Life Of A Kpop Idol || The Journey Begins 35

February 25, 2018

” Okay good work both of you” The director and staff applauded as Seo-joon and Moonbyul were filming for the music video of his comeback

” Take a break and we’ll prepare for the next set” Both the idols nodded as they sat on the open tables feeling exhausted from the shooting

” I never knew this was tiring for you Seo-joonah” Moonbyul commented feeling the weight of being solo

” Without any members, all shots taken are surrounded by me so I have to shoot for hours but it usually takes two or three days” They were both gulping down on water as Shi Jin approached them

” Seo-joonah someone’s calling on your phone” Seo-joon grabbed it and saw that it was Jonghyun calling 

” Ne hyung?” 

” Seo-joonah are you free today?” 

” Sorry hyung I’m in the middle of filming the music video for my next comeback” 

” Ohoh I’m expecting an album when it releases” Seo-joon couldn’t help but chuckle 

” Ne hyung but why did you ask if I’m free?” 

” Just wanted to grab something to eat with you and catch up. Are you free for dinner later after your shoot?” 

” Sure hyung I’ll text when my shoot is finished” 

” Arrasseo good luck with the new come back” After that he ended the call as Seo-joon looked to Moonbyul

” Sorry noona looks like we can’t have dinner later together” Moonbyul shook her head

 ” That’s fine. Seulgi and Yesol were sleeping in my place after this so it’s all good. Who was that on the phone just now?” 

” Jonghyun hyung. He wanted to catch up with some things” Moonbyul nodded her head as the director called for them with the new set already in place

” Let’s go finish this up so you can get home early” Seo-joon nodded his head as they proceed to head to the director giving instructions to both of them

After a few more hours of filming, the shooting was done for day 1 and all that’s left was for tomorrow’s shoot

” Good job everyone” Seo-joon and Moonbyul thanked the staff for their hard work as they clean up the set and they change into comfortable clothes

” You want a lift noona? I’m heading home first to shower before I head out” 

” Sure Seo-joon” The two of them made their way to Seo-joon’s car as they drive off home

” Unnie oppa” Both of them arrived in front of their building at the same time as Seulgi and Yesol arrived with Yesol running over to the car

” Hey Yesolah good to see you” Seo-joon hugged her first with Moonbyul being the second

” I’ll wait for you at the usual parking spot Seo-joon” 

” You’re not joining us for dinner oppa?” Seulgi asked as Yesol frowned hearing he was not joining them

” Sorry maybe next time you two” Now Yesol was pouting in front of him

” Please oppa” Seo-joon was fighting hard not to give in to her pleading eyes as he got an idea

” Since both of you are staying at noona’s house why don’t I grab some ice cream on my way back and we can watch a movie” Seo-joon’s idea made Yesol’s expression change as a wide grin was shown on her face

” Nope you still have school tomorrow” Yesol went back to pouty mode hearing her older sister

” Actually unnie we don’t have classes tomorrow. Something about a break after exams they said” Yesol now remembered why she insisted on staying at Moonbyul’s house

” Yeah unnie. Mom and dad won’t let me stay at your place if I have school tomorrow” She brought her tongue out as Moonbyul sighed as she agreed by nodding

” Yes! Ice cream from oppa” Yesol started jumping around with Seulgi trying to calm her down

” You know we still have to shoot for your music video tomorrow right?” Moonbyul whispered

” It doesn’t start till the afternoon plus we would have dinner with the staff after shooting. It’s tradition whenever I shoot for a music video” Moonbyul sighed knowing she didn’t have the power to change his mind as they head inside their building

” Thanks for the ride hyung. I’ll text you when I’m heading home” 

” Sure be safe” Seo-joon headed inside the restaurant where Jonghyun texted to meet him. As he entered the restaurant, he was finding where Jonghyun would be sitting and his intuition knew where he would usually sit as a figure was sitting at the table at the corner away from the door

” Sorry I’m late hyung” Jonghyun smiled knowing he would be found easily when it comes to Seo-joon

” No worries, I haven’t ordered yet” Seo-joon takes the seat across Jonghyun as he browses to the menu. After placing their orders they finally talk with one another

” What’s with the sudden occasion hyung?” 

