Strange Packaging

Noble Young Adult – Not Just Romance! Strange Packaging ISBN 978-1-60592-462-5 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Copyright 2011 Imari Jade Cover Art by C.H. Scarlett Edited by Jill N. Noble This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any existing means without written permission from the publisher. Contact Noble Romance Publishing, LLC at PO Box 467423, Atlanta, GA 31146. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The characters are products of the author's imagination and used fictitiously. Dedication Dedicated to all those young at heart who dare to be different. Blurb Eighteen-year-old Micha West’s life suddenly takes a turn for the best when she wins a high school talent show. With only a few weeks left before she’s on her own, with no job and no place to stay because she’ll be too old for foster care, Micha signs a recording contract with Rahn Hyun Gi, a Korean talent manager. The only downfall? She has to pack up her life and move to Seoul, Korea. What’s an American-raised Korean to do in such a strange place? The last thing Ran-Hanuel Kim, lead singer of Revolution, and his band mates need or want in their group is another lead singer, especially one as young or inexperienced as Micha West. But their manager, Hyun-Gi, promised them a female singer to rival the one leading their biggest competitor’s group. What she brings them instead is an American dude sporting baggy pants, sunglasses, a baseball hat, and boots. When the band members find out Micha is actually a girl, hiding a very nice body underneath those baggy clothes, you would think they'd be satisfied. But Micha is a force to be reckoned with, despite her strange packaging, and things go from bad to worse.

Chapter One "This better be worth it," Hyun-Gi Rahn, manager of Elegance Entertainment, said to the talent scout, Seung Narm, as she followed him up the stairs to seats in a high school auditorium in Los Angeles. After twenty-five hours on a plane, she was flying high on one cup of black coffee and had a severe case of jet lag. "It will be," Seung assured her as he lumbered his portly body up the stairs behind her. "You have to see this kid to believe." Seung was one of the best talent scouts in Korea and hadn't steered her wrong yet. If he thought the kid had potential, the kid had potential. The auditorium continued to fill to capacity. Seung had called Hyun-Gi last week and told her about the competition he'd just happened to stumble across while in town scouting for potential talent. Apparently, the school held a talent show every weekend as an afterschool activity for the current and past students, and the town just loved it. The kid they were there to see had won first place last week and was possibly the reason family members, teachers, and students packed the place to the rafters. A few minutes after they sat down, the lights lowered and the principal of the high school appeared and made a few announcements. The first act took the stage. It consisted of six scantily clad high school girls dancing to a non-descript and very loud rap song. Hyun-Gi sighed. How much of this would she have to endure before Micha West performed? Two hours later, she was still contemplating the question and growing considerably tired. After a brief intermission, a crowd of people moved to the front of the auditorium, near the stage. Seung patted her hand to get her attention. "This is it." He straightened the lapels of his dark brown suit jacket and then dusted the thighs of the matching trousers as if he was about to be presented to the President of the United States or someone equally important. The principal appeared again, asking the students to return to their seats and to be courteous and not block the people seated in the front rows. A series of grumbling

and groans met his pleas, but the students complied and moved back to their seats. So far, Hyun-Gi hadn't seen anything fantastic or different enough to make her take notice. She took out her video camera and trained the lens on the stage. The curtains opened, and a student took center stage and sat down at a piano. From a distance, it appeared to be a young man clad in a dark sports jersey and jeans. His long, black hair came down to his chin. He continued to look forward, ignoring the calling of his name and shouts of encouragement from the audience. Moments later, he raised one hand, adjusted the microphone, and began playing and singing an updated version of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." Female students ignored the principal's warning and moved back to the edge of the stage, as Micha's husky voice entranced and captivated them. Hyun-Gi listened, training her ears to pick up the least little mistake in the voice—a tremor or even a missed piano chord—almost disappointed when it didn't occur. She also listened for the one thing that would differentiate Micha West from any other singer she'd heard over the ten years she'd been in business. There were a lot of singers out there, but only a few could pack a stadium and sell millions of records. She sought the one little thing that had made Seung place an urgent call, wake her up at an ungodly hour, and announce he had found their next big idol. A few minutes later, her prayers were answered as Micha West rocked the house with Michael Jackson's "This Is It." The students went wild, clapping and singing along with him. "Huh? What did I tell you?" Seung said, nudging her elbow with his. "Is this kid something special or what?" Before she could answer, people began storming the stage. The music ended as Micha hopped from the piano bench, obviously in fear for his safety as young women tried to grab him and tear at his clothes. Hyun-Gi chuckled from behind the camera. Being mobbed during a performance was certainly a sign Micha West had star potential. But she had sent Seung to America to find a female singer to add to her already popular Korean pop group, Revolution.

Teachers, faculty, and security guards ran down the aisle and hopped on the stage to get control of the scene. Fifteen minutes later, they were still pulling tearful female students off the stage. They sent the last of the hormone-raging girls back to their seats, and the principal arrived again to announce the winner of the talent show. Micha West's name was barely out of his mouth before the girls started shouting again. It didn't surprise Hyun-Gi; the young man had stolen the show. Hyun-Gi turned off her camera, put it back in its case, and took the opportunity to get a better look at Micha as he stood in front of the principal to accept his trophy. He was tall, maybe five-eight or five-nine, and weighed about one-hundred and forty pounds . . . a little over the average height of a typical idol, but shorter than the members of Revolution who were at least six feet tall. His face was still hard to see from a distance, but a trained stylist and makeup artist could fix any imperfections. "Is he available?" she asked Seung as the people began to leave the auditorium. "I think so. From what I could gather, he's just graduated from this school." Hyun-Gi rose and Seung followed. "That does not mean he's available. That only means we don't have to deal with finding a school for him to attend, or securing a tutor so he can complete his education. He could have plans to attend college, and there's always the family issue." "He's an orphan, raised in foster care, and he'll be on his own in two weeks." He smiled. "I do my homework occasionally." Hyun-Gi headed toward the stage instead of the exit. "Where are you going?" Seung asked as he hurried to catch up with her. "To meet this impressive young man. We can't wait another minute. Someone might swoop in on him before we do." She sidestepped a couple of girls still watching Micha, and walked up the stairs just as the young man prepared to leave. Hyun-Gi bowed. "Excuse me. My name is Hyun-Gi Rahn, and this is Seung Narm." A wave of jet black hair still trapped the young man's face. He swept the bangs aside, revealing a very broad forehead, alert green eyes, and clear, porcelain skin. The face was more feminine than masculine, with a thin nose and full, pink lips.

Micha bowed back, straightened up, and stared at her. "Am I supposed to know you?" he asked, seemingly unimpressed by them. The voice was very deep . . . no, sultry. Hyun-Gi smiled. "No, I guess not. I manage an entertainment agency, and Mr. Narm is a talent scout. He invited me here to hear you perform." Both of them pulled out business cards and handed them to Micha. He took them, squinted to read under the dull auditorium lighting, and then lowered his eyes. "Can we go somewhere and talk?" Hyun-Gi asked. "I don't know. I really should be getting home. It's very late." "I won't take up much of your time, and I'll bring you home afterward if you don't have a ride." "What do you want to talk to me about?" Micha asked. "Your future." Seung answered for her. "How would you like to be a star?" Micha looked down at the cards again. "I don't know. What would I have to do, and how much is this going to cost me?" Seung laughed. "Nothing. All you have to do is sing. We'll do the rest." He led Micha down the steps. Hyun-Gi followed, sensing the young man might feel more comfortable talking to another man. Things like that didn't bother her anymore, now that she had made a name for herself. Elegance Entertainment was one of the biggest agencies in Korea. Her list of clients spoke for itself. "There's this little café just down the street," Seung continued to say as they stood outside the auditorium in the parking lot. "We can discuss this over a cup of tea." "I hate tea," Micha replied as they led him over to a white limousine. The driver stepped out, bowed, and opened the door. Micha didn't appear one bit impressed. "You don't like tea?" Seung joked. "Are you sure you're Korean?" "Half," Micha answered. "My father was an American doctor, but that has nothing to do with tea and my hatred of it."

He didn't elaborate any more on the subject. Hyun-Gi climbed into the car, and Micha followed, with Seung bringing up the rear. The driver closed the door and got back behind the wheel. "Where to, Madam?" the driver asked Hyun-Gi. "To a café on the next block," Seung answered for her again. "It's on the right hand side of the street." The driver started the car, left the school parking lot, and traveled exactly one block before parking again. He got out of the front seat again and opened the door closest to the sidewalk. Seung stepped out first. He continued to talk with Micha, filling him in on little tidbits about what it would mean for Elegance Entertainment to represent him. Once they entered the café, a waitress escorted them over to a booth and handed them three menus. "I guess we might as well have a little snack while we talk," Hyun-Gi suggested. "What would you like?" Micha peered down at the menu. "French fries and a Pepsi," he told the young waitress, who kept trying to steal glances at him when she thought no one watched. Hyun-Gi grimaced. Junk food did horrible things to the skin and the hips. She ordered a cup of orange pekoe tea, while Seung opted for a piece of homemade apple pie to accompany his Earl Grey tea. The waitress left to get their order, giving Hyun-Gi time to look around as they waited. The place was clean and not overly crowded, compared to the cafes back home. There were about ten other patrons and no one else. The waitress returned with their snacks, placed the food before them, and left. "You're going to love Elegance," Seung said, as if the teen had agreed to let HyunGi represent him and had already signed a contract. "What do you think?" "It all sounds a little hard to believe," Micha replied. "No one would do all this for me just because I can sing."

"We would," Hyun-Gi replied as she sipped her hot tea. "All you have to do is agree to let me represent you. Of course, you'll have to leave Los Angeles for me to do this." Micha stopped munching on fries and looked across the table at her. "Leave Los Angeles? For where?" "Why, Korea, of course." "You're kidding, right?" Hyun-Gi shook her head. "I'm afraid not. My agency is located in Seoul, Korea. You're part Korean. Don't you have any interest in where your ancestors originated?" "Not really," Micha said, going back to his fries. "Let me handle this," Seung said. "Seoul is a very beautiful place with lots of people eager to buy music. You'll have fans from all over Asia . . . and talk about girls." He slapped his jaw. "You'll be beating them off you just like you did this evening." "Why would I care about a bunch of stupid girls?" Micha asked. Seung nearly choked on his tea. "What do you mean? Don't you like girls?" He put a piece of pie into his mouth. "Not really." Micha took a sip of Pepsi. Hyun-Gi raised an eyebrow. Hmm, a gay idol. She could work that angle to death. Of course, that would drag in the fanboys who were into that sort of thing, and the fans who loved yaoi. "What kind of red-blooded male doesn't care about girls?" Seung asked as he cut into another piece of pie and stuffed it in his mouth. "How would I know?" Micha answered. "I'm a girl." Seung did choke this time. Hyun-Gi rose and slapped him soundly across the back. The piece of pie flew out of his windpipe and landed on the table. "You're a what?" he asked. "A female," Micha answered smugly. "And I have the tits to prove it." A gender-bender, Hyun-Gi thought as she sat back down and tried to hide her smile. This is positively fantastic. How in the hell did Seung not know this? That was why

Micha's face was so pretty and delicate looking. She could work the androgynous thing to the hilt. Is she or isn't she, the headlines would read. And they did need a female singer for Revolution. She smirked. Ran-Hanuel Kim, the group's lead singer, would just die. Hyun-Gi signaled for the waitress, who promptly came over. "I think I will have that piece of apple pie." To hell with her complexion and her thighs when the answer to a secure financial future sat across from her. This kid was going to make her mad, stinking rich. ***** Korea, Micha thought as she lay in bed later that night after Seung Narm and Hyun-Gi Rahn finished discussing her future with her current foster parents. True, she didn't need their permission since she was eighteen, but she did value their opinion. Her stint with this group of foster parents would be ending in a couple of weeks, and she'd be on her own. Micha flipped over on her side and stared up at the sky through the open curtains at the window. The twinkling stars looked very far away. Los Angeles had been her only home, and the thought of leaving and following complete strangers scared the hell out of her but also intrigued her. What would she do in Korea? She sighed. It wasn't like she had any other plans for her future except for getting a job. Tomorrow, her foster mother planned to take her to get a passport, and in less than a week, she would be on her way to Seoul. That didn't leave much time to pack or say goodbye to her friends. Micha rolled over on her back, still unable to go to sleep. Thoughts scattered through her head, coupled with fear and uncertainty. Had she done the right thing by signing the contract? Granted, she'd read it over a couple times first to make sure they didn't tie her into a lifetime commitment. Five years. That's all she had to do for them to make her a star. Could she handle it? Probably not, but she didn't have much choice since she had already signed on the dotted line.

Micha glanced over to a couple of navy blue binders on her desk. Maybe they'd let her record some of the songs she had written. How would she be able to transport all of them? Maybe she'd have them shipped with the rest of her things. Micha mentally added it to her list of things to do. Her foster mother also planned to take her shopping for some new clothes, which would no doubt include dresses. Micha grimaced. She didn't do dresses because she didn't feel comfortable in them, but her foster mother insisted she purchase at least a few of them. She also insisted Micha wear pantyhose under them, because that was what proper ladies did. Micha grimaced again. That would also mean she would have to wear heels. The last pair of high heels she received were still tucked away in their original box in her closet. Tennis shoes and boots were more her thing and more convenient to wear when walking or playing sports. "But you have such a pretty face," she remembered her foster mother telling her. "All you need to do is use some makeup, and you'll have boys begging to date you." So not me. There'd be no way her male friends would invite her to play basketball with them if she showed up in a dress and makeup. They'd laugh her off the court. The only thing she would agree to was new underwear. The lacy, sexy kind. Call it a quirk, but she'd always had a thing for lingerie. Sexy underwear was the only thing that tied her to her femininity, and silk felt so wonderful against her skin. Micha yawned as sleepiness finally arrived. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, and she awaited it with dread and anticipation. Chapter Two "What is this new kid like?" Ran-Hanuel asked Hyun-Gi as he sat on the sofa in her office across from her desk, along with Shin-Chang Park, the other male lead vocalist of Revolution, and Lee-Chul Gim, their drummer. She'd neglected to give them any details, including the true sex of the new idolto-be, just to see their reaction when they found out Micha West was a girl.

"Very talented," she answered. "And he can play the hell out of a piano." There, that should get his goat. Ran-Hanuel had been a child prodigy and was one of the best pianists in the world. He was also very vain and needed someone to knock him off his high horse every now and then. "You want us to train him?" Lee-Chul asked. He was the youngest in the group and the least troublesome of the three, though even he had his moments. "More like look after him and keep him out of trouble until his debut." "You mean babysit," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Micha West is hardly a baby. He's eighteen years old. I just think it would be nice for him to have someone to talk to or to go to if he needs advice. You know how it was before you made your debut. Micha has never been to Korea. Things are going to be quite confusing for a while until he gets used to our culture." "He's half Korean, isn't he? Why haven't his parents instructed and taught him about his heritage?" Shin-Chang asked. "From what I've been told, Micha West's parents died in a car accident when the child was two." All three looked up, obviously surprised by the information. "He's been raised in foster care since then." "A maknae. I've always wanted one of them," Lee-Chul replied. A maknae was the youngest member of a group. "That's only because you're tired of being one yourself," Ran-Hanuel said smugly. "You are so right. Fetching your dry cleaning and making sure the refrigerator is stocked with Perrier water has lost its meaning for me." Ran-Hanuel put his hand over his heart. "I thought you did that for me out of love and admiration." Lee-Chul rolled his eyes. "You're not the loveable kind. You're too high maintenance."

Shin-Chang nodded. "He used to have me feed him before you arrived. And he's a very picky eater." This was the way her three gorgeous boys expressed their fondness for each other. All three had a rough time during their debut, but they had come through better individuals. She'd been there for them through every disappointing performance, when their voices changed during puberty, and when Shin-Chang nearly died from pneumonia a couple of years ago. They were her family through thick, thin, and heartaches. "I thought you were supposed to be finding us a lead female singer," Ran-Hanuel replied, changing the subject. "I thought you were opposed to the idea." Hyun-Gi shot back. "I'm not opposed. I just don't think we need to add another person to the group. We're fine the way we are." "Yes, you're fine, but are you good enough to beat Sensei in this competition? They were fine too when it was just Chung-Hee Gyeon and Dak-Ho Lee, but they got a bigger following when they added Sun-Jae Na." Ran-Hanuel bristled and squirmed in his seat. Apparently, she touched a nerve, mentioning the young woman. Was Ran-Hanuel romantically interested in her? Gosh, she hoped not, since she'd met the girl once and didn't really care for her. Sun-Jae Na was a female version of Ran-Hanuel. Two high-maintenance lead singers were too much for even her to handle. "Our fan base is pretty solid," Ran-Hanuel said, still arguing his point. "Moving a girl into this place would be nothing but trouble. We'll take on the new kid, but a female is so out." He crossed his left leg over his right knee and turned his head as if to dismiss her. Hyun-Gi rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and bit her lip. Ran-Hanuel was lucky he was handsome and had a good set of vocal chords, or she would have tossed his uppity ass out of Revolution a long time ago. He'd been a handful even in the

beginning. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth and thinking everyone else in the world was beneath him. Shin-Chang smiled at her as if reading her mind. Lee-Chul stared too but didn't speak. "What about you two? Do you feel the same way as Ran-Hanuel?" Hyun-Gi asked. Neither answered. "When is Micha West due in?" Shin-Chang asked. Kind, loving, and always helpful, Shin-Chang could always be counted on as the voice of reason in the group. It also didn't hurt that he looked like he could melt butter with those dark, smoldering eyes that seduced the cameras when he performed. "Late Saturday. You guys will probably be asleep by then. I'll have the chauffer pick him up at the airport, and you can meet him Sunday before rehearsal." Ran-Hanuel rose. "Anything else? I have an appointment with the stylist." He shook his chin-length, dark brown hair. "Make sure she clips off some of that attitude too. I don't want you scaring Micha off on the first day." "I will be the perfect Hyung," Ran-Hanuel replied as he headed toward the door. Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul rose and followed him out of the office. "Maybe not telling them Micha was a girl wasn't such a good idea," she said to herself, after she was sure they were gone. It could only lead to disaster if the stonefaced Ran-Hanuel did not find the joke funny. *****

Ran-Hanuel looked through the stage wing curtain as their rivals, Sensei, performed their latest song for the audience. He knew Revolution made a mistake taking the stage first. Sensei had the audience on their feet and the female lead singer, Sun-Jae, had the crowd enthralled with her baby girl voice and sexy body. He frowned. Sensei's

latest song, "Out of Left Field," had debuted at number two on the Orion chart, while his group's song, "Ménage," had slipped from a respectable third to fifth this week. Last night's conversation with Hyun-Gi played over and over in his mind. Maybe he should not have been so sassy to his benefactor. Maybe he should not be so hasty to nibble on the hand that fed him. Most importantly, maybe Revolution did need a female singer to pull them out of the slump. Shin-Chang joined him at stage left. "She's certainly very energetic," he said as they watched Sun-Jae lead the audience in a cheer. He cocked his head to the side. "And limber." "Not interested," Ran-Hanuel replied. "That, Hyung, is a lie. You haven't taken your eyes off of her since she arrived today." "She's cute." Ran-Hanuel admitted he found her attractive. "So is a pit bull, to some people. The two of you would be like oil and oil. A good salad needs vinegar to make a decent mix." Ran-Hanuel peeped at Sun-Jae again. "I don't know. I think the two of us could make a go of it. We have a lot in common, and her father and mine are friends." Shin-Chang shook his head. "It would be disastrous. The two of you are too much alike. You need someone who is the complete opposite of you to complement you and balance the scheme of life." Shin-Chang could be philosophical, at times, and smart. This wasn't one of those times. Why would he want someone who did not like the same things he liked? RanHanuel turned on his heels and headed for the dressing room. Shin-Chang followed close behind. They found their drummer Lee-Chul inside, already changed and removing his stage makeup. Ran-Hanuel climbed into the seat next to the drummer. Shin-Chang sat down next to him and began to remove his makeup too. A half hour later, they announced the weekly winner of the tryouts, and Sensei had won for the second time. One more time and Revolution would be eliminated. That little bit of information aggravated Ran-Hanuel to no end. He hated to lose at anything. He and his

band mates climbed into the van and had the chauffer take them to a nearby restaurant for dinner. The mood felt completely somber. "We need to find a female singer," Shin-Chang said after a long silence inside the restaurant. Lee-Chul stopped eating his soup. He put his spoon on the table and gave ShinChang his full attention. "Why the sudden change of heart?" "Because we lost to Sensei again today. I don't know about you guys, but I don't like losing to them." "It's not the losing to them part I hate," Lee-Chul admitted. "I can't stand to see that smug look on Chung-Hee Gyeon's face." Ran-Hanuel stopped eating as well. The mention of his rival's name left a sour taste in his mouth. The two of them had been competitive since long before their debuts. He pushed the bowl of ramen aside. He didn't like Chung-Hee either, but if the truth be known, it had nothing to do with the man's talent or his arrogance. He didn't like the closeness he shared with Sun-Jae. It was rumored the two of them were now dating. That just didn't sit right with him. Sun-Jae should be his, and he planned to right that wrong just as soon as he could. At the moment, Hyun-Gi had his schedule booked up for the next couple of weeks with personal appearances and promotions. If he planned to do something, he had to do it before then. "Wouldn't it be something if we could get Sun-Jae to join our group?" he asked out of the blue. "No," both Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul answered simultaneously. "Why not?" He didn't like it when the two of them disagreed with him. "It would be perfect, and you know she can sing." Shin-Chang spoke up. "One, she's under contract with M & A and two, no one likes her except you and that idiot Chung-Hee." Ran-Hanuel folded his arms. "What's wrong with her? She's very pretty, and she has a great body."

"She's a ditz, Hyung," Lee-Chul replied as he went back to his meal. "You can't entertain her with conversation for very long before she reverts back to giggling and being silly. And I really can't stand her voice." Ran-Hanuel defended Sun-Jae. "I happen to like her little squeaky voice." Shin-Chang shook his head. "It's irritating, and you won't like it either once you have to hear it every day. That's what you'd be facing if by some miracle she got out of that contract and signed with Elegance." "And the chance of that is slim to none," Lee-Chul added. "We better stick to the original plan and find someone else. We need a fresh new face, preferably one with a sensational voice and a killer body." Shin-Chang disagreed again. "Is that all you think about?" Lee-Chul nodded. "What else is there?" Ran-Hanuel agreed. "A pretty face and a nice body. That's the girl for me." "What good is a pretty face if she has a zero personality?" Shin-Chang replied. "I like a woman who I can have a stimulating conversation with. I don't really care if she's beautiful on the outside or if she has a killer body, because it's all superficial." Lee-Chul reached over and felt his forehead. Shin-Chang moved away. "What are you doing?" "Just checking to see if your delirium is caused by a fever. Nope. Your forehead is pretty cool. That just leads me to believe you have poor taste in women." "I do not. I'm not saying a pretty girl can't be smart or I prefer a plain girl to a gorgeous one. I just need one with substance." He went back to his meal. Ran-Hanuel shook his head and picked up his spoon. "You guys are idiots." Chapter Three "We will be arriving in Incheon in a couple of minutes," the pilot said through the public address system speakers.

Micha opened her eyes and sat straight up in her seat to get the circulation going in her limbs. After twenty-five hours of flying, all she wanted to do was stand, stretch, and relieve her aching muscles. She also wanted to get off the plane because her stomach still had knots from all the turbulence they encountered while crossing the sea. Micha remained in her seat until she felt the wheels drop and touch the ground. The gentleman next to her unfastened his seatbelt, stood, grabbed his bag, and walked toward the exit. This gave her the chance to do the same, but instead of heading to the exit, she opened her carry-on bag, retrieved her baseball cap, and put it on so she wouldn't have to bother combing her hair again. She moved toward the exit. Now all she wanted to do was get her luggage and leave. But she still had to make it through customs and find the driver Hyun-Gi sent to meet her. Recessed ceiling lights glared down on her and made it easy for her to find her way without having to ask questions. It also made the black and white tile floor gleam enough to guide her as she walked. There weren't many people milling about at such a late hour, which she didn't mind since she didn't really like crowds, and it gave her time to look around a bit. She'd read in the in-flight magazine that the airport had a mini golf course, a casino, an indoor garden, and a Museum of Korean Culture on the premises she hoped to visit one day soon. Once she got her luggage, Micha pulled it behind her to customs, where the officials asked her a series of questions she somehow managed to answer. She kept expecting someone to arrive to tell her she needed to turn around and get back on a plane for the United States because she didn't belong there. When that didn't happen, she dragged her luggage through the terminal, where she found the same driver from the night she met Seung Narm and Hyun-Gi Rahn back in Los Angeles. "Hello, my name is Seo-Yeon Yoo," the chauffer said. Micha bowed. "It is nice to see you again." He seemed much younger than she remembered, and she couldn't help but admire the way his black uniform molded to his muscular frame. She blushed once she

realized he'd caught her staring at him. He bowed at her instead of reprimanding her for being so forward. "I hope you had a pleasant flight," he said to her in Korean. Well, she guessed she'd better get used to that since it was now her native language. Micha bowed back. "Yes, it wasn't bad for my first flight." He smiled and took her luggage away from her. "The car is just outside the door." He turned on his heels, pulling her luggage behind him. Once outside, he put her bags into the trunk and then opened the front passenger door for her to enter. Micha climbed in and he closed the door, walked around to the driver's side, and got in. Minutes later, he pulled away from the curb and headed for Seoul. There wasn't much for her to see since it was so dark outside. Seo-Yeon wasn't much of a conversationalist, which allowed her time to close her eyes and just relax. He did have a very nice CD collection, and he played music as he drove. The next thing she knew, they had arrived in Seoul, and the car came to a complete stop. Micha opened her eyes. "Are we there yet?" "No, we're stuck in traffic." Micha stared out of the windshield, but all she could make out were lights. "Is there usually a lot of traffic this time of night?" Seo-Yeon chuckled. "Yes and during the day too. Seoul is a big place crammed with millions of people. You will get to witness this firsthand in a couple of days when we venture out in the daytime." "Will we be going out much?" Micha asked. "A lot. Madam keeps everyone busy, and with the competition just a couple of weeks away, I'll be surprised if you'll have time to rest." "Competition?" "Oh, that's right. You don't know about that. Every year, K & J Radio Station holds an annual music competition drawing in some big-name singing groups from all over Asia. Top prize this year is one million American dollars."

Micha whistled. "And Revolution is competing this year?" Seo-Yeon nodded. "This is the first year they've had the chance since their debut, and Madam wants them to win." "I suppose she does since she represents them, but I hardly think I'll be included since I just got here." "You don't know Madam. She'd put me in the group if she thought I could help them win. She's very competitive." Micha smiled. Seo-Yeon had quite a sense of humor when he spoke. The traffic began to move, and he stopped talking and focused on the road. Micha could see tall buildings now that they drove through a well-lit section of town . . . tall buildings and lots and lots of cars. There were some people on the sidewalks waiting to cross the busy streets while others darted in and out of late-night cafes. Everything looked more normal than she expected. Seoul was like any big city, she guessed, with its share of problems. Maybe she could live here and have an enjoyable life if she put her mind to it. "We're almost there," Seo-Yeon said, turning the wheel to the right and driving a couple of blocks before getting on yet another highway. "What's Revolution like?" Micha asked once she could no longer see any activity outside the widow except the white lines on the road. "Very strange young men." He didn't even take time to think about the answer, which meant it was probably true. Great, I'm joining a group of idiots. Maybe she should have done some research on them before she signed the contract and left the United States. "They take some getting used to if you can ignore their gigantic egos." Seo-Yeon continued. Micha groaned. "Hey, I'm just kidding. The leader, Ran-Hanuel Kim, is a real piece of work. He's a talented songwriter and pianist. His father conducts one of Korea's biggest orchestras."

Hmm, talent runs in his family. "Shin-Chang Park is the second lead singer and the bass guitarist. He's not as high maintenance as Ran-Hanuel, but he has his moments." Micha noticed that Seo-Yeon had dropped Ran-Hanuel's formal surname, which indicated that he had a close relationship with the young man. "The third member is the drummer Lee-Chul Gim. He's also the youngest member, and the other two boss him around. We can usually find him with his head buried in some computer magazine when he's not eating, sleeping, or practicing." "A computer geek drummer?" Micha asked. Seo-Yeon nodded. "But don't call him that to his face. That would be rude." Even she knew that. Luckily, she did grow up in a Korean community, but only on rare occasions did they call her anything but Micha West. "Then you have the six backup dancers and assortment of musicians that accompany them. They all usually get together every now and then and go out for drinks." She had so many people to meet and so little time to acclimatize to her new surroundings before the competition. Seo-Yeon turned the limousine to the right, drove up about a block, and then into a driveway of a huge building. Was this it? "Don't let the outside fool you. The inside is very nice and fully equipped with a rehearsal hall, a dance studio, and an entertainment room filled with video games and movies. Madam goes all out to make them comfortable." Micha perked up. She loved video games. Back home she'd been the neighborhood champion. "Seems like they're very close. I hope I won't be imposing on them." "They're one big, happy family, and I have the feeling you're going to fit in perfectly."

She doubted that since she'd had several foster families in her short lifetime. Just when she got comfortable, they shuffled her off to another family before she got to know most of their names or they, hers. Seo-Yeon parked the car and helped her out before retrieving her luggage. They climbed a flight of stairs, and then entered the building. Then they climbed a second set of stairs and entered the main house. "Your bedroom is on this floor, and the guys live right above you." They changed into slippers so they wouldn't dirty the floors, and then he led her down a hall and stopped before a door. He opened the door and turned on the light. Micha gasped. "Is this my room? It's so huge." "Yes, it has a separate bath so you won't have to share with the boys. They're a bunch of slobs, if you know what I mean." Micha nodded. She wasn't exactly the poster child for neatness either at times. She walked in and looked around. The walls were painted a sunny yellow, and a big window overlooked a swimming pool on the east side of the building. The furniture consisted of a chair, a desk, and a dresser, but no bed, which meant there was probably a futon or a mat stored away in the wall-to-wall closet. The rest of the room consisted of just space and plenty of it, enough for her to dance around if she felt like it. Seo-Yeon put her luggage against one of the closet doors. "Madam instructed me to bring you down to the kitchen once you arrived. I believe she has prepared you a snack." Micha liked the idea; she'd hardly eaten on the plane because she'd been too nervous. "Just let me use the bathroom and I'll be ready," Micha said, dashing into the bathroom before he could reply. She found him standing in the same spot when she exited. Seo-Yeon led her out of the room, down the hall, and down a flight of stairs on the opposite side of the house until they reached the fully equipped kitchen, complete with industrial appliances, a built-in wok area, and matching, chrome, small appliances.

The dark brown table was long enough to seat eight people comfortably. Upon the table rested a place setting for one, consisting of tiny, silver, covered bowls, chopsticks, bottled water, and a frosty can of Pepsi Cola. Micha picked up the can. "She remembered." "Madam is always good with these sorts of things, so you better eat everything to show your appreciation." Micha nodded. "I will." She settled down in a seat. "Would you care to join me?" "I've already eaten, and I need to put the car away. I'll see you tomorrow." He turned. "Wait, what am I supposed to do once I'm finished eating?" "Rest. It's been a long day, and I'm sure you're exhausted from the flight." Micha bowed while seated. "Thanks for everything." "You're welcome." Seo-Yeon left the kitchen and she listened to his footsteps as he walked away from the door. Micha touched one of the tops of the bowls. It was still warm. She removed the top of each one, revealing an assortment of Korean dishes like kimchi and yukaejang, a fiery, red-colored, spicy beef soup. She picked up the chopsticks, lifted the bowl of rice, and began eating. She followed it up with the soup. As she put a piece of pickled cucumber into her mouth, the door opened, and in walked a half-naked young man. Apparently, he didn't see her, because he walked right past her with this towel contraption wrapped around his hips like a mini skirt. Although she knew she should have announced her presence, the sight of him made her speechless. She chewed, taking in his shoulders, muscular arms, and back. He wore his dark brown hair tied in a knot at the top of his head like a sumo wrestler, and it appeared wet, like he'd just stepped out of the shower, which would explain his state of undress and his bare feet.

