lgcbk

[lgcbk]

Byeongkwan prided himself on being a pretty damn good teacher. Ask any of the students he'd tutored in piano back in his prime and they'd give him a five star rating ( well, at least their parents who paid top dollar to make sure their so-called prodigies could play twinkle, twinkle, little star in their sleep would ). So, of course, the trainee would take it upon himself to share some of his 'educational expertise' with the other NKND members.

An afternoon spent loitering between the two dorms put Jasper in his sights. He was really starting to feel bad for the guy the longer he watched him struggle through his books. Even the idea of added classes on top of their already rigorous schedule was enough to make his head spin.

( Not to mention the war flashbacks to his first year of training and that one coach from his English lessons who always reeked of coffee breath and too much body spray. )

"How's it goin'?" he asks, sliding into a seat across from the other, lazily propping his chin up on his palm. A neon green object swings from his pinky finger, just out of Jasper's view. "Want a study buddy? Maybe I could quiz you or something? You know my grasp of the Korean language is that of an astute scholar." Just don't ask to see his CSAT scores...

new challenger appears w/ @lgcbk

well, there was only a few downsides to being born in london and not south korea-- his korean definitely sucked compared to some of his peers. truthfully, while he used it with his mother, there was always english too, and as he went through school, he found himself using korean less and english more, of course-- until he reached seoul and decided he wanted to be an idol. at least being here so far, it's gotten better-- or so he thought.

when he's pulled aside about his language deficiencies, it doesn't feel very good, and from there on, he tries to make a point to make sure he doesn't feel that way ever again.

he's back to reading language books, making sure he gets the more intricate parts of the language, and of course, he's calling in some reinforcements, especially since he had been moved to a new dorm.

bk had a tendency to spring up when he least expected it, and this is no different. when he had asked for help-- random rap battles hadn't been quite what he had in mind, so he flinches a bit as he sits at the kitchen table, blinking a bit as he sees the man with a silent eyebrow raise.

#( new challenger appears. ) #( nknd. ) #lgcxjasper #( thank you for starting!!! )

[lgcbk]

#( playlist. )

[lgcbk]

him n his watermelon :3

#( visuals. ) #( to bleach or not to bleach ) #( that is the question )

[lgcbk]

⸻ DREAM LOG ( @lgcsaem )

It's a testament to Byeongkwan's expert level powers of persuasion ( or the fact that one of the interns was totally into him ) that he'd been entrusted with one of the staff cameras for the day. He doesn't expect much use of the random footage he's collected so far - things like inhaling his breakfast, running a few miles on the treadmill, and a few clips of him screaming at his frozen laptop screen in the midst of making a new track... But he hopes he's at least mildly entertaining, though he figures a personal YouTube channel wouldn't be in the cards any time soon.

Then, enter Misaki.

"What's this? An elusive Saem in his natural habitat?" He whispers, spying the younger trainee in the hall as he was headed towards one of the USGEN practice rooms. What could be more entertaining than a little jump scare? "This is a rare find... Let's follow him... But remember, we must be very quiet or else we'll scare him o -" As if on cue, Byeongkwan loudly rams his knee against a coffee cart, barely holding onto the camera as he kneels to soothe it. So much for the element of surprise...

#( dream log. ) #( nknd. ) #lgcsaem #( SHENANIGANS \o/ )

[lgcbk]

⸻ INVITATION ( @rowonlgc )

"Boooo," Byeongkwan taunts playfully from his seat on the ground, firing two thumbs down at the other as he runs through his practice set. "You call yourself a triple threat? More like a triple..." Buffering. "...Wreck."

His playful digs always fell a bit short as of late. Overly cautious and painfully lame. He'd blame the slight ( understatement ) awkwardness that he felt whenever the two found themselves alone. Byeongkwan, still accustomed to a distance no shorter than arms-length when it came to Rowon, struggled to fall into the same level of comfort that once was. He opens his mouth to speak again, prepared to give some real feedback, when his phone begins to buzz in his back pocket.

"Shit - Hey, turn that down a second, yeah?" he waves a hand in the other's direction, gesturing to kill the music. He expects yet another scathing call from his father, but the contact that appears gives him pause - even to the point of giving the screen a double take. "Mrs. Han?"