” What? Can’t I take you on a date sometimes?” Seo-joon looked surprised hearing him use the word date

” You make it sound weird hyung” Jonghyun chuckled taking a sip from his water

” But I’m surprised you have time for this hyung. You look tired are you doing alright?” Jonghyun almost choked on his water surprised Seo-joon was observant for once

” That’s surprising coming from you” He chuckled putting the glass of water back down

” I’m actually having a comeback and the lyrics are getting harder to write” Seo-joon just nods believing in what he says

” Well as long as you get enough rest hyung. Don’t overwork yourself. Your songs are one of the best” 

” Not the best?” 

” Nope I’m going to be the best” Jonghyun couldn’t help but chuckle at his bold statement

 ” Bold of you to say that. Do you have what it takes to be the top Seo-joon?” 

” Ho ho you underestimate me hyung. With you being my teacher vocally I know I’m going to be the best” Jonghyun smiled seeing Seo-joon’s enthusiastic self as the food finally arrives and he digs in without a second thought

” Slow down you’re going to choke yourself” Jonghyun said as he starts to eat his food also and they begin to eat while talking with each other. Jonghyun tries to get Seo-joon to spill his new comeback but he was a hard nut to crack as Seo-joon 

The two continued talking in the night until it was getting late for both of them and Jonghyun gave Seo-joon a ride hom but not before heading to a convenience store and buying ice cream

” You still hungry after all you ate?” Seo-joon shook his head

” It’s not for me but for my cousin. I promised her to buy ice cream when I head home” 

” You’re staying with your cousins?” 

” Nope they’re staying at Byul noona’s apartment for today so I’m staying there as well” The car ride was quiet after that but reaching a red stop, Jonghyun strike up a conversation between them

” Hey Seo-joon” Seo-joon responded with a hum

” What would you do if you lost someone close to you?” 

” That’s a strange question hyung. What are you thinking of?” 

” Just asking. It’s better than driving in silence. Now come on what’s your answer?” Seo-joon sighs as he thinks of an answer to the question

” I would try to live on with life hyung” 

” That’s a strange answer” Jonghyun chuckled making Seo-joon feel embarrassed with his answer

” You told me to answer!” Jonghyun couldn’t help but chuckled seeing Seo-joon flustered

” I know I know. Why do you say you would move on with life?” 

” Well death comes to everyone. No one lives forever and it’s a matter of how you live your life that makes you be remembered by people. As hard as it is to accept someone’s death, we have to keep moving on and continue their legacy right?” Jonghyun smiled hearing his answer as if a weight on his shoulders was taken off

” I wish everyone would think like you Seo-joon” He murmured quietly but Seo-joon caught on with his murmurs

” What did you say hyung?” 

” I said you were mature for your age” 

” Yah I’m 22. I’m not a kid” 

” You are to me” Jonghyun ruffled his hair earning a glare from Seo-joon as they laughed it off and played some music until they reached Seo-joon’s apartment building

” Thanks for the ride hyung see you next time?” Jonghyun felt a sudden sting to his heart hearing him say those last words as if guilt suddenly built up in his heart

” Sure Seo-joon see you. I’ll be waiting for that album at my doorstep okay?” Seo-joon chuckled waving goodbye to him as he speeds off into the dark streets and him heading inside to Moonbyul’s apartment

March 3, 2018

Seo-joon was given the day off since everything for his comeback was already finished and was now waiting for the release of his music video. He decided to head to SM Entertainment to give an album to Jonghyun as promised

” Ohh Seo-joonah I’m surprised you’re here” He was greeted my Minho and Onew who were on their way out 

” Annyeonghaseyo hyungs where are you headed?” 

” We were headed to Jonghyun’s place. He hasn’t been at the building for the past days” Onew informed

” Is that strange?” Both of them shook their heads

” He usually stays in his home to write songs but he hasn’t replied to most of our texts and calls. When was the last time you saw him?” Minho asked

” Last Monday. We went out for dinner and he looked a little tired from what I saw” The Shinee members looked at each other all worried

” Well it’s better to check up on him to make sure he’s staying healthy” 

” Where are you headed?” 

