𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙏𝙒𝙊 :
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱
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One Week Later

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑪𝑳𝑶𝑪𝑲 𝑨𝑩𝑶𝑽𝑬 the large square mirrors smudged with breath fog and handprints read 3:18 am.

Savanna sat along the gray couch built into the wall with her eyes closed — upon request — while the company's hired makeup stylist completed the final touches to her look. Her hands sunk between her thighs, a mixture of their song playing in the background filled her ears. Members who finished hair and makeup left to practice, and Jihyun loudly warming up her vocals.

When opening her eyes, she met her reflection.

Running her painted nails along the fitted jumpsuit narrowed at her waist area with lace patches along both her inner thighs, Savanna was checking herself out. Her purple hair splits into a middle part, curled voluminously down her back. Glossed lips with a pink/brown-ish shade and a glittery golden but bold eye look very close to the standards.

She looked. . .

"Pretty," Rachel viewed Savanna through the mirror as she sat in the makeup chair, and spun with her mouth reaching the floor. "Damn, Savanna. I get why they call it slim-thick because it's giving everything! Tits sitting right, ass never flat, waist on — " She dramatically inhaled a deep breath until her ribs were showing to display her fitted waist before laughing out. "We need to take a selfie together when I'm finished so I can post it later in a photo dump. And I won't take no for an answer."

Savanna couldn't help but smile through her flustered cheeks. She loved being complimented. She could hear it all day. And because she and Rachel conversed in English the most out of all the members, being that they were the same age, her English compliments hits different than in Korean.

And she knew it too — she knew she looked good and bodied in all the right places. Thankfully, the company hired a qualified MUA who could match her skin complexion, occasionally fix her hair, and cater to her proper size. Nothing too small or too big. Just right. Just her.

When Rachel's finished, dressed in black shorts and a crop top that's shredded along the arms with a laced corset, they took a few selfies together. Then spoke a few words for a vlog currently being filmed.

"I know it's bad luck constantly checking, but our views on Ruined is soaring and followers on every platform have increased!" Mused Rachel while scrolling through her phone.

"Anything good about me? Haven't checked because I don't wanna sour my mood." Savanna thought about it and changed her answer quick. "Wait — don't tell me. I'll check after a few weeks. Or never."

"Too late, I'm telling you anyways. And to answer your question, the response is positive. Many comments and viral posts about you on Twitter; praising your Korean, your vocals, and your visuals, duhh," she informed. "You might end up forming a mini army with the number of people who have taken interest in you."

They weren't supposed to have a Twitter account. Publicly at least. But it didn't stop them from making private accounts and keeping tabs within Formes (For Me's) fanbase. Only after their comebacks have reached and maintained a certain amount of sales and wins could they take their accounts off private.

Savanna would remain private.

She rolled her eyes while taking a sip of lemon water. "Easy for you to say when all of you have solid fanbases even before debuting." Savanna pointed out.

"That's truue, but this isn't about me or the group. It's about you, and the people love you, Savanna. Enjoy it bitch."

While it lasts, she should've added.

It's been a day since their debut single Ruined released and the experience was surreal. Over 4 million people have streamed their music video within hours of its release and their 24-hour mark hadn't ended yet. Their name had been the topic all day throughout different regions around the world and album sales kept racking up numbers.

The support was overwhelming but fans have been looking forward to a group like 4U4ME.

And a member like Savanna.

Manager Bi — who managed the group and their daily activities — entered the dressing room where everyone's scattered, practicing their facial expressions and sharpening their movements. "Can I have everyone gathered around — guys, lower the music. Please, and thank you. And someone wake up Song-Yin." Once everyone's gathered, she continued. "Bad news; we'll have to wait another fifteen minutes until the group ahead of us finishes, plus another twenty minutes setting up the stage."

As expected. Though, it sucked having to wait while their adrenaline was running high.

"Good news; we can start placing on our mics for when they call us up. But before that, we need many group photos for the page and dance clips for Tiktok." Manager Bi continued. "And if you hadn't noticed, we're also filming a Behind The Scenes Debut Vlog for the channel to keep content up so please — heavy on the please — be mindful of what you say and do. And don't stray too far!"

Everyone agreed in unison before finishing up their thing.

They were supposed to prerecord their debut stage for MCountDown an hour ago, but because a well-known and respected group booked an earlier slot, they could extend or wrap up time whenever deemed fit. 4U4ME didn't have that luxury yet. Despite being under a Big 4 company, they just debuted. They have a long way to go to gain that sort of privilege.

After a few minutes, they went out into the hallway taking group and individual pictures. Few recorded the chorus part of the song to create a challenge, and the rest were placing in their earpieces and mics.

Savanna noticed the flashing lights of the previous idol group currently performing and how loud their fanchants were. Nervousness took hold of her body. She's prepared half of her life for this moment, and when it came, a voice in the back of her head ate at her.