The pleasantries are short, yet kind. He had always known the woman to be so. "Yeah - No, I'm a little bu - Are you sure? I don't know if that's... It has been a while...?" his brows furrow, perplexed, and his eyes travel to land on Rowon. Had he put her up to this? "I guess, I uh... Yeah, yeah, that sounds great. I'm actually in practice with him now - "

#( invitation. ) #lgc:workshops #rowonlgc #( and so it begins - ) #( hope this is alright??? let me know if i should change anything! )

[lgcbk]

⸻ PSSST ( ft. @lgcxmimi )

Byeongkwan has always been easily distracted. Plagued by an overactive imagination and a creative spark of genius he just can't seem to wrangle. When an idea strikes, he has to chase it right then and there, else something new and shiny might take its place.

But on this particular day, he had an idea that just so happened to be just about as new and shiny as the metal pen he spun between his fingers.

It wouldn't be an easy task to execute. The room was small - the walls practically echoed - and mentor Max seemed to be attentive as ever as he ran through his instructions for the day ( Byeongkwan swears he's listening, he's a terrible superb multitasker ). So, the trainee would simply have to improvise...

He gives a slow and deliberate nod, scribbling 'notes' onto his sketchpad as Max spoke. He quietly rips a small strip of paper from the sheet, eyes still locked onto the front of the room in wait for the opportune moment. Once Max finally turns, he subtly extends a hand to place it on Emi's knee.

Hi :)

#( pssst. ) #lgc:workshops #lgcxmimi #( operation stealthily get emi's number is go aglskdjga )

[lgcbk]

@LGCENT just posted a photo!

It's a frog... Should I find a new hobby...

#lgctrainees #lgcent #baekbyeongkwan

#( instagram. ) #( i like it picasso )

[lgcbk]

⸻ WORK SMARTER ( ft. @lgcxmax )

Byeongkwan had always tried to avoid that old adage of jack of all trades and master of none. It always justified his laser focus on his strengths, while letting other skills fall to the wayside. This mindset would do him little of good in a workshop such as this, though. Each lesson seemed to hammer the latter part of the phrase ( always better than one ) much to the trainee's chagrin.

His love/hate - teetering moreso on hate with every unintentional voice crack - relationship with his singing voice would leave him at quite the disadvantage this time around, and he really can't imagine being able to show that off too much. His dancing, however, had improved quite a bit as of late, but he'd never be pinned as a main dancer any time soon. Choosing a song with the right amount of balance was beginning to turn into a real challenge...

Well, when in doubt, why fix what wasn't broken?

He huffs a breath as '90s Love' comes to a close, jogging into the center of the practice room. The song was a well-polished performance in his repertoire - A little too polished, for obvious reason. "So?" he asks Max with a satisfied expression, fanning out his shirt a bit. "What d'ya think?"

#( work smarter. ) #lgc:workshops #lgcxmax #( b(are minimum)k at his finest in this 1-on-1 )

[lgcbk]

Byeongkwan isn't one to hold grudges.

( - A bold-faced and rather egregious lie. )

Well, he isn't one to hold grudges against those he held near and dear to his heart. Although, as of late he'd much rather hold the other near and dear in the unfriendliest of headlocks. Deep down, he considers this whole situation silly. A misunderstanding of sorts - in which Seojin misunderstood the complexities of Byeongkwan's familial dynamic, and Byeongkwan misunderstood Seojin's complete aversion to keeping his mouth shut.

Still he is a man of his word. For Noeul's skin's sake he wouldn't flake on yet another hangout, not when a little rest and relaxation ( free food ) would do him some good. Seojin's prodding, however, did him nothing of the sort. He clicks his tongue. "What? I'm relaxed. Peachy. Just peaches, plums, and oranges, actually." He gives an eye roll, reaching for one of the last two eggs in the bowl centered between them. "You've got two legs," he grumbles, cracking it against the side of his head, eyes focused on the task of peeling it. "If you want some more so bad go get them yourself."

@lgcxnoeul

Their initial plan to all go to the jjimjilbang with each other started as a passing suggestion. They all nodded, muttering something about relaxation, a good place to sit and wait for the world to pass by around them. ( A temporary sanctuary to dissipate each and every one of their worries just for a moment. ) It takes some re-convincing as of late — what, with one or two incidents so fresh in his mind that cause him to hesitate over being in the same room with one of them in particular. He glances to the man in question, wanting to mutter something again about him being late. ( Just like his friend said he would. )

Within the confines of the jjimjilbang, a palpable tension lingered between the two elder members of the group. Positioned at opposite ends ( arm crossed ), they are ever the perfect symbol for the growing chasm between them, only exacerbated by Noeul's absence.

