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After Yebin crossed paths with Youngho at the museum, she felt like she could be at peace again. Now that she can maintain her friendship with the person who was once just a random listener, the anger she had before just naturally faded. Later on that day, Hojun returned home that day with a plastic bag full of the custard buns from her favorite bakery. At that point, Yebin was more than okay with embracing her boyfriend in a hug and thanking him for the treats.

Days passed by in a blur after that. Yebin continued on her life; busking, making covers, attending small events. She did all she could to help make a living with her boyfriend and best friend, all while trying to be true to herself. It was a chill approach to her life, nothing too much for the short-haired rocker... well, besides the fact she had gained some new friends.

While she did enjoy chatting with Taeyong, Jaehyun, and Mark from time to time, her connection with Youngho was just much more precious to her. There would be days the two of them, both of which found out were born the same year, would message each other for hours and hours. They would have such entertaining conversations that Yebin would always look forward to his replies.

Yebin had to admit, it was a nice shift to her life. There was now something she can be excited for in her life, rather than the same ole routine every day. She was glad she didn't let this friendship slip away so easily.

And so days went on.

Actually, months.

And one random day came. Yebin was mindlessly playing some chords on the string of her guitar. It was a typical lazy day.

The instrument wasn't even plugged into a speaker, her fingers just automatically went into place and strummed. For a Queen song, she didn't have to think too much for her fingers to know where to go. It was all muscle memory. Honestly, she should be practicing for an upcoming gig at Hanui's college campus, but she just wasn't feeling it, for such a perfect lazy day.

With her, on the couch of the living room, was her very best friend.

Today happened to be Hanui's lazy day too, despite how she should be studying for an upcoming exam. But at this point, the student didn't quite care, not when there were so many things happening in the entertainment world for her to catch up on. She had been on her laptop, trying to get up to date with her favorite dramas and comebacks, since the morning.

And for today's case, a debut.

Yebin doesn't quite care for whatever Hanui dives deeply into, just as long as she doesn't yap her ear off about her new obsession.

However, nothing could have prepared Yebin for the enthused gasps or excited squeals that came out of her friend's lips as she, what she assumed, watched the new group's music video. There's nothing for Yebin to hint at on. With the laptop screen away from her and whatever music played straight into Hanui's ears with headphones; this new group was a mystery to her. Perhaps, she was a little curious as to why Hanui was so giddy over it.

Yebin let out a small huff, as she nudged Hanui's side with her foot.

"You're an absolute mess right now," the short haired girl uttered when she got her attention.

Hanui unplugged the headphones from her laptop, just as she clambered into a sitting position. "Oh my god, Yebin, you have to check them out! They made their debut yesterday and today they legit just put out a second song! They're both so, so good!" A bright smile pulled at her pink lips. "I think I know which one of the two you'd like more!"

Finally, she turned the laptop's screen so Yebin could get a good view of it. She could read the group's name that popped up in Youtube's search bar... NCT.

"NCT?... Oh! That's the new boy group of SM's that you kept going on and on about for the past couple weeks," Yebin muttered, once the memory served her. "The infinite-member one, right?"

"That's the one!" Hanui chided, the excitement oozing from her voice.

Yebin made a face. "That's pretty ballsy, if you ask me. How can they keep up with so many boys in a group?"

"They're just starting out, so we'll see, silly. They'll have different units where each member could be a part of, but together, they make this one big super group!" Hanui was clearly whipped already. Yebin could see it now, this girl is gonna spend the next few days trying to learn each and every members' personal information, as well as watch their every appearance on shows or whatever... Well, if she already hasn't. "Goodness gracious, they're fantastic! Shall I show you the one I think you like more first or what?"

Yebin hummed in thought. "Show me whatever."

She watched as Hanui clicked on the page. The music video Hanui decided to show her first was called The 7th Sense. The instrumentals from the introduction completely took Yebin by surprise, and she had to admit, she was intrigued by how the music video looked. This wasn't something she was expecting for this new group. Bubblegum pop was what she was listening for, but she got this interesting, smooth, beat-heavy song.

Yebin was captivated.

But then...

She got a glimpse at the boys of the video.

One.

Two.

Three.

Three of them she swore she had seen before, and her heart was suddenly beating fast. Yebin gulped, as she glanced over at her zoned-out friend. "What are these boys names?"

