#collabsolo

Last week had ended favourably to him, but their team had suffered a loss, and the more he thought about it, the more he realised that it might as well have been him. Honestly Taeyang was not a person he had considered himself particularly close to neither before nor after the week had passed, but the way he spent all his time and effort thinking of ways to make things easier and more friendly for the vocalist who had never in his life had to dance. Perhaps even sacrificed too much of his time. So why had it been Taeyang who gave everything who had been sent home? Would it have been different if they could have danced as normal, performed to their full capabilities without being weighed down? And how were things going to end up this week now that they were in the same situation? He couldn’t help but wonder about things like that.

And now the guy was just pretending like nothing had happened? It didn’t sit well with him to be honest. But he also felt like it wasn’t fair to say it to the guy in question unless actually asked about it, and thus Eric had decided to keep his thoughts to himself. Wear a smile and pretend everything was good no matter how bad he was at not letting his emotions shine through. It was only for one week after all.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

It had only been hours since they had sat down in a group and had a lengthy discussion about this and that, but Eric’s heart already felt much lighter. It was evening now and he and Hyojin had found a nice spot in Hongdae’s main street where they had set up themselves and were ready to give it their all. It was perhaps reckless to take time out of their schedule for a stunt like this, but Eric felt as though giving it a try with a full rap to get both flow and movement down before the real deal, gauge the audience and see what he did well and what he had to improve on. After all he had no intentions to willingly exit this thing by now and he was going to do his best to not be the one to drag the others down even while being placed in such an uncomfortable situation.

As they finished setting up, Eric gave his partner a huge smile and an enthusiastic nod. They barely had any time to prepare this thing, especially not with the focus being on the other song, the one they had to perform with and pull through with. The crowd slowly gathering around Eric could already hear some whispers amongst the crowd -- “hey, aren’t they participating in that show?” -- and a smug grin appeared on his face. There was nothing in the rules about not promoting yourself outside of the competition right? After all, he had seen lots of people do it on social media.

Whenever Ryujin get an opportunity to perform she take it whether it’s busking with her dance crew, karaoke or anything alike. She didn’t aim for anything in that direction while out with Yeji today but as they walk past a band with open mic she has a hard time simply passing by them without at least trying to nudge her friend into a small stage. It will be fun, is what she told Yeji while dragging her over to the band to suggest a song for them all to perform together.

While aware that Yeji isn’t very comfortable singing, not in public like this at least, Ryujin think that the chosen song is an alright choice. She will stand for Feeldog’s rapping, which honestly is most of the song, while the elder sign the refrain that doesn’t require much tecnique. It’s not supposed to be amazing anyway, it’s just a random challenge that anyone can jump onto. Not that she expected Yeji to accept the challenge however, which brought out a satisfied grin.

Microphone in hand, Ryujin is ready and the band begin to play. Keeping close to the other as support she move her body to the sound of a guitar, starting off with a ‘yeah’ in-between those drums just like Feeldog does. It is a song that she know by heart, not only because it made by her celebrity crush but because she think that it’s beautiful. She can’t relate much to the lyrics because she has yet to experience love, or missing a loved one, but she can mimic it well.

Yeah (maybe I’m missing you) 아무 생각 없이 평소와 같이 보통 사람들과 만나 웃고 말하지 밤이 되면 TV가 내 유일한 친구고 아침해가 떠오르면은 그제서야 잠이 들죠 너무 초라해 나 널 많이 좋아했나봐 네가 떠난 후 파란 하늘 내 눈엔 노랗게만 보여 그댄 어디서 아파해요 나 여기 있어 아님 혹시 다른 사람과 다른 사랑하니 보고싶어 my baby

Yeji begins to sing right after the verse is over and Ryujin look over, beaming brightly because they are actually doing a little performance together like this. She never knew that she needed this to happen until now that it was actually happening. While the other sing her part Ryujin let her shine although she do want to give a little extra by throwing out some minor dance moves. Instead she smile to whatever crowd they have managed to intrigue to come wacth.

