#James just playing Cut the Rope on one of their cellphones cause he likes to feed 'the cute little froggy'

[supersecretnerd]

I think there should be a crossover au where the protagonists of Henry Slick's film (Jack Skellington, James Trotter, Coraline Jones, and Kat from the upcoming film Wendell and Wild) are all friends.

I just feel like it could lead to a multitude of cute, funny, and even some angsty interactions- I also love all of these films so it's like a bonus to be able to talk about them to folks.

[peaches-of-1]

A/N: This is not yet formatted correctly. I will fix it later! Merry Christmas everyone!

525,600 minutes 525,000 moments so dear 525,600 minutes How do you measure, measure a year?

Some would count in daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. Others in inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. Let me ask, in 525,600 minutes, how do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? Hmm? How about love? I ask you. How about love? Would you measure in love? Seasons of love. Just seasons of love.

In her office, Maman scrolled through pictures of her and Hwasa. They were cute together, but the pictures didn’t show everything. Like the cheating. The breakup. The arguments. Just them smiling. Lying…

525,600 minutes. 525,000 journeys to plan. 525,600 minutes. How do you measure the life of a woman or man? Would someone measure their life in truths that she learned, or in times that he cried? In bridges he burned, or the way that she died?

Either way, it's time now to sing out, though the story never ends. Let's celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends. Looking back it was important to remember the love you’ve gotten before. You got to, you got to remember the love.

You know that love is a gift from up above. Religious or not, it comes from a place of light. Love comes from all that is good and hopeful in the world or out of it. Remember the love. Share love, give love, spread love. Measure in love!

Seasons of love. Just seasons of love. Measure, measure your life in love

______

It had been a few days since Christmas and was now New Year’s Eve. The crew hadn’t returned to their home since they had no idea how to get in and also there were cops patrolling. There weren’t many now that the year was coming to a close, so Hyuna, Hyojong, and Hui stood by the door.

Hui used his skills to slowly pan to the padlock, “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: The Breaking Back into the Building Party.”

“How long till next year?” Hyuna asked now in magenta purple dress made of crushed velvet and lace around the hem. It was long sleeves which made her even warmer in her jacket and black heels.

Hyojong looked at his watch, “Three and half minutes…”

“I'm giving up my vices.” She said. “I'm going back - back to school. Eviction or not, this week's been so hot that long as I've got you, I know I'll be cool.” She booped his nose. “I couldn't crack the love code, dear 'til you made the lock on my heart explode! It's gonna be a happy new year!”

He lifted her off the ground and spun her around.

“A happy new year.”

Hui came back from making sure the patrols really were gone, “Coast is clear. You're supposed to be working.” He took the cheap alcohol from Hyuna. “That's for midnight. Where are they? There isn't much time.”

“Maybe they're dressing.” The red head teased. “I mean what does one wear that's apropos for a party - that's also a crime?”

“Chips, anyone?” Hwasa said in a bright red leather(?) bathing suit and matching heeled boots.

The film nerd laughed and pointed the older camera at her, “You can take the girl out of Hicksville, but you can't take the Hicksville out of the girl.”

She stuck out her tongue, “My riot got you on TV. I deserve a royalty!”

Hyuna snuck the bottle away from Hui, “Be nice you two or no god awful champagne!”

Hwasa skipped over to the beautiful girl, “Don't mind if I do. No luck?”

Hyojong sighed, “Bolted plywood, padlocked with a chain. A total dead end.”

“Just like my ex-girlfriend.” The short haired woman dialed her just mentioned ex. “Jagiya...? I know you're there...Please pick up the phone. Are you okay?”

Hui chuckled as he filmed his own ex acting not so differently but also slightly different from when they dated. She swatted at him.

“It's not funny! It's not fair!! How can I atone? Are you okay?” She sighed. “I lose control, but I can learn to behave. Give me one more chance. Let me be your slave! I'll kiss your Doc Martens! Let me kiss your Doc Martens! Your every wish I will obey!!!”

Maman spoke from behind the desperate artist, “That might be okay. Down girl.”

Hwasa kneeled.

“Heel...stay.” Then she walked past the leather clad woman to talk to the others. “I did a bit of research with my friends at legal aid. Technically, you're squatters. There's hope, but just in case.” She pulled out a white bundle from her purse.

Rope!

Maman and Hui then began to plot, talking back and forth with him starting out, “We can hoist a line--”

“To the fire escape--”

“And tie off at…”

“That bench!” They said in unison and pointed at the same spot. They high fived each other.

Hwasa pouted, “I can't take them as chums.”

Maman scoffed, “Start hoisting...wench!” She tossed her ex the rope but was then chased by her and ran away with Hui close by.

Even Hyojong was able to crack a smile at their antics, “I think I should be laughing. Yet I forget, forget how to begin. I'm feeling something inside and yet I still can't decide if I should hide or make a wide open grin.” He grabbed his girlfriend around the waist. “Last week I wanted just to disappear. My life was dust, but now it just may be a happy new year. A happy new year!” He lifted the champagne bottle up high.

