summary; nobody expected fernando alonso to date a kpop idol
note; i am back in my kpop groove again fml
972,204 likes
kangjuni: JUNI EP ALBUM [Flowers]
2023.02.15 7PM (KST)
#JUNI #주니 #Flowers
#YGENTERTAINMENT #엔터테인먼트
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Liked by charles_leclerc and 742,928 others
kangjuni: JUNI EP ALBUM [Flowers]
2023.02.15 7PM (KST)
TRACKLIST POSTER
#JUNI #주니 #Flowers
#YGENTERTAINMENT #엔터테인먼트
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user: Fernando and Charles??
user: Huh?
charles_leclerc: It was a pleasure to work with you Juni!
Liked by scuderiaferrari and 2,234,837 others
kangjuni and charles_leclerc:
JUNI EP ALBUM [Flowers]
2023.02.15 7PM (KST)
'NOW (feat. Charles Leclerc)'
#JUNI #주니 #CharlesLeclerc #NOW #Flowers
#YGENTERTAINMENT #엔터테인먼트
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user: They've gotta be together
user: 올해의 노래!
user: Charles x Juni my parents
user: Y'all are forgetting that there's an 11 year age gap between them
user: Nah forget Charles x Juni, Juni x Fernando is where it's at
Liked by astonmartinf1 and 71,077 others
fernandoalo_official: your touch makes me feel like i'm floating forever
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user: Fernando soft launch??
user: Interesting…that's the English translation of Forever by Juni…
user: If he's happy, I'm happy
Liked by __youngbae__ and 2,532,083 others
kangjuni: Flowers; a letter.
To Teddy, Kush, Vince and Hunseol. Thank you for working your magic on this album. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you all, and hopefully we can do it again in the future! When I approached you three with an idea, I had no idea it would turn into something this big. 감사합니다!
Ducky, my big bro! Working with you is like a dream come true, ten year old me would be over the moon. Jay, even though we've known each other since 2005, it has taken us this long to actually collaborate. Can you believe it? Charles, you're one of the most talented people I know, never let anyone take your spirit.
To my brothers, Seunghyun, Daesung, Jiyong and Youngbae. Look at us now. I'm so proud of what we've achieved, and what we're going to do in the future. The first day I met you all, I had no clue how I was supposed to work with four boys, but I'm so glad I stuck it out. Seunghyun, our wine dates kept me going through this creative process - the hangovers not so much. Daesung, my smiley brother. You cheer me up even in the darkest of times, though I do wish you'd wear more than just socks when you play the drums! Jiyong, like you've led BIGBANG through hard times, you've helped me so much personally. Thank you for all your advice, though it really should be me advising you! And Youngbae. You helped me with this album, even when you were completely sleep deprived from dealing with my nephew. Thank you for letting me crash on your couch, steal your food and steal your son when I'm craving auntie/nephew days. I love you all so incredibly much. BIGBANG is forever.
To my fans. This album is for you. It's a love story, a romcom, the perfect glass of wine, a warm bath on a cold day. Thank you for supporting me from day one.
And finally, to my husband. Nando, this album wouldn't have happened without you. You've supported me through everything - my brothers joining the military, hiatuses, creative slumps and crazy fans - and I don't know what I would do if you weren't firmly in my corner. You've given me a fair few heart attacks throughout our relationship, and you continue to do so, but that's what I love about you.
The five hands pic was posted alongside a pic of his screen, noting the time on New Year’s. Maybe he was trying to mark a new beginning since it is a new year. But then, he's always been difficult to read.
Mark a new beginning by bringing back something old? You might be onto something ;) I’ll explain below.
Alright y’all, I’m back, and with a new take on his post. One that, though I had a half-formed idea about it the day he posted, New Year’s Eve my timezone, I didn’t have the peace of mind or mental clarity to make sense of it at the time, there in the thick of so much unexpected emotion, yours and mine.
While I’m undecided about how much stock I want to place in this, preferring to take a guarded approach to Jiyong and his characteristically cryptic Instagram posts from now on, I think it's worth considering. The few fans I’ve shared it with privately have agreed that it “sounds a lot like Ji.” Disclaimer: this is not an excuse for the disturbance he caused or the pain he inflicted, whether he meant to or not, whether he’s out of touch with fans or just doesn’t care. Think of this more as a genuine, good faith effort to understand what could be going through his head. Because, no, putting aside my initial impression heavily colored by the years (literally years!) of negative experiences here, I can’t agree with the shit stains of this fandom and their misplaced gloating. Jiyong did not “say BIGBANG is 5.” But he did say something. And I think his message without words deserves a closer look.
So here we go:
Quite a few VIPs are taking his post as a comeback teaser for a GD solo followed by BIGBANG. And while that may be the case, I wouldn’t be surprised if it... are you ready for it... had little to with G-Dragon or BIGBANG at all. Those two images side-by-side may have been a generic call for unity and cooperation for the world at large as we leave behind a year defined by distance and division.
