her hands.
"Finally, food!" Christine exclaimed as she got up from the floor and ran over to Lee to help with the boxes.
"I heard that Zoey and G-Dragon had left," said Lee. "Yang Hyun-suk told me and he is watching out of his office window for them like a hawk."
"I knew it," said Mike. "I knew he was watching."
"Then it's a good thing Sam texted me a while ago," said Lee. "I had to find a way to sneak in the pizza. That's why I took forever to get here."
Daniel came over to hug me. "Thanks, sis. I don't know what we would have done without you. I was starving."
"Ya, I know," I said. "We better eat quickly before the managers get here."
Everyone soon dropped their cards and went over to the table started to dig in as soon as one of the pizza boxes was laid on the table and Lee opened it.
I had never eaten pizza so fast and it had never tasted so good in my mouth. Maybe it's because despite all the anger bottled up inside me, I was as hungry as hell.
We were done finishing the second box of pizza when Lee asked, "I heard G-Dragon changed the instrumental for the song, is that true?"
"Well, ya," I said with my mouth full of pizza. The pizza was so good.
"He changed it for real?" Lee sounded surprised. "But Yang Hyun-suk said you haven't heard it yet."
We were huddled up on the floor around the table eating our pizza and we had soon stopped eating and looked at Lee who was seated on the couch.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Lee asked.
"We actually lied," said Taeyang.
"You lied? About what?"
"I told the manager that we hadn't heard the instrumental," I said.
"But why?"
"Because, I had no choice. I want to know why GD did this. It's best we know and see how we can move forward."
I finished my slice of pizza and licked my fingers when Lee asked, "don't you think he just did that to get back at you, Sam?"
I didn't expect Lee to say that in front of everyone. I felt time I had stood still and all eyes were on me now. I looked away without saying a word.
"What does she mean by that, Sam?" Daesung asked.
"Please, tell us," said Christine. "What is it with you and GD? Are you two still fighting?"
I sighed as looked up at the ceiling still without saying a word. I didn't know how I was going to tell them.
"I thought that argument ended a long time ago," said Daniel. "Or did something else happen?"
I stood up from the floor and walked over to the window. The day was so bright and warm but yet I felt so cold and gloomy. I knew this day would come sooner or later.
Trying to find the right words to say was a lot harder than I thought. What was I going to say? To me, all this was confusing. I knew GD was still mad at me, but for what for, was the question in mind.
"Aren't you going to tell us?" Mike asked as I realised that he was standing next to me. "Is he still mad about who had to write the lyrics for the song?"
"I doubt it," said TOP. "I was here with them when they were writing the lyrics and the two of them looked fine to me."
"Please, tell us what's going on?" Taeyang asked. "Lee, do you know something?"
I looked at Lee and she was looking back at me with a scared look on her face. Using my eyes, I told her not to say a word.
Lee went on to look at Taeyang and shook her head. "I've no clue. I didn't mean to say that. I just thought they might be arguing again."
"And it looks like it too," said Daniel, giving me an eye.
"Aren't you going to say anything, Sam?" Seungri asked.
"I don't even know what to say to you at this point," I said, turning back to face the window and I saw G-Dragon's car pull into the premises. Mike also saw it too.
"They are here," Mike announced to the others.
No one said a word. The room had too much tension already, it was best not to say a word.
"I better call Yang Hyun-suk," said Lee.
"No, not yet," I said, before Lee could stand up from the couch. "Wait until Zoey and G-Dragon get in here."
Lee just nodded her head and I went back to looking through the window down at the car park.
It only took five minutes for Zoey and G-Dragon to get to the studio. They came in talking and laughing. Well, that happiness was going to end soon. Not when you see your group members are all upset and gloomy.
"Hey, guys!" Zoey said cheerfully as she came in with G-Dragon behind her.
When no one said anything back, Zoey's mood also changed. "What's with the long faces?"
Still, no one said anything. It looked like no one was ready to throw the dice first. I cleared my throat and looked at Lee.
"You can call Yang Hyun-suk for us," I said.
"Okay." Lee got up from the couch and bypassed Zoey and G-Dragon going through the door.
"Aren't you going to say what's wrong with you guys?" G-Dragon asked.
"Where were you?" I asked as I slowly started to approach them.
"We went out," Zoey answered. "Are we in trouble with Yang Hyun-suk?"
"Not just with him but also with me, a lot of us too," I said motioning to the other group members in the room.
"What? Are you mad we left without telling you?" G-Dragon asked.
"No." I now turned to look at G-Dragon. "It's about the instrumental. You changed absolutely everything."
I tried to keep my tone down and my anger in check but I was boiling inside. Any minute now, I might just blow my head off.
I was expecting an answer from G-Dragon but all he did was look at me. I kept on coming closer, my eyes not leaving his.
"Why did you this?" I asked.
"I didn't like the first one you made," he said, clearly with no emotion in his voice.
"If you didn't like it, you should have just said so and all of us together would have figured something out. Not what you did."
When I got closer to them, I took out the USB drive from my pocket. I took G-Dragon's right hand and placed it in his open palm.