That’s when Namjoon announced himself dressed in all black, “Bond, James Bond.”

Key posed by his boyfriend, “And Pussy Galore. In person!” She had bolt cutters in hand.

Hyuna was glad to see her friend dressed up so well, “Pussy, you came prepared!”

The two hugged and Key said, “I was a boy scout once, and a brownie...'til some brat got scared.” He pursed his lips.

Namjoon deepened his voice even more to exclaim, “Aha! Moneypenny, my martini!”

“Will bad champagne do?” Hyuna asked, pouring him a cup.

“That's shaken, not stirred.” He took a sip. “Pussy, the bolts.”

Key grabbed both handles of the bolt cutter, “Just say the word!”

“Two minutes left to execute our plan.” the red head chirped.

“Where's everyone else?” Namjoon asked.

Hyojong snarked, “Playing Spiderman.”

____

Once inside, Hui began recording on his older camera. Ironic close up: tight on the phone machine's red light. Once the Boho boys are gone, the power mysteriously comes on. Everyone looked around, confused and suspicious.

Hui kept the camera on the answering machine, “Hui, it's the Wicked Witch of the West: Your mother. Happy New Year from home. We're all impressed that the riot footage made the nightly news. Even your father says congrats, honey...call him. Love Mom!”

The next message played, “Lee Hwitaek, Alexi Darling from Buzzfed.”

“Oh, that show's so sleazy.” He snarked.

“Your footage from the riots: A1. Feature segment, network, deal time. I'm sending you a contract. Ker-ching ker-ching! Marky give us a call 970-4301 or at home try 863-6754 or my cellphone at 919-763-0090 or you can e-mail me at darlingalexinews.com.net or you can page me at--” It cut off.

Hwasa beamed, “I think we need an agent!”

“We?” Hui asked.

Maman shook her head, “That’s selling out.”

“But it's nice to dream!”

“Yeah! It's network TV and it's all thanks to me!” The short haired girl threw her hands in the air.

Hui whispered to Maman, “Somehow i think i smell a whiff of a scheme!”

“Me too.” She responded.

And sure enough, Hwasa said, “We can plan another protest!”

“We?” The lawyer asked.

She nodded, “This time you can shoot from the start, you'll direct, starring me!”

“5, 4, 3, open sesame!” The window unlocked quite easily. “Happy new year!” Everyone cheered. “Happy new year! Happy new…”

The sound of a party horn being blown and the face blowing it ruined the wild mood.

Choongmin smiled, “I see that you've beaten me to the punch.”

“How did you know we'd be here?” The videographer asked.

“I had a hunch.”

“You're not mad?”

The business man shook his head, “I'm here to end this war. It's a shame you went and destroyed the door.”

Hyuna squinted at him, “Why all of a sudden the big about face?”

He smirked, “The credit is yours.You made a good case.”

“What case?” Hyojong looked at her.

“Hyuna came to see me, and she had much to say.”

She folded her arms, “That's not how you put it at all yesterday!”

“I couldn't stop thinking about the whole mess!” The snake looked towards the camera man, “Hui, you'll want to get this on film.”

He shrugged and pressed record on his phone, “I guess.”

Choongmin faced the camera and cleared his throat, “I regret the unlucky circumstances of the last seven days.”

“Circumstance?” Hyojong laughed. “You padlocked our door!”

He continued, “And it's a great pleasure on behalf of Cyber Arts that I hand you this key.”

“Golf claps.” Key said sarcastically, clapping his hands together quietly.

Hui accidentally deleted the footage, “I had no juice in my battery.”

“Reshoot!” Choongmin said trying to keep his cool.

It didn’t get past E’Dawn, “Oh I see, this is a photo opportunity.”

Hwasa skipped in front of the business man and bowed low, “The benevolent god ushers the poor artists back to their flat.” She then flipped him off and went to sit on a table. “Were you planning on taking down the barbed wire from the lot too?”

“Anything but that!” Hyojong scoffed.

Choongie cut in, “Clearing the lot was a safety concern. We break ground this month, but you can return.”

“That's why you're here with people you hate instead of with Muffy at Muffy's estate!” Hwasa stated.

He brushed his finger through his hair, “I honestly rather'd be with you tonight than in West Port.”

Hyojong scoffed, “Spare us old sport, the sound bite!”

That’s when he started to get huffy and pointed at the blonde, “Hyuna, since you were so seductive--”

“You came onto me!” She made it clear.

“Persuade him not to be so counterproductive”

“Liar!” Hyojong yelled.

The yuppie smirked, “Why not tell them what you wore to my place?”

Hyuna set her jaw, “I was on my way to work!”

“In black leather and lace?” He asked. “My desk was a mess. I think I'm still sore!”

She stood and yelled back at him, “Cause I kicked him and told him I wasn't his whore!”