He opened the refrigerator and bent over to retrieve something. The towel inched up the back of his hairy legs and then it moved down his hips, exposing his butt, when he rose with an apple in his hand. Micha gasped loudly, nearly choking. She coughed to clear her throat. The young man spun around and looked surprised to find he wasn't alone. He bit into the apple and chewed. "Oh, you've arrived." Micha rose, bowed quickly, and then shyly turned away. "What's wrong with you, kid?" Micha pointed at the towel. "Your towel has slipped." She looked at him, which proved another mistake. Piercing dark eyes stared back at her; he had the longest lashes she'd ever seen on a male. The rest of him wasn't bad either. Clear skin, a slender nose, and full, pink lips. She refused to look any further. He chuckled and hiked the towel back up around his waist. "Why are you blushing? It's just a little pubic hair, and it's not like we're not wearing the same equipment." Micha shook her head and continued to avert her eyes. He thought she was a boy. Maybe she should have worn a dress like her foster mother advised. He bit into the apple again and chewed. "You're taller than I expected, but I can't get a good look at you with that hat on." He strolled over to her and snatched the baseball cap from her head. Her hair fell down her face and the bulk of it came to rest just above her shoulders. Micha froze, afraid to move. She'd never had a boy this close up on her, invading her comfort zone. She inhaled. He smelled heavenly, like he'd bathed in expensive cologne. She looked away, afraid he'd noticed her reaction to him being so near. "Wow, the stylist is going to have fun trying to find your face." He used his free fingers to turn her face to his and brushed the bangs away. "Nice eyes." He spun her around. "Nice butt too. The girls are going to go crazy for you."

Micha hurried back to her seat, aware he still had his eyes trained on her. "Would you like to join me?" He bit into the apple again. "No thanks, I've eaten. I just came down for a late night snack before turning in. I'll see you in the morning." He headed toward the door, but not before she bravely allowed herself to stare at his bare chest and rock hard abs. Micha picked up her chopsticks after he left and dug back into her food. It had turned cold and tasted bland. She put the chopsticks back down and felt her cheeks. Were they as flushed as she felt? She felt so stupid blushing over some guy just because he paid a compliment about her eyes. She picked up the chopsticks again and went back to her meal, eating quickly, fearing he would return. Usually, she liked to take her time when she ate and savor the food, but tonight, it just stuck to the roof of her mouth. Micha grabbed her can of Pepsi and took a big sip, choking as the soda burned the back of her throat. I have to get my act together. That's just one of them, and tomorrow I'll be under the scrutiny of the others. The thought terrified her into finishing the rest of her meal. She carried the empty dishes over to the sink, washed them, and stacked them neatly in the drying rack before turning the light off and finding her way back up to her room to hide. Chapter Four Hyun-Gi sat at the table drinking a cup of tea and waiting for the boys to come down for breakfast. When she'd peeked at Micha she'd found her sleeping soundly with the covers pulled up to her chin. The kitchen door opened and Lee-Chul entered, dressed in a pair of jeans and a white sweatshirt, with his blond hair mussed from sleep. He bowed once he saw her. "Is there tea?" Hyun-Gi pointed to the pot on the table. "Hot. Did you sleep well?" Lee-Chul nodded.

"Like a rock. I guess I was pretty tired after the competition yesterday." He approached and sat down at the table. "I guess you heard we lost to Sensei again." Hyun-Gi rose, walked over to the stove, and began bringing the food to the table. "Yes, I heard. We can't win them all." Lee-Chul looked at her oddly. "I can't believe that just came from your mouth. Have you given up on us too?" She placed the bowls on the table. Never, they were her life. "No, just speaking the truth. Someone has to lose, and unfortunately, it was you. Just look at it as a learning experience and do better next time." "We'd better or it's over." Hyun-Gi looked up to find Shin-Chang in the room, fully dressed and looking like he just stepped from the pages of a fashion magazine in a pair of brown pants and a light brown, pullover shirt. He wore his short black hair combed back away from his face, giving her a perfect glimpse of his piercing brown eyes and dimples. Usually, he was the first to arrive, but she guessed he'd spent extra time primping. He bowed and sat down at the table next to Lee-Chul. "Don't say that, Hyung," Lee-Chul replied. "We can't let Sensei just walk away with a million dollars. We'll never be able to live down the ridicule and the embarrassment." Lee-Chul always took things to heart. Barely twenty one and optimistic, he looked at life through rose-colored glasses, yet he was smart enough to take computer classes in college to have something to fall back on in case his idol days bombed out early. Shin-Chang had a degree in Business Management, which came in handy when they sat down to negotiate contracts. Their problem child entered, looking quite stunning in white satin lounging pajamas, with his hair pulled back in a ponytail, exposing a freshly scrubbed face. "Good morning, everyone. I'm starving."

"Good," Hyun-Gi replied, knowing in his rude way he was trying to be nice. "Sit down and eat. Choe Iseul has prepared all your favorites." Choe Iseul was the resident cook and housekeeper who just spoiled Ran-Hanuel rotten. Hyun-Gi had hired her on shortly after she'd purchased this house for the boys, and after she found out the house was just too big for her to handle by herself. Choe Iseul was off running errands at the moment, and would be back later to prepare lunch and dinner for her rotten brood. Ran-Hanuel sat down, waiting to be served. Lee-Chul got up, poured him and Shin-Chang a cup of tea, and then began passing the food. Afterward, he sat down and said the blessing. "Should we wait for the kid?" Ran-Hanuel asked as he sampled his tea. "He's here?" Shin-Chang asked. "Yes," Ran-Hanuel answered. "I met him last night when I came down for a snack. I found him eating alone." Shin-Chang appeared interested. "What's he like?" "Physically, he's almost as tall as we are and has good bone structure. And a lot of hair." Hyun-Gi chuckled. "That he does. I had to part his bangs out of the way to make sure he had eyes." Ran-Hanuel nodded in agreement. "He'd be perfect if we were looking to add another male to the group." He paused. "He's kind of timid though. Not much of a talker, but one hell of a blusher." Hyun-Gi stopped sipping her tea. "Blushing, why was he blushing?" "My towel slipped when I was getting an apple from the refrigerator." Hyun-Gi gasped. "How many times do I have to tell you not to come down to the kitchen nude? You're not a little boy anymore." Maybe she should have stopped him a long time ago and saved Micha much embarrassment. She could only imagine how the poor girl must have reacted to the sight of all his exposed skin.

"It's not like they don't have the same equipment," Lee-Chul said in Ran-Hanuel's defense. "I told him the same thing," Ran-Hanuel replied. "But he still blushed." The door opened and Micha entered, wearing basically the same type of outfit she wore the night the two of them met: baggy jeans, a UCLA sweatshirt, and a baseball cap. She could pass for either of their younger brothers. All conversation ceased. "Good morning," she said with a bow. "Good morning," Hyun-Gi said, rising. "I thought you were still asleep. Come and meet everyone." Micha entered slowly with her hands buried in her pockets. "Don't be afraid. We won't bite," Shin-Chang told her. "Speak for yourself," Lee-Chul said teasingly. He sprang from his seat, walked over to Micha, and shook her hand once she took it out of her pocket. He stood just a couple of inches taller than her, and they were about the same size. "I'm so glad you're here." He slapped her on the back playfully. "Oh, by the way, I am Lee-Chul Gim, but you may call me Hyung since you are younger than I am, and I've always wanted someone to call me that." He led her around by the hand. "I am the resident drummer for Revolution, and I'm also pretty handy with computers if you have a problem with yours." "It's nice to meet you," Micha said shyly. She had a husky voice for a girl, which added to the deception. "Your hands are as soft as a girl's," Lee-Chul blurted out. Micha snatched her hand away and put it back into her pocket. "This is Shin-Chang Park, second lead vocalist and number one bass guitarist for Revolution." "Welcome, Micha," Shin-Chang said. "Hyun-Gi told us you're one mean piano player. How long have you been taking lessons?" "I've never taken a lesson," Micha answered.

"Micha is self-taught," Hyun-Gi answered. "A prodigy who's been playing since the age of three." Ran-Hanuel's head popped up. Hyun-Gi smirked. That should aggravate him to no end. A little competition is always good. "That is Ran-Hanuel Kim," she said quickly. "Did you hear that, Hyung?" Shin-Chang asked Ran-Hanuel. Hyun-Gi tried to hide her smile. "Micha is probably just as good as you are, maybe better." "I doubt that," Ran-Hanuel said. "I've been playing professionally for years." "I look forward to hearing you play," Micha told him. She slid into a seat next to Hyun-Gi. Lee-Chul fixed Micha something to eat. "You'll get the chance later," Ran-Hanuel told her. "I'm in charge of babysitting you for the next couple of days." Micha looked at him blankly and then at Hyun-Gi. "I'm well aware that you're too old for a babysitter. Maybe he should have rephrased it. He'll be showing you around." "Same thing," Ran-Hanuel replied as he reached for his bowl of porridge and sampled it. "Yummy. I just love when Choe Iseul adds pine nuts." "Choe Iseul is our housekeeper and cook." Hyun-Gi explained. "You'll meet her later on when she returns. She is just going to love you." Lee-Chul sat Micha's food in front of her. "Thank you." Micha said grace over her food, picked up her spoon, and began to eat her porridge in silence. Hyun-Gi watched her and wondered what she was thinking now that she'd met Revolution. She'd bet anything Micha was sorry she'd signed the contract. "When are we going to get a demonstration of what he can do?" Ran-Hanuel asked once he stopped eating. "For all we know, the kid is just another pretty face."

Micha looked up, and Hyun-Gi put her hand on Micha's thigh to stop her from responding. "After breakfast, if Micha doesn't have any other plans." "I don't but . . . ." Hyun-Gi stopped her again, sensing that Micha was about to correct Ran-Hanuel about her sex. "Good. I'm looking forward to hearing a prodigy play," Ran-Hanuel said sarcastically. Shin-Chang brought a little sanity back to the conversation. "Well, I'm glad you're here, and please let me know if I can be of any help. All you have to do is ask." "Don't go introducing him to any of those fast women you date," Lee-Chul teased. "The kid is barely out of diapers." Shin-Chang feigned hurt. "I don't know any fast women, but I'm sure I can find him someone closer to his age if he's in the market for a girlfriend." "Micha will not have time to date with the training schedule I'm arranging," Hyun-Gi said. "This is going to be a rush job to get ready in time for next week's performance." Ran-Hanuel put down his teacup. "You're thinking about entering him as a solo?" "I haven't decided yet." That got everyone's attention. "What's to decide?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "First, if you put him in as a soloist, then he'll have to compete against us. Second, he hasn't competed before in anything except high school talent shows, so how are you going to just put him out there like that? Third, and this is a strong third, how can you put him into the competition at the last minute? Won't the judges frown on that?" "The judges won't say a thing if we make him a member of Revolution," Hyun-Gi replied. "We are not in the market for another male singer," Ran-Hanuel argued. Hyun-Gi shook her head. The lengths of his selfishness were staggering.

"Heck, we don't even know if the kid is any good." Hyun -Gi put her spoon down. "The last time I checked, I was running things. Do you think I'd drag Micha all the way here from the United States for nothing? Give me credit for knowing what I'm doing. Have I ever let you down yet?" "Well, no," he replied. "But there is a first time for everything." She knew she didn't have him fooled. Ran-Hanuel had a suspicious nature. "You better be good," he said, eyeing Micha. Micha lowered the bill of her baseball cap, shielded her eyes, and went back to her meal, apparently not a bit affected by his threat.

*****

Micha could hear the music all the way up to her room, which was a good thing, since no one had come for her and she had to find her way to the rehearsal room on her own. After breakfast, she had gone back to her room to sulk, and it had taken her all this time to build up the courage to face the others again. Ran-Hanuel's unkind words still had her seething. She didn't really want to join their group anyway, because she preferred to perform solo. For all she knew, they couldn't sing worth a crap. All eyes turned to her when she opened the door and walked into the rehearsal room. Ran-Hanuel had changed out of his lounging pajamas and was dressed decently in a pair of black pants and a white shirt. He'd even taken the time to comb his hair. Hyun-Gi was noticeably absent, leaving her to fend for herself with the wolves. Shin-Chang waved her over and pointed to a chair. Hyun-Gi came in a few minutes later, accompanied by a young Korean woman. She was pretty in an older sister sort of way. The young woman wore a navy blue, pinstriped suit with a snow-white blouse beneath it and a pair of sensible black shoes. "This is Hee-Young Kham," Hyun-Gi replied once they neared. "Hee-Young is the publicist for Revolution."

Hee-Young bowed, and Micha returned the bow. "Hyun-Gi has told me so much about you, and I look forward to working with you, Micha." "What does a publicist do?" Micha asked. "Hee-Young is in charge of making sure the public gets to know your name and face," Hyun-Gi explained. "She's one of the best in the business." "Micha's face is certainly attractive," Hee-Young said. "And you have such a clear complexion." She walked around Micha. "We'll have to get rid of the baseball cap so the world can really get a good look at you, and put you into some clothes to show off your build. Wow, you're nearly as tall as the rest of these guys." "Cut his hair too," Ran-Hanuel suggested. "It's like a mop." Micha frowned. The arrogance of that man had no limits. Koreans were known for their bluntness, but he was being downright rude. "There's nothing wrong with my hair." "Hyun-Gi said you were going to perform in the big competition. That doesn't give me very much time, but I'll do my best." She sat down. "Have you performed yet for Revolution? Did I come too late?" "Not yet," Micha replied. "I just got here a few minutes before you did, and I hope I can live up to Hyun-Gi's expectations." Ran-Hanuel began to play a tune on the piano, obviously to block out the conversation and probably to show off a bit. The conversation ended and she sat down to listen. He'd chosen Mozart's "Piano Concerto Number Twenty-Four in C minor," a very difficult piece to play, and he performed the piece beautifully. At the end, he stopped, signaled her over, and offered her the seat at the piano. Micha kept wondering all morning long what piece she would perform and thought she had settled on one, until she heard him play. Ran-Hanuel was truly gifted, and she might have told him this if she thought it would get him off her back. "Don't be nervous," Hyun-Gi said. "Just do your best."

Micha tested the keys to find her pitch. Before she knew it, her fingers took control, and she began playing a song that she played all the time to relax, Tohoshinki's "Begin." "Damn," Shin-Chang said after she had completed the song. "Little brother can play and sing." Lee-Chul came over to congratulate her too. "Where did you learn that song? That's one of my favorite groups." "We know about them in the United States. I attended their Los Angeles concert one year. Their music left a lasting impression on me." Ran-Hanuel just looked at her and stormed out of the rehearsal room. "Don't mind him," Shin-Chang replied. "His ego just got a swift kick in the pants." Part of her was elated at the outcome, but part of her wondered if it had been right to come into their lives and interrupt them. "Did I do something wrong to displease him? I just wanted to show him that I won't be an embarrassment to Elegance." "He'll be okay after he sulks for a couple of minutes," Hyun-Gi told her once she and Hee-Young came over to the piano. "Sometimes, he needs to learn he's not the only one serious about music. He'll come around shortly." "You play beautifully," Hee-Young said. "Yeah, you really rocked that song." Lee-Chul agreed. "You're going to be one force to reckon with at next week's competition. I really wish Ran-Hanuel would reconsider and let you join Revolution." Ran-Hanuel reentered the room and bowed to her. "Your voice and your piano playing are exemplary, and I do see where I was a bit rash with my criticism." Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul both gasped in surprise. "Thank you," Micha replied, still not believing the sudden turnaround. Maybe she had misjudged him. "That piece you chose is very hard and you played the heck out of it."

She rose and bowed to him. "You are a true genius, and I have a lot to learn. Please take me on as a student." Ran-Hanuel ran his fingers through his hair and mussed it a bit. He turned to Hyun-Gi. "I'm still confused. I thought you wanted Revolution to win this competition." Hyun-Gi nodded. "I do. My plans have not changed." "Well, that's going to be very hard to do now." "Meaning?" "You heard Micha play and sing. If you put him in the competition with that voice, he's going to blow all of us off the stage. It does not make sense to me to put two acts you manage in the competition. One of us is bound to lose." "Not if you let Micha join Revolution," Hee Young suggested. Ran-Hanuel sighed. "I have been giving this some consideration, but the plan was to add a girl to the group and not another male lead." Micha removed her baseball cap and shook out her hair, tucking most of the bangs behind her ears. Shin-Chang looked at her closely, blinked, and then looked again. "Hyun-Gi, is there something you have neglected to tell us?" "What do you mean?" Hyun-Gi asked with a sheepish grin on her face. Shin-Chang walked around Micha and then stood before her. "Why don't you have an Adam's apple?" "Because girls don't have one," Micha replied. Ran-Hanuel looked at her, and she imagined the expression on his face must have been very similar to the one the Wicked Witch of the West wore just before Dorothy dropped a house on her. "What are you saying?" "That I'm a girl . . . a female." "I don't believe you," Ran-Hanuel said, walking over to her. He rudely sniffed at her, and then he looked at Hyun-Gi for clarification, as if she'd lie about something so serious. "She's a girl."

Hee-Young burst out laughing. "You are such foolish young men. How could you mistake her beautiful face for a boy? I didn't believe Hyun-Gi when she bet me she could fool you guys." Ran-Hanuel folded his arms across his chest, obviously pissed at being played for a fool. "She's wearing baggy clothes and a baseball cap. It is an easy mistake." "They are more comfortable than a dress." Micha confessed. "And then there's that thing with her voice. It's deeper than mine." "Sultry," Hyun-Gi replied, still laughing. "She's going to bring the men to their knees with a voice like that. I think Seung is already in love with her." Micha blushed. "She's not going to bring too many men to their knees looking like a guy," RanHanuel continued. He walked behind her and pulled the back of her sweatshirt tight. The rest of the material strained against her breasts. "Damn, she does have boobs." Both Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul turned in her direction. "Big ones," Lee-Chul replied. Ran-Hanuel released her shirt and jumped away nervously. "You do like guys, don't you? You're not one of those girl loving girl types, are you?" "No, I like boys, but I'd rather play basketball with them than date them. Boys are a bother." Hyun-Gi laughed. "Just keep that attitude and I won't have to worry about you around these three." She rose. "You better get to work writing that song for next week." She took Micha's hand and led her away. Hee-Young followed, still smiling. "Where are you going with her?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "We have to practice." "To the seamstress to get her suited up. You said yourself that she looks like a boy. We're planning a complete makeover, which we plan to keep a secret until next week." Micha grumbled. No one said anything about making her over.

Chapter Five Boy, did he feel like a complete idiot. Ran-Hanuel put down the pen he had been composing with and rose from the piano bench while reaching for a cup of tea. HyunGi was such a bitch for using such an outlandish tactic to get her point across. Imagine trying to pass a girl off as a guy. Now he was pissed off and embarrassed over the little incident that had happened last night in the kitchen. He'd make it a point to dress or at least wear underwear when he came out of his room. So now, they had a girl, and they needed to incorporate her into not only their lives but also their work. All morning long, he'd been trying to write a song, but he couldn't get the words right. He didn't even know which direction to go. Should it be a love song, or one those silly little girly songs like Sensei now performed? "You look like you have problems," Shin-Chang said as he entered the music room and walked over to him. Ran-Hanuel sat back down and placed the teacup on the stand next to the piano. "I do. I'm trying to write a song for next week." "So what's the problem? You've always come through with something terrific." "Thanks, but I don't think it's going to be easy anymore. We can sing about falling in love with girls, but Micha won't be able to sing the same song." "I understand what you're saying. It has to be a song with her doing the lead and us backing her up. Or, a duet between one of us and her." "Exactly." "I'm thinking a love song duet might be the answer. Something sexy." "Girl looks like a dude, man. I can't imagine singing a love song with her," RanHanuel said. "Then write one for me. I'll do it." Ran-Hanuel looked at him oddly. "Why are you volunteering?" "Because it's obvious you're worried about your reputation." "And you're not?"

"No, and I really think the audience might get a kick out of a duet. I do have a reputation to uphold, but it's totally different than yours. They think I'm a player, so if I sing a sexy duet with her it will be fine." "Okay, it's your funeral," Ran-Hanuel replied. "I began writing a song when Hyun-Gi first approached me with the subject about bringing in a girl to the group." He begun to play a tune and sing the words. "Do you like this?" "Yes, that's nice, but a little slower." He picked up his guitar to accompany him. Ran-Hanuel continued to play and sing, working out the words in his head. He'd stop every now and then and jot it down, not betting on remembering it afterward. Shin-Chang stood next to him, taking it all in and even helping with the chorus. An hour later, they'd written the song. "Where is Lee-Chul?" "He's in the computer room, why?" "Go get him. I want to get his opinion. He's a part of this too." Shin-Chang put his guitar down. "I'll get him." "Wait," he said, tearing the music from the tablet. "Make three or four copies of this." He handed the sheet of music to Shin-Chang. Shin-Chang hurried out the room with the paper in his hand. Ran-Hanuel went back to the song and played it again. He had always been a perfectionist, and he wouldn't perform any number that didn't sound right. Shin-Chang entered with Lee-Chul close on his heels. "I heard you have a new song for us." Shin-Chang handed a sheet of music to Lee-Chul. "Memorize this." "Can I at least read it first?" Lee-Chul asked. "You have five minutes and then we play." Lee-Chul looked over the words. "Hey, this is a love song . . . a duet." "For Micha and Shin-Chang," Ran-Hanuel told him. He began to play. Shin-Chang put the piece of music on a stand, picked up his guitar, and followed Ran-Hanuel's lead.

Lee-Chul finally took the hint, walked back to his drums, placed his sheet of music on the stand, and joined them. Ran-Hanuel sang Micha's part with no problem, while Shin-Chang sang his part. The chorus sounded a little weak because there were spots when Lee-Chul had to sing alone, but that would change once Micha joined them and Ran-Hanuel could go back to singing the chorus. Once the song ended, Lee-Chul threw his drumsticks into the air. They landed soundly on the floor. "I think we have a hit. We're going to kick Sensei's asses next week and win the competition." "Don't start bragging until we find out how this sounds with our new lead female singer," Ran-Hanuel replied. "For all we know, we're going to sound like a bunch of deep-voiced guys singing a love song to each other."

*****

"Are you sure I look okay?" Micha asked as she stared at her reflection in the fulllength mirror. She hardly recognized the young woman who stared back. "You look hot," Hee-Young said to her. "Turn this way, please." Micha turned around, and Hee Young took her picture. "Hey, what was that for?" "Publicity," Hee -Young replied. "The more pictures I get of you, the better." "But we're in a dress shop. I think the background is all wrong." "Are you suddenly a photographer?" Hee-Young asked. "No," Micha answered. "Then let a professional work." Micha smiled. Hee Young was really funny and went out of her way to make Micha feel comfortable. She liked Hyun-Gi too, but she knew the woman put business before pleasure. Hyun-Gi entered the fitting room.

"You look beautiful," she said. "Who would have believed you were hiding that body beneath bulky shirts and baggy pants?" "But I like bulky shirts and baggy pants." "Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. Don't think you're the first idol I had to have a fashion fight with. Ran-Hanuel would walk around in the buff all the time if I let him, and Shin-Chang had hair all the way down to his behind and argued with me for weeks until he got tired of me and cut it." "No trouble with Lee-Chul?" Hyun-Gi shook her head. "He wasn't born with blond hair. Originally, it was jet black and stringy. I'm not crazy about the blond, but it's a lot better than it was. And he likes baggy jeans and sweatshirts too, but he's a boy and is entitled to wear them from time to time." Micha pouted. Why was it okay for boys and not girls to be comfortable? Hyun-Gi spun her around to get a look at her. "I thought we decided on a dress." "That would mean pantyhose, and I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet," Micha replied. "This is not bad, and it really shows off your ass." Micha internally died from embarrassment. That was one of the reasons she liked baggy pants, so she could hide all her excess baggage. "Don't pout. I like this look too. And I like what they did to your hair." The hairdresser had cut off a great deal of it and then styled it into an angular, auburn bob, with the left side long and the right side shorter. The back of her hair tapered to her neck with added length and fullness to it. "It's a little different." "Different is what we were going for. It goes with that outfit." Hee-Young had picked out a pair of tight black pants that clung to her hips, a black, low-cut blouse, and a pair of brown, thigh-high boots with heels that escalated her height to almost six feet tall. A brown leather, fringed belt and brown leather choker completed the outfit.

"Now let me see that face." Hyun-Gi turned her around. A cosmetologist had lengthened her lashes, dusted her lids with dark grey shadow, and lined her eyes with dark black to make them appear larger. She brightened Micha's skin and evened out the tone with a pearl base, and then added just a hint of blush on her cheekbones. Finally, she lined the lips and painted them with a fleshy pink color. "This will take some getting used to," Micha said once Hyun-Gi released her face. "By the time all this is over, you won't even remember today." She looked down at her watch. "It's getting late, and I'm sure the boys are wondering where we are." "They are so lucky they don't have to go through this," Micha muttered as she gathered her things and Hyun-Gi settled the bill. Hee-Young giggled. "Yes, they do, especially Ran-Hanuel. He insists on a weekly trip to the spa to get a massage, pedicure, and manicure, and if his hair isn't perfect, he has a hissy fit." Micha smirked. "He gets a pedicure?" "You should see his feet. They would make you jealous." "I doubt that," Micha replied, still smiling. "I think Shin-Chang is worse than Ran-Hanuel," Hyun-Gi replied. "He is very fussy about his clothes now, and he refuses to buy anything off the rack. He gets a manicure and a pedicure too, but not as often as Ran-Hanuel." "What about Lee-Chul?" Micha asked as they put her things in the back of the limousine once they made it outside the shop. "He's not so fussy. Like I said before, he'd be happy in baggy jeans and sweatshirts. He has the best body of the three, even though he's not as tall." Micha conjured up the image of Ran-Hanuel in a towel. She doubted if LeeChul's body looked better than his did. She shook her head. Why was she thinking of him that way? She didn't even like him, and he certainly didn't like her. She climbed into the limousine behind Hyun-Gi as Hee-Young continued to take pictures of her. "You can take more pictures of her when we get back home," Hyun-Gi hollered out to her.

Hee-Young put away her camera and got into the car. "I think I've got enough to work with." She closed the door and Seo-Yeon drove away from the curb.

*****

Why is my heart beating so fast? Micha thought a little bit later. Ran-Hanuel, Shin-Chang, and Lee-Chul stared at her as if they saw a ghost. "Well, what do you think?" Hyun-Gi asked as she led her into the rehearsal studio. Lee-Chul was the first to move from his seat behind the drums. "Micha, is that you?" "No, don't be stupid," Ran-Hanuel replied. "There's no way that could be Micha. It's another one of Hyun-Gi's tricks. For some reason, she has become very humorous." "It's her, funny boy," Hyun-Gi replied as she pulled Micha farther into the room. "Doesn't she look fantastic?" "She sure does," Shin-Chang replied, staring at her as if he'd never seen her before. "Like a pop diva." He put down his guitar and followed Lee-Chul over to her. Ran-Hanuel remained seated at the piano, obviously trying to ignore her. Micha sighed. It was bad enough being gawked at by the other two, but she preferred the leers to the outright hostility radiating from him. She pulled the neckline of her shirt to try to cover up her exposed cleavage and draw their eyes away from it. The action had the opposite effect. "You've turned into one total babe," Lee-Chul said. What makes boys so stupid when they see a set of boobs? Micha wondered. "Let the poor girl breathe," Hyun-Gi replied. "She's been through a lot this morning without the two of you making her feel more self-conscious." Shin-Chang bowed. "Sorry. I did not mean to offend." He pulled Lee-Chul away.

"It's okay." Micha lied. "I guess it does take a little getting used to. Usually, the only time a man looks at me is if I'm holding a basketball in my hand." Ran-Hanuel chuckled. Micha walked over to him just to annoy him with kindness. "Did you write the song I heard you guys playing when we arrived? It's good." Ran-Hanuel handed her a sheet of music. "This is for next week's performance. See if you can memorize it quickly. We need to continue practicing." He did not even look at her when he spoke. He just kept his eyes on the piano keys. "Well, I'll leave you kids to your practice while I go check on lunch," Hyun-Gi said as she walked toward the door. "Make me proud of you." She walked out, leaving Micha alone with Revolution. Shin-Chang walked back over to his guitar and picked it up, while Lee-Chul sat down at his drums. "It's a duet written for you and me," Lee-Chul told her. "We'll play it once, and then you can join in the next time. Ran-Hanuel will sing your part." Micha nodded, walked over to a seat near Shin-Chang, and sat down. Ran-Hanuel began to play the intro to the song, and then the fellows started to sing. She looked down at the words. Oh, it's a love song, and Shin-Chang is really singing his heart out to Ran-Hanuel. She smirked, hoping the two of them would be very happy together. They made it to the chorus, blending their voices in harmony. She liked their sound. Hopefully, her voice would blend with theirs. Following along was pretty easy, and Ran-Hanuel really had a nice voice for a bastard of a fellow. It was soft and seductive. Maybe he should sing the song next week instead of her. That would really send the voting their way. The music ended, and she stopped conjuring up ways to get back at him. "Do you think you can join us this time?" Shin-Chang asked. "I'm getting tired of looking adoringly at Ran-Hanuel when you're much prettier."

Micha nodded. "Well, come on over and get in front of the mic." Micha rose and walked toward them. One of her boot heels twisted, her leg came out from under her, and she lost her balance. A pair of warm arms wrapped themselves around her and caught her before she hit the floor. Micha opened her eyes and ShinChang's dark, piercing eyes stared down into hers. "Easy, girl. Heels take a little getting used to." Her heart beat wildly as he continued to stare at her. Micha scrambled to an upright position. "Thank you. Combat boots are more my thing." "I like you in both," he replied as he raised his guitar back into position. "Can we get this practice over with?" Micha reached for the mic, and Ran-Hanuel began to play. Shin-Chang sang his lead part, and then she followed until they sang the entire song. Ran-Hanuel made them do it again. "How did you manage to memorize the words so fast?" Lee-Chul asked her. "I don't know. They were just there in my head when I needed them. Did I sound okay? I'm not used to performing with others." "You sounded great," Lee-Chul replied. "You have a very sexy voice." "But did it sound like one lover singing to another? I want the audience to believe the words are coming from my heart." "Message received," Shin-Chang replied. His voice noticeably dropped an octave. He quickly looked away. She looked toward Ran-Hanuel for his response, but he just stared angrily at Shin-Chang. "What's wrong with the two of them?" Micha asked Lee-Chul. "Who the hell knows? But we're going to wipe the snide, smug look off ChungHee Gyeon's face next week." Lee-Chul boasted. "Wait until he sees Micha. He's going to die from jealousy."

"Who is Chung-Hee?" Micha asked as she watched them put their sheet music and equipment away. "He's the leader of Sensei, a singing group that has been kicking our ass the last two performances. We're currently tied, but if we lose to them again they'll win the competition." Micha sighed. Someone should have told her this earlier. Lee-Chul took the mic from her and put it back in the stand. "They have a female lead singer too. Her name is Sun-Jae Na, and another male lead named Dak-Ho Lee. Dak-Ho's okay, but the other two are poison." "So, it's some sort of a rivalry thing between the two groups that makes you want to win so badly?" "Don't be stupid," Ran-Hanuel said. "We are adults and professionals." Micha put her hands on her hips and was about to smart back at him when she thought better of it. She was so above stooping down to his level. "I didn't mean anything by it. I just wanted to know how much winning means to you." He didn't answer her. Instead, he got up and walked out of the room. "Oh, he is so infuriating," she said. "That's because he has a thing for Sun-Jae," Lee Chul explained. "Oh," Micha replied. "Is she his girlfriend?" Lee-Chul laughed. "Only in his dreams." "Then why is he taking his frustrations out on me? I'm really trying to be nice and civil to him since he is the leader, but he's pushing his luck." Lee-Chul growled. "The diva has claws." "Can you dance?" Shin-Chang asked her, obviously to change the subject. "Yes, why?" "Revolution is not only a singing group; we also dance and act." "I don't know any Korean dances. Are they different than the ones we do in the United States?" "We'll see tonight when we go clubbing."

Micha stepped back. "Clubbing? You mean at a nightclub?" "Yes. Haven't you ever been to a nightclub?" Shin-Chang asked. "No. I've just turned eighteen. Where I'm from, you have to be at least twentyone to enter a club." "The age is eighteen where we're going tonight, so it will be okay," Lee-Chul told her. "But no drinking. Hyun-Gi will kill us if we get you drunk." "Are you old enough to drink?" Micha asked him. "Yes, so don't ask me to sneak you a sip of my beer." "No problem," she replied, hoping the fear didn't register in her voice. What was she supposed to wear? "What if Sensei sees me? I thought I was supposed to be a secret." "Hey, that's right," Lee-Chul agreed. "Maybe you should wear a disguise or pretend to be a boy." "That might work," Shin-Chang replied. "Even though it would be a shame not to show you off." "Maybe I should stay home. Hyun-Gi would kill me if I messed up her plans." "You can wear a wig," Lee-Chul suggested. "Funny you should mention a wig. Hyun-Gi purchased me several today to try on in case I want to change my present style." "And some sunglasses," Lee-Chul added. "Those eyes of yours are sensational. They'll draw a lot of unwanted attention tonight." "I like your idea better," Shin-Chang agreed. "Come on, its lunch time, and I'm starving." He took her hand and led her out of the rehearsal room with Lee-Chul bringing up the rear. "Will Ran-Hanuel be joining us this evening?" Micha asked, though she didn't know why. "I have no idea, since he's been in such a funky mood today. But we'll have fun anyway without him."