First of all, it was his first post of 2021. The time stamp on his screen read 1:11 1/1/2021... really driving home the number 1. Unity, obviously.
In the background the painting Millionaire Nurse by Richard Prince is projected over him. He is wearing what appears to be a surgical mask, an instantly recognizable symbol of the sickness that dominated the year 2020, and a piece of protective equipment we carry with us into 2021 because, with cases still surging and restrictions tightening, the fight isn’t over. What’s more, of all the pics in this photoshoot, I noticed he chose one in which the word NURSE is highly visible in bright lettering across the front of his mask. A much-needed message of hope and healing for a world driven into quarantine by COVID-19. He hopes 2021 will be the year we’ll finally conquer this contagion that keeps us apart.
Still with me? Here’s where things get interesting:
In a recent interview promoting his Nike Paranoise 2.0 shoes Jiyong was asked about his one wish for 2021. “What is the 2021 'YOUTOPIA' you are hoping for?”
“I hope the world becomes healthier,” Jiyong answered. “I think that’s what everyone wants right now.”
Health and healing for the world. No mention of music, solo or otherwise. His mind is on the state of the world, not the state of BIGBANG. And he assumes everyone is on the same page.
But wait! There’s more:
That photo of interconnected hands was first posted to his IG back in 2016 but resurfaced recently in October 2020 when someone (presumably one of his or TOP's art friends, I’m not sure who this guy is) reposted it as a visual accompaniment to a rambling criticism of a country more fractured than ever before by politics and policy as its people grapple with this novel coronavirus. Jiyong came across it with his personal account and slapped a heart on it, liking it very much.
Thinking about it, trying to get a sense of where his mind may have been back then, this was roughly around the time his Paranoise shoes were being prepped for release, about which he explained, “Our footsteps are the result of our decisions. I believe you can completely change the meaning behind these sneakers depending on how you wear them.”
“Change the meaning,” he says. That isn’t limited to footwear, you know; depending on how it’s presented, it is also possible to change the meaning behind a photo. And that may be what Jiyong has just done. It's not about BIGBANG anymore, it's about something bigger than BIGBANG.
That IG post by Matt Carey Williams may well have been the first time Jiyong viewed that iconic photo from his past in a new light, through someone else's eyes, being applied broadly to something outside of BIGBANG. Perhaps he saved it and has been holding onto it in the months since, waiting for the right time to use it to make a similar statement of his own about the godawful year we’ve just left in the rearview mirror. One that will be remembered by (to name just a few) rigorous hand washing, religious mask wearing, and to the detriment of mental health worldwide (in an effort to preserve physical health)... widespread social distancing.
Like everyone, Jiyong is tired of the distance, done with the divide, fed-up with closed borders and stay-at-home orders. Fatigued by this seemingly endless cycle of self- and state-imposed separation. Family, friends, and fans advised (and in some cases required) to steer clear of each other? So this picture, this bold reminder in black and white of skin-to-skin contact, hands joined with other hands, connecting person to person... that is the return to normalcy Jiyong would like to see in the near future.
In another ask, anon observed, “It's entirely possible [Jiyong] just doesn't think Seungri has a right to infringe on his own memories or sense of ownership of BIGBANG.”
I thought that was insightful. And important to keep in mind going forward. Because unless they plan to ignore everything from their past and run from it forever (an impossible feat), sooner or later Jiyong, Youngbae, Seunghyun, and Daesung will have to take steps to take back BIGBANG. Take back their brand, their music, their art. Their memories together and their past work shouldn’t stay trapped with and tainted by their former member for the rest of their days.
This doesn’t have to be Jiyong signaling a return to the past, or even asking that we remember it; instead, I see it as him reclaiming it. Owning it in ways that are, well, his own, even if that means going about it with ambiguity. Infusing old things with new meaning in a new year ripe with the potential for new beginnings.
I’m answering all these just to have some info bout me and whatnot. Shoutout to @peachykibum who has a new blog when you click on their account. Thank you for these!!!🎵👏✨😊🤩❤️
Just a heads up next post will be the shit ton of artists I know. & Yes in this I do have a lot of the same artists as answers.
K-Pop Ask Game
What was the first song you heard by your bias group? When did you hear it? : FANTASTIC BABY by BIG BANG. Around my birthday and my moms bday. She was in Cali at the time getting medical help. I was on the phone reacting to her reaction while she watched the music video. Was thought to be a phase but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be apart of it for me. RIP Mama and 9 years later here I am so NOT a phase lmao💜💔.
List your top 5 favorite k-pop groups. : SHINee, BIG BANG, f(x), 2NE1 & SUPER JUNIOR. From the beginning💙🖤💜💖💚
Who is your ultimate bias and why? : I gotta say G-DRAGON the Kwon Jiyong. The Peace Minus One man himself. Runner Ups are Jay Park, Key, & CL, etc it’s hard.
Has a k-pop song or music video ever made you cry? : Yes. Can’t remember a music video, but Peter Pan by EXO, Baby Don’t Cry by Daesung. Idk what else.