Hanui took the question by surprise. "Omo, interested, are we?" She quipped in a teasing tone. As each member popped up on the screen, the fangirl pointed and told Yebin the names.

It struck her every time she heard the strikingly known names.

"Mhm, this isn't even all the members! Jaehyun, Doyoung, Ten, Taeyong, and Mark are just the start of it. In the other music video I'm going to show you, they have Taeil, too! And another member in the video too, I'm sure!" Hanui chimed in such a rushed babble. She was far too excited while Yebin was far too appalled to match the mood. "How'd you like the first one? Isn't it so unique and cool? It makes your heart race, doesn't it?"

Pretty sure the song isn't the reason my heart is going crazy right now.

Yebin's mind was going back to her conversation with Youngho, back when she accidentally ran into him in the museum. There were even random chats that Youngho would bring up, more in a joking manner, that would confuse her. As the puzzle pieces started to form together in her mind, the more she couldn't believe it. It didn't seem true, right? What her assumptions were at that moment? But more she thought about it... it did make sense.

He had told her, "I feel that you'd find out soon enough." That was his response to her question as to why he decided to visit SM's museum.

This was it?

If Jaehyun, Mark, and Taeyong are a part of this NCT, then it couldn't be a stretch that...

"Y-Yeah, that was a really cool song," Yebin managed to say when she realized that Hanui had been waiting for her to answer.

"Right? It's so great! Now let me show you the next one that just came out today—"

Yebin jolted out of her seat. "Hold on, I'm going to use the restroom first." She set down her guitar gently on the couch and shuffled over to the direction of the bathroom, despite the whines she heard behind her. The moment she entered the bathroom and locked the door behind her, she took out her phone from her sweater pocket and instantly went into her messages.

Seriously, out of the seemingly endless amount of texts they have sent each other, Youngho just so happened to leave out this vital info?

| To: Youngho |

YB: were you never going
to tell me that you're training
under SM fuckin Ent???

YH: ah, the truth is out

YB: S E R I O U S L Y ? !

YH: yeah. I'm guessing you saw
the mvs?

YB: I watched 7th Sense
and it's pretty damn good
i've yet to see the next one

YH: I'm sure you'll like that one a lot
It's more in tune with what you vibe

YB: I was so shocked to see the others
but how come I haven't heard from you?

YH: well, you see.
That's just how it works.
Guess I'm not cut out
for the songs by the company?

YB: you will debut soon, though, right?
With this group??

YH: oh with my talents, of course I will

YB: damn, cocky bastard...

Yebin could basically hear him laughing at her response right now. Youngho must be reveling in her utter shock. She had to scoff, she could imagine it clearly.

YB: anything else you're not telling me?

YH: What else would there be?
This is me, the whole me
Other than me training at SM,
you pretty much know my life story

YB: i guess... so you sure
you're from America then??
Maybe you're from Europe

YH: LOL
I'm sure I know where I lived, Yebin

YB: But I don't!

YH: Trust in me will you??
Surprise me, and I'll surprise you
It's a give and take

YB: Uh, when did i ever

Yebin pursed her lips in thought. She wasn't sure what Youngho met by that. When did she surprise... Oh. He must be talking about his encounter with Hojun that one day.

Okay, touché.

YB: Nvm that.
I feel that I should say
my friend is already so into NCT

YH: ohhh
just wait until I come in
she'll be into me too ;)

YB: UGH, PLS DON'T SAY THAT
THAT'S MY BESTIE YOU TALKIN BOUT

YH: i am KIDDING
calm down woman
But anyway wbu??
Do you like NCT?

YB: idk yet but i guess
i'll give you all a shot?

YH: now go listen to Without You
You'll like that one
I'm sure of it

YB: that's bold of you to say

YH: lemme know how you think of it
when you listen

Yebin sighed, while she sent one last message that she will tell Youngho her thoughts on the matter. As she turned and exited out the bathroom to return to Hanui, she could already see that the laptop screen had changed to the next song. Hanui bared the widest smile, patting the empty seat next to her.

The short-haired lass simply sat down, while Hanui already pushed the play button. From the speakers, the sound of guitar prickled her ears. Yebin pursed her lips in bewilderment as the vocals came in. Smooth and pleasant to listen to. She can see why Hanui and Youngho mentioned that she could like this song more.