*****

She's not as cute as Sun-Jae, Ran-Hanuel argued with himself as he paced his room before going down to lunch. And she can't balance herself in a pair of heels. "What kind of girl is that?" Even as he spoke the words, he knew he didn't mean them. Micha's new look was really exotic, and who knew she had those hips under those baggy jeans? It pissed him off to no end that she also had a photographic memory. Just one look and she had the words to his song memorized. And what a voice. Poor Shin-Chang didn't stand a chance as her silky, husky tone seduced his ears. Why was he such a jackass when it came to her? He couldn't even get past his pride to thank her for singing something he had written so beautifully and professionally that it nearly brought him to tears. Sun-Jae could not have done the song justice even though he had her in mind as he composed the words. Lee-Chul is right. Micha is going to sing Sun-Jae right off the stage. His stomach growled. Damn, now he had to go down and face her again. He walked into the bathroom to wash his hands and face and to check to make sure his hair still looked nice. If he had to grovel, he intended to do it looking his best. Ran-Hanuel headed down to the dining room to join them. He found them all gathered there, including Hyun-Gi. Their housekeeper Choe Iseul fawned all over Micha. "It is good to have another young person in the house," Choe Iseul said, pinching one of Micha's cheeks. "And such a pretty girl too. Is there anything special you would like for me to prepare for you for lunch?" "I think anything you have prepared will be fine. I'm not very choosy when it comes to food," Micha said honestly. "Good, unlike a certain someone who insists on fresh fruit every day and having his meat cut into chewable pieces." All eyes trained on him as he entered. "Giving away family secrets already, Choe Iseul?" Ran-Hanuel asked, walking over to her and kissing the shorter woman affectionately on the top of the forehead.

Besides Hyun-Gi, she had been the closest to a mother figure he'd had in his life in a long time. "It's no secret that you are rotten, punk," she said, patting his cheeks with both of her soft hands. "You are lucky you are so handsome, or I would have had Hyun-Gi toss you out of here as soon as you hit puberty." Ran-Hanuel stood straight and was about to go to his seat when she slapped him soundly on the butt like a small child. "I found some fresh strawberries at the market this morning. You can put them in your cereal." She walked out of the dining room to get their lunch. "How was rehearsal?" Hyun-Gi asked him after she moved the newspaper she was reading from in front of her face. "It went well," Ran-Hanuel answered. He reached for his bottle of water, sipped, and placed it back down on the table. "So, do you think you have a chance of winning with Micha?" "She does have an interesting and unique voice. I guess we'll be okay if she doesn't fall off her high heels on stage." Micha frowned and rolled her eyes at him. "You try walking in these things." "They're good for your thigh and calf muscles," Hyun-Gi replied. "Not that you need it, with legs like yours. You guys should see them. They go on forever." Ran-Hanuel reached for his water and sipped again, trying not to imagine Micha's legs and losing the battle. Lee-Chul tried to sneak a peek under the table, like he could see them through her pants, and Shin-Chang just kept looking over at Micha and smiling. "That reminds me. We have to get her some costumes made," Hyun-Gi continued. "But I thought you took her shopping earlier," Ran-Hanuel said. "I took her shopping for casual clothing. She needs something stunning for next week's performance and for the final showcase." "Nothing too flashy," Micha insisted. "I'm not used to showing so much skin."

"I agree," Ran-Hanuel said. Shin-Chang shook his head. "You know, Hyung, sometimes it's not good to speak before you think." "What's that supposed to mean?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "Nothing. Too hard to explain." Choe Iseul appeared, pushing a cart with an assortment of food and drinks. Micha hopped up to assist her. "Thank you. I see someone has taught you manners." Ran-Hanuel frowned. He had manners, but he thought Choe Iseul liked serving them. He could be as helpful as the next person if he wanted to be.

Chapter Six "Wow, look at you," Lee-Chul said as she came down from her room to meet them in the foyer to go clubbing. Micha wore a pair of rust-colored, form-fitting pants with a white blouse, and a fringed vest that matched another pair of black boots. She covered her own hair with a black wig that Hyun-Gi had purchased for her earlier, just for fun. The black wig hung down to her shoulders, and its bangs covered her forehead. She also accessorized with bracelets and the silver chain and locket that contained her parents' pictures. Micha turned to Shin-Chang. "What do you think?" "You pass for a girl easily." He teased her. "Where's Ran-Hanuel Kim?" Micha asked. "You don't have to be so fancy when we're not in public. His name is RanHanuel." "I don't think I should call him that since he obviously hates me," Micha said with a little sheepish smile. "He doesn't hate you," Lee-Chul replied. "I think he's intimidated by you." Micha shook her head. "Is he coming with us?"

"He left already," Lee-Chul answered. "He'll meet us there, eventually." Micha shrugged, not needing an explanation to their friend's strangeness. "Okay, I'm ready to go if you are." Shin-Chang opened the door and allowed her to step out first. The two guys came out behind her. There was a little chill in the air, but luckily, they wore long sleeves. Lee-Chul had on a stylish black jean outfit. The jacket hung low, to his hips, to make it look more like a suit. Beneath it, he wore a red sweater shirt that brought some color into his cheeks. Around his neck, he wore a silver chain similar to hers but with an Indian arrowhead charm that matched his earrings. Shin-Chang was dressed to the nines in a brown suit with dark brown accessories. He looked like he was preparing to audition for a role in a movie instead of going to a club. A black town car waited at the curb. "No limo?" Micha asked as Lee-Chul helped her into the back seat. "No, we're traveling incognito tonight." He closed the door and then climbed into the front passenger seat while Shin-Chang got into the driver's seat. "The limo might draw too much attention." Shin-Chang drove away from the building and headed northward toward the highway. Certain areas were starting to look familiar to her. All the houses in the area were just a little different from the traditional style houses in Korea and Japan. These were more modern and efficient and could accommodate a big or multiple families. They had well-kept lawns, and large, luxurious cars sat in most of the driveways. Until now, she never wondered where Hyun-Gi got the money to run the house, or buy all those clothes they wore. "Is Hyun-Gi rich?" she asked out of the blue. "Why do you ask?" Shin-Chang inquired. "I'm just looking at all these enormous houses and thinking about the mansion we live in. The money has to come from somewhere."

Shin-Chang chuckled. "The first thing I'm going to do after this competition is over is to enroll you into college." "Why?" Micha asked. "Because it is apparent you're lacking in knowledge on how the business side of being an idol works. There is money from endorsements and live performances, as well as from record sales. But to answer your question, yes, Hyun-Gi comes from a very successful family with money. Her father fronted her money to start Elegance, and she has paid him back with interest. Also add the fact that she is a shrewd business woman who manages several other acts." "You mean she manages other groups besides Revolution?" "Yes," Lee-Chul replied. "But we are her first." "And obviously her favorite. Don't think I'm not smart enough to recognize how she feels about you. She really likes you guys." "She likes you too," Lee-Chul replied. "Or there's no way in the world she would have brought you all the way here." Micha sighed. "I suppose so." Shin-Chang turned the corner, drove into a crowded parking lot, and found a place to park. People their age, dressed in several different forms of club fashion—from fancy and seductive to casual slutty—stood around on the sidewalk outside the club. Lee-Chul grabbed her hand. "Follow me. This place is already jumping." She barely managed to toddle after him in her high-heeled boots. The music and the aroma of draft beer drifted through the open door. ShinChang pointed toward an empty table, and Lee-Chul dragged her over to it. Several young men moved toward them. "Here comes one of Hyun-Gi's other groups now," Lee-Chul told her. "They're called Exodus. The one in black is their leader, Day-Jung Goh." Two of them were short, but the other young man stood about five foot nine, dressed entirely in black leather with a chain mail vest. He accessorized with a black

leather wristband, a choker made of studded black leather, and silver studded earrings. The men slapped hands and hugged. "Who is this?" Day-Jung Goh asked. "A friend," Shin-Chang answered. The guy lowered his sunglasses. "Kawaii. How come I've never seen her before?" "Because she just got into town," Shin-Chang answered. Micha could tell by the expression on Shin-Chang's face that he really didn't like Day-Jung, but only tolerated him because he was a member of Elegance. "Mind if I dance with her?" Day-Jung asked. "Why don't you ask me?" Micha inquired. "Whoa," Day-Jung replied. "Sexy voice. Would you care to dance with me?" "Sure. Why not?" She rose and faced him eye to eye. "You're tall. I like that." He took her hand and led her to the crowded dance floor where they stood head over heels above the other dancers. He started first, kind of slow, moving his hips and sort of bouncing to the music. Micha copied his steps, and before long, they were dancing with the music. He was a really good dancer, and she noticed the others around them performing dances similar to the styles in the United States. Most of the young women wore short dresses or mini-skirts with very high heels to make them appear taller. The atmosphere in the club was a combination of loud and happy sounds, and she didn't fear someone would come in any minute and start shooting like sometimes happened in similar venues back home. The music ended, and a slow song followed. Day-Jung wrapped his arms possessively around her waist. Micha panicked, never having been so close to a young man before. It felt strange and uncomfortable. "Relax. I'm not going to bite you. What is your name?"

"Lee-Chee," Micha lied. It was a former classmate's name and the first thing that entered her mind. "Pretty name," Day-Jung replied. "Where are you from?" "Los Angeles," Micha answered. "The United States? You're a long way from home. Are you visiting relatives?" "Yes, my aunt." The lies rolled easily from her mouth. Maybe she should have stayed home and not subjected herself to such uncharacteristic actions. Day-Jung continued to dance her slowly around the floor, so Micha had no choice but to follow. It wasn't bad once she got over his invasion of her personal space. He had a nice, hard body and some tender arm muscles, but other than that, he didn't impress her. Someone behind Day-Jung tapped him on the shoulder. "Beat it," he told whoever it was. "Can't you see that I'm dancing?" The person tapped him again, and Day-Jung stopped, obviously angered by the disturbance. Micha looked over his shoulder and gulped. "Ran-Hanuel?" "What's the problem, Hyung?" Day-Jung asked. "Hyun-Gi wants you to call her immediately." "Can't it wait? I'm kind of busy." The music ended, and Day-Jung released her. "No, she says it is important. I'll make sure your date gets back to her friends safely." "She's not my date. At the moment, anyway. She's a friend of Shin-Chang." He turned to her and bowed. "I hope I get to meet with you again during your stay in Seoul." Micha bowed to him but did not answer. Partially because Ran-Hanuel was squeezing her hand really hard. Day-Jung walked away, leaving her alone with the scowling leader of Revolution.

"Of all the people to hook up with," he said as he led her off the dance floor and back to the table where Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul sat nursing beers. He slung her into a seat. "You two were supposed to keep an eye on her." "She was only dancing," Lee-Chul replied. "Don't get all hysterical." Ran-Hanuel sat down in a seat next to her. "I am not hysterical. Day-Jung is a player. He isn't right for Micha." "How do you know who is right for me?" Micha asked, pissed he thought he knew her. "Maybe I like players." Ran-Hanuel scowled at her. "I know more about you than you think. I bet you're still a virgin." "Ran-Hanuel." Shin-Chang cautioned. "Calm down. We weren't going to let anything happen to her. Like Lee-Chul said, it was just one dance." "That's one too many. You know what kind of reputation he has with women." "Please give me some credit for having some common sense," Micha said. "We just wanted to know if she can dance," Shin-Chang replied. "Then why weren't you dancing with her?" "Because Day-Jung swept her off before I got the chance," Shin-Chang said. "Well, it's obvious she can dance. He was all over her." Micha smirked. Was he concerned about her reputation? "Look, there's Sun-Jae," Lee-Chul said, pointing. Ran-Hanuel's' neck did a freaky, Linda- Blair-in-The-Exorcist turn. "Where?" "Over there by the bar." Micha followed his finger with her gaze. "She's with Dak-Ho and some other girls." "I don't see Chung-Hee," Ran-Hanuel replied. "But I know he's lurking somewhere, because he never lets her out of his sight for long." "Now is your chance to ask her to dance," Shin-Chang told him.

Ran-Hanuel nodded, slipped out of the seat, and walked away from them. It was only then she noticed how nice he looked in a white suit that molded to his thin, tall frame. She squinted to make out the young woman he was obviously in love with. Sun-Jae was cute in a Barbie doll sort of way. She was of medium height but thin as a rail, wearing a clingy yellow dress with a black Pashmina thrown haphazardly around her shoulders. "They make a nice couple," Micha said. She signaled for a waitress. "She's okay if you like stupid, vain, flaky women," Shin-Chang replied. "And you don't?" Micha asked. "No," he replied as he looked over at her. "I like ones who can hold an intelligent conversation, and who occasionally fall into my arms."

*****

Ran-Hanuel kept expecting Chung-Hee to walk up and punch him in the face any minute for dancing with Sun-Jae. One song led into another and another until finally he decided he'd taken up enough of her time and walked Sun-Jae back over to her friends. He bowed to her. "Thank you for the dance." "My pleasure, Ran-Hanuel. It's not every day a girl gets to dance with Revolution's bad boy." Ran-Hanuel smirked. "Is that what I'm called now?" Sun-Jae nodded. "I've been called worse." "I can think of a few names," Dak-Ho, the other lead male singer of Sensei replied. "Bite me," Ran-Hanuel told him. Dak-Ho brushed an imaginary piece of lint from his tan, faux-leather blazer. "I don't do men, no matter how pretty they are." Ran-Hanuel made a step toward him, but Sun-Jae stopped him. "This is not the place. Think of your reputation as an idol."

Ran-Hanuel straightened his lapels. "He's not worth sweating over." "Yeah, well see you next weekend when we kick your ass and win the competition, pretty boy." "I'm looking forward to it. Then I won't have to see your ugly face for a while." Ran-Hanuel turned on his heels and walked away from them. Shin-Chang and LeeChul still sat at the table, but Micha was missing. "Where is she?" he asked as he sat down and called for a drink. The waitress nodded and went behind the bar. "The ladies room," Lee-Chul replied. "Occasionally, women have to go." Ran-Hanuel accepted the beer from the waitress and sent her off with a tip. He turned and looked toward the restroom. "How long has she been gone?" "About five minutes," Shin-Chang answered. "She should be back soon." "I saw you dancing with Sun-Jae." Lee-Chul teased him. "Nice moves." "She's a very good dancer." "So is Micha," Shin-Chang announced, pointing toward the dance floor. Ran-Hanuel looked around quickly. "She's dancing with Chung-Hee?" "And doing a very good job of it too," Shin-Chang said. "Girl's got some killer moves." "Two days ago, she was masquerading as a boy, and now all of a sudden, she's very popular with the men," Ran-Hanuel said angrily. He sipped his beer and placed the bottle down on the table. "One of our rivals, to be exact," Shin-Chang said, not joking this time. "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to bring her tonight." "Oh, I don't know about that," Lee-Chul said, still watching Micha dance. "It might do her some good to meet people besides us. Hyun-Gi said she didn't have many friends in Los Angeles while she was growing up. Her popularity was just starting when she entered those talent shows. It would be selfish of us to keep her to ourselves." "Speak for yourself, Lee-Chul. I don't mind being selfish," Shin-Chang replied.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ran-Hanuel asked. Shin-Chang was certainly acting a lot stranger than normal, and had been since Micha arrived. "Nothing." Ran-Hanuel shook his head. "We're taking her home once this song is over, before Chung-Hee gets a look at her without those sunglasses. Hyun-Gi will kill us if her identify is blown before next week." "Yes, that would definitely be a mistake," Shin-Chang agreed. "We wouldn't want that to happen." Chapter Seven The light shining in her face at five in the morning could only mean one thing: the Fates hated her. Micha opened her eyes to find Ran-Hanuel standing over her, fully dressed in what appeared to be workout clothes. "Rise and shine, sleepy head." "Is the house on fire?" Micha asked. She was still terribly tired from clubbing last night. "No," he replied. "Why?" Her reply came in the form of a pillow to his face. "Ouch. Someone is not a morning person." Micha snuggled back beneath the covers. "You guessed right." Her voice was unbelievably deep in the morning. "What are you doing in my room at this ungodly hour?" "Time to go for a run." Micha opened her eyes again. "You're kidding, right?" "I'm afraid not. It's a part of your training. I'm in charge of you today, in case you've forgotten." "No, but I'm trying." Ran-Hanuel snatched the covers off her. "Whoa, cute teddy."

Micha scrambled for the covers. She was fully dressed in pajamas and didn't appreciate his joke. "Pervert." She pitched another pillow at him. "How would you like it if I came into your room and snatched the covers off you while you're sleeping?" He chuckled. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. I sleep in the buff." "Yuck. That figures." She sat up, her head still fuzzy from sleep. "Why are you tormenting me this morning? It isn't even daylight yet." Ran-Hanuel walked away from the bed. "It will be in a couple of minutes. Get up and get dressed. I have a full day of activities planned for you. Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul are downstairs waiting." He headed for the door. "You have ten minutes." He walked out and closed the door behind him. Micha crawled out of bed and slipped her feet into her slippers. Did he just say that he slept in the nude? She shuddered as she walked to the bathroom. And why did he smell so good in the morning? Micha made a mental note not to ever enter his room at bedtime. She turned on the light and blinked. "Five o'clock in the morning. Only insane people jog so early." She used the toilet, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and lumbered back into her room to search for something suitable to wear for running. Five minutes later, she was dressed and headed downstairs to meet the fellows, whom she found outside, stretching to limber up. They all wore similar styled workout gear: warm-up pants with matching jackets and good pairs of running shoes. Lucky for her, she had brought along her own workout gear, much to the dismay of her foster mother. She didn't think Micha looked feminine in workout clothes. She made a mental note to call later to let her know that she arrived safely, even if Hyun-Gi had already spoken to her. "It's about time you got here," Ran-Hanuel said while he sat on the curb, stretching out those long legs.

Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul stood, twisting at the waists with their arms extended. She joined Ran-Hanuel on the ground and began stretching out her leg muscles. "How far are we running?" she asked as she rose and began stretching her arms and performing squats. Her knees begged for sympathy; she hadn't been very active lately. "We've decided to take it slow this morning since you're running with us for the first time," Lee-Chul answered. "About a mile or two." Micha bent down to touch her toes, refusing to let him see her grimace. One or two miles? Was he crazy? She was barely awake. "You have a big butt," Ran-Hanuel said. Micha found him standing behind her when she straightened up. "You need to run that off, or it will hold you down during intricate dance moves." Micha looked behind, trying to see her butt. Granted, she was a little wide in the hips, but she was a girl, and some things were just a given. She lowered the hem of her warm-up jacket to cover her behind. "I do not." "I know a big butt when I see one," Ran-Hanuel said. "Tell her, fellows." Both Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul looked and then nodded in agreement. "I do so hate the three of you this morning," she said, walking away from them, ignoring the snickering and the comments. No, Lee-Chul hadn't been kidding, she discovered several minutes later after the four of them took off running out the front gate. Ran-Hanuel and the other's legs were longer than hers were, and they eventually left her behind in their dust. Micha plodded along at her own pace, working up just enough energy to sweat. It wasn't like she was new to running, but she wasn't a sprinter and wouldn't pretend to be to impress those three idiots. At the two-mile point, she felt her muscles burn. The other three sweated profusely as they stood at the mark, waiting for her to approach. Sweat beaded on RanHanuel's forehead. He brushed it away as he gasped for breath.

"You look like you're about to die, Hyung," Micha told him. "Funny, and don't call me Hyung, dude girl. Precious Oppa will do nicely." Shin-Chang chuckled lightly. "Why aren't you sweating?" "I am. It's just not noticeable," she answered. "You're not even breathing hard." Shin-Chang bent over from the waist, while holding his ribs. "I guess my big old butt blocks the sun from shining on me." Lee-Chul groaned. "Will you guys stop talking about butts? Young, impressionable male here." "Are you checking out Micha's butt?" Ran-Hanuel asked him teasingly. "No," Lee-Chul answered, still trying to catch his breath. "But I can't help but notice it while she's jogging in place in front of me." Micha ignored them. "You guys shouldn't stop like that. You're going to cramp up." She continued to jog in place in front of Lee-Chul to annoy him. "See you back at the mansion." She heard their footsteps behind her shortly after she took off running again. This time, they sounded slower and less energetic. The sun was just beginning to rise when she made it halfway back to the house. The air smelled fresh and brisk but mixed with the scent of oncoming rain. It had just started to drizzle lightly when she turned the bend and ran in through the gates. The guys weren't so lucky. They were soaked by the time they arrived. All three plopped down on the stoop under the door shelter next to her and began removing their wet shoes, jackets, and shirts, revealing their tender young bodies. Micha pretended not to watch as she admired the sleekness of their arms and their tiny waistlines. Up until now, she hadn't been really been interested in males that way, but it was hard now that she was sharing a home with three of the handsomest men she'd ever met. Ran-Hanuel had the smallest waist. Shin-Chang's body had a little more muscle than the other two. At twenty-one, Lee-Chul had a great set of abs and the biggest chest.

"Aren't you going to get out of those wet clothes?" Lee-Chul asked when he caught her staring. Micha felt a blush coming on. "No, I got here before the rain." She removed her tennis shoes and rose to her feet. "I need a shower and I'm starving." She opened the door and dashed into the house before they could see the blush rising on her cheeks. After a shower, she went back downstairs and found them in the dining room talking to Choe Iseul. "You'll have to serve yourselves this morning," she told them. "I'm on my way to the market, and Hyun-Gi has already left for the office." "I'll do it." Micha volunteered for duty. "You're such a sweet child," the housekeeper replied. "Everything is in the kitchen. I'll do the dishes when I return." She left the room, leaving Micha alone with the three starving males. "I like my juice freshly squeezed," Ran-Hanuel said. "No pulp." Micha rolled her eyes at him. "I'll be back shortly. She walked out of the dining room and into the kitchen where she found everything ready, including rotten boy's freshly squeezed juice. The meal was more an American version of a Korean breakfast with fried eggs, white toast, strawberry jelly, and sliced watermelon. Already packed on the serving cart were bowl of galbi, grilled short ribs, bean sprout rice, cold cucumber soup, and radish strip kimchi. That was more food than her body could handle, so she opted to feed the starving men the heavier meal while she ate the healthy one. Micha rolled the cart out of the kitchen and into the dining room. One of the guys had taken the liberty of setting four places at the table, and Lee-Chul rose to assist her with the cart. "Is that all you're going to eat?" Shin-Chang asked her, watching her from across the table once she had finished serving them.

"Yes, since I have to watch my weight now." "What's wrong with your weight?" he asked as he reached for a slice of watermelon with his chopsticks and transferred the fruit to his fingers. "Apparently, I have a big old butt." He looked over at Ran-Hanuel who smiled smugly. "Why did you have to tell her that?" Ran-Hanuel reached for his glass of orange juice and sipped before placing it back down on the table. "You know I only told her that for her own good." Micha doubted that. "Anyway, you'll take off that little unneeded fat in the dance studio, which is where we'll all be around noon today since we have to get ready for next week's performance." Micha speared another piece of watermelon. "I'll be there . . . big old butt and all." "Wear something you can move around in. You know, stretchy." The more Ran-Hanuel talked to her, the more she wanted to stab him with one of her chopsticks. "Got you." Back home, men apparently liked women with junk in their trunks. What in the world was wrong with these three? *****

"Is this stretchy enough?" Micha asked Ran-Hanuel as she stepped into the dance studio in her brand-new, black Danskin leotard, pull-on black pants, black headband, and bare feet. All three men stopped what they were doing to look over at her. "Works for me," Shin-Chang said with a smile as he walked over to her, dressed in a navy blue, sleeveless muscle shirt and dancing pants. He smiled, took her hand, and led her into room.

Lee-Chul just sat on the floor where he'd been stretching and gawked at her like he'd never seen a girl before. Ran-Hanuel eyed her from head to toe. "Yes, black is most slimming." Micah shook her head. He is so exasperating. Shin-Chang turned her over to him. "Have you ever seen any of our live performances?" "No, I've never heard of you until a week ago." "Are you sure you're Korean?" Ran-Hanuel asked. Micha ignored his statement. "You have a computer in your room. Why didn't you Google us?" "Too busy searching for porn," she replied sarcastically. Shin-Chang's hand tightened on hers. "I hope you're joking." "Of course I am," she said once he released her. He led her over to a chair on the other side of the room and placed her in front of a television and a DVR. "Why don't you take a look at this while we get the music ready?" He turned and walked away from her. Micha took one look at the tight, navy blue pants as they hugged his little narrow bottom and then turned her attention back to the television. The copy was a bit dated, but she did recognize them. They were much younger and much shorter. "Wow," she said, watching them sing and dance around the stage so energetically. This must have been around the time of their debut, which meant they could not have been any older than fifteen or sixteen. Lee-Chul probably was younger, with all that long, black hair and a big, dimply smile. Shin-Chang appeared taller than Ran-Hanuel at the time, but Ran-Hanuel probably had a growth spurt during puberty. Lee-Chul was a tad bit shorter, but they were all about the same height now. Their moves, even back then, were well choreographed. The video changed scenes. Revolution was a bit older now and dancing their butts off with mics but no

musical instruments. The song was a lively tune, and the audience participation really floored her as they sang right along with them. One more scene change. This time, it was them at their present age, dressed in skin-tight costumes, moving around doing pelvic thrusts and literally seducing the young women in the audience with a sexy ballad. Ran-Hanuel's powerful, mid-range voice mixed with Shin-Chang's soulful tenor. Ran-Hanuel hit one high note that sent shivers through her body. Wow, the pain in the ass can sing. No wonder he is so rotten. Women were literally screaming and calling out his name. Hell, a lot of them were actually crying. The video ended. Now she knew a little more about them. The big question . . . what did they expect of her?

*****

"How is she doing?" Seung asked Hyun-Gi as they sat down in her office, sipping tea and going over contracts for some other talent he had rounded up for Elegance. Hyun-Gi raised the tiny porcelain cup. "As well as can be expected. She seems to be getting along well with Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul, but Ran-Hanuel is a different story. He's going out of his way to make the kid miserable." She sipped her tea. "Maybe he's jealous. After all, he's been the center of attention for a long time." Hyun-Gi nodded. "I suppose you're right, but it would be nice if he tried to get along with her." Seung picked up a cookie and broke off a piece. "It's not like he's had a lot of experience being around girls. It could just be a case of nervousness. You did say he treated her differently when he thought she was a young man." He put the piece of cookie into his mouth. "This is good." "I picked them up at the market a couple of days ago. The bright green box caught my attention." "You always had a good eye for nice things," Seung said.

They'd been together for ten years now and were close friends. "Where are they now?" "The cookies?" Hyun-Gi asked. Seung chuckled. "No, Revolution?" "In the dance studio. Ran-Hanuel wrote another song for them to perform for the competition, and they're practicing dance moves." "Can Micha dance?" Hyun-Gi nodded. "I think so. If not, she'll learn. The song's a slow ballad, so she won't have to move around too much. Afterwards she'll be attending formal dance, voice and acting lessons." "You mean if they win." "They will win. Ran-Hanuel might be rotten, but he has a fighter's spirit. His ego has taken quite the beating these last two weeks. My guess is he will do everything in his power to win this week." Seung reached for another cookie. "You know things are going to get pretty hectic if they win the million dollars. There will be endorsements and movie offers. Their lives will change once they become true idols." "I'm well aware of that. It's been their dream for years. I've got a lot of things on hold or in the making. Right now, all I can concentrate on is this week's competition. Their costumes have been ordered and the fitting is tomorrow." "Now to change the subject. What about Day-Jung? Rumor has it he's dating some young starlet who's barely sixteen." "No rumor," Hyun-Gi replied, suddenly losing her taste for her snack. "It is all true. I had a talk with him last night about the rumors, and he didn't deny them. RanHanuel and the others ran into him at a club, and he was all over Micha before the night ended." "Micha?" "Yeah, apparently Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul brought her there for some fun and Day-Jung came over to their table and asked her to dance."

"But I thought you said you were going to keep her identity under wraps until this weekend." "That was the plan, but she disguised herself in a wig and wore dark glasses. Ran-Hanuel got her out of there before Day-Jung could entertain her in conversation. You can cover up that beautiful face, but you can't disguise her voice. It's really unique." "So how did you get to talk to him?" "Ran-Hanuel called me the moment he spotted Day-Jung dancing. So he called me and told me what was happening, and I sent him a message to call me so RanHanuel could get him away from Micha. That's when the subject of the starlet came up. I told him to stop picking up girls in clubs and to think about his reputation." "And what did he say?" Seung asked. "You know that smart-mouthed kid. He told me to stay out of his life, and I didn't own him." Seung sighed. "I don't know why you don't get rid of him. He's been nothing but trouble since you signed him on. Now he's dating teen-aged girls." "He's a fine singer and Exodus is building a very big fan base. Being a seducer is part of his mystique, and fans love that. I just hope he realizes soon that his actions may one day harm not only him, but the rest of Exodus as well." "You think he's still mad that he wasn't allowed to compete for the prize money this year?" Hyun-Gi nodded. "Exodus isn't ready yet. Maybe next year. This year belongs to Revolution." She put her cup down. "Anyway, I'm planning a live tour for everyone when Revolution wins." That got Seung's attention. "A tour?" "Yes, featuring all of Elegance's groups, with Revolution as the headliner. Of course, there will be a lot of promotion leading up to it. Everyone will be busy, including Day-Jung. He won't have time for romance."

"I sure hope you're right," Seung replied. "It will be terrible if something happens to stain Elegance's reputation." "I'll personally end his contract when and if that happens." Hyun-Gi assured him. She'd worked too hard to make a name for herself in this male-dominated field, and there was no way she was going to let some punk kid ruin it.

*****

"Shower and get dressed," Ran-Hanuel told Micha after rehearsal. "Why?" "Because I'm taking you out. I thought it would be nice if you got to see Seoul." "But Hyun-Gi does not want anyone to know about me until this weekend." "Then disguise yourself in one of those baggy boy outfits and don't wear any makeup." "Duh," Micha said, pulling herself off the floor where she landed after hours of grueling practicing. It was only one song, but Ran-Hanuel was a perfectionist who insisted that every note in the song had a matching move. She sighed. Idols on television made it look so easy. "How much time do I have before we leave?" "An hour," Ran-Hanuel replied. "I have to place a phone call, and then we can go." Every bone in her body ached. "Good. I need to soak. For some reason, I am very achy." Ran-Hanuel smirked. "You'll get used to the pain after a couple more rehearsals." Micha grimaced. She didn't want to get used to pain. "I think I'm going to take a nice, long soak. I'll meet you outside in an hour." "I'm leaving first," he said, heading toward the door. "Don't drown in the tub." Micha gathered up her things and walked out of the dance studio, wondering if she could make it up the flight of stairs to her room before she collapsed. Fifteen

minutes later, water and bubbles buried her to her neck. "I think Ran-Hanuel is trying to kill me." The alarm in her room went off. She'd set the clock before entering the tub, just in case she fell asleep. Micha got out and dried off before walking back into her room to dress. It felt good to slip into her jeans and sweatshirt again. They felt a little baggier, probably from all the dancing and the running. She rummaged through her closet for her boots. High heels and makeup was so not her. She put on a pair of white athletic socks, slipped the boots on, and strung up the laces. Once dressed, she removed the towel from her head and freed her hair. It had started to dry in little ringlets, so she decided to let it finish air-drying since she'd be wearing a cap. After finding the perfect cap, she placed it on her head and looked at herself in the mirror. Perfect. I look like me. Micha looked over at the clock. She had only a few minutes left. She grabbed a jacket that matched the hat, put it on, and headed downstairs. Micha found Ran-Hanuel pacing up and down the pavement, dressed in street clothes: low-riding jeans, an oversized shirt, and boots. "What are you staring at?" "You," Micha replied as she walked over to him. "You've seen me before." "Not like this. You look almost human." Ran-Hanuel pulled a baseball cap out of his pocket and pulled it down over his perfectly coiffed brown hair. "I am human. Come on, let's go." "Aren't we going to wait for Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul?" she asked as he helped her into the front seat of the town car. "No," he answered. "They're not going." He closed the door, walked around, and climbed into the driver's seat. "And put on your sunglasses. Green eyes are so distracting." Micha smirked. Until now, no one noticed or commented on the color. "Hyun-Gi should arrange a trip to the optometrist for you."

