lgcjaejin

[lgcjaejin]

Jaejin settled into his chair, resting his elbows on the table as he scooped some mac and cheese onto his plate. Kai’s easy enthusiasm made it feel a little less awkward—less like he was forcing conversation and more like something natural. He hadn’t expected him to be so eager, but maybe that was a good thing.

He snorted at the question, shaking his head as he stabbed at a piece of garlic bread. “Is this my go-to dish? I mean… kind of?” He tilted his head, considering. “It’s easy, and it gets the job done. But honestly, I only made it because I was starving. Figured if I was going to eat, might as well make it worth something.”

Sliding a plate in front of Kai, he glanced up, surprised at the offer to cook next time. His brows lifted slightly as he chewed thoughtfully, pretending to give the question deep consideration before smirking. “Oh, you’re in for it now. My favorite meal? Easy. Slow-roasted duck with a honey glaze, truffle mashed potatoes, and a side of asparagus that’s been perfectly charred with just a hint of sea salt.” He gestured vaguely with his fork, completely straight-faced. “Oh, and a crème brûlée for dessert. Can’t forget that.”

He let the joke linger for a beat before cracking a grin. “Or, you know, a burger. Something greasy and completely terrible for you. But I’ll take whatever you make, as long as it’s edible.”

A brief pause hung between them as Jaejin picked at his food, trying to figure out how to extend the conversation without making it feel forced. Kai was easy to talk to, but Jaejin still wasn’t sure how much space to take up in their conversation. He wanted to get to know Kai, to make this whole dorm situation feel a little less like sharing space with a stranger.

“So, what about you?” he asked, resting his chin on his hand. “You said you like cooking, right? What’s your signature dish?”

Kai had always been naturally outgoing, effortlessly striking up conversations and forming connections with others. Yet, when it came to breaking down barriers and moving beyond surface-level interactions, he sometimes faltered.

It was his lingering worry about not being truly liked that held him back; especially with Jaejin, his first roommate after an entire year of having his own private space. Kai wanted to grow closer to his new bandmate, but the whirlwind of comeback preparations, concerts, and constant traveling left little room for deeper bonding.

So when a knock at the door and Jaejin's familiar voice pulled him from his focus on the video game in his hands, it was a welcome interruption. Setting the Switch aside, Kai hopped up from his bed, opening the door to greet Jaejin with a warm grin, tender and genuine. "I'd love to, actually," he responded cheerfully. "I don’t think I’ve even eaten today."

Playfully nudging Jaejin toward the kitchen, Kai sniffed at the air with an exaggeratedly content sigh. "Smells amazing. Now that I think about it, it’s been forever since I had mac and cheese. Is it your go-to dish to make?" His curiosity was genuine, tone light and inviting. Cooking had always been a small passion of his—a way to care for the people around him—so the topic felt natural.

Kai took a seat at the table, his excitement as pure and childlike as someone opening gifts on Christmas morning. "Next time, I’ll cook for you. Your favorite dish."

[lgcjaejin]

Porter Carter adjusted his hat with a scoff, his smile slipping for just a moment as Sculptor Kwon’s words hit home. “Careless? Really?” he said, his tone sharp with indignation. “I take a lot of pride in what I do, Mr. Kwon. Every glass, every seat, every detail on this train is handled because I make sure it’s done right. Did you know the average porter on a luxury train like this racks up about 10 miles a day? about 22,000 steps. That’s a lot of steps to keep things running smoothly. So yeah, things go missing. Sometimes, people lose track, or, let’s face it, some guests pocket souvenirs. It’s just part of the job.” He shrugged lightly, his voice softening as the edge faded. Porter prided himself on keeping his cool, but he hated having to defend his work—it wasn’t like Kwon understood the grind of running a train. “Doesn’t mean I didn’t notice. I just know when something’s worth worrying about—and when it’s not.”

Leaning back against the counter, he scanned the room, his mind lingering on something that had been bothering him since he noticed it—the footprints. “Unlike Mr. Kwon, I’m no artist, so maybe I lack a refined eye,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “But I can tell when something feels off. Like those wet footprints near the kitchen—strange, isn’t it? It wasn’t raining when we entered the tunnel, and no one’s mentioned tracking in wet shoes.” He let the thought hang for a moment, his gaze shifting across the room with quiet calculation.