Name your top 10 favorite k-pop albums. : ALIVE-BIG BANG, MADE-BIG BANG, Pink Tape-f(x), DREAM GIRL: The Misconceptions of You-SHINee, DARK & WILD-BTS, 130 Mood: TRBL-DEAN, COUP D’ÉTAT-GD, RED TAPE-H1GHR COMPLIATION, EVOLUTION-Jay Park, Sexy, Free & Single-Super Junior. (Extra because I have to!!! CRUSH-2NE1)
Who is the funniest idol in your opinion? : Honestly either Key, many in SJ, Jay Park, Amber, BM, Jessi, TOP, idk they are all so funny I can’t remember all of them.
What is your favorite k-pop choreo? : Ohhhh hard one!!!! I mean HyunA Change, Bang Bang Bang by BB, so many from SJ and GG, and I am the best 2NE1, Nunu Nana Jessi; I really CANNOT choose one! And that’s not even all of them! The iconic ones aren’t all here!
Put your playlist on shuffle and list the first 5 songs that play. : What playlist? Kpop playlist? I’m unsure so right now I’m listening to : ‘We Be Wildin’ Jay Park x Yultron feat. HAON~
What is your favorite k-drama that any k-pop idol has played a part in? : The Liar and His Lover!!!! Joy was amazing!!!
What is your favorite OST by a k-pop group/idol? : My Romeo by Jessi for Cinderella and the Four Knights!!
List your top 10 bias wreckers. : Aww shit the people who need to STAY IN THEIR LANE. JK omg lmao. Daesung BIG BANG, Jonghyun SHINee, Kai EXO, June IKON, Jooheon MonstaX, P.O. BLOCK B, Siwon Super Junior, BamBam GOT7, V BTS, FELIX Stray Kids.
What is the oldest group that you stan? : That would be Super Junior.
What is the youngest group you stan? : Stray Kids I’m pretty sure.
Do you have a favorite music video of all time? If so, what? : Omfg. Either Fantastic Baby BB, BANG BANG BANG BB, Everybody SHINee, Ring Ding Dong SHINee, SPY SUPER JUNIOR. Etc I really can’t choose one huh?
What is the most underrated/under-appreciated group you stan? : Honestly I’m not sure at all on this one because I probably don’t know that they are I mean I think I know some but I don’t know who to say.
How long have you been listening to k-pop? : Alrighty here’s the story! I randomly found and watched SHINee’s Ring Ding Dong in 2010 but it wasn’t until PSY went viral in 2012 that I really got into Kpop finding SHINee again and f(x) and BB and SJ and GG and 2NE1 and Jay Park all first etc.
Do you have a favorite k-pop blog? If so, tag them. : I do not sorry!!!
Do you own any k-pop albums? If so, how many? : Sadly no it was thought to be just a phase by my family so I wasn’t ever really allowed to get anything but now I have merch. And hopefully I will be getting a few of my favorites irl at least.
Name the top 5 groups you’d like to see live. : Well I already saw BIG BANG so, if I can’t include soloists here’s my list. KARD, SHINee, BLOCK B, STRAY KIDS, and does H1GHR artists count?
Who is your favorite soloist? : Hahaha easy Jay Park! Runner Ups are no doubt HyunA, DEAN, Amber, CL, ZICO, Lee Hi, Jackson Wang, Jessi, Eric Nam, MINO, Bobby, & Suga. Haha sorry at least I didn’t add them all.
Are there any k-pop songs that you can sing or dance to? If so, which ones? : Heck Yes!!! Sing-🎙Dance-💃🏼: The Promise Jay Park🎙, Hello Bitches CL🎙💃🏼, +5 STAR+ CL🎙, Nalina Block B🎙💃🏼, Gotta Talk to U Seungri😑🎙, La La La BB🎙, Number 1 BB🎙, BIG BANG BB🎙, FXXK IT BB🎙, BANG BANG BANG BB🎙💃🏼, Bonnie & Clyde DEAN🎙, RUNAWAY GD🎙, I am the Best 2ne1 🎙💃🏼, Metronome Jay Park🎙, Missing You 2ne1🎙, Bonamana SJ🎙, Promise You K.R.Y.🎙, This is Love SJ🎙, R.O.D. GD🎙, YOU DO GD🎙, Hitchhiking SHINee🎙, Love Scenario IKON🎙, Oppa Oppa SJ D&E🎙, HyunA Change💃🏼, Electric Shock f(x)💃🏼, NUNU NANA💃🏼, some PSY, SHINee, and other SJ and Jay Park songs.
Is there an idol you’d like to hug? If so, who? : That’s hard af um everyone? But honestly Jay Park, BM, Jessi, Chan, Leeteuk, Amber, GD, Daesung, Leo, Taemin, idk who else. 😅🤗
What groups do you like that have either disbanded or disappeared? : As I’ve listed above even though they have; 2NE1, f(x), JJCC??, Wonder Girls, idk who else.