Being on stage was nothing new to Savanna. She's performed for smaller crowds before moving to Korea and spent her trainee days creating predebut content. But to officially perform on a decorative stage to be broadcasted earlier on the same day, was a different kind of feeling she couldn't explain.

And her muscles tensed when their song came to an end, the crowd's cheering bled her ears numb.

Jihyun must have known how nervous Savanna grew. During the explanation of their outfits for the Vlog, which were identical to what they wore in the music video, Savanna slipped up her words and kept looking toward the stage. Jihyun rubbed her arms discreetly, pretending they had chills from the previous group's performance.

Upon the group finally exiting the stage, Manager Bi rose from her chair with a thank god under her breath. "You guys stay right here. Don't move. I'm going to chat with the stage director and make sure they set up the stage accordingly." She stated before rushing further backstage.

Duri covered her mouth and squealed in the direction of a boy group dressed in silk color-coded suits. "I'm such a big fan of them! Daesoo sunbae is soooo attractive in person and on-screen!" She expressed.

A member in particular couldn't keep his eyes from their direction after getting off stage — his eyes off Savanna. She crossed her arms while scratching the side of her face to ignore his obvious gaze, but instead, took in the attractive man wiping his sweat in a white towel.

"Daesoo?" Savanna rose her brows, remembering Duri's presence.

"You're kidding me, right? You've been in Korea for some years now and you still don't know who K.O is? I talk about them all the time, Unnie! They're literally under the same company — our seniors!"

To be fair, Duri talked about a lot of things all the time so it's hard to pinpoint the subject.

Duri saw her friend was a lost cause and leaned closer in. "Okay, so K.O — which stands for KnockOut — is Red Entertainment's recent boy group after six years of not debuting another male group. They debuted in 2019 with Love Attack after surviving a well-known survivalist show and reached seventy-hundred-thousand in album sales before hitting the stage. Since then, they've been a global sensation. My bias is Daesoo. He's so kind, handsome, and tall, and he has such a beautiful voice. And his body — " she rolled her eyes dramatically causing Savanna to laugh. " — is so perfect. And his ideal type is a woman with long hair and a gentle smile, and I have long hair and a gentle smile. You see?"

She pulled back to show Savanna her gentle smile, asking if it was noticeable again. Savanna chuckled at how cute of a fan girl she was. "You do have a gentle smile. And long hair." She agreed.

"Right? It's like we're made for each other."

"So why don't you go up and talk to him then? He's right there. And you're right here. . .a few steps away."

"Because. . ." Suddenly nervous and unprepared for the question, Duri tried to think of something quick to say. "They've just finished performing like a million times and are probably tired. Not to mention, they probably wish to remain unbothered given all the fans they run into every second of the day."

Spoken too soon, a member who rushed off the stage first to grab a drink of water caught the group from the corner of his eyes and recognized them immediately. He couldn't go on without introducing himself.

"You guys are from 4U4ME, right?" Meeting the blond-haired idol dressed in a silky purple suit left the group speechless. Duri even more who forgot how to blink. And breathe. "My bad for just coming over here but I'm Daesoo from K.O."

Duri would've fainted if it wasn't for the wall holding her up.

Jihyun spoke up first. "Yes, that's us! And we know who you are — big fans by the way. Have you heard our song already? What do you think of it so far?" She's thrilled a big group, a senior group, had noticed them already.

"I recognize the outfits too." Daesoo nodded. "It was good. I think y'all got something going and I'll definitely look forward to more in the future. And of course, if you need anything, we're here to help."

Savanna tugged Duri forward without warning. She attempted to fight out of her hold but stopped when it was already too late. Daesoo was now looking at only her. "This is Duri. She's a loyal fan of your music and of you too." Savanna introduced.

He greeted her with a head bow as did she, too excitedly, and lower than low. "Nice to meet you sunbaenim, I'm Duri!" She made a face after realizing Savanna already introduced her.

While they were conversing and the rest of the members were lazily practicing to conserve their energy or chatting in the dressing rooms for the vlog, Savanna waited closer to the stage's entrance. She watched the staff set up their stage with props related to the music video. Anxiety pits deep in her gut.

"Are you nervous?" A deep voice just over her shoulder had asked.

There was no clue as to where the random voice came from and who it belonged to, but she knew it wasn't any of her members, Manager Bi, or the staff.

His dark gaze met Savanna when confirming her suspicion and felt her mouth grow dry. It was the same attractive member from earlier. He's cuter up close. Possibly within her age group since he didn't appear younger or years older. Sweat from his tannish neck trailed down the crease of his toned chest where his black suit had formed a deep-v, exposing his fitting frame. His black hair short, split down the middle with a wet gel look to fit their comeback theme.

Savanna swallowed the dry feeling and nodded. "A little bit. You have any advice?" She asked.

"Picturing everyone naked helps." Not phased by her efficient Korean skills, he smiled at her expression not knowing if he was either giving real advice or joking around. A dimple deep in his right cheek. ". . .Or taking four deep breaths before getting on stage is my go-to. My secret weapon."