"You didn't get scammed, she was doing you a fav—" Seojin is intent on staring a hole into the middle of Byeongkwan's forehead; focused enough that he simply allows his younger friend to force him into taking a sip of the strange smoothie. His brows furrow. "I don't know what you're on about, Noeul. Everything's just peachy," And, oh, what a falsehood that is. The truth hung heavy in the air, revealed through the cryptic exchanges in their group chat spoken over Noeul, like now. Suppressing a sigh, he redirected the conversation towards Byeongkwan. With a flick of a shell, he playfully nudged his friend, masking deeper tensions beneath lighthearted banter. "Why don't you tell Byeongkwan to relax? He's the one who looks real tense over there. And tell him to get us some more boiled eggs while he's at it."

@lgcbk

#( off the record. ) #lgcxnoeul #lgcseojin #( he chose peace... for now )

[lgcbk]

you can take the fool out of april but you cannot take the april out of the fool. - BK, 2024

#This was a team effort #I am proud of us

[lgcbk]

#( playlist. ) #( this has been stuck in my head for 3wks and my brain can finally let it go askgaslkdg )

[lgcbk]

⸻ NEWKIDSNEWDREAMS ( MISSION001 / performances ; )

Performances aren't quite second nature - not yet, at least. But putting on a show? Well, that's Byeongkwan's forte.

ROUND ONE. FIGHT.

SHOW US YOUR BEST ! ( HIT ME - MOBB )

While it wasn't a question of what skill he'd be showing off - and if it was, well, someone wasn't paying attention. But what song? That had been up in the air for quite some time. He'd spent hours ( alright, it was maybe thirty minutes tops ), scouring his playlists for the perfect one. Something that allowed him to show off his versatility as a rapper and his newfound ability to carry a simple tune, without the help of autotune ( thanks, Yujin ). Enter Hit Me, giving energy, giving bars, and more important than all that combined, giving fun. Byeongkwan's performance is to be expected for the rather rambunctious trainee. It's loud, it's a vibe, and it's interactive ( no, not one member of staff was going to get away without throwing their hands up at least once ). And of course, it wouldn't be a BK solo if he wasn't making sure the cameraman was earning his keep attempting to keep the trainee in frame.

FINISH 'EM.

DREAM PERFORMANCE ! ( 90S LOVE - AGITO )

Now, Byeongkwan would be lying if he said he'd never put any thought into the kind of sound he'd envisioned for himself. Whether or not that vision was diametrically opposed to the group's current opener was neither here nor there. But for this song selection, he finds himself taking into account the team so far, their strengths, their varying skillsets, and the like. Keen on figuring out the type of song he thinks they could all shine in, while still maintaining a bit of his own style and swagger - not that there was an ounce of swagger in the way he almost trips over himself carrying in a boombox to perform his song ( don't ask where he got it or why the prop team is suddenly adding him to their official most wanted list ). With V&A on the brain, 90s Love seemed to be a winner. As the groups only '99 line, the song seemed fitting with enough emphasis on dance and style for him to distract from the more vocal heavy portions of it.

TOTAL K.O. ( ? )

Only time and youtube comments will tell.

#( solo. ) #( nknd. ) #lgc:nknd #( annnnnnd i'm out ) #( oh and don't read this thanks )

[lgcbk]

"You callin' your hyung a rat?" his expression grows serious with a quirk of his brow - but only for a moment before he cracks another smile. "I know the one you're talking about! Let's grab something before the other guys get back, we can surprise 'em with a feast," he nods towards the door, hopping down from the counter to toss his arm over the younger's shoulders once more.

"We gotta start thinking of some house rules, too," he whistles as they wander out of the dorm and into the hall. "Like no ghosting the garbage... Oldest never has to do dishes... Who gets DJ rights - " he tips his head to one side and wiggles his eyebrows. "I mean, that's me of course, but I can be diplomatic about it."

