LOVE STORIES OF JENNIE AND SUE
It's been 3 years since the Singapore tour. Many in the Pink Generation camp would agree that the period ushered the group into its zenith. Tony and Julie's love life had blossomed and flourished into a spectacle. All agreed that they made a splendid couple. Both heartthrobs of the nation covered some of the country's most illustrious magazines' front covers. It was said—as one magazine would put it—that Tony and Julie's union was rather unfair as their offspring would be too gorgeous to dwell amongst people.
Pink Generation had accumulated unprecedented success. ‘Rise Above,’ the group's fourth studio album, was released to critical acclaim. The numbers went from decent to impressive to excellent in a matter of time. Strong critics could point out that the girls' already strong fanbase could have been the reason for that. When artists reach a certain level in their careers, it didn't matter if their art is qualitative anymore as they simply thrived off their huge following. One could even argue that many events, such as Julie's very public affair with Tony or the incident of saving a woman from suicide, positively affected the group's public image. Digging deep into what may or may not have cumulated into ‘Rise Above’s massive success would certainly lead one into a rabbit hole. But as one Gossip blog would put it, “Best enjoy the pinkies while the color still shines.”
Jennie liked the humor behind the term “pinkies.” She thought it was cute. Only when Ye Ji called them did it dawn on her that the media was particularly effective with making words, however drab they were, sound beautiful.
It was two days before Pink Generation was scheduled to depart for Romania, and the group was busy rehearsing and making final preparations for their upcoming tour. The atmosphere in the studio was charged with energy and excitement as the girls ran through their dance routines and practiced their vocals. Sue was, as ever, on top with her dance moves. She moved and glided effortlessly as though she was one with water.
“We got good news, pinkies,” Ye Ji had said.
“Oh no, it was better when the blogs called them that,” Jennie thought. Maybe it was Ye Ji’s voice that didn't have the sauce, she concluded.
“Girls? Um...Julie? Hello?”
It was almost normal to see Julie distracted these days, since Tony came into her life anyway.
“Sorry, I was texting,” Julie started. “I'm good now,” she continued, with a smile.
Sunny smirked at her.
“Romania is on the horizon!”
That was Ye Ji's MO. She'd always announce a new tour in a not-so-direct way, often in a short and coherent form. The girls had been made aware of this tour for weeks now. Ki-Taek had been working with Ye Ji these past weeks for a promotional tour in Eastern Europe. It only made sense, according to them, that they started with Romania's capital, Bucharest—the chess capital of the world.
Ki-Taek had labored tirelessly to get them the needed preparation for this tour. As they talked, he walked past them, on a phone call sounding pretty demanding on preparations and all. The girls giggled amongst themselves, as this was the usual routine before any international tour kicked off.
From the unique style of staging to the outfits, Ki-Taek and Ye Ji worked endlessly to make sure all the girls' needs would be met adequately. Ye Ji was even efficient in doing a little extra on the details. She would, in her own words, “bend the ground for the girls.” Her dedication to the group could not be faulted, and the girls adored her for that. She was “our Ye Ji” in their own words, and they would do anything for her too.
Julie had been reading a text from her phone, smiling as any smitten girl would. Sunny, curious as to what it could be this time, snatched her phone to read, using her other hand to block Julie from reaching. He glanced at what Julie had been reading.
Soft winds whispering love,
Heartbeats dancing in the breeze,
You, my forever.
Julie had stopped struggling. Sunny looked at it intently and then smiled at Julie. It was a piece of Haiku from Tony.
“This man is yours forever,” Sunny said. “The only thing he may love more than you would be his hair.”
“His hair?” Julie asked, almost bursting with laughter.
“That man's hair is too gorgeous. Only intense love could maintain it as such. You only have his hair to compete with.”
“Most women won't mind that,” Julie defended.
“I won't,” Jennie quipped.
“Girls, Bucharest!” Ye Ji snapped, breaking their moment.
Ki-Taek motioned for Ye Ji to come over. After whispering a few words to her, she gestured to the girls that she would be back. The girls had been watching. Ye Ji left the Blue Sky building for something the girls knew was related to them.
Once she was out, the girls of Pink Generation went into their rehearsal mode. Only this time, it wasn't from their album. It was a new song they had written a few weeks ago. The girls had blossomed into a tight-knit group, and they were always looking for ways to show their love and appreciation for one another. So, when they found out that Ye Ji’s birthday fell on the same day as their closing concert in Romania, they knew they had to do something special.
They had been rehearsing the birthday song secretly for weeks, making sure every note was perfect and every harmony was in sync. They didn't want Ye Ji to find out about it, so they had to be extra careful. Seong, their vocal instructor, had been helping them with the song, making sure their voices blended perfectly. And Seo-jun, able and reliable in the production department, had also been lending a helping hand, using her own creative flair to make the song more special.
As they rehearsed, they couldn't help but feel excited about the surprise they were planning for Ye Ji. They knew she would be thrilled when she found out, and they couldn't wait to see the look on her face.
“Okay, let's run through it one more time,” Seong said, as she signaled for the music to start.