"I'll try that out, thanks."

When facing the stage to get in the headspace of performing, she felt his presence lingering, made aware that he had her attention if there was more to be said. "I — " He started, changing his tone or lost for words he had been preparing. "I'm Hoi Namwook. Commonly known as Nam, but you can call me Namwook."

Savanna was hesitant to take his extended hand remembering how drastically different their culture was from the West especially between idols. The company specifically stated (physical) interactions between male groups, especially from another company, were to be nonexistent unless within an explainable reason or part of the job.

And because Namwook was a part of an elite group under a famous company — the same company she was under — meant his fans were batshit crazy. And crazy wasn't a good look for a new group, let alone a foreigner.

Namwook caught her hesitation and trailed back his hand. "I wash my hands, you know? The rumors about dirty male idols are true but it doesn't apply to me. My hands are wet because I was just drinking a cold water bottle." He explained.

"No, it's not that." She knew how refusing a group who's been in the game much longer would appear and took his retreating hand into hers. His hand was cold and soft. And wet. "I'm Sunny." She would've told him her real name, but it didn't matter.

"Sunny," he repeated softly to himself. "It's already my favorite word."

"Mine too."

"Do you have Kakao or anything to get in contact with you? You know, for any more advice you wish to ask in the near future." Still holding her hand, Namwook reached his free hand for his phone shoved in his side pocket. Searching for the app, he pulled up the search screen and handed the phone in her direction to type in her username.

"I. . .don't think that's a good idea."

Savanna slid her hand from his hold. His fingers lingered within her touch, creating a spark of electricity throughout her hand. She assumed it was the rings on his fingers but her fingers weren't touching metal around the time. He must've felt it too which explained why he didn't wish to let go. But ultimately, did.

Namwook kept his cool as he asked, "Am I being too straightforward? Or should I tone it down?"

She liked that actually, but it wasn't the reason behind turning him down.

"We've only just debuted and I wish to stir away from potential scandals and crazy ass fans even if the intentions are pure. From history, the media's harsher on women than men. Especially new groups."

Thinking it over, Namwook retrieved his phone while narrowing his gaze. "You do your research. And now, I feel like shit because the thought never crossed my mind. Sorry." He apologized as she continued talking.

"Plus, I don't know you. You could be a pervert — "

"Pervert?"

"Respectfully,"

At her response, he laughed a genuine laughter that took nearby members from K.O off guard. Like it wasn't an expected sound to come from him if he weren't a laughable person to begin with, but he sounded beautiful. He looks beautiful too.

   "I need to change that mindset if you think I'm a pervert. I'm a nice guy actually."

"Nice people don't usually admit they're a nice person. Toxic people do." Savanna pointed out, cocking her head at his statement.

"True. That's very true." Namwook could agree with that. "To be frank, I'm a bit nervous so I'm playing all the cards."

"Nervous?"

"Yeah."

"You?"

Namwook nodded while trailing a nervous hand through his short hair, and Savanna chuckled but not at him. At the fact that a guy like him was nervous around her.

She crossed her arms around her chest with laughter still in her lungs, but she'd be lying if she wasn't a tad bit nervous too. With men, she hid it well. "What for? I haven't done anything but stand here."

"You don't have to do much."

Like that, her laughter disappeared.

"I don't know if you've noticed but I have been fidgeting with my hands since speaking with you and I don't usually go up to women, a beautiful woman at that. So I don't know how this goes or how I'm doing." He confessed, fidgeting with his fingers like he said he was.

Savanna failed to hide her heated face through her smile and pretended to fix her outfit until she gained control of her face. He's cute, but she'll never admit that or stroke his ego.

"And how do I know that?" Savanna asked, lifting her gaze to his. . .who was checking her out as she fixed her outfit and didn't hide it. Desire written in his brown eyes, tugging on his bottom lip into a smile when caught. Thank god for being Black. Or he'd notice the heat rushing in. "That you're a good guy and not a pervert? People usually say idols are a lot weirder behind the scenes than in person."

"You're an idol too." He shrugged. "I can ask the same of you."

Got me there. Though she meant male idols specifically. "I'm not the one approaching you though. Am I?"

His smile brightened, left without a comeback to give. Now I've got him.

Namwook was about to open his mouth and sell his reasons why Savanna should trust him, but Jihyun stepped nearby and broke up whatever was going on. "The staff wants us to do a group introduction and whatnot for the Vlog." She greeted Namwook and faced Savanna. "We should go before they're ready for us on stage."

"That's my cue," pointing in the opposite direction, "It was nice meeting you Namwook, and thank you for the advice. I'll use it well."

"Anytime. I hope to see you around soon."

Savanna responded with a smile. There was no way in hell she would ever see him again. Between her packed schedule and being so far from each other in terms of privileges and far too influential, based on Duri's heartfelt explanation, to be at the same place and time together. With that knowledge alone, she took one last good look before drilling her focus back onto her group and their success.

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