"My eyes are fine." Micha protested his suggestion. "Yes, if you were a Caucasian. You need brown contacts. They will help you fit in and not be ridiculed." Micha pouted. Her father had green eyes, or so it seemed from the picture in the locket. "Why do I have to fit in? I like being an individual." Ran-Hanuel started the car. "You also like passing as a boy and see where that has gotten you." Micha fastened her seatbelt and sat back in the seat staring forward, watching the scenery go by as Ran-Hanuel drove out of the neighborhood, heading toward the highway. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him reach down to turn on the radio. He had nice, slender fingers and very clean nails. "Where are we going?" she asked once she realized he wasn't going to initiate conversation. Normally, she wouldn't care; she wasn't much of a talker either. "To the COEX Mall." Micha raised an eyebrow. "You're taking me shopping?" "Maybe, but there are other things to see there too, like the aquarium and the Kimchi Field Museum." Not exactly a date, but at least he was trying. Or was he? Maybe he was taking her somewhere and dumping her off. Micha squirmed around in her seat. "This is killing you, isn't it?" Ran-Hanuel asked, leaning her way. "Yes, why are you being so nice to me?" "I have no idea," he said, shifting gears. The car sped down the highway. "It's not like you're some gorgeous girl I need to impress." Chapter Eight Micha stared wide-eyed as she and Ran-Hanuel entered the COEX Mall, which connected the Convention and Exhibition Center and the World Trade Tower with the Samseong subway station. Scores and scores of people milled about in the brightly lit

underground mall. They stopped at a CD and DVD video and music store where she and Ran-Hanuel perused several racks of popular CDs. She was surprised to see a lot of American artists amongst the many Asian singers. Micha spotted a hard-to-find-copy of the rap group Fears and Tears, Rhapsody best-selling compilation. Ran-Hanuel took it out of her hand, flipped it over, and read the back blurb. "It's in English," he replied, handing it back to her. "So?" He dug through a bin, selected a CD, and handed the case to her. "This is better and more your style." Micha looked down at the box. "B2ST, Beast is the Best Mini Album." "They're good," he said. "They sing in both English and Korean." She put the CD back in the bin. "I already know who they are. I'm not completely ignorant when it comes to music." He made a face, puckering his lips and rolling his eyes, a most unbecoming expression. "Oasis is my favorite, followed by As Yet. I also like their latest, Fiction." "Very impressive." He walked over to a rack of DVDs where he began plucking several and placing them into a green hand basket. "A Perfect Kiss, Goong, Bakery King, all very good Korean dramas." Micha picked up one and read the title. "Boys' Love." Ran-Hanuel quickly snatched the video away from her. "No, no," he said to her as if she were a naughty puppy. "You have enough issues." He offered no other explanation, but rather selected another one and handed it to her. Micha read the title. "Sungkyunkwan Scandal." "You'll love it. It's an historical and the male lead is really cute." The fact that he said another guy was cute surprised her; he lived in front of a mirror, fixing his hair and primping as he was actually doing now, only using a chrome

rack to see his reflection. He made several more selections and walked over to the checkout to pay for them. He handed the bag to her once they were outside the store. "These are for you. You need to learn to be a Korean." Micha wondered if he could see her roll her eyes through her dark sunglasses. "I am a Korean." "A diluted version." He walked away. Micha shook her head. Rude, rude, rude. She hurried to catch up with his long strides. "Are you hungry?" he asked, stopping abruptly so she nearly bumped into him. "A little." "Choe Iseul will kill me if I bring you home starving, so let's grab something at one of those snack bars." He started walking again, and Micha followed, ignoring the stares they received from the horde of shoppers. A couple of young women waved to her, and some giggled. "What's their problem?" she mumbled. He stopped, and this time, she did run into the back of him. "Ignore them. They think you're cute." Micha rubbed her forehead. "Yuck." A gang of kids ran past them and entered one of the shops, a video arcade. She smiled; she hadn't played a video game in months. Ran-Hanuel walked inside, and she followed, disbelieving that he would be caught dead in a video arcade. He walked up to a machine, dropped in some coins, and began to play as she watched. It was some type of war game with bombs and missiles falling from the sky and hidden mines blowing up tanks. The score tallied up quickly, which led her to believe Ran-Hanuel had played the game before. She walked over to another machine. "Grand Theft Auto, Arcade Version." A manicured hand moved around her waist and put some money into the machine.

"That's a very difficult game," Ran-Hanuel said and walked back over to his game. Micha put her bag down on the floor between her legs and began to play. A halfhour later, a small crowd had formed around her, watching. Ran-Hanuel had stopped playing his game and leaned against the machine, also watching. Micha purposely ended the game, much to the dismay of the crowd, picked up her bag, and walked up to him. "I'm ready. I'm leaving first." Ran-Hanuel strolled out, cool as he pleased, behind her. "You're pretty good for an American." She followed him down the highly polished walkway, pausing occasionally to read the advertising and sidestepping people until they reached the crowded food court. More than a couple of girls kept looking at her. She chose to ignore them. "You're drawing them to you like flies, girly-boy." Micha turned her nose up at him. Her gaze darted around as she read the various food signs, McDonalds, Burger King, On the Border, T.G.I. Fridays, all American franchises. "What's your poison?" Ran-Hanuel asked, standing dangerously close to her. "Burger King," Micha said once she could breathe. "It's your funeral," he replied sarcastically. After placing their order, Ran-Hanuel found them a table. Micha poured her French fries onto the tray and smothered them in ketchup. Ran-Hanuel watched her as he ate his yucky soy burger. What did he need to eat healthy for? He was already thin. Her taste buds danced with delight as she devoured the hot, salty fries and attacked her Whopper with gusto. "You're going to gain a lot of weight if you keep eating fries." Ran-Hanuel teased her. "And get pimples." Micha ignored him, waiting for another whimsical insult. What she could not ignore was the crowd of people forming near them.

"Who is this?" some male said from the crowd. A camera flashed in her face. "Is this your new little boyfriend, Ran-Hanuel?" More flashes. What is with these people? Did everyone own a camera? She heard a girl mention Ran-Hanuel's name and then a few of them screamed. Micha lifted her eyes and peered over at three guys standing by the next table. She recognized one of them. It was Chung-Hee of Sensei. Ran-Hanuel ignored him. "He's cute." Chung-Hee teased. Micha pushed her glasses up to make sure her eyes were covered. She didn't think he'd seen them the night they danced, but she couldn't be sure. Of all the rotten coincidences. "I always knew you were into boys since I've never seen you with a girl." He paused. "Not even before your debut." Micha stared at Ran-Hanuel. If eyes could kill, Chung-Hee was about to explode into a ball of fire. "Where are you from, pretty boy?" one of the other guys with him asked. Micha knew better than to answer. She just looked over at them again. ChungHee looked frightening in a gold hoodie that almost matched his spiky hair. Why in the hell did these guys think they looked good with yellow-blond hair? The other two had a little more sense. They wore their thick, black, Asian hair cut stylishly, and they dressed in hoodies and jeans. Still more cameras flashed. "Come on; let's go," Ran-Hanuel told her. He slid out of his chair and walked past Chung-Hee and his friends. Girls screamed his name again and waved to him. A few were brave enough to take his picture. Micha picked up her trash, got out of her seat, and followed. "Nice ass," one of them said while making an obnoxious kissing sound. "I just love a boy with a big butt."

Micha tossed the trash and caught up with Ran-Hanuel. "Don't you dare say a word," she warned him. "I wouldn't dream of it, girly-boy."

*****

Micha pouted all the way back to the mansion; the appearance of one of Revolution's rivals had spoiled her first real outing. Neither Shin-Chang nor Lee-Chul said much at the dining table while RanHanuel relayed the day's events to Hyun-Gi. "Oh, you poor thing," Hyun-Gi said to her. "To be picked on by those awful young men." "Didn't bother me," Micha said as she ate her rice. "My masculinity wasn't threatened." Ran-Hanuel stared angrily at her. Shin-Chang chuckled. "Chung-Hee actually thought you were Ran-Hanuel's boyfriend?" Micha nodded. "And she didn't deny it either," Ran-Hanuel said with a pout. "You told me not to talk," Micha replied once she swallowed her mouthful of food. She smiled at him. "That's nothing to smile about," he said to her. "You're not my type." Micha went back to her food. "That doesn't bother me either. What kind of guy is your type?" "Listen, girly-boy. I do not date men, and you have no place to talk with all those girls following you around the mall. You guys should have seen it. She's like a girl magnet." Lee-Chul couldn't contain his laughter any longer. "I should be so lucky." Ran-Hanuel pointed at her. "You see what you've started."

"How are you blaming this on me? I was just sitting there eating my fries when your friends appeared." "They aren't my friends." "You let her eat fries?" Hyun-Gi asked excitedly. "Junk food will ruin her skin and put weight on her." Ran-Hanuel smirked across the table at her. Micha poked her tongue at him. "It's not my fault those guys were whistling at your butt." Hyun-Gi gasped. "What?" "Pervs," Micha explained. "They were checking out my butt as I walked away from them." Shin-Chang chuckled behind his napkin, and Micha sent him a murderous glare. "That reminds me," Hyun-Gi said. "Micha, you have a fitting tomorrow morning at nine for your stage costume." Micha stopped eating. "How can I have a fitting when I haven't been measured yet?" "We work with professionals, honey. I know your height and can guess the rest. You're just a little wider in the hips than Lee-Chul." "But he's prettier," Ran-Hanuel replied. "And you wonder why Chung-Hee thought I was your date," Micha said to him sarcastically.

*****

Shin-Chang ruffled through the bag of DVDs Micha brought into the entertainment room. "You picked out some pretty nice movies. I've seen most of them though. Mischievous Kiss is pretty funny, if you're into the romantic stuff." Micha didn't know if she was or wasn't into the romantic stuff. Transformers and Iron Man were more her thing.

"She had her hands on Boys' Love," Ran-Hanuel said to Shin-Chang when he and Lee-Chul entered the room carrying popcorn and soda. He placed the tray of bowls on a nearby table. Lee-Chul looked into the bag once his hands were free. "I hope you didn't let her buy that." "No. I'm not stupid," Ran-Hanuel said. Micha walked around the huge room, ignoring their conversation and checking out the vast assortment of movies and CDs in the wall-to-wall mahogany cabinet. There was also a huge, flat-screen television, DVD player, and music entertainment system stationed inside the wall unit. Photographs of Revolution as young kids hung from the walls and lined some of the shelving. She picked up one of the pictures, instantly recognizing Lee-Chul by his dimples and smile. She placed the picture back on the shelf. "Did you tell her what the movie is about?" Lee-Chul asked. "No," Ran-Hanuel answered. "She doesn't need to know." They acted as if she wasn't even there. "I can Google it and find out," she replied. Ran-Hanuel turned to face her. "You'd Google a gay movie but you didn't use Google to find out about our group? I think I'm insulted." A gay movie? No wonder he freaked out. Men were so anal when it came to such things. She giggled at her own joke. "I'll remember to check it out on YouTube tonight." "I am so having that computer removed from your room," Lee-Chul said. They decided on a music video, an American one subbed in Korean. Micha sat down on the brown leather couch between Ran-Hanuel and Shin-Chang, while LeeChul sat in a recliner next to them. He passed around the bowl of popcorn. The scent of the two young men's cologne mixed in the air around her. One was a heady musk, the other smelled like a sea breeze in the summertime. Something inside her stomach tightened. Micha chose to ignore the sensation. She snuggled back into the seat, feeling oddly comforted.

Someone gently nudged her awake. "It's time for bed, princess." Micha opened her eyes. Shin-Chang stared down at her with intense brown eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. "I guess I must have fallen asleep." The two of them were alone in the room. Her heart skipped again. "About halfway through the movie. You must be really tired from practice and your outing with Ran-Hanuel." Micha sat up, and he backed away some to give her room. "Yes, I suppose I am. Being with Ran-Hanuel and his ego is enough to wear out a bull." Shin-Chang chuckled. Why is my heart doing this? Micha rose. Maybe I should lay off the salted fries. She stretched and yawned. Shin-Chang took her hand. "Come, princess. I'll walk you up to your room." *****

The rising sun woke Micha as light filtered into her window. She turned over and gazed out. What a beautiful sight . . . a burst of red, orange, and yellow. She doubted if she'd see anything like this in California. Micha rolled out of bed feeling safe and content, a first since the fateful night when she met Hyun-Gi and Seung. Up until then, she hadn't known what she would do with her life, but for the moment, the plan was to help Revolution win the competition and take it from there. The immediate plan was to get dressed and go with Hyun-Gi for the costume fitting. After showering, she donned a pair of jeans, a button up shirt, and a pair of slipon shoes, an outfit that would be easy to get out of to try on the costume, and would also work to keep her sex and identity hidden just in case they ran into Chung-Hee or any of his friends.

It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that he and Ran-Hanuel hated each other, and no doubt, it was because of Sensei's female singer, Sun-Jae. Since she was already dating Chung-Hee, it was safe to say that Ran-Hanuel didn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of getting with her. Micha grabbed her cap, pulled it over her hair, and headed down the stairs. "Good morning, beautiful." Micha stopped in her tracks near the bottom of the staircase. Shin-Chang stood in the foyer, already dressed for the day. He looked good in a pair of dark blue slacks and a navy pullover sweater. Around his neck, she spotted a silver chain that matched the silver studs in his ears. "Good morning," she replied, straightening her shirt and not knowing why. It was just Shin-Chang. "What are you doing up so early?" "I was about to ask you the same thing," he said. "But as for me, I'm normally an early riser." He waited for her to come down the rest of the way. "Care to join me for breakfast?" "Sure. I was on my way to the kitchen to fix some cereal or something since Choe Iseul is probably still sleeping." Shin-Chang chuckled. "Hardly. She usually gets up around four, and if my nose is not deceiving me, she's already in the kitchen cooking." Micha sniffed the air. "Something smells good." She followed Shin-Chang down the hall that led to the kitchen. Choe Iseul looked up as they opened the door and entered. ―Good morning. I’m not used to seeing anyone except Shin-Chang so early." She looked at Micha. "I didn't figure you for an early riser." "Normally, I'm not," Micha assured her. "But Hyun-Gi is taking me to town to try on my costume." "Oh, that's right. I almost forgot. Hyun-Gi should be down shortly. She is also an early riser when she needs to get things done. Why don't the two of you go into the

dining room? The table is already set, and breakfast should be ready shortly." Micha sat down in the dining room and Shin-Chang sat next to her. "Are you nervous?" "About what? Being alone with you in the dining room?" "No, I mean the fitting." "Not really," Micha replied. "How hard can it be?" Shin-Chang folded a napkin in his lap. "It can be a little overwhelming the first time. There will be a lot of people hanging around, taking measurements, making rude comments, and comparing your body to the thousands of other people they've created costumes for." "Granted, I'm not used to so much attention, but I'll try not to get upset." "Good. Lee-Chul always used to dread getting fitted for costumes. Ladies pinched his cheeks and complimented him on his dimples." "They are stellar," Micha agreed, putting her napkin on her lap. Shin-Chang leaned toward her. "Do you think so?" "Yes." He was just about to say something else when Hyun-Gi entered the dining room dressed in a red two-piece business suit and carrying a red leather bag like she was about to attend a business meeting instead of accompanying Micha to the costumer. "Good, you're up," she said to Micha. "I thought I would have to send ShinChang up to your room to drag you out of the bed." Micha shook her head, remembering yesterday's wake up visit from Ran-Hanuel. "No, I woke up to the sun shining in through the window. It was the most amazing sight." "I've seen a few of them lately myself," Shin-Chang said, still staring at her. Micha averted her eyes. Lucky for her, Choe Iseul entered with their breakfast. "I thought you might want something a little different this morning," the housekeeper said as she set a plate of pancakes and sausage in front of Micha. "I figured your stomach might be suffering from culture shock."

Micha nodded excitedly. "That looks good," Shin-Chang said as she poured syrup on the stack. "What are those?" Micha stopped pouring. "Pancakes." He tried to pronounce the word in English. "Oh, I forgot." She repeated it in Korean, cut a piece with the first fork she'd seen since she'd been there, and fed it to him. Hyun-Gi coughed loudly and shook her head. "What? I'm just feeding him. We're family." "Ran-Hanuel is right," Hyun-Gi replied. "What am I right about?" Ran-Hanuel asked as he walked into the dining room. He sat down next to Hyun-Gi. "That Micha needs to learn what it is to be Korean," Hyun-Gi answered. Micha frowned. So they had been discussing her. It didn't surprise her as much as the fact that both of them thought they needed to change her. Wasn't the makeup enough? "I'll have some of those," Shin-Chang said to Choe Iseul, who had been standing by and listening to the conversation. He pointed to Micha's stack of pancakes. "What are those?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "Pancakes," Shin-Chang told him in broken English. "They're very good." "Micha was just feeding some to him before you entered," Hyun-Gi told RanHanuel. Ran-Hanuel lifted an arched eyebrow at Micha. "Do you know what it means when you feed someone who is not a family member?" "Yes," Micha replied. "But technically, we are family, since we stay in the same house and eat our meals together, so I don't see why it is wrong." "She has a point," Shin-Chang said in her defense. "You would not have a problem if Lee-Chul fed me."

"I'm no longer your slave," Lee-Chul said as he entered the dining room. "Why would I want to feed you?" "Hyun-Gi and Ran-Hanuel have a problem with Micha feeding me pancakes." "What are pancakes?" Lee-Chul said, sitting down on the other side of Micha. Micha pointed to her plate. "They look good." "I'd give you some, but Hyun-Gi and Ran-Hanuel might think I'm trying to make a pass at you." "What does make a pass at me mean?" Lee-Chul asked. "Try to date you." Ran-Hanuel defined the term for him. "Oh. I have no problem with that." Hyun-Gi coughed again. "He's just joking," Micha said. "What did you think would happen when you moved a girl into a house full of young men? Just because I didn't grow up in Korea does not mean my knowledge of our customs and culture is lacking. I grew up in a Korean community. The only thing I'm lacking is knowing Korea itself." "You're right," Hyun-Gi replied. "We are family or pretty darn close. From now on, you can call me Aunty instead of Hyun-Gi." "Yes, Aunty," Micha said, feeling pretty good about sticking up for herself. "I'll go tell Choe Iseul that I'd like some pancakes too," Lee-Chul said. "And it wouldn't do any of us harm to try to learn more about America and its customs. What's going to happen to us when we go on tour there?" He rose and walked out of the dining room. He returned a few minutes later with plates of pancakes for him and Shin-Chang. Micha passed the syrup to Shin-Chang first, since he was older than Lee-Chul, and then to Lee-Chul. Choe Iseul entered with a traditional Korean breakfast for Ran-Hanuel and Hyun-Gi.

"These are so good," Lee-Chul replied. He held up the fork with a piece of the pancake on it and addressed Ran-Hanuel. "You should try this, Hyung." "Yes, Oppa, you should try it." Micha teased him. "Don't call me Oppa, girly-boy. Ran-Hanuel will do." Micha chuckled and went back to her meal.

*****

Shin-Chang had been right. The costumer's shop had so many people present Micha wondered how they got any work done. A pretty young woman smiled at her when she entered. Micha smiled back. She thinks I'm a boy. Apparently, Aunty saw it too, and shook her head disapprovingly. "My name is Hyun-Gi Rahn," she said to the girl behind the counter. "We have a nine o'clock appointment with Madam Cha for a fitting." The young woman looked through the appointment book for Hyun-Gi's name. "Yes, they are expecting you in the back." She pointed, and Hyun-Gi led the way. Micha looked at all the costumes hanging around the place as she followed Hyun-Gi to the rear of the store. There were also a lot of people back there, along with big sewing machines and other huge pieces of equipment. Another room held hundreds of bolts of material in every color of the rainbow. Hyun-Gi stopped in front of another desk. This time, the older woman behind it recognized Hyun-Gi. They spoke rapidly to each other in her native Chinese. The older woman looked over at Micha, and then said something else to Hyun-Gi. Both women laughed. "She does not believe you are a girl," Hyun-Gi said to her. "I am," Micha said, bowing to the Chinese woman. "This is Madam Ae Cha. She is the main seamstress and designer. She has designed something special for all of you." "Right this way, young lady," Madam Cha replied in Korean.

Hyun-Gi sat down and Micha followed the dressmaker to another room that had full-length mirrors on every wall. Madam Cha left her for a moment, and then returned with an outfit. "I need you to try this on to see if the costume fits. I will return in a few minutes." She bowed and left. Micha took the costume and stepped behind a partition to change. She unbuttoned her blouse, took it off, and hung it on a hook before getting out of her pants. The cool air hit her back. She stood in front of a full-length mirror, admiring her new lacy underwear. This was her vice, her quirk. It didn't matter to her what she wore on the outside, but she insisted on nice underwear. Micha walked over to the zippered bag and removed the costume. Black and white leather. She could handle that. Slinky, maybe not. She eased the black leather top from the hanger and slid it over her head. It had a built-in push-up bra, which meant she had to take off the one she had on. Micha shifted the top around, removed her bra, put her arms through the sleeves, and pulled the white leather waistband down into place. "Whoa," she said, staring at her bosom. "Where did you guys come from?" She took the bottom piece from the hanger. "A skirt?" She hadn't worn one of them in centuries. Micha stepped into it. There is no way I can wear this. I won't be able to sit down without flashing someone. Micha tried to pull the hem of the leather skirt lower, but it wouldn't budge. "I won't be able to do much moving in this either." Madam Cha entered. "Oh, look at you. Why are you hiding yourself beneath all those clothes?" "Because they're comfortable and not so revealing," Micha replied. Madam Cha sat down. "Come over here and let me see if I can fix the costume." Micha walked over to her, fearing someone else would come in any minute and gawk at her.

"Your legs are a lot longer than Hyun-Gi told me, and you're a little heavier in the hips and bust. I think I will have to do this all over again." She rose. "I need to take your proper measurements. You have to remove the costume." Micha carefully removed the outfit, a little self-conscious to be undressing in front of someone. "Come on, don't be modest. You're going to have to get used to this. Hyun-Gi has big plans for you." Micha relaxed, and Madam Cha very professionally took her measurements. "You've more breasts than I expected, and you have the perfect butt." "You don't thing my butt's too big?" Madam Cha laughed. "Oh, no. It's nice to see a woman with curves after making costumes for skeletal models all the time. It's easier to make a pattern for someone your size." Madam Cha finished her measurements. "I'll start work immediately, and your costume should be finished on Friday along with the rest of Revolution's costumes." Micha began to dress. "Do they each have to come in for a fitting too?" "Oh, no," Madam Cha replied. "I've been designing costumes for them since they were kids. I'll add your measurements to my computer to keep on file since it seems I will be designing many costumes for you." She wrote something down on a pad and then looked back up at Micha, who had finished dressing. Madam Cha laughed. "You do make a great boy too." Micha bowed and smiled. "You can go out to see Hyun-Gi now. Tell her the costume will be ready on time." Micha bowed again. "Thank you very much. I will leave first." She walked out the door, leaving Madam Cha to her work. "That wasn't so bad," she muttered as she traveled back down the halls toward the waiting area. Where were all the people Shin-Chang spoke of?

Huh? She had spoken too quickly. More people had arrived, and some were moving around the place, performing different tasks, while others were busy talking to Hyun-Gi. "Here is my latest prodigy now." Hyun-Gi waved Micha forward, forcing all eyes to focus on her. Micha approached slowly, glad she had donned her hat and sunglasses before she'd left the alterations room. "Everyone, this is Micha West, Elegance's newest talent." Micha bowed. "Hello, everyone. Please take care of me and support my career." "Oh, he's so tall," one of the women replied. Hyun-Gi motioned for her not to correct the woman's error. As far as she knew, Hyun-Gi only let Madam Cha in on their little secret. Maybe it was better that way, Micha reasoned. It only took one loose lip to leak the information to the public. "We need to go," Hyun-Gi replied after the women stopped gawking and squeezing Micha's cheeks. Micha bowed to everyone again and hurried out behind Hyun-Gi. "Did you like the costume?" Hyun-Gi asked once they were back inside the limousine with Seo-Yeon. "I think I'm going to get quite the teasing from the guys, Aunty," Micha replied with a modest smile. "Especially from Ran-Hanuel." Hyun-Gi chuckled. "Do not pay any attention to him or them. That costume is going to make you rich." Micha settled back in the comfy seat, trying not to allow her true feelings to show on her face. She sighed, always thinking that her voice was her best asset. She really didn't like showing so much of her body; it made her uncomfortable. Hyun-Gi might be her manager, but when it came to her clothes, she felt Hyun-Gi dressed her too slutty. She wasn't a prude, but she didn't feel she had to advertise the goods just for people to like her and listen to her sing. Sometime in the near future she planned to have a serious talk with Hyun-Gi about this.

*****

"What's taking them so long?" Lee-Chul asked Ran-Hanuel and Shin-Chang. "We need to practice." "They'll be home soon," Ran-Hanuel assured him. "Hyun-Gi knows we live by a schedule, and we only have two days left to pull it all together." He went back to composing. "What are you working on?" Shin-Chang asked him. "A new song," Ran-Hanuel answered. "For what?" Lee-Chul asked, walking over to them. "For the future. We're going to need something spectacular after winning this weekend." "You sound very confident we can pull this off," Shin-Chang said as he looked down at what Ran-Hanuel had written so far. "It pays to be positive. Anyway, I was thinking maybe a fast number with some killer dance steps." "I'm down with that," Lee-Chul replied. "And tuxedos. Formal wear will make us look classy." "I also think it's about time we begin seriously thinking about cutting an album." In the past, they'd only released singles, which were received really well by the public and earned them some money. But an album would generate even more money and get more of their music to the fans. "Our lives are going to be very hectic when we win this competition. I want to have enough songs ready so we can have them perfected for our Asian tour." "That's a good idea. We can schedule to release the CD just before the tour," ShinChang said. "Most Korean artists are issuing mini CDs with five or six songs."

Ran-Hanuel flipped his hair. "We're not most artists. We're Revolution. We don't do anything halfway. We need at least ten or twelve songs, and I'm expecting you two to pitch in with the composing." "What about Micha? I've seen her jotting something down in a tablet lately. I think she might be hiding another talent," Shin-Chang said. "I doubt that," Ran-Hanuel said. "She's probably writing in a diary." Shin-Chang shook his head. "You really need to back off the kid a little. She's trying hard." "I'm just trying to toughen her up. She's got to win over the fans that are not used to having a female in our group." "I understand," Shin-Chang replied. "I'll try to prepare her better." "How else can we help?" Lee-Chul asked. "We need to do a bit of brainstorming," Ran-Hanuel continued. " Hyun-Gi is going to insist her other groups go on tour with us, so we have to keep our songs and what we do secret so we can stand out among them. We're going to need new dance steps, some fancy skits, and a trademark sound to differentiate us from the others." "We can do a song in English," Micha said, entering the rehearsal room. Ran-Hanuel looked over toward the entrance. "It's about time you got here. What took you so long?" "Traffic," she replied. Ran-Hanuel watched her walk over dressed in her boy's clothes. The pants rode low on her hips, and the button-up shirt hid her breasts well. She wore the baseball cap backwards this time, exposing more of her face, her delicate features, and her cute little ears. He wondered if they were pierced. He shook his head. Why did he care? "You're just in time to practice," Shin-Chang said as he walked over to meet her. "How was your fitting?" "Embarrassing. I had to undress in front of another woman." "Would you have preferred it to have been a man?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "No, smarty pants," she replied.

Ran-Hanuel smirked. "What's your costume like?" Lee-Chul asked. "It's black." Lee-Chul took her hat from her head and playfully ruffled her hair with his fingers. "That is not a description. That is a color." She snatched the cap back from him and put it back on her head. "Well, that's all the explanation you're going to get. You will see my costume when I'm on stage with you." "Ah, why do we have to wait so long?" he whined. "It should be ready Friday when yours is ready." Hyun-Gi probably told her to keep the costume a secret, Ran-Hanuel mused to himself. That piqued his curiosity. Would it be something daring and show off her skin? Or would it be matronly and demure? Or, God forbid, would it be exactly like theirs? Maybe he should ask Hyun-Gi. No, she would never tell him. He hadn't been able to get a fix on what was on that woman's mind most of the time, but the costume would no doubt be spectacular. She had pretty good taste when it came to fashion, and she had been a designer before opening Elegance. "Let's rehearse," he told the others. "This time, we're going to incorporate the dance routine we practiced yesterday." "It's my day to babysit you," Ran-Hanuel heard Shin-Chang tell Micha as they set up the equipment. "Are we going somewhere?" Micha asked him. Shin-Chang nodded. "Somewhere nice and secluded. You'll like the place." What did Casanova Jr. have on his mind? Ran-Hanuel wondered as he moved the music he was composing over to the side and replaced it with "My True Love." He'd been watching Shin-Chang closely since Micha arrived and something was definitely up with his best friend. The maknae too, but he suspected it was just puppy love with Lee-Chul. Shin-Chang was a different case. That guy was smooth, with his kind words and heated stares at Micha. Did he fancy her? And if he did, what did he see in her? She

wasn't very feminine, had odd ways, and no fashion sense whatsoever. The girl certainly was a strange package. Ran-Hanuel put his fingers on the keys and began to play. Shin-Chang began singing his part, while Lee-Chul accompanied them on the drums. Micha followed with her sultry reply. Ran-Hanuel stopped playing abruptly. "What's wrong, Hyung?" Lee-Chul asked. "This is all wrong. Micha won't be on stage with us at the beginning. She has to make an entrance." "That's right." Shin-Chang agreed. "It would be a good idea to practice her entrance. The stage at the Seoul arena used by the radio station is very long." He took off his guitar, walked over to Micha, and removed her mic from the stand. He took her hand, led her over to the opposite side of the room, and handed her the microphone. "Start from here. This is about the distance from the left stage curtain to where I'll be." "I wish we could practice on the actual stage," Micha said. "Normally, we do, but someone might see you," Shin-Chang told her. Micha nodded that she understood. "And don't forget to sing it like you mean it. We have to convince the audience that we are in love singing to each other." "Got it," Micha replied. "I'll make you the center of my world." Her tone got very seductive. Ran-Hanuel frowned. "Not that sexy." Micha chuckled deeply and the sound vibrated through the mic and through his body. "Oh," Lee-Chul said. "Maybe we need to incorporate the chuckle into the routine." "Why?" "Because it made me feel kind of warm all over."

Shin-Chang nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. It made me feel warm all over too." Ran-Hanuel continued to frown. He didn't expect this to happen. "You guys need to take this seriously. Let's take it from the top." Were they trying to sabotage the act? He put his fingers on the piano keys and played the introduction. Shin-Chang sang, "What has happened to make the world move beneath my feet? It feels so strange and makes me weak." "Maybe its love," Micha answered on cue. Ran-Hanuel stopped playing again. Unexplainable feelings wracked his body. "What's wrong this time?" Shin-Chang asked. "It sounded perfect." Ran-Hanuel didn't think so. Something is off. "One more time from the top." He played the introduction again. Shin-Chang and Micha managed to sing the entire song, incorporating the dance movements they'd created. Ran-Hanuel played the last chord and just sat silent for a moment. "Was it okay?" Micha asked, walking over to him. "Did I do it correctly?" "Yes," Ran-Hanuel replied. She'd done it perfectly. The only problem was she was singing the love song to the wrong guy.

*****

"Where are we going?" Micha asked Shin-Chang after the rehearsal ended. He told her to dress in sweats, which meant they weren't leaving the premises and it was going to be strenuous. "Some place I'm sure you'll like." He touched her sweatband. "I prefer the band to the baseball hat." He led her down a tree-lined path behind the mansion to a metal building a little distance away. Shin-Chang opened the door and told her to wait outside for a moment.

Micha leaned against the wall of the building. Why is he being so secretive and what is this place? The estate was so big it still had areas she hadn't seen yet. The door opened, and Shin-Chang appeared. "Come on in." Micha stepped inside and saw a basketball court. "Wow," she said, picking up one of the basketballs. "This is terrific." She dribbled the ball, ran up the court, and tossed it into the basket. It hit the rim first and then dropped down into the net. Shin-Chang clapped. "Very impressive." Micha retrieved the ball and tossed it to him. Shin-Chang caught the ball, dribbled down the court, jumped, and sent the ball into the net. It cleared and went through. Micha jumped and clapped. "How about a little one on one?" Shin-Chang suggested. "You're on," Micha said, taking the ball from him. He got into position to block. Micha avoided him smoothly and made it up to sink the ball into the net. She tossed the ball back to him and switched positions for the block. Shin-Chang managed to maneuver around her and ran down toward the net. He jumped, but Micha jumped with him, slapped the ball away from the net, and stopped it from going in. She fell on the floor laughing and giggling. Shin-Chang helped her to her feet. "You're fast." "I played a lot of basketball in California. It's great exercise." "Do all girls play basketball in California?" She smiled at his pronunciation. "Not many. I used to play with some guys I went to school with." He picked up the ball again and handed it to her. "Let's see if you can get past me this time." Micha got by him easily and dunked the ball into the net.

Shin-Chang grimaced and went down on his knees, exhausted. "I'm so glad LeeChul and Ran-Hanuel aren't here. I'd never live this down." Micha dribbled the ball back down the court to him. "Do they play?" Shin-Chang nodded. "They're good, but not as good as I am." Micha helped him to his feet. "I look forward to playing with them too." "I'm on your team if we all do play. We'll clean up the court with them." He took the ball from her hand, dribbled it down the court, and successfully sank it into the net. "I'm tired," he said on the way back over to her. "And I need a shower." "Me too." Micha agreed. "And I'm hungry." "Let's get back and I'll treat you to a fabulous snack after we clean up." "You cook?" Micha asked. "Yes. I'm not just a pretty face." Micha blushed. He certainly is gorgeous.