The girls took a deep breath and started singing, their voices blending seamlessly. Seo-jun watched from the sidelines, nodding his head in approval. He had added a few extra touches to the song, making it livelier and more upbeat.
As they finished the song, they looked at each other with huge grins on their faces. They knew they had nailed it.
“I can't wait to see Ye Ji’s face when we sing this for her,” Jennie said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“I know, right?” Sue replied. “She's going to be so surprised!”
***
The days leading up to the concert were going to be hectic, as Ye Ji was going to make sure of that. She seemed to enjoy watching the girls rehearsing for hours on end and making sure everything was perfect. Little did she know that this tour had a small package prepared for her.
As they took a break, Hyun Ji, approached Ye Ji with a new technique she had developed. "I think this new make-up technique has an Eastern European style to it, and it will be perfect for the long hours of performances we have ahead of us," she said, demonstrating the technique on Ye Ji's face. She wasn't one for make-up, but she allowed Hyun Ji regardless.
Ye Ji studied her reflection in the mirror and nodded, impressed. “It looks great,” she said. “The girls would love it. I can't wait for them to try it out on stage.” She said excitedly.
Meanwhile, Jennie had decided to take a break from rehearsals and explore a nearby shopping mall in Seoul. She wanted casual wear to take with her to Romania. To avoid being noticed she disguised herself. She came in a cab. The song playing in the cab was one of the songs from the group's music from the last album. Jennie hummed along and even at some point sang. She was careful to not sing aloud though. The cab driver gave her a few looks at intervals. He studied her face as though he had seen her somewhere. Jennie at first felt uneasy. She then proceeded to throw him off his hound scent.
“I've always wanted to go to a Pink Generation concert,” she started. “It always looks exciting on the screen. One would wonder what it feels like in reality.”
“Have you been in one before?” she asked.
Stone-faced, he ignored her.
“How rude”? She thought.
The ride went on as more of her group's songs rang on for the most of it. He hadn't said a word to her still. She alighted at the Starfield COEX Mall. It was her favorite. She paid him his money and tipped him well. He turned his attention to his music player and changed it to an upbeat American hop song. He turned to her, smiled, and bade her farewell.
She then reasoned that he had only played Pink's song to entertain her. How strange she thought.
There was something about the Starfield COEX Mall that she was drawn to. She would always say that while in Seoul, she would shop only shop in Starfield or not shop at all. It reminded her of a movie she liked when she was a child.
She had wandered through the mall multiple times. She liked to do this. Something was interesting about drifting around in a public space and being like every other person. Not being noticed was a flex for her. She enjoyed it. She called it her “little adventure.”
She noticed a man walking towards her. He was a tall and broad-shouldered man with sandy blond hair. He came towards where she stood.
There was something about him that caught her attention, something intriguing about his walk. As he approached her, she adjusted her overlapping hat and dark sunglasses. He walked past her, inspecting the colorful wares on the other side.
He noticed she had been looking his way. He strolled over to where she stood, facing the same direction as her. Without looking at her, he said, “Is it just me or does the mall feel smaller today?”
“I think it's just you,” she replied cheekily.
He sounded American. “Well, you just might be right,” he said.
“Are you American?” she asked.
“You can tell,” he said, smiling.
“Anyone can tell,” Jennie replied.
“I'm Mark, by the way,” he said, facing her, offering his hand.
“Jennie,” she replied, taking his hand. He swallowed hers easily. His eyes couldn't meet hers; she had her dark shades on.
“Are you royalty?” he asked.
“No!” Jennie replied, wondering as her face did show why he thought that she was.
“Why'd you ask?” she continued.
“This place feels smaller 'cause you're in it. Only royals are like that.”
Smooth line, she thought. Very smooth.
“Well, I'm not…Did I give off any princess-like vibe?” she asked.
He laughed at that. “Every girl thinks she's a princess. Especially little girls.”
“You sound like you have a lot of them in your space,” she said.
“I deal with them every day. I am a middle school English teacher here in Seoul.”
“Hmmm, cool. How's that, though? You must hate the kids?”
“I'm paid to endure them,” Mark said subtly. She liked how he answered questions in an interesting way.
His voice had a fullness to it, rich and heavy. She had noticed. It was the sound of the bass tune she was accustomed to in the studio. That was how she thought of it. They talked on.
“What do you do?” he asked.
“Oh,” she said, pausing before sipping from her soft drink. “I'm into music.”
“Do you sing? That's cool.”
She quickly changed the subject to avoid him digging deeper into her profession.
On and on they talked, discussing everything from music to culture. Jennie found herself saying more than she would have liked to under different circumstances. This was different. She enjoyed him.
By the end, she was intrigued by him. She was going to go now. He asked for her number.
She hesitated at first but later gave it to him. He promised he'd call soon and bade her farewell.
By the time she came out of the mall, she hadn't bought anything. She laughed at herself. She had spent this long with a stranger without going about her own business.
Just then, a text came in. It was from Mark.
“Hi Jennie, it was great to meet you. I hope to see you again. I'm not really into K-Pop, but I've listened to your songs before. Without a doubt, Pink Generation is destined for greater things. Stay fly.”