“Does your boyfriend know who your last boyfriend was?”

Hyojong screamed at the top of his lungs, “I'm not her boyfriend, I don't care what she does!” He glared at her and refused to touch her.

Key had to step in, “People, is this any way to start a new year?” Cue jazz hands. “Have compassion, Choongie just lost his cat.”

“My dog, but I appreciate that.” He corrected.

“My cat had a fall, and I went through hell.” Key explained.

“It's like losing a…” He paused. “How did you know that she fell?”

Namjoon stepped in handing a class to Choongie, “Champagne?”

“Don't mind if I do. To dogs…” He raised his glass.

Everyone snarked back, “No, Benny, to you!”

“Let's make a resolution~” Key said, holding Hyuna’s hand.

She gave a sore smirk, “I'll drink to that!”

“Let's always stay friends.” Namjoon said.

Maman pushed Hyojong back towards the girl he loved, “Though we may have our disputes--”

“This family tree's got deep roots.” Hwasa said, getting a soft smile from her ex.

Hui proclaimed, “Friendship is thicker than blood.”

“That depends…” the blonde said.

“It depends on trust.” Hyuna jabbed.

To which he replied, “Depends on true devotion.”

“I depends on love.” Maman nudged once more.

“Depends on not denying emotion!” Hui said, giving Hyojong a look.

“Perhaps.” Was his only reply.

Hyuna wanted to get out of there, but the others on her side kept her from leaving. It was gonna be a happy new year!

“I guess…” E’Dawn said. “You're right.”

Key cheered, “It's gonna be a happy new year, doll!”

Everyone left to give the two their space and see what was left of their living space. Hwasa and Maman even joined hands, having made up in their own way.

“I'm sorry.” They said in unison.

“Coming?” Hyojong asked.

She nodded, “In a minute. I'm fine. Go~”

He kissed her forehead, proud of her for being clean for so long and trusting her. He just thought she needed her space, but then the dealer arrived with her fix.

“Well, well, well. What have we here?” He asked, and the trade happened. “It's gonna be a happy new year.” He said mockingly.

________

VALENTINE’S DAY

Hui’s camera panned across the empty lot, “Hyojong’s down at Hyuna’s where he has been for almost two months now. Although he keeps talking about selling his guitar and heading out of town...he’s still jealous of Choong-ie. God knows where Namjoon and Key are...could be the new shanty town near the river or a suite at the Plaza.”

He decided to go for a walk and record some B footage and passed by where he knew where Hwasa and her on-again-off-again girlfriend would be, “Hwasa and Maman are practicing.” and the man was just about to open the door.

“I SAID, ONCE MORE FROM THE TOP!” Maman commanded.

“I SAID, NO!” Hwasa screamed back.

Hui backed up real quick, “That is if they’re speaking this week.” The he showed his face for the first time since filming. “Me? I’m here...nowhere...alone.”

~~~~~~

“The line is ‘Cyber Arts and its corporate sponsors: Great Communications wish to mitigate the Christmas Eve Riot’ What’s so difficult about that?” Maman said as if it were a piece of cake.

Hwasa gave her a pointed look, “It just doesn’t roll off my tongue.” Then she whined. “I like my version!”

She rolled her eyes, “You dressed as a groundhog to protest the groundbreaking?”

The short haired girl gave an excited nod, “It’s a metaphor!”

“It’s less than brilliant.”

“Ugh!” She stormed off the stage, “That’s it Miss Ivy League!”

Maman was surprised, “What?”

“Ever since New Year’s I haven’t said Boo. I let you direct. I didn’t pierce my nipples because you said it grossed you out. I didn’t stay and dance at the Clit Club that night because you wanted to go home!”

“You were flirting with the woman in rubber!” she pointed out.

Hwasa sighed, “That’s what this is about? There will always be woman in rubber flirting with me, gimme a break.” She went face to face with Maman. “ Every single day I walk down the street, I hear people say ‘baby’s so sweet’. Ever since puberty, everybody stares at me! Boys, girls, I can’t help it, baby.” She walked her fingers up Maman’s lapels and held her chin, “So be kind, and don’t lose your mind. Just remember, that I’m your baby.”

Then she strutted away, taking the long way back to the stage, “Take me for what I am! Who I was meant to be! And if you give a damn, take me, baby or leave me.” The short haired woman smirked. “Take me baby or leave me!”

She lifted her arms high, “A tiger in a cage can never see the sun! This diva needs her stage. Baby, let’s have fun! You are the one I choose! Folks would kill to fill your shoes! You love the limelight too now baby. So be mine, or don’t waste my time crying ‘Oh honey bear are you still my my my baby?’” She went to the center of the stage and stood on the highest stacked crate. “Take me for what I am! Who I was meant to be! And if you give a damn! Take me baby or leave me!”

Hwasa then did a very sensual strut as well as poses to try to convince her girlfriend, “No way can I be what I’m not. But hey! Don’t you want your girl hot? Don’t fight, don’t lose you head, Cause every night who’s in your bed?” She slunk closer. “Who? Who’s in your bed? Kiss, aein?” She stuck out her lips.

Maman put her hand to block it, “It won’t work. I look before I leap. I love margins and discipline. I make lists in my sleep. Baby, what’s my sin? Never quit, I follow through. I hate mess but I love you. What to do with my impromptu baby? So be wise, cause this girl satisfies.” She did a small sexy dance. “You got a prize, so don’t compromise. You’re one lucky baby!” She decided to use her girlfriend’s phrase. “Take me for what I am!”

“A control freak.” Hwasa murmured.

“Who I was meant to be!”

“A snob yet over attentive.”

“And if you give a damn~!”

“Loveable droll geek!” She said slightly above her normal level.

The older woman leaned in, “Take me baby or leave me!”

“And anal retentive!”

That was it! The straw that broke their back. They quit!

Maman wanted to give her a chance, “Unless you take it back!”

Women, what is it about them? You can’t live with them or without them! They said the same things over and over again without trying to compromise or understand the otherside. They just wanted to be taken for what they were, who they were meant to be!

“And if you give a damn, take me baby--” Hwasa began.

The lawyer imitated her lover in bed, “Oh take me, baby!”

“Or leave me!”

Maman yelled back, “Take me, baby! Or leave me!” Followed up by, “Guess I’m leaving!” as she walked away, grabbing her purse.

They both turned to face each other one last time, “I’m gone!”