*****

"What are you giggling about?" Ran-Hanuel asked Micha and Shin-Chang when he entered the kitchen and found the two of them together. "Nothing," Shin-Chang answered too quickly as he finished his mouthful of whatever he was eating. He peeped over at the table. The two of them were devouring some sort of ice cream concoction. "This is so good," Micha said. She licked the ice cream from her spoon. His gaze automatically landed on her tongue. He gulped and walked over to retrieve a bottle of water from the refrigerator. "I haven't eaten a banana split in years," Micha said. "I made my first one about a year ago after seeing it on the internet," Shin-Chang told her. "Most of the original ingredients are hard to get in Seoul, so sometimes I have to experiment with different flavors and toppings."

"Why are you feeding her ice cream?" Ran-Hanuel asked, joining them at the table. "I'm not feeding it to her but since you mentioned it . . . ." He dug into his bowl with his spoon, scooped up some, and fed it to Micha. Hyun-Gi would die if she walked in and saw the two of them. "Oh." Micha moaned as she ate. "That just hit the spot." The sound of the moan nearly floored Ran-Hanuel. He sipped his water and tried to ignore it. "Oh, major brain freeze." Micha giggled, making the moment between her and Shin-Chang seem more intimate. "I also make a mean milkshake and sundae." "Stop, stop." Micha teased him. "You're saying all the right words." She continued to giggle. Ran-Hanuel shook his head at their silliness. The last thing the two of them needed was to put on weight right before the competition. "Ice cream is fattening. You won't be able to fit into your costume." "Get off her back," Shin-Chang told him. "I'll work it off of her tomorrow." How? Ran-Hanuel wondered. And it had better not be what he thought. Micha stopped eating, looked at both of them, and started to giggle again. "What did you put in that stuff?" Ran-Hanuel asked Shin-Chang. It was the first time he'd seen her so animated. He didn't know if he liked that or not, especially since Shin-Chang caused it and not him. "Just natural ingredients," Shin-Chang replied. "I don't need drugs to get a pretty girl to smile." Micha stopped giggling immediately, looked at Shin-Chang, and then lowered her eyes. "What's wrong with you?" Ran-Hanuel asked, still watching her. "Can't you take a compliment?"

Micha moved her spoon around in the creamy dessert. "No. I mean, I'm not used to hearing such things." "Well, you better get used to it," Shin-Chang replied, getting up and rinsing out his dish. "After the competition, men will be beating a path to your door." Micha shook her head. "I doubt that." "And women too," Ran-Hanuel added. "She caused quite a stir in the mall the other day. Girls were going crazy snapping her photo with their cell phones." "That's only because you were with me. They just thought I was a male friend of yours. I bet no one would have paid any attention to me if I was just walking through the mall alone." "Don't believe that. Have you really taken a good look at yourself in the mirror?" Shin-Chang sat back down at the table. "You have startling green eyes, a straight nose, perfect white teeth, and full lips. And you have the nicest hair." Micha blushed and turned away. "What are you doing, man?" Ran-Hanuel asked angrily. "Nothing, just stating the truth. Micha is a very attractive young woman even in her boy persona. She needs to build up her self-confidence and realize the fans will go crazy over her once she makes her debut." "I don't think so," Micha replied. "I think I'm going to be the most hated female in Korea when they learn I am living with you three guys. Many of those girls in the mall Ran-Hanuel mentioned were simply drooling over him." "She is exaggerating," Ran-Hanuel replied. "No, I'm not. Maybe you didn't see it with your nose up in the air, but I did. They love you." Shin-Chang chuckled. "He is a bit arrogant, isn't he?" Micha nodded. "And a good singer and musician. I predict "My True Love" will go to the top of the Orion charts after we record it." Ran-Hanuel looked into her eyes and saw she spoke the truth. "Do you really like the song?"

Micha nodded. "It's very romantic." She rose to wash out her dish. Ran-Hanuel followed her with his eyes. "Who knew you had it in you?" Micha continued. "I can be romantic," Ran-Hanuel said in his own defense. Shin-Chang just laughed.

*****

Hyun-Gi was out of the house early the next morning, meeting with promoters, radio personalities, and corporate sponsors willing to put up money to promote singers if they got a sizeable return on their investments. It was no secret that this year's competition was going to be special, and everyone wanted in on it. Secret sources had told her that Sensei's manager was planning a cross-country tour for his group if they won the million-dollar prize, which was similar to her plans, but she needed to get a jump on things and get Revolution into a big-named recording studio as soon as possible. Ran-Hanuel, as usual, was way ahead of her thinking. He'd come to her the other day explaining that he thought it was time for Revolution to create a full-length CD, and he had been working on some songs. Of course, she agreed with him. She'd get LeeChul and Shin-Chang involved with creating dance steps, and she would design the costumes. And she had some major plans to turn Micha into a diva. She'd heard this perfect American song she'd like Micha to sing in Korean, and if it turned out as well as she suspected, she wanted to do a music video and have it recorded for their debut CD. She had already written the artist and awaited permission to cover the song. Of course she had plans for her other groups too. They would be recording mini CDs to distribute not only in Asia but in the United States as well, since people in the U.S. were beginning to open up to Asian entertainers. Her plan was for the Elegance Tour to kick off in a couple of months. She'd be meeting with all three of her other

groups later that day, as soon as this meeting ended. And later, she wanted to get with Revolution and hear them perform Ran-Hanuel's new song, which they planned to sing in tomorrow's competition. Hee-Young had already picked up the costumes and had them secretly tucked away until Revolution needed them. Someone called the meeting to order. "What are Revolution's chances of winning this competition?" one of the backers asked. "Very good," Hyun-Gi replied. "They're up against some wonderful groups, but I predict they will win." She settled back in her chair. It was going to be a long morning.

*****

"One more day," Micha said, as she got ready to go downstairs and perform with the others for Hyun-Gi. The morning had gone by quickly. Ran-Hanuel and Lee-Chul joined them, and they followed up with a morning run. After a light breakfast of fruit, juice, and rice, the four of them met up in the rehearsal hall and just sat around talking strategy for the competition and making their plans to release a CD. She wanted to ask if they'd look over some of the stuff she had written, but decided against it, since she was now the new maknae of the group, the youngest member. She didn't want to step on anyone's toes, especially not Ran-Hanuel's. Micha hopped on her bed for a moment. In one more day, her life may or may not change, depending on the outcome of the competition. She figured they had a pretty good chance of winning, but she hadn't seen any of the other group's performances. Later on, she planned to Google them to see what the competition was like, especially Sensei, who had won the last two events. There was a gentle knock at the door. Micha crawled off the bed to answer it. Lee-Chul stood on the other side.

"Hyun-Gi has arrived." Micha allowed him to enter. "I just have to splash some water on my face and I'll be ready." She pointed to her desk. "Have a seat." Lee-Chul sat down. "Is this your songbook?" Micha nodded. "You're welcome to thumb through." He picked up the book and she dashed into the bathroom, used the toilet, and then washed her hands and face and ran a comb through her hair. She found Lee-Chul intently reading when she re-entered the room. He rose when he saw her. "These are very good. You need to let the others see." "I don't think so. I don't want to overstep my place." "What are you talking about?" Lee-Chul asked, brushing a lock of hair away from her eyes and tucking it behind her ear. His tone was tender and he smelled divine. Micha moved away from him, suddenly remembering she was alone in her bedroom with six feet of gorgeous, blond man. "Ran-Hanuel has always been the song writer for Revolution. I'm new, and I don't want to aggravate him any more than I already have." "Ran-Hanuel is not like that," Lee-Chul assured her. "He can take criticism if it's done correctly and he doesn't mind help if it's in the best interest of Revolution." "I'll think about it," Micha said, heading toward the door. "We better go downstairs before Aunty sends the military up for us." Lee-Chul chuckled as he followed her out of the door and down the stairs. "Noona must be delighted to hear you call her that. She's been around us fellows so long. It must be nice to have a young woman to talk to." They found the others already in the rehearsal room. Hyun-Gi was casually dressed in slacks and a pullover sweater with her long black hair pulled into a ponytail. Micha noted that she wasn't very much older than they were, and she wondered if Aunty dated since she was still a very attractive young woman.

"There's my girl," Hyun-Gi said once she spotted Micha with Lee-Chul. "Your costume is ready, and I need you to try it on later just in case it needs any last minute adjustments." "What's it like Noona?" Shin-Chang asked, using the sisterly endearment. "You'll find out tomorrow like everyone else," Hyun-Gi said, taking a seat where she could observe them. Micha removed the mic from the stand and walked over to the right side of the room while the others gravitated toward their instruments. "Let's take it from the top," Ran-Hanuel said when everything was ready. He put his hands on the piano keys and began to play. Shin-Chang started to sing, and four minutes later, it was all over. "Well, what do you think?" Lee-Chul asked Hyun-Gi. "I think you're going to wipe Sensei off the stage," she replied, getting up and giving him a hug. "I loved the song. It is very romantic, and Micha, your voice is superb." Micha bowed. "Thank you, Aunty, but its Ran-Hanuel's words that make the song." "Yes, but the two of you sang it so beautifully and passionately. It was like you and Shin-Chang were actually lovers. You're going to make his fans despise you." "See," Micha said to the others. "I told you." "We won't let anything happen to you." Lee-Chul hurried to assure her. "We'll get you off the stage and out of the building before anyone can lay a finger on you." "Thanks," Micha said, not comforted. "How was your meeting today?" Ran-Hanuel asked Hyun-Gi. "Very productive. I think you can start on those songs. I've got a couple of recording companies coming over to see the show tomorrow. They're willing to offer you a contract when you win." "But what if we don't win?" Shin-Chang asked.

Micha punched him playfully on the arm. "Don't say that. Of course we're going to win." "That's the spirit," Hyun-Gi said. She balled her hand into a fist and raised it. "Fighting. Now, let's go try on your costumes."

*****

"So, you say Micha has written some really good songs?" Ran-Hanuel asked LeeChul as the three young men sat in the entertainment room after Micha had gone to bed. "Yes. She let me see her songbook while I waited for her to get ready to come down this evening." "You were in her room?" Shin-Chang asked like a jealous kid. "Yes." "What's it like?" "Similar to ours, but kind of girly, decorated in pink and yellow pastels. It's very neat and clean and it smells like a girl's room." "I'm more concerned with the songs," Ran-Hanuel said. "How good is she?" "Very good," Lee-Chul answered. Ran-Hanuel rubbed his chin. "Do you think she'll let us see them?" They needed all the help they could get. "I don't know. She's kind of shy about it and afraid you'll get upset because you're our songwriter." "But that's nonsense. She's a part of Revolution now." "Maybe if you ask her nicely." Shin-Chang suggested. "That might give her a heart attack," Lee-Chul replied. "Since he's never nice to her any other time." "I took her shopping, didn't I?" Ran-Hanuel said in his own defense. "Yes, but you're always taunting her about her weight and calling her girly-boy."

"That's just my pet name for her. It's her fault, anyway. She needs to decide on a look. It's very confusing." "I kind of dig the androgynous look," Shin-Chang said, thumbing through some CDs. "It has a certain mystique about it." "You're just trying to get a date with her," Ran-Hanuel said. "I hope Micha's wise enough not to succumb to your charms." "Hyung, you wouldn't try anything with her?" Lee-Chul asked innocently. "She's a member our family now, our dongsaeng." "No, of course not," Shin-Chang answered too quickly. "Good. It would make things very uncomfortable around here," Lee-Chul said. "And besides, she's closer to my age." He smiled, showing his dimples. Those two idiots, Ran-Hanuel mused. We're going to kill each other before this is over. Chapter Nine "I hate you guys so much," Micha told her band mates as they all laid around the gym at five in the morning on the day of the competition. "It is too early to exercise." She had already worked out on the bench, lifted weights, and punched the bag, and one of them had suggested they do sit-ups instead of running today. "I'll hold your ankles," Shin-Chang volunteered. "It won't be so bad, and it's good for your stomach muscles." That was easy for him to say; he sported six-packed abs. "What do I need good stomach muscles for?" She groaned as she assumed the position on the floor and he crawled down near her feet. "For the day you become a mother." Micha rose up on her elbows. "You're kidding, right?" "No, don't you want to have kids someday?"

"I've never given it much thought." She lay back down. "Since I've never dated before." She heard three very distinct gasps. Micha lifted into the sit-up. So what if they now thought of her as a child? She'd been too busy with her education and music to concern herself with such a trivial thing as dating. "Three." Shin-Chang counted when her back touched the mat again. "What about your . . . what do you Americans call it, oh yeah, what about your prom?" Ran-Hanuel asked from somewhere behind her. "Four." Shin-Chang said. Her abs burned. "Didn't go," Micha said as she rose. "I wasn't very popular with the boys, except when they needed another basketball player or someone to help with their homework." "That means you've never had your first kiss," Lee-Chul said. "Five," Shin-Chang said very slowly. "Or anything else," Micha replied. "Six." Her abs were on fire, but she continued to concentrate on them instead of her past or the mixed emotions she felt from the fellows. So what if she didn't attend the prom? It was just one night. "Ten." She didn't remember hearing Shin-Chang say seven, eight, or nine. She probably blocked it out. His hands lifted from her ankles. Micha just lay there with her abs burning and her heart pounding rapidly. So what if boys did not find her desirable and considered her one of the fellows? Shin-Chang stood over her. "I think you've had enough for the day. You need to eat something and get some rest." He helped her to her feet. "We still need to rehearse once more before the competition," Ran-Hanuel said, not showing a lick of sympathy for her. For a moment, she actually liked him for that.

"It can wait until after breakfast," Shin-Chang replied. "We want her at her best this evening." Lee-Chul and Ran-Hanuel walked with her and Shin-Chang out of the gym. She didn't know how much rest she was going to get. She still had an appointment with the hair stylist at noon. Seo-Yeon would be dropping her off and picking her up in the town car so as not to draw any attention.

*****

The plan was for her to remain with Hyun-Gi until it was time for Revolution to take the stage. The fellows had also left right around the time she did for their scheduled hair appointments and would go directly to the arena to get dressed. She'd already donned her costume in a trailer behind the arena, and a makeup artist was busy applying the final touches to her face and making sure her hair was in place. "Are you nervous?" Hyun-Gi asked as she sat down and watched the entire ordeal. "No, I've performed before large audiences before," Micha replied. This was true. She'd never experienced stage fright, thankfully. "Good. You look fantastic." "Thanks, Aunty. Now, how are you supposed to get me into the building without anyone seeing me in this outfit?" The black leather clung to her butt as she sat. "You'll be covered with a cape as we bring you through the unlocked side entrance. Hee Young will be stationed by the door with a charged microphone adjusted to the hall's frequency. Once inside, we'll whisk you into a dressing room for a couple of minutes, and then you'll take the stage." "And all this will happen when?" Micha asked. Hyun-Gi's phone rang. She answered it, listened for a moment, and then hung up. "Now," she said, rising. "Sensei is on stage and Revolution is up next."

Micha rose from the chair, donned the cape Hyun-Gi gave her, and followed her out of the trailer. The next thing she knew she was inside the arena and in the dressing room. Sensei was still onstage but the song sounded like it was about to end. "Get ready," Hyun-Gi told her. "We need Sensei to leave the stage first." The song ended, followed by a round of applause. "They're on their way back," Hyun-Gi replied. Micha heard someone enter the adjacent dressing room. "Let's go." Micha closed the cape and followed her and Hee-Young past the stage crew and others to the steps of the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, Revolution," the Master of Ceremonies announced. Micha removed her cape and handed it to Hyun-Gi. Hee Young handed her the microphone. "This is it, honey," Hyun-Gi told her. "We're going to find some seats. Make us proud of you." Micha climbed the stairs, peeping as Ran-Hanuel and the others moved onto the stage in dashing, tight, black and white leather outfits. The audience went wild. "Damn, they look good," she whispered. They moved to their instruments. The audience quieted as Ran-Hanuel began to play the introduction. Shin-Chang strummed his guitar and began to sing. Before she knew it, the words slipped sweetly and seductively from her lips as she walked on stage and made her debut. "Ladies and gentlemen, the newest member of Revolution," Ran-Hanuel said at the practiced pause in the song. "Michaella." There was a resounding round of applause and quite a few gawks from her fellow band members at her costume, and then they started singing again.

*****

The champagne flowed like water. "We won," Lee-Chul said, raising his glass in a toast. "Kampai. Cheers." "Kampai," they all repeated. Hyun-Gi congratulated them. "You did it. You won." The realization still had not hit home for Micha. Hell, she didn't remember a lot of what had happened. There was a lot of applause, and she remembered the audience shouting for an encore, but everything after that was pretty much a blank. "Who would have thought you'd look so good in that outfit?" Ran-Hanuel said. Micha was so glad she had changed out of it as soon as she got home. She'd seen enough of her own boobs for one evening. "Didn't she look fantastic?" Lee-Chul asked Shin-Chang as they sipped their champagne. "She sure did. Legs up to here," he said, using his hand to demonstrate and exaggerate. "Hips, boobs, butt, the audience loved her." "What about my voice?" Micha asked, suddenly wanting the conversation to change. "You sounded good," Hyun-Gi replied. "And I think you had every man in the place wanting to know who you are." She didn't care about every man in the place. She only wanted one particular man to get to know her better.

Chapter Ten As predicted, after they won the competition, everything in their lives started to change. The headlines the next day read, Revolution are Seoul's Newest Idols. Their photos were spattered all over the entertainment magazines. The phones kept ringing off the hook with calls from well-wishers, relatives, and business contacts of Hyun-Gi. There

were also contract offers, endorsement requests, requests for personal appearances, and offers of drama roles. Hee-Young had arrived just in time for breakfast with her personal phone glued to her ear. She waved with one hand while she balanced the phone with the other. All of a sudden, everyone wanted to know who Revolution was. "If that phone rings one more time I will shoot it," Ran-Hanuel said as he walked into the dining room with big, dark circles under his eyes. In his pajamas with his hair unkempt, he looked like he hadn't slept at all. Shin-Chang nudged Micha's arm. "He's a mess if he doesn't get at least eight hours of beauty sleep." Ran-Hanuel muttered something incoherent and sat down next to Hyun Gi, who was also busy on her cell phone while searching for something on her laptop. "You're scheduled for a press conference at noon today, followed by an appearance on This Is Entertainment at four," Hee-Young told them. "You'll be performing your winning song on the entertainment show." Micha raised her head quickly. "What? I wanted to watch a new drama on television that's premiering today." "Program the DVR," Hee-Young told her. "You won't miss an episode." "You've got one hour to eat, shower, and change," Hyun-Gi said as she got off her phone. "Don't worry about doing your hair because the stylists and makeup artists are standing by. Your costumes have been dry-cleaned and shipped over to the television station along with your instruments." Micha looked up at the clock. It was barely nine. How had many things had been taken care of? She began eating her food quickly. "Slow down before you choke," Ran-Hanuel told her. "We'll make it on time." "That's easy for you to say. Men have fewer things to do in the bathroom." She reached for her glass and finished her juice. "I'll never be ready on time." "Relax," Hyun-Gi told her. "You have enough time to finish eating your breakfast. We don't want you passing out on stage from starvation or acute indigestion. Starting today, we will all have to adjust our lives, which will mean getting up earlier

and going to bed later than normal. My secretary will work on scheduling your future appointments and appearances." She rose and headed toward the door, followed by Hee-Young. Just before she left, she looked back over her shoulder and said, "Welcome to the big time." Micha went back to her breakfast after the two women left the dining room. Her mind whirled a hundred miles a minute. In less than two weeks, she had gone from being plain old Micha West from Los Angeles, California, to Michaella West, lead female vocalist of Revolution, Seoul, Korea's latest idols. "Are we ready for this?" Shin-Chang asked as he peeled an orange. "Hell, yes," Lee-Chul answered. "I've dreamed of this moment since I was a child. We've paid our dues, and now it's our turn to take the spotlight." "It's going to be wild . . . the fans, the paparazzi, and the scandals," Ran-Hanuel said. "We won't be able to just stroll around the mall or go to the movies anymore." "Doesn't bother me," Shin-Chang replied. "I can order anything I need via the internet." "What about a date?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "No, thanks," Shin-Chang replied playfully. "No, I mean, we won't be able to date for a while with everything that will be going on." "When was the last time you went out on a date?" Shin-Chang asked him. "Let me think." Ran-Hanuel used his finger to beat the side of his forehead, and then he shrugged. "See, you can't remember, so dating won't be a problem for you. This may cause some problems for me, though." Ran-Hanuel rolled his eyes at Shin-Chang. "I can't help it if I'm choosey about whom I associate with. You, my friend, will date anything feminine." This is true, Micha mused to herself. Shin-Chang did get his share of phone calls. After which, he'd dress, go out for a couple of hours, and return. As far as she could tell, he'd never spent a night away from home. She'd never seen Lee-Chul with a girl or

heard him mention one either. He, like she, was still a bit young for a serious relationship. And who would be foolish enough to subject themselves to Ran-Hanuel's sarcastic wit? "We'll have to create networking accounts," Lee-Chul continued excitedly. "I've always wanted a Facebook page." "I'm sure you'll have lots of people wanting to friend you," Micha told him. Young women would probably be coming out of the woodwork to get next to the blond cutie. Of all of them, she was probably the least ready for fame. Performing in front of a large audience was one thing, but sitting around giving interviews was another. What would she do if they asked her something personal about her past? "What are you going to wear for the interview?" "Clothes," Ran-Hanuel answered. "Very funny," Micha replied. "I'm only asking because I've never given an interview before." "Something classy to show off my amazing good looks," he told her. Lee-Chul chuckled. "If your head was as big as your ego we could fit all of Asia inside of it." He turned to Micha to answer her. "Anything you feel comfortable in." "But no baggy pants and oversized shirt." Ran-Hanuel corrected him. "We don't want Micha mistaken for one of us." He was the rudest young man she'd ever met, and he didn't have a problem saying exactly what came to his mind. "Don't be crude," Shin-Chang told him. "You can try to be nice to Micha at least once." Micha nodded in agreement. "I am not stupid, no matter what he seems to think. If you want me to dress and act like a girl, I will dress and act like a girl. Hell, I'll even bat my eyelashes if the interviewer is a male."

"Whoa, don't go overboard," Shin-Chang told her. "Just be yourself. Asia will love you." Micha smiled and went back to her meal. She finished quickly. "I'd better go up," she said after a few moments. "I'll meet you guys down in the living room in half an hour." She bowed to them and left them to wonder what she was up to, since she had given in so easily. Of course, she didn't have anything planned. She just wanted to make them squirm. *****

An hour later, Micha sat in a chair having her hair styled. "You have such great hair," the stylist told her. "And such a lovely face." "Thank you." Micha accepted the compliment gracefully. By the time the stylist and makeup artist had finished with her, she hardly recognized herself. The suit she'd chosen was very businesslike and charming. The shade of red added color to her complexion and made her green eyes sparkle. The stylist had parted her hair on the right and added highlights and extensions to make it look fuller. It hung down past her shoulders. Her legs and thighs felt wonderful wrapped in silky hose, but she had trouble with the three-inch, red leather pumps Hyun-Gi had purchased to match her outfit. Hopefully, she'd make it out of the dressing room and onto the stage without falling down and breaking her neck. "You'll get used to walking in heels after a while," Hyun-Gi told her. "Walking, I might master," Micha replied. "But dancing in heels is going to open up a new set of problems." "Your formal dance lessons begin on Monday," Hyun-Gi told her as she flipped through an organizer. "You'll learn classical, tap, ballet, and ballroom dancing." "Aren't I a little too old to take dance lessons?"

"You're never too old," Hyun-Gi replied. "Older students are easier to teach because they're more focused than children. The boys started taking lessons at an early age, and I swear they nearly drove the dance teachers insane, especially Ran-Hanuel. In the end, he turned out to be the best dancer of the three." Micha tried to envision him in a tutu. "He's very popular when we attend formal parties. He does a mean tango." She wasn't surprised he excelled at dancing. He certainly had the body of a dancer. Hyun-Gi looked at her watch. "Time to go. We just have to get the boys and move down to the Green Room." Micha took a couple of deep breaths to relax and compose herself, hoping she'd make it through the interview without falling apart. "You never cease to amaze me," Shin-Chang said to her when she and Hyun-Gi arrived in their dressing room. "Look at you. You're stunning." Micha reached her hand up to her head and touched her hair. "You don't think it's a bit much?" "No, it's lovely," he replied. "I've often wondered what you looked like before you cut your hair." "Not exactly like this. It was way longer and much wilder." Ran-Hanuel looked her over. "You'll do," he said and followed Hyun-Gi. "Take the compliment," Lee-Chul told her. "He approves of the way you look in his own odd way." He and Shin-Chang escorted her out of the dressing room and into the hall. They followed Hyun-Gi to the Green Room. Someone should have told her they invited every news station in the world to the press conference. Lights blared in her eyes as cameras took their pictures both as a group and individually. "How does it feel to be one of Seoul's latest idols?" one of the reporters asked her.

"It feels great, and I feel honored to be selected," she replied. "Is it true that you were raised in the United States?" "Yes." She answered without giving too much detail. "I was recruited and brought to Seoul." "Your Korean accent is superb." She bowed. "Thank you." "What are your plans now that you are an idol?" "My plans are to represent Seoul, Korea to the best of my ability." "Did you give up your United States citizenship?" What a stupid question. "Not exactly. I have applied for dual citizenship since I was born in Korea." The rest of the conference went basically the same way with the fellows, and then Hyun-Gi announced their plans for an upcoming CD and tour. After the interview ended, she hurried them into the limousine and took them to the television station to perform.

*****

Micha learned the extent of their popularity a few days later as they arrived at the train station for a short trip to Busan. Once again, she had donned her boyish clothing, cap, and sunglasses and got out of the van with the others while toying with her MP3 player and not really paying attention except to see where she was walking. The pandemonium began as soon as they stepped into the busy station. The screams were deafening. Micha looked up quickly as camera flashes went off in her face. A young woman grabbed her arm and started shrieking at the top of her lungs. Micha tried to get away while keeping her MP3 player from harm. "Grab her," she heard Ran-Hanuel shout to the others as the crowd surrounded them. "Where the hell is the security?"

One of the guys came to help, maybe Lee-Chul, and they mobbed him too. The hand that held her disappeared, and someone swept her up into their arms and began to run. Micha focused once she got her bearings. It was Ran-Hanuel. "Put me down," she told him. "I'm too heavy. I can run." Ran-Hanuel looked into her eyes. Fear radiated from him. "Are you sure?" Micha nodded. "Yes." He put her down but continued to hold her hand, pulling her along with him. "Where are the others?" Micha asked. "Right behind you," Shin-Chang answered. The MP3 player fell from her hand. She tried to stop running and go back for it. "What's wrong?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "I dropped my MP3 player," she told him. "Forget about it. I'll buy you a better one. Your life is more important than a piece of electronics." Damn him for being right, Micha thought as they continued to run. Her favorite music was loaded on that thing. Security eventually showed up to hold back the crowd, allowing their entourage to board the train safely. Her heart still pounded. How did the public know of their travel plans? "Are you okay?" Shin-Chang asked her as they found their seats. Micha tossed her bag into the overhead storage. "Yes," she replied. "But that scared me half to death." "Scared me too," he said as he scooted into the seat next to her. "I thought that young woman was going to pull your arm out of its socket." "Still hurts a bit, but I'll survive." She paused. "What happened, and why were they waiting for us?" "Someone probably leaked the information on one of those networking venues," he answered, still looking at her. "Why? It's not like we're famous."

Shin-Chang chuckled. "Yes we are, young lady. We are Seoul's newest idols. Fans go crazy for that stuff." She sighed. "What will happen when we finally cut a CD and go on tour?" "Probably the same thing or worse." "Is everyone accounted for and okay?" Hyun-Gi asked as she made her way down the aisle. She stopped at their seats. "Micha, dear, I was so worried about you. Are you okay?" "I'm fine, but if it wasn't for Ran-Hanuel, I might not be. Darn fool girl tried to pull my arm off." Ran-Hanuel appeared. "And she weighs a ton. So it wasn't a small feat." Micah rolled her eyes at him. "Thank you." She bowed. "You saved my life." "You know that probably wouldn't have happened if you were dressed as Michaella and not Micha. Women don't normally attack other females." "She thought I was one of you guys?" Ran-Hanuel nodded as he threw his carry-on bag in the overhead rack. "Choose a sex," he said. Micha frowned. He was back to his old, uncaring self. Ran-Hanuel slid into a seat on the right side of the aisle, shut the curtain on the tiny window, folded his arms across his chest, and stopped talking. "He's right, you know," Shin-Chang said. "This time." Micha guessed the two of them had a point, but traveling in a dress, heels, and makeup was aggravating and so not her. A lot of this aggravation she'd brought on herself, for not wanting to be rude to Hyun-Gi, but it was starting to piss her off. "But I'm fine with whatever persona you choose," Shin-Chang replied before he too stopped talking. Micha settled back in her seat and watched the other passengers board. What did Shin-Chang mean? Did he swing both ways? Or was he trying to say whatever she

chose to be was okay with him? She hoped it was the latter. She sighed, too confused to figure any of it out. The conductor's voice came on the public address and welcomed them aboard. Their scheduled trip was supposed to take about an hour. Micha closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep. Boy, she sure missed that MP3 player. A hand shook her shoulder. Micha opened her eyes. Ran-Hanuel was rudely leaning across Shin-Chang. In his hand, he dangled an MP3 player. "You can listen to this one until I buy you a replacement." Micha reached for it and their hands touched. Ran-Hanuel's fingers folded over hers as he passed the machine. Micha looked into his face and found him smiling at her. Something throbbed in the pit of her stomach. She quickly snatched her hand away and he chuckled and went back to his seat. "What was that all about?" Shin-Chang asked. He had removed his sunglasses and stared at her with annoyed curiosity on his face. "Nothing. I lost my MP3 player in the scuffle and he's just loaning me his." "That is odd. Ran-Hanuel never shares something so personal." "I guess he's just trying to be nice." "Maybe," Shin-Chang said, sliding his sunglasses back in place and covering those exquisite brown eyes. Micha turned on the MP3 player and put the ear buds into her ears. The first song up was "What Should I Do?" from the movie You're Beautiful. She frowned. Did he record this intentionally? You're Beautiful was a Korean drama where a nun-in-training posed as her twin brother and joined an all-boy pop band. No, even he wasn't that mean. And how in the hell did he get a copy of the song when it wasn't included on either of the movie's soundtracks? She closed her eyes and listened as Jang Geun Suk sang the beautiful love song. She sighed. That was the kind of music she wanted to write and sing . . . soulful, romantic, and meaningful.

The rest of the songs weren't too bad either. She never pictured Ran-Hanuel as a romantic. Well, maybe he was, since he did pen "My True Love."

*****

"Wake up, sleeping beauty." Shin-Chang's voice cut into her dream. Micha opened her eyes and found him gazing down at her through his sunglasses. "The train has arrived at our station and it's time to get off." He rose and moved into the aisle to get their carry-on bags down. Micha turned off the MP3 player, removed the headset, and handed it to RanHanuel, who stood in the aisle waiting. "Thank you," she said to him and bowed. "I loved the music." "You're welcome. It's some of my favorites. It helps me relax when I'm composing." This had to be the most civilized conversation they'd had since she arrived. Shin-Chang carried both their bags up the aisle, leaving her alone with RanHanuel. "Lee-Chul told me you composed some songs. Do you mind showing them to me when we return?" "No, I don't mind. I have my songbook with me if you would like to see it when we get to the hotel." "That would be nice," he replied. Micha walked down the aisle and he followed. What is up with him? Lee-Chul and Hyun-Gi walked off the train behind them. All five of them went together to the baggage claim section. Hyun-Gi called them to the side. "The chances of another mob waiting for you are great. I want you to stick together and get out of the terminal and into the nearest van cab you can find. We can't count on security coming to our rescue this time."

Micha cringed. Shin-Chang walked up beside her. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you." Micha nodded. She didn't want a repeat of what happened earlier. She'd seriously thought about hitting the young woman to get free, but she was a fan, and it wouldn't be good for her image if she resorted to violence. "Okay, let's go," Hyun-Gi said to them. The young men surrounded Micha. "I'll go ahead and take a look," Hyun-Gi said, suddenly stopping them. "I'll call Ran-Hanuel's cell phone if there is trouble." She walked away, leaving them standing around. A few minutes later, Ran-Hanuel's cell phone rang. "Hello. Okay," he said before disconnecting the call. "What did she say?" Micha asked. "She said there are wall to wall people waiting. She's going to alert security and get the van. She wants us to wait here until security arrives." Micha sighed and sat down on the floor. "Hyun-Gi might have to hire us full time security if this keeps up." "Maybe," Shin-Chang agreed. "Or bodyguards." The security arrived a few minutes later, and Lee-Chul helped her to her feet. "Follow us," one of the guards told them. "Just stay together and we'll get you safely out of the train station and into a van." Ran-Hanuel took Micha's hand again and led her through the terminal, with LeeChul and Shin-Chang bringing up the rear. Her heart jumped as the door opened and she saw and heard the crowd cheering and calling "Revolution." The security guards asked the crowd to move back. Most of them complied, but a few still tried to reach out and touch them. It also didn't stop them from taking pictures. Flashes went off in her face. "Who is that with Ran-Hanuel?" someone asked.