She was beyond shocked. How did he know who she was? How could he have known?
She laughed over it and went home.
***
Julie was beaming with pride as she led Sunny through her new apartment. She wanted to show it to her before they left for Romania in two days. As they walked in, Sunny sized up the area with attentive eyes. The walls were painted in shades of cream and white, and the furniture was minimalist yet elegant. The view from the windows was breathtaking, with a stunning panorama of the city skyline. It was everything Julie liked in a home.
“Wow, Julie, this place is amazing!” Sunny exclaimed as she looked around the spacious living room.
“I know, right? I'm still pinching myself to make sure it’s real,” Julie replied with a smile.
Sunny walked over to the window and took in the view. “You can see the whole city from here! And look at all those skyscrapers! It's so different from your old neighborhood.”
“I wanted a change of scenery, and this place is perfect. It's also closer to the studio, so it's easier to go in and out and will,” Julie explained.
As they made their way to the kitchen, Sunny asked, “So, how's Tony doing? I haven't seen him in a while.”
Julie's face lit up at the mention of her boyfriend. “He's doing great! He's been shooting a movie in Australia for the past nine weeks, and I miss him like crazy.” She poured Sunny some wine and handed it to her.
“Australia? That sounds amazing! What's the movie about?” Sunny asked as she gulped.
“It's a tragicomedy movie. He plays the lead, and he's been working hard on it. I can't wait to see it when it comes out,” Julie replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Sunny nodded in approval. “He's such a talented actor. I'm sure it's going to be amazing.”
As they sat down in the cozy dining area, Julie asked about Robb. “And how's your man doing? Is he still jet-setting around the world?”
Sunny chuckled. “Yes, he's in Tokyo right now for a lecturing trip. He's been traveling a lot lately, but I know he loves what he does. Plus, he always brings back souvenirs for me, so I can't complain.”
Julie grinned. “Sounds like a keeper.”
“You got any plans for after the Romania tour?” Sunny asked.
Julie thought for a moment before replying, “Actually, I was thinking of surprising Tony with a visit to Australia. He's been away for so long, and I want to see him as soon as possible.”
Sunny nodded in agreement. “That's a great idea! I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see you. And who knows, maybe you can even get a sneak peek of his movie!”
Julie's face lit up at the thought. “Yes, that would be amazing! I can't wait.”
As they finished their conversation and said their goodbyes, Julie couldn't help but feel grateful for her new home and Sunny. She knew that no matter where life took her, she had Sunny who loved and cared for her, and that mattered very much to her.
***
They moved to the airport in a convoy of five cars: 4 jeeps and a limousine. The girls in the limousine with Ye Ji were musing about getting to travel again. There was excitement in the limousine, only Julie was left out of this. She was sleeping heavily. The girls took turns to see who could make fun of her the most by flicking her ear softly with cotton buds.
Ye Ji watched on as the girls took turns making Julie constantly hit herself in the ear in defense, all the while still sleeping. No one could laugh out, for that would wake her up.
They arrived at the airport in Seoul and were met with a flurry of activity. There had been a mix-up with their private jet, and the airport staff was struggling to resolve the issue.
As they waited, Jennie noticed a familiar face coming towards her. It was Mark, who had come to see her off. She gestured to the security to let him through. They smiled at each other, and Jennie felt a rush of excitement and anticipation. Mark walked up to her and handed her a small package.
“I got this for you,” he said, his eyes shining with warmth. “It's something to remind you of our conversation at the mall.”
Jennie opened the package and gasped. Inside was a beautiful necklace, made of delicate silver chains and adorned with a small pendant. She looked up at Mark, her face flushed.
“It's beautiful,” she said, her voice betraying her elegance. “Thank you.”
Mark smiled at her; his eyes full of affection. “I hope it brings you luck on your tour,” he said. “And I hope to see you again when you come back.”
***
Pink Generation girls arrived at the Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, Romania, after a long flight from Seoul. As they stepped out of the private jet, they were immediately enveloped in the warm air of the city. The airport was buzzing with activity, and the girls could hear the chatter of people speaking in different languages.
Legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literally means “joy.” His flute playing reportedly dazzled the people, and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.
“Wow, it’s so hot here!” exclaimed Jennie as she fanned herself with her hand. “I can't wait to explore this city.”
“I heard Romania has some of the most beautiful castles in the world,” added Sue, adjusting her sunglasses. “I can't wait to see them.”
Suddenly, they heard a loud commotion coming from the side of the baggage claim area. A group of travelers gathered around, arguing with the airport staff.
“What's going on over there?” asked Jennie, craning her neck to get a better view.
“I'm not sure,” replied Julie, looking concerned. “Let's go check it out.”
As they got closer, they could hear the angry voices of the passengers. It appeared that there had been a mix-up with their luggage, and some of their bags had been misplaced.
The girls watched on as the travelers continued to argue with the airport staff. They knew how frustrating it could be to arrive in a new place and not have your belongings with you. Not today though. They were stars. Their convoy came for them and whisked them off in a matter of seconds.
