𝔅𝔦𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰 | Reader x Saja Boys

~5~

Your room is now a fresh colour, you've set up a chair in the corner, and filled a wardrobe with clothes. It is now yours, even if it doesn't feel like home.

But you suppose that you'll have to make do with it the best you can. It's not like you have a choice in the matter.

Although... You didn't technically sign a contract with them. Yes, you came to a verbal agreement, but that isn't exactly reliable in the court of law. If you were ever to hypothetically sue them, you might actually win.

Not that you would. At least not at the moment. You feel slightly like a captive still, so it's best not to anger them.

"So, when are we meeting the stylists? Hair and makeup can take some time." You glance at the clock hanging on the wall backstage. "We only have a half hour until the show."

"Oh, we don't use them," Abs casually says. He's quickly elbowed by Mystery with a hissed warning to be quiet.

You blink in surprise, mouth gaping. "You- You're going in without makeup? Please tell me you at least have outfits."

Jinu sighs and points to a random closet. "They're in there."

You open the closet, frowning when you notice it's empty. "What? No, they're not."

You turn around to see the group all dressed in completely different clothes. They're all a mix of yellow and pink, each in a different style that suits each member perfectly. Romance does a little twirl, while Baby gives him an unimpressed look.

"How did you guys change so fast?" you demand, mind scrambling to catch up. "That's crazy!"

"Uh, because we're dudes?" Abs laughs nervously. "It's easier for us with, um, no bras?"

You squint for a moment before shrugging and turning away. Something is off about them, and you're going to figure it out.

But not now. You'll do it later, while maybe eating dinner. And scrolling on Pinterest.

"Alright, everyone remembers the plan?" Jinu asks, looking around at the other Saja Boys. When they all nod in reply, he grins, revealing too-sharp teeth. "Excellent."

"Are you wearing eyeshadow now?" you suspiciously ask, peering at Baby's face. He blinks and doesn't respond. "I swear you weren't a moment ago."

"Well, we were," Mystery interjects, glossy lips curling downwards. "Are you feeling okay? Are you having another one of your fainting spells?"

"You drugged me!" you exclaim incredulously. "I don't get fainting spells! Also, are you wearing lip gloss?"

Mystery scoffs and turns away from you. "Stop staring at my lips. It makes you look desperate."

"I wasn't- I'm not-" You groan and rub your forehead. "Whatever. Just go sing and dance."

Romance nearly touches your shoulder as he passes by. But he seems to remember your 'no touching' rule, and so he pulls his hand away. "Have fun watching us."

You snort. "I won't be watching, believe me. I'm going to be in the corner, listening to my own music. Good music."

"Such as... Soda Pop?" Jinu says, staring at your phone. You gasp and try to snatch it back, but he skirts out of your reach, holding it above your head. "It's in your playlist. Huh, I guess that means you like it, right?"

"Give that back!" You jump for it, but he evades you once again. "Jinu!"

Jinu lets his arm drop, allowing you to take your phone. "If you're going to lie to us, get better at it at least."

You shoo him away as you see a stage manager signal them over. "Go preform."

"A kiss good luck?" Romance croons, leaning into your personal space. He bats his eyes at you, as if that will tempt you.

You roll your eyes. "Just go, Romance. Have fun."

Baby glides by you, arching an eyebrow at you as he passes. "Don't get into any trouble while we're gone."

"Uh-huh." You check your email, not paying any attention to him. 

Baby tips your chin up with his index finger, humming lowly. "I mean it. I don't want to have to come in and rescue you from something."

"Is there something you're not telling me?" you challenge, hoping to get him to confess to whatever it is that's going on. You doubt that he actually will, but it can't hurt to try. "You're making it sound like I should watch out for something?"

Baby clenches his jaw before brushing past you. You watch him go, mildly amused by him. The whole group is an interesting bunch, actually.

"And remember," you call after him as he joins the others. "No touching!"

Abs shoots you a grin before turning back to the others. They file out onto stage together and the audience erupts into cheers. You peek out to see a fairly big crowd for such a new-to-debut group.

The first note of the song starts, and their voices follow shortly after. You enjoy it for a couple of seconds before something begins to tug at you. It's an invisible force, but is strong nonetheless.

Your feet start pulling you closer to the stage before you know it. You know that it's a terrible idea, and that you shouldn't disrupt the performance, but you physically can't stop yourself. It's like you're no longer in control of your body.

A stage hand grabs your arm, yanking you away. "What are you doing?" she demands, eyebrows pinched together. 

You blink at her, taking a moment to respond. You swallow and are suddenly aware of how dry your mouth is. "Uh..."

"Sit down," she says, gently guiding you over to a stool. She presses a water bottle into your hand. "Are you okay? You look... out of it."

You give a shallow nod and uncap the water bottle. "Yeah. I- I'm fine." You give her a weak smile that she doesn't seem to believe.

"Right..." She glances to the side. "Just take a break, though."

"I'll stay right here," you promise her, sipping at the cool water.

She nods before someone calls her away. She jogs off and leaves you alone, listening to the Saja Boys sing. They're singing and-

"Hey." Mystery snaps his fingers in front of your face after the show, frowning deeply. "Hey, look at me."

You force your gaze up to his hair-covered face, making a small sound. "Huh?"

Mystery exchanges a weighted look with Jinu before he stands up. Jinu steps closer, kneeling in front of you.

"Feeling a bit spacey?" Jinu softly asks, reaching his hand up. He presses two fingers against the pulse point at your neck. 

"No touching," you murmur, still hearing the crowd's applause. You lean your head back against the wall, eyes fluttering shut. "It sounds like you did well out there."

"Hey," Jinu sharply says, drawing your attention to him again. "Stay with me, alright?"

After a snap of Jinu's fingers, Abs scoops you up. He cradles you against his chest as Baby pinches the bridge of his nose and whispers, "She's been near us for too long. Her soul is becoming unsettled."

"It wants us to collect it," Romance agrees, tongue darting out to wet his lips. "Jinu, I want it. I'm hungry."

"Other souls." Jinu clicks his tongue. "Not hers."

And then it fades to darkness.