The Porter’s attention turned to Chef Su, his grin returning, though it lacked its usual warmth. There was something about the chef’s demeanor—too calm, almost calculated—that felt slightly off. “Chef, I know your kitchen is a busy place—always something cooking, right? But those footprints… They don’t lead anywhere else. Just your door. And you stepped out of the kitchen, didn’t you? Right around the time this whole mess started.” He tilted his head slightly, studying Su’s face for a reaction, as if searching for a crack in the calm.

“Kind of makes you wonder what was so urgent it couldn’t wait,” he added, glancing briefly at the others before looking back at Su. His tone dipped slightly, just enough to show he wasn’t entirely joking. “Feels a little… out of character for you, Chef. Care to explain?”

@lgcparker

Sculptor Kwon would rather be anywhere else than being questioned, and even though he had spent some great five minutes focusing on his unfinished sketches, he couldn't stop himself from scoffing, "In that case, I should also be exempted from accusations, my beautiful projects are still waiting for me like the birds wait for the rain in particularly hot summer days," he says with a flair of his hands, but they know no one is leaving this room anytime soon.

"I am constantly inspired by everything around me, Medical Student Kim. Life is simply a huge canvas you paint on constantly. The dining car was simply so full of life with people coming and going and laughing and eating until all it had was the darkness of death, and well, the tunnel. That last part doesn't appeal to me, but the liveliness before that? Oh, it was beautiful," Sculptor Kwon grins much like a mad man lost in his love for abstract things. His gaze gets lost for a second, and one might think they lost him before he focuses again.

"You see, Medical Student Kim, even though death is often used to express artistic views, like the fragility of life, or ephemeral nature of one's being, I'd rather not be the center of a crime as passionate as this one was. Instead, I'd rather focus on someone more interesting, perhaps one of the staff, like Porter Carter over here," Baek points at Porter Carter and crosses his leg. The pencil he has been using to continue his sketches points at the man, "Now, I would have expected that the staff would be more careful in such a luxurious trip, so I do wonder why you dismissed your search for missing objects so readily. Are you often this careless, Porter Carter?"

@lgcjaejin

[lgcjaejin]

@TYPEZEROFFICIAL just posted a photo!

2025 Resolution: Stop losing my phone. Progress report: Lost it 10 minutes after taking this photo. 🤷‍♂️📱 #StillSearching

#typezero #lgcent #carterjaejin

[lgcjaejin]

Jaejin stood in front of the mirror, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his temple as the music restarted for what felt like the hundredth time. He rolled his shoulders, stepping into the opening position, his reflection staring back at him, unblinking. This wasn’t just about getting the choreography right—it was about proving that he belonged. To his team. To himself.

The bass kicked in, and he moved, every step sharp but forced, like he was trying too hard to control it. His limbs burned, his shirt sticking to his back, but he kept going. He wasn’t the best dancer in TYPE ZERO, and he knew it. That’s why he stayed here after everyone else left for a break, why he replayed the same routine over and over until his muscles felt like they might snap.

The mirror caught everything—every faltering step, every wobble, every imperfection. It was exhausting, humiliating even, but he couldn’t stop. Not when the others were counting on him. Not when this first stage meant everything.

As the final beat faded, Jaejin collapsed onto his knees, panting. His reflection looked just as tired as he felt. It wasn’t perfect—not yet. But it was better than it had been an hour ago, and right now, that was enough.

[lgcjaejin]

The Art of Giving

Jaejin sat on the cool tile floor of the cramped room, the soft hum of the building’s heater filling the quiet space. He glanced at Bomin, who sat nearby, looking at the gifts Jaejin had just finished wrapping. There was a sense of finality now, no more second-guessing—just the satisfaction of having chosen what he thought were the right gifts.

“This one’s for Baekhyun,” Jaejin said, picking up the wrapped gift with a slight smile. “It’s a mug with the phrase ‘World’s Okayest Boss’ on it, complete with a 3/5 star rating. It’s a bit of a joke, but it’s also really well-made—solid, high-quality ceramic, and the print won’t fade. I thought it was something he could actually use, but it would make him laugh every time. So it’s practical, with a fun twist.”

He set that gift aside and moved on to the next. “This is for Kai. I got him this navy tote bag with a retro gaming controller embroidered on the front. It seemed perfect for him—he’s into retro games, and the design is just fun without being over the top. I think he’ll get a lot of use out of it, whether it’s for carrying things around or just as a casual statement piece. I kept it simple with clean, navy wrapping and a white ribbon.”