It was so weird seeing the familiar face of Jaehyun in the very well-made music video, since he was one that Yebin had met face to face.

As the song continued on, Yebin found herself bopping her head to the music. She really did enjoy it, and her fingers were itching to try the chords the song used on her guitar.

Maybe she'll truly try more of this group's music once more comes.

Just as the music video came to its end, Hanui peered over with a hopeful look on her face. "So, what do you think?" She asked, the anticipation clearly visible.

Yebin tried to give a nonchalant expression. "It was good. Without You is more my style."

"Right? It totally is!" Hanui chimed. "When I heard this song, I knew you'd enjoy it!"

The sudden double ding caught both of the girls' attention. Hanui instantly grasped onto her phone that rest on top of the coffee table and checked the message they had gotten.

It was from Hojun.

"Will be later as usual. Don't wait on me for dinner."

"Ah, oppa sure is working really hard for his club," Hanui uttered as she set her phone down. "Doesn't it seem like he's getting home later and later."

"It is annoying whenever he comes home at 2 in the fucking morning," Yebin groaned as she remembered back to some past instances.

"Sorry, girl," Hanui replied with a small chuckle. "But the club is getting more attenders! So, maybe that's why as a co-manager, he should stay behind and check on everything."

"I guess." An irritated look crossed Yebin's face. "Sometimes, we comes home reeking of alcohol though."

"I assume that's just how it is though. Plus, you know oppa can drink quite a bit." Hanui suddenly stood up from the couch all of a sudden, stretching out her limbs. Yebin only stared at her with curiosity. "Well, I gotta get ready."

"Ready? Ready for what?"

"My department planned to have a small get-together and eat for dinner," Hanui replied, running her fingers through her naturally straight hair.

Yebin smirked. "Oh, with that one cute sunbae, I'm sure."

"You got that right! So, sorry for ditching but your girl gotta get her flirt game on." An excited giggle left her friend's lips.

"I'm surprised he hasn't fallen for your charms yet."

"He's a wily one, but I think he's starting to warm up to me." Hanui gave a wink. "Watch me snatch him up by the end of the night." She gave off a hum. "So, maybe, you can leave the house a bit?"

"Are you fucking serious?"

Hanui clapped her hands together. "Please, Yebinnie? I am so close to getting with him. I can probably hook up with him by the end of the night!"

"Where do you expect me to go?" Yebin huffed, unamused.

"I don't know? Just somewhere! You can come back around 11, I promise," Hanui begged. "Do this for me, please?"

"I am disgusted by you, Yoo Hanui, I swear," Yebin grumbled with a shake of her head. "Just go get ready and leave, I'll think about it."

Hanui shot an appreciative grin. "Thank you, babe!" It was then she scurried away into her bedroom to get ready. Yebin continued to stay on the couch, even until her friend had finished dressing up. "Maybe you can swing by the club and hang out with oppa."

"As if I want to go there," Yebin grumbled.

"Well, you promised me you'll leave, remember that!"

"I did not..."

But before Yebin could let out another complaint, Hanui had already run out the door. Yebin was now actually alone in the house. The short-haired girl huffed as she glimpsed over at the still open laptop screen (which Hanui said she could use if she wanted). There were so much videos in the recommendations for SM Rookies.

Yebin couldn't help herself and clicked the next video she saw.

Instantly, she was met with Youngho's face.

She marveled at it. Her friend was already doing so well with performing and promoting himself even before he made his official debut. Yebin may have known Youngho for a short time, but she truly felt proud for his efforts.

She remembered when he told her that he'd been training for so much years.

Youngho had a dream that he wouldn't let go of.

Yebin admired that, but she also felt jealous. She never really had a future dream for her to truly pursue.

Her negative thoughts were interrupted when Queen's Don't Stop Me Now began to play from her phone's speakers. Eyes darted over to the device that rested on the coffee table. Yebin happened to be getting a call from Youngho.

She quickly answered.

"So, thoughts! I want to know," his voice came through.

Yebin hummed as she recollected her thoughts. She then had an idea. "Are you free right now?"

"Free? Yeah, I guess I am. Why?"

"Let's get dinner and I'll tell you my thoughts about it."

For a moment, Youngho didn't reply. Yebin felt that maybe she was a bit too forward with the proposition, but he responded soon after, "Sounds good to me. Where should we meet?"