~~~~~~

Seasons of Love B - What you Own

So I ask you again. How would you measure your life? In diapers, report cards, in spoke wheels, in speeding tickets? In contracts, dollars, in funerals, in births? In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes how do you figure a last year on earth?

Figure in love. I say figure in love. Please figure in love. Measure in love. Seasons of love.

Seasons of love.

It was now spring, and it seems as though Hyuna and Hyojong were missing each other once again. He had been waiting for her for hours now.

She walked in, obviously high, “Sorry, I’m late.”

“Where were you? No, let me guess.” He said, listing off the excuses she gave. “You lost your key? No, no, no. You went for a walk. You had to help your mother.” He sighed and set his jaw. “How’s Choongie?”

Hyuna laughed at the thought, “Babe…”

“Don’t bother.” He already had his guitar back in its case. “I’m working upstairs tonight.”

“Wait!” She called out. “I should tell you. I should tell you…” Then she turned around. “Nevermind.”

Hyojong let out a heavy sigh and began to climb the stairs back to his own apartment, the phrase “Happy Spring” faltering on his lips. Hyuna waited until  he was gone to start working on getting her next high. Then she threw away the packet and realized how lonely she was.

Without you. She thought. The ground thaws, the rain falls, the grass grows. Without you the seeds root, the flowers bloom, the children play, the stars gleam. Her legs carried her to the window with her head full of thoughts. The poets dream. The eagles fly.

Without you. The earth turns, the sun burns. Hyuna felt the water droplet on her hands, “But I die without you.”

Time passed, and new flowers had come to life. The two lovebirds didn’t fly near each other much anymore. In fact, they actively avoided each other. Hyojong got angry every time he thought of Hyuna’s red hair, and she didn’t want him to see how bad she had gotten.

While trying to not go to the dealer today, she thought she saw him pass by.

Without you. The breeze warms, the girl smiles, the cloud moves. Without you the tides change, the boys run. The oceans crash.

And she continued her job at the Cat Scratch club, eyes bleary as she performed once again, everything moving in slow motion. The crowds roared for her as the days soared.

Hyuna sat outside again after work, not going to his place as she heard wailing. The babies cry without you. She looked up. The moon glows, the river flows, but I die without you.

Hyojong tried to write, “The world revives—”

She stared at a painting in Choongie’s office as she went to see him again, “Colors renew—”

But they knew blue, only blue, lonely blue, within them...blue. Even as Hyuna was undressed by the married man, she thought about her Hyojong and what they could’ve been. Without you the hand gropes, the ear hears, the pulse beats…

The musician couldn’t deny that things weren’t going well in his life either and sung to himself, “Without you, the eyes gaze, the legs walk, the lungs breathe.”

Their minds churned and their hearts yearned. Yet their tears dried without the other in their lives.

The blonde stared out the window to see her linking arms with the yuppie scum and thought Life goes on, but I’m gone cause I die without you. Hyuna looked back as she felt him looking at her, but he moved away from the window at the same time.

Without you.

_____

Hui was at home when the familiar “SPEAK…” followed by a beep went off. A familiar nasally voice rambled off.

“Lee Hwitaek, Alexi Darling. Labor Day Weekend in East Hampton. On the beach~ Just saw Shawn Mendes told him you said ‘Hi’!” She paused. “Just kidding. We still need directors. You still need money. You know you need money. Pick up the phone. Don't be afraid of ker-ching ker-ching! Lee~sell us your soul~”

Another pause, longer this time, “Just kidding. We're waiting…!”