Jaejin then picked up the next package, which was a bit more delicate. “For Hyoseop, I got this leather-bound journal. It’s got that timeless feel—thick, high-quality paper. It’s perfect for jotting down ideas or just reflecting. I paired it with a sleek pen, something that feels special but also practical. It’s subtle, but the kind of thing he could use every day. I think it’ll suit him well.”

Lastly, Jaejin picked up the final gift. “For Parker, I went with a set of hand-poured soy candles—lavender, cedarwood, and citrus. I thought the variety would be nice, something he could use to set different moods depending on what he needs at the moment. I wrapped them in a deep green paper and tied them with rustic twine, keeping it simple and earthy.”

He leaned back, giving the gifts one last glance. “I think these are good choices. Each one feels thoughtful, like it’s something they can enjoy but also appreciate the meaning behind. I’m happy with how they turned out.”

[lgcjaejin]

☆ —Cheese Sauce and Small Talk

@lgckai

Jaejin stood in the Type Zero dorm kitchen, stirring the pot of cheese sauce as it thickened on the stove. The rich aroma of butter and cheddar wafted up, mixing with the faint, comforting scent of garlic bread warming in the oven. It wasn’t anything special—just mac and cheese, a little salad, and bread—but it was the kind of meal that always felt like home.

He glanced at the empty plates he’d set out on instinct and exhaled a small laugh. Old habits. Cooking for a crowd was second nature after years of feeding his family, but tonight it was just him. Everyone else was out—training, meetings, or off doing who-knows-what. The dorm felt almost eerie without the usual chaos.

Jaejin pulled the bread out of the oven, setting it on the counter to cool. He looked at the ridiculous amount of food he’d made and shook his head. What was he going to do with all this? He wasn’t that hungry, not really.

Then it hit him: Kai.

He wiped his hands on a towel, leaning back against the counter as the idea settled. His roommate was the only other one home tonight. Their relationship wasn’t bad—friendly, even—but it hadn’t gone much beyond small talk and the occasional shared laugh. Jaejin had always kept a bit of distance from the others, unsure how to really open up, but maybe this was a chance to start. Sharing a meal didn’t require much vulnerability, and it beat eating alone.

Deciding quickly, Jaejin turned off the stove and grabbed the tray of garlic bread. He hesitated in the hallway outside their shared room, the silence of the dorm pressing in on him. What if Kai wasn’t hungry? What if this felt weird?

Still, he knocked lightly, his knuckles rapping three times against the door.

“Kai?” His voice came out soft but steady. “It’s me, Jaejin.”

He waited, the towel still clutched in his hand.

“I, uh… made dinner. Just something simple, mac and cheese and stuff. Thought you might want to join me?” He let out a small, nervous laugh, glancing down the hall as though someone might catch him. “No pressure or anything. I just figured… it’d be better than eating alone.”

[lgcjaejin]

heeseung + future perfect (040722)

evolution series: [given-taken] / [fever] / [tamed-dashed] / [bills]

[lgcjaejin]

Jaejin feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest as if mortally wounded. “You wound me, hyung! Younger? Sure, technically. But let’s not pretend I’m not the more mature one here,” he said with a sly grin. “Besides, with those antlers, you’re serving major middle-school-theater vibes." He glanced at the antlers again, laughter escaping as they strolled toward the market.

At the market, Jaejin let Seyoon dive headfirst into the stalls while he meandered through the colorful displays. A leather keychain shaped like a guitar caught his eye. Does anyone in Type Zero play? He turned it over in his hand before setting it back down. Too specific—it didn’t feel right.

Further down, a collection of mugs with funny slogans made him pause. One read, “World’s Okayest Boss” with an awkwardly filled-in 3/5 star rating. He couldn’t help but snort, picturing Baekhyun’s face when unwrapping it. With a shrug, he handed over a few won to the seller, before claiming the first gift.

Seyoon’s energy was unrelenting. Jaejin glanced over to see him haggling with wild enthusiasm over a pair of daisy-embroidered gloves. Shaking his head, Jaejin chuckled and kept walking, stopping at a stall selling practical outdoor gear. He picked up a pocket-sized multi-tool and turned it over in his hand. Parker might like this— perhaps? or at least find a use for it.

Seyoon’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts before he could decide. “What do I like?” Jaejin echoed, raising a brow. “Oh, you know, the usual—world peace, a jet ski, and maybe a nap that doesn’t get interrupted by training.” He took a gummy bear from Seyoon’s offered packet, biting it in half.