***
The sun was beginning to set over Bucharest as Pink Generation got ready for their opening concert. The air was electric with anticipation, and the girls could feel it as they prepared to go on stage. They had been practicing for weeks, and they were ready to give it their all.
The concert was being held in an open arena, and it was already packed with fans. The girls could hear the excited chatter of the audience as they waited for the show to begin. The stage was set, the lights were in place, and the girls were ready to make their grand entrance.
As the lights dimmed, the audience erupted into cheers. Pink Generation stepped out onto the stage, and the cheers grew louder. The girls were dressed in stunning outfits that sparkled in the stage lights, and they looked every bit like the stars they were.
The drums started, almost monosyllabic at first, before other layers were added. Then came others, the lead and bass guitars, sending the crowd into a small frenzy as the tune the guitars presented hinted to them the song the concert would kick off with. The stage lights swayed here and there. The crowd in the middle seemed as though from a distance they were bouncing. This energy was infectious as it spread to the front and the back as well. Other musical instruments had joined at this point. It was like rain without the rain.
Sunny took the microphone and began to sing, her powerful voice filling the arena. The crowd was immediately captivated, and they swayed to the beat of the music. Sue joined in with her expert dance moves, her body moving gracefully to the rhythm of the music.
Jennie and Julie added their magic to the performance, their voices blending perfectly with Sunny's. The audience was thoroughly entertained, and they sang along with the girls, their voices echoing through the arena.
The girls sang songs from their 4th studio album, ‘Rise Above,’ and the audience loved every minute of it. They sang hits like ‘Higher Ground’ and ‘6th Park,’ and the crowd roared with approval.
The show lasted for about two hours, and the girls gave it their all. They danced, they sang, and they interacted with the audience. The fans loved every minute of it, and the girls could feel the energy emanating from the crowd.
Backstage, Ye Ji and Ki-Taek watched the performance with pride. They knew the girls had put in a lot of hard work, and it had paid off. They could see the joy on the girls' faces as they sang, and it was clear that they were having the time of their lives.
As the concert drew to a close, the girls took a bow, and the crowd cheered louder than ever. They had put on a powerful performance, and everyone knew it. The girls were thrilled with how the concert had gone, and they knew that it was only the beginning of what was sure to be an incredible tour.
Pink Generation had started their tour in style, and they knew that they had a lot more in store for their fans. As they left the stage, they were already thinking about their next performance. Such was their mentality, "Unto the next thing" as Ye Ji would say.
Night settled in briskly, and the girls wheeled back to the hotel on their tour bus. Ye Ji praised them highly for their performance. The girls were too exhausted to even acknowledge her praises. Ye Ji knew this. She signaled to Seong to cancel the vocal recovery routine they had planned.
“They need to rest properly,” she whispered to Seong.
***
The next day was Pink Generation’s day off from their busy schedule, so they decided to take a tour of Bucharest's famous old castles. The castles were magnificent, with their rich history and stunning architecture. The girls were amazed at the intricate details on the walls and ceilings of the castle.
As they walked through the castle, Ye Ji's eyes lit up as she saw a beautiful painting of a young woman in a white dress. “This is so beautiful,” she said, gazing at the painting with awe. “I wonder who she is.”
Sunny, who had been to the castle before, smiled and walked over to Ye Ji. “That's the painting of the princess who once lived in this castle. Legend has it that she was cursed by a witch and turned into a ghost who haunts the castle to this day.”
Ye Ji gasped in amazement, “Really? That's so interesting. I would love to see her.”
Jennie, who was always the adventurous one, added, “Let's explore the castle and see if we can find the ghost.”
As they made their way through the castle, they heard strange noises and creaks, causing Ye Ji to cling to Jennie's arm tightly. But they continued to explore, undeterred by the eerie sounds.
As they turned a corner, they saw a door slightly ajar. Ye Ji, still curious about the ghost, nudged the door open and they saw a room full of old, dusty books. The room was dimly lit, and they could barely make out the words written on the pages.
Suddenly, the door slammed shut behind them, causing them all to jump in surprise. They tried to open the door, but it was stuck. Panic set in as they realized they were trapped in the room.
“What do we do now?” Jennie asked nervously.
“We need to find another way out,” Julie said, trying to calm everyone down.
They began to search the room for any other doors or windows. Ye Ji stumbled upon a bookshelf that moved slightly when she touched it. “Hey guys, come over here,” she called out excitedly.
They all gathered around the bookshelf, and together, they pushed it to reveal a hidden passageway. Jennie led the way, and they followed her down the narrow, dusty path.
After a few minutes of walking, they emerged in a large, empty room. As they looked around, they realized they had stumbled upon a secret chamber in the castle.
“This is amazing,” Seong said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
As they explored the secret chamber, they found an old chest filled with jewels and gold coins. They gasped in amazement at the treasure trove they had discovered.
As they made their way back to the main hall of the castle, they couldn't help but feel grateful for the adventure they had just experienced. “This is a story we'll never forget,” Jennie said, smiling at her friends.
***
The rest of the tour was filled with laughter and excitement as they recounted their adventure to each other. As they boarded their bus to head back to their hotel, they couldn't wait to tell the other crew members what they had missed out on.
