qinqin

“After a performance full of energy, we like to use backstage to relax for a moment. This is when we get to celebrate the hard work and just enjoy ourselves and meet other amazing groups too!” Hyeyeon mused as she walked the camera over to where Taesun and Qinqin were sitting nearby. She hoped they were ready for yet another acting challenge.

“Ah, Hyeyeon-unnie, you’re still so sunny after such a fast-paced dance. You don’t even need the relaxing time. If it weren’t for Sakura, you’d be our energy pill for sure.” Qinqin sighed, turning her attention to the camera man. He had never worked with them before, he didn’t know the truth yet.

Taesun nodded, not sure what to say next. She tucked her own hair behind her ear. Despite being a navy blue during filming, it’d now settled back to its dark brown. Her natural colour had never been completely black either way.

“I…I know it’s cheesy and not my place but…I am here, Qinqin. Like, if you, any of you, need to talk. I have lots of little siblings, I have more than enough experience in the taking care of people department. I used to be pretty good at it when I was a kid.”

“Didn’t you tell me once that you were a trouble child? That you’d throw fits like a ten year old when you were fifteen? You know, when you used to smoke with me behind the building?” Qinqin lowered her voice, aware that other groups were in the room. Qinqin was aware of Taesun’s former addiction problems, returning to Korea it was almost nice to see another AriaHex member sneaking cigarettes. They used to have that in common but Taesun had stopped smoking a year ago while Qinqin still did so casually. At least they could still share bottles of spirits together at night. She found it a little rich that Taesun had become the most motherly figure in the group so fast. Rina had that position for years but had slowly detached herself. Qinqin supposed that was what gave room for the second oldest to take the wheel.

“Well, I’ll keep looking out for my members to let them catch that spotlight. I’m not that remarkable compared to a lot of you anyways. You know I’m watching out for you all, right? Your success is my success and vise versa. I don’t have anything to prove.” Taesun raised her brows. She meant what she said. AriaHex were full of girls who were closed off, rarely showing how they truly felt, but unified in their desire to prove they were worth something. Taesun knew this and she knew the feeling. Maybe they could be an actual family if they figured out how to be real friends. It sure would help them reach success faster than just pretending to be close.

She couldn’t help but chuckle. That was the exact opposite of Qinqin. She had everything to prove and she didn’t care what her other members did. Their problems were but a distraction.

“Honestly, you might be the only one who thinks that way in the group.” Qinqin kicked off her running shoes, hoping her feet didn’t stink. She found herself avoiding eye contact with Taesun. “Thank you, though. We need it honestly.”

“It could happen to any of us, Qinqin. You smiled through it, that’s all that matters.” Taesun felt her big sister mode kicking in. When she couldn’t hear Qinqin’s voice on stage, she resisted the urge to turn and see what had happened. She already felt like Qinqin and Faye had disproportionately less lines that most of the other members. 

Hiking up her jean shorts, Qinqin let out another sigh nevertheless. She appreciated Taesun trying to make her feel better, unfortunately, it wasn’t working. “Thanks but, honestly, you know it’ll never happen to you, Tae. You’re the main vocalist, it’s impossible for you to fade to the background unless you really try.”

“It’s like I’m cursed by the world.” Qinqin mumbled to Taesun who had been unfortunate enough to sit next to her. Luckily, Taesun was not a member who she left behind for China. Taesun came after and only knew her as the after, not the before. It made her change in personality less abrupt and also lessened the tension between them. “I get, like, five words and I lose half of them.”

“Hello, my name is Kwon Rina. Visual and oldest member of the group. We are ready to entertain you with all of our ability so, please, support us moving forwards.” Rina smiled, being cute but classy. She planned to look as ethereal as possible in order to be noticed as Seyoung’s younger sister but even more beautiful. Seyoung was a popular visual in the industry at the moment, to face off against her was a dream and a nightmare. Rina noted that the group gained a few extra hearts after her appearance alone. She was happy to have her hair carefully braided and to be the only one in a nightgown. It was a long baby blue dress and she wore a matching headband. 

“Hey there, everyone. I’m Qinqin from China and I’m your main dancer. I hope you enjoy our charms. We’re all very excited to show you what we’ve got.” Qinqin waved before shooting hearts at the audience. She was supposed to be cool and friendly. The most approachable of the group and the middle ground of personality. 

“Coming, unnnie.” She knew it was wrong to be so dependant, but what could she do? Hyeyeon still had the strongest will of them all and that meant that she was top priority to please, even if it meant ignoring Sakura who had just confessed emotion towards her. Remi sat up and rushed into Hyeyeon’s room.

“That poor kid.” Qinqin finally spoke up. She didn’t much care for drama and certainly wasn’t going to give her opinion when she was neutral on the topic. She didn’t wish to gain the love of other members wish fake words and she didn’t really care about bringing everyone together. As long as they succeeded, that was all that mattered. Whether they actually got along or if they faked it and convinced people, as long as it worked. However, she did feel bad for their pining maknae who had not yet learned to not give a shit about what other’s think about her.

“Hyeyeon basically has her on a leash.” Qinqin stood up and brought her dishes to the sink where she turned on the tap. “Well, I think this has been a sufficiently awkward evening for everyone. Why don’t we call it a night?” For Qinqin, it was never a night after dinner. She would likely sneak out to a club later.