Friends with benefits - ATEEZ Yunwoo

Song Mingi*

It was supposed to be a fun evening with Yeosang and Jongho. We had decided to go to a bar with live music to have some fun and relax. The atmosphere was great and the band played some of our favorite songs. While we sat at our table and enjoyed the music, Yeosang, and Jongho seemed to be hatching a secret plan.

Suddenly I heard the bar owner on stage ask who wanted to sing. Before I could even realize what was happening, Jongho almost pushed me off my chair. Yeosang, who seemed to be having a blast, shouted loudly: "That guy can sing!"

I was completely taken by surprise and felt my heart pounding in my throat. The other guests turned to us and started clapping and cheering. Despite my initial panic, I let myself be carried away by the energy of the moment and finally managed to stand up straight.

So there I was on stage, the spotlights on me as I sang a ballad or two. My heart was racing, but the applause and shouts from the audience gave me the courage to carry on. I looked demandingly at Jongho, who was still sitting at the table. Yeosang, with a mischievous grin on his face, gave him a firm shove in the side. Reluctantly, but with a hint of enthusiasm, Jongho got up and came to the stage.

It wasn't long before we were in each other's arms, drunk and singing together. And this was on a Wednesday evening - an evening that had started so modestly. The peak of the song was approaching, the dreaded high note. I stepped aside and let Jongho go first because I knew he would rise to the level of this challenge. He sang with total dedication, his voice filled the room and thrilled the audience. After all, he was the best singer of us all.

As the last notes faded and the music stopped, an expectant silence fell over the bar. Jongho and I looked at each other, and at that moment the tension broke. We laughed heartily and with relief, while the audience burst into loud applause. People cheered and whistled, their excitement was palpable. It was an incredible feeling to experience this joy and appreciation, especially in such an unexpected and spontaneous situation.

Together we put the microphones on the table on the stage and walked over to Yeosang. "You little fucker, why did you send me on stage?" I hissed and reached for my gin tonic. Yeosang laughed and put his hand over his mouth to hide his glee. "Oh come on, Mingi, you enjoyed being in the spotlight," he teased.

"No, that was all because of Jongho. People were just clapping so loudly because his voice is that of an angel," I protested, while Jongho shook his head modestly.

"Oh no, Mingi! You sang great, and you know it," said Jongho, his cheeks turning slightly red from the alcohol. Yeosang nodded in agreement and added: "Yes Jongho, you hit the high note perfectly. You're the star of the evening."

So we started complimenting and praising each other's performance. It was one of those honest moments when we supported and celebrated each other without the usual scolding and teasing.

"And you, Yeosang," Jongho began with a broad grin, "Your deep voice is so powerful. It's as if..." He was suddenly interrupted by a waiter who placed a mojito in front of me.

"Um, I'm sorry, but I didn't order that," I said confusedly and looked at the other two. The waiter pointed in one direction with a smile. "This young gentleman there is paying for your drink."

Curious, I followed his gaze and saw a young man sitting at the bar. He had black hair and a cheeky smile that somehow gave him a catlike vibe. His eyes sparkled mischievously and he raised his glass slightly when he noticed me looking at him.

"Him?" I asked incredulously. The waiter nodded and walked on. Yeosang and Jongho exchanged meaningful glances and nudged me lightly.

"Looks like you have an admirer, Mingi," Jongho said with a laugh. "Maybe you should go and say thank you."