#hyebin.txt

“Hoyong!” Hyebin called after the younger boy, watching his blonde head bob away from her, heading towards the stage. He turned around, his eyes wide. Hyebin jogged over, dodging staff members and trainees alike. By the time she reached Hoyong, her breath was slightly labored. “Your mic isn’t attached properly.” She huffed out. Without objection, Hoyong allowed her to fix his microphone. Most of the trainees were so used to Hyebin  by now that they knew that there was no such thing as a personal space bubble with Hyebin.  “Thank you, noona.” Hoyong said gratefully.  “Your hair’s a little messy too-” Hyebin reached her hand up and brushed a few pieces of hair off of Hoyong’s forehead. “Noona, we’ve got to get to the stage.” Kyungchul reminded the older girl impatiently, waiting a few feet away from Hoyong. Hyebin retracted her hand and nodded. “My bad! Enjoy yourselves out there. Break a leg!” She brought her hands together in a silent, yet enthusiastic clap, bouncing on the balls of her feet. 

Kyungchul, Hoyong, and Daisuke gave Hyebin an appreciative wave before dipping behind a curtain, heading to side stage. Hyebin sighed in accomplishment. She felt like she just sent her sons off to their first day of school.  “I haven’t seen you run that fast in since...” Bora’s voice said behind her. Hyebin jumped, not expecting her friend to be standing behind her. Bora’s face twisted in thought. “Actually, maybe I’ve never seen you run before.” “You’re a liar.” Hyebin shook her head, chuckling lightly. “Are you all set for your stage? Do you need help with anything?”  Bora laughed. “Dude, I’m one of the oldest trainees here, I don’t need you to be my stage mom-”  Before Bora could finish, Hyebin’s fingertips were already brushing under her friend’s eyes, collecting stray flecks of mascara. Bora blinked a few times in surprise, flinching back a little reflexively. Hyebin gave her a non-threatening glare, arching an eyebrow. “This is the part where you thank me.” Hyebin reminded her.  Bora rolled her eyes. “Thank you, but I came over here to mom you, not the other way around. I have a bone to pick with you, missy.”  “What, why?” Hyebin asked, instantly wondering if she’s been doing something wrong.  “You’re running around too much. You just performed and now you’re over-exuding yourself. Did you even drink water when you got off stage?” Bora asked, crossing her arms. It was Hyebin’s turn to roll her eyes. “Of course I did.” Hyebin lied, shrinking back defensively. “You’re a bad liar, Hyebin.” Bora shook her head. “I think you should go take a quick break.” Hyebin frowned, knowing Bora too well to know that her relaxed behavior wouldn’t stay if you pushed her. She wished her friend a good performance before heading back to the dressing room.

Rounding the corner, she accidentally bumped into Taehyung. She jumped back at the sudden collision. Taehyung chuckled and ruffled Hyebin’s hair playfully with one hand. “Sorry, Binnie.” He grinned. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”  “You didn’t, I just got startled.” Hyebin shook her head.  Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows. “Isn’t that the same thing?”  Hyebin was going to protest, but Taehyung kept talking. “Anyways, did you run into Bora?” The male trainee asked. Hyebin nodded.  “Good, I told her to track you down. You’re gonna exhaust yourself, running around like this.” He gave Hyebin an accusing look. “You didn’t even stretch after you got off stage, did you?”  Hyebin’s eyes widened. “How’d you-?”  “I know you, Binnie. Go stretch and drink some water. I’ll help you take care of the kids when I finish performing, okay?” He promised, patting her head one more time before bolting around the corner, heading towards the stage.