Ran-Hanuel gripped her hand tightly and tugged her behind him. Another hundred flashes captured proof of Ran-Hanuel holding another young man's hand. A couple of security guards waited at the exit. Ran-Hanuel walked quickly and pulled her behind him. Finally, they reached the door. Micha gasped. There were just as many fans waiting outside, along with camera people from local stations. Hyun-Gi stood outside a van. "Load your bags quickly and get inside." Everyone did as they were told, and several minutes later, the van driver climbed inside and drove away from the curb. He had to use his horn several times to get the fans out of the street. "We'll be at the hotel shortly," Hyun-Gi told them. "Then we can relax for a while before going to the television station." Micha's heart didn't settle down until they were on the highway. Even then, RanHanuel continued to hold her hand.

*****

Life was a little quieter at the Busan train station when they arrived. Hyun-Gi commandeered them a van cab that immediately took them to the hotel where they would be staying for two nights before returning to Seoul. They would be doing a photo shoot for a magazine and preparing to go into the studio to record. Every now and then, Micha glanced out of the window. Busan was a lot smaller than Seoul but there were several areas undergoing renovation to the streets and buildings. Hyun-Gi and the boys pointed out areas of interests to her. They were all extremely knowledgeable about the city and its culture, which meant she had a lot of catching up to do. It took about fifteen minutes to get from the train station to the hotel and another fifteen minutes or so to register and get their room keys.

"We'll meet down here in the lobby in an hour," Hyun-Gi told them. "So take the time to relax or respond to your fans on the internet, and then I'll treat you all to a delicious meal after we leave the television station." "Fans?" Micha asked Lee-Chul as she rolled her luggage to the elevator. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. I already have our official website up and our Facebook page activated." "Really?" Lee-Chul nodded. "Of course, it's missing a lot of pertinent information about us, but I'll update when I can." Ran-Hanuel pressed the button for the elevator. "What pertinent information?" Micha asked. "We each have a page that still needs stats like birthdates, height, weight, hair color, and blood type. You know, stuff fans would like to know. And it needs more individual pictures of us. Right now, the only one on the site is of all four of us together on stage at the competition," Lee-Chul explained. "I hate having my picture taken," Micha told him when the elevator arrived and they started boarding. "You'll get used to it," Shin-Chang said. "In fact, I have my camera with me, and I plan to get some photos while we're here in Busan." Micha groaned. He put his arm around Micha's shoulder. "I promise to photograph your best side." The doors to the elevator closed and it started to ascend. "I don't think I have a good side," Micha replied when Shin-Chang removed his arm. Hyun-Gi nudged her playfully. "You have two very lovely sides . . . Micha and Michaella. But I think Michaella is the one the fans should get to know. That way, Micha can have a private life out of the media." "I agree," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Michaella is the face to know."

Okay, so they were ganging up on her. The elevator door opened and they stepped out on their floor and started looking for their rooms. Everyone was on the same floor, all in a row. Hyun-Gi's room was first, near the vending machine, followed by Lee-Chul, Shin-Chang, Micha, and Ran-Hanuel. Micha waved good-bye to Ran-Hanuel and disappeared into her room, locking the door securely behind her. She flipped on the lights as she entered, then checked the bathroom, closets and under the bed . . . something she'd learned on an investigative news show one night about safety. When she was satisfied the boogieman wasn't hiding in the room, she used the bathroom, unpacked her suitcase, and hung up her garment bag that contained the outfit she would wear for the television show. She placed her laptop on the desk and turned it on. While waiting for it to boot up, she hopped into the tub for a quick shower. Her computer had booted up by the time she exited the bathroom. She immediately surfed until she found their website. "This is nice," she said as she used the arrows to maneuver around. She liked the colors Lee-Chul had chosen as a background, and found it easy to move around to the different pages, because he had incorporated the button on the home page. She clicked on Ran-Hanuel's page. His photo appeared. Born December 6, 1986, in Seoul, KR. Twentyfour years old. She continued to read. Impressive. She clicked to Shin-Chang's page. His photo appeared. Born November 5, 1987, in Seoul, KR. Twenty-three years old. Her page and Lee-Chul's page were blank. I guess we'll have to remedy that. She left the site and tried to find their Facebook page. Micha registered and requested to be a friend. She figured she'd have access to it just as soon as Lee-Chul turned on his laptop. On a whim, she Googled Revolution, and after a little searching she found many articles on the group, including fan sites dedicated to them. Micha looked over at the clock. She still had a few minutes before she had to meet the others down in the lobby. She continued to search and found a site dedicated to Ran-Hanuel. She clicked on it and nearly fainted. There were pictures of him and her

from the mall, probably put there by some overzealous fan that day they ran into Chung-Hee. She continued down the page. Other photos loaded up and appeared. There was even a photo of them running through the train station, holding hands, with the caption Ran-Hanuel's New Love. Who is He? Oh, oh. This is not good. Ran-Hanuel is going to die when he sees this. She backed out of the site and surfed a little more. She ran across one of the local Seoul newspaper links. Micha clicked on. It went directly to the entertainment section. The same picture with Ran-Hanuel appeared, with a similar caption. The writer wanted to know who the young man was accompanying Ran-Hanuel on several occasions lately. She went down to the comments. A lot of females had posted, some were nice, but a lot were disappointed he had chosen a boy over a girl. A few didn't care, just as long as he was happy. Why did she have a feeling that the television review was not going to go as well as everyone expected? "Maybe I should warn him." Micha pulled out her cell phone and called him. "This is Micha. Can you come to my room? There's something I need you to see." "Is this your way of trying to lure a man into your room?" he asked. "Don't be silly. This is important." "Should I get Lee-Chul and Shin-Chang?" "No." "Then it is me you want?" "Will you get your butt over here?" She ordered him, exasperated. "I'm on my way, girly-boy." He disconnected the phone and was at her door a minute later. "What is so important that I had to rush over here?" Micha allowed him in and closed the door. "It's something I found on the internet." She pointed to her laptop and Ran-Hanuel walked over and sat down at the desk. He looked down at the page, gasped, and continued to read down.

"Who else knows about this?" he asked. "I don't know. I just found it when I was trying to find Revolution's website," Micha answered. "Do you think we should tell Hyun-Gi?" "Not just yet," he said. "I don't want her to get upset over this." "But it's scandalous. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be in a homosexual affair with you." "Same here, girly-boy. The only good thing is the news reporter has not identified you. At this point, only I'm gay." He chuckled. "I do look good in this photo." "How can you joke about this?" Micha asked. "You need to sue the hell out of these people." "What good would that do?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "And it does look like I'm holding a boy's hand." "But I'm not a boy," Micha replied. "You look like a boy in this photo. So he's only printed his perception of the truth." "Then I'll sue the piss out of him for defamation of character." He turned to face her. "In order to do this, you will have to let him know your true identity, and then everyone will want to know why you dress like a guy when you go out in public." "Because it's comfortable." "They're not going to believe that. The least they will think is that you're in disguise to keep our little sordid affair a secret from the fans." "But we're not having a little sordid affair. We went shopping," Micha replied. "Why are you smiling?" "Because you're very cute when you're angry." Micha could tell she wasn't getting anywhere with him. Ran-Hanuel rose. "Don't tell anyone just yet." "What are you going to do if the television anchor questions you about it today?" "I'll joke it off, or tell them it's a cousin."

"You shouldn't have to lie," Micha replied. "Then wear a dress the next time we go out on a date." He headed toward the door. "It wasn't a date." "I took you shopping and fed you. It was a date," he told her. Maybe in his warped little world, but not in hers. "Next time, bring me flowers and take me out to a fancy restaurant," she said to his back. Ran-Hanuel laughed. "You better get dressed. We have about ten minutes to meet Hyun-Gi and the others." He opened the door and left. "Oh," Micha replied angrily. "Why is he like this?" If her reputation was on the line, she'd be fighting tooth and nail to clear it. She heard his door open and close. Micha walked over to her closet and pulled out a skirt and blouse, and then she dug through her carry-on and found some pantyhose. Moments later, she had transformed into Michaella, looking sweet and demur in high heels and pearl accessories. She groaned. "You better get used to it," she said. She wouldn't be wearing her comfortable clothes for a while. Even if they couldn't identify her in the picture now, sooner or later they would.

Chapter Eleven Ran-Hanuel frowned as he walked into the rehearsal hall and found it over-run by young males ranging from the age of sixteen to twenty-five. Hyun-Gi had invited her other groups, Exodus, Mohave, and Wanderlust, over for a meeting and a get-together picnic to plan for their upcoming tour.

He scanned the room, and his gaze locked on Day-Jung, who was busy messing around with one of the synthesizers and playing a tune while Chin-Ho Eum and DaeJun Yeob, from the grunge quartet Mohave, listened. The five members of Rahn Hyun Gi's youngest group, Wanderlust, danced along with the music. Ran-Hanuel's attitude softened as he watched them. They reminded him a lot of Revolution when they were that age. The lead tenor Hyun-Ki Yae waved at him. Sometimes, the two of them hung out together when they came over. Hyun-Ki liked to write songs and often came to Ran-Hanuel seeking advice. Lee-Chul entered the rehearsal room. Wanderlust surrounded him, talking nonstop. Lee-Chul ruffled the top of eighteen-year-old In-Soo Au's hair. In-Soo was nearly as tall as Lee-Chul and their builds were similar except Lee-Chul was more muscular across the shoulders. His light brown hair made him stand out from the rest of the black-haired, dark-eyed singers. He and Lee-Chul also liked the same style of clothing: jeans, clinging knit shirts and boots. Hyun-Gi and Hee-Young entered, and the young men stopped horsing around and gave their manager their full attention. Hyun-Gi was dressed impressively as ever in a jade green pantsuit and matching high-heeled shoes. She wore her long hair in a bun with a side-swept bang, very chic and professional looking. Hee-Young was equally coiffed in a navy blue pantsuit, but sported a black shirt under her jacket. She placed a box on a table. Then she began to pass packages to each of the young people. "This is your schedule for the next two months," she said. "Memorize it or put it somewhere handy because you're going to be very busy." In-Soo raised his hand. "May I ask what's going on?" Hee-Young looked over at Hyun-Gi. "You haven't discussed this with them yet?" Hyun-Gi appeared a little embarrassed. "Not yet. Things have been so hectic since the competition. I figured I'd just call them all together and give them the good news at one time."

"What good news?" Day-Jung asked. He had moved up to the front of the crowd, dressed in his signature black ensemble with a large, encircled E across the right side of his chest. He might have been an idiot, but he had good taste in clothing. "We're all going on tour," Hyun-Gi announced with a huge grin. The announcement was met with mixed reactions. The door opening again took the attention off her and put it squarely on Micha, who entered wearing a yellow skirt with a matching sweater and sandals. She looked like a student. Hyun-Gi waved her over. "Everyone, this is Michaella West. She's the newest member of the Elegance family, and the new female lead for Revolution." There was a round of applause, a couple of wolfish whistles, and too many lustful little stares, Ran-Hanuel noticed, including one from Lee-Chul. "You're the one who sang that duet with Shin-Chang and helped Revolution win the competition," In-Soo replied with a sizzling stare and smile. Micha bowed to him. "Yes." In-Soo blushed and giggled. Ran-Hanuel nudged him. "Haven't you seen a girl before?" "She's pretty and she has such beautiful eyes." Ran-Hanuel noticed a slight pink blush on Micha's cheeks even though she didn't comment on In-Soo's remark. Instead, she bowed again. "It's nice to meet everyone," she said. "Please take care of me." "You're the one from the club," Day-Jung replied, moving closer to her. Micha nodded. "Nice to see you again. I'm surprised you remember me." "You're pretty hard to forget," Day-Jung said. "But didn't you have a different name?" "I was traveling incognito," Micha told him. Hyun-Gi cleared her throat to get their attention again. "You can all get acquainted with Michaella later. Let's get back to business." She and Hee-Young walked over to two seats and sat down. Everyone else sat down on the floor and gave Hyun-Gi their full attention. She was just about to speak

when Shin-Chang entered, hurried over, and sat down next to Micha . . . much to InSoo's dismay. Shin-Chang whispered something and Micha giggled. She stopped when Hyun-Gi gave both of them a stern look. "Now as I was saying, two months from now all of you will be participating in an eight week tour of Asia as part of the Elegance Music Tour. The schedules you received from Hee-Young list what you'll be doing up until then, like promotions, personal appearances, interviews, etc. And you're all going into the recording studio to cut mini CDs." There was a round of applause and a couple of shouts this time. "And you're all going to make music videos. We want Asia to know about our company and its wonderful artists." "Does this have anything to do with Revolution winning the radio competition?" Min-Jun Jang, one of Mohave's singers asked. "Yes and no," Hyun-Gi replied. "I've been planning this for some time. Revolution's winning the competition just forced me to get my behind in gear and get it done. Of course, they will be headlining, but I won't let any of you get any less exposure. Their win is a win for all of us. They've just signed on with Hanja Records, and if everything goes as planned, Hanja is willing to sign all of you too." Hanja Records was one of the biggest recording studios in South Korea. Her last announcement was met with more clapping and shouts. "So you songwriters get busy composing, and you dancers get busy creating steps. I'm looking for five good songs for each CD. I'll get back to you all as soon as everything has been finalized." Gun-Woo Hwang of Wanderlust raised his hand. "How am I going to get out of school for eight weeks?" He was the youngest of all the members and the only one still in high school. "Already arranged." Hyun-Gi assured him. "I've talked to your parents, your principal, and your teachers. We're taking a tutor on the road with us, so don't think you'll be skipping out on your studies. That goes for those of you still in college too. I

have your lesson and assignment plans for those weeks and you will be expected to keep up with your studies." Lee-Chul grimaced. He was the only member of Revolution still in college. Micha would be joining him as soon as the tour was over. "Now I'll get out of you young people's way. Choe Iseul has prepared a wonderful meal and has it set up on the patio." She rose and bowed. Hee-Young did the same and followed Hyun-Gi out of the rehearsal room. The young men set upon Micha as soon as everyone stepped out onto the patio. Ran-Hanuel got a burning sensation in his chest. He'd been feeling a lot of pain lately. Maybe he should see a doctor before going on tour. The last thing he needed was to have a heart attack on the road. Day-Jung moved over to him. "Is Michaella dating Shin-Chang?" he asked. Ran-Hanuel looked over. Shin-Chang was holding Micha's hand. "I don't know," he answered. "I don't think so. They're always joking with each other and he looks after her. Why?" "I don't know," Day-Jung replied. "I was thinking about asking her out." The pain stabbed Ran-Hanuel in his chest again. "What's the real information on her?" "What?" He wished guys like him would speak correctly. "Where did she come from? And are those eyes real or contacts?" "Hyun-Gi recruited her from the United States, and yes, the eyes are real. She is only half Korean. Her father was an American." "She's fine," Day-Jung said as he turned his attention back on Micha. "And a real good dancer. She felt good in my arms that night we went clubbing." The pain moved from Ran-Hanuel's chest to his head. Day-Jung was a bigger moron that Chung-Hee, but unfortunately, he was also a member of Elegance so RanHanuel had to deal with him. "So, do you think she would go out with me?"

"I don't know," Ran-Hanuel answered. "You would have to ask her." "She and Shin-Chang seem pretty chummy. I don't want to step on anyone's toes." He chuckled. "I'm glad I don't have to worry about being in competition with you for her affections." Ran-Hanuel looked at him oddly. "What do you mean?" "You know. Do I have to spell it out?" Ran-Hanuel folded his arms across his chest. "Yes, I'm afraid you do." "Everyone knows you don't like girls." Ran-Hanuel refused to lower himself and argue about his sexuality with the likes of Day-Jung. "Think what you like. I have songs to write." He turned on his heels, left DayJung on the patio with the rest of the singers, and walked back into the house. Maybe it was time to talk to Hyun-Gi about the websites Micha discovered when they were in Busan. A scandal like this could surely ruin the tour. He smirked as he headed toward her office, hoping Micha would have sense enough to turn Day-Jung down.

*****

Micha handed her songbook over to Ran-Hanuel a little later after all the company had gone home and life had returned to normal in the mansion. "I didn't have time to bring it to you when we were in Busan, with the schedule Hyun-Gi had us on." "Thanks," Ran-Hanuel said. He rose from the piano bench and offered Micha the seat. "I know you know how to use one of these. Please play something for me." Micha hesitantly moved toward the bench and sat down. "What would you like to hear?" "Anything you'd like to play," Ran-Hanuel said, leaning against the piano. "Maybe something you've composed."

"How about something Hyun-Gi wants me to record?" "Wow, that woman moves fast," Ran-Hanuel said. "Did she write it?" "No, it's been recorded already. She's trying to get permission to use it." She began playing the piano. "That sounds familiar," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Beyonce?" Micha nodded and began singing, "If I Were a Boy." Ran-Hanuel kept looking down at Micha's hands as she played and then up into her face as the songstress belted out the powerful song. Damn she's good, and what a fitting song. Micha played the last key. "What do you think?" "That song is you." He teased her. "And we have to include it on the album." He sat down next to her and opened the songbook, reading while Micha watched. "Looks like I have a bit of competition in the composing department." "Am I any good?" she asked. Why did it sound like she didn't know how splendid she was? "Your writing is sensational. Would it be okay if I try to compose the music to a couple of these?" Micha's eyes lit up. "Do you really mean it?" "Yes. They're really good." He paused. "Of course, I'll have to share this information with Lee-Chul and Shin-Chang." "Share away," Micha replied. "We're one big, happy family, aren't we?" "Yes," Ran-Hanuel said, suddenly aware that he was staring into the depths of her bright green eyes. The pain in his head moved downward, replaced by a thick thud of his heart. Micha finally noticed his stare and turned her head shyly. "Did Day-Jung speak to you this afternoon?" he asked. "Yes." "Did he ask you out?" "Yes," Micha replied. "Did you accept?" Ran-Hanuel asked once he caught her eye again.

Micha rose from the bench. "No way," she replied as she headed to the door. "I don't date creeps." Ran-Hanuel chuckled and watched her leave, but then a thought occurred to him and he sobered. Hmm, does she consider me a creep too?

Chapter Twelve "Do you swim?" Lee-Chul asked Micha the next evening after they had practiced some of their newest songs in a cappella in the makeshift recording studio. "Yes," Micha answered, closing the new songbook Ran-Hanuel had given each of them. "I took lessons one summer. Why?" Lee-Chul closed his book too and leaned back against his chair. "Care to join me this evening for a swim?" She knew he disappeared every evening around this time for a swim, but this was the first time he'd ever invited her. "I don't know. It's getting late." "Ah, come on. It's not that late, and swimming is a great form of exercise. And besides, we haven't spent much time together lately." This was true. She'd been buried in the rehearsal studio with Ran-Hanuel or doing things with Hyun-Gi, while he attended classes at the university during the day. "Okay," she agreed. Any form of exercises was better than none, and she needed to keep her weight down. Micha rose. "I'll meet you down at the pool in thirty minutes." She left and went upstairs to her room to find and change into her swimsuit. Thirty minutes later, she walked down the steps and started toward the door when she ran into Ran-Hanuel and Shin-Chang returning from an outing. "Where are you headed, princess?" Shin-Chang asked, eyeing her bare legs. A terrycloth cover-up hid her swimsuit. "Swimming," she answered as she tried to get past them. They purposely blocked her way.

"Alone?" Shin-Chang asked. He moved and walked around her while RanHanuel guarded the door. "No," she answered. "I'm meeting Lee-Chul." Shin-Chang stopped in front of her and raised an eyebrow. "Really? He normally swims alone." Micha shrugged. "I guess he just wants some company," she replied. "So if you will excuse me." Ran-Hanuel finally stepped aside. "Do you have on proper attire under this thing?" he asked, fingering the sleeve of her cover-up as she passed by him. "But of course . . . swimming trunks and a tank top." She lied to get his reaction. "I hope that's just a jest." The young man had no sense of humor, she noted. "Would you like it better if I told you that I have on a teeny weenie yellow polka dot bikini under this cover-up?" "I would," Shin-Chang answered a little too quickly for comfort. Micha rolled her eyes at him and opened the door. "See you guys later." She slipped through the door and hurried toward the back of the house and the pool area. Who knew living with three gorgeous guys would be so difficult? The sun had just set and the moon, stars, and ground lighting along the path that led to the pool house lit her way. The weather was unseasonably warm, which suited her after living in California most of her life. But she heard winters in Korea could be extremely cold. She wasn't looking forward to the cold, but she wanted to see snow for the first time. Micha stepped inside the pool house, removed her sandals, and exited the building through another door that led to the pool area. "Wow," she said as she stepped out of the door. Tiki torches and Japanese lanterns decorated the pool area. Soft music filtered out through hidden speakers. A tray of sliced meats, cheeses, and crackers sat on a table, along with a very rich-looking

chocolate dessert and fresh fruit. A bottle of something she could not identify chilled in an ice bucket. Lee-Chul swam around the pool. Micha walked closer to observe him. He had powerful shoulders, back, and arm muscles. He swam over to the steps and climbed out slowly. Micha imagined it in very slow motion, watching every movement of his limbs and enjoying every moment of it. She gulped. He had a great body. "You're a very strong swimmer," she stammered when he caught her watching him. "I love the water," he said. "I wanted to be in the Olympics when I was a child." He picked up the towel and began drying his shoulder-length blond hair, oblivious to the fact that she was boldly checking him out. He just stood there clad in a scant pair of black swimming trunks that left nothing to the imagination. He wrapped the towel around his neck. "Are you ready to join me in the water?" A little voice inside her head said it was ready to follow him to hell and back at that very moment. "That depends on how deep the water is," Micha replied. "Just a little over nine feet, at the deep end." He leaned against the table. "Or would you like to have a little snack first?" Was he offering her food or him? Everything on the table and leaning up against it looked very tempting. "Swim first," she replied, removing her gaze from his abs and working up to his adorable, dimpled face. A bad mistake, she discovered as his eyes met hers. "You will have to take off your robe first. It will hold you down once you hit the water." He teased her. Micha hesitated at first, and then figured if she didn't want him to see her she should not have agreed to join him. She untied the belt and removed the robe. "I did not expect this," Lee-Chul said from where he stood. "You're simply gorgeous."

A hot flash ran up her body to her face as he appraised her. Micha adjusted the top part of the suit, fearing she was flashing too much flesh. Her assets flowed over the top of the bra in a most unladylike fashion. Lee-Chul whistled. "Look at those legs." Micha giggled because his eyes never left her chest. "I bet you can float with those." "Pervert. How's the water?" She walked past him and over to the steps, pretending to be unaffected by his perusal of her bikini-clad body. "Warm to a perfect body temperature," he told her. "But it looks like it's about to get hotter." He grabbed a beach ball and headed toward her. Micha walked down into the water. He wasn't kidding. The water was warm and comfortable. She swam away from the steps and over to the shallower side of the pool where her feet could touch the bottom. He tossed the ball to her and climbed back into the water. He swam over to her and she tossed the ball his way. He came up out of the water to catch the ball and tossed it back over. Micha bounced up and out of the water and caught it. "Go long," she told him. He swam back toward the other side, and Micha served the beach ball volleyball style. He caught it and served it back to her until they got a game going. Micha spiked the ball and sent it flying to the other side of pool, forcing him to reach for it and miss it. "So you want to play sneaky." He dove under the water. Micha tried to find him. He popped out of the water, scaring her. Micha shrieked and giggled as he picked her up, spun her around, and tossed her into the water playfully.

Micha came up for air, giggling and spitting water. She charged after him, hugged him around his narrow waist, and tried to dunk him, even though he was taller and outweighed her. He chuckled and then dropped his guard. Micha managed to sweep him off his feet and send him splashing into the water. He came up fighting for air. He swam after her and caught her. They both exploded into giggles. Someone cleared his throat. Both Micha and Lee-Chul stopped laughing. RanHanuel and Shin-Chang stood at the side of the pool clad in their swimwear. Micha ducked beneath the water until only her head showed. "This is a private affair," Lee-Chul told them. "Don't be rude," Ran-Hanuel replied. "We're all family." Lee-Chul rolled his eyes at him. "You two guys have horrible timing." "Don't be shy," Shin-Chang replied, walking toward the steps in a pair of lowriding brown trunks that showed off his abs. "I'm not shy," Micha insisted with a lift of her chin. "What are you hiding beneath the water, girly-boy?" Ran-Hanuel asked. He didn't bother with the stairs. He just hopped in, making a big splash near her. "I'm not hiding anything," Micha said, remembering what he looked like when he dove in. His trunks were a royal blue color, a little baggy, but definitely designed to fit him. Shin-Chang swam over to them. The three men formed a circle around her. "What do we have here?" Shin-Chang asked. He disappeared beneath the water and reappeared a few minutes later, smiling from ear to ear. "What did you see?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "Something incredible," Shin-Chang replied. "You have to see it to believe it." He lifted Micha in the air. Micha screamed playfully. "Put me down, you beast." "Holy moly," Ran-Hanuel exclaimed. "Girly-boy is stacked." Shin-Chang held her close to his body. "She sure is, and she's all ours."

*****

"Micha is too young to drink wine," Ran-Hanuel told Lee-Chul as the young man filled their glasses. "A little won't hurt her," Lee-Chul replied. "Ran-Hanuel's right," Micha agreed. "For once. I don't think I should have any. I'm prepared to wait until I'm legal." Lee-Chul nodded. "I have some sodas chilling in the refrigerator in the pool house. Would you like a regular or a diet one?" "Regular," Micha said from the lounge chair where she reclined once they finished playing in the water. Lee-Chul went into the pool house, leaving her with the two oldest members of Revolution, who were busy trying to sneak a peek beneath the cover-up. "You two guys are horrible," she said once Lee-Chul was out of ear range. "You know he planned this evening just for the two of us." "He'll survive," Ran-Hanuel replied. "And besides, you two needed chaperones." "We did not," Micha replied. "Why would you say something like that?" "Look at this scenario. Lowered lights, soft music, a table set for lovers. Lee-Chul had this all planned to impress you." "I think it's sweet," Micha told him. "And romantic." "Whoa," Shin-Chang replied as he sipped his wine. "Do the two of you have something going on?" "No," Micha answered. "Only in your warped little mind. Lee-Chul is just being nice to me." "No, he's not," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Men only have one thought in mind when it comes to women, and it's not being nice." "That's true," Shin-Chang agreed. "Except for me."

Micha shook her head. "Don't the two of you dare make this out to be any more than a friendship between him and me. Lee-Chul is not interested in me romantically." "Why would you say that?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "Don't you think you're desirable?" "No," she replied. "And even if I did think so, he's been the perfect gentleman." "That's because we arrived and interrupted his plans," Shin-Chang replied. "I'm going to keep my eyes on you. You are too young to date." Micha frowned. "I'm over eighteen." "Barely," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Just because you have big boobs and a big butt doesn't make you an adult." Micha tossed a towel at him. "My butt is not big." Lee-Chul walked out of the pool house with the soda and handed it to her. "Have they been annoying you since I've been gone?" "Yes," Micha replied. "We're just looking out for her best interests," Shin-Chang said. Lee-Chul sat down at the foot of the lounge chair near Micha's feet. "Why?" "They seem to think you had ulterior motives for inviting me here this evening to swim." Lee-Chul looked at his Hyungs. "Really, you guys are something else." "We're also men. We know what you're thinking," Ran-Hanuel replied. "What am I thinking?" "That you wouldn't mind getting with Micha." Lee-Chul blushed. "Micha and I are friends." "I'm your friend and you've never invited me for a swim," Ran-Hanuel answered. "Me either," Shin-Chang replied. "So what if what you're saying is true. Micha is a very beautiful young woman." "Thanks," Micha said, opening her soda. "Girly-boy is too young to date." Ran-Hanuel insisted. "Why didn't you say that when Day-Jung asked me out?" Micha asked him.

"Day-Jung asked you out?" Shin-Chang inquired. "When?" "Last night before he left," Micha told him. "And did you agree to go out on a date with him?" Lee-Chul asked. "No. He is a creep, and I don't date creeps." Lee-Chul laughed. "I thought you had better tastes than that. When it comes to him, you are definitely too young to date." Micha pouted. "Not you too, Oppa?" Lee-Chul shook his head. "There's no way I'm letting him get within ten feet of you. Chung-Hee either." Micha saw Ran-Hanuel stiffen at the mention of his rival's name. "And don't pout," Lee-Chul told her. "It's too distracting." "Why did you mention him?" Micha asked. "Because you danced with him at the club that night," Lee-Chul explained. "He wouldn't have asked you if he wasn't interested." "But I thought you guys told me he was in a relationship with Sun-Jae." If Ran-Hanuel stiffened any more he would shatter. "He is, but that won't stop him if he wants you." Micha went back to her soda. "I don't have to worry about that. I don't think I'll be seeing him any time soon." "Wrong," Shin-Chang said. "Both of our groups are appearing tomorrow on KJam." Micha ran her schedule around in her head. "That's right. We're performing live tomorrow evening. Why didn't anyone tell me that Sensei would be there?" "Exodus too," Shin-Chang replied. "So I'm expecting you to be on your best behavior and stay the hell away from those two guys." "You don't have to worry about that," Micha said. "I have enough with the three of you."

*****

"I think I've died and gone to the great beyond," Shin-Chang said as he joined Ran-Hanuel in the entertainment room after they came in from the pool. "What are you babbling about?" Ran-Hanuel asked as he turned on the computer and waited for it to boot up to the desktop. "Micha." "What about her?" The desktop appeared, and he sat down while Shin-Chang amused himself with the remote control, surfing through channels on the wide screen television. "Didn't she look sensational in that bikini?" "She looked all right," Ran-Hanuel answered absently. He didn't have time to talk about their lead female's comeliness. "What's the matter with you, Hyung? She looked better than all right." "Maybe I'm gay," Ran-Hanuel replied as he found yet another site with a picture of him and the boy-dressed Micha holding hands and running through the train terminal. That caught Shin-Chang's attention. "Huh?" Ran-Hanuel motioned him over and pointed to the computer screen. Shin-Chang got off the sofa and stooped over to read. "Oh, Hyung. This is bad." "Tell me about it," Ran-Hanuel replied. "It's not the only story. There have been quite a few lately." Shin-Chang went back to the sofa and sat down. "Does Micha know?" Ran-Hanuel nodded. "Yes. She was the one who brought this to my attention. She was very concerned about my reputation and image." "She should be," Shin-Chang replied. "This can be very damaging." "Yes, I know. Hyun-Gi and I have been trying to find a way to fix this." "That's easy. Just be seen holding hands with a girl." "What girl?"

"Any girl," Shin-Chang explained. "You like Sun-Jae. Why don't you ask her out on a date? You just need to be near her when the camera bugs are around." "Like at tomorrow's performance?" Ran-Hanuel asked. Shin-Chang nodded. They were scheduled to perform two songs. Hyun-Gi had suggested they do one of their older, popular, fast songs, and the one they used for the competition, featuring Michaella. "I think I can handle it. I just need to get Sun-Jae away from Chung-Hee long enough." "I'll try to distract him," Shin-Chang said. "How are you going to do that? He hates you just as much as he hates me." "With bait," Shin-Chang answered. Ran-Hanuel stared at him. "No!" "Why not? He's interested in her." "Because it can blow up in our faces," Ran-Hanuel replied. Shin-Chang chuckled. "Micha's smart. She won't fall for his charms." "How do you know that?" "Because she's a smart cookie. Chung-Hee is not her type." Ran-Hanuel wasn't sure. Micha was kind of young and gullible and hadn't been exposed to many young men. From what Hyun-Gi told him, Micha's adopted parents were very strict with her. She might just use the suave Chung-Hee to sow a little wild oats. "I still don't know about this," he said, trying to convince himself more than ShinChang. "But it might not be such a bad idea, since he might break up with Sun-Jae." "And leave her free for you to date." "What sort of evil runs through your head?" Ran-Hanuel asked his friend. "This is a very ingenious plan." Shin-Chang laughed and watched him intently. "This can be a win-win situation all around. Your image could get cleared up, Sun-Jae could actually stop dating ChungHee and give you a chance at her, and . . . ."

Ran-Hanuel completed the sentence. "And Micha could kill both of us if she finds out." "She won't find out," Shin-Chang replied. "She won't fall for Chung-Hee and will continue to be innocent little Micha." "Then everyone will be happy," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Not everyone," Shin-Chang replied sadly. Ran-Hanuel looked over at him. "Hmm? You mean Lee-Chul?" Shin-Chang nodded. "He'll get over it when he finds out the reason behind what we're about to do." Of course, he knew Shin-Chang wasn't speaking of Lee-Chul. He wasn't a fool. His buddy had been wearing his heart on his sleeve since the first time he laid eyes on Micha West. *****

Access to Sun-Jae proved easier than he imagined. Ran-Hanuel found her wandering the halls of the television station alone. He bowed once he got her attention. "Good evening, Sun-Jae." Sun-Jae looked up, startled. "Oh, good evening, Ran-Hanuel. I seem to be lost. I'm trying to find the Green Room." She wore her costume, a long white skirt with a black top. White makeup and rouge already masked her perfect little face. Black kohl outlined her eyes, and she wore just a hint of pink lipstick. The effect made him think of a perfect, porcelain doll. He sighed. She was so beautiful. She hadn't changed much since their pre-debut time when he'd first laid eyes on her and fallen in love. "You're not lost." He pointed. "It's just down this hall. I'll escort you there if you don't mind."