As he spoke, his eyes drifted to another stall displaying hand-stitched tote bags. One in particular caught his attention—a sturdy canvas bag dyed a deep navy blue, with a retro gaming controller meticulously embroidered on the front. The buttons and joysticks were outlined in vibrant reds and yellows, and the phrase “Press Start to Continue” was stitched beneath it in bold, multicolored thread that sparkled faintly under the string lights of the market. It was practical but playful, and he made a mental note of it. That’s definitely Kai.

“But seriously,” he added after a moment, his tone softening, “I don’t need much. Something practical with a bit of heart behind it. Like… a handwritten letter or a playlist someone made just for me. It’s the thought that counts, right?”

Jaejin nudged Seyoon lightly. “You must have a dream gift in mind, huh? If you could pick anything for Christmas, what would it be?"

Off to the Christmas market, they shall go!

"Behave yourself, child!" Seyoon narrowed his eyes at the antler flick. He didn't actually mind in the slightest but decided to feign a little sternness just to see how Jaejin would react. "You are younger than me, right?" He asked as they walked, smiling again because he could not hold his serious expression for long.

The market was not far, and Seyoon saw the vendor who sold him his beanie right away. After having a brief look over the contents on display, he decided to get a pair of gloves for Hyoseop. Some guys would not like knitted gloves with daisies on them because feminine, but he figured Hyoseop would be the opposite since the guy always posted flowers on social media. Besides, daisies meant cheerfulness and new beginnings - very appropriate for the occasion.

While browsing, Seyoon also casually bought whatever snacks he thought were interesting and could keep for a while. He stuffed the whole lot into his backpack and intended to present Parker with a curated munchies box later. Depending on how much money he had left over, he could get some nice wrapping paper for it and a huge ribbon. What was Parker's favorite color again? Hmm, maybe one of the fansites would have that detail. Last time he heard, Baek needed new camera lenses and Kai would probably love one of those figurines of gaming characters.

"What do you like?" He asked Jaejin as he purchased himself a pack of gummy candies. Seyoon figured he deserved it since he was working hard. "Go on, fess up. What kind of gift would make you smile for real? I am collecting this info so I can sell it to your fangirls for big money in the future." He chomped the head off of a gummy bear savagely and offered Jaejin the open packet in case he wanted some.

[lgcjaejin]

Jaejin shifted his weight, watching Seyoon practically vibrate with excitement. He opened his red envelope and glanced at the crisp bills inside. “Fifty-six thousand won, huh? Truly life-changing,” he deadpanned, tucking the envelope into his pocket. “Guess we’re not buying a private jet this year.”

He glanced around, considering the task ahead. Parker seemed easy enough—food was a safe bet. Kai liked gaming, so that was something to work with too. But Hyoseop and Baekhyun? Those were going to be harder. He didn’t know the Type Zero members well yet, which made guessing their preferences a challenge.

Jaejin’s eyes flicked to the crimson beanie Seyoon was wearing, the gold antlers giving it a bold Christmas vibe. “That’s... quite a statement,” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. “But sure, a hand-knitted hat could work. Maybe something a little less... eccentric, though.”

When Seyoon asked if they should pool their money, Jaejin thought for a moment. “Let’s try to find individual gifts first,” he suggested. “If we’re totally stuck, then we can look at combining funds. But I think it’d be better if each present felt personal, you know?”

Rolling his shoulders, he let out a breath. “A Christmas market’s a solid start. Worst case, we grab something neutral and hope it works.” He paused, smirking as he reached out and flicked Seyoon’s antlers. “i'll let you lead the way, Rudolph.”

SHOPPING TRIP with @lgcjaejin

Money! He had company-given cash in his hands. Granted, it was only 56,000 won, which was like...50 Canadian dollars. Also, the money was meant to be spent on other people. Still! Seyoon was excited.

"Let's go, let's go!" He chanted, rocking back and forth on his heels as he thought about present options. "Parker hyung is so easy to please, he'll probably take anything. We could get him food if we want to keep it simple. Should we try checking out a Christmas craft market?" Seyoon rambled on, his lips struggling to keep up with his stream of ideas.