Pink Generation had been thrilled to hear about the nominations for the awards show in Japan. However, they knew it would be impossible to attend as it would conflict with their ongoing tour in Romania. Ki-Taek, being the leader of the group, didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to accept the awards if they won. So, he appointed Mulan, a member of the Blue-Sky Entertainment Group, to attend the awards show on behalf of Pink Generation.
Meanwhile, the girls continued their rehearsals, getting ready for the next concert. Ye Ji and Ki-Taek couldn't stop thinking about the awards show and kept refreshing their phones to check for updates leading to the event. They were anxious to know if they stood any chance in the categories they were nominated in.
That evening was the awards night. The girls had just turned the TV to the awards show. Ye Ji and Ki-Taek joined the rest of the girls in their hotel room to watch the show on television. They had set up a large screen in the room, and everyone was excited to see what was happening.
As they tuned in, they were awed by the venue of the awards show. The stage was enormous, with multiple levels and a stunning backdrop. The audience was filled with celebrities and fans alike, and the atmosphere was electric.
Jennie wasn't with them. She had quietly left the room.
She had felt cooped up in the hotel room. She wanted to explore the city, feel its vibe, and see its beauty. But with the awards show already airing, there was no time to go sightseeing. She looked around the room and saw an old scarf she had brought along with her, and an idea sparked in her head.
Jennie wrapped the scarf around her head and shoulders, making sure her face was well-hidden. She put on sunglasses and changed her outfit, to avoid being recognized. Then, she slipped out of the hotel room and into the bustling streets of Bucharest.
The show began with a stunning performance by a popular Japanese band, and then the host took to the stage to announce the first category. Pink Generation was nominated for Best International Group, and everyone in the room was holding their breath.
As the host announced the winner, the girls erupted into cheers and tears of joy. Mulan went up on stage to accept the award on their behalf, thanking their fans and everyone who supported them. Ye Ji and Ki-Taek couldn't be happier and hugged each other, congratulating the group.
The city was alive with energy, with people laughing and talking, music playing, and the smell of street food wafting through the air. Jennie felt exhilarated as she walked through the city, taking in all the sights and sounds. She saw street performers, artists, and vendors selling trinkets and souvenirs.
She was tempted to buy some souvenirs herself, but she had to be careful not to draw attention to herself. She kept her head down and walked through the crowds, trying to blend in as best she could.
The show went on, and Pink Generation won another award for Best Choreography in a Music Video. Mulan accepted the award again, and the girls couldn't believe their luck. They felt indebted to Mulan for representing them so well.
As the show was coming to an end, Ye Ji went out to get some snacks for everyone. Jennie, who had been missing from the room, sneaked in unnoticed by everyone else. She was wearing a black hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. She was happy to see that the girls had won two awards. She smiled and sat down quietly, not wanting to interrupt the celebrations.
The awards show ended, and everyone in the room hugged each other in excitement. Ye Ji and Ki-Taek were overjoyed and proud of their group. They were grateful to Mulan for representing them and couldn't wait to see her back in Romania.
Jennie's mind ran back to how she had spent the evening in Bucharest. As she walked, she came across an old castle. It was beautiful, with a grand entrance and towering walls that seemed to go on forever. Jennie felt drawn to it, and without thinking, she walked towards the entrance.
There were no guards or security personnel in sight, and the entrance was open. Jennie hesitated for a moment, but then curiosity got the better of her, and she stepped inside. The castle was old and dimly lit, with cobwebs and dust covering everything. Jennie explored the many rooms and hallways, admiring the ancient artwork and tapestries. She felt like she was in a different world, far away from the glitz and glamour of the awards show.
Suddenly, Jennie heard a noise. She froze, her heart racing, as she tried to pinpoint the source of the sound. She heard it again, a rustling coming from one of the hallways. Jennie's heart pounded in her chest as she cautiously walked toward the source of the noise. As she turned a corner, she saw a figure standing in the shadows. She couldn't make out who it was, but she sensed danger.
“Who are you?” she asked, her voice trembling. The figure stepped forward, revealing himself to be an old man. He looked harmless, but Jennie couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
“What are you doing here?” he asked in a gruff voice.
Jennie hesitated for a moment before telling the truth. “I am a tourist. I just wanted to explore the city.”
The old man's face softened, and he let out a small chuckle. “You remind me of my granddaughter, always getting into trouble.”
Jennie felt relieved and smiled. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any trouble.”
The old man gestured for her to follow him. “Come, let me show you something.” Jennie followed him into the castle, her curiosity piqued. They came to a large room with a grand piano in the center. The old man sat down at the piano and began to play a beautiful melody.
Jennie felt herself getting lost in the music, the notes filling the room with a sense of peace and tranquility. She closed her eyes and let herself be swept away. When the old man finished playing, Jennie opened her eyes, her emotions getting the better of her. She fought back the tears that were sure to come.
“It's beautiful,” she said softly.
The old man smiled. “Music is the language of the soul. It speaks to us in a way that words cannot.”