Maybe it was better to take up that offer of recording an orgy that Key told him about from his hospital bed. It’d be less dirty than working for Buzzfed. Fall had approached quickly. It wasn’t soon after recording that Hui got the call that Key passed away.

Everyone rushed to the hospital and cried. Hyuna was holding it pretty well until the doctor unhooked the monitor. Then she sobbed.. Hyojong was gonna reach out to her, but she turned into Hwasa’s arms. Maman pat the young man’s arm while Hui comforted Namjoon who was trying to hold his feelings back but couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.

Each of them spoke in turn at Key’s funeral. Then it was Namjoon’s turn. He tightly gripped the jacket his love had bought just last winter. Not even a full year ago. She was buried on Halloween, her favorite holiday.

He sang their song instead of speaking, “Live in my house…” he sniffled. “I’ll be your shelter. Just pay me back with one thousand kisses. Be my lover, and I’ll cover you...open your door. I’ll be your tenant. Don’t got much baggage to lay at your feet.”

Joon remembered that winter day they were making out before breaking back into their building. Key had looked amazing in those heels, but the first day they met felt like yesterday. Her legs in those zebra print leggings.

“But sweet kisses I’ve got to spare. I’ll be there, and I’ll cover you. Oh! I think they meant it when they said you can’t buy love, now I know you can rent it. A new lease you...were, my love on life. All my life I’ve longed to discover something as true as this is!”

Maman picked him up by chiming in, “So with a thousand sweet kisses!”

525,600 minutes.

“If you’re cold and you're lonely.” Namjoon continued with tears streaming down his cheeks.

“With a thousand sweet kisses!”

525,600 moments so dear.

“You’ve got one nickel only.”

Maman knew she would never feel as much pain as he did, but still cried along the others, “With a thousand sweet kisses”

525,600 minutes

“When you worn out and you’re tired”

“With a thousand sweet kisses!”

525,000

“When your heart has expired!” Namjoon wailed. “Ooohh, lover, I’ll cover you! Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeahhhhhh! Ohhh lover!” He stared at the coat.

525,000 seasons of love

“I’ll cover you!”

The guests decided to give Namjoon some more time to say goodbye for the last time. Hui had to make a call.

“Hi. It's Hwitaek. Is Alexi there? Uhh, no need to bother her. Just let her know that I'm running late for my appointment. I'm at my friend's---yes, I'll still be there. Yes, I signed the contract… Thanks.” He hung up.

As he gazed across the friends he had collected this year, he took out his phone and pressed record, “How did we get here? How the hell…

Pan left. Close on the steeple of the church.

“How did I get here? How the hell...Christmas.” He smirked to himself. Christmas Eve last year.

How could a night so frozen be so scalding hot?. How can a morning this mild be so raw? Why are entire years strewn on the cutting room floor of memory when single frames of one magic night forever flicker in. Close-up on the 3D Imax of my mind.

“That's poetic.” He said out loud and scoffed at himself. “That's pathetic.” He changed the angle. “Why did Hyuna knock on Hyojong's door and Namjoon choose that phonebooth back where Key-hyung set up his drums? Why did Hwasa's equipment break down?”

Then he got silent and asked himself, Why am I the witness? And when I capture it on film, will it mean that it's the end and I'm alone?

Hyuna stumbled over the last step looking sickly as she asked Hyojong, “It’s true you sold your guitar, and bought a car?”

He nodded, “It’s true. I'm leaving now for Santa Fe. It’s true you're with this yuppy scum?” He motioned to Choongmin.

The man was unhappy, “You said you'd never speak to him again.”

“Not now.” The girl with a splotchy red dye job said as he found someplace to sick.

Maman helped her.

Hwasa butted in, “Who said that you have any say in who she says things to at all?”

“Yeah!” E’Dawn said.

Everyone was hurting. Maman spoke up, “Who said that you should stick your nose in other people’s---”

“Who said I was talking to you?” Her ex snapped.

They covered their hurt with hate and yelled at others instead of dealing with the pain.

The lawyer caught herself and said, “We used to have this fight each night--”

“Calm down.” Hui tried to stop things from getting worse.

“--She never admit I existed!”

“Everyone, please!” He begged.

Hyuna gave a scornful scoff and paced, “He was the same way. It was always ‘Run away, hit the road, don’t commit.” She shoved him. “You’re full of shit!”

“Noona!” Hyojong called.

Maman looked her ex up and down, “She’s in denial.”

Hyuna did the same, “He’s in denial…”

Hui tried again, “Guys!”

But he didn’t get through to the girls as they aired dirty laundry on such a day as this.

“Didn’t give an inch when I gave a mile.” Doc Martins stomped.

“I gave a mile!” Hyuna yelled.

Hyojong retorted, “Gave a mile to who?”

Now both Hui and Choongmin were trying to get them to calm down, “C’mon guys, chill!”

