by J. S. Lee
Despite the low numbers outside, more people had turned up, but it was still only half-full at best. I couldn’t help but keep my fingers crossed that the people who had turned up were the decent fans, and this wasn’t going to be a repeat of Shanghai.
My prayers paid off.
The lights dimmed, the fans started screaming, and music blasted out as Onyx started their first couple of songs.
I was proud of them. With everything that had been going on, they could have gone to pieces, or they could have given a half-assed performance. They did nothing like that, instead performing fully committed. In return, the fans seemed to scream and cheer like every seat was taken.
I had to give these Black Gems credit. They were providing their group with the support they deserved.
I hadn’t realized how much it had meant to Onyx until the end of the show. Just before their very last song, they gathered together to say their final thanks to the audience. At full strength, they lined up in order: Xiao, Youngbin, Jiwon, JongB, MinMin, and CX.
“Before we say goodbye, I just want to say thank you so much for coming tonight,” Youngbin said. “I know we’ve let you down-” His voice started to crack. He cleared his throat. “I know we’ve let you down over the last few days, and I am so, very, sorry about that. I have…” Youngbin lowered his mic, turning around. He was crying – no, he was sobbing.
Jiwon and MinMin broke ranks, hurrying over to him and wrapping their arms around him. I could see them both saying something to him, but their words were lost over the crowd. They were cheering: not at Youngbin being upset, but through showing their support.
“The fault lies with me,” CX said, clearly, his voice only just carrying over the loud audience.
My attention shifted from Youngbin to CX, as did everybody else’s. Even the audience went quiet. Youngbin quickly wiped at his face. “CX, it’s OK,” he told him, but his expression was telling CX it wasn’t, that he needed to be quiet. Judging from the fact I could see Sungmin at the edge of the stage, just hidden from view from most of the audience, waving his arms at CX, I was willing to bet the instruction had been to keep quiet.
“It’s not, hyung,” CX responded, ignoring them both. He turned slightly so he was addressing both the audience and the group. “The message that Onyx always tries to promote in the way we act and through our songs, is to listen to your heart, to trust yourself, and to tell the truth. This is our “Our Truth” tour, and if I don’t speak my truth, that makes me a hypocrite. I was given a chance and allowed to join Onyx, which is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had. I have practiced at every available hour to be at the same standard of my hyungs, but I am still lacking. I wanted to show my best side, but I failed. I let you down, and I let our Black Gems down, so, first of all, I must sincerely apologize for that.”
“You’re not lacking,” I muttered, unheard.
“I must also apologize for the words I used when speaking about Youngbin. They were spoken by me, but they were taken out of context. As I have said, I am lacking, and that was evident by the show in Shanghai. When I was in the airport, I was ready to go home. I thought Onyx deserved better than me, and sometimes I still do.”
I could see a single tear start to fall down his cheek, and at that moment, Xiao and JongB were either side of him, supporting him. Unlike Youngbin, CX brushed the tear away but continued speaking.
“But Onyx, my hyungs, don’t think that. That’s why I’m still here. Youngbin-hyung was only trying to help me achieve my best for you, and I am nothing but grateful for that,” he said, looking at Youngbin as he said so. He turned back to the audience and took a deep breath. “Bohyun-hyung and I were at Atlantis together, but I never got much of an opportunity to speak to him, and I can’t speak for him. But I can speak for me, and I can speak for Onyx. I joined after two years, and when Onyx could have been resentful about that, they were the opposite. They were welcoming. They took the time to teach me. They look after me.”
The room erupted into a massive explosion of cheers and applause.
CX held his hand up, and the room fell silent. “I think most groups say this, but Onyx have the best fans. Despite everything, you all came here tonight to show your love and support, so along with my sincere apologies, I also want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.” At that, he bowed. “I also want to promise you,” he continued when he was upright, “I will do my best to improve where I am lacking. I will do better next time, and I won’t let you down again. Any of you.” At that, he dropped to his knees with a bow.
I watched, stunned. I was struggling not to cry myself when, one by one, the rest of Onyx joined CX on the floor, bowing to the audience.
For a venue only half full, I had never heard the audience cheer, scream, and clap as loudly as those fans did. The battle I’d been having with my tear ducts was lost. I gave up and let the tears stream down my face.
I hadn’t stopped taking photographs, and I wasn’t stopping, but now I wasn’t sure how well they’d turn out considering the view through my lens was nothing but a wet blurry mess.
It took a long time for that applause to die down, even when Onyx returned to their feet and ended up in a long group hug. The show ran over, but no one was rushing them from the stage. They finished off their thank yous, albeit a little teary, and were still allowed to perform their encore number.
I wasn’t sure what good that speech would have done for their fans in the grand scheme of things, but I was sure that it would have helped Onyx out. I just hoped CX wouldn’t get into too much trouble: Sungmin seemed livid.