He slips away from Misaki to bump the elevator button with his knee. "Y'know... It's weird to not have to shuffle around anymore. To have a... dorm home..." His shoulders lift once as he steps inside, spinning on his heels to shoot a few finger guns. "Ours is gonna be the coolest idol dorm, though."

misaki could feel his mind moving a mile a minute, not an entirely uncommon occurrence, but the contents of his thoughts rarely ever focused primarily on food— the younger boy was a creature of habit, a dumpster if you will, when it came to consumption. he usually ate whatever was piled onto his plate, preferences, of course, leading the charge in determining the bulk of what made up each meal, but misaki was not wasteful. give him something and, as long as it didn't smell funky, he'd at least take a bite. maybe that's why the longer bk lets his mouth run, the wider misakis eyes become, images of pizza-covered chickens and secret famous tomato sauce putting a halt on all other thoughts.

"dude . . . you were talking just like that rat in that movie—" misakis brows shoot up, hand lifting high to point and poke square at bks chest. "roony? lenny? i can't remember his name but you get it! we should watch that while we eat, it's funny." bulldozing from one topic to another, the sound of his own stomach grumbling causes a rather pronounced frown to pull at the corners of misakis lips, brows furrowing. "we gotta stock this place up with snacks asap."

hopping in place momentarily, the younger boy turns slightly to face the window of their dorms main room. "didn't we pass a little convenience store on the drive here? they had a doraemon chocopie ad on the window— i wanna get one of those, too!"

#( home sweet home. ) #( nknd. ) #lgc:nknd #lgcsaem #( WE DID IT SDLKFJSDG )

[lgcbk]

( NOEUL )

"Do you think they'll let us write something behind the paneling before they remodel?" He crumples the wipes, placing them on top of one of the container lids. "Something cryptic, or like 'The Leftovers.'" He stifles a laugh, slipping on the plastic gloves his fingers to reach out for the perfect, meaty piece. He feels the warmth flood his face, moisture forming on his lashes. He reaches up to wipe at one of his eyes with the back of his hand, albeit too late as a tear rolls down his cheek and over the corner of his jaw. "Shit." Who cries over fried chicken? He feigns a cough, turning away from BK. "Is this spicier than last time?"

"Hey now, it's not gossiping," he retorts with a click of his tongue. "She knows how much we love this place... Besides, she's gotta know where we're gonna start practicing next just in case it's ever bring-your-granddaughter-to-work day, y'know." A nonexistent employee holiday that the custodian has yet to acknowledge, despite how often she mentions wanting to introduce the two.

The idea of leaving their mark behind brings a playful smirk to his face, though. "Maybe? I always did wanna paint in here..." He starts to draw in the air with his own gloved hand, imagining a giant hidden mural behind the blank wall of the practice room. ( Though with his drawing skills, it wouldn't be much to look at... )

"Dude, it's not even sp - " he glances over and frowns. Byeongkwan has always had a complicated relationship with emotions, even his own. Over the years, he's developed various coping mechanisms to manage them, but seeing Noeul's tears now throws him off balance. Just the sight of the younger trainee crying has him internally panicking. Mayday, mayday - he notices a pile of random boxes in the corner, among which a stray roll of toilet paper catches his eye. Better than nothing?

He stands and shuffles towards it, hoping to help in the only way he can think of now, until his foot snags on something caught between a chair leg and a box. He tucks the toilet paper under his arm and kneels to see what it is - a leather jacket. He feels a sudden pang in his chest as he glances back at Noeul.

Dragging his feet, he returns to where Noeul is sitting, plops down beside him on the floor, and drapes the jacket over his shoulders. "What if we wrote Leftovers Forever, added our signatures or something? Is that too corny?" he suggests with a snort, trying to lighten the mood. He snatches a few squares off the roll and offers them with a sigh. "It's, uh... Bittersweet, yeah? Almost feels like... we're leaving something behind..."

#( congratulations. ) #lgcxnoeul #lgc:nknd #( bk's upgraded from patting with a broom to handing rolls of toilet paper ) #( i call that growth )

[lgcbk]

Byeongkwan shuffles backward a ways, taking over Wenjun's role of amateur paparazzi to snap a quick photo. "Hell yeah! You look like a real idol! Trust me -" he pauses, dropping into a squat to catch another angle. "- I'm a professional!" If you dismiss the sideways photo and slight blur, there might be some truth to that statement.

"Our poster?" he parrots with a slight shrug as he reaches for the door, propping it open with his foot. "Think so? I know so! But I'm thinkin' even bigger, you know..."