The girls looked at each other, “I’d be happy to die for a taste of what Kibum had. Someone to live for, unafraid to say ‘I love you’!”

“All your words are nice, noona, but love's not a three way street.” E’Dawn snapped. “You’ll never share real love until you love yourself. I should know.”

Namjoon pushed them apart, pointing at them with Key’s drum sticks, “You all said you’d be cool today, so please for my sake!” He let out a sob. “I can’t believe he’s gone. I can’t believe you’re going. I can’t believe this family must die. Our Key helped us believe in love.” He looked at his friends. “I can’t believe you disagree.”

In their hearts, everyone felt the same thing. I can’t believe this is goodbye.

Hwasa opened her arms, “Aein?”

“Honeybear.” Maman ran into them.

They chattered on about how much they missed each other and started to kiss. Even when one accused the other of biting their tongue, they made up and waved goodbye to the others to be with each other. The priest called for Namjoon who said he was coming to finish things up. Hyuna left with her businessman.

“I hear, there are great restaurants out West.” Hui tried to start a decent conversation.

“Some of the best, how could she?”

He cut the shit real quick, “How could you let her go?”

Hyojong shook his head, “You just don't know.” He sighed and looked at the church. “How could we lose Key-hyung?”

“Maybe you'll see why when you stop escaping your pain. At least now if you try, Kibum's death won't be in vain!”

Anger fueling his words, he replied, “His death is in vain!”

Hui was shocked, “Are you insane? There's so much to care about. There's me, there's Hyuna!”

“Hyuna's got her baggage too.”

“So do you.” He reminded his friend.

“Who are you to tell me what I know? What to do?”

“A friend!”

Hyojong clarified, “But who Hui are you? Hui has got his work’ They say ‘Hui lives for his work and Hui's in love with his work’.” He instead believed that, “Hui hides in his work.”

Hui scoffed, “From what?”

“From facing your failure. Facing your loneliness. Facing the fact you live a lie. Yes, you live a lie! Tell you why. You're always preaching not to be numb when that's how you thrive. You pretend to create and observe when you really detach from feeling alive.”

He set his jaw, “Perhaps it's because I'm the one of us to survive!”

E’Dawn scoffed and threw up his hand, “Poor baby!” He spat.

His dirty blonde friend wasn’t letting him do this to himself, “Noona still loves Hyojong. Is Hyojong really jealous afraid that Hyuna's weak?”

“Hyuna did look pale.” He admitted.

Hui spoke the truth as he wanted his friend to stay, to finish his business at least, “Hyuna's gotten thin. Hyuna's running out of time. Hyojong's running out the door!”

“No more, oh no! I've gotta go.” He grabbed the bag he had with all this things in there. It wasn’t much.

“Hey!” Hui called. “For someone who's always been let down. Who's heading out of town?”

Hyojong shot back, “For someone who longs for a community of his own. Who's with his camera, alone?” He didn’t apologize, but he said, “I'll call. I hate the fall.”

As he went towards his car, he ran into Hyuna.

“You heard?” The embarrassed blonde asked.

She nodded, “Every word...You don't want baggage without lifetime guarantees. You don't want to watch me die. I just came to say goodbye love. Goodbye love, came to say goodbye love. Goodbye. Just came to say goodbye love.

Glory. Hyojong reminded himself.

“Goodbye love.”

One blaze of glory.

“Goodbye love, goodbye.”

He rushed passed her, “I have to find…”

Choongmin reached out his hand, and Hyuna pushed him away, “Please don't touch me, understand. I'm scared. I need to go away.”

Hui spoke up, “I know a place, a clinic.”

“A rehab?” Her boyfriend suggested.

She nodded, “Maybe. Could you?”

He nodded as well, “I'll pay.”

Hyuna still said her farewells, “Goodbye love, goodbye love. Came to say goodbye love, goodbye. Just came to say goodbye love. Goodbye love, goodbye love. Goodbye love,” She coughed. “Hello, disease!”

She ran off, and Choongmin thought it best not to follow.

Namjoon came out of the church being yelled at by the parson, “Off the premises now, we give no handouts here!”

“What happened to rest in peace?” Hui asked.

The priest glared at him, “Off the premises,” and he used their word against them.

Namjoon pointed at him, his love’s drumsticks in hand, “That’s no way to send a boy to meet his maker! They had to know we couldn’t pay the undertaker.”

Hui went to comfort his friend. What would they do?

Choongmin spoke up, “Don’t you worry about a thing. Hey!” He called to the frocked man. “I’ll take care of it!”

The priest rolled his eyes and closed the door on them.

“Must be nice to have money?” Hui said.

“No shit.” The others said in unison.

Then the man wearing a gray beanie admitted, “I think it only fair to tell you, you just paid for the funeral of the person who killed your dog.”

“I know.” Choongmin chuckled. “I’ve always hated that dog.” He then threw his arm around the two and said, “Let’s pay him off and then get drunk.”

Hui sighed, “Can’t. I have a meeting.”