The more the merrier, in Ryujin’s opinion. As someone who love to perform she is happier the more viewers there are but perhaps she is more comfortable with that than Yeji at least when showcasing skills other than dancing. The refrain end eventually for this time and Ryujin come back in with another verse, delivering the lyrics sound and clear with no flaws whatsoever. It’s easy to see that she has practiced this song on her own with how comfortably she raps.

They continue back and forth, Ryujin doing one verse and Yeji doing one refrain. Repeat. The two of them work well together, as be expected from close friends like these two. The band is amazing too, performing the song as though it’s the actual instrumental. One of the members are even whistling the iconic tune, both in the beginning and towards the end. During the last verse Ryujin come in here and there to harmonize with her deep voice, until they finish.

As the crowd cheer for them Ryujin too bend down in a bow along with Yeji, who seemingly do want to get away as quickly as possible. She know mostly because shesimply  know the elder that well but also, because Yeji grip her arm to drag her away. Ryujin can’t help but chuckle, it was most definitely worth it. “You did it, unnie! Wasn’t it fun?” Grinning broadly she want to say “I told you so,” but she won’t. She is just happy that they did this, together.

when yeji had gone to meet ryujin that saturday she didn’t really think she would be standing where she was now. a microphone in one hand-- a confused look given to the younger female. yeji couldn’t say no now. it was really unfortunate for her. before she knew it ryujin had dragged her to the band that was holding an... open mic, in hongdae? out of all of the times to do it. yeji wasn’t comfortable singing.

on the spot the two girls had agreed on a song that they both knew, ryujin being the feeldog fangirl that yeji knew would know this song. yeji also knew it, it had been a while since she had sung it... last time was way to many years ago.

they announced their pick to the band and thankfully they knew the song and its chords. yeji had a small hope that they didn’t but luck was not on her side.

yeji heard the sound of instruments, ryujin starts them off with her rap. yeji taps her foot to remember the beat, nodding her head-- when its time she sings the chorus, its a simple enough chorus for her. not much room to fail and miss the notes. yeji’s tone is clean and pure, she has never had singing lessons-- so her voice, unbeknownst to her shows potential-- its clean and solid tone.

yeji’s thankful that she only has to sing the chorus and nothing else-- the chorus is nice, while singing she can’t help but think of hansol. feeling like a fool but she can’t help it-- she misses him even though she knows he’s just a phone call away. this was the reality that she was facing. wanting to call him-- maybe she was missing him, that much she would never tell him.the song resonates with her more than she would like ot admit.

ryujin’s rap is clear to her, the lyrics speaking of how lovers in the early stage were affectionate. even though-- yeji and hansol never had taken that extra step, yeji couldn’t help but worry-- when they were younger they showered each other with affection freely. now it was harder-- for whatever reason.

to catch herself from dwelling too much on the past she looks up at ryujin, the younger calming her down as she finishes her rap-- yeji singing the chous this time for the last time.

maybe i’m missing you.

it ends. yeji wants to walk away immediately but the applause from the people surrounding them makes her stay, she bows at them, 90 degrees, putting down the microphone-- thanking the band for letting them perform with them. then she grabs ryujin’s arm and drags the female with her.

“ah, i can’t belive i did that...” 

It had been too long in Yoona’s opinion since she had last met face-to-face with Jiwon and she was not having that. She had made time to spend the day with Jiwon and they had met in Hongdae. She grinned from ear to ear as soon as she spied her best friend. ❝ JiJi! ❞ She exclaimed, using her own nickname for him. That was something she did. She always had nicknames for people. She returned his hug with enthusiasm. 

As they were walking, Jiwon was trying to tell her something about a name change, but before he could finish he got distracted by two microphones. Jiwon rushed over and Yoona quickly followed. She would never turn down a chance to perform, especially if she was performing with Jiwon. She nodded and smiled at him when he asked if she was down. She happily took hold of the microphone and waited.

Once the song started, she immediately knew it. Of course he would choose this song. She wasn’t complaining, however, since she loved the song. She was the first to sing. There wasn’t too much challenge vocally at the start.

