Chapter Text
Seulgi liked clubs. She loved the muddy vibrations, the smell of cheap alcohol, the sea of people rubbing against each other. She wouldn’t come to drink, just to disappear into the background for once. It was almost a grounding exercise for her. She would order a club soda and just sit at a deserted corner, studying the various people and their emotions. She would unconsciously make rough sketches of their faces on a small notepad she carried. Sometimes she was a little too focused when drawing. So whenever someone stared a bit too long at her, she would tug down her bucket hat and slip through the back door littered with drunks and druggies.
She continued this habit every month, keeping a list of clubs she’s been to so as to not visit the same one twice. After all, it wouldn’t be a good look for Red Velvet’s main dancer to be noticed at a club downtown. She would arrive earlier to avoid the line, and leave during the busiest time to slip out unnoticed. Tonight, she decided to visit an establishment called “Club Lux”, a highly rated club in Hongdae.
She dressed in her classic comfy clothing, choosing a darker color scheme so as to not stand out any more. As she was about to leave the Red Velvet dorm, Wendy spoke from behind her.
“Where are you headed at this hour, Seulgi?” she asked, furrowing her eyebrows. Before Seulgi could respond, she continued, “You’ve been going off somewhere at night every so often, is there something you would like to share with the class?” She probed.
Seulgi laughed shyly. “No, I’m just going outside for a bit of air. I might stop somewhere along the way so don’t wait for me.” Seulgi casually told the brown haired woman. Wendy gave Seulgi an apprehensive look, but still nodded her head. “Alright, but if you come home later than 12 I’m telling Joohyun-unnie.” She warned. Seulgi chuckled, “It’s not what you think it is Wan. If it makes you feel better you can call me.” The brunette shook her head. “Oh no, I don’t want to interrupt whatever you’re doing that’s so important you have to sneak out at 9 pm for. Have fun~” She teased. Seulgi scoffed and left the apartment. Coming out of the elevator, she immediately put on her disguise, the classic mask and bucket hat.
Meanwhile, Jisoo was sitting in the exact same club Seulgi had mentioned, nursing a shot of Soju. She was on the second floor, overlooking the club. She had missed this, being out in public without a hoard of press following her. According to Blackpink’s schedule, she was supposed to be in Japan shooting a CF for BIORE cosmetics, but the makeup brand canceled last minute due to a conflict in schedule. With her members out on business as well, Jisoo took the opportunity to pay a visit to the club she had been paying for VIP membership since last year. She was about to order more Soju when she noticed a familiar looking head in the sea of people inside the building. The woman was sitting in the corner of the room, seemingly doing nothing but writing something on her notepad. Jisoo’s eyes widened in surprise, not expecting to see a fellow idol here.
This woman was none other than Kang Seulgi, a member of Red Velvet and mutual friend of hers. Jisoo admired her from afar, but never had any real conversation with the woman. For some reason, she always felt nervous around her. Taking a small breath to calm herself, Jisoo made her way downstairs and walked past the crowd to see Seulgi walking away from a stranger who kept following her. Jisoo felt a sudden surge of bravery, and grabbed Seulgi’s hand pretending to be her friend. Jisoo shouted, “Oh there you are Unnie!! I was looking for you everywhere. Let’s get out of here, we've got that thing tomorrow to do right?” she smiled. Seulgi reacted quickly and said, “You’re right…we should get going. Sorry Mr.” She gave the drunk man a brief bow, before allowing herself to be pulled along by Jisoo.
Once they were outside the club, Jisoo held Seulgi’s forearm firmly before cautiously whispering, “What… are you doing here Seulgi-ssi?” For the first time this night, Seulgi’s eyes meet Jisoo’s concerned gaze. No other words were spoken. A pregnant silence took over, both of them scanning each other’s expressions trying to find the courage to speak first. Seulgi’s tongue nervously darted over her lips. “Well… what are you doing here then, Jisoo-ssi?” she asked softly.
“I um….was bored.” Jisoo explained in a barely audible voice. Seulgi stiffly smiled. “Ah.. I see. Do you… want to go someplace else?” Seulgi suggested, somewhat hoping the awkward atmosphere would cease. Jisoo awkwardly interlocked her fingers. “Would that be… okay with you?” Jisoo mumbled. Trying to liven the atmosphere once again, Seulgi energetically responded, “Of course!! I mean- I was the one who suggested it right..” They both chuckled lightly. “Alright, so where to?” Jisoo asked with a delicate smile.
Seulgi grinned brightly. Taking Jisoo’s arm in hers, she called a taxi and told him the location. Jisoo twisted her face, puzzled by her actors but decided not to ask. One awkward car ride later, they stepped out onto a street in Mapo-gu. The building in front of them lit by a powerful neon sign that read, “Real Yaggyu Batting Cage ''. Jisoo looked sideways at Seulgi. She just gave a slight smile in response. Jisoo returned her gaze forward as they stepped into the building.
Jisoo watched as Seulgi missed every ball that came her way. Seulgi would whine after she missed one, inadvertently missing the next one because of Jisoo’s teasing. This loop would continue many times until Jisoo suddenly got tired of it and tried batting. She too, would miss all the balls and get teased by Seulgi. They were laughing so loudly, that if an outsider were to look at them right now, they would’ve never assumed they only spoke to each other for the first time today.
It was now 12:00 am. Seulgi’s sides hurt from laughing so much that she already forgot Wendy’s warning to her. She and Jisoo we’re eating ramen in front of a convenience store, talking about each other’s lives and sympathizing over similar experiences. “I really enjoyed talking with you.” Jisoo breathed. Seulgi returned her sentiment with one of her crinkly eye smiles. “I did too. Maybe we can do this again?” Seulgi asked cautiously. Jisoo removed her gaze from the moon, turning her head towards Seulgi. “I would love that.” she whispered.