Missing Piece (PART 3)
He ended the song with more feelings. Wow. He never felt as good as this when he sings. Minho was just staring at him, eyes fixed on his face.
“Well?” Onew asked and felt self-conscious.
Minho stood up and walked by the door. He turned the knob and was to go outside. “That was good. Thank you.” He went out and closed the door gently.
***
INSPIRATION
The night, Minho went out again with his friends and left a note by the fridge:
Out till morning. Left over Chicken sandwich in the fridge.
Choa.
The message read and a thumbs-up sign was drawn on the paper. Onew opened the fridge and took out the chicken sandwich. He brought it with him inside the music room with a glass of milk. He sat on the sofa and thought about Minho’s weirdness earlier.
Maybe he remembered someone because of the song. Or maybe he was just good. He finished the sandwich and milk.
It was his first time to fully stare at Minho’s face. He’s expressive eyes, prominent nose, red lips…Wait! What am I thinking?
He then picked up a pen and paper:
** Will you let me stare at your face all day through,
And let me remember every feature of you
Just like how your lips curve when you smile
And how your eyes blink time to time…
He wrote the words. It just flowed.
Let me…
Let me…
He wrote the last 2 words all over the page. He sighed deeply and felt sleepy. Tonight he decided to sleep in Taemin’s room. Enough of music. He needs to sleep.
***
THE TRUTH?
On New Year’s day Minho left around noon time. He told Onew he’ll be out to do some grocery shopping since their food stocks almost out. A week’s worth of food lasts for only three days. Onew felt himself gained weight and his only exercise was cleaning the house.
“Onew-Hyung!!!” He heard Minho called him from the living room. He went out from the music room and saw Minho carrying plastic bags. He immediately helped him carry the bags in the kitchen.
“Why so much food?” Onew asked. He knew Minho would be doing ‘some’ grocery but he opened tons of meat, veggies, and fruits. Too much on what he calculated.
“It’s New Year, dude!” Minho exclaimed happily and started taking out stuffs from the plastic.
“Well, it seems like we’re having a party or something.” Onew said jokingly and helped him out.
“We are.” Minho said. “I’ve invited a few of my friends over. Don’t worry Auntie knows.”
“I see.” Onew bit his lower lip. New Year. The best way to welcome it is by partying.
“I’m sorry, this was kinda spur of the mo’.” Minho gave him an apologetic smiled. “You can actually blame Taemin.”
“Wae?” Onew asked confused.
“He asked me to invite some friends over so you can chill.” Minho continued storing the seasonings. “He’s afraid that you’ll just let New Year pass by, either writing or sleeping. And since I can get you out, we’re bringing the party here.”
That was my original plan. Onew thought. He assumed Minho would be out partying again.
“Sorry.” Minho repeated.
“It’s fine. Taemin knew me more than I do.” Onew was actually happy that he wouldn’t be spending New Year alone. He’s actually glad Minho will be here. “What’s the menu?”
“Kebab, Sampgyupsal…soju, and some more soju.” Minho mentally listed. “I’m not sure, I just bought what I feel. There’s chicken.”
“Barbeque party then.” Onew went to the fridge and checked again what Minho bought. “What time are they coming?”
“Ten.” Minho answered.”I told them to bring some food and drinks as well. And I’m sure they’re bringing fireworks too.”
Onew gave him a big smile. He felt good about having a party. “I’ll prepare the food, you prepare the garden.”
“Yes, sir!” Minho saluted. “Don’t worry Onew, my friends are pretty wild but tolerable.”
***
It was indeed a crazy party - and Onew was having a blast. He was in-charge with the meat grilling while Minho brought him drinks. He felt a little tipsy; the good thing was his alcohol tolerance is high.
Minho invited 2 of his childhood friends, Key and Jonghyun. It was fate that they were all visiting relatives for the holidays, so they decided to have a mini-reunion. Jonghyun brought her girlfriend, Seohyun. Key invited his sunbaes, Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Yuna. And Yuna brought 3 of her model girl friends. They were just anticipating a party for five, but the more the merrier. And the guests didn’t come empty handed.
“Here.” Minho offered him a drink for the nth time.
“I’m good.” Onew pushed back the orange colored liquid.
“It’s just juice.” Minho pushed it to him again. Onew took it and gulped it down. Minho helped him gather the meat left on the grill.
“Hey, you’re having too much drink.” Onew reminded him. He’s not really sure how Minho acts when he’s drunk and he doesn’t really want to know.
“I can still stand, see?” Minho stood straight and smiled at him.
Donghae and Eunhyuk were the main entertainers. They were trying to impress the models by their dancing and rapping, and they were certainly getting good responses.
“Five before 12!” Key shouted and the boys prepared the fireworks. The girls gathered near the buffet table and poured wine into the glasses. Onew and Minho helped them with the wine and distributed it to everyone then stood behind the girls.
Jonghyun signaled them to countdown.
10
9
Minho stood closer to Onew.