She bowed to him again. "Yes, I don't mind. Everyone will be upset with me if I am late." Ran-Hanuel chuckled as they walked. "Would they actually be mad over something like that?" He'd heard their camp was pretty strict. Sun-Jae took tiny little steps in her sandals. "Oh yes. Chung-Hee frowns on tardiness." "I heard the two of you are dating?" "Not really," Sun-Jae replied. "We've gone to a movie or two, but nothing beyond that. A lot of the stories I've read have been fabricated by reporters and fans." Ran-Hanuel chuckled. "Yes, I know. I've been the victim of lies more than once." "I've seen the latest one," she replied, looking up at him. "The young man is cute." Ran-Hanuel froze in place. "He's just a friend of mine. I ran into him at the train station on the way to Busan when a crowd spotted me, just like today. He was just caught up in the shuffle, with young women tearing at his clothes and hair. The only way I could get him free was to take his hand and drag him through the train terminal. I guess that's when the picture was taken and the lies began." "I never believe everything I read, especially about people I know." "What are you doing this evening after our performance?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "Probably going home and taking a nap. Why?" Ran-Hanuel stopped just outside the Green Room door. "Would you like to go to the movies with me?" "Are you trying to use me to clear your name?" She was much smarter than Lee-Chul or Shin-Chang gave her credit for. "No. Don't you know me better than that?" Sun-Jae chuckled. "I was just kidding. I believe a person should be true to his or her own heart."

"That's what I'm trying to do," Ran-Hanuel told her as he looked into her fathomless brown eyes." I've always wanted to ask you out, but I was afraid you would turn me down." "Why have you suddenly become so brave?" she asked. Ran-Hanuel shrugged. "The opportunity has presented itself. So would you like to go to the movies with me tonight?" "Sure," Sun-Jae answered. "What time?" "About seven. We can meet at the Ibiza Plaza." "Then it's a date," Sun-Jae replied. "And don't eat dinner," Ran-Hanuel told her as he opened the door. "There's a new restaurant that just opened up near the mall I'm just dying to try." "Okay," she replied. "I won't be late." Sun-Jae entered the Green Room alone, while he headed toward their dressing room to change.

*****

"Where are you off to?" Lee-Chul asked Ran-Hanuel when they met in the bottom foyer of the mansion after they returned home from the television station. "Out," Ran-Hanuel said. "On a date." Lee-Chul gawked at him. "Really?" he asked in obvious disbelief. "With whom?" At twenty-one, Lee-Chul was still as inquisitive as a child. "Sun-Jae." Lee-Chul continued to gawk. "Do you have a death wish, Hyung? Chung-Hee is going to kill you." "No, I do not have a death wish, and I'm not afraid of Chung-Hee. Sun-Jae told me they are not dating and everything is just rumors." "Well, good for you. I can't remember the last time you went out on a date."

Ran-Hanuel chuckled. "It has been a long time. I guess I had a dry spell." He fixed the white handkerchief in the top pocket of his tailored black jacket. "I would have asked her out a long time ago had I known their relationship consisted only of rumors." "I hope she's telling the truth," Lee-Chul replied. "Well, I'll just have to take her word for it. I don't know why she would lie. The two of us have been friends for years." He headed toward the door. "We're only doing a movie and dinner, so I shouldn't be out too late, in case anyone is looking for me." "By anyone, do you mean Hyun-Gi?" Ran-Hanuel nodded. "Or Micha." "Micha's not here," Lee-Chul replied. "She left earlier." Ran-Hanuel stopped fiddling with his clothes. "Has she gone somewhere with Hyun-Gi or Shin-Chang?" "No, Hyun-Gi is in her office and Shin-Chang is upstairs on his computer." "That's odd," Ran-Hanuel replied. "It's not like her to go out on her own at night." "Maybe she had something to do," Lee-Chul replied. "Have a nice time." He continued up the stairs, and Ran-Hanuel walked out the door, still thinking about Micha. "Maybe she found herself a female friend to hang out with." She had been pretty popular at the television station amongst the other performers. His black sports car stood at the curve right outside the front door, where SeoYeon had left it along with the keys. Ran-Hanuel opened the car door and slid in behind the steering wheel. He started up the car and headed toward the big metal gates. They opened automatically, and Ran-Hanuel left the premises, traveling south toward the Ibiza Plaza. Less than thirty minutes later, he arrived at his destination, found parking, and walked toward the Plaza. Sun-Jae hadn't arrived yet, but she had promised to be on time.

Ran-Hanuel leaned against a statue and waited for a few minutes, watching people come and go from the Plaza, and trying to look natural and calm. In truth, his heart beat rapidly with anticipation. He'd been playing this scene over and over in his head for years. More and more people arrived. Some recognized him, bowed politely, and went on their way, while others took a picture of him, but didn't bombard him for an autograph. Sun-Jae finally appeared, dressed in a green pants outfit with a yellow blouse beneath. She wore heels that pulled her up to a decent height to walk beside him. She'd shielded her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses, as he had, in order to hide her appearance. She bowed to him when she approached. "Have you been waiting long?" "No," Ran-Hanuel answered. "Not too long. The movie will be starting in approximately fifteen minutes, and I still need to get the tickets." He took Sun-Jae's hand, squeezed it gently, and led her into the mall where the movie theater was located. The place swarmed with teens and young adults, but they managed to get the tickets and visit the concession stand without getting mobbed. They found some seats and settled into them before the projectionist doused the lights. "I heard this is a good movie," Sun-Jae said. "A romantic comedy. I like those." Ran-Hanuel smiled. His original plan was to see a horror film, but he changed his mind once Shin-Chang informed him women didn't like scary movies. It feels good to be out and away from the others, he thought as the two of them continued to talk quietly to each other. Sun-Jae wasn't a big conversationalist and thankfully didn't giggle too much either. That was fine with him and gave him time to concentrate on the movie once it began and to sneak glances at the Korean songstress at his right.

Two hours later, they exited the movie theater and walked into the mall's lobby. This time, going out incognito wasn't an option. Fans had gathered, armed with cell phones, digital cameras, and autograph books. Why did he think he could go out on a date without anyone finding out about it? But then again, wasn't that what he wanted to happen? "Sorry about this," Ran-Hanuel said to Sun-Jae when he realized he couldn't get her out of the lobby. "They are our fans," she replied as she signed an autograph and handed it back to the star-struck young man. "Can I take a picture of the two of you?" a brave young girl asked. "Sure," Sun-Jae replied with a smile. She put her arm around his waist and pulled him closer. Sun-Jae then smiled for the camera and made a peace sign with the fingers of her other hand. The fan took the picture. About thirty minutes later, he managed to inch Sun-Jae toward the exit and whisk her out into the Plaza where they had met earlier. There were still a lot of people, but no one attempted to approach them. Ran-Hanuel escorted her to his car and helped her inside. "The restaurant is about three blocks away, but we'll be safer in the car than walking," he told her before closing the door. He walked around to the driver's side and got in. Ten minutes later, a waitress seated them inside the restaurant. "Isn't that your new lead singer?" Sun-Jae asked, pointing to a table on the other side of the room. Ran-Hanuel had to lean over a little to see because a column blocked his view. "Yes," he replied as he shifted back into position. "I didn't know she knew In-Soo. When did they start dating?"

Chapter Thirteen

Ran-Hanuel peeped over at Micha and In-Soo again after Sun-Jae excused herself and went to visit the ladies' room. The two of them seemed extremely friendly and comfortable in each other's company while they dined. When did the two of them get so chummy? Ran-Hanuel wondered as he watched Micha's face light up with a broad smile for something In-Soo obviously said to her. As far as he knew, they had only met at Hyun-Gi's little informal get together. Was that enough time for two people to decide they liked each other enough to go out on a date? A waitress appeared at the couple's table bearing a tray of two ice cream desserts. She placed it on an adjacent table while she cleared away their dinner dishes. She then set the bowls of ice cream in front of them, bowed, and left. In-Soo and Micha attacked their dessert like kids. Ran-Hanuel sighed. They were just two young people out enjoying each other's company. But if that was so, why did it bother him so much? Sun-Jae returned. Ran-Hanuel stood up from his chair and waited until she sat again before he sat down. "Would you care for dessert?" he asked her. Suddenly, the desire for ice cream overcame him. "No, thanks," Sun-Jae replied. "I try to stay away from snacks. They're too fattening." Ran-Hanuel looked over just in time to see In-Soo feed Micha some of his dessert. His eyes widened in surprise. Had their relationship advanced to intimacy in just a few days? Where had they been before they showed up in the restaurant? Had InSoo taken her to his apartment and had his way with her? Micha giggled and in turn fed In-Soo some of her dessert. Desire and anger pounded in Ran-Hanuel's chest. Micha shouldn't be sharing dessert with anyone who isn't family . . . who isn't me. He pulled his gaze away from the tender scene. Was he going crazy? He didn't even like her. She wasn't girly or classically pretty like Sun-Jae, and she sure as hell wasn't what he considered an ideal mate.

"Is anything wrong?" Sun-Jae asked. "No." Sun-Jae turned and looked over at Micha and In-Soo. "They are having fun." "Who cares?" Ran-Hanuel replied. "Apparently, you do. Does it upset you to see the two of them together?" Sun-Jae asked. "No, don't be ridiculous. I hardly know her. Why should I care if the two of them are together?" Sun-Jae turned her full attention back on him. "Because you are the leader of Revolution, and she is your band mate. Don't you like In-Soo?" Her teeny little accusing voice started to bug him now. "He's a great guy," Ran-Hanuel replied. "But I don't know if he's right for Michaella. She's just a kid." "That would explain your concern. How old is she?" "Barely eighteen," Ran-Hanuel replied. "She is very mature looking for eighteen, and pretty," Sun-Jae replied. "I met her briefly earlier. Her skin is flawless." "It won't be if she keeps stuffing desserts into her body. I have told her countless times that her butt is too big and she needs to watch her weight." She gasped. "You didn't tell her that." He nodded. "Of course I did. She is a part of Revolution. She has an image to uphold." She shook her head. "That was inappropriate and unkind. A man should never mention such a thing to a woman." Damn, now he'd pissed off Sun-Jae. "I didn't tell her that to be unkind. I'm trying to teach her discipline and selfcontrol . . . things she lacks," he explained. "Michaella did not grow up in a traditional Korean family like we did. She was raised in foster care in a Korean community in the United States. Her ways are more western than ours are. I only said those things to her

because I'm trying to get her to adjust to our way of life. I'm trying to save her from any embarrassment or heartbreak in the future. You know how our culture is. It can be a bit stiff and merciless with foreigners." Sun-Jae nodded in agreement. "I understand. You care about her, so you were seeking to give her some brotherly advice." "Yes," he replied. "I mean no. Heck, I only want the best for her like I do for ShinChang and Lee-Chul. Things aren't as bad as they seem. Michaella is a very talented young woman and a gifted musician. She just needs a little guidance. It is my job to give it to her as leader of Revolution." "Your style is so different that Chung-Hee," Sun-Jae said with a sigh. "He feels what is best for him is what's best for all of us in Sensei. He doesn't care how large my butt gets just as long as I sing. He also doesn't care how I feel." "That's because he is a selfish fool," he replied. Sun-Jae smiled. "He thinks Micha is a goddess." "True, but he's still a fool." He called for the waitress to settle their bill. "I will not hesitate to guide you as well." The waitress arrived with the bill, and Ran-Hanuel paid her for their meal with cash. He rose and Sun-Jae followed. "Is my butt too big?" Sun-Jae asked as they walked toward the exit. "No," he replied without looking behind her. "It's just right." "Thank you," she replied. "But you will let me know the minute it starts to protrude?" Ran-Hanuel took her arm and led her out of the door. "Yes, I will keep my eyes on it." Sun-Jae giggled. It reminded him of a sweet little girl's giggle. Micha's giggle was deeper and huskier, like that of a man. He groaned. Why did he prefer Micha's more? Ran-Hanuel shook the thought from his head as he escorted Sun-Jae to the car and helped her inside. It would only take him a couple of minutes to bring her to her home, and then he'd drive back to the mansion and be there waiting when Micha returned.

*****

"Thanks for the lovely evening," Micha said to In-Soo after they returned from their date. She had expected him to just drive off after he'd seen her home safely, but things got a little freaky when they drove up and found Lee-Chul and Shin-Chang seated outside on the front stoop of the mansion. "You're quite welcome," In-Soo said awkwardly. "Are they waiting up for you?" "Probably," Micha replied. "They are a bit over-protective." "Then I better not try to kiss you goodnight," he said teasingly. "I think ShinChang would break me in two if I tried." Darn, and she'd been preparing to be kissed. "No, that might not be such a good idea." In-Soo got out of the driver's seat of his energy-efficient car, walked around to the passenger side, and helped her out. He bowed to his elders. "Nice to see you, Hyung." He used a term of respect for elder, which was the role Revolution performed in Wanderlust and the other new groups' lives. Both older guys rose to their feet and shook his hand. "Michaella did not tell me the two of you had a date," Lee-Chul said, looking at her suspiciously. "It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing," In-Soo replied nervously. "She mentioned she liked arcade games, and me and some of the guys were hanging out at the arcade earlier, so I called and invited her to join us." "So it was like a group thing?" Shin-Chang asked, adding to the inquisition. "Sort of," In-Soo answered. "Micha is very good at video games. She beat all of us at everything we played." "That's so sweet," Shin-Chang replied, ruffling his fingers through Micha's hair and mussing up the bangs. He pulled her into the crook of his arm protectively. "Do the two of you plan to continue dating?"

Micha pinched Shin-Chang's side. "That is none of your business, Oppa. In-Soo and I have just met. We cannot predict the future." "Micha is going to be pretty busy with promotions and singing," In-Soo said, very grownup and businesslike. "We'll hook up when we have some free time." Ran-Hanuel's black sports car appeared down the drive. He parked behind InSoo's car and got out. The look on his face told her he wasn't pleased to see the young man there. In-Soo bowed respectfully. "Good evening, Ran-Hanuel. How are you this evening?" Ran-Hanuel bowed back. "I am fine. What brings you here?" "He just brought Michaella home from a date," Lee-Chul answered. "Michaella is not old enough to date," Ran-Hanuel answered matter-of-factly. "I am too," Micha replied in her own defense. "I'm old enough to do lots of things." Ran-Hanuel ruffled through her hair the same way Shin-Chang had done. "No, you aren't. Dating leads to kissing and kissing leads to babies." The blush on In-Soo's face could light up the night. "We just played video games and had dinner, Hyung," he told Ran-Hanuel. "I would never be so disrespectful." He bowed again, and then turned toward Micha, who had worked herself away from her band members. "Thank you for the lovely evening," he said to her, and then hurried back to his car. He waved goodbye to them and then he drove off. Micha turned on the trio as soon as In-Soon was safely up the drive. "You three were very rude to him." Lee-Chul stepped up to her. "That little punk had it coming to him. He snuck in and asked you out without coming to talk with us first." "I did not realize I had to seek your permission to date. I did not see that in the contract I signed."

"Yes, you do," Ran-Hanuel stated. "Anyway, like I said before, you are too young to date. You have your entire life in front of you, to include college and your music career." Micha put her hands firmly on her hips. She noticed the way Shin-Chang's eyes followed her every movement. "You guys do not own me. It's not like I'm the baby princess of the royal family that has to be protected. I am a normal girl with normal desires." Shin-Chang playfully put his hand against his chest. "Do not say desires." Micha ignored him. "I know I have responsibilities when it comes to Revolution. I will not let my personal life interfere with the group, nor will I allow the group to interfere in my personal life." Ran-Hanuel moved over to her. "The group and your personal life are one in the same, little lady. That is why we can't allow you to become involved with anyone just yet. In-Soo is a nice guy, but he has an image to uphold and a career to think about, just as you do. You are to be Seoul's little sweetheart. You can't be tied to a relationship with just one guy and spoil all the fun for the male fans who want to fantasize about getting with you. It is not good for promotion. We will also not let you ruin your life with scandals just because you want to date." Micha turned to Shin-Chang. She could always trust him. "Will you speak to him? He's being unreasonable." "Sorry, mansion princess," Shin-Chang replied. "I have to agree with Ran-Hanuel on this one." "So do I," Lee-Chul replied. Micha pushed him away. "Oh," she said angrily. "This is so unfair. I don't interfere in your love life." "We don't have love lives," Lee-Chul told her. "Well, I don't, and until today, neither did Ran-Hanuel." Ran-Hanuel threw Lee-Chul a murderous look.

"He's dating?" Micha asked, suddenly feeling she had the upper hand. She looked Ran-Hanuel over. He was dressed up and smelling of expensive cologne. "You've been out on a date. Why is it okay for you and not for me?" "Because I am older and more responsible," Ran-Hanuel answered. "Did you kiss her?" Micha asked. "That is none of your concern," he said nervously. "I beg to differ," Micha said, standing up to him. "What you do might come back as a scandal for Revolution." "It's not the same thing." Ran-Hanuel argued his point. "I know how to control my urges. In-Soo is eighteen and a bundle of testosterone." Micha sighed. "So, did you kiss her?" she asked again. "I did not. Sun-Jae is not that type of girl." Micha gasped. "Oh, you went on a date with her?" Why aren't the other two shocked? What are they up to? She might be young, but she wasn't stupid. Was that idiot, Ran-Hanuel, going behind Chung-Hee's back and dating his girlfriend? "What's wrong with her?" Ran-Hanuel asked, suddenly on the defensive. "She's your rival's girlfriend," Micha said, poking his chest with her finger. "How dare you interfere in my life when you're sneaking around with her?" Ran-Hanuel lifted Micha and moved her away. "I am not sneaking around with her. She is not dating Chung-Hee anymore. I have always had this thing for her, and now we are free to date." "She's not much older than I am. Why is it okay for her to date and not me? Why do I have to miss out on everything? I'm eighteen years old, and I've never been—" Ran-Hanuel pulled her into his arms, lowered his head, and pressed his lips to hers, hugging her tightly to his body. After a long moment, he released her. "Now you have been. Get on with your life, girly-boy." He walked up the stoop and entered the house, leaving her standing there dumbfounded.

"What did he do that for, Hyung?" Lee-Chul asked Shin-Chang. "Because he has wanted to since the first moment he laid eyes on her," ShinChang answered.

*****

Micha entered her room and lay down on her bed, still in shock over what had just occurred. He kissed me. She replayed the scene over in her head . . . Ran-Hanuel’s body pressing against hers, their lips touching, and her heart beating rapidly until he released her. The entire event took a couple seconds and then it was over. She sighed contentedly. On a scale of one to ten, she’d rate his performance an eleven. Micha sat up abruptly. What am I so happy about? He only did it to get back at her for going out with In-Soo. Rotten monster. He knew it was her first kiss, and he had stolen it out of spite and to piss her off. Well, it would never happen again. She planned to stay as far away from him as possible so there would be no second kiss. Micha rolled her tongue over her lips. Damn, with all the things Ran-Hanuel had going for him, he had to be a good kisser too. It was so unfair. Chapter Fourteen Micha marveled at the sight as she and the others stepped inside Hanja Recording Studio. The place was far larger than the studio back at the mansion, with lots of people moving about in the sound and instrument room. The four of them were situated inside of one of several recording rooms. "Oh, is this for real?' Micha asked as she looked down at the synthesizer and substitute instrumental equipment. "Very real," Kim-Shik Baik, the music arranger, told her. "But don't touch. This stuff costs a fortune."

Micha bowed. "I understand. One of these days, I'd like to learn how all this works." Kim-Shik seemed impressed. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Really? Most young women aren't interested in learning this side of the business." "I am," Micha replied. "That's because Micha isn't a normal young woman." Ran-Hanuel teased her. "She likes to do things differently than normal girls her age." Micha poked her tongue at him. This was the most contact the two of them had shared since the kiss a couple nights ago. Kim-Shik laughed. "Let's get all of you suited up with headphones and mics. We've already taped the music, so now we need to hear what you sound like with it."

*****

Micha's cell phone rang later that evening. She looked down at the display. In-Soo. "Hello," she said, answering the call. There was a lot of loud music in the background. "Hello," he said. "This is In-Soo. What are you doing?" "Nothing much," Micha replied. "We've been at the recording studio all day, and now I'm just relaxing." "Would you like to come to a jam session?" She knew she should automatically decline, but something stopped her from doing so. "I don't know." "Ah, come on. A couple of groups have gotten together to perform." He rattled off some names, but the only ones she recognized were Wanderlust and Exodus. She had never seen either group perform before, and she really wanted to support them in any way she could. "What time do you perform?" "We're the last group up," he replied. "Somewhere around ten."

Micha looked over at her clock. That would give her just enough time to get ready. "And I'm bored and in need of some pretty company." Micha giggled. In-Soo always said the right things to make her happy. "I don't know. It's going to be pretty hard to get out." "You mean Ran-Hanuel?" "Yes. He read me the riot act the other night when you brought me home." "He is your leader. He should be concerned." In-Soo paused. "But where is your sense of adventure? Are you going to miss out on everything just because he wants to keep you locked up safe and sound in the mansion?" "Not really," Micha replied. Even she thought Ran-Hanuel had gone a bit overboard. "What's the attire?" "Alternative," In-Soo replied, referring to a style between clubbing and grunge. "They're holding it at the same arena where the radio competition was held, so you probably don't want to wear a dress and heels." Ah, Micha-type clothing. Could she dress down in her favorite outfit and get away with it? "Sounds like fun." "Have you figured out a way to get out of the house?" In-Soo asked. "Not yet. I can't ask our driver. He would certainly tattle on me." "And the guards will recognize me if I drive up to the gates," In-Soo stated. "I'll meet you outside the gates in about an hour," Micha finally told him. "Sweet," In-Soo replied. "I'll see you then." He disconnected the call. Micha hopped out of her chair and dashed over to her closet to find something to wear. She was dying to put on the jeans she had ordered the other day but hadn't had a chance. She was afraid of causing a problem with her group members. She pulled the black jeans out of the closet, admiring all the chains and pockets. I'm going to wear them. She tossed them on the bed, and then raced into the bathroom to shower and wash her hair. The guys had gone out for the evening, and Hyun-Gi had a business meeting and

would be away until later. This was her only chance to get out of the house without anyone noticing. There was no way she was going to miss out on the fun, and no one would be the wiser.

*****

"You didn't mention it was a concert," Micha said as In-Soo parked his car in a spot just outside the Seoul arena. He chuckled. "It's not. Groups get together here to do this all the time." "But there are so many people. How many groups are performing?" "It's hard to tell. There are a lot of new groups in town. They go on between the professional groups. All I know is that Wanderlust is last, so we have to sit through all of them." What will happen if this doesn't end at ten? Micha wondered. She'd be in so much trouble. In-Soo turned off the ignition. "Does this venue have any security?" Micha asked. "Yes, but we can't officially mention what we're doing because it would incite a riot. This is a by invitation, only event. The performers personally invited everyone who's here, and most of them are smart enough to know how things will turn out if too many people are invited." "Have you been to a jam session like this before?" Micha asked as she undid her seatbelt. In-Soo nodded. "Last year. It was a blast. But this is Wanderlust's first year participating." He got out, came around, and helped her out. "Damn, look at you. I didn't notice how you were dressed when you got into the car." "Do you like it?" Micha asked, pulling the hat down on her head and donning her dark sunglasses.

"I can't believe the transformation. You can easily pass for a . . . ." "A boy." Micha finished his sentence. In-Soo nodded. "But in a pretty way." He turned her around to get a good look at her. "I could never look that good in those pants. Your butt is rocking." Micha pushed him away playfully. "You didn't have to mention that." She locked arms with him, and they walked up to the arena gate. In-Soo showed the stamp on his hand to the guard at the gate. "Is he your date?" the guard asked In-Soo. "Or is he a performer?" "Both," In-Soo replied, not bothering to clear up the mistake. The guard stamped Micha's hand; he didn't appear the least surprised that two guys had arrived arm in arm. "Aren't you worried about your reputation?" Micha asked suspiciously. "Naw. I know you're a girl. I don't really care what others think." Unlike Ran-Hanuel, she thought as they walked. He thought image was everything. "Where's the rest of your group?" "They're holding seats for us down front." He led her into the arena. Micha looked around. They'd barricaded off the top area so no one could sit up there. The bottom half swarmed with life. "There's Chung-Hee and the rest of Sensei. I better not let them see me." "Just keep your sunglasses and hat on and walk with me," In-Soo said, probably knowing the other man was interested in her too. "How did you meet that creep?" "At a club one night after I arrived from the United States," Micha answered. She didn't think he would recognize her, but she couldn't be sure. They had only danced that one time and spoken briefly backstage the day of the competition and in the Green Room at the television studio. "Are they performing tonight?" In-Soo looked down at his watch. "Yes. They're going on shortly, followed by Exodus."

She didn't recognize the all-girl group performing on the stage. There were ten in total, all decked out in mini dresses and high heels. She wasn't really into girl groups, and she couldn't figure out why anyone would form a group with so many members. That meant too many names to remember and very little profit since they all had to share what they earned during performances. In-Soo stopped next to a row of seats. Micha recognized Sung-Kim, Jae-Hwa Namkiang, and Jun-Hee Ran, the other three members of Wanderlust. In-Soo slipped in next to Jun-Hee, keeping her to his right. Sung-Kim looked over at her and then asked In-Soo something, which she could not hear over the blaring music. In-Soo told him something back, and Sung-Kim looked over at her, smiled sheepishly, and turned his gaze back on the stage. "Sensei's up next," In-Soo told her. Micha looked over the crowds to see Sun-Jae and the others walking down toward the stage. The young woman wore a very short skirt, a low-plunging top, and very high heels. Micha frowned. She'd gone from an angel to a devil in a short matter of time. There was no way she resembled the proper miss she'd met in the Green Room at the television station. Her long hair had been in curls and pulled up tightly to the top of her head, and was secured down by a leather headband. Micha liked the bad girl look, but thought Ran-Hanuel would die if he saw his perfect angel dressing like a slut. Sensei took the stage and performed an assortment of their songs. The crowd roared as Chung-Hee seductively thrust his pelvis, keeping perfect time with the beat. Micha could understand his appeal, even though she still thought Revolution was a better and more disciplined group. The crowd showed their appreciation with a loud round of applause after Sensei finished. An MC appeared to announce the next group. The members of Mohave rose and headed toward the stage. She concentrated as Hyun-Gi's grunge group took the stage in outlandish, uncoordinated clothes and unkempt hair. They played and sang an unfamiliar song loudly, but the audience apparently knew it and got involved in the shouting, jumping,

and pushing. The lead singer, Chin-Ho, quickly worked the audience into a frenzy with his second song. Micha watched the mosh pit form and people began tossing their bodies and the bodies of others up and down during the seriously dangerous dance. Wanderlust rose. This meant she'd be left alone while they performed. "We'll be back in a minutes," In-Soo told her. Micha nodded as the six young men walked past her and down the stairs toward the stage. Teens and young women screamed when they saw who they were. Hyun-Gi would be proud to discover how famous the youngest Elegance group was getting. Minutes later, Wanderlust were shaking their slim hips and sliding all over the stage as they performed their latest song, which they had yet to record. In-Soo had a real mellow voice and could really hit the high notes. After one more song, they would be returning to their seats to join her. In-Soo grabbed the mic again. "The show's not over yet everyone," he said. "We've got a very special guest in the audience who I'm just dying to hear perform. He's making a name for himself in Busan. M. W., come on down." Micha gasped. Is he talking about me? Of course he was, since he looked directly at her. So did everyone else. WTF? She was supposed to be traveling incognito. "He's a bit shy," In-Soo said to the audience. "Come on, Hyung. Show them how they do it in Busan." Damn, had he seen the picture of her and Ran-Hanuel? That was the only way he could know about her trip to Busan. She was going to kill him for using her this way. Micha rose and climbed up the stairs as the crowd chanted, "Busan, Busan." She walked over to the piano bench and rolled back the lid, exposing the keys. The only thing she could think to perform was the act that had won the talent show back in the United States. But she'd perform in Korean so she wouldn't be recognized. Her voice carried throughout the entire arena, surprising her with its richness and clarity. She began her routine, banging the heck out of the keys, and then she performed her version of Michael Jackson's, "This is it."

Girls bolted to the stage and tried to get at her. Someone grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stage left exit just as the crowd of women stormed the stage. "You are so grounded when you get home, girly-boy." Ran-Hanuel. What is he doing here? "How many times have I told you not to dress like a boy?" Micha didn't have time to argue since the stampeding girls were close on their heels and taking pictures of them in their flight. "What are you doing here?" Micha asked as he dragged her toward the side exit. "Checking out the competition and saving your ass," he replied. He opened the door, pushed her through, and then came out behind her. "What the hell are you doing here?" "In-Soo invited me," she said, trying to catch her breath as she ran with him toward his black sports car. The crowd broke through the exit door as soon as they were safely inside the car. Camera flashes went off in their faces. "It's Ran-Hanuel from Revolution," someone shouted. The announcement made the girls go wilder. "Is that his boyfriend?" someone else asked. Ran-Hanuel started the engine and drove the car out of the spot before someone foolishly tried to hop on or block their way. "Hyun-Gi is going to kill both of us once those pictures hit the internet," he told her angrily. "And just when I thought I had everything straightened out." He referred to the pictures of him and Sun-Jae circulating around the 'net and the local entertainment rags. "I'm sorry," Micha said, really meaning it. She didn't plan to have him ostracized by the media again. "Sorry is not going to help," Ran-Hanuel said as they drove toward the Interstate. She'd never seen him this angry before.

Her cell phone rang. Micha reached into her pocket and pulled it out. It was InSoo. "Yes, I'm alright. I'm on my way home. Okay, bye." She disconnected the call. "Can I see your phone?" Ran-Hanuel asked. Micha handed it to him. Ran-Hanuel opened his window and tossed her cell phone out. "I don't ever want you talking to him again." "Are you crazy? That phone cost me a fortune." "Tough," he said as he continued to drive. "I want you to stay away from him." "But—" "But nothing. Look what he's done. Did the two of you plan this little disaster?" "No." "Then he planned it on his own, knowing what kind of chaos it would incite." True. They had a royal mess on their hands, and In-Soo was responsible. "Why do you think he would do such a thing?" Micha asked. "Maybe he's pissed off at me," Ran-Hanuel said. "You were quite rude to him the other night when he brought me home." "He knew I was in the audience, and maybe he wanted to get back at me for that." "Maybe," Micha said, half knowing it was true, and half hoping it wasn't. "From now on, I don't want to see you in this type of get up again. You are a girl, and you will dress like a girl." He eyed her again. "I think you take delight in torturing me." "I do not," Micha said. "I told you, I'm more comfortable dressing this way." "Well, I would prefer you naked than like this." Micha gawked. What did he mean by that? "Those jeans are riding so low on your hips I can actually see the swells of your behind. I am not gay, and I don't appreciate being publically humiliated by a confused gender-bender."

His words cut deeply. "I am not confused. I know I'm a girl, but I don't think I need to show tit to prove it." Ran-Hanuel pulled the car over on the dark, deserted highway and got out. He walked around to the passenger side, pulled her out of the car, and shoved her against it roughly. "Ouch," Micha cried out. "What is wrong with you?" "I'm mad," Ran-Hanuel said as he pushed his body up against hers. He swept the cap from her head and buried his fingers in her tresses. "Why does the sight of you all dressed up like one of the fellows turn me on?" He lowered his head and began kissing her passionately. Micha melted into his arms as he pressed his body into hers. Heat rose up from his pores and traveled into hers as his mouth and tongue assaulted her lips. The feelings that surged through her were strange and not necessarily welcomed. Her head grew light and airy. Was she about to faint? Oh, God, don't let me faint. Ran-Hanuel stopped kissing her and angrily pushed her aside. "Get back into the damn car before I do something I will be sorry for." He left her, walked around to the driver's side, and climbed back in. Micha got back into the car quickly and fastened her seat belt. Ran-Hanuel didn't say anything else to her as they drove home, a fact for which Micha was thankful.

*****

Micha thought Hyun-Gi would have a stroke if she continued screaming at her as they sat around the entertainment room, watching the internet news on the big screen television. There were pictures of her on the stage performing and ones with her in another flight scene with Ran-Hanuel. The headlines read, Ran-Hanuel Kim and Boyfriend Flee Fans.