"I think Kai likes gaming. Maybe we can get him something related to that. He's also cute...Perhaps he'd like a hand-knitted beanie. I got mine from a market last week. See, isn't it nice?" He moved closer and tilted his head so Jaejin could properly examine his beanie. It was very cozy-looking and made with thick crimson yarn. A pair of gold antlers peeked out atop for a wonderful Christmas vibe. "Are we supposed to pool our money together for the boys or get four presents each?"

[lgcjaejin]

@LGCENT just posted a photo!

Bright, bold, and a little tangled—just like Christmas lights. ✨🎄 #HolidayMood

#lgctrainees #lgcent #carterjaejin

[lgcjaejin]

☆ —Packed with Memories

The one with a new beginning.

Jaejin crouched next to his bed, stuffing the last of his clothes into an overpacked duffel bag. A pile of tangled chargers, notebooks, and random knickknacks lay scattered around him, waiting to be crammed into a box that was already threatening to burst. Packing should’ve been quick, but he kept stopping—his hand hovering over each item, memories tied to everything.

That hoodie? The one he’d cried into after a brutal practice. The little desk lamp? It had been his only companion during sleepless nights learning a new song. The faded posters, the bed he’d collapsed into more times than he could count, even the peeling paint on the wall felt significant like it was part of his story here.

He sat back on his heels and looked around the room, the space that had seen him at his most vulnerable. This was where he’d celebrated tiny victories and It was also where he’d ugly cried way too often. “Seriously, I cry too much,” he muttered with a weak laugh, dabbing at his eyes yet again. He wasn’t lying; this room had seen its fair share of tears. Tears of frustration, exhaustion, joy—and now, bittersweet nostalgia.

The room felt emptier now, but not just because of the packed boxes. It was strange to leave behind a place where so much had happened. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, Jaejin took a deep breath, and glanced back one last time. Then he stepped out, ready to walk into something entirely new.

[lgcjaejin]

☆ — First Steps into the Spotlight"

The One Where Jaejin debuts

Jaejin sat frozen, Insung’s words ringing in his ears like a thunderclap. “Carter Jaejin… You’ll be debuting in Type Zero.” It felt unreal, like a line out of someone else’s story. His heart thudded in his chest, muffling the rest of Insung’s words. He caught snatches of feedback—acting, variety shows, continuing to improve—but they barely registered.

He nodded mechanically, the weight of the announcement pressing down on him. His chest tightened, caught between disbelief and something he couldn’t name. By the time the meeting ended, his legs carried him out of the room without conscious thought. The hallway blurred, and the dorm door felt miles away.

When he finally shut the door behind him, everything crumbled. His knees buckled, and he sank onto the bed, tears spilling out before he could stop them. He didn’t know if they were tears of joy or relief—or something else entirely. All he knew was that the pressure of the past months finally released in overwhelming waves.

Grabbing his phone, he shakily dialed his mom. The phone rang, each second dragging out painfully before her voicemail clicked on. Her cheery tone made his throat close up.

“Mom,” he sobbed, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. “I… It's happening. I don’t even know…” His words trailed off into incoherent babbling as tears overwhelmed him. “I worked so hard, and… it’s happening, but I’m scared. I’m so scared.” His breaths came in shallow gasps, his chest tightening as he tried to find the words. “I just wish you were here to hear this… to tell me I can do it… to tell me I’ll be okay.”

He paused, the silence on the other end of the line amplifying his emotions. His hands shook as he clutched the phone, pressing it closer to his ear as if it would somehow summon her presence. “I don’t know if I can do this, Mom. It’s so big. Everything’s changing, and I’m terrified I’ll let everyone down.” He sniffled, wiping his face with the back of his sleeve, though it didn’t stop the tears from falling. “Please… call me back when you can. I need to hear your voice.”

When he finally hung up, the emptiness of the room settled around him. His body felt heavy, as if all the tension he’d carried for months had suddenly released, leaving him drained and hollow. He stared at the phone in his hand, his reflection blurred in the screen by the sheen of his tears.

Finally, he curled up on his side, letting the weight of the moment wash over him. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to simply feel—everything from relief to fear to a glimmer of pride that he hadn’t dared to acknowledge before. The silence felt comforting now, as if the universe itself had paused to let him catch his breath.

“I did it,” he whispered into the quiet, his voice hoarse but steady. “I actually did it.” The words didn’t feel entirely real yet, but they would eventually.

[lgcjaejin]

☆ — TALES OF A TURTLE TEACHER.

