switch

“Hey, no problem,” Eli said. “Seriously, though… I know it’s tough, but fuck the haters. You guys put out good work, the kind of stuff kids need to hear. … I’m certainly grateful for it,” they admitted.

she smiled. “thanks. for real, this time,” she answered them. “i have to keep reminding myself that. that even though it’s not necessarily the music i’d personally listen too, that doesn’t mean it’s bad. and that it all still has it’s place.”

“we’re beyond excited with how jewel is performing,” ryukji said, nodding curtly. “you guys are building a solid base for yourself and making waves. you should be proud.”

“i am. i really am. not shy did really well too. i’m just hoping that we can give back to siren for giving us a chance, and keeping us with our sisters.”

“yes, i understand. siren did a very great thing when they signed all of you, i think. i’d like to believe that they recognized the love you have for each other, even despite the clashing styles.”

“i’d like to think so, too. i mean...luss are idols. i think they get it,” shinhye pointed out. “they’re giving both sides of us a real good chance, too.”

“should it feel natural, though? i feel like once it feels natural, something is very wrong,” she laughed

“or maybe it means we’ve unlocked some sort of secret back muscle that will make us gods among men.”

“uhh, went to international school in scotland. hated it. wanted to do my second term somewhere else, so took a chance on south korea, and have been here every since,” he explained. “i’ve taken a lot of korean language classes, though, and have worked really hard to learn.”

“well, your korean is very good-- your hard work is paying off,” shinhye answered him with a smile. “i would have thought you at least went to high school here.”

“it’s okay, you don’t need to backtrack. i understand,” ryukji assured her. “being in someone’s shadow is a lot. and it’s immense pressure. it’s understandable for you to want to be distinctly your own person.”

“yeah... and i think... especially with wannabe, i’m just starting to solidify myself as that,” she answered

jiae nodded. “promiss made good music, but it was clear that many of you did not fit the group. no matter how much all of you wanted to make it work, it wouldn’t have.”

“we all loved each other a lot, but that wasn’t enough,” shinhye said , pushing her hair out of her face with a sigh. “the music didn’t suit most of us, the management was bad, and the promotions were spotty. we were kinda doomed to fail. i’m just kinda glad we can be together still, even if we’re not really together, you know?”

“i don’t know if yoked is the word i’d use,” hayi laughed, taken aback. “i am probably one of the more muscular members of jewel though, i guess….” she paused. “you’re right. necks and shoulders weren’t invented to move like this.”

shinhye fixed her with an unimpressed stare, grabbing one of hayi’s arms and poking her bicep. “you’re yoked, hayi. it’s not up for debate,” she answered with a laugh. “i can only hope that this movement is going to feel more natural eventually.”

“english and korean, obviously. and then i also speak spanish. my mom’s american, but my dad’s mexican, and i grew up with my grandma in the house too. i honestly wouldn’t be able to tell you if english or spanish was my first language,” he laughed

“how’d you pick korean up?” shinhye asked curiously. “stanski...isn’t a very hispanic surname-- where’d that come from? unless... that’s like, a super prying question or something. i don’t wanna overstep.”

“to be frank, that’s probably going to stick with you,” ryukji laughed. “but don’t let it discourage you. jewel is making something that is connecting with people, even if it seems trivial to others.”

“i mean, i’m proud of my mom and i’m happy to be her daughter-- of course i am. i’m not saying anything beyond that,” shinhye clarified quickly. “i just want to be able to stand on my own feet in tandem with being her kid, not be benefiting off of that solely.

“i think you give me a lot of credit. i’m good, and i appreciate that you trust me, but i’m not infallible,” she answered, cheeks flushed with a blush. “it is more accessible, and i think that shows in your numbers. there’s a reason people consider venus korea’s girl group and not reign, despite reign probably being more financially successful and internationally renown.”

“not saying you are. but i still think you’re one of the best in the game,” shinhye insisted with a tiny smile. “yeah, i didn’t think of that, but you’re right. but honestly, i’m just happy we’re doing well. it feels good after promiss.”