"Have the two of you completely lost your minds?" She turned on Ran-Hanuel. "What were you thinking, bringing her to something like that?" "He didn't take me there," Micha replied. "I went with In-Soo." "What?" Hyun-Gi asked. "Don't try to drag that innocent baby down with you. He'd never be caught dead in a place like that." Ran-Hanuel laughed. "Your innocent baby was there, did invite Micha there, and has a case of the hots for Michaella." "He does not," Micha said in her own defense. "We're just friends." "Friends, my eye," Ran-Hanuel said. "The two of you looked pretty close in that restaurant feeding each other ice cream." That got everyone's attention in the room. Hyun-Gi grabbed her chest. "What did I tell you about that, young lady?" Micha glared at Ran-Hanuel. How did he know about the ice cream? Was he at the same restaurant with Sun-Jae? Yes, that would explain it. "Sorry," Micha said, bowing. "It will never happen again." "I know so well it won't," Hyun-Gi said. "I want you to stay away from In-Soo. I won't have you corrupt him with your western ways." The words stung. Why was Hyun-Gi treating her like this? It wasn't like she'd done anything wrong. Maybe moving in with them had not been such a good idea . . . a mistake she would remedy shortly. "Yes, Aunty," she replied. "I won't go out with him again." That part, she was sure of. She didn't know what kind of kick In-Soo got out of what he did, but she wasn't going to allow him or anyone else to use her. "And get rid of all those boy clothes. From now on, I only want to see you in fashionable girl's outfits with makeup and jewelry." Micha folded her arms in front of her. "I might as well become a nun." Shin-Chang nudged her. "Please don't do that." Up until now, he hadn't said too much, even when he saw Ran-Hanuel dragging her into the house.

"This is not funny. Ran-Hanuel's reputation and image will be ruined if this keeps up. He is supposed to be a ladies' man . . . a crooner, not a boy-toy lover," HyunGi explained. What he is and what he is supposed to be is open for interpretation, Micha mused as she rubbed her bottom lip with her thumb. He might complain about her outfits, but his reaction and actions last night proved he didn't mind them so much. "From now on, I only want you to be seen with Lee-Chul in public." Hyun-Gi continued laying down the law. "Cool," Lee-Chul answered excitedly. "He's closer to your age, and you two will look very wholesome together." Shin-Chang cleared his throat. "Is it wise to have the public thinking the two of them are a couple? Lee-Chul has a very big fangirl following. They will not accept him being in a relationship at this time of his life. And besides, no one knew the guy RanHanuel was with is Michaella. Why tie him down in a pretend relationship?" Lee-Chul frowned. "Hater." "Maybe you're right," Hyun-Gi said. "But someone has to keep an eye on her and keep her out of trouble." She paced the floor, obviously trying to come up with a solution, and then she snapped her finger. "I have it. Why not make her appear to be dating Ran-Hanuel?" "No," everyone said at the same time, including Micha. "But he's already dating Sun-Jae," Lee-Chul said. "What?" Hyun-Gi asked. "Since when? I thought you taking her out that once was to clear up your image." She sat down in the chair and fanned herself with her hand. "We're shooting a music video tomorrow, in case you evil children have forgotten. There will be a lot of people and cameras around. I want all of you up and ready to get to the set at five. There are to be no shenanigans, no gender bending, and no fighting. You will be on your best behavior and act like young men and women while I try to figure out a way to correct this mess. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Hyun-Gi," they all answered. "And I'll keep a close eye on Micha," Shin-Chang replied. Hyun-Gi laughed. "No, you won't, Romeo. It's like putting a rooster into a pen of chickens." "I don't need a babysitter. There won't be any more incidents," Micha replied. Hyun-Gi smiled. "You know it might not be such a bad idea to put the two of you together since you sang that duet. Play up the relationship all you want, but you better look like a girl tomorrow." Shin-Chang smiled. "Why isn't Hyun- Gi worried about your reputation?" she whispered to ShinChang. "Don't ask," Shin-Chang answered witha wicked little grin. Chapter Fifteen The costumes were from the Edo period and they transformed Ran-Hanuel and the two other K-Poppers from longhaired singers into samurai. A crowd of on-lookers had appeared but were safely held back by guards and uniformed police hired for the shooting of the music video. The script was a fairly simple one. Micha was supposed to be a princess, and the three of them were guards sworn to protect her and to keep her away from the evil prince who wanted to marry her. The princess only wanted to marry for love, but little did she know each of her samurai guards was in love with her. All three of them had had some martial arts training, and Lee-Chul still took lessons and had a brown belt, which Ran-Hanuel thought odd since he was the youngest member of the group. The song he and Micha had composed was perfect for the music video and would premier during the upcoming award show they were scheduled to appear at in a

couple of days. He only hoped he could keep his emotions under control and try not to kiss her again like he did a couple of nights ago. What had he been thinking? The first few scenes featured the three of them, and Micha had yet to put in an appearance. She and Kwan-Ho Mook, a local model who would play the prince, were inside their trailer dressing rooms. Hyun-Gi and Hee-Young were off planning the promotion and would be returning shortly. "Isn't that Day-Jung?" Lee-Chul asked as he spotted him amongst some of the other dancers. Ran-Hanuel nodded. "And Sung-Kim and Chin-Ho too. It was Hyun-Gi's idea to feature them in a cameo appearance. She wants the world to know about all of us." "We better keep an eye on him," Shin-Chang replied. "And keep him away from the princess troublemaker," Ran-Hanuel said. "Still sulking because you got photographed with a dude?" Shin-Chang teased. "Wait until it happens to you." "I kind of dig Micha in that get up." Shin-Chang reminded him. "With those jeans riding low on her hips and all those chains dangling in interesting places." "Me too," Lee-Chul said. "Those dark eyeglasses and sultry voice give her mystique." Ran-Hanuel pushed past them. "You guys are so gay." They caught up with him. "Ah, come on," Lee-Chul said. "Don't you think she's cute in a little brother way?" "No." Ran-Hanuel lied. "I'm so into girls." "But Micha is a girl," Shin-Chang said insistently. "She smells so good, and I love it when she speaks. It gets me right here." He pointed to his heart. "Gets me lower than that," Lee-Chul replied. Both Shin-Chang and Ran-Hanuel looked at him. "You know what I mean, and I know it's wrong."

"Make sure you do know it's wrong." Ran-Hanuel warned him. "I hope I don't have to keep an eye on you too. It's bad enough with all the other vultures circling." "Huh?" Lee-Chul asked. Ran-Hanuel pointed. "Wanderlust." In-Soo and the other five had arrived and were getting comfortable amongst the other spectators. "What are they doing here?" Shin-Chang asked. "The filming is open to the public, and Hyun-Gi probably invited them. After all, they are her babies." Shin-Chang turned up his nose. "Baby wolves. Should I ask him to leave?" "No," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Don't cause a scene. He knows we're watching so he'll be good." "Never thought I'd have to worry about him," Lee-Chul said. "He's been a pretty good little brother up until now." "He's still a good kid," Ran-Hanuel replied. "He likes the girly-boy and wants to impress her with his manliness." One of the trailer doors opened and Kwan-Ho appeared dressed in his princely attire with his dark black hair combed back from his forehead, exposing his handsome face and good features. "Damn, he's tall," Lee-Chul said. "Micha is so going to fall hard for him." "Kwan-Ho is a serious model and actor," Ran-Hanuel replied. "He has women chasing him all the time. He won't pay any attention to Micha." "Oh no?" Shin-Chang asked as Micha exited the trailer dressed in her princess garb with enough cleavage showing to arouse the dead. Ran-Hanuel gulped. She looked simply stunning in white makeup, deep red lipstick, and kohl-darkened eyes. Her costume consisted of some flowing red material for a gown and a red and gold brocade jacket that cut tight in the middle to showcase her small waist. The stylist had added extensions to her hair and pulled it all into a long

ponytail that rode low on her back. Fancy combs and ribbons adorned the black mane, making her look virginal and innocent. "Is that Micha?" Lee-Chul asked with a sigh. "She's beautiful." She certainly is, Ran-Hanuel noted. Who knew she'd looked so enticing in historical garb? Kwan-Ho walked over to her, bowed, and then took her hand. He walked her over to the set. He felt so jealous. The two of them looked great together. "Let's go find some seats." Shin-Chang suggested. "I have to see the two of them perform together." Ran-Hanuel nodded, and he and Lee-Chul followed Shin-Chang. The music began to play, and Micha's voice vibrated out of the speakers hidden somewhere on the set. All she had to do was lip synch the words for this particular scene. At that moment, Kwan-Ho looked very interested and smitten by her, even more than he was supposed to. "They make a cute couple," Hyun-Gi said as she and Hee-Young appeared. "They do not," the three men of Revolution replied simultaneously. "He is too old for her," Shin-Chang said. "And he's a model." The way Lee-Chul said model made it sound like a dirty word. "I think he's cute." Hee-Young added her thoughts. "Micha could do worse." Ran-Hanuel chose to ignore both the older women. His gaze kept moving from the performers to Day-Jung and In-Soo, who obviously weren't impressed with the situation either. Hyun-Gi smiled at Ran-Hanuel. "A little competition can be very healthy and draw some of the pressure off you."

*****

"I am so tired." Micha announced with a yawn as they traveled back to the mansion after shooting for the music video ended. "All I want to do is go to sleep." She leaned her head against the armrest and closed her eyes. Ran-Hanuel looked over at her as she snoozed peacefully next to him. She had removed all the stage makeup and looked like Micha again, with flawless skin and lush, full lips. His body stirred to full arousal as he watched her slumber. A stray lock of hair fell across her forehead and one of her eyes. He brushed it aside with a finger, enjoying the feel of her soft skin. "It's torture, isn't it?" Ran-Hanuel looked up to find Shin-Chang staring over at him. He snatched his hand away quickly. "Not really." Shin-Chang chuckled warmly. "Don't try to delude yourself. She has the power to make strong men do foolish things." Thankfully, Lee-Chul had his headset on and couldn't hear their conversation. "I don't know what you're trying to imply." Shin-Chang shook his head. "You are so in denial. Don't pretend that her gorgeous face has no effect on you." Ran-Hanuel folded his arms in front of him. "I'm not you. I don't go all gaga over a pretty face." Shin-Chang sat forward in his seat. "What was it like?" "What?" "That kiss." "What kiss?" Ran-Hanuel asked. "The kiss you gave her the night In-Soo brought her home." "It was just a kiss," Ran-Hanuel replied. "Nothing special." It had rocked his world but he wasn't going to tell that to Shin-Chang. Shin-Chang raised an eyebrow, as if he didn't believe him. "Maybe you didn't do it right." He settled back into his seat again. "It was her first, you know. Maybe I should have stolen it."

Ran-Hanuel frowned at him. "What are you saying?" "Oh, nothing." Why didn't he believe Shin-Chang? Lately, he'd been acting a little strange and he'd stopped going out on dates, which was not like him at all. "How are things going between you and Sun-Jae?" What is with all the questions? "Fine," Ran-Hanuel answered quickly. "I'm taking her out this weekend." "Where?" "To the beach. We're going to spend some alone time together." "Nice," Shin-Chang said. "I haven't been to a beach in a long time. Maybe I'll take Micha to the beach one of these days." "Speaking of which, why aren't you dating anymore?" Ran-Hanuel asked. If Shin-Chang could be nosy, so could he. "I'm not in the mood," Shin-Chang answered. "I've been dating for years and lately it's grown pretty boring." "Boring?" Shin-Chang nodded. "Yes, it's the same old girls with the same old problems. I've gotten to the point where I don't know if they want to go out with me for me or just to be seen with me because I'm a part of Revolution." "There are some girls out there who aren't like that," Ran-Hanuel replied. "SunJae, for one." "Maybe," Shin-Chang replied. "Let me know how that works out for you." He pulled his cap down and reclined the seat. Ran-Hanuel looked back down at Micha. Her lips had parted slightly, making her look really delectable and tempting. He moved away quickly and shut his eyes to block out the sight. "She has the lips men just dream about." Shin-Chin chuckled. Ran-Hanuel chose to ignore him.

*****

If Hyun-Gi brought her another dress, Micha was going to scream. Hyun-Gi and Hee-Young had been dragging her around the mall for hours, and she had an appointment at the dressmaker at three for her last fitting for two costumes, a suit, and a formal gown for the Korean Music Awards where she and the rest of Revolution would be performing around ten that evening. She was also having promotional pictures taken with Kwan-Ho to promote their video. When was she supposed to rest? Somewhere in between all of it, she and Revolution were supposed to practice their latest song, which they would be performing at the awards. Micha stopped in front of the Victoria's Secret window and peered through the glass. "Sixty percent off," she said. "What are you looking at?" Hyun-Gi said, coming back to retrieve her. She peeped into the window. "Oh, you like things like that?" Micha nodded happily. "I've always loved pretty underwear. The lacier the better." Hyun-Gi pulled her into the store. "Me too. I just can't resist." Hee-Young demurely came in behind them, her face bright red, her gaze pinned on the floor. An hour later, both Micha and Hyun-Gi exited with bags in their hands and smiles on their faces. "You are a girl," Hyun-Gi said as they ran out to the limo to load all their packages inside. "I have my moments," Micha replied as she climbed into the car and snuggled back in her seat. She couldn't wait to put on her new lingerie. Seo-Yeon took them directly from the mall to the dressmaker, and then they were off to the photographer to take pictures and to promote the music video with Kwan-Ho.

The promotion went well and generated a lot of fans outside the photo studio and the television station. Micha had to admit Kwan-Ho was very handsome, but a little too stuffy for her tastes, even though he tried his best to get her to go out with him. Later, Hyun-Gi and Hee-Young got her away from him and took her back home to practice with Revolution for the awards ceremony. Ran-Hanuel was even more evil to her that afternoon as he made her do the song over and over, never satisfied until he finally gave up and just declared rehearsal over. Micha crawled into her bed for a quick nap with her alarm set for one hour later. That was all she needed to get through the big night ahead of her. *****

"Are you nervous, Hyung?" Lee-Chul asked Ran-Hanuel as they changed into their costume in the dressing room. The makeup artists and stylists had just left, giving them a few minutes to themselves. "No, but I have to admit I'm a little concerned about Micha. She looked a bit tired this evening when we loaded into the van." "She had a busy day," Shin-Chang replied. "I'd be tired too, if Hyun-Gi pulled me around the mall all morning, and then to that promotion with Kwan-Ho. And to top things off, she has to perform two numbers with us tonight as well as present an award with Kwan-Ho." "She'll be all right," Lee-Chul replied. "This is Micha we're talking about. She's a trooper." "Sure she will." Ran-Hanuel agreed. "She'll be with Kwan-Ho, and he's done these types of shows before. All she has to do is read from the cue cards and announce the winners. She can read, can't she?" "That was mean," Lee-Chul said. "What's up? You've been on her case all day." "Nothing. I just like to tease her," Ran-Hanuel replied. Shin-Chang shook his head but didn't say anything.

Ran-Hanuel adjusted the collar of his costume. "I can't wait to see her in her ball gown," Lee-Chul replied. "I tried to find out what it looks like, but neither she nor Hyun-Gi would tell me anything." "You better keep your eyes on your own date," Ran-Hanuel replied. He had invited Sun-Jae, and Lee-Chul had invited a young woman named Ae-Chee Bhong, with whom he attended classes. And that lucky bastard Shin-Chang would be accompanying Micha, since the "My True Love" song featured the two of them. "I wonder if Micha's ready," Lee-Chul said, obviously ignoring Ran-Hanuel's advice. "We're the opening act." He reached for his cell phone. "What are you doing?" Ran-Hanuel asked, watching him. "I'm going to call Micha to see if she's ready to go on stage," Lee-Chul replied. "She doesn't have her cell phone with her," Ran-Hanuel answered quickly, feeling quite ashamed for being the reason why she didn't. "I'm ready, so I'll go check on her." He hopped from his chair and walked toward the door. "He's being surprisingly helpful," Shin-Chang commented. "He's up to something," Lee-Chul agreed. Ran-Hanuel walked out of the dressing room and went next door where Micha was getting ready. He knocked, and Hyun-Gi appeared. "What do you want?" she asked rudely. "Whoa. I just came over to see if Micha is ready to go on stage." Hyun-Gi put her hands on her ample hips. "You guys are like flies. I just ran off In-Soo and Kwan-Ho. No one sees her costume until she takes the stage." Ran-Hanuel pouted. What could be so special about Micha's costume? The one for their performance had to be similar to the one he wore. He and the others had white tuxedo costumes with black shirts and cummerbunds. "She's not wearing a man's tuxedo, is she?" he asked. "Don't be silly," Hyun-Gi replied. "Why would you say that? Micha is a girl."

Ran-Hanuel raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you sure?" "I heard that," Micha shouted from somewhere in the dressing room. "Shoo," Hyun-Gi said. "She will be ready in a minute." Ran-Hanuel tried to peep over Hyun-Gi's shoulder. "Shoo," she said, pushing him. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were interested in her too. I have enough with Shin-Chang and Lee-Chul sniffing behind her." "I prefer my women feminine," Ran-Hanuel said as he walked back toward the men's dressing room. He heard the door close soundly behind him. He entered the dressing room again. "Is she ready?" Lee-Chul asked. Ran-Hanuel shrugged. "The dragon is blocking access to her." "Hyun-Gi?" Shin-Chang asked. "Of course. She's guarding the dressing room door." He laughed. "She ran off InSoo and Kwan-Ho earlier." Shin-Chang chuckled. "That's Hyun-Gi for you. She wants to keep us in suspense." Someone knocked at the door. Ran-Hanuel went to answer it. "Five minutes to curtain call," a young man told him and walked off toward Micha's dressing room. "Come on, you guys. It's show time." Ran-Hanuel left. Lee-Chul and Shin-Chang followed him to the stage steps where they were to perform and stood in front of their microphones. The introduction music for the award show began to play, and the dancers for the opening number performed on another stage. Of course, they couldn't see what was actually going on, but they had seen the opening number at yesterday's rehearsal. After the number was over, an MC took another stage, told some jokes, and then introduced them. "Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next is one of the hottest new K-Pop groups in

Korea. They're the recent recipients of the K & R Radio Station million dollar talent award and Hanja Record's latest recording artists." The crowd went wild as the MC continued talking. "Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Revolution." The curtain opened, and the crowd roared as Ran-Hanuel and his band mates appeared. The orchestra played the introduction to "My True Love," and they began to sing. Shin-Chang did his part, and then Micha responded. All eyes turned toward the right side of the stage as she appeared. Ran-Hanuel gawked, almost forgetting a dance step. What is she wearing? The designer had done the top of the costume like a black satin tuxedo, similar to the white ones they wore. But that was where the similarity ended. His gaze moved down to the costume's bottom section, or what there was of it, anyway. The dressmaker had fashioned a tulle skirt that hung down to the floor like a train or the tail of a tuxedo. The front of the skirt was cut short like a mini, exposing black stockings and lots of leg and thigh. He watched Micha walk toward Shin-Chang with those long, shapely legs, balancing that hot body of hers on a pair of stiletto heels that brought her up to nearly six feet tall and eye level with Shin-Chang. It was the sexiest sight he'd ever witnessed. He looked over at his group members as they sang and danced to the music, and wondered how they were going to make it to the end of the song. Lee-Chul looked ready to faint, while Shin-Chang looked like the happiest guy in the world. Damn him. For sure, the next duet would feature him and Micha and no one else. The song ended to a loud round of applause, and the audience members screamed for an encore as Revolution left the stage. "They'll be back later on after everyone's had a cold shower," the MC said, obviously amused. "To perform their latest song, True to My Heart." The crowd continued to shout as the MC announced the first set of presenters. Micha and Shin-Chang hurried to the dressing room ahead of him and Lee-Chul. Reporters waited to get their reaction. After what seemed like an eternity, the reporters

finally left them alone. Shin-Chang remained at Micha's side throughout the questioning and the pictures and long after the reporters left. "You can let go of her hand now," Ran-Hanuel told Shin-Chang. "Oh, yeah." Shin-Chang sounded as if he'd forgotten. He turned to Micha. "Did I tell you how wonderful you look in your costume?" Micha blushed. "Aunty designed it especially for that number." "I can't wait to see the second costume." Shin-Chang sounded like a loving boyfriend. They would be performing True to My Heart, another love song with Micha singing solo and them singing the background. They would be dressed as samurai so he figured Micha's costume would be similar to the one she wore in the music video. "It's nice and girly," Micha replied. She paused, looked over at Ran-Hanuel as if waiting for his reaction, and then headed into her dressing room. Both Lee-Chul and Shin-Chang continued to watch her until she disappeared behind the dressing room door. Lee-Chul was the first to speak once they were alone. "I'm having serious issues with my feelings here, guys. I think I'm in love." Ran-Hanuel popped him on the back of the head. "That's not love, young man. That is lust. Your body is reacting to a pair of legs that go on forever." "Oh, yeah," Shin-Chang said as he walked past them. "That young lady is going to be the death of all of us."

*****

Two hours had passed since the beginning of the award ceremony before HyunGi and Hee-Young decided to go out front to catch some of the show. Hyun-Gi slid into the seat next to Seung, who'd flown back into town to act as her escort. Seung took Hyun-Gi's hand and kissed it. "You're a genius. I can't believe that's the same little Micha I discovered just weeks ago."

"That's her," Hyun-Gi told him proudly. "Where did that body come from?" Hyun-Gi laughed. "It was hidden beneath those baggy clothes." "That song was perfect, but the best part was the expression on the boys' faces when Micha appeared on stage. Especially the demon Ran-Hanuel." That got Hyun-Gi's attention. "Ran-Hanuel really doesn't like Micha. There have been problems between them since she arrived." Seung patted her hand. "Could have fooled me," he replied. "Ran-Hanuel looked totally smitten." "Ran-Hanuel?" Hyun-Gi asked. "Are you sure? I would agree if it were ShinChang, because you know he falls in love with anything in a skirt, but Ran-Hanuel? He doesn't even believe Micha is a girl." Seung chuckled. "I had my doubts too, in the beginning, but that was definitely a girl on stage a couple hours ago." The show started up again. Revolution was scheduled to perform again shortly, and Micha was already suited up in her next costume. Hyun-Gi couldn't wait to see Micha in it. The vision had come to her on the music video set, and she had gotten on Madam Cha's nerves trying to get the older dressmaker to create it in such a short time. A couple more performers sang their songs, a couple more presenters appeared, and finally, it was Revolution's turn to perform. The lights fell, with just one remaining, beaming down on the stage. Huge projection screens came down from the ceiling and Revolution's music video began to play. The crowd watched in silence from beginning to end, and then there was a round of applause. The light on the stage began to revolve and draw everyone's attention forward. The curtain opened, and the males of Revolution appeared with backup dancers to perform the instrumental beginning of True to my Heart with amazing martial arts moves and highflying kicks. Hyun-Gi waited, holding her breath, and then the crowd went wild as Micha began her solo. And that was when Hyun-Gi saw it. Ran-Hanuel's expression changed

from arrogant indifference to what she could only describe as the expression of a man infatuated. Shit, she thought. The damn fool is in love with the girly-boy.

Chapter Sixteen Ran-Hanuel, Lee-Chul, and Shin-Chang joined Hyun-Gi, Hee-Young, Seung, and their dates in the audience to watch the ending of the award show. Micha and KwanHo would soon be onstage to announce the Record of the Year, the final award of the evening. Sun-Jae sat passively at Ran-Hanuel's side, dressed in a black formal gown with a high collar and long sleeves. She wore her hair stylishly pulled to the top of her head in a bun and long curls adorned the sides, making her appear much younger than twenty-three. She was the perfect girl to take home to meet the parents. The show resumed on stage, and the MC announced the final presenters, Kwan-Ho Mook and Michaella West. Kwan-Ho appeared from the left and Micha appeared from the right in a deep red gown that showed off every curve she possessed. Ran-Hanuel looked over at Sun-Jae and then back up at Micha as she joked with Kwan-Ho and charmed everyone in the audience. The two young women were as different as night and day. One was prim and proper, and the other was independent and self-confident. Whoa. What in the hell am I going to do? His mind told him one thing, but his heart told him something else. "And the record of the year goes to . . . ." Micha said. She opened the folder, announced the winner, and the award show ended. Now all Ran-Hanuel had to get through was the after-show photographs, interviews, and the after-party without making a complete fool of himself. *****

"Micha's very popular tonight," Hyun-Gi said to Ran-Hanuel after she finally got him alone. "I suppose so," he replied as he handed her a glass of Dom Perignon. "She's a fresh face in town, so naturally, everyone is curious about her." "Especially the young men of Elegance," Hyun-Gi replied. "Day-Jung has spent more time dancing with her than Kwan-Ho. And In-Soo has literally been pacing the floor, upset that he hasn't had a chance to dance with her." "When did he get here?" Ran-Hanuel asked, pointing toward the door at ChungHee, who was deep in conversation with Sun-Jae and the other male lead of Sensei, DakHo. "He's been here a while," Hyun-Gi replied. "They are performing tonight as the First Runners Up in the radio competition." Ran-Hanuel sipped his drink. "Hmm, Sun-Jae did not mention they would be performing." Now he could see that her gown and their tuxedos were color-coordinated and had the same leather insets around the waist. "Maybe she wanted to surprise you," Hyun-Gi said. "Or maybe she thought you'd read the program like a normal person would. Besides, the girl still has to work." That was true. Sun-Jae wasn't from a rich family. He'd met her parents, during their debut days, and they were nice people. Her father made his living as a teacher, and her mother was a housewife. Their parents got to know each other while he and Sun-Jae went through training. Micha finally got rid of Day-Jung, and In-Soo claimed her for the next dance, which surprised him since the young singer had caused Micha so much trouble a couple of days ago. Maybe Micha had forgiven him and decided she'd remain friends with him for Hyun-Gi's sake and to keep the peace between the groups. "They do look good together," Hyun-Gi said. "They'd make some beautiful babies with the combination of their good looks and her unique eye color." Ran-Hanuel scowled at her. "What is the reason behind this conversation?"

Micha was barely out of high school and Hyun-Gi was trying to marry her off? "Oh, nothing," Hyun-Gi said, using Shin-Chang's favorite line. "Just mentioning that Micha is a young woman and everyone has accepted the fact except you." Not true. He was very aware of what she was. He'd been with Hyun-Gi long enough to know when she was up to something. "I don't really care. As long as she can perform, who she dates is none of my business." Shin-Chang approached Micha and asked her to dance. Micha accepted. It was a very slow ballad, and he held her a little too close for comfort. Ran-Hanuel continued to stare as Shin-Chang planted a kiss on the top of Micha's forehead. "They would make lovely babies too." Hyun-Gi continued her earlier line of conversation as she sipped her drink. "He has a gorgeous face and good bone structure." The glass shook in Ran-Hanuel's hand, spilling liquid on his tuxedo sleeve. Not if I castrate him first. Hyun-Gi used her napkin to wipe it off. "What is wrong with you? I've never known you to spill anything on your clothes, not even as a child." "Nothing," Ran-Hanuel replied. "I just don't think it's wise to encourage a relationship between Micha and Shin-Chang." "I'm not encouraging it," Hyun-Gi said in defense of her statement." I'm just making a point. Don't think I haven't seen the way you've been watching her tonight." Ran-Hanuel pulled away from her. "I don't know what you mean." "You're in love with Micha." Ran-Hanuel rolled his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm dating Sun-Jae." "Are you sure?" Hyun-Gi asked, pointing over to Sun-Jae and Chung-Hee dancing in a corner very slowly and looking into each other's eyes adoringly. "I think she's using you to make him jealous." Shit, what is this? Sun-Jae said they weren't involved romantically anymore and that they were just friends. The looks they were giving each other said they were more

than just friends. He sighed. Maybe she was just using him, just as he tried to use her to clear up his scandal. "I don't know what I'm feeling." He finally confessed to Hyun-Gi. "Sometimes, Micha gets me so angry with the things she does, and then there are other times when she leaves me breathless." Hyun-Gi patted his hand. "Why don't you go over and ask her to dance? You and I and the other two will have a big discussion about this subject tomorrow. But tonight, it's all about celebrating success." Ran-Hanuel sighed again. The last thing he wanted to do was dance with Micha in front of all these people. He rose and walked over to where she stood talking to Kwan-Ho and a group of other people associated with the awards. Micha looked up, and he signaled her with his finger to come over to him. At first, he thought she was going to ignore him, but then she said something to the others and started walking toward him. He watched the beauty as she gracefully held up the hem of the gown so she wouldn't trip. "Is something wrong?" Micha asked. "No," Ran-Hanuel replied as he took her hand in his and bowed low. "Please dance with me." *****

"Where are you going?" Lee-Chul asked Micha as she entered the entertainment room all dressed up in a smart-looking pants outfit and high heels. "On a date," Micha replied. "Kwan-Ho is taking me to dinner and a movie." It was on the tip of Ran-Hanuel's tongue to pass a smart comment, but instead, he kept his opinion to himself since Hyun-Gi had made it perfectly clear that all three of them should stay out of Micha's love life. He still didn't think she was old enough to date, and he would keep an eye on who she dated.

Things were starting to settle into some sort of normalcy around the mansion, and they were all busy preparing for the first leg of their Asian tour. Exodus, Wanderlust, Mohave and Revolution had cut their CDs, and the songs were quickly going up the record charts. "Don't stay out too late," Shin-Chang replied. "And call me if Kwan-Ho gets fresh and you need a ride." Micha lifted the new cell phone Ran-Hanuel had bought her out of her pocket to show them she was armed and prepared for any type of emergency. "And no drinking." Lee-Chul reminded her. "You're still not legal." "Nothing stronger than a soda," Micha replied. She looked down at her watch. "I better go outside. Kwan-Ho should be arriving soon." "Have a nice time," Shin-Chang told her and went back to the movie they were watching. Ran-Hanuel smirked, knowing Shin-Chang was dying inside, just like he was, to see Micha going out on a date with another man. Micha waved to them and left the room. No one spoke until the front door opened and closed. "I hope he chokes on dinner," Lee-Chul said first. "Dude, that was low, even for you," Shin-Chang replied. Lee-Chul rolled his eyes. Obviously, he didn't care. "You think he'll try to kiss her?" Ran-Hanuel felt like someone had stabbed him in the heart with a dagger. "Probably," Shin-Chang answered. "I hope she punches him in the mouth when he tries to." "Both of you need to stop torturing yourselves. Kwan-Ho would be a fool not to kiss her. That's what people do when they date," Ran-Hanuel told them, and then cringed inwardly. Had he really just said that? "How would you know, dude?" Shin-Chang asked. "Other than Sun-Jae, when was the last time you dated?"

"You would have to go and mention her," Ran-Hanuel replied, still sulking from the awards-night party. "She really played you, man." Shin-Chang teased him. "I knew she was still together with Chung-Hee. She only went out with you for the photo op. She wanted to up her popularity. I've dated hundreds of girls like her before." "To be fair, I tried to use her for the same thing," Ran-Hanuel admitted. His reputation had quickly cleared up with the posts of him and Sun-Jae together and the ones with him and Micha dancing cheek to cheek at the awards after-party. For the present, he was back to being known as a ladies' man, and there had been no new posts on the internet or in newspapers about the mysterious young man he'd been seen holding hands with on three occasions. "I think it would have just been easier to let the public know he was Micha and not some guy you were holding hands with," Shin-Chang replied. "True." Ran-Hanuel agreed. "But there is something behind why she prefers to dress that way, some other reason besides her usual excuse that it's comfortable. When she's ready to tell us, she will. Until then, I'm not stepping foot out of this house when she's dressed like a girly-boy." Lee-Chul relaxed in the chair. "Life is going to be more chaotic for us the next couple of weeks once word gets out that she's dating Kwan-Ho. Just think of the scandalous headlines screaming about Revolution's hot new female singer and South Korea's top male model." "We can handle it," Ran-Hanuel said, trying to convince himself in the process. "We just need to get through this tour and try to get along with In-Soo and Day-Jung once they find out the girl of their dreams has chosen a model over them." He put his hands behind his head and relaxed. Who was he kidding? They would all be lucky if they made it to the first tour stop before scandal hit.

~The End~

About the Author Romance writer, Imari Jade, lives in Marrero, Louisiana, where she works as a financial analyst. Her hobbies are reading and watching Japanese anime, dramas, and manga. She doesn’t drive, she’s afraid to fly, and she gets most of her writing done on public transit to and from work. The New Orleans born Virgo is single and loving it. She loves Korean Pop music, especially the groups JYJ, B2ST, MBLAQ and TVXQ. Her dream is to one day travel to South Korea and meet her idols. Imari currently writes for several publishers, to include Sugar and Spice Press, Phaze, Eternal Press, Siren-Bookstand, Melange Books, Total E-Bound, Moongypsy Press, Passion in Print, and Wild Horse Press. ―Strange Packaging‖ is her first young adult book with Noble Romance Publishing, and she looks forward to a happy and harmonious relationship with them. She is currently working on the second book in this delightful, humorous, romantic series. Learn more about Imari online at http://www.imarijade.com/