” I was going to visit Jonghyun and give him my album as promised. I don’t know where he lives and I thought he would be at your company so I figured I’d drop here” 

” Would you like to go with us?” Seo-joon nodded his head as they made their way to Onew’s car

” Why don’t we buy some chicken in case he hasn’t eaten anything yet” Onew nodded to Minho’s suggestion as they ordered take out to eat at Jonghyun’s place. Arriving at Jonghyun’s place, Onew parked his car and they made their way to Jonghyun’s apartment

” You know the code hyung?” 

” Of course he gave it to me in case he would be stuck in his home” As Onew punched the code and the door opens, they were met with a dark room with no signs of light 

” Seo-joonah turn on the lights” As Seo-joon found the switch turning it on, the dark room wa slit and no signs of life were at the living room nor the kitchen

” I guess he’s at his room. I’ll go get him while you two grab some utensils from the kitchen” Onew suggested as Minho and Seo-joon worked their way to the kitchen grabbing a few plates and preparing the drinks

” Jonghyunah!” The two were alerted to Onew’s screaming as they rushed to his room and they were shocked at the sight they were seeing

” Hyung!” Minho rushed to where Jonghyun’s lifeless body was laid on his bed. Onew tried to resuscitate him pumping his chest while Minho was trying to shake him to wake up. Meanwhile Seo-joon stayed at the same spot too shocked to move seeing his friend and teacher there lying on the bed 

” Seo-joonah call an ambulance. Hurry!” Onew’s shouting snapped him out of his trance as he quickly dials an ambulance. Paramedics arrived to the scene as they made their way inside Jonghyun’s home and assess the situation 

” I’m sorry sir but he’s gone” After hearing the news, the two members cried on the spot with Onew banging on the wall while Minho couldn’t stand as he collapse on the floor sitting down leaning on the sofa while Seo-joon leaned on the wall looking down taking it all in not wanting to accept the situation

” Hyungs!” Key and Taemin come inside as they were rushing to get here hearing the sudden news. Watching their other members cry they knew it was true as they went to see Jonghyun’s body being placed on the stretcher and covered with a white cloth

” Hyung” Taemin cried out placing his head on Key’s shoulder who was also crying and trying to support him and Taemin. That was the day it all turned gloomy for the rest of the idols as well as KPOP fans losing one of the best vocalists and songwriters the industry has produced

March 4, 2018

News started to spread the death of Jonghyun as multiple fans and idols alike are mourning for the sudden loss and are praying to his family. Seo-joon was the same after heading home yesterday, he has not been the same and was only laying on his bed not even using his phone

” Yah Seo-joonah get up already. It’s past noon now” Shi Jin said entering his room and uncovering the curtains of his windows to let the sun light shine on his room. He sighed as Seo-joon hasn’t even moved once from his bed

” Come on now you have to eat something” He removed the bed sheets to see Seo-joon was still wearing what he wore yesterday

” Why do people kill themselves hyung?” Shi Jin was worried about his state as it was a first for him to see Seo-joon in a gloomy mood

” I don’t know Seo-joon. People’s minds are mysterious” 

” Is killing the only solution when you’re depressed?” Shi Jin kept quiet remembering the letter Jonghyun left yesterday beside his bed. When he arrived, Onew read the letter and relayed it to the people inside his home as it pained their hearts to learn about his depression

” That I cannot answer on my own Seo-joon but I know this” Seo-joon sat up from his bed looking at Shi Jin

” Suicide is never the answer to all our problems” Seo-joon smiled as if a small weight on his heart was removed

” Thanks hyung. Sorry about worrying all night” Shi Jin smiled at least Seo-joon was smiling now

” Don’t worry about it. Jonghyun was someone I was close with. Now go and get a shower you smell” Seo-joon threw a pillow at Shi Jin before getting off the bed and heading to the bathroom 

” Here I made breakfast for you” Seo-joon could smell bacon, eggs, and pancakes as his sparkled and sat on the table with a big plate of food in front of him

” Slow down or you might choke” Shi Jin warned him as he also sat across from him taking a sip from his coffee and adjusting Seo-joon’s schedule

” How is Ji-eun noona doing?” Shi Jin sighed placing down his phone on the table

” She’s not doing well right now but she’s managing. She was more worried about you on how you were doing” Seo-joon frowned hearing IU was worried for him as he finished up eating 

” Where is she right now?” 