7
6
Minho grabbed Onew’s hand and smiled down at him.
4
3
2
1
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Everyone cheered and tossed. Jonghyun hugged his girlfriend and gave him a peck on the forehead. The others were hugging as well, Donghae and Eunhyuk received kisses from the models.
Onew was to join them but Minho pulled him inside the house.
“Yah-“ Onew said when they were inside the music room. Onew was to turn the light switch on when he felt Minho hugged him.
“Yah-“ Onew repeated softly. “What’s wrong?” Onew hugged him back, he didn’t know what else to do.
“Hyung-“ Minho whispered. It gave Onew a tingling sensation. Chills on his nerves. Minho pulled back a little and Onew can feel Minho’s breathe on his face. He smells wine… good. He can feel Minho inching down and his breathe getting nearer. .. to his nose, and just above his lips.
“MINHO! ONEW!” They heard their names being called.
Minho sighed and released Onew. “Happy New Year.” He said and lightly touched the top of Onew’s head. He then grabbed his arm and they went out the room.
“What were you guys doing there?!” Key said and grabbed their hands, “Everyone’s dancing outside. Let’s go!”
The two of them joined the dancing. Minho distanced himelf from Onew and was talking with Yuna. Onew joined Donghae and Eunhyuk’s dancing. But he can’t shake off what had happened in the room.
Taemin surely told him to avoid Minho when he’s drunk. Avoid Minho’s drunk-randomness. Those were Taemin’s reminders. What…was that back there…?
He looked at Minho again. It seemed like nothing happened. Onew decided to stop thinking about it and enjoy the rest of the party.
***
Onew went back to his place the night before Taemin and his family came back. They wanted him to spend the rest of the holidays with them but Onew declined.
He wanted to be alone, away from Minho.
Minho had been acting weird around him. When they talk he’s avoiding looking at Onew and his words were reserved. There’s definitely something wrong but Minho won’t talk about it. It was nothing but awkwardness between them.
Onew didn’t bother probing. He wanted to polish his cover song first, so he can concentrate with his composition. But he cannot really concentrate… he’s actually blocked. Mental block. Creative block. Artistic block. BLOCKED.
He’s very much affected with Minho’s change of attitude. It’s not harsh or cold, just avoidance.
He left a note on the kitchen counter before leaving the house. Minho was sleeping in the guest room and he didn’t want to bother him.
Taemin’s going back tomorrow. Dinner in the fridge.
Thank You for letting me stay!
See you around.
~Onew
He’s sad to leave like this, for he thought he found a friend in Minho. He’s really clueless with what’s happening. Maybe Taemin can help them. He’s missing Minho…his source of inspiration.
***
Taemin bought Onew lots of stuffs from Singapore. Keychains, shirts, caps…the usual souvenirs. He also got him a really expensive earphone. They were already back in school and have two more weeks before the final judgment.
YM Entertainment invited the finalists in a joint party, so they can experience the showbiz vibe. Different entertainment companies decided to hold a New Year’s Benefit party. Onew didn’t feel good about coming but he had to.
Artists from other companies were also at the event. Media and famous people were all around. Onew was a little used to it but Taemin and the rest of the finalists were star strucked. They had a hard time finding their table for they had too much stop-over taking pictures and the venue was just big.
“Yah-Hyung.” Taemin was wide eyed. “This is really great!”
“Don’t drown , Taemin.” Onew laughed. “By the way, I always forget to ask- can you bring my music sheets on Monday? I left some at your music room.” Taemin just nodded, and Onew’s not sure if he even heard him.
“I’m getting some cake. Want some?”Onew asked. Taemin shook his head, he was floating. Onew stood up.
“Hyung, I’ve invited Minho-hyung! Help me find him.” Taemin said and was gone after a second. Probably asking for more autographs.
Minho. Here.
Onew missed him but not sure how to ask Taemin about him. Taemin hadn’t updated him about Minho either. All he knows was the usual Minho-routine, out at night-sleep all day.
“I really need sweets.” Onew said to himself and walked over the buffet table. He went straight to the dessert bar.
“Onew?” Someone called his name. He turned around and saw a couple of glammed-up boys looking back at him. “You’re Lee Onew, right?” The tallest one said. He had too much eyeliner and mascara on his eyes.
Onew nodded. He can’t talk since his chewing a bite of chocolate cake.
“I told you it’s Onew.” The other one said. “It’s me Seungri and this one’s Caleb, remember?”
Of course. He smiled instead. They were his co-trainees and last thing he heard they were actually on the top 10 trainees.
“How you been?” Caleb shook his hand. “We didn’t hear from you guys since you left.”
Onew swallowed his cake and drank some water. “I-I’ve been fine.” He said, “I’m actually back in school.”
“Great!” Caleb said. “I thought you’re back being a trainee somewhere. Being here, you know.”
“Well-“ Onew started.
“But school is good.” Seungri cut him off. He was fixing his sequenced jacket. The usual narcissi.
Onew just nodded. “So how’s it going for you guys?”