"Chicken?"

"Chicken? Okay, deal! I'm going to send you the address to a really great chicken place. Meet me there in about thirty minutes."

Just as she hung up the call with him, Yebin rolled out the couch and went to get ready.

She was oddly excited.

. . .

Yebin cautiously entered the chicken restaurant that Youngho had sent her the address to. The moment she walked through the glass door, the aroma of fried chicken hit her in the face, and her stomach growled louder than before. Her whole body jolted in anticipation, just imagining the food she will be having.

"Yebin-ah!" Her eyes picked up to the sound of her name. At the corner of the restaurant, she saw Youngho already seated at a table. The short-haired lass quickly bounded over and took the empty seat across from the man. "Don't worry about ordering, I already bought enough fried chicken for the two of us."

Yebin scowled at him. "Yah..."

"Hey, we haven't seen each other in a while. Let me do this, in celebration of NCT debuting, you know," Youngho chimed, a playful grin. "When was the last time we met, seriously?"

"It was probably when you brought some of your friends to one of my gigs," Yebin replied as her back hit the back of her chair. Her own smile pulled at her currently painted red lips. "Wow, it blows my mind I'm acquainted to..." Yebin ducked down, and murmured in a whisper, "idols."

Youngho let out a chuckle. "Are you really that amazed? You're pretty much famous yourself."

"Oh please, Instagram famous is nothing."

"I've seen people post about you on Youtube too. Some of which has over a million views, that's something too," he pointed out.

Yebin made a face. "Oh wow, doing research on me?"

"I'm just mildly curious if people have appreciated your work. And they did."

"Anyway, I just make covers, you're actually putting out new content for all of Korea to look forward to. I am a mere peasant," the girl scoffed. "Do you know when you'll be able to debut too? I am honestly so delighted for you."

"The company said it will be soon, they're hoping to put me out in one of the future units," Youngho replied. "So, I guess we'll see."

"We will see~"

At that moment, the employee finally came forward to their table with a tray full of fried chicken and beer for them to have. Yebin marveled at the delectable dish before her, her mouth salivating at the sight. The two were quick to dive right into the chicken, Yebin getting the white meat and Youngho getting the dark.

After a while of eating, Youngho interjected, "You said you were going to tell me your thoughts on the songs."

"Oh yeah, I was!" And Yebin did just that. It wasn't just a simple it was good kind of thing. She went into the details as to why both the Seventh Sense and Without You had been pleasant to her ears. Music terminology flowed out her mouth like she was an absolute professional in the subject. Every beat, every melody, every harmony, Yebin made sure not to leave out anything that had caught her ears.

Yebin and Youngho didn't realize how much time they spent together. After their delicious dinner at the chicken restaurant, they walked about the town. While the girl does enjoy their talks through the phone, to be able to talk to her friend face to face was much better. There was always a thrill for whenever they hang out like this, even if it's as simple as this.

"So, how come you're not with your bestie?" Youngho asked out of the blue as they reached an intersection of the sidewalk. "Didn't you mention that you two were together earlier?"

Yebin gave a sigh as she remembered why she decided to leave the house. "Hanui had plans, so here I am."

"Hmm, well, if anything, I guess I should be thankful she did."

Youngho began walking as the walk light blinked white for them. Yebin stared at him for a moment before hurrying after him. Just as they reached the other side of the intersection, Yebin heard the familiar tune of her phone go off.

She took out and her expression stormed over immediately at the name that popped up.

Youngho peered over, concerned, as she took the call.

After hearing the young voice, her chest felt like it was being pushed upon. Her brows furrowed together and her grip on her phone tighter.

"Where are you?" She asked in a serious tone. Once hearing the reply, she responded with an okay and hung up the call. She glanced over at Youngho. "I have to go."

"Go? Where?" Youngho asked with a small frown. "Let me accompany you. It won't be safe to go just anywhere on your own."

Yebin was in a hurry, so there was no point on trying to decline the offer when she knew very well that Youngho would counteract. "Fine, let's get a taxi really quick and go."

Youngho didn't have to be told twice. He immediately flagged down an upcoming cab and the two of them rushed inside.

"Please take us to Seorae Elementary school," Yebin told the driver.

And without much questions, they were off.