” I think she’s at the company right now” Seo-joon finished his food placing the plate on the sink as Shi Jin was confused with his actions

” Where are you going?” 

” To the company and then to Jonghyun’s funeral reception” As Seo-joon sprints to his bedroom changing his clothes

” Come in” Seo-joon opened the door to reveal only Han-teo inside IU’s office

” Ohh Seo-joonah why are you here?” 

” Hyung did Ji-eun noona come by?” He nodded his head

” She was here a few minutes ago but left for Jonghyun’s funeral” Seo-joon nodded his head and before heading out of her office, Hanteo called for him

” Seo-joon wait” He turned back as Han-teo approached him 

” Ji-eun’s not doing well after learning about the news. Could you check if she’s okay” Han-teo was worried for Ji-eun’s state but he knew she wouldn’t open up to him completely and decided to trust Seo-joon

” Of course hyung you can count on me” Han-teo smiled as Seo-joon went out of Ji-eun’s office and headed straight to where the funeral reception was held

As he mad his way inside, he met a few idols who were attending the reception as he greeted them one by one including some of the SNSD members and Exo who were sitting together. He bows in front of Jonghyun’s picture then bows to his family as he makes his way to the tables to find IU sitting alone

” Noona” IU looked to see Seo-joon as a small smile formed on her face

” Hey Seo-joonah you just arrived?” He nodded his head and took the space sitting in front of her. He could tell she was not looking good but was hanging in there as her eyes were all puffy from crying

” How are you doing noona?” 

” Barely hanging in there. How about you? I heard you were holed up in your room”

” I was until Shi Jin hyung pulled my blankets on top of me. It still feels cold even if winter is almost over” He joked making IU giggle which was part of his plan 

” I’m sorry I couldn’t go to your home last night Seo-joonah. I know how hard it was for you to see him like that and I couldn’t help but not believe all the news that was spreading but coming here I’m slowly realizing that he’s truly gone from this world” Seo-joon grabbed one of her hands and held it warmly. She looked up to see him smiling 

” It’s okay noona. I know how harder it was for you to lose your best friend. You can cry right now, there are no cameras or people who would judge you right now” His words were all it took for IU to let the tears flow as she laid her head on the table still holding his hand as she quietly sobbed. Seo-joon tapped her head letting her cry on his hand trying not to cry as well

March 7, 2018

The day of the funeral came as a lot of idols were present including other Korean artists who knew Jonghyun and those who were fans of him and his group. It was one of the saddest and biggest funerals a person could have as almost all who knew him were in mourning for the late Jonghyun

” Are you going to be fine Seo-joon?” Shi Jin asked worried he might breakdown all of a sudden

” I’ll be fine hyung, it’s the day he’ll be buried so I have to see him off” Shi Jin nodded as they made their way inside the building for the memorial service. Some camera men were posted on the elevator going up to the service but he didn’t pay heed to any of them and made his way up with Shi Jin in front 

” There are a lot of people here” Seo-joon commented seeing the wide amount of people in attendance as they tried to find open seats and found them sitting beside RedVelvet members. Both groups greeted each other as they took a seat with Seo-joon sitting beside Wendy

” How are you holding up Seo-joon?” 

” Better than the first day but still it hurts knowing he’s gone” Wendy knew how he felt as Jonghyun was an inspiration for many and a brother to all but mostly Seo-joon was hurt to know his mentor and close friend was gone

” He’s not entirely gone. He would always be watching over us from above” Seo-joon gave her a small smile from her encouraging words but he couldn’t help but curl his hands fighting back the tears he was holding in. Wendy being observant, saw his shaking hands as she opened his palms and interlocked their fingers making him surprised

” Don’t worry no one will see us” Wendy said reassuring him that no cameras would be pointing at them as he was feeling calmer by the second

As Jonghyun’s coffin was being carried to the car, he couldn’t help but see the crying faces of everyone as reality slowly sinks in for everyone that Jonghyun was not anymore with them. He could see Key bursting to tears after placing the coffin in the car, Taeyeon crying trying to muffle her voice, and other members trying to act strong but are slowly letting the tears out as he was doing the same. One thing was for sure, not one person inside the building nor the fans of kpop nor the artists and idols that knew Jonghyun were ever going to forget the day they lost one of Kpop’s best idols