“Punk.” Namjoon said.

Choongie nodded his head to the nearest bar, “Let’s go.”

The two men left for the bottom of a bottle and the dirty blonde filmer sat in front of a camera and a colorful but neutral background as he talked about something going on in the world of k-pop and how it was coming more important in American pop culture, but it was just gossip about certain idols instead of the things that mattered. The things Hui actually wanted to do.

He asked himself what was he doing?

“Don't breathe too deep.” Someone scolded him.

“Don't think all day.” Another senior told him while handing him a new article. “Dive into work.”

December came even more quickly than it had last year. E’Dawn wasn’t getting jobs and found himself constantly writing about Hyuna. Everything he penned down or scribbled on cafe napkins was about her.

Drive the other way. Hui told himself. That drip of hurt, that pint of shame goes away just play the game. Why was this a thing? He chuckled and said to himself. You're living in America at the end of the millenium. You're living in America leave your conscience at the tone.

And when you're living in America at the end of the millenium. You're what you own. The filmmaker cannot see and the songwriter cannot hear. Yet Hyojong saw Hyuna everywhere while Kibum’s voice was in Hui’s ear. They tried to ignore it by telling themselves to just tighten those shoulders. Just clench your jaw til you frown. Just don't let go or you may drown.

You're living in America at the end of the millenium. You're living in America where it's like the Twilight Zone. And when you're living in America at the end of the millenium. You're what you own.

So they decided to own not a notion, to escape and ape content.

“I don't own emotion,” Hyojong said as he decided drive back to New York. “I rent.” He hadn’t painted his nails black in such a long time.

Hui stood on the roof of his building projecting clips onto a sheet and paused on a clip of the first day, “What was it about that night? Connection in an isolating age.”

For once the shadows gave way to light.

“For once I didn't disengage.” Then he stood and paced. “Angel, I hear you, I hear it

E’Dawn knocked on the closed pawn shop, “Mimi I see you, I see it.”

“I see it, I see it, my film!”

“I hear it, I hear it, my song!” the blonde said now with blue hair.

Hui quickly grabbed the land line and called to do something he had wanted to do for a long time, “Alexi, Hui, call me a hypocrite. I need to finish my own film! I quit!” He hung up. “One Song Glory.” No. That’s not what was important anymore. Was it ever. What mattered now was, “Hyuna, Your Eyes!”

“I quit!” Hui said.

Dying in America at the end of the millenium. They were dying in America to come into their own. And when you're dying in America at the end of the millenium. You're not alone.

Hyojong ran to the roof and smiled as he saw his friend standing there, “I'm not alone!”

“I'm not alone.” He embraced his cool toned buddy tightly.

Voice Mail #5 - Finale B

SPEAK. Beep

A slightly rough but beautiful voice came over the speaker, “Hyojong, this is your mother. Hyojong, honey, I don't get these postcards. ‘Moving to Santa Fe’ then ‘Back in New York Starting a rock band’ Hyojong, where are you? Please call.”

On a cell phone backstage at the Cat Scratch, a message was left, “Hyuna, dal, eodiya? Neoui eomma. Eodiya, Hyuna? Call.”

A very busy office phone remained unanswered, “Kitten, wherever are you? Call me.”

Later, over the speaker after SPEAK and a beep, “Hui, are you there? Are you there. I don't know if he's there. We're all here wishing you were here too. Where are you, Hwitaek? Are you there, are you? Where are you? Hui, are you there? Are you there. I don't know if...Please call your mother!”

______

Christmas bells are ringing. Christmas bells are ringing. Christmas bells are ringing. How time flies. When compassion dies. No stockings. No candy canes. No gingerbread. The homeless mourned: No safety net. No loose change. No change no...

“Santy Claus is coming!” He simulated jacking himself off.

The others just put up with it. Cause Santy Claus ain't coming. No room at the Holiday Inn again. Well, maybe next year or when.

Hui turned on the camera, “December 24th, ten PM. Eastern standard time. I can't believe a year went by so fast. Time to see what we have time to see.” He turned the projector on.

First shot was Hyojong with the fender guitar he just got out of hock when he sold the car that took him away and back.

He grinned, “I found my song.”

The dirty blonde nodded, “He found his song. Now if he could just find Hyuna.”

“I tried.” He said and added with a heavy heart. “You know I tried.”

Hui turned the camera on himself, “Fade in on Hui who's still doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

Hyojong joked, “But he's got great footage which he's cut together to screen tonight.”

“In honor of Choongie’s wife--”

“Muffy--”

The man chucked, “Alison, pulling Choongie out of the East Village location.”

Then the lights cut off.

The blue haired E’Dawn looked up, “Then again, maybe we won't screen it tonight.”

Sitting in one of the foldable chairs, Hui asked, “I wonder how Alison found out about Hyuna.”

“Maybe a little bird told her.”

Namjoon appeared in the doorway, “Or someone gave her the key. I had a little hunch that you could use a little flow.”

