The music with vibrating rhythm that had been filling the entire dance studio came to a halt, and Joon stopped every dance move he had learned over the past nearly two weeks. His sweat dripped, soaking through his sleeveless shirt.
"Okay, I've memorized every dance move for this comeback song. It's not that difficult, and there are more foot movements, which should make it easier for you after the surgery, right?" Joon asked Suga.
"Ah yeah, thanks to the trainer, my arm is getting better too. I'm ready for the comeback later..." Suga replied, breathing heavily as he wiped his neck with a small towel.
For almost two months, Suga had to take a break from performing in several shows due to his arm surgery and recovery.
"What are we eating tonight? Cooking or ordering? I'm starving, hyung," Jkook asked, his mind filled with food, while the other thought about exercise. He wanted to eat a lot but still have abs.
"You're always thinking about food, it's better if we just order from the restaurant... their menu is really delicious, it's been a while," Jin replied.
"Good idea, Jin hyung can order and pay, do you guys agree?" Jkook asked the other members again.
Without hesitation, they replied "Yes". They were extremely exhausted and just wanted to eat and go home to rest as soon as possible. Jin could only resign himself to it, too tired to scold them since he was hungry too. After finishing their meal, they prepared to head home and bid farewell to the staff and trainers who were still at the dance studio.
"Thank you for today, everyone" said all the members of Whalien , bowing their heads.
"You're welcome, and don't forget we have a meeting tomorrow at 1 PM to discuss the concept for the comeback," one of the staff members said. "Okay," the members replied in their own unique ways.
Currently, Whalien still lived together in a large and luxurious apartment with plenty of rooms, enough for each member. With a packed schedule for their comeback, they decided to stick together.
After eight years of living in one dorm, they knew each other's habits and behaviors. Their differences and strengths complemented each other, and they supported one another. Arguments were inevitable, but they never broke them apart; there was always a way out. They were solid, united by a single goal: to make the world a better place through their work, conveying messages through their songs that could change many lives in various ways.
Joon, the first member and leader of Whalien. The agency management chose him as the leader because he was intelligent, quick, and decisive in making decisions that he had carefully considered the consequences of. Although Joon wasn't the oldest member, he could always calming the other members when they were at a low point. But what about when Joon himself was at a low point? Could he overcome it on his own? Reading books, cycling, and visiting museums helped him become calmer and think more clearly, which was what he always did.
The release of Whalien's comeback song has arrived, and the result is a success. Whalien topped the charts in various music charts both in Korea and in other countries.
"Is one month enough for you to take a break? Spend time with family, pamper yourselves?" Song PD asked.
"After that one month, there are still a few award shows you need to attend. I'm very grateful to you all for your hard work," Song PD added.
"Upon hearing the word 'vacation', their faces lit up even brighter. We're really looking forward to that break to refresh our bodies and minds. Thank you again, PD-nim," Joon replied on behalf of the other members.
"Before we go on vacation, let's celebrate with a dinner together with Song PD, what do you say?" Jin asked Song PD with a smile on his thick lips.
"Okay, as long as Jin cooks, I'll be there. It's been a while since I've had your cooking," Song PD replied quickly with a mischievous smile.
"Yep, Song PD will help me cook, thank you, PD-nim. Let's go," Jin immediately stood up from his chair, walked towards Song PD, and dragged him out of the meeting room.
The other members laughed and walked out of the meeting room.
Back at the Whalien dorm, specifically in Joon's room, he was folding his clothes and putting them into a medium-sized suitcase. He didn't forget to bring several thick books, both the ones he was currently reading and those he hadn't started yet. "Hyung, where are you going on vacation this time?" Jkook asked, standing at the open door of Joon's room, then sat down on the edge of the bed.
"For sure, I'll go to my parents' house first, and I'll plan the rest when I'm there," Joon replied while organizing the items he would bring, although it didn't look neat, as long as it fit was fine with Joon.
"What about you, Kookie? Do you have any plans?" Joon closed his suitcase and looked at Jkook.
"Jmin and I are going to Japan for a few days, we want to watch some concerts," Jkook said excitedly, hugging his hyung.
"Have a great vacation, hyung."
"You too, Jkook. Take care of Jmin, both of you be careful," Joon returned Jkook's hug.
Joon's vacation began with cycling along the river path and enjoying the sunset. Joon was always accompanied by his school friends to visit several museums and historical places in Korea, and he never forgot to share these moments on his personal Twitter with photos of famous museum collections. Joon returned home and had dinner with his family, enjoying his favorite homemade dishes.
"Before you came home, grandma asked about you, Joon. She's really missing you. If you have time, visit her and stay for a few days. You could surprise her by showing up unexpectedly, she'd be thrilled," Joon's mother said while putting some bulgogi meat into her son's bowl.
"It's been a long time since I last saw grandma. Last time, I sent her a small table made of walnut wood and gave her a quick call to ask about her well-being," Joon shared a little about where he bought the wooden table, and how his grandma loved art pieces, especially those made of wood. His grandma's love for art had passed down to Joon until now.
"I'll call Donggu(assistant)to see if he can drive me there or not." Joon was the only member who couldn't ride a car or motorcycle, aware of his own clumsiness that could put him in harm's way. So, he would always ride his bike for short distances and rely on his assistant or other members for longer trips.
It wasn't that Joon was spoiled; the whole world knew him as the "King of Destruction". Anything he touched seemed to break, which was often captured on camera and spread across various media outlets. And, in reality, most of it was true.
"Hyung Donggu, don't you want to stop by for a bit?" Joon asked while preparing to get out, carrying a large black Louis Vuitton tote bag filled with his personal belongings.
"No, Joon, I'll head straight to the office. I have a staff meeting," Donggu's assistant glanced back at Joon, who was sitting in the back seat.
"Just give my regards to grandma, sorry I couldn't stop by. I really miss your grandma's kimchi soup," Donggu's assistant smiled with a hint of regret.
"Alright, I'll pass it on, and I'll call hyung when I'm heading back from here later," Joon smiled, knowing that kimchi soup was a must-have when visiting his grandma's house.