“We’re debuting soon.” Seungri answered coolly. “We’re actually performing in a few. Ever since you guys left…”
Blah, blah, blah… it was all Onew heard. He didn’t really like Seungri. “Nice.”
“Yeah-we’re in a 7-member group.” Caleb continued.
“Seven… a lot.” Onew trailed. They were silent for a moment.
“Hey, we have to go.” Seungri said to Caleb.
“It was nice seeing ya again Onew.” Caleb shook his hand again. “Please support us.”
Onew bowed and bid them good luck. Caleb is nice but they weren’t really close during the training days.
“Your friends?” A familiar voice surprised him. He knew it’s Minho. He turned around and saw him standing there, looking good in a white suit.
“My co-trainees…before.” Onew answered. “How are you?”
“Good. And you?” Minho looked at him straightly. Onew just gave him a thumbs-up and started eating his cake again.
“Hyung-“ Minho walked closer to him.
“Hmmm?” Onew looked at him. Minho’s got dark circles under his eyes.
The lights dimmed and Jae Suk, the night’s MC, started hyping people. Onew was trying to see the stage. “Tonight’s really DAEBAK!” Jae Suk started. “We got 3 companies under one roof for a beneficial party---“
“Hyung-“ Minho repeated. Onew looked back at him, eyes questioning. “I missed you.”
Whoa. What?! Onew was surprised and he might look stupid with his mouth opened from shock.
Jae Suk’s voice was even louder.”Now to introduce you to a new idol group. They’ll be debuting soon.” There were loud cheers everywhere.
Minho was still looking at him. Onew tried to say something.
“Here’s a 7-member group, CRUISERS!!!!” The crowd was on their feet. Onew’s ex-co-trainees were up the stage, all looking glamorous under the lights. A familiar beat started and the boys were starting moving their shoulders.
Onew looked at the stage again. So their motif was to be manly. Onew watched and listened. There weren’t many changes since he was with them. They just look more like idols now. At least their dancing skills improved and they buffed a lot. Even though he hated Seungri he can’t resist his stage presence. Aish that midget practiced hard, eh. He laughed at himself and sighed. How he wishes he’s up there as well.
“Not bad.” Minho was now beside him and supporting his arms to get a better view.
“More than 2 years of training should do the trick.” Onew said. Caleb did a perfect double back flip after his rapping.
“Still the typical pop.” Minho snorted, Onew looked at him with one eyebrow raised. “I mean look at them! A mixture of other group idols!”
Minho’s right. Onew thought. But still they’re performing.
“You’re better than them Onew.” Minho said directly on his ears. Onew shivered and stepped sideward away form him. Minho looked at him a little surprised but covered it with an immediate grin.
“Kamsahamnida!” CRUISERS were just done performing and everyone was cheering them loudly.
“Hyung!” Taemin suddenly rushed between Minho and Onew. “The CRUISERS were good. But not really. But they’re good.”
“Make up you’re mind!” Minho messed his hair.
“Yah!” Taemin punched him hard on his arm. “Yuna-Noona did my hair! Don’t ruin it!”
Onew watched them both quarrel but his mind was really wandering off. He excused himself and went out the building.
***
Onew sat on the stairs near the venue’s entrance. He’s really mixed up now. In less than a year, things were happening fast paced. Once, he was healing the pain from being cut-off, next he’s taking the path again to pursue an unsure dream, then he’s feeling all mixed up and hopeless.
“Have you seen Onew?” A voice said. He thought Minho and Taemin came to find him but was surprise to see Seungri, Caleb, and another CRUISER member walking at his direction and lighting a cigar.
Onew quickly hid behind a tree. The three stopped at the exact spot Onew just left.
“He’s here?” Joon?
“Yeah, Joon.” Seungri said and puffed on his smoke. “I’m not sure why he’s here.”
“Maybe, he’s training under another company.” Caleb said and was fanning the smoke away. “Yah, Seungri! Can you at least not smoke tonight?”
Seungri just shrugged and gave him another puff. “He was a tight competition before.”
“He knows what he’s doing.” Joon added, “I was just glad he was kicked out.”
“What money can do.” Seungri laughed. “He’s got the talent and passion but sometimes you really need money to start this whole show business shit.” Seungri threw the cigarette butt on the ground and stepped on it.
“Aish!” Caleb suddenly shouted.
“Mwo?!” Seungri and Joon exclaimed.
“Seeing him tonight really makes me feel guilty!” Caleb answered and was pulling his hair.
Joon stopped him. “Yah! It wasn’t like you paid that money-loving-son-of-a-bitch-manager to kick them out.”
“Still, I’m guilty for knowing it!” Caleb spat back.
Seungri patted his shoulder. “We’re all in this now. One for all, all for one, right? Besides, it’s the past. Let go.”
They all started to walk back inside. Onew’s knees buckled and he sat on the ground, now more lost out in space.
TO BE CONTINUED… http://pardonmygrammar.livejournal.com/1956.html