The One Where Jaejin Becomes Known as the "Turtle Teacher"

Jaejin brushed his hands on his jeans, glancing around the whirlwind of activity in the youth center. The morning sunlight spilled through wide windows, illuminating a room alive with motion and noise. Kids zoomed past him in bursts of laughter, their sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. Volunteers and staff members were scattered throughout, some kneeling on mats to supervise games, others flipping through picture books with small groups of children. It was vibrant, chaotic, and a little overwhelming—but Jaejin couldn’t deny the warmth he felt being part of it all.

His first task of the day had been storytime. Armed with a battered picture book about a talking turtle and its animal friends, Jaejin had settled onto a stool that was comically too small for him. At first, he worried he wouldn’t hold their attention—kids could be tough critics, after all. But the moment he started giving each character a unique voice, they were hooked. His exaggerated impressions of a cranky turtle and a hyper squirrel were met with shrieks of laughter, and he couldn’t help but grin at their enthusiasm.

One boy, practically doubled over from laughing, had to be reminded not to roll around on the floor. Meanwhile, a mischievous girl sitting in the back had decided to turn storytime into her own game—hurling crumpled paper balls at Jaejin when she thought he wasn’t looking. When he finally caught her mid-throw, he gasped in mock betrayal, which only fueled her giggles and her next attempt. By the time the story ended, the kids had dubbed him "Turtle Teacher," a name that seemed to spark just as much amusement among the staff as it did with the kids.

But it wasn’t just the laughter that stayed with him. Between the jokes and the playful chaos, Jaejin noticed how earnestly the kids sought attention and connection. They tugged on his sleeve to show off their colorful drawings, peppered him with questions about the story, and eagerly pulled him into their games. Their openness was disarming, their energy contagious. It reminded him of his younger self, always eager for someone to notice him, to listen, to care.

As the morning came to an end, Jaejin felt a surprising sense of fulfillment. He’d come here to help, but maybe he’d gained something too—a little perspective and maybe even a little hope

[lgcjaejin]

Jaejin stepped back, hands resting casually on his hips, as he craned his neck to get a better view of Seyoon scrambling around in the branches like some overenthusiastic wildlife documentary host. He couldn’t stop the amused smirk tugging at his lips when Seyoon’s dramatic plea reached his ears.

“Don’t worry,” Jaejin called up, his voice laced with teasing. “I’ve got it all planned out—big, tasteful funeral. Orchids, maybe lilies. And the perfect plaque: ‘Here lies Seyoon: brave, slightly unhinged, and tragically betrayed by coins that didn’t exist. But hey, at least he believed.’”

He watched as Seyoon fumbled with the branches, his movements a chaotic mix of determination and sheer stubbornness. When the inevitable moment came—no coins to be found—Jaejin had to stifle a laugh. Seyoon’s exaggerated whining was comedy gold.

“Oh, your senses tingled, did they?” Jaejin shot up an eyebrow, his tone mock-serious. “Maybe next time, listen to the sense that tells you not to climb trees on a hunch.”

Just as he was starting to enjoy himself, Seyoon perked up, pointing excitedly toward a bush in the distance. Jaejin followed his line of sight, already feeling the resignation settle in. “Of course. I’m the lucky one who gets to fetch the mystical bush coins while you… perfect your bird impersonation up there.”

He started toward the bush but turned back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “By the way,” he called over his shoulder, “you’ve got a whole bird’s nest vibe going on with your hair now. Really ties the look together. Might as well lean into it—nature documentary star in the making.”

Jaejin was starting to wonder if he’d just been wasting his time. He’d combed nearly every inch of this place—checked under benches, in pottery stalls, even behind some old scarecrow display—and still, not a single coin. What genius hid these?

Just as he was about to move to another area, he heard a voice calling his name. He looked around, then up—and there was Seyoon, perched halfway up a tree, looking ridiculously comfortable for someone who’d chosen to play hide-and-seek with gravity.

Jaejin blinked, squinting. Was he serious? Of all places, he’d thought coins might be hidden in the branches?

“Seyoon,” Jaejin called, a grin creeping onto his face. “Is this a new strategy or just… boredom?” He crossed his arms, genuinely amused by the whole scene. “You really think someone’s gonna climb all the way up there to hide a coin?”

Seyoon’s response was as enthusiastic as ever, something about his “senses tingling.” Jaejin shook his head, chuckling. This guy. They hadn’t had much time to talk on Team Unknown, but from what he could tell, Seyoon was always this… out there. And, oddly enough, Jaejin liked that about him.