What idol do you think you have the most in common with? : I know I’ve said all of them for multiple questions but of course I did because they are Kwon Jiyong (GD), Jay Park, Key, Yesung, Amber, Jessi, & that’s it I’m pretty sure.
If you could hang out with any of your biases, who would you pick and why? : WHO??? WHY?? As you can tell that is not a question to ask ME!!! The answer is my answers to numbers 6 and 22 and 24!!!! Ahahaha why? Because those questions answer why pretty much sorry I answer this way my mind is a MESS.
Thank you if you actually read all of this! I really wanna make friends on here for Kpop and etc so it’d be really great! Check out my bio for my main blog!!!
nobody asked for this but i want it so. here are all the songs that i love. doesn’t matter if its slow love songs or sad af or heartfelt or a reverent, peaceful type of slow or a chill slow. all my faves <3
if you would like to add to my little treasure trove, please... by all means send them my way 🥺👉👈💕🌱
~~~
If -Sam Kim
Control -Zoe Wees
So Close -Jon McLaughlin
Peev Xwm (cover) -Keeneng
Stone Cold (cover) -Kevin Vasquez
Mirror -Madison Ryann Ward
Creep (cover) -VINCINT
Here’s Your Perfect -Jamie Miller
I Can’t Make You Love Me (cover) -Teddy Swims
Use Somebody (cover) -Conor Maynard
Road (cover) -IU, Henry, Jo Hyunah, Yang Da Il
Wait For You -Elliott Yamin
Maybe -Lee Hae Ri
Feel Like Shit -Tate Mcrae
Good Riddance -Ashley Barrett & Darren Korb
End Of The Road (cover) -Dwight Dissels
Forgetting You -DAVICHI
So This Is Love -Ilene Woods
Fate (cover) -Shin Yong Jae, Yoon Min Soo
Wild Flower -Park Hyo Shin
Pulling Away -Sinead Harnett feat. Gallant
If You -Big Bang
Still Have Me -Demi Lovato
Mob Txaus Lawm (cover) -Txhaij Lauj
Standing With You -Guy Sebastian
Blue Side -JHope
Lips on Lips -Tiffany
Still In Love -Thirdstory feat. Eryn Allen Kane
Last First Kiss -Lee Min Woo
Sober -Taps
My Future -Billie Eilish
Mi Nyuam Yaus - Nrees Hands
If By Chance (cover) -Kim Yeon Woo
I Do -Rain
This City Remix -Sam Fischer feat. Anne-Marie
Girls Don’t Know -FT Island
Paper Hearts -Tori Kelly
How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love -AKMU
I Lost Myself -Munn
Paper Hearts (cover) -Jungkook
You In My Arms (cover) -Im Se Jun
Like My Father -Jax
Don’t Go -Henry Lau
I.L.Y -The Rose
Goodbye My Love -Ailee
Only My Heart Knows -So Hyang
My Everything (sad version) -Ariana Grande
The Letter -Chevel Shepherd
I’ll Protect You -Kim Jae Joong
You Broke Me First (cover) -Conor Maynard
Evermore -Dan Stevens
Seattle -Sam Kim
Cheap Red Wine -AJ Mitchell
Last Dance -Big Bang
Tsuas Yog Koj Tseem Muaj Txoj Sia Nyob -Nrees Hands
This year I listened to so much kpop so doing this list was really hard. I mean how did I ended up without girl groups on my list? Not even Hyuokoh or Zico made it!!! Even now I'm not sure if this is right but they're probably the songs I've heard the most this year. They're for the most part a reflection of my favorite albums with a couple of additions.
Honorable Mention. Super Junior feat. Leslie Grace-Lo siento. This song was so surprising. It was realesed as a part of Super Junior's repackage album Replay. The regaetton beat and spanish lyrics perfectly matched Super Junior's style. For me this was a struck of genius from SM/SJ Label. It did really well in the latin market.
10. Jane Jang- Seoul Noir. This might be an obscure pick but I loved this song from the first listen. Jane Jang always makes unique choices when she sings and this song is no exception. This folk song has complex lyrics and a beautiful MV.
9. Sungkyu- True Love. I've always liked Sungkyu's voice. However even if I remember listening to his previous solo stuff I kind of dismissed it. This song made me want to listen to the album and I was surprised about how good it was. Nell's Kim Jonghwan produced this song. It's a simple rock ballad but I really think the melody and Sungkyu's vocals makes it really special.
8. BIGBANG-Flower Road. The day Daesung enlisted this song was released as a gift for fans. The song talks about letting go your loved one and asks them to wait in a "flower road" and wait for them.
7. Heize-Jenga ft Gaeko. The first time I listened to this one I really felt emotional and that was before reading the lyrics. Heize has a way to deliver bittersweet lyrics that just works for her. The instrumental is relaxing but the lyrics talk about being sick of a relationship but not being able to let go.
