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As one, all six members blow out the candles. Youngmin’s got a hold of a confetti cannon, and it explodes over the room to more cheers.
“Thank you all so much for supporting us,” Sun Ye says, crying, but from happiness this time. “We couldn’t have done it without you. I know it’s been a tough few weeks... and years...” Her eyes travel to the girls who came from Dream Music. “The road will be difficult still, but because of this team, because of the other members who give me hope and inspire me to be a better leader, I look forward to the journey. Please continue to support us.”
Together, the ASAP members bow deeply.
The party isn’t scheduled for long, as ASAP has recordings booked for the weekend music shows, including EBC’s Music Net, but it’s important to celebrate as many moments as possible along the way.
“This was a good idea, Sori. I’m glad you suggested it.” Director Ryu stands beside me, champagne flute in hand. “We would have done something at the company, but this is better. And we have entertainment.”
The singing coach brought a karaoke machine with her, and Youngmin and a few of the boy trainees perform “Wake Up,” having, of course, memorized the entire choreography by heart.
“Do you know when my mother is coming?” I ask Director Ryu.
“Oh, she didn’t tell you? She couldn’t make it. She’s taking a few of the sponsors out to a restaurant.”
My stomach drops. She’s not... coming?
Director Ryu pats me on the shoulder. “I’m sure she would have liked to be here too.”
She thinks I’m disappointed, and I am. But I’m also... frustrated. Tonight would have been the perfect opportunity to speak with her. The successful debut of ASAP is a triumph for both of us. There couldn’t be a better time to approach her about Nathaniel and me. Now I’ll have to wait even longer.
The door opens. My eyes fly to the door in time to see a junior staff member enter.
Jaewoo already texted after I sent the invitation to let me know he couldn’t make it, since he’s still in Busan with his family, but Sun and Nathaniel should be here any moment.
Ten minutes pass—Jiyoo screams, announcing to the room that ASAP is trending #1 on all the major sites—then another fifteen.
“Are you waiting for someone, Seonbae?”
Hyemi stands behind me. I thought I’d been discreet, but apparently not.
“No, I’m just...” Her head is tilted to the side, watching me curiously. I change the subject before she sees anything else in my expression. “I saw you earlier with Ruby,” I say, naming the member I’d seen Hyemi holding hands with in the dressing room. “You seemed to be getting along.”
“Ruby-eonni is from Hong Kong and speaks English. We like some of the same TV shows and video games. She’s a bigWe Bare Bearsfan.”
“Really?” I need to speak with Ruby more. “Congratulations, Hyemi-yah. How do you feel?”
“Like I could do anything. Like this is only the beginning.”
“It is! I’m so happy for you.”
“Actually, Seonbae, I’ve been meaning to tell you—” she cuts off, her eyes straying behind me. I turn around to see Sun walking through the glass doors, his jacket casually flung over his shoulder.
“Hyemi, will you excuse me?” I say and hurry over to Sun. “You’re late.” I look past him for Nathaniel, but there’s no sign of him.
“It’s good to see you too,” he drawls.
“Did you come alone?” Hyemi asks. I blink, surprised to find her beside me. She’s also asked the question I was about to ask.
Sun studies her, his expression opaque. “Would that disappoint you?”
She goes white, then pink.
“Leave her alone,” I say, my protective instincts kicking in.
Sun points to the cake. “Is that cake?”
“I’ll get you some!” Hyemi scurries away. Sun moves to follow.