Jaejin moved a bit closer, shading his eyes as if he were helping, though he couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “Alright, alright, I’ll spot you—just try not to bring the whole tree down.”

“If you actually find a coin up there, I’ll be seriously impressed,” he said, grinning. “But if you don’t, maybe next time we try looking somewhere a bit… closer to the ground?” He raised an eyebrow, smirking.

[lgcjaejin]

☆ — ET TU, JAEJIN?

Featuring Jaejin searching for a card .

The cold wind bit at Jaejin’s exposed skin as he trudged through the company courtyard, clutching a half-eaten banana in one hand and his cardboard surfboard in the other. The shredded shorts and tank top of his Funky Kong costume weren’t doing him any favors in this weather. He hugged his arms to his chest, shivering as his breath fogged up the air in front of him. A jacket felt like a distant dream—one he cursed himself for not considering earlier. “Stupid commitment to the look,” he muttered under his breath, eyes scanning the ground for any sign of a card.

Word of the mysterious cards had spread like wildfire, and curiosity had drawn him out here, despite the biting cold. White bunny stickers had been spotted nearby earlier in the evening, so he figured this was as good a place as any to look. His sandals crunched against frost-covered leaves as he bent down, rubbing his hands together for warmth. He wasn’t even sure why he cared about the cards, but something about the cryptic game had hooked him. Maybe it was the distraction from how miserable he felt in the weather—or maybe it was just the faint hope that finding one might lead to something warmer than this banana.

Finally, a flash of red caught his eye tucked deep in a bush. He dropped the surfboard to retrieve it, his fingers slightly trembling as he picked up the card. It was a Queen of Hearts, but instead of a regal figure, the words "OPEN ME" were scrawled across the center in bold letters. His heart raced a little, not from exertion but from a mix of anticipation and unease. “Alright, card,” he whispered, licking his lips - slightly cracked from the cold. “You better lead me to something good—or at least a warm jacket,” he muttered, his teeth chattering as he stuffed the card in his pocket

[lgcjaejin]

☆ —JAEJIN AS FUNKY KONG

Featuring Jaejin in a tank top and some shorts in 40-degree weather.

Jaejin chose Funky Kong as his costume because of his love for Donkey Kong, but the idea of wearing that little amount of clothes had him feeling a bit self-conscious.

Digging through his closet, he found a white tank top he rarely wore, deciding it was perfect once it had a slightly worn-in look.

he almost skipped The red bandanna but was able to borrow one from a fellow trainee.

The sunglasses were a last-minute addition—he grabbed the most reflective pair he owned, feeling they gave off the right Funky Kong vibe.

The white tank top and shredded shorts left more of him exposed than he was used to, and he wondered if people would find it silly.

He got creative with a cardboard box, cutting and painting it to make a surfboard. It took a couple of tries, and the lettering didn’t come out perfectly, but it added to the charm.

At the grocery store, Jaejin picked out a bunch of bananas, carefully tying them together with string, planning to hand them out at the party.

He spent the day before the party searching old surfer lingo and saying the lines in a playful surfer accent, his favorite phrase were “Stay groovy, dude!” and “Totally gnarly!” 

Jaejin hadn’t fully thought through how cold it would be in a tank top and shorts during winter, but he stubbornly stuck with the costume.

The moment he stepped outside to head to the party, a sharp gust of wind hit him, and he instantly regretted not layering up.

At the party, he carried the cardboard surfboard under one arm and the bananas in the other, and made sure he was in character at all times.

he slipped into character immediately, using exaggerated surfer phrases like, “What’s up, my chill compadres?” while handing out bananas. Still, he caught himself glancing around, wondering if anyone thought the outfit was good.

He‘d offer a banana to any random guests who came into his view, 

He kept subtly gravitating toward any source of heat—standing near a space heater, lingering by the kitchen where it was warmer, and even hovering awkwardly near people wearing cozy costumes.

“Chill vibes only, dude” he joked through chattering teeth whenever someone pointed out his shivering.

By the end of the night, he was hoarse from staying in character, a little cold, and still a bit unsure if he pulled it off.

[lgcjaejin]

@LGCENT just posted a photo!

“Cold air, warm vibes, and my favorite denim jacket—ready for sweater weather. #ChillyDays #JeanJacketsForever”

#lgctrainees #lgcent #carterjaejin