6. iKON-Killing me. For me, this was the best song iKON released this year. It's addictive has a really fun beat and complex lyrics. I didn't get it the first time and I definitely would never had gotten it if I hadn't watched DKDKTV's explanation. The way they sing it is cold specially B.I.'s lines at the beginnig. It's about being depressed because of a past relationship but as the song progresses it becomes a song about feeling lonely. I really think is amazing.
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5. MINO-FIANCÉ. I was so happy Fiancé did so well in the charts because it's one of those songs that leaves an impression on you. I love Mino's witty lyrics and even if I was expecting another kind of title from him I enjoyed this one. It's an intense song and the MV is fun. I think it really represents who Minho is an artist.
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4. Jonghyun-Grease. This is not the title song but it's the song that left the biggest impression on me the first time I listened to his album. I knew the lyrics wouldn't be nice even if his falsetto is so pretty on this one. The beat sets the tone and Jonghyun vocals suggested a sarcastic and angry atmosphere. In that sense it reminded me of his song Let me out which I also love. The lyrics talk about regretting meeting someone and wanting to erase that relationship altogether.
3. Baekhyun ft. Loco- Young. I thought this collab was odd when it was announced but the result was a match made in heaven. The beat of this song is so strong. Baekhyun’s vocals fits perfectly to this song. Loco's rap is witty and has a great flow. He was so active this year and honestly did no wrong in my eyes. It talks about being able to break free of the rutine while you're young.
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2. EXO-Tempo. EXO made a late comeback this year which made me go crazy around August all the way to November when the album was released. The wait was worth it. Tempo delivered from the start. Chen’s “I can’t believe” line at the beginning makes a strong first impression. Actually I think Tempo might be my favorite title since Monster. The genre is dance pop but it's a complex song. The beat is great although for me it's all about vocals. The acapella section is my favorite. I crave for it when the song starts. Penomeco took part in writting the lyrics alongside JQ. I love that this song shows Sehun's growth and D.O.'s ad lips are so pretty. Chen's Michael Jackson style cries are also a highlight.
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1. WINNER-Air. Numbers are always right and according to Spotify this is the song I listened to the most this year not only kpop but overall. I'm obsessed with it and it will never get old. It's a bright and feel good song. Just a pretty love song. Kang Seung Yoon's voice is so amazing and I specially love it in this song however all four members have great parts and I really enjoy them all.
Seunghyun just moved back home from Busan to Seoul, only to realize that his ridicously hot neighbour - Mr. Kwon - is actually a giant ass.
Playing pranks on him shouldn't be as funny as it is.
Words: 23960, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English
Fandoms: Big Bang (Band)
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Categories: M/M
Characters: Kwon Jiyong | G-Dragon, Choi Seunghyun | T.O.P., Kang Daesung (Big Bang), Dong Youngbae | Taeyang, Lee Seunghyun | Seungri, Gong Minji | Minzy, Lee Chaerin | CL, Park Bom, Park Sandara | Dara
Just some of my favorite k-pop songs from solo artirsts or band artists who had a solo, you know. ONE SONG PER ARTIST OR IT’LL BE NEVERENDING WHICH WOULDN’T BE SO BAD.
Agust D - So Far Away (feat. Suran)
Ailee - Teardrop
Amber - Love Run
Bang Yongguk - I Remember (feat. Daehyun)
Bobby - FIREWORK
Daehyun - Shadow (feat. Zelo)
Daesung - Baby Don’t Cry
DEAN - D (Half Moon) (feat. Gaeko)
Gary - Get Some Air (feat. MIWOO)
G-Dragon - Without You (feat. Rosé)
Heize - Underwater
Hyorin - Love Like This (feat. Dok2)
Hyoyeon - Wannabe (feat. San E)
HyunA - U&ME
IU - The Shower
Jay Park - Joah
J-Hope - Intro: Boy Meets Evil
Jimin - Intro: Serendipity
Jin - Awake
Jonghyun - Suit Up
Jungkook - Begin
Jung Yong Hwa - You’ve Fallen For Me
Kim Jaejoong - Coincidence
Kyuhyun - Late Autumn (feat. Yoon Jong Shin)
Lee Hi - Video (feat. Bobby)
Lim Kim - Awoo
Minzy - Flashlight (ft. Jay Park)
Park Bom - You&I
Park Jimin - Try
San E - Wish You To Be Unhappy (Feat. Bee Of Rphabet)
I followed Rhian as we made our way down the hall towards the conference room where she would be briefed with the others. Even though I’ve been here before, I thought it was quite peculiar that their cover was a coffee shop.
Though, should I really talk when our cover up was an idol group?
Coming through the back, it was really cool to see the secretive ways they had to get in the shop. She led me through the back, which wasn’t odd since some idols went through the back of restaurants to assure they wouldn’t be discovered to be there.
The difference between Maquina and YG was not surprising.
Maquina was an agency solely devoted to handle problems that no one should even worry about. YG was concerned with South Korean problems.