“Tutoring again?” Hyojong asked, accepting the cash.

“Negative.” He sat on the table and pulled his feet up.

Hui questioned, “Back at N.Y.U.?”

The man shook his head, “No, no, no. I rewired the ATM at the food emporium to provide an honorarium to anyone with the code.”

“The code?” Hui tilted his head but received no answer.

E’Dawn nudged Joonie, “Um...?”

Namjoon smiled, “K-I-B-U-M. Yet Robin Hooding isn't the solution. The powers that be must be undermined where they dwell. In a small, exclusive gourmet institution where we overcharge the wealthy clientele.”

They chuckled as their friend began to say, “Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe”

“Santa Fe” the other two copied.

“With a private corner banquette--”

All three said, “In the back.”

It felt like old times as they talked about Namjoon’s someday dream, “We'll make it yet, we'll somehow get to Santa Fe.”

Hyojong gave a little smile, “But you'd miss New York before you could unpack.”

Their fun humming and catch up session was interrupted by a call from downstairs.

“Hui! E’Dawn! Anyone help!”

Hui looked out the window, “Hwasa?”

Her and Maman were carrying something, or someone, “It's Hyuna! I can't get her up the stairs!” “No!” Hyojong screamed.

Quickly, the guys helped get Hyuna upstairs while they got her onto the table and used all their jackets to warm her up.

Hwasa explained, “She was huddled in the park in the dark and she was freezing, and begged to come here.”

“Over here? Oh, God.”

Hyuna mumbled, “Got a light. I know you. You're shivering.”

Maman put her scarf under her head, “She's been living on the street.”

“We need some heat.” Hyojong said.

“I'm shivering.”

Hui said, “We can buy some wood and something to eat.”

Namjoon put his hand on his friend’s shoulder, “I'm afraid she needs more than heat.”

“I heard that.” Hyuna piped up.

Hwasa held her hand, “Collins will call for a doctor, honey.”

She shook her head, “Don't waste your money on me…”

“Hello 911?” Namjoon spoke on his phone. Then he sighed. “I'm on hold.”

“Cold...cold... would you light my candle?” The black haired girl sang.

Hyojong nodded where she could see, “Yes we'll--oh God. Someone find a candle!”

She pulled him closer, “I should tell you. I should tell you.”

“I should tell you. I should tell you.” He forced back tears.

Hyuna touched his face, “I should tell you, Choongmin wasn't any--” She turned her head and coughed.

Wanting her to save her energy, Hyojong sushed her, “Shhh. I know. I should tell you why I left. It wasn't cause I didn't--” love you.

“I know. I should tell you.”

“I should tell you.”

She looked in his eyes, “I should tell you. I love...y…” her body went limp.

Hyojong sobbed, “Who do you think you are? Leaving me alone with my guitar?”

Hyuna inhaled deeply and coughed once more. Quickly, her true love grabbed his guitar and returned to his darling’s side.

“Hold on! There's something you should hear. It isn't much, but it took all year.”

The blue-haired boy strummed his guitar, “Your eyes as we said our goodbyes, can't get them out of my mind. And I find I can't hide from your eyes. The ones that took me by surprise. The night you came into my life/Where there's moonlight, I see your eyes. How'd I let you slip away when I'm longing to hold you? Now I'd die for one more day `Cause there's something I should have told you. Yes there's something I should have told you when I looked into your eyes.” He wiped his face. “Why does distance make us wise? You were the song all along and before the song dies! I should tell you, I should tell you”

He set the guitar down and held her hands tightly, “I have always loved you. You can see it in my eyes.”

They kissed and then she was gone. Hyuna stopped breathing. Everyone huddled together and held on to one another. Hwasa clung to her fiance Maman. Hyojong felt his heart break. He had tried to hard to find her so that he could be with her for however long they had left. It wasn’t supposed to be this short! He would do anything to have her back.

“NOONAAAA!” He wailed.

Hyuna sat up with a start, “I jumped over the moon!!!!”

Everyone was shook.

“W-What?” Hyojong asked.

“A leap of moooooooooooo…” She looked around, dazed.

Maman gasped, “She's back.”

“I was in a tunnel. Heading for this warm, white light!” Hyuna explained.

Hwasa hit her girlfriend’s chest, “Oh my god!”

She continued, “And I swear Key was there and she looked GOOD!” She let out a chuckle. “And she said ‘Turn around, girlfriend, and listen to that boy's song’”

Namjoon started to remove the jackets and blankets, “She's drenched.”

“Her fever's breaking,” The short haired girl added.

A profound thought came to Hui, “There is no future. There is no past.”

Hyojong looked at her, “Thank God this moment's not the last.” He hugged her tightly as both of them spoke together. “There's only us. There's only this. Forget, regret or life is yours to miss. Though it took just a year for them to learn here's only now, remind yourself that sometimes there's only here. Make sure to give in to love or you’ll live in fear. There’s no other path. No other way.

No day but today!