She thanked him and left. It had been a strange evening. She would wonder why she enjoyed this repetitive pattern of disguising to mingle in public. She would never know, it seemed. She just lived for adventures like this.
***
It was the final concert in Bucharest, and the anticipation was high. The girls were excited to perform their last show in Romania and leave an unforgettable memory. Ye Ji’s birthday was also on this day, and they had a surprise for her. The girls had been rehearsing a birthday song for her, and they couldn't wait to sing it for her in front of a live audience.
The venue was packed, and the atmosphere was electric. The stage was beautifully lit, and the girls made their grand entrance, dressed in stunning outfits that matched the mood of the show. The crowd roared in excitement as they took their positions. Jennie and Julie had their guitars strapped on, ready to serenade the audience, while Sunny and Sue stood tall and confident, their voices and dance moves ready to captivate.
The concert kicked off with their hit song, ‘Rise Above,’ and the audience sang along. The girls gave their all, pouring their hearts into their performance. The fans cheered them on, and the energy in the venue was palpable. Sunny's vocals were angelic, while Sue's dance moves were mesmerizing. Jennie and Julie's guitar playing was impeccable, and their voices blended beautifully.
As they approached the end of the show, the girls took a break to address the audience. They thanked them for coming out to see them and wished Ye Ji a happy birthday. The audience erupted in applause as Ye Ji blushed, feeling the love from the fans and her group mates.
Sunny took the lead, speaking in her sweet, melodic voice. “We have a surprise for Ye Ji today. It's her birthday, and we wanted to make it special. We have been rehearsing a song for her, and we hope you all will sing along.”
The crowd cheered as Ye Ji looked on, curious about what was about to happen. The girls gathered around Ye Ji, and with a smile on their faces, they started to sing the birthday song they had been rehearsing secretly. Ye Ji’s eyes welled up with tears as she listened to the beautiful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. The crowd joined in, and the venue was filled with the sound of their voices.
Ye Ji felt overwhelmed with emotion, and she hugged each of the girls, feeling their love and support. “Thank you,” she said. “This was everything to me.”
The girls continued their performance, and the crowd was ecstatic. They sang along to every song, danced to every beat, and cheered at every move. The energy in the room was infectious, and the girls fed off it, giving their best performance yet.
Towards the end of the show, the girls started chanting Ye Ji’s name, and the people joined in, creating a beautiful moment of unity between the performers and the audience. Ye Ji felt like she was on top of the world, basking in the love and admiration of her girls and the fans.
As the show came to an end, the girls took their final bows, waving to the crowd as they exited the stage. They hugged each other tightly, feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Ye Ji couldn't stop thanking her girls for the beautiful gesture and the unforgettable show.
It was a night to remember, and the girls left Bucharest feeling grateful, fulfilled, and closer than ever. The final concert was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for their art, and they knew they had given their fans a night they would never forget.
***
Julie was exhilarated as she landed in Australia, ready to surprise Tony Lee on the set of his latest film. It had barely been days since the girls returned to Seoul from Bucharest. Julie, after two days, had packed up, heading for Australia. She missed Tony that much.
At the airport, she boarded a cab that conveyed her to her hotel. She made a few calls to determine the distance between herself and Tony's movie set. It would take half a day of a bus trip to get there. It became a countdown for her until the next day.
Morning came, and she was on her way. She was thrilled to be in the region, a place she had always dreamed of visiting. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the landscape was breathtaking.
As they drove to the filming location, Julie couldn't help but marvel at the stunning scenery around her. The forests were lush and green, the mountains majestic in the distance. She rolled down the window to take in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature.
When she arrived at the set, she was greeted by the director, who immediately recognized her and welcomed her. The cast members recognized her as well. It's not every day a singing sensation shows up at a movie set. Julie was excited to meet them all. She would be more excited to see Tony. The thought of seeing him and surprising him a long way from home made her smile uncontrollably, like a little girl.
As she walked onto the set, she was awed by the scale of the production. The set was massive, with towering trees and intricate props. The cast and crew were buzzing with energy, moving around with purpose and urgency.
She looked around but couldn't spot Tony anywhere. She asked one of the production assistants, who pointed her in the direction of his trailer.
She was led there by one of the crew members. As she made her way to the trailer, she inspected the area with a detailed eye. It was shabby, but it was what they could make do with the area, she thought. She knocked on the door. The door opened, with Tony standing, his face as though he had seen a ghost. Looking at her, a mixture of confusion and delight enveloped him.
“Julie, what are you doing here?” he asked, pulling her in for a hug. She, in turn, kissed him.
“I wanted to surprise you,” she said, grinning from ear to ear. “And maybe even catch a glimpse of you in action.”
Tony laughed and invited her into his trailer. The inside was surprisingly spacious, with a comfortable seating area and a small kitchen.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Tony asked, opening the fridge.
Julie nodded, and Tony handed her a cold bottle of water. They sat down on the couch, drank, looked at each other, and drank.
Julie moved from her position and sat atop Tony's lap. They started to have a little chat on recent happenings in their lives.
As they went on, they could hear the director calling for Tony on the set. Tony sighed and stood up.