Walking in, I thought we would walk through the kitchen, but instead, it was an elevator that brought us down to a ground floor. We walked across a hall, not before Rhian scanned not only her hand or eyes, but also her whole body. Since Rhian was scanned, I was allowed to in as well. At the end of the hall, we get to a door and again, it was an elevator. This time, we went up and when the door opened, it was another hallway. This one was much shorter and at the door, the back of her hand was scanned which opened the door.
“Welcome Agent Rhian,” some voice welcomed her which slightly startled me.
It was out of an American spy movie and I was impressed to say the least.
When we walked in, everyone immediately greeted Rhian. The admiration and respect I saw in their eyes, especially her juniors, it was, I don’t know, a proud moment for me?
But then I wondered, what did she have to do to be this respected? I knew the answer, but even now, I was still in disbelief on what she did. Rhian always tried to be the best at whatever she’s doing, I just didn’t think she would aim to be the best in an agency such as this.
We entered the conference room and it was empty.
“Are you early?” I questioned her.
She shook her head and sat down at the head of the table and instructed for me to sit to her right. Waving her hand on top of the table, a hologram type of keyboard appeared.
“What the hell?” I mimicked her movement and there was nothing in front of me.
Rhian chuckled. “It’s just for Maquina agents,” she explained. Typing something quickly, the screen in front of the table lit up and I saw Jin appear. Amelia was on the screen beside him and there was a woman with Jin along with Michael.
“Lockdown initiated.” Rhian informed them.
“What is Seung Hyun doing there?” Michael questioned. I wasn’t sure if he was unhappy to see me or just curious.
“It concerns him, nothing we have to hide from him.” Rhian explained.
I saw Amelia smirk at Rhian’s words, while everyone else just nodded. Well, the woman with Jin smirked along with Amelia.
“Let me introduce myself, I’m Victoria Cruz, Jin’s daughter,” the woman with Jin stated. “It’s nice to finally meet you Mr. Choi.”
“It’s nice to meet you as well Victoria,” I bowed my head.
“Alright, so, has there been any update on who broke into our apartment?” Michael took hold of the situation, not wanting to further prolong it.
Rhian shook his head. “Juno or Arthur hasn’t given me any updates.”
“Where is Justin?” Jin questioned.
“I gave him the day off, it’s only going to be me and Seung Hyun oppa today.” Rhian responded.
Amelia and Victoria grinned again. I don’t know why they did, but they did. I looked at Rhian and she didn’t seem to notice their reactions.
“Ian, how are you doing?” Victoria asked.
“About the break in? Worst things have happened.”
“You know that’s not what I’m asking about.”
Rhian’s features changed then. Her face hardened and all the emotions, whether it was indifference or not no longer showed. She was blank.
“I’m fine, again, worst things have happened to me.”
But what were those worst things? No matter how hard I try to pry her open, Rhian wouldn’t even give me the time of day. Not that she ignored me, she just knew how to avoid the question.
Victoria just merely nodded her head at Rhian’s response, not wanting to divulge any further.
“Back on track then,” Jin cleared his throat. “I have spoken to Raymond Leon and he has given the clearance to take out Victor. It seems that he is leading a coup within the Leon ranks.”
“Daniel told me.”
“And you didn’t think of informing us?” Michael questioned.
“I assumed you knew, Victoria is Raymond Leon’s daughter, I just thought since she was talking to them, she would have heard something,” Rhian bowed her head. “I apologize.”
“When do you plan on eliminating Victor?” Amelia chimed in.
“I can’t step foot into Europe without him knowing.”
“You won’t eliminate him in Europe, you’re right, it’s too risky. Besides, we have to make it look like Raymond had nothing to do with this.” Jin looked at Victoria. “Didn’t you say that Victor was going to Japan for some business?”
“Yes, he firmly believes that Simon is a Yakuza member and wants to build a relationship with his family.” Victoria rolled her eyes. “Have you spoken to Simon about this?”
Rhian shook her head. “I wasn’t aware.”
“Make sure when you eliminate him, you hurt Simon as well. People need to believe that he was eliminated by a rival or something.” Michael advised, giving her the scenario she can play to carry out the deed.
“This is a terrible plan, any way you put it, there will be consequences. Why not just give him a tip where I am. If he comes for me, I can kill him once and for all.” Rhian’s plan was absolutely idiotic. Who would play bait?
“I thought you hate playing bait.” Michael frowned.
“I’m not playing bait, he’s coming here for me and I’ll finish him off.” Rhian sounded so different, so emotionless.
“You’ll freeze again, you were never able to kill him.” Michael reasoned.
“I’ll do it,” I chimed in. All of them looked at me and I shrugged. “I have no connection to him and he was trying to kill me.” I looked at Rhian. “I would do anything to protect her.”
“No, we won’t involve him. Victor was my mistake, my problem.” By her tone of voice, I could tell that Rhian wanted no argument. That what she said was law, too bad for her, I didn’t give a fuck.
“You’re my girl, he’s my problem.” I didn’t stutter with my words. She wasn’t ‘my girl’, but she was one of the people I cared about the most and I would mountains to keep her safe.
