she can’t help but take note of his expression as she speaks― eyes on her, the absentminded slight nods everyone was guilty of when paying close attention to someone’s words― and that, oddly enough, is what brings the situation into sharp focus. her companion wasn’t just letting her talk to appease her, he was actually listening.
it almost took her aback, the revelation that her opinion held weight here. oftentimes, she forgot just who she was… or rather, what her image, what her status was, that despite their lack of activity, her group remained one of the highest-selling of female groups in korea― not that she checked, or anything. though it wouldn’t be well known to anyone else, she was quite used to her thoughts falling by the wayside. the youngest, just a little fourteen year old kid at debut, ‘babyjung’ had stuck, and as a grown woman, it was apparent within her company that the maknae was still taken to be just a child, forever the youngest. oh, soojungie, adults are talking. it’s lovely that you want to help but you just don’t have the brains, child.
how tables have turned, hm?
the thought brings a smile to her face in tandem with his, offering a playful shrug. “how should i know? maybe you would love to mess with a sunbae, i’ve met plenty of people like that,” she laughs. “but i wouldn’t mind if you did. it’s different where i’m from, you know. california― well, in the states― years of experience isn’t synonymous with how much respect you draw. even after years of living here i’m still getting used to the whole, ‘more time doing the same work makes one of us wiser,’ and the lot. just―” she waves her hand with a good-natured smile. “what i’m saying is that i think of us as total equals, here. you’re welcome to mess with me.”
listening to his careful logic, she had to agree… too much work could not be done, not without exclusive permission. it would certainly land them both in hot water, and the last thing krys wanted to do was be the reason an artist she respected so greatly got into trouble. “i hear you. good… but not so good that we draw questions.” something about this felt so absolutely illegal― probably because it was― but almost in the sense of some wild ocean’s eleven kind of heist, or a mission to replace a valuable painting with an exact replica, leaving security none the wiser.
“i know i have the time,” she says hurriedly, almost too excited. “i have filming for just a few hours early in the morning, and that’s it i think… my next etude event isn’t for a few weeks, i moved that other shoot, so… yeah, i’m free. my schedule’s getting too bare, without any promotions.”
it’s his compliment that ultimately almost takes the smile off her face, if only because it takes her by surprise. “someone like me?” krys regrets her incredulous tone the second it escapes her, but she recovers quickly. “what i mean to say is, thank you. that’s… really kind of you. it’s kind of nice to know i’m worth getting excited about.” that brings out her laugh in earnest, covering her mouth with one hand out of habit. “i’m excited too, for sure. i love bts― i mean, i’m a big fan. and i’ve always thought that your work in particular stood out, and so i’ve admired you very much if i’m being honest.” oh my god krys, shut up.
“well here’s another exciting turn to add to the list. i might have to do some serious ninja shit to get here, but i’ll manage. i got as many days as it takes to fix this mess. and i’ll be forever in your debt. so as soon as you want to start, i’m down to make this mission officially a go.”