Because we had run over, there wasn’t as much time after the show. Sungmin was keen to get to the hotel. We had an early check out for an early flight back to Seoul. This one was a long one, and it wasn’t direct either. Returning to Seoul had always been part of the plan. There weren’t direct flights to Vancouver, the first leg of the American tour, and it allowed for the team to pick up fresh stage outfits.
I was probably going to take advantage of giving Holly that geography lesson too.
The concert had taken more out of us all than I think anyone realized. I was ready for my bed. Photo edits could wait for that long flight. I ordered room service and grabbed a quick shower while I waited.
The knock on the door was perfectly timed to me having changed into my nightwear. I pulled on one of the hotel robes and hurried to answer the door. I was looking forward to the late-night dinner.
Needless to say, I was more than surprised to find Youngbin at the door. “May I come in?” he asked.
I stepped back, unable to keep the frown from my face. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting company,” I said, indicating to the robe.
Youngbin’s attention was focused on my face and not my clothes. “Kate, did you say something to CX tonight?”
My eyes went wide. “Please don’t be mad at CX,” I told him, hurriedly. I didn’t want him to get in trouble. “I am not the best person to ask for advice. I know this, but it doesn’t mean I can keep my mouth shut.”
“Thank you,” he said, softly.
“Thank you?” I repeated, uncertainly. “Isn’t Sungmin pissed off?”
Youngbin gave me a nonchalant shrug. “I think pissed off is an understatement.”
“Fuck,” I muttered. Why didn’t I say something to Sungmin instead of going straight back to my room?
“It’s OK,” Youngbin stepped forward, resting both of his hands on my shoulders. He looked slightly uncomfortable, but he didn’t drop his hands. “I haven’t checked Twitter yet, so I don’t know how the fans felt about it, but I do know how I feel about it.” He stared at me, unblinking. “Yesterday, I felt like shit. I felt worse than that. Today, I feel like CX’s words have healed my heart some. I also know you’re a part of that.”
I shook my head. If CX wasn’t in trouble with Youngbin… “I told him he should do what you and Sungmin told him to, so those words all came from him. Nothing to do with me.”
Youngbin sm
iled. “Were you covering for him again?”
“I…” I stopped, then shrugged. “It looks like it.” Realizing he was still holding on to my shoulder, I started to step back, but his grip tightened. It wasn’t hurting me, but it was enough for me to stop.
“I think I had the wrong impression of you.” Youngbin leaned in ready to kiss me. I was startled, but I managed to step back at the last moment, leaving Youngbin to make a somewhat embarrassing failed pass at me. “I didn’t… I thought…” he shook his head, mortified. “I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s not that,” I said. “It’s just I’m kind of…”
“You have a boyfriend?” he supplied.
“Kind of?” I raised a shoulder at him. “It’s complicated.”
“I’m sorry,” Youngbin apologized again, running a hand through his hair. “We can pretend this never happened.” He frowned. “The kiss… the thank you happened, but the kiss didn’t. That one’s on me, too.”
There was a knock at the door and Youngbin moved past me to open it. This time it was room service. We both stepped out of the way for it to be brought in, then Youngbin turned back to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Kate.”
He left, followed closely by the hotel employee.
What. The. Fuck?
I felt like a dick, but at the same time, it wasn’t something I wanted to have to explain to the others. I sat down at the table and looked at my food. Suddenly, I wasn’t so hungry anymore.
After lying awake most of the night, contemplating over what the right thing to do was, I decided I needed to tell Xiao, JongB and Jiwon. Of course, they were close with Youngbin, so it was possible he had said something anyway, but I didn’t want to give them any reason not to trust me, even if nothing had happened.
I wasn’t sure when that was going to be though. Getting them all together, alone, now, was going to be impossible. I didn’t have an opportunity as we checked out, nor in the minibus. The airport was also too full of people who could overhear the conversation.
It was also full of fans.
Everything was forgotten when I saw them. They lined the airport, all holding banners up. But this time? They were almost all positive, loving messages. I was surprised at how happy and relieved that made me. I could see how much it meant to Onyx.
As we waited to go through security, I checked my phone. I’d never looked after the concert: Youngbin had been too much of a distraction. Sure, there were still a lot of fans who still thought Onyx had done the dirty on Bohyun, and there were some who believed CX had been forced to say what he had – especially the Chinese fans where Bohyun seemed to be most popular.
But the rest of the world, including Korea, seemed to be more forgiving. They’d heard the sincerity in CX’s words.
We shuffled through security and settled down at the gate, waiting for it to open. I sat to the side, watching Onyx. Their moods had improved so much. They were on their phones now too, so I knew they could tell things had changed.
I was glad. I thought Atlantis still owed the fans an explanation about Bohyun, but it meant we could move onto Canada and America on a positive note. My attention drifted back to Onyx. I had no idea how, but they’d managed to capture a part of my heart.