I could see a hint of pink on Rhian’s cheeks and I had to smirk at that. Looking back at the screen, its hard to imagine these supposed stone cold assassin’s grinning at some cheesy line such as that one I just let out, but they were.
Rhian cleared her throat. “I don’t think Hyun Suk oppa would want to involve you.”
“There’s nothing he can do if it was my own choice.”
“I wasn’t aware you were allowed to make choices outside of the agency.”
“This isn’t bondage, I can do as I please as long as its within limits.”
“Almost certain this is out of your range.”
“Rhian,” Jin’s voice was always so calm. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say anything in a panicked tone. Even now, there was no scolding in his tone. It was still calm, cool and collected.
Maybe it was years of experience, but he was just so calm. Hyun Suk hyung told us about him, how even when he scolded one of his people, he was calm and collected. He only saw him lost his cool once and it had something to do with his wife.
“Sir, please tell him that this is out of his scope and not his job.” I could tell Rhian was trying to protect me, I wasn’t obtuse. But she should know I could protect myself.
“Ian, he brings up a good point. I rather have someone have your back as well.” Jin reasoned. “I will speak to Hyun Suk about this matter.”
“Justin and Simon is here, hell even Daniel is here. Victor will try to make an example out of Seung Hyun,” it was like I wasn’t even in the room as she spoke about me. Did she not think I could contribute to this?
“May I remind you what I do?” I was slightly irate by her words. It was as if she didn’t do her research on me. I did my research on her and I don’t know if I should be impressed by her body count or worried.
I still remembered the meeting we had after Rhian came back.
“Pull it up,” I ordered Daesung as we sat in one of the conference rooms along with our fellow members, Teddy hyung and Kush hyung.
Our eyes were all trained on the screen before us that showed us a picture of Rhian. It was like a mugshot, but really, it was the file Maquina had on her that Jin graciously gave to us. Hyun Suk hyung stated that he wanted to know who would be protecting me. Even though we all knew Rhian, we weren’t idiots. Much had changed and we want to know her track record.
“Rhian Daniels, also known as Flash, 28 years old. Born in Los Angeles, California.” The door opened and the girls of 2NE1 came in.
“Sorry we’re late oppas,” CL bowed her head along with her fellow members. “Caught up in practice.”
“It’s okay,” Teddy waved it off.
“She is a part of the elite team in Maquina called ‘The Unholy Ones’, you became a part of this group by either being chosen by Maquina officials or having a high kill rate.” Daesung delve further into Rhian’s folder. “And Rhian became a part of the team accomplishing both feats.”
He began to scroll down the list of official kills Rhian had accomplished and I wasn’t sure if I was impressed, worried, or in a fucked up sense, disappointed. The picture I had of Rhian was one of innocence and that doe eyed curiosity she held.
Looking around the room, I’m sure we all shared the same thought and expression. Was this really Rhian? What happened? Did she really become this ruthless killer?
I wasn’t judging her, we basically had the same occupation. But unlike me, this was her life. She was used as an executioner. Maquina was doing good in some sense, but as Hyun Suk hyung always taught us, the world was not black and white, it was much more complex than that. There were things we wouldn’t agree with, but difficult decisions had to be made to save others.
“She is efficient in hand to hand combat, and obviously, weapons, specifically, a .45 handgun.” Daesung continued. “Recently, she has risen in the ranks and is officially the top agent in Maquina after the retirement of Amelia. Victoria Cruz shares the top spot with her, but each woman is used for different regions. Victoria is predominantly in Europe, while Rhian handles Asia and America.”
“That’s a large region.” Kush commented.
“It has something to do with her nickname. The territory is large however, due to her being quick and efficient, she is given numerous of assignments and its quickly handled.”
“That sounds like a liability.” Teddy pointed out.
“You would think, but judging by the reports that I looked through, she has the least amount of collateral damage in Maquina.” Daesung clicked the remote in his hand and pictures of Rhian graduating from college were on the slide. One picture that caught my eye was a picture of her graduating the academy that housed future Maquina agents and also one of her in front of the Eiffel Tower. “From what I’ve gathered, she’s very calculated and does not take a step unless she knows the possible consequences of her kills.”
“Does she work alone?” Chaerin chimed in.
“No, she does not, Rhian noona only seems to work with Justin.” Seung Ri answered. “They’re quite the duo. Justin doesn’t seem to have as many kills as her, but they’re a force to be reckoned with.”
“And Simon-sshi?” Young Bae placed the folder on the table, directing his question o Daesung.
That’s right. Park Simon. From that meeting, they seemed to be quite chummy.
“Simon-sshi is currently undercover for Maquina in the Leon’s organization. From my understanding, he trained along with Rhian and they were quite close.” Daesung didn’t have to give more information. The way Simon looked at her, it was like how I looked at her. I was just thankful that Rhian didn’t seem to entertain the idea of being with him.
“She’s disposed of so many people, how do we know she’s stable?” I questioned.