“I have to go back to work,” he said, giving Julie a quick hug. “But we should catch up later. Maybe we can go out and explore the area.”
Julie smiled and watched as Tony left the trailer. She looked around at the pictures and props on the walls, and her eyes fell on a recipe book that was lying on the kitchen counter. She picked it up, intrigued. The book was filled with traditional Australian recipes, and she began to flip through the pages. She came across a recipe for a dish called “Kangaroo steak with beetroot and macadamia nut salad.” Julie had never tasted kangaroo meat before, but she was intrigued. She decided to give the recipe a shot and headed to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients.
She spent the rest of the day in the kitchen, cooking up a storm. The aroma of the herbs and spices filled the air, and she couldn't wait to share with Tony. As the sun began to set, Tony returned to the trailer, exhausted but happy. He was happy to come back to her. Julie had just finished the meal, and she beckoned him over to the table.
“I hope you're hungry," she said, grinning.
Tony looked at the meal in front of him, and his eyes widened. He had never tasted kangaroo meat before, but he was excited to try it. They dug into the meal, and Tony was blown away by the flavors and textures. The steak was perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, and the salad was a burst of freshness.
“This is amazing,” he said, taking another bite. “You're a natural in the kitchen, Julie.”
She expressed her desire to accompany him the next day to the set just to see him in action. “I would love that,” he said. “I just hope I don't act funny as you'll be watching me.”
***
Weeks had waltzed by since Julie's trip to Australia. She was back and had joined up with the girls for the making of their fifth studio album. It was common to produce music constantly at this pace, due to the saturation in the music industry. One had to consistently produce music to stay relevant in the music sphere.
The routine was the same. Recording sessions became the norm of the period. Sometimes this spilled into the night as they tried to find the perfect balance between sound and rhythm. This very repetitive process was almost numbing, but the girls had grown accustomed to it. It was the sacrifice required to get to the summit in the music business.
After each session, each girl always had a thing or two to help them relax. It helped them to disconnect from music.
Jennie was lounging in the park, admiring the way the sun rays peeked through the trees, creating a warm atmosphere. It was a peaceful afternoon, and she had no scheduled activities. And, of course, she was disguised, wearing her oversized dark sunglasses. She was caught off guard when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Mark.
“Hey, Jennie, how are you doing?” Mark asked.
“I'm doing well. What's up?” Jennie responded.
“I've been thinking. I want to take you out on a date.”
Jennie smiled. “I'd love that,” she said.
“There's a catch. I want you to come in disguise,” Mark said.
Jennie was intrigued. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that I want us to be incognito, so we can experience a date like normal people without worrying about paparazzis or fans,” Mark explained.
Jennie thought about it for a second and nodded. “Sure, sounds like fun. Where do you want to meet?”
“Let's meet at Gangnam Art Museum at 3 pm. I'll be waiting for you,” Mark replied.
Jennie agreed, and they hung up the phone. She spent the next hour figuring out what to wear and how to disguise herself. She decided to go for a wig, sunglasses, and a hat. She looked at herself in the mirror and grinned. She was excited about the date.
When she arrived at the art museum, she saw Mark standing outside, dressed in casual attire. He was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, which made him look different from his usual self. Jennie approached him, and he greeted her with a warm smile.
“Hey, you look great,” Mark said, admiring her outfit. He then hugged her.
Jennie blushed, feeling flattered. “Thanks, you look good too.”
They entered the museum, and Mark showed her around. They looked at paintings and sculptures, discussing their interpretations of the art. Jennie was impressed by Mark's knowledge of art, and they had a great time exploring the museum together.
After they finished at the museum, they went to a nearby cafe for some coffee. They sat outside, enjoying the warm breeze and chatting about their interests and passions. Jennie was surprised at how much they had in common, and she felt like she was getting to know Mark on a deeper level.
As they finished their coffee, Mark suggested they take a walk around the park. Jennie agreed, and they strolled along the tree-lined paths. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over everything.
“This has been such a lovely date,” Jennie said, smiling at Mark.
“I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time too,” Mark replied, returning her smile.
Jennie was struck by how handsome Mark looked in the golden light. She felt a flutter in her stomach, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. She didn't know if it was the disguise or the fact that they were experiencing a date like normal people, but something about the situation made her feel giddy.
As they walked, they came across a small pond with a bridge over it. Mark stopped and looked at Jennie.
“Can I be honest with you, Jennie?” he asked.
“Of course,” she replied, feeling nervous.
“I think you're incredibly beautiful, and I've been attracted to you since I saw you at the mall,” Mark said, looking into her eyes.
“That reminds me, how did you know who I was then, even with the disguise?” Jennie asked.
“I just did. You'd worn those sunglasses before in one of your group pictures. I couldn't mistake the shape of your face for another,” Mark explained.
“Wow,” Jennie gasped.
“I pretended not to know who you were so as to create a normal conversation like I know you'd appreciate,” he said.
Her eyes lit up.
“I've been thinking about you ever since that day,” Mark said. “I really like you, Jennie.”
Jennie's heart skipped a beat. She felt a blush creeping up her neck, and she looked away.