I was taking Holly out for thank you drinks.
To be continued…
… Onyx’s story is not over yet! They’ve still got the American and European legs of their World Tour to come. Be sure to join them!
If you have enjoyed the story so far, please considering leaving a review where you bought this book. Reviews really do help authors out, and I (like Onyx) would be exceptionally grateful for your comments.
Sign up to Ji Soo’s newsletter to receive release alerts and keep tabs on the other groups at Atlantis Entertainment. CX is finding his place with Onyx, but read the Zodiac series to find out what happened to the other members of Bright Boys!
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CHAPTER TITLES
The chapters in this book are all named after song titles.
All Eyes On Me by Hoya
Snapshot by In2it
Body Language by San E ft Bumkey
Stuck by Monsta X
Sorry by The Rose
Bounce, by JJ Project
Love Is by Teen Top
Steal Your Heart by Unit Black (Boys24 Project)
Love Me Right by EXO
Tension Up by Imfact
Rain by KNK
Wake Me Up by B.A.P
Shock by Beast
M.I.A. by Stray Kids
Let Me by Golden Child
Give It To Me by VAV
Between Night n Music by B.I.G
Watch Out by Z:EA
Let’s Talk About Love by Seungri, ft G-Dragon and Taeyang
Truth by TVXQ!
YouTube Playlist
CHARACTER BIOGRAPHIES
Name: Onyx (온익스)
Fandom: Black Gems
Colors: Black and Silver
Debut: 2016-06-13
Onyx consists of 6 members: Youngbin, Xiao, Jiwon, JongB, MinMin and CX.
The group debuted on June 13th, 2016.
Stage Name: Youngbin (영빈)
Birth Name: Kim Young-bin (김영빈)
Position: Leader, Vocalist
Birthday: September 29th
Age: 27
Zodiac sign: Libra
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 65 kg
Blood Type: A
Youngbin facts:
Born in Seoul, South Korea
Father, mother, younger sister and younger brother
Speaks a little English and Japanese
Gets on best with Jiwon
Has produced several songs for Onyx and H3RO
Can be very strict when stressed, but only because he wants what's best for the group
Regularly named as worst dancer in Onyx
Stage Name: Xiao (샤오)
Birth Name: Peng Xiao (彭晓)
Position: Vocalist
Birthday: November 11th
Age: 28
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Height: 177 cm
Weight: 72 kg
Blood Type: B
Xiao facts:
Born in Shanghai, China
Father, mother, older twin sisters
Speaks Chinese, Korean and English fluently
Cannot cook
Hello Kitty
Works out regularly
Other members vote him as Best Body
Stage Name: Jiwon (지원)
Birth Name: Yoon Jiwon (윤지원)
Position: Main Vocalist, Dancer
Birthday: August 9th
Age: 24
Zodiac sign: Leo
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Blood Type: A
Jiwon facts:
Born in Busan, South Korea
Father, mother, baby sister
Loves spicy food
Gets on best with Youngbin
Understands more English than he will admit to
Fashion terrorist
Dad of the group
Stage Name: Jong B (종비)
Birth Name: Im Jongsub (임종섭)
Position: Rapper
Birthday: April 25th
Age: 23
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 69 kg
Blood Type: O
JongB facts:
Born in Chicago, North America
Father, mother, two older brothers
Appeared on 'Show Me The Money' prior to debut
Favorite food is burgers
Very particular about his pizza
Loudest member - even when he sleeps, he snores
Very affectionate
Moodmaker of the group
Stage Name: MinMin (민민)
Birth Name: Gong Minhyuk (공민혁)
Position: Rapper, Dancer
&nb
sp; Birthday: July 3rd
Age: 23
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 61 kg
Blood Type: B
MinMin facts:
Born in Seoul, South Korea
Father, mother
Quietest member of Onyx
Fluent in Chinese
Speaks some English and Japanese
Gamer (particularly Overwatch)
Onyx's best dancer
Ideal type: I'll know when I find them
Peacemaker of the group
Stage Name: CX (시엑스)
Birth Name: Ren Yongsik (렌용식)
Position: Maknae, Dancer, Vocalist
Birthday: April 1st
Age: 22
Zodiac sign: Aries
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 65 kg
Blood Type: AB
CX facts:
Born in Ilsan, South Korea
Father, mother
Is a former member of Bright Boys.
Replaced Oh Bohyun in Onyx in December
Fluent in Japanese
Learning English
Loves reading (books, not comics)
Very intelligent - would have been a doctor if he wasn't an idol
Big Game of Thrones fan
FORMER MEMBERS
Stage Name: Bohyun (보현)
Birth Name: Zhen Ming (真明)
Korean Name: Oh Bohyun (오보현)
Bohyun facts:
Born in Beijing