“Well, she hasn’t gone on a rampage, so I figured it’s a win.” The voice didn’t belong to anyone in this room. Our eyes all went to the door that no one heard open and there stood Michael Daniels.
“Hyung, what are you doing here?” Daesung questioned.
“I was speaking to Hyun Suk hyung and he pointed me to this room.” He took a seat beside Teddy hyung. “My sister is as stable as she can be, but I’ll tell you this, numbers do not do her justice.”
“Did you come here to boast about your sister’s accomplishments?” Teddy asked.
“Boast? No, Rhian’s accomplishments speak for itself. But as calculated as she is, she has a blind spot,” his eyes landed on me. “It’s you. I just came here to make things clear, we both care for Rhian and I want you to assure me that you’re going to protect her when the time comes.”
What kind of statement was that? As much as Rhian and I didn’t see eye to eye, I wouldn’t let her die in front of me. Michael and I had our issues, but for him to have to assure that I wouldn’t let his sister get hurt? That was bullshit. He knew the gravity of my relationship with her.
His request was idiotic.
“You have nothing to worry about.”
The number of bodies she’s buried, I couldn’t even imagine where Rhian’s head was at. She still seems sane, functional, but death never bothers you while you’re awake. It’s while you sleep that it came.
Rhian ignored my remark and looked forward once more. “I’ll brief Justin.”
“Remember, don’t act out of emotions, you know better.” Amelia warned before her side of the screen went black.
“Once we figure out where Victor is going to be, we’ll make a much more concrete plan. I will speak to Hyun Suk about this matter. For now, business as usual, you stay with Seung Hyun until we make a plan.” The screen went black after that, leaving Rhian and I.
“You’re not going to be part of this.” Rhian insisted.
“Why not? Do you think I can’t pull my own weight?” I had to admit, it hurt a bit to know she didn’t believe in me. That she didn’t think I was capable of doing what she does.
“It’s not that, Victor just knows you and he’s going to make it personal.”
I gave her an odd look and chuckled. “It’s already personal.”
She rolled her eyes and stood up. “Seung Hyun oppa, it’s not that I don’t believe in your capabilities, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“It’s part of life.” I argued.
She sighed then, sitting back down. “Alright, we’ll see how it goes, but we’re going to plan this out.”
I smirked. “Fine by me.”
We walked into my house and she froze, causing me to collide with her. For a moment, I was alarmed that someone broke in, but then I realized it was my mother and sister who were in the kitchen, preparing what I assumed to be dinner. My nephew was on the floor, playing, not even noticing that someone came in.
A child’s innocence was a beautiful thing. Their care in the world was focused on their toys and honestly, that’s the way it should be.
“Rinnie, look at you,” My mother walked over to us, placing her hand on either side of Rhian’s cheeks. “You’ve grown up into such a beautiful young woman.” She wrapped her arms around Rhian and she was still stiff. Eventually, Rhian returned her embrace.
I could hear Rhian apologizing to her and my mother was soothing her, telling her it was okay. My sister embraced her next, just as warmly as my mother. I still remembered when she first left, my mother and sister were extremely upset. They couldn’t wrap their mind around the fact that Rhian would leave simply me, we were inseparable and not even Big Bang should have driven a rift between us. Then she met with Rhian’s aunt and my mom’s opinion changed. She spoke to my sister and her opinion changed as well. They would never defend Rhian or reason with me to forgive her, but they seemed to be more understanding of her reasons.
If the reason they were told was due to Rhian being in love with me, well that’s bullshit because she’s not.
Every day, I fought hard against my feelings for Rhian. Having her around again, I realized just how strong my feelings were for her. For quite some time, I thought I’ve buried it, that I’ve moved on because there was nothing there. But now that she was back, whatever I buried basically came back to the surface and it grew each day.
My biggest fear was once this whole ordeal was done, she was going to disappear again.
And I wish she would feel the same as well. I’m not certain if it was the damage that Victor inflicted that made Rhian close her heart off. I always had that hope that we would be that cliché, the one where the best friends fell in love with one another.
Seeing Rhian interact with my family, I couldn’t help but think how much she belonged with us. Yeon Jun seemed to immediately take a liking to her and they were playing in the living room when I came back after putting my stuff away in my room.
Yeon Jun was animatedly talking to her about his toys and she hung on to his every word. I smiled at this. I always thought that Rhian would be an amazing mom. She wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher when we were younger. Whenever she saw a child, her eyes would just light up and we would get into a debate whether or not she should approach the family.
It was adorable and I’ve missed that about her. That’s why this specific occupation was so difficult for me to accept. I’m not judging her, it would be hypocritical of me. But she was always optimistic, and now she was jaded.
If Rhian wasn’t going to talk, there was two people I could go to that would either tell me everything or at least give me some insight.
Amelia or Michael.
Either way, I was screwed.
A/N: Sorry guys! I know this one took long, but work was hectic this past week and a half. I’m trying to regularly update again! Thank you all for the support!