"Posters... Billboards... Stadium banners?" he muses, taking a few steps inside and over to a display of shrimp chips ( of which he'd be taking as least 4, diet or not, they are a necessary food group - ). "Or maybe one of those huge blimps over the city..." A sigh falls from his lips as he leans against the display rack. It begins to tip and quickly startles him out of the daydream. He snorts and makes a grab for it and a few bags threatening to take a tumble.

"Maybe I'm too ambitious?" he mutters, pursing his lips. "I know we're rookies and all... We'll probably be lucky to get a poster or two put up at a music show starting out. But... new kids gotta have big dreams, yeah? How's that one saying go... shoot for the moon if you wanna grab a star?" He takes a bag of chips from the rack and free throws it in Wenjun's direction with a chuckle before heading over to the drink case. "What's your favorite?"

if anything, wenjun is thankful for the other members of nknd. he can't quite imagine going through this without them. he's comfortable enough to speak of his worries, and byeongkwan helps calm him of any fear. he let's the older boy sling his arm around his shoulder, letting himself lean in with a smile.

thankfully, byeongkwan gives in to his tiny ( tiny!! ) request to grab something to eat – a quick brain juice for wenjun who can't seem to think straight anymore. his body and mind is tired after tossing and turning with the prospect of debut so close, yet seemingly so far from him.

byeongkwan is bright though, and wenjun enjoys his company. he breaks out into a laugh as the older boy mimics the pose in front of the poster. "hyung!" he's smiling, now all of his anxiety from before, seemingly disappearing. wow – he wants to debut with byeongkwan, he really, really does. quickly, wenjun takes out his phone to snap a photo. if – no, when they do debut together, he thinks this'll be a fun memory to look back on. him and byeongkwan, grabbing something to eat as they talk about their future dreams together.

"yeah! you'd look really handsome hyung," he says, but he can't stop himself from laughing at the image of it. it makes his heart warm. just as he's about to walk into the store, byeongkwan tells him to try it himself. his cheeks turn red – but he doesn't decline the offer. he pauses for a moment and stands beside the poster. just like byeongkwan, he mimics one of the poses.

"hyung... do i look okay?" he asks, but he's smiling at the thought of this being his future one day. "do you think we'd have our poster here in the future? us and the rest of the nknd members?"

#( dreams. ) #lgcwenjun #lgc:nknd #( no worries i got ya on trimming! )

[lgcbk]

A Cupcake personified

#( visuals. ) #( brain on -13% and more throwing words to come but for now have this cupcake ) #( don't tell bk i called him a cupcake ) #( thanks )

[lgcbk]

Byeongkwan fumbles the camera at Yichen's ( relatively mild, considering ) outburst, and promptly tucks it under his arm to raise both hands defensively. "It was an accident! My hand slipped, I swear!" In his defense - Well, Byeongkwan has no defense as this had to have been the fourth time he'd done this since the staff finally agreed to let him play around with the camera in the first place and he wouldn't have stopped talking about it until they did.

"Professionals...? Ah, you know what, you're right," he nods in agreement, turning the device off completely. "I mean, have you seen my instagram posts? I'm practically a professional already. At least if the whole idol thing doesn't work out, I've got something to fall back on, yeah?" he snorts, leaning over to playfully nudge Yichen with his elbow. "How are you feeling about..." he trails off, gesturing vaguely to the set with a wave of his hands. "All this, anyway?"

as byeongkwan prattles on about his readiness to assist the staff in capturing footage for the show, yichen closed his eyes, seeking solace in a few calming breaths. among a group of extroverts, maintaining his composure through meditation becomes necessary for yichen's sanity, especially considering his increasing screen time with them. losing his temper in public wasn't an option; it would tarnish his reputation and likely land him in the crosshairs of online gossip sites like pannchoa.

yichen obediently summons a smile but his attempt is abruptly thwarted by the blinding glare of the camera's flash. "argh!" he instinctively recoiled, shielding his eyes from the blinding glare. for a fleeting moment, his surroundings blur into obscurity as he blinks rapidly, struggling to readjust his vision. "yah!" he nearly snaps, but reins in his frustration upon recognizing byeongkwan holding the camera. "let's leave the filming to the professionals before we render them jobless."

#( roomies4lyfe. ) #lgcyichen #lgc:nknd