“I feel the same way, Mark,” she admitted, finally meeting his gaze again.
Mark smiled and took her hand. They walked across the bridge and sat down on a bench, still holding hands. They sat in silence for a moment, taking in the scenery and enjoying each other's company.
Then Mark leaned in and kissed her.
***
Sue had just hung up a call as she was late for a meeting. She had been delving into business conferences of late. She had always a keen spirit for this business. In her own words, she was more beyond her dancing skills, referring to her strong business sense. Her entrepreneurial spirit was admired by Julie. This had recently caught the eye of Alex, a young CEO of a technology company called M-Digital Korea.
They had chanced on themselves in a meeting at a business conference in Seoul where Alex was a speaker. Sue was seated, reflecting on her experiences in the music industry and her ideas for the future, while Alex was discussing the impact of technology on the music industry at the conference.
As Alex stepped off the stage, he noticed Sue sitting in the audience, intently listening to his presentation. He could sense from her body language that she was impressed. After the conference, they both attended the follow-up networking event where they found themselves standing next to each other. Sue introduced herself and praised Alex's presentation. She was impressed with Alex, noticing his youthful energy and enthusiasm for technology and business. The feeling was mutual as he told her of his admiration for her music and dancing skill set.
They exchanged business cards and agreed to meet for coffee the following week to discuss further. As they parted ways, Sue couldn't help but feel excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.
***
That evening, Jennie and Mark were on a date at a local park. She was reading a sad story of a father that sexually abused his 14-year-old daughter and how he was arrested by the police. Mark stole in from behind. He came back from getting ice cream and snacks.
“Hey there,” he started. “What do you have here?”
He was referring to what she was reading. She told him what it was and tried to brush it aside.
His face then turned pale. He looked concerned. Something happened that triggered Mark's painful memories from his childhood. He didn't want to talk about it, so he tried to brush it off and act like everything was okay. Jennie could tell that something was bothering him, but she didn't want to push him to talk about it if he wasn't ready.
At night, Jennie could not shake off the feeling that something was wrong. She noticed that Mark acted differently when he found out what she was reading. He seemed a bit distant and distracted, as though something was bothering him.
She picked up her phone and called him.
“Hey Mark, I want to talk about today.”
“Ok, sure,” Mark said.
“Are you okay?” she asked. “Is everything okay with you?”
“Yes, of course. Why do you ask?” Mark said.
“You seemed to be cut off at some point,” Jennie pointed. “And it seems to have to do with what I was reading.”
Mark was silent for a while.
“Don't you worry about it, Jennie; it's nothing really,” he said.
“I am worried, Mark; you can tell me. I want you to.”
Mark saw that the only way out of this was through it. He opened up to her.
He had been molested as a child by an abusive alcoholic father. Mark's mother had died when he was younger and his father raised him by himself, never remarrying. The pattern of abuse started when he was 8, he had begun to gain weight, and his father mocked him for it. It started with indecent touches. It then escalated into more. One night his father came into his room drunk and raped him. He was broken.
Two days later, it happened again! This time, his father wasn't drunk.
It was a terrible period for Mark. He had serious nightmares where his father constantly came up to sexually abuse him. He confided in a neighbor who in turn reported to the police. His father went to prison after being charged with sexual abuse of a minor.
Mark moved into his maternal grandmother's home. She took care of him till he turned 15. She then died of cancer. Three years later he came to Korea to study through a scholarship program. That was nine years ago. He has been here ever since.
He took on his job of teaching kids because he always had a soft spot for young people. He wanted to help them. He knew what it was like to be helpless
Jennie had been sobbing quietly all through the story. Never had she felt the pain of another the way she felt this time.
“I am sorry, Mark,” she started fighting back her tears. “You didn't deserve to go through this.”
“No one does.” Mark corrected, his voice taking a softer tone
He had always tried to bury those memories deep down inside him, but they had always been there, lurking in the shadows.
I still see his face in my dreams sometimes. “He mocks me still, mimics me crying for help, curses at me.”
Mark fought back his tears. “I'm sorry you had to hear all of this.”
“I'm here for you. I want to be here for you,” Jennie said. “It is uphill from here for us.”
Jennie comforted him, telling him that he was not alone and that she would always be there for him. She encouraged him to seek professional help, promising to be by his side every step of the way.
***
Over the next few weeks, he had started therapy. Slowly, he began to heal from his painful past. He was still affected by it, but he had Jennie by his side to help him through it. He knew that he could always count on her, and he was grateful for the love and support that she had given him.
These words and deeds of love and support from Jennie further strengthened their relationship. And she turned out to be right. It was only uphill from there.
A few months later, Pink Generation released its fifth studio album, W.A.G.D. (Was A Good Dream). A beautiful piece of work, the music dabbled in various memories of touring around the world and the adventures they encountered. One song was even dedicated to Ye Ji. It was met with mixed critical reviews, but overall, it did well in ratings.
This helped solidify their place at the top of the Female K-pop band. Nothing was ever the same. They were in their prime of life.
The only ones that could hinder Pink Generation were Pink Generation.