Chapter Text
The back stage of Music Bank was never quiet.
The hallways were always filled with camera crews, stylists and staff members—who always seemed to be in a rush. And on top of that, every few seconds, another round of applause could be heard through the walls from the audience beyond, followed by the muffled blaring of music.
However, Ej was used to the backstage bustle, and honestly he enjoyed how lively it was. At the moment, Ej was currently situated on a couch—in their group's green room. He yawned slightly as his 4 hours of sleep began to catch up on him. His foot thumped on the floor rhythmically as he struggled to keep his eyes open, waiting for his call time. As Ej waited, one of his group members ambled over.
“Jo! Done with makeup?”
“Yeah, I got my eyebrow slitted. What do you think?”
EJ peered at Jo’s eyebrows.
“I like it, it suits you.” Jo smiled appreciatively at the compliment.
Jo was the visual and center of the group. Although Jo was normally quiet and reserved, EJ was always amazed at how he transformed on stage.
EJ and Jo had debuted almost 3 years ago, with their three other group members; Fuma, Taki and Harua. They debuted as the group Callisto and their debut song Jyuugoya had been a great success. From then, they proceeded to release 2 more albums, along with 4 singles. Today happened to be the first day of promotion for their new album Yukiakari.
“Are you nervous?” EJ asked Jo.
“A little bit, but I’m excited for Luna to hear our new song.”
EJ nodded in agreement, when suddenly their manager's voice projected around the green room.
“Callisto, 15 minute warning before the prerecording.”
EJ sighed, getting up.
“I’m going to get some water real quick, I’ll be right back.” Jo nodded.
As EJ stepped out of the greenroom into the packed hallway—he was forced to weave and duct through the crowd, as to avoid a collusion. When EJ finally reached the door labeled Water Fountain—he pushed through stepping into the hallway, grateful to finally be out of the crowd. As the door slammed behind him, the loud bustling was muffled. To EJ’s surprise the hallway seemed completely empty, besides one other idol who was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall, headphones on. As EJ approached, the other idol glanced up. Instinctively, both bowed their heads respectfully. But as EJ got closer he recognized the man. It was Nicholas, a member of Lupust.
Although Lupust had only debuted a couple months after Callisto, the two groups never really interacted. This was due to their fans—who were in a constant fan war. Both fandoms claimed the "5th gen leaders" title, leaving Twitter in a perpetual state of chaos.
However, although their fandoms were rivals, the two groups themselves simply respected each other's work but avoided being too friendly as fans interpreted everything as competition.
Once EJ had quenched his thirst, he shuffled awkwardly back past Nicholas, making his way to the exit. However, when EJ tried to push the door open, it wouldn't budge. EJ tried pushing harder, leaning his entire shoulder against the door, but it stayed unmoving.
Maybe this door was actually pull
EJ tried yanking the door towards him, but that didn’t work either. He glanced over at Nicholas, hoping he hadn’t noticed EJ struggling but Nicholas was looking straight at him.
“Need help?” He asked, getting up.
EJ’s ears turned slightly pink from embarrassment as Nicholas strided over, also attempting to open the door.
“I think someone accidently locked us in,” Nicholas said, as he too failed.
EJ groaned, he wasn’t sure how much time had elapsed, but he knew if he was late to the prerecording he would be in huge trouble.
Nicholas pulled out his phone
“I’ll call my manager, he’ll get us out.”
As Nicholas dialed his manager's number, EJ slumped against the wall, regretting ever coming to get water.
When Nicholas finally hung up he turned to EJ.
“My manager told me that security discovered an unauthorized person backstage. The venue has temporarily locked down part of the backstage, including this area. He told me we should be out in 30 mins.”
Ej groaned.
“My precordering starts in 15. I don't have 30 minutes.”
“Relax, my manager said, that the recordings have been temporarily paused.”
“Thank goodness.” EJ sighed in relief, rubbing his temples.
Both fell into awkward silence, neither sure what to say or do before Nicholas reached his hand out.
“Uh— Nice to meet you by the way, My names Nicholas,"
EJ accepted his hand.
“I’m Euijoo but you can call me EJ.” he responded.
“I know who you are.” Nicholas smiled sheepishly as they clasped hands.
There was another pause.
“Do you want to sit down?” Nicholas asked, gesturing to the part of the wall he had just vacated.
“Sure.”
The two sat down, leaving a sizable gap between them.
Nicholas spoke first.
“You're born in 02 right?”
Ej nodded.
“You?”
“Same here.”
Another awkward silence followed.
EJ decided to take a stab at conversation.
“Hows your promotion going?”
“Pretty decent, but Kei is in Taiwan for a fashion show, so we are one member short.”
“Oh that's unfortunate.”
Ej paused again unsure what to say.
“Have you ever been to Taiwan?”
Nicholas laughed.
“I was actually born there, but I moved to Korea for training.”
“Wow, that's brave.”
EJ couldn’t imagine living in a foreign country by himself.
Nicholas shrugged
“I mostly just miss the food,” he joked. “Of course the food here is delicious as well.” He added quickly.
EJ laughed.
“If you want, I can recommend you a spot.”
“Let's hear it.”
“Well one of my favorite places currently is Nuknok, it's located in Hongdae and they have the best Sikhye.”
“Nuknok… Ok ill check it out. Thank you.”
As EJ and Nicholas continued to talk, EJ realized that they had much in common.
For one they were both the only non-Japanese members in their group (which was ironic as they were both Kpop groups). They also both had an older sister and their birthdays were the inverse of each other (as Nicholas pointed out).
It was nice talking to Nicholas, they talked about hobbies, family and struggles that came with being an idol. EJ was enjoying himself so much that he didn’t notice the door unlocking until a security guard approached them.
“Sorry for the lock down, everything is clear, you guys are free to leave.”
The two sighed in relief, but as they stood Nicholas smiled
“It was nice meeting you.”
“Same here.” EJ responded truthfully.
Then Nicholas hesitated
“Would it be possible for us to exchange numbers?”
EJ was a little taken aback, but pleased. He agreed, typing his number into Nicholas’s phone.
“Good luck on your promotion.” EJ waved as he exited back into the overpacked hallway.