"The instrumental is in there," I said as I slowly looked up at G-Dragon. "When Yang Hyun-suk came to hear it, I told him that we ourselves haven't heard it. I did this so I can get the explanation out of you. But we're running out of time and he will be here any moment. It's up to you to give it to him and let him hear it for himself. But let me remind you, he is already pissed."
"Wait, a minute," said Taeyang as he came up right behind me. "He first has to tell us what's happening between the two of you."
"We don't have time, Tae," I turned to look at him.
"What is going on?" Zoey asked. "Are you and GD still not on good terms?"
I looked at Zoey and she was as confused as ever. How I wish I could tell everyone but I didn't know where I stand with G-Dragon. I still couldn't tell why and what he was mad at me for.
"Now is not the right time," I said as I went over to the couch and sat down. All eyes were on me now and I knew everyone was confused, but later on, they would understand.
Yang Hyun-suk, Collins and Lee came in seconds later. I could tell a lot of people felt uncomfortable when they came in. I didn't. I just wanted to see whether G-Dragon would give away the USB drive or not.
"It's about time you guys got here," said Yang Hyun-suk as he turned towards Zoey and G-Dragon. "Hope you had a perfect lunch."
I almost smirked but kept my cool when Zoey said, "yes, we did."
"But did you manage to order lunch for your friends too?"
Zoey and G-Dragon paused. They obviously weren't expecting that. I had to step in and say something.
"They did. They brought us pizza," I pointed at the three boxes of pizza on the table. We had only finished two boxes.
"You guys were pretty hungry, weren't you?" Collins asked, looking surprised that two boxes were already empty.
"Ya, we were," said Mike as he opened the other box of pizza and the rest of us still eating dug in.
"So," Yang Hyun-suk looked away from us facing Zoey and G-Dragon. "Did you change anything with the instrumental or what?"
I paused with my mouth open ready to bite another piece out of my slice. I looked on at what was happening in front of me. I just hoped G-Dragon wasn't going to give Yang Hyun-suk the USB drive.
I looked at G-Dragon and noticed that he still had the USB enclosed in his hand. I looked at his face wondering what he was thinking.
"Do you think he will give away the USB?" Seungri asked as he whispered in my ear.
"Hopefully not," I whispered back. I even had my fingers crossed.
"No, we didn't change anything," said G-Dragon.
I smiled and Seungri held his breath and let out a sigh of relief. The rest of us on the couch seemed to have relaxed. Luckily, the managers hadn't read our body language. They didn't even look at us. But Lee did.
"Thank goodness," said Yang Hyun-suk. "I thought you did. I'm glad you didn't."
I smiled a little more. G-Dragon did the right thing which I knew he would do. But the problem was far from over though. Now that our group members knew that he and I were at war again.
"But we can't start recording the track now," said Collins. "It's a little late so they would have to do it the day after tomorrow."
I sat upright and alert. "The day after tomorrow? What are we doing tomorrow that we possibly have to record the track the day after?"
"Well, Sam," said Yang Hyun-suk turned to look at me. "The Toxins are going to have a TV interview tomorrow."
"An interview?" Christine was the one who looked more surprised.
"But why didn't you tell us earlier?" I asked as I looked at Collins who smiled back at me. It was then that it hit me and things became clear.
"Is that the surprise you were talking about yesterday?" I asked.
"Yep," said Collins as he grinned.
"This is one heck of a surprise, alright," said Zoey folding her arms.
"Well, played," I muttered to myself as I looked away.
"So, before the day ends, we better go get ready," said Collins. "You will also have to perform during the interview too."
"This just keeps on getting better," said Daniel, rolling his eyes.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go," said Collins. "We don't have enough time in our hands."
"You should have told us earlier, you know?" Mike said, as we the Toxins stood up to leave.
"Then you should have thought twice before you all decided to leave for Paris."
It was then that the other Toxins realised that all this was payback. I wasn't surprised. I already knew.
The two managers and Lee went out of the room first. Just as we were about to walk out, TOP stopped me by holding my hand.
I turned to look at him and he had stood up from the couch, looking straight at me. I blushed and looked down at my feet. He always made me nervous when he looked at me like that.
"We might have gotten away from our managers' fury today," said TOP. "But you and GD have a lot of explaining to do."
"I know," I said as I turned to look at G-Dragon, who quickly looked away.
"Ya, a lot," said Daesung as he nodded his head. I could see he was trying to ignore that TOP was holding my hand.
"And don't try to come up with any excuses," said Taeyang.
"Don't worry, I won't," I promised. I just hoped G-Dragon wouldn't.
Zoey and the others left the room and I was the last to walk out. I didn't want to look at G-Dragon, but I did.
We looked at each other for a while and I didn't know what I felt for him anymore. Maybe I was a little hurt, but I was also so confused. I don't know. I couldn't tell. Maybe he also felt the same.
But I wouldn't know and I wouldn't like to know what he felt. I walked out of the studio, closing the door behind me.
I then realised that I had completely forgot to ask G-Dragon and TOP about the necklace Zoey bought for me from Paris. I guess that issue will have to come up another time.