내 맘에 깊이 가득 차버린 공허한 세상 나를 구해줘 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

어둠에 갇힌 외로운 눈빛 내 손을 잡아 줄 사람 없나 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

Jiwon shined when he rapped and Yoona stood back slightly to give him the spotlight. Rapping scared Yoona and she found Jiwon amazing that he could rap. She smiled and bopped along to the music. It was her turn again and she raised the microphone to her mouth.

내 맘에 깊이 가득 차버린 공허한 세상 나를 구해줘 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

어둠에 갇힌 외로운 눈빛 내 손을 잡아 줄 사람 없나 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

There wasn’t much for Yoona to sing as the vocals were repetitive and easy. The lines were few and the challenge came at the end of the song. Still, she was happy to let Jiwon shine. Plus, she was performing with her best friend. What more could she want?

내 맘에 깊이 가득 차버린 공허한 세상 나를 구해줘 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

어둠에 갇힌 외로운 눈빛 내 손을 잡아 줄 사람 없나 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

Yoona would walk around the small space as she sang. Emotions filled her voice as she closed her eyes and allowed the emotions to overcome her. The next part was a mix of Jiwon’s raps and Yoona’s vocals and the sound was beautiful. It warmed her heart.

I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

There wasn’t much left to go until the song ended so Yoona made the most of the time she had left. She made sure to hit the high notes and sing with passion.

How about you? I’m all about you 아름다웠던 그때로 돌아갈래 Reset

The last word was a long note and she held it as long as she could. After Jiwon’s final verse, it was Yoona’s time to close the song.

이렇게 홀로 남겨진 외로움 나의 이손을 지금 잡아줘 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

상처투성이 숨겨둔 진실 행복했던곳 나 돌아갈래 I wanna reset I wanna reset I wanna reset

I won’t let you go I won’t let you go

The song had ended and so had their performance. Yoona suddenly felt sad. She always did when a performance ended. Still, it had been one of the best ones she had done. She bowed and thanked the crowd before returning the microphone. She happily took photos and thanked people for their compliments before she returned to Jiwon. She nodded, grinning.

A blank mask ready to be painted. As she grew older the actress had taken those words into her chosen performing art. With every movie, show, and theater she had committed herself to, Naeun started out as a blank mask ready to be painted by the character she was to portray. 

Although she has never been involved before or had any real infatuations, she thought this would be the best opportunity to portray the role of someone pinning after another. The song was quite meaningful on its own, and though she could sing well, she wanted to put some emotions into it.  

그대 듣고 있나요 나의 목소리 그댈 향한 이고백 지금 듣고 있나요 이런 내 마음 들리나요 창가에 떨어지는 빗방울처럼 내 맘속에 물들어가는 너 I need you, I need you, I miss you

She glanced beside him at the man who she imagined she was directing her ‘feelings’ to. Regardless of the fact that she saw Hoseok as a pretty awesome older brother. It was easier to play a role when she can visualize the other characters around her. 

그대 듣고 있나요 나의 목소리 그댈 향한 이고백 지금 듣고 있나요 이런 내 마음 들리나요 창가에 떨어지는 빗방울처럼 내 맘속에 물들어가는 너 I need you, I need you, I miss you

hyunjoon and him had it all worked out. they would balance the singing and rapping between them. letting them both get to sing and rap, and get to work their vocals. hyunjoon was all for this idea, since he wasn’t sure if he preferred rapping or singing. he mostly just liked to dance. and it showed as they performed together. he moved a little as he rapped, letting the song take him as they performed. not really bit motions, but enough to get his point across. he was excited, orion had done a few dance numbers before, and he was all kinds of hyped already. 

his expression was still even, but there was a light in his eyes. he cast glances at jungwoo, glad to see that his hyung was having fun too. they were both weird about emotion--he could tell after getting to know jungwoo--and he felt this was good for them.

maybe he wouldn’t ever really explore this new appreciation for performing. but he wouldn’t squash it just yet.